The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray Read Free Book Online

into a saint was hard to take. “Mamm, I know that. Of course I know that.”
    â€œThen you know there might be hard feelings . . . Some people might take out their anger toward Perry on you.”
    Deborah was sure they might. But she also knew things wouldn’t get better until she made some changes in her life. She needed to move forward and find something to occupy her mind instead of grieving for her brother. “I’ll be all right.”
    Her mamm wrung her hands. “But they might ask you questions.”
    â€œ Muddah, Perry was murdered. People want to know what happened.”
    â€œBut you shouldn’t have to talk about him. You shouldn’t have to dwell on things that make you upset.”
    â€œI already am upset, Mamm. He was my brother, of course I’m going to be sad that he’s dead.”
    And before her mother could refute that, Deborah slipped on her black tennis shoes and began the trek to Schrock’s Variety Store.
    It wasn’t a short walk. Easily three miles. But the day was sunny and the sky was blue—and the exercise would improve her spirits. Already, the plan to get out of the house for the day was lifting her spirits.
    She grabbed a tote to carry the dairy products home and swung it a little at her side as she left the house. She was happy not to have to be fussing with a horse and buggy and all the headaches that came with driving a buggy through traffic on a Tuesday morning.
    As she passed Stanton Park, she was reminded of the rumor that Lydia Plank liked to meet Walker Anderson there, and then she passed a pair of nurseries. Finally, after almost an hour, Deborah arrived at Schrock’s.
    Now, as she stood outside the door, all the doubts she’d tried so hard to keep at bay rushed forward. Perhaps she shouldn’t be so bold?
    Perhaps she should feel more dismay for Perry and more shame for her brother’s actions.
    Then the door opened with a jerk, making the decision for her. She hastily took two steps back.
    â€œCareful in there,” a man muttered before dashing out of the way. “Things are crazier than usual.”
    She stood at the stoop, watching him in confusion.
    Mr. Schrock was known for outlandish schemes. It was part of his charm, really. Entering the store always made her think of the fun house she’d visited once when a carnival came through the area. You never knew what was going to pop out at Schrock’s.
    â€œYou coming in or out?” a woman’s voice rang out from the back. “Make a choice, and be quick about it.”
    Deborah felt her breath hitch at the harsh command. She hesitated, but only for a moment. Then she stepped in, fast. Before she could change her mind.
    â€œAch! Shut the door, wouldja?” the same harsh voice yelled.
    Deborah shut it. Then wished she was still on the other side.
    Four large gangly puppies were gallivanting her way, taking down everything in their path. Their paws were overlarge and their tongues wet and drippy.
    â€œDogs?” she yelped.
    â€œPrepare yourself! They’re a mite rambunctious right now. Real excited for sure.” Mrs. Schrock was hustling in from the back with her warning.
    She barely had time to brace herself as one let out a friendly woof and leapt.
    Two paws landed on her thighs. Its littermate jumped right next to her.
    When she bent to steady herself, two wet tongues whipped out and swabbed her cheeks. “Oh!” she squealed as a third puppy barreled her way, attacking from the side.
    She fell on her bottom. With a few triumphant yips, the puppies gallivanted closer. In no time at all, she was soon covered with paws and fur and puppy slobber.
    â€œWoof!” a fourth exclaimed, barking and licking with playful moves. She would have loved to play with them all. That is, if they weren’t bounding on top of her lap with the force and energy of four tiny locomotives.
    â€œOh, you puppies!” Mrs. Schrock