Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace) (15 page)

“It’s just habit. I’m used to getting up to do chores.” She sat with him and glanced at the headlines. A murder, something about the stock exchange, and sport scores seemed to be the most important events going on in the town of Harrisonburg.

“How’s Rudy’s room working out for you?” His gentle eyes crinkled as he asked.

“It’s very kind of him to give up his room for me.” She looked toward the brown plaid couch. “I just hope he’s sleeping all right.”

“He’s fine. He has the dog to keep him company.” Levi folded the paper and laid it in front of him. “How is the search going?”

With the way he gave her his undivided attention and studied her face, she felt he really cared, and she answered without hesitation. “The city search didn’t find any matches. I went back down and filled out the paperwork for them to run a state search, so maybe they’ll find something.”

He gathered his eyebrows together. “Did Rudy take you?”

She shook her head, hoping it was enough of an answer. The frown on his face told her he wasn’t happy with the situation, so she continued. “Elizabeth dropped me off on her way to work, and I took the bus home.”

His lips turned down. “I don’t want you taking the bus, Annie. You’re my responsibility while you’re here.”

“It wasn’t bad. After taking the bus here from home, I didn’t feel too uncomfortable.” She lied. Nothing about this place was comfortable, especially the transportation. She had developed a whole new appreciation for her four-hoofed friends back home.

Levi rubbed his callused hands together. “It
is
a straight shot from our house to downtown.” He let out a breath. “But I’d feel better if Rudy took you. He has time in between classes, so he can make it work.”

Annie didn’t want Rudy to take her anywhere unless he offered, and she didn’t think that was going to happen. And Essie was out of the question. She didn’t know of a person who made her more uncomfortable or out of place. “I hate to make him, though. I’m sure he has other things he’d rather be doing.”

Levi looked up abruptly. “Maybe so, but his first obligation is to you.”

“Okay, then. No more bus.” She didn’t mean that either but knew Levi wasn’t going to give in. He and Elizabeth meant well, but their children didn’t share their concern or hospitality.

He smiled, the same smile Rudy had the other day. “Something will turn up. You’d be surprised these days what they can find with even the smallest amount of information.” He glanced at his watch and scooted his chair out. “I’m off to work. Elizabeth will be down soon. She overslept a little. She’s a bit under the weather.”

Annie’s back straightened. “Ach. Well, does she need anything?”

“No, a hot shower and she’ll be fine. Probably just allergies.” He stopped at the garage door, keys in hand. “Good luck today, Annie.”

Annie thought about allergies as she searched for tea to make for Elizabeth. She couldn’t think of anyone she knew who’d ever had them and wondered what the cause was. Or maybe they’d had them and didn’t know it. Whatever the case, Annie couldn’t find the tea and didn’t want to pry into any more cabinets than she already had.

Rudy’s head popped up from behind the couch. “Morning.”

Annie started the fire under the kettle. She rationalized using the gas stove to assist someone who was ill. It was her only way of heating the water. “Good morning, Rudy. Can you tell me where the tea is?”

He pointed to the pantry, and she found it as soon as she opened the door. He scratched his head and put on a T-shirt that draped over his sweatpants. “What are you doing today?”

She took advantage of the opportunity, hoping he would see her need for transportation without having to ask. “Since we haven’t found anything on your computer, one of the sites suggested going to the library to find records.”

“Essie can take you after she drops me off at my morning class.” He reached for the coffeepot. “It’s not the best solution, but we only have one car between us.”

Annie handed him a mug of tea and made one for Elizabeth. “That’s fine. I’ve taken too much of your time these past few days.”

That much was true. He was diligent about his classes and studying, and she knew her schedule was stretching him. He was quiet too long—long enough that Annie thought she’d upset him.

“If things fall through with Essie, let me know.” He set down his cup. “I’m gonna shower.”

Annie nodded and held her mug with both hands for warmth. She watched him climb the stairs and soon heard the shower running and Essie’s loud voice complaining that she needed the bathroom.

A few minutes later Essie came into the kitchen. She looked past Annie and opened the refrigerator. “What are you looking at?” She took out the milk and poured some cereal.

“When will you be ready?”

Squinting, Essie slowly lifted her head. “You’re joking, right?” She took a huge bite of cereal. Drops of milk splashed from her lips into the bowl.

“Rudy said you could take me after you drop him off.” Annie shifted her weight, hoping she’d say yes and avoid a standoff.

Essie took a couple more bites of cereal, crunching loudly. “Okay, but not in those clothes.” Essie pointed at her with her spoon.

Annie looked down and thought of the clothes Rudy bought for her. It seemed to be the only solution. “Okay, I’ll go change.”

Rudy drove to campus, got out, and let Essie get into the driver’s seat. He leaned into the window of the car and looked directly at Essie. “No speeding or tailgating. Go straight to the library and come back here. Got it?”

Essie bent the rearview mirror and applied some more makeup to her already pretty face. Annie wondered why she bothered coloring herself. “Got it.” She snapped the lid on her makeup case and reached for the wheel.

“Keep your cell phone on,” Rudy yelled as she pulled away.

As soon as they were out of sight, Essie pushed on the gas pedal. Annie hadn’t felt unsafe in a car until that moment. She grasped the armrest as the speed pushed her back into the seat.

She thought about telling Essie to slow down but knew it would probably only make her go faster. When she looked over at her, a thought flashed through her mind. Maybe Essie had no intention of helping her; maybe this was all about gaining her freedom.

Annie sensed danger, but no one was around to protect her. She closed her eyes and prayed for strength.

The swing weighed heavy around the thick tree limb, creaking with each sway forward. Annie pumped her feet to go faster, even though the power was coming from her dawdi’s strong arm. With each gentle push he said a letter of the alphabet in English, and she would say it in Deitsch.

“A.” His gruff tone scratched out the letter.

“Ah.” Annie’s tiny voice answered.

“Say ‘B.’”

Annie swung her bare feet out in excitement. “Vee.”

“Gut. Now say ‘C.’” Annie paused, trying to remember the pronunciation. Her feet stilled. Suddenly she remembered and pulled on the coarse rope, lifting herself up slightly in the swing as she blurted out the word. “Tsay,” she squealed, just as her dawdi pulled the wooden seat, causing her to fall onto the pebbled dirt.

She landed on her hands and knees. Her cry brought Dawdi quickly to her side. He lifted her to his chest, shushing her, and stroked her head. “Shhh.” His warm breath enveloped her neck, wrapping around her heart, as the blood ran from her bruised knees and palms.

“Essie! Stop the car.” The words flew out before Annie knew she was saying them.

Essie startled at her demand and slowed down. “What’s your problem?”

“I’m not used to cars, Essie, especially fast ones.” Annie told herself to breathe.

“This engine has a few more horses in it than you’re used to.” Essie crossed her arms to let Annie know she was inconvenienced by the wait.

“I do miss Otto.”

“Otto? What kind of name is that?” Essie cringed.

“It’s short for automobile.”

Essie actually laughed and gazed out the window, maybe to keep Annie from seeing her reaction. “You ready now?”

Annie really didn’t want to go anywhere with Essie, for a number of reasons. “Is there a library at the college?”

Essie snorted. “Of course there’s a library.”

Annie stared at her to get her to understand the question more specifically. “One that I could go to?”

Essie looked her up and down. “Dressed in those normal clothes, you could.” Essie smiled at Annie for the first time since she’d been there. “Great idea.”

Essie turned the car around and headed back to the campus. Annie closed her eyes and counted to ten. When she opened them, they were back where Essie dropped off Rudy. “Here ya go.”

She couldn’t get rid of her fast enough. Annie was obviously cramping her style. Tired of Essie’s antics, Annie didn’t say a word; she just shut the door and set off to the find the library.

After asking a couple of students, she finally found her way to the building she was looking for. The library was overwhelmingly large, with cement pillars in front. She watched as people walked in and out repeatedly. Then she took in a breath and marched forward through the revolving door and stopped when she got inside.

Rudy had given her a card to use if she needed. As she dug around to find it she came across the slip of paper Delores, the woman she’d met on the bus, had given her. She was tempted to call but didn’t want to bother her. But Annie seemed to know she would find comfort from the older woman, much like she would from her grandparents.

As she approached the phone on the wall, she hesitated when she read what coins she needed to make a call and then shoved her hand in her bag again and pulled out some quarters. Slipping them into the slot created a buzz in the phone. That meant it was working; she knew that much. After she punched in the numbers a child answered the phone.

She asked for Delores and let out a sigh when Delores responded with delight.

“How are things going, dear?”

Her gravelly voice was a welcome sound, but at that moment Annie didn’t even know why she’d called; she just wanted to hear her voice.

“Slow, but I suppose that’s to be expected. How are you and your grandchildren?” Talk of family felt good and familiar to her.

“Everyone’s well except for Michael. He’s the middle one, and well, you know how those children are that are in-between. Seems to always need attention.” Delores laughed. “How is the family you’re staying with?”

Annie tried to find the right words. “It’s been difficult. The parents are fine, but their daughter doesn’t seem to want me here.”

“Well, she’ll come around, or she won’t, but don’t let her ruin your visit. Where are you now?” She was so enthusiastic, Annie wished she could be with her now, getting encouragement.

“I’m at the library here at the college.” She looked around and watched as some students operated a machine resembling what Rudy had described as a microfiche. “I’m researching for something that I can’t find. So, I don’t know if it’s beneficial to be here.” Annie heard herself and realized she was being negative. Just to be doing something was better than sitting and waiting. “It’s such a big town.”

Delores laughed. “It’s actually a small town, honey. You keep the faith, Annie. You never know what you may find.” As Annie continued to listen to Delores, she realized she was trying hard to cheer her. It must be obvious in Annie’s voice that she was discouraged.

A strange voice came on the phone telling her to deposit more coins. Annie dug into her bag to find more change. “I think it might be more the place I’m staying than the reason I’m here. I’m glad you helped me see that.” Annie didn’t want to lose the connection. Delores seemed to be the only person she could talk with that understood.

The phone made a beeping noise and then went dead.

Annie heaved a sigh. “Danke, Delores.”

 
Chapter Sixteen