Read Simple Deceit (The Harmony Series 2) Online

Authors: Nancy Mehl

Tags: #Romance, #Man-Woman Relationships, #Christian, #Kansas, #Fiction, #Christian Fiction, #Suspense, #General, #Religious, #Mennonites

Simple Deceit (The Harmony Series 2) (13 page)

BOOK: Simple Deceit (The Harmony Series 2)
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I involuntarily shivered from the cold. “No. I think I’ve had enough. I’ll be satisfied to sit in the restaurant, drink a hot cup of coffee, and watch the snow where it’s a little warmer.”

He laughed and held out his arm. I took it, and he guided me across the street. Right before we reached the steps to the diner, he stopped.

“Gracie, I’m your pastor. If you ever need someone to talk to…”

I peered at him through the flakes that drifted between us. “I know that, Pastor. I don’t think I…” My stomach did a flipflop. “Pastor, if you heard a rumor about that baby dropped off at Abel’s church…”

He chuckled and patted my shoulder. “Gracie, I am talking about that, but probably not for the reason you think. I know that baby isn’t yours. I’m just concerned about you. About having to face these kinds of silly stories.”

“How did you hear about it?”

He shook his head and sighed. “You know that Esther Crenshaw is one of my parishioners. Much to my chagrin.”

“Well, you could certainly give her a message from me.”

“I’ve probably given her your message already. Although I suspect it was presented in a more charitable fashion than what you might be prone to employ.”

Even though I was upset, I smiled at the kindly pastor. “I have no doubt about that.”

“Let’s get inside and warm up. But my offer holds. Come see me anytime. I mean that.”

“Thank you. I know you do.”

As we entered the restaurant, I seriously considered taking Pastor Jensen up on his offer. Between this ridiculous baby rumor and the way Sam had reacted to it, I definitely needed someone to talk to.

“Gracie, over here!”

I spotted Eric and Grant sitting at a table near the back of the room. Probably hiding. I pushed my way through the crowded restaurant. It looked like most of the town had decided to eat at Mary’s after the meeting. I could hear angry discussions as I passed tables and booths packed with concerned Harmony residents.

I was almost to the table when I spotted Pat Taylor sitting alone only a few feet from where Eric and Grant sat. I must not have hidden my shock well, because he tipped his hat at me and grinned. Why was he here? Had he been in the meeting? It seemed he was popping up all over the place. Feeling unsettled, I nodded his way and kept going. Funny to see him alone at a table that could easily seat four people. Every other table was full, with family and friends eating together. Either no one was brave enough to approach him—or if they had, he’d sent them packing. Nice man.

“We already ordered,” Grant said apologetically when I reached them. “Sorry, but I’m starved, and it looks like it’s going to take a while to serve everyone.”

I shook my head, slid my coat off, and sat down. “Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I’m not hungry anyway.”

“Quite a town you’ve moved to, Gracie,” Grant said with a hint of sarcasm. “The physical description you gave me is accurate, but I thought you said this place was peaceful.”

“I thought it was, too. Frankly, ever since I hit the edge of town, everything’s been topsy-turvy. I have no idea why.”

“I hope we can still work this thing out,” he said. “I do have a
couple of other jobs I can send your way, but to be honest, I can’t pay much for them.”

“I understand.”

Grant had never had a robust complexion, but tonight, under the lights in the restaurant, he looked pasty and haggard. I knew he was worried about losing the work this venture promised, as well as the additional future work Eric had alluded to. The investment group behind the project had their fingers in many other pies. For both our sakes, as well as the town’s, I hoped Eric would find a way to keep the deal with Rand.

I noticed Grant staring past me. I turned to see Cora and Amos Crandall walk in the door with Drew. As they waited for a table, I couldn’t help but compare Drew to Grant’s son, Jared. Drew’s happy nature was controlled and appropriate. Amos and Cora treated him with kindness but applied gentle correction when it was needed. Actually, their attitude toward Drew was one of normalcy. Not that they didn’t allow him to be himself, but they also expected him to display proper behavior. They didn’t give him a pass because of his disability. Jared, Grant’s son with Down syndrome, was much less disciplined, often running through the office, grabbing people, and running off with items from their desks. He reminded me of a playful puppy. Grant seemed uncomfortable correcting him—almost as if he was embarrassed by his son.

“So what should I do now?”

Eric’s plaintive question forced me to refocus my attention on the situation at hand. Problem was, I had no answer for him, and Grant just stared at him blankly.

“Coffee?” I hadn’t seen Mary come up behind me.

“Oh yes, please,” I answered. “Right now a cup of your coffee is exactly what I need.”

“Are you okay? You look stressed.” She poured coffee into the cup that sat next to my silverware.

All I could do was shake my head. “You have no idea.”

“Sorry to hear it,” Mary said. “I guess everyone’s skating on the edge a bit.” She patted my shoulder. “Don’t let it get to you. Everything will work out. It always does.”

“From your mouth to God’s ear,” Eric said under his breath.

“Your food will be out shortly, Mr. Beck,” Mary said with a smile.

“Please, call me Eric.” He pointed toward Grant. “And this is Grant Hampton.”

“Nice to meet you, Grant,” she said. “Someone told me you’re Gracie’s boss. Is that right?”

Grant nodded. “For now anyway.”

Mary’s eyebrows shot up, but she didn’t ask him what he meant. She turned her attention back to me. “What are you hungry for, Gracie? We’re backed up some, but I’ll push you to the front of the line so you can eat with your friends.”

My appetite was almost nonexistent even though I hadn’t finished the sandwich I’d made at home, but I ordered a bowl of chili.

“She’s very pretty,” Grant said after Mary walked away.

I nodded. “Yes, she is.”

“By the way, where is Sam?” Grant asked. “I thought I’d get the chance to meet him tonight.”

My voice caught. “He—he took my friend Ida home so I could come here. I’m sure you’ll meet him later.”

I tried to sound nonchalant, but Grant knew me well enough to know something was wrong. He stared at me for a moment but let it go. I was grateful. The last thing I wanted to do right now was talk about my love life. “So why did you two ask me to meet with you?” I glanced toward the big windows at the front of the restaurant. If anything, the snow had thickened. “I need to get going soon. If it snows much more, my little car won’t stand a chance.”

“We thought since you know the residents better than we do,
you could help us navigate this situation,” Eric said. He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I truly don’t believe Rand is going to come around. I didn’t want to say that at the meeting, but it isn’t just the money. For some odd reason, he’s taken a real dislike to me.” He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t think I’m a snob, but Rand has convinced himself that I think I’m better than he is. There were signs of his attitude early on in our relationship, but I convinced myself it was my imagination. I mean, I don’t see myself as better than anyone else. I try to treat everyone with respect.” His blue eyes sought mine for reassurance.

“You’re not the least bit stuck-up,” I said, trying to match his quiet tone. “From what I’ve heard, Rand is convinced everyone is out to get him.”

“I hope you’re right. I’d feel terrible if I’d done something to make him feel uncomfortable.”

“Oh, come on,” Grant said, shaking his head. “The man’s obviously a fruitcake. This isn’t your fault.”

Eric’s eyes swept the room. The cold expressions tossed his way were everywhere. He sighed again. “Anyway, I want to save this project if at all possible. I’m going to scan the property maps again. Look for another location as close to Harmony as I can find. I may need your help with that, Gracie.”

“I’ll be glad to do anything I can.”

“I want you to keep working on the advertising campaign we started,” Grant said to me. “I’ll make sure you get paid for your time, no matter what happens.”

Eric clapped Grant on the back. “And I’ll make sure you get paid for your work so far—even if this project is scrapped. Even if I have to pay you out of my own pocket.” His expression turned serious. “I have no intention of allowing people who trusted me to come out of this with a loss of any kind. I intend to find a way to follow through with the development—if it’s humanly possible.”

His earnestness touched me. I hoped his good intentions would be enough. Weariness began to overtake me just as Mary made it to the table with our food. Across the room, I noticed Hannah and her friend Leah taking orders.

“Mary, do you need help? I used to wait tables on the weekends while I was in school. I’d be happy to put on an apron and do what I can.”

She set the bowl of chili in front of me and slid Grant and Eric’s plates to them. Then she leaned down and studied my face. “I appreciate your offer more than you know. But I’m going to say no. The girls and I are on top of it. You look so tired, Gracie. I think you could use some rest.”

“I’m sorry,” Eric said. “I should have realized you were tired. Let’s eat and head out of here. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked you to meet with us tonight.”

I shook my head. “It’s fine. I was concerned about you, and I wanted a chance to see Grant.”

“The snow’s really getting deep,” Mary interjected. “You all need to get on the road.” She frowned at Grant and Eric. “Hope you two are staying in town.”

“I’ve got a hotel room in Council Grove,” Grant said. “Think I’ll leave before it gets any worse.” He smiled at Mary. “Can I get a box for my hamburger and fries? I’d like to take it with me.”

“Here.” Mary held her hand out for his plate. “I’ll wrap it up in tinfoil first and then put it in a box. That way you’ve got a fighting chance of keeping it warm.”

“Thanks, Mary,” he said, holding out his plate.

“What about you?” Mary’s question was directed at Eric.

“I’m at the same hotel,” he said. “But I’m going to eat here. My truck has four-wheel drive and does great on snow.”

“Well, my Bug doesn’t have four-wheel drive, and when it
sees a flake of snow it immediately drives straight for the nearest ditch.” I quickly slurped down a couple of spoonfuls of chili and reached for my coat.

Eric frowned and took hold of my arm. “Listen, Gracie. I don’t think you should take a chance with your small car tonight. Why don’t we both finish our dinners, and then I’ll take you home on my way to the hotel? You can pick up your car later.”

I started to say no. If I could count on Sam to drive me back to get my car when the storm moved out, I would have said yes immediately. Eric noticed my hesitation.

“I’ll come back by in the morning when it’s light and drive you back into town. I can easily pull your car to your place if necessary. I’ve got a strong bumper and solid chains in the back bed. My cousin has a small car, too. I’m always pulling him out of snowdrifts.”

I decided to take him up on his offer. He seemed eager to help, and to be honest, I hate driving on snow and ice. Without giving it further thought, I agreed.

“Great,” he said with a smile. “Now let’s enjoy the rest of our meal.”

A few minutes later, Mary returned with Grant’s food. He thanked her, put a big tip on the table, and left. I watched as he made his way through the restaurant. He walked slowly past the Crandalls, his eyes locked on Drew. By the way his shoulders slumped, I knew he was discouraged. It wasn’t just because of the business deal he stood to lose. He and Evie must be having a tough time with Jared. It seemed to go in waves. I felt bad for them both.

“So this is the town you gave up your job for?” Eric said, interrupting my thoughts.

“Believe it or not. Of course, when I left, things weren’t all stirred up like this.”

“I guess you have me to thank for that.”

Eric ran his hand through his thick dark hair. I was struck once again by his boy-next-door looks. A slightly turned-up nose and steely blue eyes that made women turn their heads when he walked by. But Eric seemed totally oblivious to how good-looking he was.

“Don’t be silly. This deal is good for everyone. If I’d thought for a moment it would hurt Harmony, I would have said something. I still believe in this project.”

He grew silent and his forehead creased.

“What are you thinking?” I asked. I immediately regretted my words. An old boyfriend told me once that men hate to be asked what they’re thinking. “Most of the time we aren’t thinking anything,” he’d told me. “So quit asking.” We broke up not long after that.

“I can’t help but think about your friend—the older woman who spoke at the meeting.”

“Ida? Oh, goodness. I’m certain you noticed the way she dresses. She’s Old Order Mennonite. They don’t like change. I wouldn’t worry too much about her. Most everyone else disagreed with her.”

As I said the words, I felt disloyal to Ida, but I truthfully felt her allegiance to the “old ways” meant she would never be supportive of anything that could disrupt the status quo in Harmony.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Quite a few people seemed to respect her opinion.” He stopped eating and seemed to scrutinize me for several seconds. “You know, I’m not so sure she’s wrong, Gracie.”

I put my spoon down. “What do you mean? You’re not rethinking this project, are you?”

“No. Not really. It’s just that I understand the idea of protecting things that are important to you. I wouldn’t want our development to harm this little town in any way. You really do have a special place here.”

“But that’s just the point, isn’t it? We need some money coming into the community to keep Harmony going. Your development is just right. Not too big so as to change the complexion of the town, but big enough to undergird many of our businesspeople.” I found myself speaking with more passion than I thought I had. Several of the speakers at the meeting had made sense. And the same was true in my situation. Without the work from this project, I was in a heap of trouble.

Eric shrugged, but I saw the first spark of hope in his face since the meeting. “I pray you’re right. All I can do is keep going forward. First thing tomorrow I’m going to try to find Rand. If I can save the deal with him, I’ll do it. If I can’t, then we need to look for new property.”

BOOK: Simple Deceit (The Harmony Series 2)
13.47Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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