Free The Amish Widow (Amish Romance Mystery) (Amish Secret Widows' Society Book 1) by Samantha Price

wasn’t expecting me. I just thought I’d call in and talk to him about it. He gave me his card, see?” Emma pulled out the vulture’s business card. Emma tried to think quickly. How could she possibly get some information out of the detective? “How did the man die? I assume it was a man?”
    “Yes, it was. We think it was foul play so far, but it’s too early to tell.”
    “You mean, like murder?”
    The detective nodded and turned his attention back to his small notepad. “And where can you be reached? Do you have a phone number?”
    “I don’t have a phone at all.”
    “What’s your address?”
    After she rattled off her address, she asked the detective, “Do you know where Mr. McAllister is?”
    “No, I don’t. I will need to ask you some questions later.” He looked her in the eyes and leaned forward. “Don’t leave town.”
    “Me?” Emma’s hand flew to her throat. “Why would you need to ask me questions?”
    “I can tell you that the man who was killed was an Amish man. You turn up here today first thing, and you’re Amish – maybe there’s a connection.” The detective rubbed his chin.
    “He was an Amish man?” Emma tried to act distressed. “That’s awful.”
    “Yes, any murder is awful.”
    Emma nibbled on a fingernail as she always did when she was nervous. “I might know him then, if he’s from around here.”
    “I suspect you might know him.”
    Emma took two steps back. “Well, I’ll leave you to it.”
    The detective looked at his notepad and repeated her address.
    “That’s correct,” she said before she turned and walked away. When she got down on the sidewalk, she tried to steady her fast thumping heart. That did not go very well. She was sure she was a suspect now, from turning up like that first thing. That had to be a bad idea. Ettie would be upset to find out that her first good idea was not a good idea at all.
    Emma went straight home without speaking to any of the widows. They hadn’t exactly given her the best guidance since she was now most likely the main suspect. As soon as Emma put her foot on her porch she noticed that Wil was walking down the road directly to her haus. She waited for him.
    “Hello, Wil.”
    “Hi, Emma. You’re out and about early this morning, aren’t you?”
    “I’ve just been into town, to McAllister’s office and I didn’t see him because the police were there.”
    Wil stopped still. “What for?”
    “It seems that someone was murdered in his office.”
    Wil scratched his chin. “Who was it?”
    “They wouldn’t tell me the name, but they did say it was an Amish man.”
    “Really? I wonder who it could have been. Murdered, did you say?”
    “ Jah, they think it’s murder, but the detective I was talking to said it was too early to say for sure.”
    “What did McAllister say about it?”
    “Let’s sit in the kitchen.” Once they were both seated at the kitchen table, Emma said, “I didn’t see him. I don’t know if the police even know where he is. The detective is coming here today to ask me some questions.”
    Wil reached out and grabbed Emma’s hand. “You? Why’s he coming to ask you questions?”
    Emma was a little shocked at his touch, but left her hand where it was. “The man who was murdered was Amish and I went there this morning so they think that there’s a connection.”
    He let go of her hand and threw back his head. “Nonsense, there’s hundreds of Amish in town every day.”
    “I suppose they have to follow every lead.” Emma nibbled on her fingernail.
    “That’s nonsense.” Wil shook his head. “Why did you go to see McAllister anyway? Have you changed your mind about selling?”
    “ Nee , not really. I just wanted more information from him, that’s all. Maybe find out how much it’s worth.” He does seem concerned about me selling , Emma thought.
    “I’ll stay with you ‘til he comes here.”
    Emma shook her head. “That’s not necessary, Wil.”
    “ Jah , I think it is