Free Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl Page A

appreciate that,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Right now I’m working with her pastor.” Though I tried to maintain some degree of control, my voice shook slightly.
    He nodded. “Pastor Troyer. Good man.”
    I decided to try again. This time my voice sounded stronger. “May I ask how you knew my great-aunt?”
    Jonathon shrugged. “In a town this small, it’s hard not to know everyone. Miriam was a lovely lady who enjoyed company. I spent a lot of time visiting with her. I pastor the other church in town, Agape Fellowship.”
    Before I could say anything else, Rosey came up to the table with our coffee. “Do you know what you want?” she asked. “Or do you need more time?”
    â€œI—I’m sorry. I haven’t even looked at my menu yet.” I nodded toward Jonathon. “You go ahead. And please, don’t feel you need to sit with me. If another table opens up . . .”
    â€œUnless you mind, I’d like to stay,” he said. “But maybe you’d prefer to eat alone?”
    Yes, I want to eat alone! Go away! But I couldn’t say that. I looked very different from the girl he’d known, but I still needed to keep up my façade so he didn’t become suspicious.
    â€œNo, please stay. I enjoy meeting new people.”
    Liar! I really didn’t like meeting people. I didn’t like people, period. People had baggage, and most of them loved to dump it off in your life. I had no time for that.
    â€œThank you. Why don’t you come back in a few minutes, Rosey?” he said. “Do you mind?”
    â€œOf course not. You take your time, honey.” She touched my shoulder, and I jumped involuntarily.
    â€œI’m so sorry.” She chuckled. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m kind of a touchy-feely person.”
    â€œWell, I’m not,” I snapped. I was instantly sorry for my sharp remark. I sighed and shook my head. “Now it’s my turn to apologize. Please forgive me. I’m just tired from my trip here.” I gave her my best smile, designed to charm. “And obviously cranky.”
    The hurt look on her face vanished. “That’s okay, honey. I understand completely. After being on my feet all day, I usually feel like knocking a few heads together.”
    Jonathon laughed. “Oh, Rosey. You and your mother are the nicest people I know. If you raised your voice, I’d pass out.”
    â€œWe have our buttons. I don’t have to remind you about what happened in Farmington last summer.”
    He grinned. “No, you don’t. That story circulated through town for quite a while.”
    She leaned toward him conspiratorially. “Now you hush, Jonathon. Don’t tell our visitor my family secrets.” She winked at me. “I’ll be back in a few.”
    â€œSo what happened in Farmington?” I asked when she walked away.
    â€œRosey and her mother, Mary, went there to buy some supplies for the restaurant. On the way into the store, they discovered a dog locked in a hot car. The poor thing was already half dead. After trying the doors, Mary got a rock and broke open a window. They got the dog out, gave it some water, and called the police. When the owner finally got back to his car, he was greeted by Rosey, Mary, a crowd of concerned bystanders, and the cops. Believe it or not, his main concern was his car window. He started yelling, and Mary got up in his face. Told the guy off big-time.” Jonathon motioned toward the restaurant’s kitchen. “When you meet Mary, you’ll understand. She’s one of the sweetest, most mild-mannered people you’ll ever run across. But hurt a child or an animal, and something explodes in that little woman. Something fierce.”
    â€œSo what finally happened?” I asked.
    â€œWell, let’s just say the guy ended up with a citation and a broken window no