Free Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl Page B

one had any intention of replacing. And Mary and Rosey walked away with a new dog.”
    â€œThey got the man’s dog?”
    Jonathon nodded. “Mary told him they were taking her, and he was too afraid to say no. Livy is a very happy beagle, being loved and pampered by Mary and Rosey.”
    â€œThe dog stays alone all day while the restaurant is open?”
    Jonathon chuckled. “Another animal lover, I see. You don’t need to worry. First of all, The Whistle Stop isn’t open in the evening. But even so, Livy isn’t alone. At last count, she lives with six cats and four other dogs—Pogo, Maggie, Candy,and Teddy. They have a doggy door that opens into a fenced backyard so they can come and go as they please.”
    â€œSix cats and five dogs? Wow. That’s a lot of mouths to feed.”
    â€œThat doesn’t include the horses, cows, and chickens. I love animals, but Mary and Rosey seem to have a heart for them that only God could provide.”
    I didn’t respond. Sure, God loved animals. Too bad His great love didn’t extend to abused children.
    I picked up my menu and perused the offerings. When I finally settled on something, I put the menu back down on the table.
    â€œSo what do you do, Emily?” Jonathon asked.
    I pulled out my rehearsed answer. “I work for an accounting firm in St. Louis.” Since it sounded like the most boring job in the world, I figured it would stop further questions cold in their tracks.
    â€œOh?” He stared at me for a moment. “You don’t look like an accountant.”
    â€œReally? And just what kind of person do I look like?”
    Before he could answer, a pretty woman with long blond hair stepped up to the table. “Are you ready to order?” she asked.
    â€œEmily, this is Mary Gessner. The woman I was telling you about.”
    Mary’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “What have you been saying about me, Jonathon Wiese? It had better be good.”
    â€œIt was. I promise.” He nodded toward me. “Mary, this is Emily McClure. She’s visiting our fine town for a while. She’s related to Miriam Byler.”
    â€œNo kidding? Nice to meet you, Emily. Where are you staying?”
    â€œWith Esther Lapp. It seems to be the place strangers end up when they come to Sanctuary.”
    â€œYou’re right about that.” She pulled a notepad out of her apron pocket. “What can I get you two?”
    â€œYou know what I want, Mary. My usual.”
    â€œLet’s see.” Mary pursed her lips and looked off into the distance to show she was thinking. “It’s Wednesday, and the special is chicken fried steak. So I’m guessing you want meat loaf?”
    Jonathon’s wide grin made it clear Mary was pulling his leg.
    â€œChicken fried steak for you. And what about you, Emily?”
    I ordered a small side salad and a bowl of soup.
    â€œThis is why this lady is so trim and you’re . . . not,” Mary teased Jonathon.
    â€œI’ll have you know I’m still at my high school weight,” Jonathon said with an exaggerated pout.
    â€œYes. But that was muscle.”
    Mary flipped her long hair and walked away, leaving Jonathon laughing softly.
    â€œI don’t get it,” I said when she was out of earshot. “You’re not the least bit overweight.”
    He smiled. “I know. We’re just teasing each other because we like to. It doesn’t mean anything.”
    â€œI’m surprised to hear someone treat a minister so lightly.”
    â€œOh really? May I ask what kind of church you attend?”
    I felt myself blush. “I don’t anymore. I’m sorry to sound so judgmental. Old habits, I guess. In the church I used togo to, married pastors didn’t joke around much with other women.”
    â€œI’m not married.”
    I noticed for the first time that he wasn’t wearing a ring, although in the