Page 96 of Among the Innocent

“He would kill animals for no reason and leave them in weird poses.”

Classic serial killer behavior.

“Then when he tried to harm one of the girls in school, Daed told me we had to leave. He feared for his reputation within the community.” She sighed softly. “I knew then I would not be able to be Amish or pretend to be Amish anymore. So, I left the only home I ever knew and moved to Bear Creek, a small town some distance away. I found a job in a café, enrolled Aaron in school, and he seemed to beokefor a while. I thought perhaps the Amish life was not for him, so I gladly sacrificed my happiness for my son.” She smiled as she recalled the time. “And then I met Ellis and my world changed for the better. I was so happy. He was such a handsome man in his uniform.”

“And you and he got married?”

Marge’s smile disappeared and her brow wrinkled. “Not for a while. I told him about what had happened and about my Aaron. Ellis told me he loved children, and he did.”

Leah had witnessed Ellis’s love for children through the years. He’d dressed up like Santa for the young patients in the hospital and given out toys. Just one of the many ways he expressed his love.

“We were married, and for a while, Aaron seemed to be doing okay. And then when he was around sixteen, his bad behavior started up again and he started resenting Ellis. Aaron said it was better when it was just the two of us. He tried to hurt Ellis multiple times, and when he turned eighteen, Ellis told him he had to leave.” Marge glanced at Leah.

Leah couldn’t imagine how hard that must have been, sending her child away. “Do you know where he went?”

Marge shook her head. “I have no idea. He would send letters occasionally. He said he was traveling around.”

Like he’d told Leah.

“When Ellis and I moved to St. Ignatius, Aaron showed up here.” She started sobbing. “I’m so sorry, Leah. I had no idea. He seemed better, but I think he was just better at hiding his dark side.”

“This isn’t your fault.” Leah clasped her hand and forced Marge to look at her. “Aaron was sick. None of this is your fault.” She sighed heavily. “We’d better go inside. I’ll need to have Sam question you about the shooting. When we’re finished interviewing Aaron, I’ll let you see him for a few minutes.”

Henry and Sam met them as they came in.

“Dalton’s in critical condition,” Henry said. “It looks bad.”

Leah struggled not to fall apart. “Thank you, Henry.”Please, don’t take him. The prayer slipped through her thoughts. She cleared her throat. “What about Ethan?”

“He’s going to make it.”

She smiled despite her heavy heart. “Any word on Aaron’s condition?”

“He’ll be in recovery for a while, but the doctor said we can ask him a few questions.”

Leah turned to Sam. “Do you mind sitting with Marge? I’ll need you to get her statement as well.”

Sam didn’t hesitate. “Not at all. Come on, Marge.” He led her over to one of the chairs.

Leah squared her shoulders. She had waited ten years for this moment. With Henry at her side, Leah stepped into Aaron’s room and faced the man of her nightmares.

“Hello, Aaron.” The man cuffed to his bed was an older version of the one who had taken so much from her.

“Sweet Leah. You’ve grown into a formidable opponent,” he mumbled and smiled that smile that had once filled her with excitement. “I made you strong.”

It sickened her that Aaron would take credit for her strength. She did her best not to react to the bait. “You’ve been read your rights. Do you agree to speak with us without your attorney?”

“So professional,” he taunted. When she didn’t respond, he sighed. “Yes, I agree. I’ve waited a long time to have this moment with you.”

“I’ll be recording this interview.” He didn’t react. She hit the record button on her phone and identified each person in the room.

One thing she wanted to know. Where had Aaron been before he’d killed her family and after he’d been released from the psychiatric facility? She asked him.

“I think you know where I was before, don’t you, Leah?” She knew he was alluding to the two women in Wyoming. “Looking for new adventures.” His laugh sent a chill down Leah’s back.

“We know about the two young women you killed in Wyoming.” She kept her focus on his face.

“You think that was all?”

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