Read Online Delivering the Truth by Edith Maxwell - Free Book Online Page B

Stephen’s hands behind his back. I explained what Stephen had said. The officer said Detective Donovan would find me and marched the still-grinning arsonist away.
    I sank to the ground, fearing my shaky legs would no longer hold me. John Whittier bent over to speak with me, supporting himself with his hands on his knees.
    â€œRose, what made thee discover poor Stephen and the fire?”
    â€œI saw the marks on his hands yesterday. When I lit the stove this morning, a bit of phosphorus split off and singed my own hand. But it wasn’t until my thoughts ranged far from the Light this morning that I realized those marks were a sign of a careless person lighting match after match.”
    â€œBy breaking the silence thee saved us all and our Meetinghouse.” John patted my arm.
    For this I was grateful. And prayed I wouldn’t have occasion to meet an arsonist ever again.

nine
    At a sound that afternoon, as I sat fretting about the impending tea even as I looked forward to seeing David again so soon, I peeked out the front window to see Kevin Donovan rapping on the front door, then waiting with his police hat in his hands. One of the twins ran to the door. I listened.
    â€œI’m Detective Donovan. I’d like to speak with Rose Carroll, the midwife, young man.”
    I walked into the hallway to hear Matthew say, “Yes, sir!” The boy saluted with a grin. “Come with me, sir.” He turned and marched into the house, swinging straight arms and nearly crashing into me.
    Matthew looked up with a start. “Auntie Rose, a policeman to see thee.”
    â€œKevin Donovan, what a surprise,” I said. “Come in, please.”
    Matthew stood staring, a delighted smile still on his face.
    â€œThank thee, Matthew,” I said, matching his smile.
    â€œAnd I thank you for answering the door, young man.” Kevin ruffled Matthew’s hair. Kevin was in full uniform today, his blue serge fastened up with silver buttons and his detective badge a shiny silver on his chest.
    â€œIs thee really a detective?” Matthew’s eyes were wide.
    â€œThat I am. Are you wanting to be with the police yourself when you grow bigger?”
    Matthew nodded.
    â€œI’m glad to hear it.” Kevin placed his hat on Matthew’s dark curly hair. “I can’t say as we’ve ever had an officer from your faith. But there’s always a first time. Study hard, and stay out of trouble. And come see me in about ten years’ time.”
    This was a side of the detective I’d not seen before. Despite his views on domestic relations, he clearly had a soft spot for children.
    Matthew stood up as tall as he could. “Yes, Mr. Detective, sir.” He put a hand up to feel the hat, now listing over his right eyebrow.
He pressed his lips together but a smile escaped anyway.
    I laughed. “Would thee like some tea?” I asked Kevin.
    â€œThank you, no.”
    â€œThen please sit down.” I gestured to a chair in my parlor office.
    He glanced at Matthew as he sat. “You can wear the hat while I visit with your auntie.”
    â€œMattie, run along, now.” I smiled but closed the door firmly, leaving my nephew in the hall. “What’s the cause of your visit? I trust thee has Stephen Hamilton firmly behind bars?” I sat facing him.
    â€œWe do. That was quick thinking and acting on your part, Miss Carroll.” He folded his hands in his lap but kept worrying one clean trim thumbnail with the other. His full reddish-brown mustache curved right down to his jawline, hiding his upper lip.
    â€œCall me Rose. I only did what any able-bodied person would do.”
    â€œWe’ve arrested Hamilton for arson on your meetinghouse.” He frowned. “And he’ll do time for it, mark my words. He’s a real firebug, that one. We’ve nabbed him setting small fires before.”
    â€œAnd thee has charged him with the Parry factory fire,