Read Online Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman - Free Book Online

“I think what she meant, though, is that if you forgive the harm someone has done to you, then a wound will stop aching and heal, but the scar will remain.”
    “I know I’m supposed to forgive. Everyone is taught that it’s the right thing to do …” Callie hung her head, appearing as lost as a calf without a momma, but at least she’d stopped crying.
    “
Ya
, forgiveness is
gut
, but the second part of the saying is just as important. If you forget the harm, then not only will the ache be gone, but the scar will disappear as well. You’ll have no recollection of the injury to tarnish your memory of the person.”
    Callie frowned, reminding Deborah so much of her twin boys that she almost laughed out loud. “Mrs. Knepp’s dead body has barely been scooped up off my pavement, and you’re telling me I should —”
    But before she had a chance to finish the thought, the door to the back room opened, and Melinda walked out, pushing Aaron’s wheelchair. The boy was fast asleep.
    They were followed by Shane. He needed a shave and his shirt was rumpled, but he seemed pleased with what they’d accomplished.
    And though Deborah thought Melinda looked exhausted, there was also an expression of satisfaction on her face.
    “How long has he been out?” Callie asked, as Max nudged the wheelchair, checking on Aaron.
    “Nearly thirty minutes.” Melinda leaned forward, moving Aaron’s cap off of his eyes. “We were waiting until the artist finished.”
    “He did well, Melinda. Tell him this will help a lot.” Shane held up a letter-sized sheet of paper as he spoke. “I’ve alreadyinstructed officers to post copies around town, and Gavin has sent it out on the wire as well.”
    “May I?” Deborah reached for the sketch at the same time Callie did.
    They both stared down at a white male with thick brows, long-ish hair, and a prominent nose. A scowl covered his face. He had no facial hair, though he did have long sideburns. Something in the jawline or maybe the set of the eyes reminded Deborah of …
    Who did they remind her of?
    A friend?
    An acquaintance?
    Someone she’d passed on the street?
    “So he’s an
Englischer
?” Callie asked.
    “Because he has no hat or beard?” Shane shook his head. “Can’t jump to that conclusion.”
    Deborah continued to stare at the drawing.
    “Recognize him?” Shane asked.
    “No,” they said simultaneously.
    “But there might be something familiar about him.” Deborah held the drawing out at arm’s length, as if distance could jog her memory.
    “Do you think perhaps you’ve seen him before?”
    “No, that’s not it. I can’t quite put my finger on it. The feeling reminds me of when I study one quilt pattern that is similar to another.”
    “Maybe he’s related to someone you know.”
    Callie crossed her arms, hugging them to herself. “The sheet says he was dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt. Sounds like an
Englischer
.”
    “He may have wanted to appear that way, but we can’t know for certain.” Shane put his hand on Callie’s back as he walked them toward the front door. “Thanks for waiting so long. I know Melinda appreciates it.”
    “
Ya
, I do, but it wasn’t necessary.”
    “Do you want me to send an officer to escort you ladies home?”
    Deborah pulled her sewing bag over her shoulder as she shook her head. “
Nein
. I’ll follow Melinda to her lane, then it’s not much farther to my place. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
    “And I’m less than a mile away.” Callie started to walk out with them, but Shane pulled her back.
    “I’d like to talk to you. It won’t take long.”
    “Can it wait until tomorrow?”
    “No. Give me five minutes.”
    “All right, but I wanted to help with Aaron.”
    “We have this, Callie. You stay here with Shane if he needs you.” Deborah pulled Callie into a hug, reached down, and gave Max a pat good-bye. “I’ll be there to help early in the morning. It’s a school holiday for the children, so