Debby Giusti - Plain Danger

She hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “What time?”

Tyler glanced at his watch. “After lunch. Say one o’clock.”

“I’ll be ready.”

* * *

Ty pulled his SUV to a stop in front of the large white home with the tall columns and yesteryear appeal. He stepped onto the driveway, rounded the car and climbed the porch. The front door opened before he had time to knock.

Carrie stood in the doorway, looking far too pretty in a flowing skirt and matching sweater. She had changed out of the rain-damp clothes she’d worn this morning. With a nod of greeting, she grabbed a jacket from the rack in the foyer and stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind her.

He reached for the coat and helped her slip it on. “The sun’s out, but it’s still chilly and damp.”

“Thanks.”

He pointed to the door. “It’s locked, right?”

She nodded, then dug for keys in her purse. “But I’ll engage the dead bolt.” Flicking a worried glance at him, she added, “Just in case.”

“That’s right.” Ty didn’t want to belabor the point, but he was relieved that she understood the need for caution.

“Do you think Corporal Fellows’s uniform may have made him a target?” she asked.

“You’re concerned terrorism might have been involved?”

“Probably a long shot, but Senator Kingsley talks about some of the groups in the Middle East targeting young men and some women here in the States. Homegrown terrorism, lone wolf, whatever you want to call it, he believes we’re going to see more acts of aggression and violence in the days to come.”

Although Tyler hated to agree with the senator, he knew his assessment was right.

“I don’t understand,” Carrie continued, “how people can be brainwashed into thinking that killing has a greater good.”

“They’re looking for something to believe in, to give them an identity. A cause bigger than themselves. Without a good foundation of faith and morality, kids can confuse evil for good, especially when the message is coated with affirming rhetoric.”

“Sounds as if you know what you’re talking about.”

He shrugged. “Our military is built on guys who want to do good and fight for a cause bigger than themselves. Thankfully they’ve found what all kids want—a stable foundation.”

“Did you have that growing up?”

He laughed ruefully. “I had a strong-willed father who loved the Lord.”

Tyler hadn’t planned to talk about his childhood.

“I’m sure he’s proud of you.”

He hadn’t expected her comment either. “Maybe he would have been, but he died when I was a kid.”

“I’m sorry.”

Opening the passenger door, he helped her into the seat. Before he slipped behind the wheel, he glanced at the nearby Amish farms and the expansive fields. His own life had been shattered years ago, which was probably why he had been drawn to the serenity of Amish Road. Just as had happened in his youth, death now threatened the peace and well-being of those who lived nearby.

No matter the reason for the crime, the murderer needed to be apprehended sooner rather than later. Otherwise the tranquil countryside would be torn apart, especially if the killer struck again.

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