Page 10 of An Evil Heart
“Oh, dear Lord.” Angela’s face crumples.
“We’re still trying to figure out what happened,” I tell them.
The Amish woman slides her hands from mine, covers her mouth as if to smother the cry that’s trying to escape. “I can’t believe it.”
“Where is he?” Lester asks.
“Doc Coblentz is at the scene,” I say. “They’re going to take him to Pomerene Hospital.” Not for treatment, of course, but because the morgue is located in the basement.
“Can we see him?” The Amish woman looks at her husband. “I want to see him.”
Lester sets his hand on his wife’s shoulder and shakes his head. “Deahra is naett di zeit.” This is not the time.
I make eye contact with Lester. “Is there someone I can get for you?” I ask. “A family member? Bishop Troyer?”
The Amish man shakes his head, looks down at the floor. I see him blinking, fighting tears.
The Amish are generally stoic in the face of grief. Death is part of life’s cycle and heaven is the reward for a life well lived. They believe the departed are in a better place—in heaven with God. Even so, they arehuman beings first and there is no comfort that comes with the loss of a child.
“Mr. and Mrs. Karn,” I begin. “I know this is an awful time. I know you’re in shock. In pain. But I need to ask you a few questions.”
They stare at me as if I’m speaking a language they don’t understand. Still trying to absorb what they’ve been told. Cling to the last vestiges of denial. Their minds seeking a way to reject the reality of the tragedy I’ve dropped at their feet.
After a moment, Angela turns away, lowers her face into her hands. She doesn’t make a sound, but I see her shoulders begin to shake.
I turn my attention to Lester, ease my spiral-bound notebook from my pocket. “When’s the last time you saw Aden?” I ask quietly.
He looks down at the floor, his mouth working. “Like we said. Two days ago. He came over for supper.”
“Was everything all right with him?” I ask. “Did he mention any problems? Any difficulties in his life?”
He gives an adamant shake of his head. “No.”
“Did Aden have any enemies? Was he having any problems with anyone?”
He raises his gaze to mine and for the first time, I see questions. The burgeoning realization that his son’s death may not have been an accident. “Are you saying someone did this thing on purpose?” he asks. “Ran over him?”
“We’re not exactly sure what happened.” It’s the only honest answer I have. “I know that’s not enough information, but all I can tell you at this point is I promise you I’m going to do everything in my power to find out what happened.”
Shaking his head, the Amish man looks down at the floor.
I give him a moment before continuing. “Lester, was Aden having anydisputes or arguments with anyone? With his neighbors? Or a girlfriend? Any issues at work? Anything like that?”
“No,” he says gruffly.
“Did he live alone?”
“He lives with Wayne Graber.”
“They’re friends?” I ask.
“More like brothers. They’ve known each other since they were boys.”
“Do they have a good relationship?”
“Practically grew up together,” he replies. “I’ve known Wayne since he was a wee thing. I know the whole family.” He raises his head, his eyes going wide. “Is Wayne okay? Is he—”
“As far as I know, he’s fine,” I say quickly. “I’ll be speaking to him as soon as I can.” I glance down at my notebook. “Do you know where Wayne works?”
