Case Closed by Jan Burke Page B

if maybe we should pay attention to what Winston had to say.”
    â€œThe news of Jane’s illness only reached us yesterday,” my father said. “I was sorry to hear of it, Isaac. I had always hoped that she and Noah—well, I can only offer my prayers for her recovery.”
    â€œShe’s all I have left in the world, Amos,” Isaac said. “As hard on you as it has been, losing so many—well, I don’t know what I’ll do if Jane suffers like her mother did.” He paused, then said, “But I’m here, Amos, because I want you to know what things have come to—and God forgive me, but I need your help. Jane no longer doubts that Winston’s right.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYes. Just last night, she told me, ‘Mother will take me just like Sarah Arden took her.’ And she pleaded with me, Amos—‘Mr. Winston knows the way to stop this. You can’t let me die!’ ”
    My father was silent.
    â€œI told her,” Isaac said, his voice breaking, “I told her, ‘Jane, think of it! Think what you ask me to do! Your mother—let her rest in peace!’ And she said, ‘But Father, she’s not resting in peace now. She can only rest forever with your help.’ ”
    â€œGood God, Isaac!”
    â€œI don’t believe in it, not for a minute, Amos. But she does. And what’s worse, now more than half the village does, too! Winston’s got them all stirred up. What they say of you, I’ll not repeat.”
    â€œI’d as soon you didn’t!” Father said, casting a glance at me.
    â€œI’ve gone to Pastor Williams. He doesn’t promote the ritual, but he doesn’t oppose it, either. He’s only human, and Winston holds some sway with him, too.”
    â€œWith his coffers, you mean. I hear Winston’s most recent donation makes up what is needed for the new roof on the church.”
    â€œAmos!”
    â€œYes, yes, I’m ashamed of making such a remark. Forgive me, Isaac.” He sighed and said, “What do you need from me?”
    â€œHelp me to do it.”
    â€œThe ritual?” my father asked, horrified.
    â€œAmos, you’re my best friend in all the world, else I wouldn’t ask it. But I need someone there—someone who hasn’t lost his mind in all this vampire madness. Otherwise, God knows what is to become of me! I need your strength!”
    His strength is failing! I wanted to protest, but my father was already agreeing to help his old friend.
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    Father would not let us go with him on the day the ritual was performed. When he came home, his pallor frightened me. I gave him soup and warm bread, but he did not eat. He would not speak of what happened, but late that night, I heard him weeping.
    Jane Gardner died two days later.
    If we had thought this would put an end to Winston’s cause, we were mistaken. A town meeting was held the next week. I sat next to Father, near the front of the room, when Winston presented his case. Father had told Noah that Winston could not hurt him with his words, but how wrong he had been!
    â€œThe future of our community is at risk!” Winston declared, fingering his gold watch chain. “Many of our dearest friends and family members have died from consumption. We’ve taken action against the vampires, with one notable exception.” He stared hard at my father. “Those in the Arden family!”
    There was a low murmur, a mixture of protest and agreement.
    Winston held his hands out flat, making a calming motion. “Now,” he said silkily, “I have great sympathy for my neighbor, Amos Arden. The death of his wife and three children is a terrible loss for him. But in consumption, the living are food for the dead, and we must think of the living! The graves must be opened, and the bodies examined! If none of their hearts is found to hold blood, we may all be at