Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl Page A

rocked back and forth as I watched the lights turn off in the houses that lined both sides of the street. Suddenly, a clear vision of Jonathon floated in front of me again. The tears I thought I’d conquered earlier once again spilled over and wet my neck. I dabbed at themwith my fingers, frustrated with myself for allowing this town to stir up old memories and pain. If I wanted to achieve my goals, I’d have to find a way to defeat the voices that whispered from a dark and distant past. I couldn’t allow them to wrap their tentacles around me again.
    I continued rocking while the air around me cooled. The sounds of nature created a symphony that finally brought a strange peace to my troubled mind. I’d forgotten the cacophony of noises that serenaded the nights in Kingdom. But as I listened to the old familiar sounds, instead of the resentment I’d felt earlier, something else filled my thoughts. A longing for something I couldn’t quite explain or understand.

Chapter Five

    I came downstairs the next morning and found Esther had prepared scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Since my usual breakfast consisted of yogurt and coffee, I was overwhelmed. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I ate a little bit of everything and then called Pastor Troyer. He told me I could come by the church and go through the records any time that day. After a couple cups of coffee, I said good-bye to Esther and took off for the church. I listened to my affirmations all the way there, but for some reason, they didn’t give me the same sense of peace they usually did.
    â€œThis stupid town is doing something to me,” I muttered as I drove down the dirt streets to the church. I’d begun to remember more and more about Kingdom. Things I’d forgotten. Some good memories about kind people. But unfortunately, I also recalled what I’d done. How I’d hurt the town. I was certain no one in Kingdom still had any spark of compassion for me, and I didn’t blame them.
    I pulled up in front of the church and parked. If anyonehad told me a month ago that I’d be walking into a Conservative Mennonite church, I’d have told them they’d lost their mind. But here I was.
    When I entered the church office, Pastor Troyer was talking to a woman. When he saw me, he greeted me, and the woman turned her head to see who was behind her.
    â€œEmily, may I introduce you to my wife, Dorcas?”
    The shock of hearing my own mother’s name rendered me temporarily speechless. All I could do was nod at the woman. Dorcas Troyer looked nothing like my mom. She was a slight woman with graying chestnut hair and large brown eyes. For some reason, in that moment, she reminded me of the doe I’d seen in Esther’s yard the night before.
    â€œIt is so nice to meet you, Emily,” she said in a light, lyrical voice. “Jacob told me you arrived yesterday.”
    Thankfully, I was finally able to speak. “It’s nice to meet you, too,” I said. “I appreciate all the help your husband has extended to me.”
    â€œThat is his job”—she patted her husband’s arm—“but I am happy he is a blessing to you. I understand you wish to go through the records we keep of Sanctuary residents?”
    â€œYes, if it would be all right. I’d like to know when my grandmother’s family first came to live in Sanctuary.”
    Dorcas nodded. “A good idea. Actually, her family may have been among our earliest settlers. I believe they came here when we were called New Zion. I hope your search will give you the information you seek.” She stepped toward the door. “I will take you downstairs and show you where the records are kept.”
    â€œThank you. I really appreciate that.”
    â€œDorcas has taken over the maintenance of our records,” Pastor Troyer said, sending his wife a smile. “And she does a wonderful job.”
    â€œAnd the work began