V annetta C hapman
“He’s the only bishop I’ve ever had.” “Change can be difficult, but don’t doubt that Joseph was chosen by God and that he will lead us well.” “Ya.” Hannah hesitated, and then she added, “When did you become so wise?” “Must be the extra lunch.” Jesse lay back down and repositioned his hat over his eyes. “I suppose Ethan would have been happy to die at work, or maybe in the classic Ford he loved so much.” Hannah squirreled up her nose. “That old truck? I never understood why he cared so much for it.” “Huh. Must be a man thing. The truck is a work of art.” “Jesse Miller, you sound like an Englischer.” Instead of being offended, Jesse grinned at her from beneath the brim of his hat. “Didn’t say I wanted one. I’m happy with my team.” “Sam and Sadie are just about the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen.” Jesse nodded in agreement, but he added, “Still, I wouldn’t mind driving Ethan’s truck.” Hannah didn’t know what to say to that, so she stared up at the dogwood tree instead. Finally she asked, “How well did you know him?” “Occasionally we’d leave work at the same time. We talked about his truck. Once he asked me about my horses, asked if I was satisfied getting around without a combustible engine.” “A what?” “A car.” “What did you say?” “I told him that I wasn’t worried about the price of gas, only the cost of feed. I also reminded him that since we grow our own feed, the cost isn’t much of a problem.” 30
Murder Simply Brewed.indd 30
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