Pay the Devil

Chapter 1 – Turmoil in Lancaster County

Johnny Landis awoke on Sunday morning just as dawn was breaking. He took a cup of coffee to the screened in porch on the back of the small house he rented in the farm country just east of the Lancaster airport. He just sat and waited for his mind to settle, hoping that the sun’s welcome light would help him calm a little.

The events of the last several days, and actually the last few months, caused him a restless night’s sleep. He just couldn’t seem to get all the pieces in their proper places. Being a Deputy Sherriff was an interesting job, but if you did it right, it sometimes taxed all your brain cells. This was one of those times.

Johnny, in his mid-thirties, had been a deputy for nearly eight years and he looked the part. He was tall, about 6'3", and in excellent physical shape. He kept his hair cut short in the popular military style with just a small patch covering the top of his head. Although he was of Pennsylvania Dutch background, as his family was Lancaster County, PA, natives, he didn’t look like the average Dutchman. He was quite handsome and had no trouble turning the heads of the local ladies.

The family background of his side of the Landis clan differed a lot from the standard in the Dutch community. He often laughed that his neighbors couldn’t even get the term right. Pennsylvania Dutch is an idiomatic interpretation of Deutsch, or German. The Mennonites, in the early days of this forerunner sect, were founded in Germany, and as they travelled around Europe, through Holland, and eventually to America found themselves called the PA Dutch.

Johnny’s grandparents were strict Mennonites, a very conservative Christian group. They had a strong anti-military doctrine, believing that all life was sacred. Johnny’s father, however, was the rebel son who strained at the restrictions of the faith. When the Viet Nam war broke out he saw it as an exciting adventure and enlisted. This scandalous act also was his break with the church and strained the relationship with his family.

Fortunately, Johnny’s dad made it back unscathed after his tour of duty, met and married a local girl who appreciated his free spirit, and began a family. So Johnny was raised in the community and had close relationships with his grandparents. He understood the PA Dutch and Christian cultures, but he was never forced to attend church. Although his mother and dad did not attend any organized denomination, they always taught him the virtues of honesty, morality, and concern for his fellow man.

This morning Johnny couldn’t get the Stolzfus family, now just Anna, the wife, and her two small children, Waylon and Sadie, off his mind. Anna had run the day before, Saturday. She sold her farm to a non-Amishman, an almost sacrilegious step, and disappeared. This came after several months of almost torture of this unfortunate lady.

Anna had serious childbearing problems. After two perilous pregnancies, her doctor advised her not to get pregnant again, even giving her birth control pills. This was against church doctrine and the Elders soon put pressure on the young couple to resume building a large family. Succumbing to their pressure Anna miscarried and almost died in the process. Taking no responsibility for this heinous act, the Elders could only proclaim it Gott’s Wille, or God’s Will.

While this was going on Anna’s husband Jacob was having a good time philandering with several teenage out-of-control Amish girls who thought it was an adventure to have sex with a married man. He reportedly impregnated one of the girls and further complicated the situation with a clumsy, but failed, groping attack on an English lady who stopped in to buy some of his woodwork. Shortly thereafter Jacob died in a ghastly chainsaw accident.

Within a few days the Elders, the tyrannical leaders of the church community, showed up with the local halfwit who they intended to run the farm and eventually be joined to Anna. They decided to control the situation. After all, She is just a woman.

This insult was exceeded only by Elder King’s decision to spirit Anna’s two children away to a better home. When Anna realized that this would be an ongoing attack on her she decided to leave the community, sell her farm, and find her way in the outside world. Fortunately, the law became involved and Elder King was arrested for kidnapping.

Johnny finished his coffee and decided to get dressed and begin his day’s duties. This was his weekend to patrol on both Saturday and Sunday, so he’d better get going. As he pulled out of the drive he radioed the office to let the dispatcher know he was mobile. He was happy to hear that there was nothing on his agenda just yet.

The Deputy’s first order of business was to find where Anna had gone. She was not in any trouble, but he was concerned for her safety. The events in the Amish community lately had gotten so far out of hand that he didn’t know what to expect. He drove out to Anna’s farm, or what had been Anna’s farm, to see what he could find out.

As Johnny pulled in the lane and up to the gate to the farmyard he saw that the gate was chained and locked. He was puzzled because this was an active farm with dairy cows that had to be tended to. After waiting a few moments he gave his siren a short tone to see if someone would respond. Almost immediately a young Amish woman came out of the house and stood on the porch. A second later a young man came out of the side door of the barn and approached the gate. Johnny recognized him as Alfred Hoover, the oldest son of the neighbor, Eli Hoover.

Alfred waved and immediately unlocked the chain and opened the gate so Johnny could drive in. As soon as he passed through, Alfred locked the gate behind him. Johnny parked and immediately asked, Alfred, I haven’t seen you in a while. What’s going on?

Good to see you again, Johnny. Yesterday Anna signed the paper that sold the farm to Dad. Because of the strange situation, I spent the night in the barn to make sure everything and everybody is safe.

Wait, Alfred, interrupted Johnny. You said ‘everybody’. What did you mean by that?

Well, the lady on the porch is Fannie, Anna’s sister, who was here to help Anna after her hospital stay, with the chores and the children. She’s still here but will be going back to her home shortly.

It almost seems like you are here guarding the farm. Why is that? asked the deputy.

We’re concerned. Anna didn’t do anything wrong or illegal, but you know the Amish do not like her selling a farm to an outsider. And yes, I know Dad and Mom are Mennonites and the family has been here for years, but to the Amish, when it comes to land, we’re outsiders. We just think it’s a good idea for me or my brother, Raymond, to be here to watch over things, answered Alfred.

After discussing the situation for a few minutes, Johnny asked Alfred about Anna and the children. Specifically, he wanted to know where they are. Alfred told him that they left Saturday, the day before, with Michelle Wenger, the daughter of neighbor Abner Wenger up the hill. He didn’t know where they went, but noted that they took several bags of clothes, making it look like they wouldn’t be back for a while.

Johnny took out one of his Sherriff’s Department business cards and wrote a phone number on the back and handed it to Alfred. I’m trying to finish a report on all that has gone on. I’m going to go in and talk to Fannie before she leaves. Would you call me if you see anything that you think I should know about? The office number is on the card, and I wrote my cell number on the back. If you think it’s urgent enough, call my cell. Would you do that?

Alfred quickly replied, Of course, Johnny. As soon as this all gets over with, the better. We just want Anna to find peace. The poor lady hasn’t had much in these last months.

With that Johnny went up to the porch and tapped on the door. Fannie answered and invited him in. Before he could begin she offered him coffee or a cool drink, and pointed to a kitchen chair.

Thank you, Fannie, but I’m fine. I need to ask you a few questions. First, can you tell me where Anna is?

She answered nervously, I don’t know. She and the children left with Michelle yesterday. They took clothes. She did ask me to stay a few days.

Johnny switched topics in order to fill in some details. He asked Fannie about the events of Friday when Elder King came and spirited away the two young children. Fannie related how she was watching the children when Elder King and his wife pulled up and demanded to take the children for safe keeping.

I was so frightened. I didn’t want them to go, but he’s the Elder and told me that he was responsible. He told Mrs. King to put them in the buggy.

Johnny perked up, You mean that Mrs. King was here also? And she took the children out to the buggy?

Yes, that’s what happened.

This new bit of information stunned Johnny. At that moment he decided that he must share it with this boss, Sheriff Weidner. He felt that this was too important to let it just pass. He asked Fannie how long she would stay at the farm before returning to her own home. She replied that she was in no hurry, but would be leaving, as there was little for her to do. She also said that she wanted to hear from Anna.

I will find Anna and let you know where she is, and I’ll make sure she talks to you. Also, I want you to call me if the need arises. Alfred, out in the barn, has my number and he can reach me for you. Would you do that?

Fannie quickly replied, Yes, of course. Please let me know if Anna and Waylon and Sadie are OK?

After assuring this frightened lady that he would keep her informed he left and decided to find Abner Wenger. It was late enough that Abner should be home from church, and he felt that Abner was one of the sane ones in this seemingly strange tangle of events. Alfred opened the locked gate to allow Johnny to leave.

As Johnny drove out the lane he quickly saw the turmoil that Eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was in on this beautiful Sunday morning. News of the arrest of the Amish Elder Benuel King rocked not only the Amish community, but also the entire populace. What shocked everybody was that King had been arrested for perpetrating a crime against one of his own people, the recently widowed Anna Stolzfus.

The road in front of the farm was crawling with media vans, all looking for the juicy details of this alleged crime. First reports said that Elder Benuel King had kidnapped the two young Stolzfus children, and had plans to send them to Mifflin County, in an effort to spirit them away from their mother. Within an hour, the Sheriff, his deputy, and a helpful neighbor, Abner Wenger, had found the children and secured their safe release. King was now being held in the Lancaster County jail, pending arraignment Monday morning in the court.

Most of the media knew, somehow, that Anna Stolzfus and her two young children, Waylon and Sadie, had disappeared. Then, of course, rumors began to fly, none of them based on any kind of facts. Johnny drove out and up the hill past Abner Wenger’s home, trying to shake the media. Finally, he saw a break and drove into Abner’s farmyard, pulling his cruiser between two sheds to try to hide it from the passing eyes.

When Johnny stepped up on the porch, Abner quickly opened the screen door and asked him in. I saw what you did. Pretty slick, hiding your car like that. You know those reporters are going to pounce on you once they spot you.

I know, but I had to stop and see you. Do you know where Anna and the children are?

Yes, Johnny, I do. I can assure you that they’re safe and comfortable and in good care. But my worry is that someone will find them, and the outcome won’t be good.

Abner, if you know, you must tell me. Please don’t put yourself under suspicion of withholding evidence. I promise you that no news will come from our office.

Abner explained that he was cautious because Anna had just a host of bad things come down on her. She almost died after a miscarriage from an ill-advised pregnancy, she learned of her husband’s infidelity with teenage girls, a sexual attack on a young English woman, then her husband’s death in a chainsaw accident, followed by her children being abducted by a church leader. What more could this poor woman endure?

Johnny understood completely, and Abner revealed that Anna and the children had accompanied his daughter Michelle to the home of Sharon Wenger in Philadelphia. Sharon being the English, or American lady whom Jacob had tried to molest. The strange turn of events had drawn three very different ladies together as they all tried to make sense of an unbelievable situation.

Johnny, have either Anna, Michelle, or Sharon done anything wrong? Are they in any kind of jeopardy?

Johnny thought a moment. Absolutely not. Anna is a victim and has a right to try and be safe. It appears to me that your daughter and Miss Weston, Sharon, are just trying to help her and keep her out of harm’s way. We’ll do all in our power to not make any of this worse for the ladies.

Word has gotten out that Anna had sold the farm to Eli Hoover, a Mennonite. The Amish consider this a great transgression. They will say that this is Amish land, and was taken away from them, Abner told Johnny. Abner was aware that while the at-large non-Amish community was shocked, most of the Amish community was absolutely livid.

Most male members of the sect could only rail that someone, a WOMAN, would do such a thing. Whatever sympathy these men might have had for Anna was gone the second they heard this news. The womenfolk were secretly happy for her that she took control and rebelled against this insanely male-dominated extreme sect. Of course, no woman would utter her feelings aloud, knowing that she would be immediately punished for even thinking the thought.

Johnny then told Abner about his visit to the Stolzfus farm, about how Eli’s boys are watching over things, and how they were trying to make it as comfortable as they could for Fannie.

Is Fannie OK? Is she safe? Does she need anything? Abner asked quickly.

I believe she’s fine. The boys are watching over her and will call me if there is any reason. She said she will stay for a couple of days before returning to her own home. She also would like to talk to Anna.

Abner suggested that he would take his wife Mary down to check on Fannie. He also promised to try and check on Anna and the children, and to let Fannie talk with her, if possible.

I must be going. I’m on patrol today. I plan to spend a lot of my time out in this area. I just hope things don’t get out of hand. I will meet with Sheriff Weidner tomorrow to see what the next steps are. I’ll let you know where we’re going with all this. And Abner, would you please let me know of any news that would help? Johnny queried.

Of course, Johnny. I just want to see Anna and the children find peace.

Johnny left Abner to continue his duties. He found that he was unable to stop thinking of the last several months’ events, and today’s developments just added to his consternation. At the end of his shift he hurried home to get some supper and make it to bed early. He was asked to be in court on Monday morning to attend the arraignment of Benuel King, and he wanted to be in the courtroom well before the reporters had a chance to accost him.

On Monday morning, the legal community swung into action. The District Attorney, at Elder Benuel King’s arraignment, asked that a high bail be set. He stated that a man who would kidnap a church member’s children couldn’t be trusted, and might just run to another jurisdiction. The defense attorney, court-appointed, since the Amish do not believe in the court system, and wouldn’t hire a lawyer, argued that this was all just a misunderstanding.

Your honor, Benuel was just being helpful. He was concerned that the children were not receiving adequate care, and in his position, felt that it was his responsibility to make sure they were safe.

After a lengthy back and forth discussion, coupled with the judge’s knowledge of the Amish society, especially in securing details from the secretive sect, the judge finally made his ruling.

Mr. King. I believe there is sufficient evidence now to charge you with kidnapping. Normally, such a charge would bring incarceration without bail until trial. However, I am going to set bail at $50,000, and require you to stay in the State of Pennsylvania until trial. To make certain that we know your whereabouts, you are required to wear an electronic ankle-monitoring device, so that the Sheriff’s Department can track your movements. You are required to be in your home every evening by 7:00 PM, and must remain there until 8:00 AM. Plus, you cannot leave the county without notifying and getting the permission of the Sheriff. Should there be any other reason to deviate from my instructions, you must likewise notify and be permitted by the Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. King, your attorney will explain the bail proceedings to you and describe how the $50,000 can be handled with a bond. Do you understand, and do you have any questions?

Benuel King at this point was white as a ghost and could barely stutter out, No…s.s.sir.

With that, there was a loud bang of the judge’s gavel, as he sternly said, Next!

Deputy Landis was in the rear of the courtroom, complying with the District Attorney’s request that he be available for questions, if the need arose. He wasn’t called and he was quite happy to leave quickly. His boss, the Sheriff, had instructed him to continue the investigation, and to keep turning over stones to try and get to the truth.

As he sat in the courtroom the nagging feeling that Johnny had since the accident and death of Jacob Stolzfus returned. He realized that, on the surface, at least, it all looked like a tragic accident brought on by the incompetence of the Amish farmers. But, there were too many strange, related parts to the story that he felt needed explaining, Jacob’s sexual escapades, including his weak assault attempt on the English woman, the Elders’ surveillance of Jacob, and finally, the kidnapping attempt. He believed it all tied together into something more heinous, but he didn’t yet have the facts to confirm his beliefs.

Fannie had told Johnny that the Elder’s wife, Lydia, had been with him and participated in taking the children. So, Johnny drove back to the office, and told this detail to the Sheriff.

So Mrs. King is an accomplice. Johnny, arrest her and bring her in. We’ll let the D.A. handle it from there. She’ll be released, probably under supervision, but I’m hoping it will scare the bejeezus out of those folks.

Sir, there just has to be more to this whole story. I feel like I have a puzzle in my head, but I can’t get the pieces to fit together, Johnny answered.

Shut the door, Johnny, and sit down.

As soon as Johnny sat down, the Sheriff began. Like you, I feel there is more going on than what we know now. This is so delicate. We can’t begin making statements about something that we can’t prove with facts. And, because this involves the Amish we must tread very lightly. If the media should get even a hint of what we’re doing, they’ll broadcast it all day, every day. Neither of us wants to be the one who brings that down on our community. We must remember that even though there may be a story that we have yet to discover, there are plenty of good, honest, hardworking people that this will hurt immensely.

Sir, I agree. But I just can’t get the whole thing out of my mind. The Elder telling me, ‘We’ll take care of it’ just haunts me. What did he mean? Johnny asked.

Johnny, I know what you’re puzzling over, but don’t let your imagination take over. We must get the facts, and work with only facts. We’ll keep working, running down every lead we get. Sooner or later, the crack in the stories will show up. Just keep going. One more thing, Johnny. Don’t tell anybody, especially the press, what we’re working on. If you do, and they spin it out of control, this whole thing will become a major fiasco. You know what they’ve done with Amish stories in the past.

By the way, you will have to talk to Mrs. Stolzfus, and the other two ladies, probably several times. Go see them as part of the investigation, but go in your private vehicle and in street clothes. Just let me know when you’re going so I can keep up to date. You’ll have to turn in expense reports, you know, mileage and so forth. It would help if you weren’t in a rush to get them in. Can you handle that?

No problem, Sir. I thought of that, but I’m sure Mrs. Stolzfus needs a day or two to just calm down.

Johnny left the office to get in his patrol car, and the local TV station reporter stuck a microphone in his face, while a camera’s bright light made him blink.

Deputy Landis, can you bring us up to date on the Benuel King case?

Aw, gee, I know as much as you do. I just was in the office ordering some new summer-weight uniform shirts. This nice weather will make them feel good. Have a good day! And, off he went.

Chapter 2 – Anna Begins Anew

Sunday morning in Philadelphia was a little different than the turmoil back in Lancaster County. Three ladies all awoke from very fitful sleeps, and each wondering what to do next. None of them had experience in a matter like the one surrounding them now. Then, to make it more interesting, there were two little children, 5-year-old Waylon, and 3-year-old Sadie, thrown into the mix.

Sharon Weston arose first. It was her apartment and she felt very unprepared for the houseguests she now had. Sharon was the marketing and advertising rep at Penn States Marketing, the agency handling the account of Dutchland Paper Products in Lancaster, PA. One of her houseguests, Michelle Wenger, was the Marketing Director there and part of the family that owned Dutchland.

This all started for Sharon with her attempts to build a business relationship with a new client. When she embarked on her first trip to Lancaster to meet with the folks at Dutchland Paper she knew very little about PA Dutch Country, the Amish, Mennonites, cults, and strange religions. After several visits to that beautiful area things certainly grew to be different than her initial understanding and plans.

As she prepared to fix breakfast for her guests, Sharon reflected on how she was happy to be involved with the folks at Dutchland. She wanted first to do a good job on the account and prove to her superiors that she was, in fact, a professional in her field. She also was happy to build a growing friendship with Michelle, an extra added benefit of this association. Along with that friendship came the acceptance by the warm Wenger family, Michelle’s parents and siblings, into their caring arms. She had suffered the travails of a poor relationship with her own mother, a heartless breakup with her boyfriend Brad, a co-worker and mentor, who then left the company, and she felt somewhat adrift on the sea of life. Michelle and her folks helped to ground her somewhat.

She had the coffee cooking, and was starting to get out the fixings for pancakes when Michelle leaned on the archway, looking just a little disheveled. I hope you have a good, hot shower, and lots of girly potions to start putting this mess back together!

Good morning, Michelle. Yes, I have all you need, but you’re being a little too hard on yourself. It’s not all that bad. I’d say two or three hours of working on it, and you’ll be good as new.

Wow, what a friend you are. You could lie to me just a little, retorted Michelle.

Sharon then offered, OK, here’s the deal. Use my bathroom in the master bedroom. There’s plenty of overpriced magic potions there. Use whatever you want, and check the cabinets, too. When you’re done, I’ll have fresh coffee and some breakfast on.

Oh, Michelle. Just one more thing before you shower. What the hell have we done?

Michelle just burst out laughing, shook her head, and headed for the hot shower. But she began to also wonder what they had done, or more accurately, what had they been drawn into? Thinking back, she reflected that she wanted to be the leader in the firm who developed a new business, that of high quality party paper goods for parties and entertaining. Sharon seemed like a good business associate from a good firm that would help her reach her business goals. Like Sharon she saw that things had taken some strange turns. Yeah, really strange turns.

Sharon thought she heard stirring in the guest bedroom and went to check. The door was open and Anna was talking with her children. The children looked a little confused, and Anna looked drawn and tired. The Amish woman was dressed in her traditional garb, a long black dress, sturdy oxford shoes, and a white net bonnet, or prayer covering.

It was clear that the last week’s events had taken a toll on Anna Stolzfus, the Amish mother who had to endure the infidelity of her husband with teenage girls, his attempt to attack Sharon, his untimely death, and strong control measures started by her church’s leaders, the Elders. Finally, in a moment of frustration, anger, hurt, and distrust, she sold her farm to a non-Amishman. She looked as if all these heavy burdens were now pressing down on her.

Good morning, Anna. Did you rest? Sharon greeted her. She was going to say something about Anna’s dress but thought it would be best to see where the day was going to get into something like that. The first order of the day was breakfast and a little more of getting to know these three decidedly very different houseguests.

Yes, somewhat. The little ones slept very well. I think it was the pizza you bought last night that did it, Anna replied.

As Anna turned back to her little ones, she felt lost, alone, and directionless. Her marriage was over with the death of her husband. The Elders of the Amish church had turned against her and were probably now railing to her fellow church-goers how evil she was for selling her farm to one of them! She had the painful revelation that she could never return to her home, her community, or even her life, as she knew it for all these years.

But Anna was angry, too. She couldn’t help it that her body refused to allow her to bear more children. She almost died when she decided to forego the English doctor’s medicine and got pregnant because it was Gotte’s Wille, or God’s will. She had no part in Jacob’s sexual escapades with the young, impressionable young Amish girls. Then, when Jacob had his accident, she was left alone with little help from the Elders whose charge supposedly was to care for their flock. It was really the Wenger and Hoover families, Mennonite neighbors, who quickly came to her rescue.

What do I do? Oh, what do I do? was the one thought being repeated over and over in her mind.

While Anna was getting the children dressed and ready for the day, Sharon pondered her next steps. She was willing to help in any way she could, but couldn’t really understand what was going on. She hoped that Michelle, her new and dear friend, could fill in the details. With all that had happened to her lately, she hoped that she had the intelligence and strength to help her new houseguests.

Just then, Michelle emerged from the bedroom after her shower and getting dressed. She approached Sharon and wrapped her arms around her and gave her a long hug.

I feel I should say that I’m sorry for dropping this burden on you. I didn’t know what else to do. Anna’s world crashed down, and I knew I had to get her away. You were the only safe place away from Lancaster County that I could think of. If Anna had remained at her farm, the Elders would have destroyed her.

Sharon was quick to reply, Please don’t feel that way. Anna needs help, and between the two of us, maybe we can help her. Just one question. What’s next?

I spent most of last night thinking of just that. I’ve come up with two suggestions. First, we have to sit and talk with Anna so that we all agree on where she’s going. Second, I think I should call Dad and get his advice and direction. He’s been very involved in this whole thing. Maybe he has some thoughts for us, Michelle answered.

As Michelle was speaking, Anna and her children came into the kitchen, Good morning. I just heard what you said, Michelle, and I agree. But first. She stepped forward and put an arm around each of her hosts, pulled them to her, and hugged them warmly, dropping her warm tears on their shoulders. Thank you. Then the tears became a torrent.

The three ladies just held each other, allowing the moment to play out. Then, almost in unison they noticed that the two children were standing in the doorway with looks of wonderment, or maybe a little fear, on their faces. The women separated and called Waylon and over to them. The children approached slowly, but Anna’s comforting arms convinced them that all was OK.

Sharon began, Breakfast is almost ready. Let’s start with that. The coffee is brewing and I have good, cold milk for Waylon and Sadie. The eggs will take a minute, and I have the cinnamon rolls ready to pop into the oven.

With that the little party gathered around the table and the meal began. The children were quick to enjoy the good food and the ladies doted on them until they were finished. Sharon’s apartment was not equipped to entertain children but she did have several coffee table books of Philadelphia and New York City themes. Although she had television, she hesitated. She knew that this was an unfamiliar entity and she felt that Anna should be the one to introduce it to the children, if it ever came to that.

With the children settled, the adult discussion began. Anna, I don’t know where to begin. It seems there’s so many things to discuss, began Sharon.

Anna drew a deep breath and seemed a little dazed. "I know what you mean. I feel so lost. But first, Sharon, and you too, Michelle, I must say thank you for your helping me. I almost feel like you’ve