M rs. Glenner sat on the edge of the couch cushion. “Who would want to take my baby?” she cried to the police officer who sat across from her on the wingback chair.

Officer Maxwell inclined his head. “That’s what we’re trying to figure out ma’am. Is this kidnapping for ransom or revenge?”

“Revenge!” Mrs. Glenner wailed. “Do you think whoever took her will harm her?”

“These sorts of crimes are usually committed for money but we have to explore all possibilities.”

He turned to Mr. Glenner. “Do you have any enemies?”

Mr. Glenner shook his head. ‘None that I know of. I try to be fair to my employees and am on good terms with my acquaintances.”

“And your wife?”

“My wife has no enemies.”

Mrs. Glenner dabbed her eyes. “I recently let one of the housekeepers go. Do you think…?”

“She’d been working here for two years ” her husband interrupted. “We gave her good references and a month’s severance pay.”

Officer Maxwell tilted his head. “Why did you fire her?”

“Her mother was ill and she took off more time than she worked. I let it go for a few months because I wanted to help her but the unreliability caused too much stress on the rest of the staff.”

“Sounds fair enough ” the officer said. “I’ll take down all her information regardless. It may not amount to much but we have to suspect everyone.”

Mrs. Glenner supplied him with the woman’s name and address.

“Until then ” Officer Maxwell said “We won’t publicize the kidnapping. We’re not sure how the kidnappers will react to it. Your daughter’s disappearance will remain a secret known only to the people in this room.” He faced the two young officers. “Understood?”

They nodded their consent.

“We’ll assume the kidnapper will call or send a note with a ransom demand. These officers will be stationed here around the clock.” He stood. “Mr. and Mrs. Glenner we’ll do everything in our power to bring your daughter home alive and well.”

Mrs. Glenner shuddered.

Mr. Glenner shook the officer’s hand. “Thank you.”

Officer Maxwell tipped his hat.

Mr. Glenner saw the officer out then he returned to the living room. “Come Toby let’s say a kapitel Tehillim together.”

She patted her eyes then tearfully joined her husband in prayer.

A loud bang startled Jacob awake.

“Sorry ” Moe said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Jacob saw an open suitcase on Moe’s bed. “Are you leaving?”

“Just for the weekend. I live in the big town.”

Jacob sat up. “You mean you won’t be back until Monday?”

Moe smiled. “Sunday morning bright and early.”

Jacob’s stomach fluttered. “W-when are you l-leaving?”

Moe snapped his suitcase shut. “At first light.”

Jacob licked his lips. “Who… who’s going to c-cook?”

Moe chuckled. “Don’t you worry. I prepared food for you. Everything’s in the icebox. No one’s ever gone hungry on this farm.”

Jacob remained silent but his eyes spoke volumes.

Moe’s smiling mouth curved downward. “Are you all right Jacob? Is something worrying you?”

“I… I’m okay.”

Moe walked over to Jacob’s bed and sat down. “Are you scared to be here on your own?”

Jacob’s chin quivered.

“Hmm ” Moe said. “I thought so.” He scratched his chin through his short white beard. “Mrs. Sommers will be here.”

“Mrs. Sommers?”

“The tutor.”

“Tutor?”

“Yes for Mr. Matthew’s son.”

Jacob hadn’t known that Mr. Matthew had a son but then again he had only been there a couple of days and was only allowed in the kitchen of the main house.