Beside Still Waters Read Free Page A

sorry,” she muttered.  The deck had been held together with just plastic and there was no case so instead of dumping the cards back in the bag she slipped the deck into her pocket.
                  “Ma’am, I’m Officer George Li. What happened here?” the officer asked, staring at her intently .
                  She closed her eyes for just a moment, wishing that none of this had ever happened.  Or wishing that instead it had happened back home and she was talking to Detective Mark Walters.  Wishing couldn’t change anything though so she took a deep breath and told him everything she knew.
     
    ~
     
                  It’s good to be a rabbi , Jeremiah reflected to himself as he greeted people after the Shabbat service.  The sun was shining brightly outside and children’s laughter drifted into the building.  Everyone was in a good mood and telling him how helpful they’d found his comments on the day’s Torah reading.
                  It was nice when it was like this.  Some days just seemed made for happiness.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been the promise of a late night meal with Cindy.  He was glad she had finally taken the trip to Hawaii, though.  If anyone needed, deserved, a vacation it was her.
                  “Rabbi,” a wizened old man said, grasping his hand with shaking fingers.  “It is good I came here today.”
                  “We are pleased you made your way to us.”
                  “I think, I think you are the person I need to talk to.”
                  “I’d be happy to listen to whatever it is you wish to speak about.”
                  The old man looked around, bright eyes furtive.  “Not now.  Not here.”
                  “I am available weekdays in my office,” Jeremiah said.
                  The old man nodded quickly.  “Good, ja.  Danke .  I will come on Wednesday.”
                  “If you have a card I can have my secretary call you to set a time,” Jeremiah suggested.
                  The old man shook his head fiercely.  “ Das glaube ich nicht.   Nein .  I will come Wednesday morning and then...then we have much to discuss.”
                  The old man shook his head and then turned and walked away.
                  Jeremiah couldn’t help but stare after him.  He had never seen the man before but it was not uncommon for visitors to the area to attend services in the synagogue.  Something about the man’s demeanor troubled him, though, even more than the fact that he was speaking German.
                  “Who was that?” Marie, Jeremiah’s secretary asked as she walked up beside him.
                  “Apparently someone who wants to speak with me.  He’ll be coming by the office Wednesday morning.”
                  “Did you get his name?” she asked, voice laced with suspicion.
                  He smiled at her.  “No, but do not worry, Marie.  I’m sure such an old man is harmless.”
                  His words seemingly placated her but they did nothing to calm his own mind.  He turned aside to greet a young couple and did his best to put it from his thoughts .
                  Whatever the old man had to say would have to wait until Wednesday.  Just like dinner with Cindy would have to wait until Tuesday.
     
    ~
     
                  Three hours later Cindy felt like she was going to drop from exhaustion.  She’d answered all of Officer Li’s questions at least four times.  Then she’d had to go through it all over again with Detective Robinson when he arrived.  She was beginning to feel that one of the worst things about being a witness was being made to feel like a suspect when the police questioned you like they