She was increasingly nervous about the community’s reaction to the continued presence of an automobile at Bishop Beiler’s place. With all the trouble already, the Beiler family didn’t need another note of contention. She might even speak with Emery to see if he could move a piece of machinery and open a place for her car under the barn overhang so it would be even more out of sight. Verna met her in the middle of the lawn. “Is there gut news?” She clutched her white apron, and her eyes begged for a positive answer. “Come,” Debbie touched Verna’s arm. “Your prayers may have been answered at least in part, but we need to keep praying. Getting Joe to cooperate may be the hard part. That was Ms. Hatcher’s concern.” Verna’s face glowed with hope. “Then the lawyer told you what must be done?” “Yes. She wants witnesses who can testify as to where Joe was on these dates and times.” Debbie handed Verna the paper. “Joe may not have been anywhere other than at home, and he may refuse to ask his friends to testify if he wasn’t home.
