Page 15 of Mail-Order Millie (A Mail-Order Mystery #1)
Fifteen
B ram entered the house well after midnight. Charlie brought him back to town before dark, but then insisted they play a few games at one of the local saloons. Thankfully, it wasn’t the one where Krantz had been cheating at cards.
Unfortunately, two games turned into four, four into eight and so on. At least he won fair and square, and it made his cover stronger. A few men he’d played with at the other saloon joined their game and no one made any comments about cheating or otherwise. Well, he did receive a few congratulations on his recent marriage.
All in all, this assignment was coming along. Mr. Kameyer offered the expected bribe tonight, and Bram took it. The envelope with the bribe money was stashed in the inside pocket of his jacket, and he’d find a place to hide it when he got home. It was evidence, after all.
He gathered his winnings and looked at his pocket watch. It was almost midnight. “I’m afraid I must depart, gentlemen. Can’t keep the wife waiting you know.”
“You’re departing with our money, Krantz,” one of the players said. “The least you could do is give us a chance to win some of it back seeing as how you get to go home to a beautiful woman.”
He smiled. “That she is.” He stuffed his winnings in his pockets and stood. “Charlie, are you going to make it back to the ranch all right?”
“Sure, it’s almost a full moon. Plenty of light to see by.” Charlie left his chair. “I’d best mosey along too. Wish I had me a pretty gal to go home to. But wouldn’t do to keep one in the bunkhouse.”
The men laughed and a few even waved as they left. Outside Charlie peered up at him. “The boss will be happy to know ya didn’t gamble away all that money he done give ya.”
Bram arched an eyebrow. “Why Charlie, did you get me to play to see if I’d gamble it all away?”
“Well, ya do have a reputation, Krantz.”
He shrugged. “Fair point. But now that I’m a married man, I’m trying to be more respectable.”
“Just so long as ya don’t become too respectable,” Charlie laughed and elbowed him in the ribs.
Bram frowned at him. “No, of course not. Mr. Kameyer and I came to a mutual understanding regarding my role as the ranch’s bookkeeper.”
Charlie eyed him. “Good. Cause the boss plans to add a few fillies to the stable. Can’t have things looking suspicious.”
Bram nodded. “So, Mr. Kameyer has branched into um… buying and selling horses?”
Charlie laughed. “More like breeding ‘em, all depends on how ya look at it.” He slapped Bram on the back and headed for the buckboard. “See ya later, Krantz. Best hide that money from the missus, or she’ll be askin’ where ya got it.”
“I will.” He gave Charlie a wave and headed in the other direction. Good grief! This was worse than he thought. There was money passing through the Double K all right, but it wasn’t from cattle, and he could bet it had nothing to do with horses.
Jules was right. This was a slaver’s operation. Was it that crazy Persian slaver Sal, or someone else?
He’d have to get word to Jules and Quincy. He was going to need help if it was Sal. The fiend often had a small army at his disposal.
He made it home and quietly entered the house. Hungry, he went to the kitchen, grabbed an apple from a bowl, and ate it. He was too frustrated to sleep, and wondered if Millie was still up. He doubted it, but he’d check anyway.
He peeked into the bedroom. She was sound asleep, her breathing even. He carefully closed the door. For some reason, he didn’t like the look of her alone in the bed and reminded himself he’d have to order her a new one soon. He was running out of excuses not to. But if he timed things right, he could order one, and it would arrive as he was finishing up his assignment. Then she’d have a new bed.
He smiled at the thought, got ready for bed himself, and settled onto the sofa in the parlor. It took him a while to fall asleep, and right before he did, his last thoughts were of Millie sleeping.
The night of the ball had a slight chill to it but that was all right, Bram had purchased a cloak for Millie to wear so she wouldn’t get cold. He rented a horse and buggy from James Ruggles, and again thanked him for the invitation. If his guess was right, Sal might have a man attending the ball tonight. One on the lookout for potential merchandise.
He narrowed his eyes at the thought as they pulled up in front of the Ruggles’ home.
“Goodness,” Millie breathed. “Such a big house.”
“I’ve seen bigger,” he said without thinking. He silently chastised himself, then realized she’d grown quiet. She’d been quiet all day, and hardly spoke a word to him as they readied themselves for the night’s festivities.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Millie stared straight ahead. “Of course. What makes you think something’s wrong?”
“You’re quiet this evening.” He cocked his head. “Are you… mad about something?”
Her eyes darted to him and back. “I’d rather not discuss it.”
He sighed. “Millie, I’m sorry I came home so late last night…”
She held up a hand. “I said I’d rather not talk about it. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to go inside.”
“Of course.” He drove past the house, found a place to park the buggy, and got out. After helping Millie down, he offered her his arm and escorted her to the front of the house. A woman in her forties stood with a younger woman at her side. They looked like a mother and daughter. Was that James Ruggles’ mother?
“Good evening,” the woman greeted. “We’re so happy you could…” She stopped and looked them over. “I don’t believe I know you.”
“You don’t,” Bram stated. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Bill Krantz and this is my wife, Millie.”
“How do you do,” Millie said pleasantly.
The woman narrowed her eyes at them. “I’m sorry, but you’re not familiar to me.”
“We just moved here,” Bram said. He wasn’t going to explain they came to town separately then married.
“I see,” the woman said as she scrutinized Millie’s gown. “I’m Mrs. Thorndyke Hinkle, and this is my daughter, Alice. I’m sure you’ll meet my husband inside.”
Bram gave her a slight bow. “I look forward to it.” He smiled at Millie then escorted her inside.
They entered the grand foyer, and Millie’s eyes rounded to saucers. “It’s so big.”
“Indeed, it is.” He thought of his town house. Its foyer was bigger.
He patted Millie’s hand and followed several other couples up a grand staircase. They must have an attic ballroom.
On the third floor, Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles were greeting their guests. He recognized Mr. Ruggles from the livery stable and general store. Mr. Ruggles introduced him to his wife, and after the rest of the introductions were made, Bram and Millie entered the ballroom. It was time to get to work.