Page 17 of Mail-Order Millie (A Mail-Order Mystery #1)

Seventeen

“ O h, Millie,” Bram breathed as she made her escape. Unfortunately, she didn’t let him get a word in edgewise. He’d hoped to keep the gambling side of his cover as far from her as possible. She was sensitive to the vice, as her father’s gambling ruined her family. Now she thought his supposed gambling would ruin their marriage. But it wasn’t a real marriage, and now he’d have to make the tough decision of whether to let her go on thinking he gambled or tell her the truth. Both would crush her, and he’d have to come up with something to get her through the rest of his assignment.

“I’ll have to back off the card playing,” he muttered.

“What was that Krantz?”

Bram turned to find Mr. Kameyer just behind him. “Good evening, sir.”

“Evening,” Mr. Kameyer said. “I didn’t think I’d see you here.”

Bram smiled at him. Mr. Kameyer was middle-aged, portly, with dark beady eyes. He wasn’t looking at Bram with disdain, exactly, but was definitely surprised to see him. “James Ruggles extended my wife and me an invitation.”

Mr. Kameyer’s eyebrows rose. “That was nice of him. So, what do you think of Baker City’s elite?”

Bram made a show of looking around. “They sure are fancy.” Of course, where he was from, these people would be considered nothing but a bunch of country bumpkins.

“Ha, wait until I throw one of these shindigs at the ranch. I’ll show this Mrs. Ruggles up and then some.”

“And when might you be doing that?” Bram asked, curious.

“Not sure, but I’ll get around to it. I’ve got too much business to take care of first. New fillies to be bought and sold.”

Bram nodded and kept his mouth shut. Mr. Kameyer was watching him closely, and Bram decided he’d best change the subject. “What would Mrs. Kameyer have thought of Mrs. Ruggles’ ball?”

The older man smiled. “She’d have loved it. She’s been gone seven years now.” He shook his head. “Such a shame.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, sir,” Bram said. He knew Mrs. Kameyer was killed when a gun misfired, but Bram didn’t wonder if it was something more. He noticed Mr. Kameyer avoided telling him the details of his wife’s death. Had he killed her? Did the woman find out about his little operation and threaten to tell the law? It was plausible.

“I suppose I’ll take a gander at that suit,” Mr. Kameyer said. He looked Bram in the eyes. “You play your cards right, and you’ll be able to afford to buy that little wife of yours a gown like that.” He winked at him and headed for James and Miss Hinkle, who were once again surrounded by admirers.

Bram sighed. He’d mention to Charlie and Monty that he was in trouble with his wife and would have to refrain from cards for a time. It was the easiest solution and would make Millie happy.

Bram made his way around the room before he checked on Millie. If Mr. Kameyer was here, then Sal might have a man here as well. He didn’t think they’d be so bold as to target any of the young ladies, but one never knew.

It wasn’t long before he ran into Monty. “Krantz!” Monty said and slapped him on him on the back. “What are you doing at this highfalutin party?”

He gave him a proud smile. “James Ruggles gave the wife and me a personal invitation.”

“Well look at you, rubbing elbows with Baker City high society!”

Bram chuckled then plastered on a serious look. “Millie found my box of IOUs.”

Monty’s face fell. “What? Oh, that’s too bad. What are you going to do?”

He frowned and gave him a helpless shrug. “The only thing I can do. I’m going to have to stop playing cards for a while until she settles down. Then I’ll ease back into it.” He winked at Monty.

“Ahhhh, I knew I liked you!” Monty put an arm around him. “Can’t say I blame you though. Your Millie is a sweet looking thing. I’d hang onto that.”

“I plan to.”

Monty let his arm slide off Bram’s shoulders. “Besides, you’ll be making plenty of money with us.” He gave him an exaggerated wink.

Bram smiled. “Yes, Charlie mentioned, as did Mr. Kameyer when I spoke to him a moment ago, about the fillies being bought and sold.”

“Oh yeah,” Monty said in a low voice. “We got a man here tonight making a transaction. But keep that to yourself. If the boss knew I told you, he’d have my head.” He patted Bram on the chest. “I guess I’m a softie. No man ought to have to give up gambling for no woman. But seeing as how yours is such a pretty thing, you’re the exception.”

“Thanks, Monty. It’s nice to know you understand.”

He smacked his chest. “Sure I do!” He smiled and looked around. “Where is your wife?”

Bram gave him an exaggerated eye roll. “I suspect the ladies’ lounge area. She informed me of her discovery, then took off.”

Monty shook his head. “You did the right thing. Let the little lady blow off some steam first, then talk to her. Tell her you’re sorry and all that and hope for the best.” He shook his head again. “Me and Charlie are sure gonna miss having you in our games.”

“It’s only temporary,” Bram assured.

Monty smacked his back again. “Thank goodness for that!”

Bram smiled and nodded as Monty sauntered off. As soon as he was gone, Bram surveyed the guests. So, one of Sal’s men was here. He’d have to figure out who he was and fast. If the young lady being targeted was also in attendance, she might not make it home tonight. That is, if Sal’s man planned on acquiring his target and moving her all in the same night.

He made his way around the room, listening to the different conversations going on, and caught sight of Ives and his wife Lystra speaking with James. There was no sign of Miss Hinkle. She was probably taking a little break from all the attention. Good, that meant she retreated to the ladies’ lounge area as well. Maybe her gown would help take Millie’s mind off things and she’d returned to the ball. He supposed the right thing to do would be to wait in the hall for her. But if he did that, he might miss something here. Still, the sooner she was on his arm again, the sooner he could get back to work. That, and he hated the thought of her getting so worked up, she caused herself a mischief.

Bram took one last look around the ballroom, noted James also leaving the ballroom, and left. He must be wondering what was taking Miss Hinkle so long. Had he said something to upset her?

Bram went to the second floor and followed the sound of women’s voices. He stopped up short when he came upon a half dozen ladies sitting in chairs lining one side of the hallway. He didn’t see Millie among them. “Excuse me, ladies. But I’m looking for my wife, Mrs. Krantz?”

One of the women sitting, looked at him. “She was here earlier, but said she needed some air.”

“She went downstairs?” he clarified.

“Yes.”

“Thank you.” He started back down the hall. She was still angry. Worse, she might be wandering around alone outside, making her easy pickings for Sal’s man.

Bram picked up the pace and hurried to the first floor and went out the front door.

A fancy carriage with a crest on the door was taking off, and he wondered to whom the carriage belonged. He pushed the thought aside and began to look for his wife. “Millie?” He went around the side of the house. Carriages and buggies were everywhere. “Millie!”

He came upon a gate, opened it, and followed a path to the backyard and gardens. Millie sat on a bench near a fountain. “Millie, sweetheart, what are you doing back here all by yourself?”

She glanced up at him, swallowed hard, then looked away.

Bram sighed. There was no help for it. He was going to have to kiss her worries away.