Page 12 of Mail-Order Tess (A Mail-Order Mystery #2)

Twelve

T he late afternoon sun shone through the mercantile windows, and Tess knew by where light hit the wooden floor that it was almost time to go home. She straightened a stack of ledgers and slid them under the counter just as the bell above the door tinkled merrily.

She glanced up and smiled…until she saw the look on Mercy Vander’s face. “Why, Mrs. Vander, is something wrong?”

Mercy bustled in, cheeks flushed with worry, followed by a woman Tess had only met once. Ammy Vander, a pretty, dark-haired woman who was not only Mercy’s daughter-in-law, but also Fletcher’s mother. Tess’s smile faded.

“Have either of you seen Fletcher today?” Mercy asked, her bird-like voice pitched higher than usual.

Tess’s heart skipped as she exchanged a look with Martha. “No, not since this morning. He came in and bought some candy. Why?”

Ammy stepped forward, her voice dry and raspy, as if she’d been calling for Fletcher, searching for him, and probably had been.

“He didn’t come home for lunch…or even for a snack.

None of the boys saw him at the schoolhouse or anywhere around town.

He said he was going to meet some of them at the river trail to fish, but… ”

“But no one’s seen him since this morning,” Mercy interrupted. “And everyone knows those boys think with their stomachs. When he didn’t come home for lunch, we figured he was just distracted. But if he didn’t come in here either—not even for more candy—that means something might be wrong.”

“Oh dear,” Martha said as she came around the counter and placed a calming hand on Mercy’s shoulder. “Now don’t you worry. Fletcher’s a good swimmer, after all.”

“What?” Mercy barked. “Martha, what are you saying?”

“Just that he’s a strong boy, is all.”

“Yes,” Ammy said, her voice tight. “But that doesn’t explain why his friends are here, and Fletcher isn’t.”

“What do you mean?” Tess asked.

“We already talked to his friends,” Ammy said quietly. “They haven’t seen him all day. He never showed up to go fishing with them.”

Tess stepped back, her throat tightening. It’s probably nothing. Fletcher was a curious boy. Wade had said as much. He was always wandering off to hunt rabbits or ride his bicycle. But he always showed up for meals. Mercy was right. Teenage boys did think with their stomachs.

Still...Tess thought of the smugglers. Of Henry’s warnings, and the coded notes they’d deciphered from his diary.

The smuggling ring had slipped through several small towns already.

Fletcher might have seen something. Heard something.

Tess closed her eyes and took a steadying breath.

Don’t jump to conclusions. Not when it’s been quiet for over a week.

If anyone was in danger, it was her, not Fletcher.

The bell over the door jingled again. Wade stepped through and Tess smiled despite the situation.

Mercy turned on him before he could say a word. “Wade, thank goodness you’re here. Fletcher’s gone missing.”

Wade’s expression changed instantly. His eyes sharpened. His mouth pressed into a firm line. “What? Have you told Sheriff Walker?”

“Not yet, but we’re about to,” Mercy said.

“Tell me everything,” Wade said.

Ammy repeated the story while Wade listened in silence, arms crossed, jaw tight. Tess had seen that look before. He gave her a glance that was unreadable, and her heart sank. He looked every bit the man he’d once been—an outlaw turned operative—and right now, he was ready for a fight.

When Ammy finished, Wade held out a hand to Tess. “Come on. You’re coming with me, now.”

Tess stepped out from behind the counter and took his hand without hesitation.

He turned to Ammy and Mercy. “I’ll walk you all home. We’ll check with Mr. Vander. Maybe Fletcher’s been with him.”

“Oh no,” Mercy said quickly. “He hasn’t. I already checked. But I didn’t think anything was wrong at the time. Poor Horace. When he finds out, he’s going to be so upset.”

“Now, now, Mother,” Ammy said. But the look on her face told Tess the truth. She was terrified.

The walk to the Vander residence was brisk. Tess walked beside Wade, heart pounding harder with each step.What if the smugglers had taken Fletcher?What if he’d seen something—like the diary—or simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time?

They reached the Vander home and Mercy burst through the front door, followed by the rest of them.

A large man was coming down the hall. Tess had never met Mr. Vander before, but there was no mistaking him.

His sleeves were rolled up, his vest unbuttoned, and his voice boomed through the house.

“What in thunder’s going on, Mercy? Where’s that grandson of ours?

He was supposed to help me out back with your garden boxes! ”

He marched right up to their little group. “I tell you, he gets more unreliable every day,” he went on. “His head is always in the clouds. Hello, Ammy. Don’t mind me berating your son, but you and Garrett have got to do something about that boy.”

“Fletcher’s missing,” Mercy exclaimed. “He never came home.”

“Well, of course he never came home,” Horace boomed. “If he had, maybe someone would have reminded him he was supposed to be here working on your garden boxes with me.”

“No, no, Horace,” Mercy said, pulling a handkerchief from her reticule. “I mean he’s missing . We can’t find him anywhere.”

Horace’s face darkened several shades. “What? What do you mean? He said he was going fishing with his friends today!”

“We talked to them,” Ammy said softly. “He never showed up.”

“Merciful heavens,” Horace roared. “I’ll get a posse together this instant!”

Wade stepped forward. “Mayor, don’t panic. I’ll take care of it. I’ll find him.”

Horace paused mid-bluster, blinking. “What? You? What good can you do, other than swing a hammer?”

“I have some experience tracking,” Wade replied evenly. “If that helps.”

Horace arched an eyebrow. “Well...I suppose. But I’m still rounding up a posse!”

“Sir, I’ll look into it personally.” Wade didn’t flinch under the mayor’s harsh stare.

Tess watched, fascinated. The two men stood toe-to-toe, but Wade didn’t posture. He didn’t boast. He simply held his ground. Not once did he mention who he really was or what he was capable of.

To everyone else, he was just the quiet carpenter with calloused hands and a steady hammer. But Tess knew better. And watching him take control—calm, competent, and without fanfare—made her fall for him just a little harder.

Within moments, the Vander parlor was a stormy sea of voices.

The mayor was absolutely frightening. Horace Vander was a big man, slightly balding with salt-and-pepper hair, and a booming voice that rose over everyone else’s.

It took a few moments each time he got riled up just to calm him down again.

Maps of the surrounding area had been pulled from a drawer in the desk against the wall and were now spread across a low table that sat between a sofa and a pair of wing chairs.

Horace paced in front of the hearth, barking out ideas and orders in equal measure while they waited for the sheriff to arrive. Mercy wrung her hands, and Ammy sat stiffly on the sofa, her eyes glazed with worry.

And perhaps she had every reason to be.

If Wade’s hunch was right, Fletcher hadn’t simply wandered off. But he couldn’t tip his hand, not yet. He needed to handle this carefully, without giving up his cover.

“We should check the river trail!” Horace bellowed. “And the old mill! And that blasted orchard, he’s always poking around in there, looking for rabbits!”

“Fletcher’s friends have already checked the trail,” Wade pointed out, keeping his tone calm. “But I’ll go back and follow the signs more carefully. If Fletcher was there, I’ll know.”

“And how areyougonna do that?” Horace boomed. “You’re just a carpenter, Wade!”

Wade shrugged casually. “Like I told you before, I’m good at tracking, Mayor. If I know what kind of boots Fletcher wears, his height, his weight. That’s all I need to find footprints to follow. And I’ll recognize signs of a scuffle.”

“Scuffle?” Mercy squeaked. “Why would there be a scuffle?”

Wade gave her a somber look. “I’m not saying therewasone. I’m saying I’ll be able to tell if therewas . ” He forced a small, reassuring smile. “I’m sure he’s just wandered off somewhere. Likely curiosity led him away, is all.” But he wasn’t sure. Not yet.

Horace had said it himself. Fletcher was always off in the clouds. He could very well be chasing squirrels or skipping rocks and come strolling through the front door any minute. Still, Wade needed to confirm his suspicions before he told the Vanders the truth. Before he risked blowing his cover.

He caught Tess’s eye and nodded toward the hallway. She followed his lead. As soon as they neared the staircase, she reached out and tugged at his coat. “What do you think?” she whispered.

He glanced back toward the parlor, where Horace was flipping over maps and pulling out new ones. “You think they have him, don’t you?” Tess asked, her voice low.

Wade didn’t answer right away. He looked down the hall to make sure they were alone, then turned back.

“In all honesty…it’s a possibility. Fletcher doesn’t really know anything, but he’s been walking with us.

Morning and evening, sometimes. That could be enough for someone watching to assume he’s involved with us and knows too much.

And he’s an easier target. I’m always with you. ”

Tess’s jaw tightened. “You’re right.” Her voice dropped. “Oh, Wade...not Fletcher.”

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “I’ll find him. I have my ways.”

She grabbed his arm. “Then I’m going with you.”

“No.” His voice was firm. “This isn’t a gentle stroll into town,” he added. “If they’ve taken Fletcher, they’re dangerous. And we don’t know how many there are.”

“I don’t care.”

“Well, I do,” he shot back.

A floorboard creaked behind them. Wade turned sharply, ready for anything, then let out a breath. “Betsy.”

The housekeeper stood a few feet away, arms crossed over her apron.

“Don’t look so surprised,” she said dryly.

“You two are the only ones whispering instead of shouting. It’s hardnotto notice.

” She stepped closer. “Wade Atwood, if you’re going after that boy, I’m coming with you.

I’ve lived in this valley long enough to know the area and every hiding place any snake of an outlaw could ferret out.

Besides,” she added with a huff. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had a run-in with outlaws. ”

Wade shook his head. “I’m not dragging more people into this,” he growled. “Especially not…”

“Oh hush,” Betsy cut in, waving a hand. “You’re not dragging anyone. I’m volunteering . ”

Tess stepped between them. “Wait.”

They both turned to look at her, eyebrows raised.

“What if I went with you? Not just to help.” She swallowed hard. “But…well, let’s face it. They want me. If I’m with you, it might draw them out.”

Wade stared at her like she’d grown a third eye. “Are you out of your mind?” he hissed.

“They’re afterme, Wade,” she said, her voice trembling. “Not Fletcher. He’s just in the way. But if I’m with you—and they see me—they might make a move.”

“Absolutely not.” His voice was low, hard. “It’s too dangerous. Forget it.”

“But it could work,” she insisted.

“No,” he snapped. Then his voice softened. “Tess, honey…I can’t risk losing you.”

She drew in a shaky breath. “And I can’t sit here and do nothing.”

Silence fell in the hallway. Betsy glanced between them, her lips pressed tight.

Wade didn’t look at her. He kept his gaze fixed on Tess. He looked into her eyes. Saw the fear there, yes, but also the steel. The courage.

She’s braver than she knows.

He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’ll think about it. But if I say you’re to stay here or at home, you promise me, Tess, that you will.”

Tess opened her mouth, then closed it again. Finally, she gave him a small nod. “Fine. I promise.”

He cupped her cheek with his hand and met her eyes for one long, lingering moment, then nodded to Betsy and headed back into the parlor. He had a plan to make. And this time, failure wasn’t an option.