Yet, it was fear that plagued him now. He had not anticipated the night terrors returning with such force. Sarah had died because of his failure to protect her. Now his heart cringed at the possibility of doubling the guilt that already troubled his soul. He’d need to keep a lid on his emotions with Gen. Perhaps he should have stuck with devil-wife number two. At least he could remain focused on the job.
Trace switched his thoughts back to Gen. Recalling their dinner last night brought a smile to his face. Never once did the subject of work interrupt the conversation. They’d talked of life’s experiences, family traditions, and confessed secretive rebellious antics of long ago. Trace had laughed until he thought his sides would burst. His new wife was both entertaining and beautiful when she let down her guard and relaxed. Trace hoped to see that side of her character often, but at the same time, feared he’d not be able to resist the growing attraction.
“Just a bit restless,” he mumbled in answer to her question. “Probably should have refused that rich-tasting dessert so late in the evening.” She nodded but did not harp on the fact that she’d warned him. When she returned to the kitchen counter, he asked, “Are you not joining me for the morning meal?”
“I nibbled on some bacon and have downed two cups of coffee. I’d rather finish the chores so that we can begin investigating our case.”
“Ah, yes, back to business.” He’d do well to follow her lead. “And what would the new apprentice suggest we do?”
“I figured we should call in at the Friskin Estate.”
Trace laughed. “Archie said they didn’t want to be interrogated. We could find all the necessary details from the sheriff’s report included in our folder.”
“Nonsense,” Gen said. “I want to see the whites of their eyes when they tell us their daughter has gone missing.”
“Is that disbelief I hear in your voice?”
“Possibly. The wealthy have been known to do strange things for the love of money.”
“They are paying the Agency for us to locate their daughter. That does not sound like underlying deceit at play. Sounds more like a simple case for the newbie apprentice. Don’t overthink it.”
“You asked my opinion, and I gave it,” Gen said. “Seems to me, it’s our job to consider all possibilities.”
“And how do you suggest we get close enough for you to see the whites of their eyes?” Trace asked.
“Leave that to me, husband. Finish your breakfast. I’m eager to start. The estate is in the ritzy-district.” Gen left the kitchen and hurried toward her bedroom.
Trace shoveled the rest of his food into his mouth and brought his dishes to the sink. He pumped water into the pan and added some hot from the reservoir. Before she emerged from her room, he had the dishes washed and put away. He turned to see her standing at the door with her hands on her hips, looking stately and stunning.
“Mr. Stapleton. You have a wife now to do kitchen chores. Do you not have a cow to milk or something?”
Trace laughed. “I live in town. No cows or chickens. We’re partners, remember. We can work in the house together, the same as the jobs the Pinkerton Agency throws our way.”
“I’ve never had a man in my kitchen,” said Gen. “I suspect you’ll soon tire of the newlywed niceties and treat me the same as my brothers.”
“Did you feel mistreated at the farm?”
“No. It was my duty to care for the family after my parents died. Same goes for my obligation to care for a husband now.”
“Duty,” he sighed. “I was hoping we’d moved beyond that.”
“After one evening?” she asked, a grin igniting her rosy cheekbones.
“But it was a good evening.”
“Agreed,” she said, squirming under his watchful eye. “But it doesn’t change the boundaries of our relationship. Are you ready to hit the road?”
“I need to go to the livery and hitch the team to the wagon.” He started for the door then turned when she called him back.
“The wagon goes back to the farm later today. I think you need to rent a carriage to call on the Friskin family. The Agency did give you money, right?”
“They always pay for expenses.”
“Half the money is mine, isn’t it?”
“So, you want to play it that way. Don’t you think I will provide for us equally?”
“I’d rather have some control over my half of the finances, Mr. Stapleton.”
“I’ll give it to you promptly upon our return home. Does that satisfy you?”
“Yes, thank you. I’ve never received a wage and am excited to hold it in my hands. Now hurry. You should put on your suit when you get back with the carriage. I want to time our arrival when the couple is together.” When Trace attempted to speak, she waved him away. “Never mind how I know. Let’s just get started.”
Once outside, he marched down the walkway, swung the gate open, and headed for the livery. He could feel the anger rising within him. Gen was getting the same results as the wicked witch-wife number two had, but using sugar to coat her tactics. He’d been wrong to let her past his defenses. He was the agent and she was the trainee. He’d have a straight talk with her later tonight, right after he handed her half the money in the envelope. She’d be in a much better frame of mind, and setting her straight on who was running the show might prove more productive.
Thirty minutes later, an elegant carriage with the newlyweds aboard headed down the main road and beyond town.
