Mrs. Trenton’s pleasant smile faltered at his greeting. She was likely used to men asking her how she was doing and whether she was having a fine day. But she recovered quickly and replied, “I thought it was a nice day to pay a visit to a new friend. I’m glad I came, after the distressful time Hazel had last night.”
He ought to be grateful that someone was here to comfort Hazel, since he was not. But of all people . . .
He clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you for showing kindness to my wife.”
“Yes . . . of course,” Mrs. Trenton replied. “It’s a miracle Hazel was unharmed.”
Wade could hardly contemplate the thought. Instead, he kept his eyes on Mrs. Trenton. She was looking at Hazel with something akin to admiration. There wasn’t a thing odd or strange about her words or the way she carried herself. But he knew her husband too well, and how many secrets could a man successfully keep from his wife?
It was better to be wary.
“It is indeed a miracle,” Wade said.
Hazel tilted her head, her eyes narrowing some as she watched him. “I’m perfectly well. It was only a scare. And I’m ever thankful for that wardrobe upstairs.”
Mrs. Trenton nodded as Wade tried to puzzle out his wife’s words. He needed to speak with her—alone.
He turned back to their visitor. “Mrs. Trenton. Forgive me, I’ve just returned home and I’d like to have some time with my wife.”
“Oh, yes, of course!” Mrs. Trenton stood as Hazel fairly glared at Wade.
“You needn’t leave,” Hazel said as a pot on the stove began to boil over. She expertly grabbed a little towel and took hold of the pot, moving it off the stove.
“I ought to be on my way, else Isaac will begin to worry.” Mrs. Trenton gave Hazel a broad smile, one that tightened some when she glanced at Wade.
He made her uncomfortable. That was good, although he felt somewhat badly about it. Perhaps she’d relay that to her husband.
“But you’ve only been here a short while.” Hazel followed her to the front door.
“It’s all right. Your husband is home now and wishes to take care of you.” Mrs. Trenton’s gaze shot toward where he stood in the doorway to the kitchen. It was almost as if she were directing him to care for Hazel. “I’m proud of you for being so brave last night, and I promise I’ll visit again soon. And you may come visit me whenever you wish.” She gave Hazel a hug before disappearing out the door.
Hazel watched her a moment before slowly closing the door and turning toward Wade. “May I ask why you were so rude to her? She’s been nothing but kind and welcoming to me.”
“I wasn’t rude.” Cold and indifferent perhaps, but not rude.
Hazel crossed her arms.
“Perhaps I’m more concerned about what happened here last night. Kristiansen said there was an intruder and that he was able to follow them to the creek, but that’s all I know. What’s this about a wardrobe?”
Somewhat placated, Hazel dropped her arms. “I was so frightened,” she began. He listened carefully as she recounted the story.
“And when I returned, I found this.” She crossed the parlor to the end table and handed him a folded sheet of paper.
Wade opened it and read the short missive.
We’ll return soon.
Ice crawled through his veins as he studied the scrawl. “Did you show this to Kristiansen?”
“I didn’t. I wanted you to see it first.”
Wade stared at the words. It had all been intentionally directed toward him. The fires, the rustling, the man in the house last night. Someone wanted him out. Given up and gone from this land.
And he could only think of one person who’d take such an interest in this speck of dirt.
He crumpled the paper and looked up at Hazel. “I need you to stay close to the house.”
She nodded. “Do you think we’re in danger?”
