Just Above a Whisper by Lori Wick

Leffler said, following his instructions.
    “Have I done something wrong?”
    “Not at all. You’ll like Mr. Thaden.”
    Reese nodded and looked toward the alcove. As usual, the bookshelves kept her from seeing anything, so she went that way.
    Troy, who had heard every word of the conversation, was looking up when she came into view.
    “Miss Thackery?”
    “Everyone calls me Reese.”
    Troy came to his feet. “I’m Troy Thaden.” He held out his hand, and Reese shook it. “Please sit down.”
    “Thank you.”
    Reese took a seat and looked at this well-dressed businessman. He seemed kind, but Reese was still under the impression that she might have committed some infraction. Not until she felt the key biting into her hand did she realize how tense she was.
    “Mr. Thaden,” Reese began. “I have the key to the Kingsley house. Should I leave it with you or Mr. Leffler?”
    “Actually, why don’t you hold onto it for the moment. There’s some business I need to discuss with you.”
    “Did Mr. Jenness ask you to?”
    “Not exactly.” Troy worked to be gracious, already impressed with this young woman. She was not unlike his own two girls. “Are you aware that the Kingsley family owns the bank here in Tucker Mills?”
    “Yes.”
    “Well, I work with Conner Kingsley, and the two of us have come to check on this bank and assess how business is progressing. Some changes will be made, and some things will stay the same.”
    Reese nodded again, not sure what any of this had to do with her.
    “Mr. Jenness was under the impression that having an indentured servant would be to the bank’s advantage. On the other hand, Mr. Kingsley and I do not think it the best idea, so we’ll be turning your papers over to you. You are no longer an indentured servant.”
    Reese looked for a moment at the contract he held out to her and then took it. The silence hung over them like a blanket. Reese stared down at the document, saw that it was in fact her papers, and returned her gaze to him.
    “What about Mr. Zantow’s debt?”
    “That is not your problem. The bank will have to take a loss on anything outstanding.”
    Reese was not taking this in. The news was so very unexpected. She looked down at her papers and back at the banker.
    “So what happens to me?”
    “You’re free.”
    Reese’s face cleared. “So I should get work and continue to pay the bank that way?”
    “No,” Troy adamantly shook his head. “You don’t owe anyone. You are certainly free to get a job, but the money is your own. In fact,” Troy continued, picking up a small stack of bank notes, “this bank never should have owned your papers, so these notes are to cover the hours you worked while we held your papers.”
    Reese reached out mechanically to take the money but was utterly speechless. It was becoming clear to her now. She was free. She wasn’t owned by the bank or anyone else. She was free!
    “I should tell you,” Reese remembered, “that Mr. Jenness gave me a stipend. Has that amount been deducted from these notes?”
    “No, and it won’t be. You’ll keep the stipend and the notes I just gave you.”
    Reese nodded slowly and then bit her lip.
    “Are you sure Mr. Jenness approves?”
    “You’re free, Reese,” Troy repeated quietly. “You are no longer an indentured servant.”
    Reese glanced down at the paper and notes again. She was beginning to grasp the news, and when she looked up again, Troy saw that her eyes had widened.
    “I could buy shoes,” she said in wonder. “And put money in the offering plate at the meetinghouse.”
    Troy had to suddenly clear his throat and remind himself that he still had business with this woman.
    “You certainly could do those things, and you could also consider an offer I have for you,” Troy began, finding it easier at that moment to look down at the desk than at Reese. He moved a few papers and then looked up. “Mr. Kingsley and I will be in Tucker Mills for an indefinite period of