Tessa returned with something useful (5)
I believe the answer is:
asset
'something useful' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'tessa returned' is the wordplay.
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'tessa' written backwards gives 'ASSET'.
'with' is the link.
(Other definitions for asset that I've seen before include "Item of value or advantage" , "Something well worth having" , "Useful thing or person" , "Item well worth having" , "Anything considered valuable" .)