Once a Thief Read online

  Not knowing how to get out of it without being rude, Danielle handed her coat and hat to the downstairs maid with an apologetic smile then followed the sweet lady into the parlor where a warm fire blazed.

  Mrs. Parker seated herself on the settee and patted the space beside her. “Here, sit here by me.”

  Danielle smiled and did as she was told. “All right. What do you want to hear?”

  “Everything.” The lady’s cheeks were pink with excitement.

  “Would you like me to ring for tea?” Danielle asked, stalling for time. She knew she’d need to be careful when speaking of Sutton. Mrs. Parker was very wise and had a sharp eye.

  “No, no. I don’t want tea. It’s almost dinnertime.” She waved an impatient hand. “I want to hear about your day. Did the man decide to back the show?”

  “Indeed he did.” Danielle hoped she’d put the right amount of excitement in her voice.

  “Well, tell me all about it.”

  Danielle related the events of the morning, including Blake’s silliness at the café when he attempted to avert her thoughts from the mistake she’d made at morning rehearsal.

  The elderly lady giggled. “That Blake. I think he’s fond of you.”

  Danielle blushed. “Nonsense. He’s kind. That’s all.”

  “Umm hmm.” She gave her a knowing look. “Perhaps I’ll have my daughter invite him for Thanksgiving. Now tell me what happened next.”

  Danielle laughed. “All right. When we arrived back at the theater, I was still very nervous, but the other girls talked me through it. Then when I stepped onto the stage I felt like I could drop dead any minute.”

  She told about the almost euphoric feeling she had during the show. How she’d been exhausted afterward. Then how they’d sent for her.

  Mrs. Parker clapped her hands in delight as she heard about the excitement in the office.

  Danielle skimmed over the meeting with Sutton, hoping her dear friend wouldn’t notice. “I was so overwhelmed with all the excitement I had to go outside for air. After a while, Blake came to find me. I had no idea how cold I was until he mentioned I had no coat on.”

  “Oh, my dear. You must be chilled to the bone.” She stood. “You really must go upstairs and soak in a hot tub. I’ll have one of the girls bring you tea.”

  Relieved to have gotten by so easily, Danielle played along. “Well, the tub sounds good, but I think I’ll forego the tea. After all, as you said, it won’t be long until dinnertime.”

  “Perhaps you should have a tray in bed, dear.”

  “No, thank you. That’s not necessary.”

  Danielle was halfway up the stairs, when Mrs. Parker called out, “When you’re feeling better, you must tell me all about this James Sutton.”

  ❧

  Blake wasn’t sure what was going on with Danielle, but something was wrong. He stood on the veranda as snow fell softly around him. She’d seemed fine when she came into the office. But then she changed. Her face was pale as she spoke to the new backer. Could it have something to do with this man Sutton? Did she know him? Blake scoffed at his imagination. It seemed as though where Danielle Gray was concerned, his protective side came roaring in. She was probably just exhausted from the excitement, as she’d said.

  The snow was coming down harder. Reluctantly, Blake went inside.

  His father stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Ah, Blake. How did things go with the new man? Did he decide to invest in the production of your show?”

  Blake stared at his father. He’d never so much as mentioned the show to Blake since the day they’d fought about it. That was the day he’d found out Danielle was living with the Kramers.

  “Son? Is something wrong?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Father. Thank you for inquiring. Mr. Sutton did indeed agree to contribute a fairly nice amount to the show.”

  “Sutton?” A frown appeared on his father’s face. “That name sounds familiar. Sutton. Hmm. Can’t place it. Ah, well, I must be mistaken. I’m happy for you. I know a lot was depending on him.”

  Blake felt his face flush with pleasure. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to know you’re interested.”

  “I was wrong to be so hard on you, son. Your mother reminded me of a few things and set me straight.”

  Blake smiled. “I found out recently about Mother’s short stint in show business.”

  “Yes, I was there on opening night and nearly every performance afterward. Until the fire shut everything down. She was quite talented, your mother. And she did love show business.” He threw a quick glance at Blake. “I didn’t make her give it up.”

  “I know. She told me.”

  “So, your mother thinks you are in love with Miss Gray.”

  Blake started at the sudden turn in the conversation. “Er. . .when did she say that?”

  “Just this morning. Any truth in it?” He peered sharply at his son.

  Blake hesitated for a moment. Maybe it was time to admit his feelings, not only to himself but also to Danielle. He knew he needed to be honest with his parents. They’d always been there for him and they didn’t deserve to be left out now.

  “To be honest, Father, I’m a little confused. But I am in love with Danielle. And it’s time I let her know.”

  His father nodded and laid his hand on Blake’s shoulder as they walked up the stairs side by side. The warmth Blake felt for his father had been missing for a long time. Gratefully, he welcomed it back.

  “Wait a minute. I just remembered where I heard the name Sutton. The family used to be fairly prominent. Owned a button factory and did quite well. They’ve been deceased for a number of years. Their only son and heir took over the business and pretty much ruined it. His name was James. A scoundrel, if I recall. Hope it’s not your man.”

  Blake felt sick. “I’m afraid it is, Father.”

  ❧

  Danielle leaned back against the porcelain tub, submerging her tired body in the hot sudsy bath then sighed as her tight muscles began to relax in the hot water. It had only been a few hours since she’d left for the theater, but it seemed like days.

  Her thoughts wandered to the events of the day, starting with the moment she stepped onto the porch to wait for Blake. She remembered how he’d scolded her for waiting outside in the cold morning air. He’d seemed very concerned. Her memories jumped right over the morning rehearsal and to the little café where they’d gone for lunch. How dear he was. Teasing her like that so she wouldn’t worry. She felt a smile tilt her lips, and she sank further into the water.

  Suddenly the moment Sutton stepped into the office popped into her mind. No, no, I won’t think of Sutton. She fought to erase his menacing face from her mind, but the harder she fought, the clearer it became until finally she could even hear his voice laughing, mocking, threatening. Please, God.

  Something was pounding in her ears. Danielle sat up straight in the tub. Oh, what was that? She shook herself awake. Someone was knocking on her door. That was all. She must have fallen asleep.

  “Danielle! Are you all right?” Mrs. Parker’s worried voice drifted through the door.

  She realized suddenly her face was wet with tears and heaviness pressed against her heart. Should she pretend to be asleep? She’d never be able to hide her distress from Mrs. Parker’s knowing eyes.

  Maybe it was time to stop trying to hide the truth from this kind friend. She grabbed a towel and hopped out of the tub. “Just a minute,” she called. She slipped into her bathrobe and hurried to the door. Flinging it open, she threw herself, sobbing, into Mrs. Parker’s arms.

  “My dear, what is wrong?” Mrs. Parker pulled Danielle back inside and shut the door behind them.

  Fourteen

  Danielle sat at the breakfast table in the kitchen, wan and nervous from the events of the day before as well as her bad dreams last night. Fear sliced though her when she remembered how she’d broken down when she saw Mrs. Parker in her doorway and how close she’d come to revealing everything.
Thankfully she’d had the good sense, while sobbing in the woman’s arms, to overcome her moment of weakness and insist it was only a case of nerves stemming from the stress of the day.

  Although she didn’t think for a moment the dear lady believed her, at least she hadn’t pressed the issue. Danielle knew when it was time to tell, it shouldn’t be to this gentle lady.

  Today was Sunday, so she wouldn’t have to face Sutton again quite yet. She’d planned to go to church with the family but wasn’t ready to face Mrs. Parker, either. So she waited until she heard them leaving then came down to the kitchen, where Sally and Nell were bringing the remains of breakfast from the dining room.

  “There you are,” Sally said. “You sit right down in the dining room and I’ll get you a hot breakfast. This is all cold.”

  “I can just eat some toast.”

  “No, you can’t. Mrs. Parker told me to make sure you ate a good breakfast and Mrs. Kramer said make it fresh and hot.”

  “Then, if you don’t mind, I’ll sit here in the kitchen.” She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down.

  “Now why would I mind?” Sally glanced at Nell, who was getting the dishpan out. “Nell, I’ll take care of the dishes in a bit. Why don’t you finish up in the dining room and set the table for dinner? After that, you can get ready and go to second service at your church.”

  After the girl had scurried out of the room, Sally laid slices of bacon in a skillet and broke two eggs into another. When she had everything ready, she set them on the table, poured herself a cup of coffee, and sat across from Danielle. “What’s wrong with you, girl? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  Danielle gave a short laugh. “Maybe I have. Or something worse.”

  “Now what would you be meaning by that?”

  Danielle stirred her coffee and didn’t say anything.

  A loud huff caused Danielle to raise her head and look at Sally. The normally cheerful cook’s lips were tight and she almost glared at Danielle. “Now you listen here, young lady. I know something is wrong and I have a feeling you’re needing to get it off your chest.” She folded her arms and waited.

  Could she? Would Sally keep her secret? Danielle knew the kind cook wouldn’t intentionally do anything to hurt her, but was she ready to tell? She knew she wasn’t. At least not everything.

  She sipped her coffee then looked at Sally. “I saw someone yesterday. An evil man. It frightened me to see him. Especially to see him in my present world.”

  Understanding dawned on Sally’s face and she nodded. “Aye. That can be a frightful thing. It’s happened to me before.”

  “I can’t say any more, Sally. At least not now.”

  “Of course you cannot. It’s too fresh in your mind.” She stood and placed her hand on Danielle’s head. “Father in heaven, please be watchin’ over this young one. Keep her safe in Your own hands and lead her according to Your paths and purposes for her life. In the name of Your own Son, Jesus, amen.”

  Danielle took a trembling breath and felt peace wash over her. How blessed she was to have good Christian people to pray for her. “Thank you, Sally.”

  “You’re welcome, and now, you eat that breakfast. You’ve not touched it.”

  “I will. I promise. I couldn’t before, but I will now.” She picked up her fork and before long, she’d eaten every bite. Prayer really does change things.

  She washed her dishes and hurried up to her room. In a few minutes, she’d changed her clothes and put on her hat. She grabbed her coat and rushed down the stairs. If she hurried, she’d get there before the sermon started.

  ❧

  As the Kramers seated themselves, Blake noticed with dismay that Danielle wasn’t among them. She hadn’t missed a service of late, and her absence bothered him.

  The choir filed in to their places, and he turned his attention to the service. Opening his hymnal, he tried to enter into worship, but he couldn’t seem to push away his concern for Danielle.

  As the organ music faded away, he heard a rustling of skirts and turned to see Danielle scoot in past Mr. and Mrs. Kramer and the twins and take a seat beside Mrs. Parker. She still looked a little pale but otherwise seemed fine.

  At the end of the service, he hurried out as fast as possible and caught up with Danielle just as she was getting ready to step into the Kramers’ carriage. “Danielle.”

  She turned as he spoke her name and smiled. “Hello, Blake.”

  “Would you allow me to take you home?”

  “Well. . .” She looked at Mrs. Kramer, who nodded and smiled

  Mr. Kramer tossed him an understanding glance. “Why don’t you come to dinner, Blake?”

  “I believe I will, sir.” He helped Danielle into his buggy, got in, and flicked the reins.

  “So are you ready for another grueling rehearsal tomorrow?” Was that a shiver? “Are you cold?”

  “No, I’m quite comfortable.” She smiled, and he relaxed. He’d probably imagined the shiver.

  After dinner, they spent a few hours rehearsing, then Blake suggested a walk around the block. They bundled up and headed down the sidewalk, her hand tucked into his arm.

  He glanced at her face, but it was just dark enough to prevent his seeing her expressions. Maybe this would be a good time. “Danielle, I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  He heard her gasp as she stopped still. She pulled her hand away and faced him. “What?”

  “I said I’m falling in love with you.” There, he’d left out the word think this time.

  “But. . .but you can’t.” She stared at him with wide eyes.

  Blake laughed. “What do you mean, I can’t?”

  “You just can’t, Blake. I. . .I. . .oh, I can’t explain.” Stunned, he watched as she ran down the sidewalk and into the Kramer home.

  He walked back to the house and got his buggy from the stable, wondering what had gone wrong. They’d been so happy lately and the day had been wonderful. He’d been sure Danielle was beginning to feel the same way he did. Had he completely misread the affection he’d thought she hadfor him?

  He flicked the reins. As the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves beat a rhythm on the brick-paved street, he pondered Danielle’s reaction to his declaration of love.

  In a few short minutes he arrived at his own house. He greeted his parents who were relaxing in the parlor then went up to his room.

  No, he was sure Danielle cared for him. But then. . .why had she reacted the way she had?

  Making a sudden decision, he went downstairs and asked to speak privately with his father. They retired to the library and closed the door.

  After they’d seated themselves in the deep leather chairs near the fireplace, Blake’s father smiled. “You came in at just the right time, son. I was so sleepy I was about to excuse myself and go to bed but dreaded the displeasure which would have surely crossed your mother’s face.”

  “You know Mother could never be displeased with anything you do, Father.”

  “You know, I believe you’re right. She loves me as much as I love her. But I’ve not spent much time with her lately, due to the workload. Sometimes I feel like I’m being unfaithful with work as my mistress.”

  Blake raised one eyebrow. “Then maybe you should slow down. . .hire an extra attorney.”

  “Umm. Maybe.” He gave Blake a sideways smile. “Probably won’t, though.”

  Guilt bit at Blake’s conscience. He knew why his father wouldn’t hire anyone. He was holding the spot in case Blake decided to come back.

  “Now”—his father threw him a keen look—“what did you want to discuss with me?”

  Blake tried to think how to begin then just blurted it out. “I think I’m in love. No, I know I am.”

  “Ah. . .with the pretty Miss Gray, I presume?” His father pursed his lips and winked.

  “We’ve spent a lot of time together the past few weeks because of theater rehearsals and our own private sessions. I started to truly respect and admire her and I
believed she felt the same. I still believe she does. But when I spoke of my love for her, she ran away. With no explanation. Perhaps I mistook her friendship for something more, but I don’t really think so.” Blake stopped. When put into words there hadn’t been a lot to say. “Maybe I’m being foolish.”

  His father shook his head slowly. “A man usually knows when a woman cares for him. Perhaps there is some obstacle you aren’t aware of.”

  “Perhaps. I know very little about her past. Just what she’s told us all about growing up in an orphanage and that her brother died.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “If there is an obstacle, I wish she’d tell me what it is.”

  ❧

  Danielle paced her bedroom floor. Why had she run off like that? Surely she could have thought of something to say without bolting like a frightened child. What must Blake think of her?

  But what could she have done? She couldn’t truthfully say she didn’t return his feelings, because she’d known for some time she was falling in love with him. Sometimes, she felt it so strong it was almost painful. But it wouldn’t be fair to accept his love while hiding her past. Even though she’d never taken part in a theft, until that last one, she’d still been part of the gang.

  Even if he loved her enough to overlook her past, the fact remained that Sutton was evil and she couldn’t risk a chance on his taking revenge on Blake or his family. He might even harm Jimmy to get back at her if he knew she was in love with Blake.

  Oh, why did Jimmy and I have to end up at Sutton’s when we were children? If only they had run another way that day on the docks. Of course, they’d probably have been caught even if they hadn’t run into Cobb. And more than likely they’d have been placed in an orphanage. Maybe they would have been better off if they had been caught and placed in an orphanage. At least they wouldn’t have been raised with thieves and robbers. They wouldn’t have received their criminal education at the hands of Sutton. But they would have been separated, perhaps even adopted by separate families, never to have seen each other again. No, in spite of everything, she was glad that hadn’t happened.