Once a Thief Read online

  He turned, stunned, and followed her through the door, almost knocking her over when she stopped in front of him. He grabbed her arms to steady her.

  Jerking free from him, she whirled, eyes blazing. “My goodness, Blake. You just about scared me to death.”

  “Sorry.”

  “I guess my stopping was rather abrupt. But why were you following so closely?”

  He stood, not knowing what to say without sounding like that lovesick kid again.

  After a moment she blushed. “I’m sorry I rushed away without saying goodbye. I had an appointment.”

  She didn’t explain what the appointment was, and he didn’t want to risk crossing the line again.

  “It’s quite all right. You aren’t accountable to me. If you’re free for lunch tomorrow, I’d like to take you to a little place I discovered the other day. They make a very unique sandwich.”

  “Sounds interesting. But tomorrow is Thanksgiving, remember? No practice and we’ll all be eating at your house.” She waved and headed toward the dressing rooms.

  Blake’s gaze continued to rest on the doorway long after Danielle was no longer in sight. She seemed worried, or at least distracted, and once more unease weaved its way into his mind. Or was he imagining things again? Perhaps he needed to stop being so suspicious. Apparently he had a trust problem. Maybe he needed to talk to someone about it.

  Afternoon rehearsal went off without a flaw. Blake, sitting in the darkened theater, watched Danielle bring Peg to life once more.

  After the practice, he drove her home, promising to come over for a run-through of her lines later that evening. He didn’t think she needed it, but it gave him an excuse to spend more time with her.

  When he arrived at home, he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek and turned toward the stairs.

  “Son, you’ve been awfully quiet lately.” At his mother’s voice, he turned. “And you’re spending so much time alone in your room. Is something troubling you?”

  “I’m fine, Mother.” He gave her what he hoped was a convincing smile. “I’ll be down shortly.”

  “Very well. Hilda made fried chicken. And chocolate cake.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  He started upstairs but then stopped and turned. “Mother, would you have someone call me when Father arrives? I’d like to talk to him before dinner, if he has time.”

  “Of course I will.”

  A half hour later, Blake sat across from his father in the library. “I feel helpless. I know something is wrong, and I think it has something to do with James Sutton.”

  His father looked alert. “What makes you think that?”

  “I’m not sure. She seems nervous when he’s around.”

  “Couldn’t that be because he’s the one providing most of the money for the show?”

  “Maybe. But I don’t think so. He looks at her as if he knows her. And as though he expects something of her. Almost like a spider with a captive creature in its web.”

  His father narrowed his eyes and puffed on his pipe. “What would you think of putting a tail on the man for a while? See if anything turns up. Maybe a background check would be in order, as well. There’s no telling what he’s been up to since his button business shut down. He has to be getting his money somewhere.”

  Blake took a relieved breath. “I’ve been thinking the same thing but thought it might be extreme.”

  “Not extreme at all. If there’s any chance this man is harassing Miss Gray, you need to take care of it.”

  ❧

  “Boys, you’re getting a little bit rowdy now.” Mrs. Kramer spoke quietly with a good-natured lilt to her voice. Danielle noticed, however, the twins stopped wrestling on the parlor floor at once.

  “Sorry, Mother.” Georgie ran a hand over his unruly hair.

  “Sorry, Mother.” David brushed at his jacket.

  Danielle grinned. Some inexistent dust, she supposed.

  David spotted the grin and flashed one of his own. “Miss Gray, would you read us a story before bedtime?”

  “Now, David, Miss Gray has to practice her lines,” Mrs. Kramer admonished her son.

  “Oh, I don’t mind. Blake won’t be here for another ten minutes.” She smiled at the boys who had scooted over to her chair and looked eagerly into her eyes. “What would you like me to read?”

  “ ‘The Night Before Christmas,’ ” Georgie exclaimed.

  “Yeah. ‘The Night Before Christmas,’ ” his twin echoed.

  “Now, children, you know your father reads that to you on Christmas Eve.”

  “Oh.”

  The boys finally settled on a story, and Danielle read it to them, portraying the voice of each character to their delight.

  As Mrs. Kramer held Georgie’s and David’s hands and led them upstairs, the downstairs maid opened the door and Blake came in. A cold burst of air followed him into the foyer.

  Danielle’s heart lurched as he came toward her with a smile. How she wished things were different. If only she and Jimmy had grown up in a normal home, then she could accept Blake’s love and return it gladly. It was only a matter of time before the truth came out. Sutton would see to that if she didn’t cooperate with him. He’d find a way to reveal the truth without revealing his part in her upbringing. She shivered. That is, if he didn’t kill her and throw her body in the river as he’d threatened.

  As she went through her lines, she was hard pressed not to burst into tears. Would she and Jimmy ever escape? Would they ever be able to live normal lives?

  Suddenly Blake took both of her hands in his. Oh, how wonderful his touch felt. But she couldn’t allow him to do that. She started to slip her hands away.

  He held on firmly with one hand and lifted her chin with the other. “Danielle,” he whispered her name and gazed into her eyes.

  She knew she should pull away but couldn’t bring herself to abandon the touch she’d so longed for. She closed her eyes. If only she could stay this way forever.

  “I don’t know what or who is troubling you.” Blake’s voice trembled. “But I know something is terribly wrong. I want you to know that whatever it is I’m going to do my best to take care of it.”

  She felt his lips brush her across her closed eyelids and then he was gone.

  Seventeen

  The piano tinkled a random tune beneath Blake’s restless fingers. For the first time in a long while, he had no interest in writing music. All he could see was Danielle’s long lashes against her cheek as he’d kissed her closed eyes.

  After last night’s sleepless round of tossing and turning, he’d come to a startling discovery. As much as he loved to write musical comedy, he couldn’t see himself making a career of it. Besides, if he proposed to Danielle, as he had every intention of doing, shouldn’t he have a solid future to offer her? He also had to admit he missed law school. Maybe it was time to go back.

  When he went downstairs, he was surprised to find his father still at the breakfast table. Usually, he was out and about early, even on holidays.

  Blake filled a plate from the sideboard and sat at the table. “Good morning, Mother. Anything interesting in the paper this morning, Father?”

  “Not really.” Blake’s father laid the paper down and picked up his coffee cup. “I do have some news for you, though. I’ve heard from the private detective Alan Hite, whom I hired to track James Sutton.”

  Excitement coursed though Blake. “So what has he turned up?”

  “Sutton spends a lot of time at a house across the river, near the docks. He asked around and it turns out Mr. Sutton owns the place.” He frowned before continuing. “Which is a little strange, since most of the people in and out of there are young people. Hite said he’s counted around twenty of them who appear to range in age between about nine and the early twenties. There’s also a drunken old crone who says she’s the cook. He couldn’t get any information out of her. Said she’s only been there a couple of months and doesn’t know anything.”

  Bl
ake jumped up. “So what do we do next?”

  “Nothing yet. Hite has one of his people on surveillance night and day. But until we have a valid reason, we can’t go bursting into the place.”

  “But what about all the kids?”

  “Sit down and eat your breakfast. For all we know, the children are cousins or nephews he’s caring for. Maybe neighbor kids who simply happen to like to hang out there.”

  Blake snorted.

  “I know, I know. But until we have something more to go on, there’s nothing we can do.”

  “All right. Are you going to church for the Thanksgiving service this morning, Father?”

  “Actually, I thought I would.”

  “Good. By the way, I’m thinking about taking my last two classes.”

  His father’s eyes lit up. “You mean your law school classes?”

  “Yes, sir.” Blake grinned. “I thought that would make you happy.”

  “You thought right. I’m more than happy. Does that mean you’ll come in with the firm?”

  “Well, I haven’t completely made up my mind, but yes, if I do decide to practice law, of course I’ll join the firm, if you’ll have me.” He grinned. “You can help me get ready to pass the bar.”

  His father laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Would this change of heart have anything to do with the pretty Miss Gray?”

  “Well, yes. In a way. But to be honest, I actually miss poring over law books until three in the morning. And the challenge of mock trials. Writing music is wonderful, and I don’t think I could ever give it up completely, but I’m not so sure anymore it’s my life’s work.”

  “I know you have show business in your blood, son. Nothing wrong with that. But I’m glad you’re considering law as your career choice. And I’m more than glad you wish to join the family business.” He grinned then stood and squeezed Blake’s shoulder. “I’m going to get ready for church.”

  Blake turned to his mother, who watched him intently. “What do you think, Mother?”

  “You’re serious about this?”

  “Yes, I think I need to at least finish law school.”

  A smile burst across her face like sunshine, and she clapped her hands together. “I’m so happy for you. I know you have a wonderful talent and God will be sure to use it, no matter which choice you finally make. But I’m thrilled you didn’t wait ten years or so and then realize you should have finished law school.”

  “I appreciate how you’ve supported me in my choices, Mother.”

  “It has been my pleasure to watch you exercise your gifts, of which the practice of law is one, I have no doubt.”

  “Thank you, Mother.” He reached across the table and took her hand.

  “Are you escorting Danielle to church?”

  “No, but I’m driving her over here afterward.” He grinned.

  “It’s so nice the Kramers agreed to come. I don’t think we’ve ever done Thanksgiving together in all the years we’ve been friends. I don’t know why we haven’t done this before.”

  ❧

  Danielle leaned back in the porch swing, her shoulder against Blake’s. She’d had a wonderful time with the Nelsons. She’d already known she loved Blake’s mother, but she’d finally gotten to know his father better. Their open-armed acceptance of her had touched her deeply. But they didn’t know her past. Neither did Blake. And she shouldn’t let this go any further until things were settled with Sutton.

  She shivered. “We must be crazy to sit out here. It’s freezing.”

  “Not quite freezing. But it will be before morning.” Blake curled his fingers around hers.

  She considered pulling her hand away, but instead, with a contented sigh, she let it rest in his. She didn’t know what would come tomorrow or the next day or next week. But no matter what happened, they would have this moment.

  ❧

  Danielle tried to sit up straight, but the inviting depth of Amelia Kramer’s boudoir sofa seemed to draw her in until all she wanted to do was sink into the plush cushion. She hadn’t realized how tired she was until this moment. A tea service for two sat on a silver tray on the table in front of the sofa.

  Mrs. Kramer, sitting next to her, smiled and reached for the teapot. “You just sit back and relax, dear. I’ll pour and then we’ll have a nice chat.”

  Danielle took a deep breath. Was this a mistake? After her tender moment with Blake last week, she knew it was time to make her move to get Jimmy out of Sutton’s clutches so he couldn’t use him against her any longer. But she also knew that she couldn’t go into the man’s lair without letting someone know her story. Otherwise, if something happened to her, Sutton would continue his evil plans. She’d considered speaking to Mrs. Parker, knowing that the lady would be kind to her no matter what she’d done, but after praying and sincerely asking God what He wanted her to do, she knew the time had come to be truthful with her benefactress. If she turned her out of the house, or even over to the authorities, Danielle would simply have to deal with it. She’d waited long enough. And she had to have some help for Jimmy’s sake, even if it meant spending time in prison. So, this afternoon, after she’d arrived home from rehearsal, she’d asked to speak to Mrs. Kramer privately.

  The hot tea soothed her throat and stomach, as well as her mind, and soon she relaxed and sank back. She wished she could close her eyes and go to sleep. Perhaps off to some dreamland where she never had to face the reality of her plight.

  She sat up straight again and cleared her throat. “Mrs. Kramer. . .”

  “Amelia. I’ve told you many times you could call me Amelia.” She shook her finger playfully.

  “Amelia, then.” She cleared her throat. “I have something to tell you. Something that will probably cause you to hate me.”

  Consternation crossed Amelia’s face. “Oh no. I’ve come to love you like a sister. The little sister I always wanted. I could never hate you.”

  Just wait until you hear. A tremor ran through Danielle’s body. She knew she had to get it out now or she never would.

  “I lied about the robbery. I was part of the gang.” She took a deep breath and threw a fearful glance at Amelia.

  Surprised, she saw Amelia’s smile widen. Hadn’t she heard what she said?

  “Why, I know that, silly. I’ve known it all along.”

  “Wh–what?”

  “Perhaps you could fool Officer Brady, but I saw right through your performance. That’s why I wasn’t a bit surprised when I heard how well you were doing in Blake’s show.”

  “But, why in the world did you bring me home with you, if you knew I was guilty?”

  Amelia reached over and patted her hand. “Because I could see you were scared half to death. Besides, God told me to.”

  Danielle gasped. “What do you mean? I didn’t hear Him say anything.”

  A trilling laugh emitted from Amelia’s throat. “I don’t mean I heard Him with my ears. But I heard His voice deep inside me. And I knew you needed help.”

  “But why didn’t you say anything?”

  “Because I wasn’t sure what God had in mind, and I didn’t want to mess it up. But I had an idea you’d tell me the true story someday.” She smiled encouragingly. “How about now?”

  “I hardly know where to begin.” Dear God, was it true that she’d known all along? She knew and didn’t turn Danielle in to the police.

  “I’d say the beginning would be the best.”

  Danielle let her mind drift back. When she began to speak, she felt as though she were in a dream. “My father died at sea when I was nearly ten and my brother was three. Mama was expecting a baby and we had no means of support. We moved in with a friend of Mama’s who owned a boardinghouse. Mama and I both worked for her in exchange for a room and our meals.” She stopped as memories of her parents bombarded her mind.

  “Take your time, dear.” Amelia patted her hand.

  Danielle felt tears behind her nose and eyes. She gulped and cleared her throat. “Mama an
d the baby both died. And Aunt Mary turned us out.”

  “Oh, how heartless. You poor child. Is that when you and your brother went into an orphanage?”

  At the sympathy in Amelia’s voice, Danielle glanced over and saw her friend’s eyes flooded with tears. Shame washed over her at the lies she’d told. “No, ma’am. I lied about that, too. Jimmy and I were never in an orphanage. And while I’m at it, I need to tell you my brother isn’t dead, either.”

  Amelia looked at her with concern. “Then where is he? He must still be very young.”

  “Yes, he’s twelve and has a crippled leg.”

  “Oh dear. An injury?”

  “No, he had an illness when he was two. I’m not sure what it was. But it left him lame.”

  Amelia sighed. “I’ll stop interrupting. Tell me what happened next.”

  “It was very cold and windy that day, and Jimmy and I hadn’t eaten since the day before. We hid behind a crate on the docks and watched some men unloading a boat.” She hesitated then confessed. “I stole some food from one of them. He chased us down the street. I had to half carry Jimmy. I can still hear the thumping and bumping of his crutch. Then a boy helped us get away. He took us to a house and introduced us to a man named Sutton. It looked like heaven to me at the time, and Sutton was our guardian angel. But he turned out to be the head of a gang of thieves, most of them children.”

  “Do you mean he made the children steal for him? Is that it?” Something like fury crossed Amelia’s face.

  “Yes, ma’am. But he felt sorry for Jimmy and took a liking to me. He never sent us out. I helped around the house. And Jimmy did a few little odds and ends, like shining Sutton’s boots.”

  “So, if he didn’t send you, why were you with the gang that robbed the bank customer?”

  “Sutton made advances to me one day. When I slapped him, he was furious. He sent me out on the job to teach me a ‘lesson.’ ”

  Amelia closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were full of grief. “Danielle, did you steal anything?”