Once a Thief Page 3

  ❧

  Danielle stood in the middle of her room listening to the hum of voices from the hallway below. Her stomach knotted and she felt herself begin to gag as unwelcome thoughts bombarded her mind.

  I can’t do this. What if I get caught? Blake Nelson is probably coming and he’s sure to watch me. I’ll have to be careful. But, I can do it. After all, even if I’ve never actually picked a pocket, Sutton’s been making me practice since I was a child.

  She started at a sudden knock on the door, “C–come in.”

  Mrs. Parker entered the room with a huge smile on her face. “You look absolutely beautiful, Danielle. The amber color of your gown brings out the gold flecks in your eyes.”

  Danielle ran her hand down the smooth fabric of the new evening gown Mrs. Kramer had purchased for her.

  “Thank you, ma’am. You look lovely, too.” She could hear the trembling in her voice and then realized she was twisting the lace handkerchief she held in her hand.

  “Thank you, dear.” She smiled. “Here’s a little something I’d like for you to have. It will look lovely on you.” A strand of pearls glistened in the palm of the wrinkled hand.

  Danielle gasped and blinked against the tears that filled her eyes.

  A look of concern crossed the old woman’s kind face. “Are you all right, dear?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Her reply was almost inaudible. “But I couldn’t take that lovely necklace. It is much too valuable.” And yet her thoughts battled against her. What was she thinking? Here was something she could give to Sutton that wouldn’t even be stolen.

  “Nonsense. I want you to have them. Now turn around.”

  Danielle felt the coolness of the pearls against her throat. She trembled.

  “Oh, you poor thing, you’re frightened, aren’t you?” She walked over and put her arm around Danielle’s shoulders. “Now don’t you worry about a thing. Most of the people who will be here tonight are old and dear friends. I promise they won’t bite, and besides, I’ll watch out for you.” She gave Danielle a pat and a smile before she left the room.

  Danielle shivered and tried to hold back tears. The idea had seemed logical to her at first. There would be a crowd of guests milling about. It would be simple to lift a few items and stash them away. That way, she wouldn’t steal from the Kramers but could still manage to buy her freedom from Sutton. As long as she didn’t get caught, her friends wouldn’t suffer at all.

  The only problem was that a wave of conscience having nothing to do with the Kramers had washed through Danielle this morning and hadn’t subsided. She wasn’t sure where it came from but had a niggling suspicion it might be God.

  She had attended church services with the family the past two Sundays, and memories from her childhood had trickled in little by little. A little rundown chapel by the docks and the minister who’d been kind to Danielle and her family. Mother’s sweet voice singing hymns by her bedside and telling stories about Jesus who’d come down from heaven because He loved a little girl named Danielle and a little boy named Jimmy and wanted to save them. Words she still didn’t really understand.

  Danielle pulled in her breath and straightened her back. She had to gather herself together. Composure was absolutely essential if she was to carry this off.

  She inched her way down the stairs to a mercifully empty entranceway. Maybe she could slip into the library for a moment to compose herself. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, the door knocker sounded. Danielle froze and watched as Sally hurried to open the door to the newcomers. Oh no, the Nelsons! And he was with them.

  “Why, Danielle, how lovely you look, my dear.” With a rustle of skirts, Mrs. Nelson walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “Come meet my husband. I don’t believe you know him yet.”

  Danielle allowed herself to be led over to Mr. Nelson and Blake. She composed her face into a pleasant expression as Mrs. Nelson made the introductions. Glancing at Blake out of the corner of her eye, she winced at the sardonic twist of his lips.

  “Come, Mother, let’s see who has managed to arrive before us. I’m sure Miss Gray has more interesting things to do than stand in the hallway talking to us.” Blake linked an arm with each of his parents and guided them toward the drawing room, leaving Danielle alone in the foyer.

  Realizing her mouth hung open, Danielle pressed her lips together and frowned at Blake’s departing back. How rude. And he had such a wonderful mother. She hoped Mrs. Nelson would trounce him good. With an angry toss of her head, Danielle turned her back on the safety of the library and headed straight into the drawing room.

  In the corner, a trio of musicians sat in formal splendor, their soft music filling the room. Fine crystal sparkled from trays carried by waiters hired for the occasion as they moved deftly among the guests, ladies and gentlemen dressed in finery.

  Danielle took satisfaction that her gown was as fine as any of them. Breathing deeply, she stepped further into the room, her eyes searching for the one who could give her away. He was across the room shaking hands with Mr. Kramer. She would know the back of his arrogant head anywhere. Perhaps it would be amusing to carry off her plan right under his nose.

  Danielle glanced casually around the crowded area. She had to choose carefully. The consequence of being caught and facing the Kramers’ and Mrs. Parker’s accusing, disappointed faces was unthinkable.

  A portly gentleman caught her attention as he reached into his coat pocket. The motion caused the corner of his coat to hike up, revealing the sparkle of a gold watch chain.

  Danielle’s eyes narrowed as she studied the man. The coat had tails which would make it easier. Winding through the crowded room, Danielle focused on the unsuspecting target.

  With a gasp, she froze. Was that a clerical collar? Eyes focused and heart pounding, she slowly took another step. The man turned slightly and Danielle felt faint as the collar seemed to scream out in accusation. She whirled and rushed from the room.

  The library door was slightly open and Danielle ran quickly across the hall. She closed the door behind her and stumbled over to the sofa. Dropping down onto the thick cushion, she hid her face in her hands, unable to prevent the tears that flooded and spilled over.

  How could she steal when it was the very thing that had her and Jimmy trapped? But what else could she do? Where could she turn? It was hopeless.

  ❧

  Blake excused himself from the conversation and headed for the empty hallway. He frowned, looking around. Now where did she go? He was sure she was up to no good.

  The tick of the stately longcase clock seemed to beat a rhythm to his thoughts. No good. No good. No good.

  Suddenly he heard muffled sobs coming from the direction of the library, and concern filled his heart. Perhaps one of the children was hurt.

  He opened the ornate door and slipped quietly inside, not wanting to frighten the child. The weeping came from the sofa. Tiptoeing around to the other side, he stopped in consternation. Danielle sat huddled against the corner of the sofa, her head buried in a large cushion. He hesitated, wanting nothing more than to turn and bolt, but as he made a move to do so, a heart-wrenching sigh stopped him.

  He stood, momentarily, undecided. Then making a sudden decision, Blake knelt down and put his arm around the girl’s shoulders. “There now, it’s going to be all right.”

  She started then turned, and without glancing at his face, she nestled her face into his coat lapel and sobbed harder.

  He patted her as she wept, and the soft roundness of her shoulder beneath the satiny fabric of her gown sent a thrill through him. Confusion washed over him as his heart sped up. Would a crook have such deep feelings? Had he, perhaps, misjudged her?

  Suddenly she stopped crying and became totally still. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” She looked up and gazed at him through tear-washed eyes. Recognition dawned and a look of horror appeared on her face. Jerking away, she shoved him aside and jumped up from the sofa. “How dare you take such libert
ies? Now you not only think I’m a thief but a loose woman as well?”

  Blake felt his face flame. He stood and gaped at her for a few seconds before he got his bearings. “Well, if the shoe fits.” Now why had he said that? “Look, I didn’t mean it. I saw you crying and merely wanted to comfort you.”

  “I. . .I. . .I was simply crying over a book I was reading. And you are nothing but a cad and a liar.”

  “Oh?” Blake looked around. “I’m a cad and a liar, and you’ve been reading an invisible book.” He gave an emphatic nod, as his suspicions came back and then some.

  “Well, I had already put it up. Here. See?” She flounced over to the bookcase and grabbed a copy of Wuthering Heights from the shelf then sat back down and opened the book. She shot him a pointed look and then commenced to read and ignore him.

  Indignant anger flashed through him. And he had almost begun to believe the little crook. He strode to the bookcase and perused the titles. Ah, just the thing. Tossing the book into her lap, he said, “Perhaps this one will be more appropriate.”

  With a triumphant grin in her direction, he left her staring at the expensive, leather-bound copy of Oliver Twist.

  Four

  Danielle swung the empty basket from one arm to the other, wishing she didn’t have it. However, it was a convenient excuse to get away for a while. She shifted to her other foot and peered around the corner of the building, aware of the passing of time. Sally would be waiting for the vegetables and fruit for dinner. Danielle had been waiting behind the storage shed, near the Clark Street Bridge, for nearly two hours hoping to catch a glimpse of Cobb. She couldn’t trust just anyone, but she was pretty sure he wouldn’t betray her.

  That morning, with worry about Jimmy heavy on her heart, she had paced her bedroom floor. How could she get word to him to let him know his sister was safe and hadn’t deserted him? And how could she pass her plan on to Sutton, so he wouldn’t take a notion to kick Jimmy out on the street?

  One glimmer of hope rested in her heart, the fact that since the day Danielle and her small brother landed in Sutton’s parlor the man had always shown compassion for Jimmy. But she couldn’t count on that. Not for long, anyway.

  Danielle decided she must make a move. She’d fastened her hat on top of her new upswept coiffure and hurried downstairs, not sure what lie to tell about where she was going. It had been a stroke of luck that the very day Danielle decided to somehow get word to Sutton was also marketing day.

  A flash of red hair caught her attention, and with relief she saw the stocky, freckled Cobb swaggering down the street in her direction. She stepped out just as he approached her hiding place.

  “Whew, Danni, are you ever in trouble. The guys all have their eyes cocked for a sight of you. Sutton offered a dollar to anyone who could find you.” He leaned his head back and whistled as he peered at her. “Looks like you’re doin’ pretty well for yerself.”

  Danielle grabbed the young man’s arm and dragged him behind the storage shed. “Here’s your chance to collect that reward. And if you do exactly what I say, you might get an extra quarter from me.”

  He shook his arm loose and narrowed his eyes. “What’s going on? You haven’t sold us out, have you?”

  “Of course not!” She placed her hands on her hips and glared at Cobb. “What do you take me for?” A pang shot through her chest. Truth be known, Danielle would sell them all out if it would get her and Jimmy out of Sutton’s clutches. But she hadn’t found a way without incriminating them as well.

  “All right. But you better not.” He gave her a threatening gaze then shrugged. “So what’s going on?”

  Danielle grinned. Cobb could never be mean to her. He’d been watching out for her since she was ten. “I got caught.”

  “What?” His mouth flew open. “So why aren’t you in jail?”

  “I talked my way out of it.” She flashed him a saucy grin. “Not only that, a rich woman who was there that day took my side. I guess she felt sorry for me.”

  Cobb listened as Danielle relayed the story of how she was caught and accused by Blake Nelson. He howled with laughter as she mimicked Officer Brady.

  Guilt shot through her again, but she had to convince Cobb so he’d be on her side when he told Sutton.

  “So none of this explains why you’re dressed like a rich woman. And where are you staying?”

  “That lady in the bank that day took pity on me. She took me to her home and under her wing. That’s what I want to talk to you about.”

  He leaned against the shed. “I’m listening.”

  Be careful, Danielle. Don’t give anything away that will lead to the Kramers or the Nelsons. One little slip and they could be in danger.

  “I thought you’d have figured things out by now. The folks I’m staying with are filthy rich. Richer than you can imagine. I plan to rob them and turn everything over to Sutton.”

  “So, what are you waiting for? You’ve had plenty of time. I think you’re stalling.” He raised his eyebrows. “Maybe you like the high life.”

  “I’m waiting for the opportunity to make a big haul. Sure I could steal a bracelet or something and take off, leaving the real wealth behind.” She sent him a challenging glance. “Is that what you’d do?”

  “Course not. If there’s big stuff at stake, I’d wait.”

  “Well, that’s what I’m doing.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet bag. She could feel the pearls through the cloth, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure she could hand them over. But after all, they were hers. And maybe they would convince Sutton. “Here.” She held the bag out to Cobb. “Give these to Sutton. Tell him there’s a lot more where these came from. And tell him Jimmy needs some new clothes.”

  Cobb peeked into the bag and gave a shrill whistle. “Girl, I think you’ve been tellin’ me the truth.”

  “So you’ll tell Sutton?”

  “Sure. Leave it to me.” He crammed the bag into his pocket and waved as he left.

  Danielle inhaled deeply. Jimmy would be safe now. And without that worry, she could plan her next step.

  She headed toward the bridge and started across to the downtown area. She’d walk to the market and then get one of the boys there to help her carry packages to the bus stop. She was more relaxed than she’d been in a long time.

  ❧

  Blake pressed his lips together and watched Danielle cross the bridge with a large basket swinging on her arm. He’d walked there from the theater to get some fresh air during the lunch break.

  He hated what Rhonda Vale was doing to Peg. For one thing, she was too old for the part. In her hands the innocent young farmer’s daughter had become unrecognizable.

  When he saw Danielle talking to the tough-looking young man, fear attacked him like a pack of wild dogs. Had she been accosted?

  He started to run to her rescue, to tear the ruffian away from her, but something in her relaxed manner stopped him. A twinge of disappointment pinched at his stomach and anger rose up. So his suspicions had been right. They must have been. Or why would she be hanging around the dock in deep conversation with that shady-looking character?

  She handed her companion a small bag. When the man turned to go, and Danielle headed toward the dock, Blake walked back to the end of the bridge to wait for her.

  She moved lightly, almost with a bounce in her step. Whatever she’d been up to, it must have made her happy.

  Jealousy sliced through him like a sword, and he caught his breath, shocked at the intensity of his feelings. Maybe he should leave. He took one step to head back to the theater.

  Danielle spotted him. She paused, her eyes widening, then continued the last few steps and stopped in front of Blake. “Good afternoon, Mr. Nelson.” Her voice trembled.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Gray. Visiting old friends?”

  “Yes, that is, I happened to run into an acquaintance.”

  “Did you just happen to be hanging around the docks, also?”

  Daniel
le took a deep breath and stood straight. Anger replaced the guilty look and she glared at Blake. “For your information, Mr. Nelson, I was on my way to the marketfor Sally and lost my way. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  Warmth flooded his face. What if she really had lost her way? Reason took over and he gave a short laugh. “So you mistakenly crossed the river on your way to the market?”

  She gasped and blushed. “No, I. . .uh. . .I lost my way before that, and when I saw how near I was to my old neighborhood, I decided to visit.”

  “Your old neighborhood? I didn’t know the orphanage was on the other side of the river.” There, get out of that one, you little crook.

  Her face flamed. “I had a life before the orphanage, for your information. Before my mother died.”

  At the quiver in her voice and the sight of tears threatening to overflow her enormous brown eyes, Blake’s heart lurched. Something told him she wasn’t faking this time.

  “Miss Gray, please forgive me.” He reached inside his coat and retrieved a handkerchief. The tears streamed down her cheeks now and he reached over and blotted at them. How could he have been such a brute?

  “Well, you don’t need to rub my face raw,” she sputtered, knocking his hand away.

  Indignant at the little waif’s ingratitude, he crammed the handkerchief into his pocket. “I wasn’t rubbing. I merely dabbed at your tears.”

  “Well, I don’t recall asking you to do that.”

  Blake took a deep breath. “I was merely trying to help.” He flagged down a passing taxi. “Get in. He’ll take you to the market and then wait and take you to the Kramers’.”

  “I don’t need—”

  Blake twisted his mouth in as sarcastic an expression as he could manage. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost and end up on the other side of the river again. I suspect Sally is waiting for her groceries.”

  He opened the door of the carriage and she flounced in. He paid the driver and gave him instructions. “Goodbye, Miss Gray.”

  ❧

  Danielle sat stiffly on the seat and watched Blake walk away. Her heart ached and she wanted to call to him. His tenderness, when she’d begun to cry, had taken her breath away, nearly causing her to lose her focus. She’d wanted to lean her head over on his strong chest and let him comfort her. But she couldn’t take the risk of falling in love with this man. She must keep her guard up, or he’d be sure to find her out.