Once a Thief Page 4

  When they arrived at the market, Danielle politely sent the driver on his way. It was only a few blocks from the Kramer home. She hurried through her errand at the market and headed toward home with the full basket on her arm.

  Home? Sadness and shame washed over her. How could she consider the Kramer house her home and still plan to rob them?

  The Kramer children were playing in the front yard, laughing and kicking at the fallen leaves. Her heart twisted within her. How Jimmy would love such a wonderful place to enjoy. She stiffened her neck and lifted her chin. She would do anything for her little brother. And yet, she couldn’t prevent the nausea that stirred in her stomach.

  She went around to the kitchen door and entered. “I’m sorry it took so long, Sally. I was detained.” There, that much at least was true.

  Sally patted Danielle on the shoulder. “I was about to send someone to look for you. I was starting to worry. There are so many ruffians running around Chicago nowadays.”

  Even Sally cared about her. Impulsively, Danielle reached over and hugged the kind and motherly cook. “I’m fine. Didn’t see a single ruffian. Do you need my help?”

  “The meatloaf is ready to go into the oven. I’ll get the potatoes in, too. Pies are cooling. Salad is in the icebox. You run along. Maybe after dinner, you could set the breakfast table.”

  “I’ll be happy to.”

  “Make sure to use the napkins in the second drawer.”

  Danielle smiled. “I will.”

  She went upstairs to her room. When the door closed behind her, she walked to the window and dropped into the rocking chair with a sigh.

  She’d been elated when things had worked out so well with Cobb. Then the shock of seeing Blake and knowing he’d seen her with one of the gang members had weakened her confidence. The emotions she’d experienced in his presence were almost her undoing. She had to be strong and steel herself against Blake Nelson and the Kramers, too, if necessary. But how could she repay their kindness with theft and deceit? How could she when her conscience stabbed her over and over again? Oh, what would her mother think of her?

  “Mama, I’m so sorry. I know you must be ashamed of me. Is Jesus ashamed of me, too? Yes, of course He is.”

  And then a horrible thought crossed her mind. What if she couldn’t go to heaven someday? What if she couldn’t see her mother again?

  Five

  Blake sat in the empty auditorium. His stomach churned and a stabbing pain that had begun at his left temple had now reached his eye. He rubbed his left eyelid and stared at the stage.

  A shriek, which should have been a bubble of laughter, emitted from the lead actress’s lips and Blake jumped up from his seat. “No! This won’t do at all.”

  Rhonda huffed and tossed an indignant glare his way. “Again? What’s wrong this time?”

  Bosley, the manager and director, ran his fingers through his unruly hair then threw his arms up. This was the third time since the noon break that Blake had interrupted. He walked down the plush carpeted aisle, grabbed Bosley by one arm, and pulled him aside. “I thought you were going to talk to her about the atrocious way she’s playing this part.”

  Bosley grimaced. “I did talk to her, over lunch. Bought her Chateaubriand with béarnaise sauce. Do you have any idea what that cost me?” He sighed and shook his head. “When I suggested Peg might need to be toned down a bit, she had no idea what I was talking about. Didn’t get it at all.”

  “Then you need to find another actress to play the lead. Rhonda is ruining the play. The woman has turned Peg into a coarse, loud-mouthed wench instead of the soft and innocent serving girl I created. This ruins the whole story.”

  The stage manager sighed and gave a slight nod. “You’re right. But this means shutting down until we find our actress.”

  Blake bit the inside of his lip. “Sorry. But I want Peg right.”

  “I know. I suppose the understudy could read her lines until we find the right girl for the part. That way, the schedule won’t get so far behind.” He frowned. “We have a new potential backer for the show. I’d hate to lose him due to a time delay.”

  Blake smiled and patted him on the back. “I’m sure you’ll find her soon. You know every actress in town.”

  “Yeah, well, I may know them, but that doesn’t mean they’re available. I’d better break the news to Rhonda and tell the cast of the change in plans.”

  Blake nodded and walked out of the theater. He stood for a moment, viewing the bustling activity of afternoon shoppers. He supposed he shouldn’t get so upset. It didn’t help that he couldn’t get Danielle Gray out of his thoughts. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he was falling in love. But that was ludicrous. Him? In love with a thief and a trickster?

  He stomped off down Randolph Street past several theaters and headed into the cold wind toward State Street and the elevated train. Halfway down the block, he changed his mind and turned down a side street. He’d rather walk home today. Maybe the brisk air would clear his thoughts. Or at least distract him from them.

  He picked up his pace. But no matter how fast he walked, he couldn’t get Danielle’s lovely face from his mind.

  ❧

  Late afternoon shadows lay across the parlor, and the flames in the fireplace crackled. An aura of well-being soothed Danielle as she leaned back against the sofa’s cushions. The day had taken more out of her than she’d realized.

  For years, Danielle had dreaded the day when Sutton would send her out into the crowded city to pick pockets or take part in a store robbery. Then, year after year, she’d begun to relax. Perhaps he wouldn’t ask it of them. Sutton liked her and Jimmy and kept them both busy around the house. When the woman who cooked for them didn’t show up one day, Danielle took over those duties. And she and Jimmy kept the old house as clean as possible with twelve boys tumbling around the place. When the dreaded day arrived and Sutton decided to punish her for evading his advances, Danielle had almost thrown up. But Cobb had instructed her to be their lookout, and she’d felt reprieved once more. But now?

  Danielle looked around the parlor. Exquisite lace doilies rested on every table and even on the backs of chairs and sofas. A set of gold candelabra graced the mantel above the fireplace, and an expensive painting hung on the wall above. Everything her eyes rested on, including the lace doilies, was obviously top quality and worth more money than Danielle had seen in her lifetime. But they would be impossible to steal. Oh, she could probably stuff one of the lacy cloths in her pocket from time to time, but Sutton would never be satisfied with that.

  She knew exactly what he’d tell her. Go for the jewels. But the jewels, diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and more lay on soft satin trays in blue velvet boxes in the bedrooms. And the most valuable were more than likely in a safe somewhere. How would she ever be able to get to them? In the daytime, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Kramer were in and out, and when they weren’t there, Sally was. Occasionally, the family went out at night. Sometimes Danielle went, too, but it would be easy to plead a headache. Yes, that would be the smartest plan.

  Her breathing quickened as panic washed over her. Sitting here wasn’t such a good idea. She jumped up. Perhaps Sally could use some help in the kitchen, or maybe the clothes on the line were dry. . .anything to get these thoughts out of her head.

  At the first step, Danielle realized her skirt was caught. Reaching down, she pulled up on the edge of the cushion and gasped. A gold locket lay bunched up, the broken clasp bright against the red of her skirt.

  Heart racing, Danielle reached down and gently removed the fabric from the clasp. Perspiration beaded her upper lip and her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She looked at the locket and chain resting on her palm. Diamonds twinkled around the edges of the gold heart. Her fingers closed around it. Glancing around to be sure no one observed her actions, she opened her hand and let the locket slide smoothly into her pocket.

  Sadness flooded over her. For the first time, since she was ten years old and desperate to keep
Jimmy from starving, she had stolen.

  Holding back tears, Danielle rushed from the room and up the stairs. Her soft bed welcomed her and she closed her eyes and wept.

  A soft tapping woke her, and she sat up. “Yes?”

  “Dinner is about to be served, my dear. Are you all right?” Mrs. Parker’s sweet, musical voice sounded worried.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I had a headache, but it’s gone now. I must have fallen asleep. I’ll be right down.”

  Hurriedly, she splashed water over her face and dried it with a fluffy towel. The face powder she dabbed beneath her eyes erased all traces of the tears she’d shed. At least she hoped so.

  “Ah, there she is.” Mrs. Kramer gave a weak smile when Danielle came downstairs. “We waited for you, my dear.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” She noticed Mrs. Kramer seemed agitated. What could be wrong? Could she possible know Danielle had taken the necklace?

  After dinner, Danielle helped Sally with the dishes and set the table for breakfast and then decided to return to her room. As she passed the library door, she heard voices. She peered in and saw Mr. Kramer down on his knees peering under the sofa while his wife stood over him.

  “But, Benjamin, I’m sure I wasn’t in this room today. I couldn’t have lost it here.”

  Mr. Kramer stood up and sighed loudly. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ve looked in every nook and cranny.”

  Oh no. They were searching for the locket. Danielle was sure of it. “Is something wrong?” she asked, stepping into the room.

  “My wife lost a necklace.” Mr. Kramer’s hair was tousled and his face red from scooting around furniture. Danielle tried not to stare. She’d never seen Mr. Kramer anything but impeccably groomed before.

  “But not just any necklace. Benjamin, you know I wouldn’t carry on over any other piece of jewelry.” Tears filled Mrs. Kramer’s eyes and threatened to spill over as she looked up at her husband. “It’s special because you gave it to me on our wedding day.”

  Cold fingers clamped around Danielle’s heart and she felt faint. Oh no. What had she done? “Have you looked all over the house?”

  “No, we still need to look in the parlor and dining room,” Mr. Kramer said.

  “Would you like for me to help you search?” Danielle asked. She knew what she had to do.

  Mrs. Kramer reached over and touched her hand. “That would be very kind of you, Danielle.”

  Danielle followed the Kramers into the parlor and began to pretend to look. While they searched by the window, Danielle stooped down behind the sofa and removed the necklace from her pocket. “Is this it?” She asked breathlessly, standing and holding out her open hand.

  With a little cry, Mrs. Kramer rushed across the room and took the locket from Danielle’s hand. “Oh, my dear, you’ve found it.”

  “It was beneath the sofa.” Danielle cringed at the lie.

  “Oh. Look, Benjamin, the clasp is broken. It must have fallen off when I was in here earlier.” She reached over and hugged Danielle tightly then stood back and beamed. “My dear, how can I thank you?”

  Danielle gazed in wonder at the joy on Amelia Kramer’s face. What if she had taken the locket to Sutton earlier? Her kind and gentle hostess would have been heartbroken.

  ❧

  Blake hurried down the stairs. He was anxious to get to the theater and see how practice went today with the understudy reading Peg.

  “Good morning, son,” his mother said and smiled as he walked into the breakfast room.

  “Good morning, Mother. You’re mighty chipper today.”

  “Yes, it’s always nice to hear good news first thing in the morning.”

  “What good news?”

  “Well, when I went outside for a breath of air, Amelia and her mother walked by. They had quite an adventure yesterday.” She paused. For effect, Blake was sure.

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, it seems Amelia lost her gold locket. She said she was totally devastated.”

  Blake’s stomach knotted. Danielle. She’d done it again. “I wouldn’t say that was good news, Mother.”

  She laughed. “Well, of course not, you silly. The good news was that the locket has been found. They were searching in the parlor and Danielle found it underneath the sofa.”

  Unexplainable relief shot through him. If the girl had found the locket, she’d obviously had the perfect opportunity to slip it into a pocket. Maybe he had been wrong about her all along. “I see. And I agree, that’s very good news.”

  Blake went to the sideboard and filled a plate with bacon, eggs, and toast. He set them on the table and sat down. “Umm. Good breakfast.”

  “Hilda’s breakfasts are always good. But I’m glad you appreciate her cooking.”

  “Indeed, I do. Where’s Pop?”

  “He went for a walk. I hope he doesn’t overdo it. He said something about going to the theater after a while to watch the practice.”

  “Good. He hasn’t been down there in some time.” Blake was actually glad Pop hadn’t seen the way Rhonda had messed up the part of his leading lady.

  “How is Peg in Dreamland coming along?”

  Blake looked at his mother in surprise. He hadn’t realized she even knew the name of his musical comedy. “We’re having a little bit of a problem finding the right actress to play the part of Peg. Other than that, it’s going fine.”

  “I can’t wait until opening night.” Her eyes danced with excitement.

  “You mean you’re coming to see it?” This he hadn’t expected, and delight filled him.

  “Of course I am. You didn’t think I’d miss your play, did you? I’m pretty sure your father will be there, too. Can you reserve a box for us?”

  “Father? Are you sure? I most certainly can and will. If everything comes together, we hope to open two weeks before Christmas.”

  Blake whistled as he walked down the street to the nearest El station. He’d been trying to talk his father into buying a motor car, but so far, he wouldn’t consider it. So Blake walked to the parts of town that boasted the elevated trains while his father still rode to work in their horse-drawn carriage. He wondered if his father would ever catch up with modern technology.

  When he arrived at the theater, Bosley grinned. “Good news. We won’t have to use the understudy after all. I think I’ve found our star.”

  Six

  Why, why, why? Danielle stomped across the floor and flopped down on the rocking chair by the window. She must have been out of her mind last night. That locket would have been a substantial deposit against what she owed Sutton. It would have shown him she wasn’t ducking out on him.

  She had always been strong. Had to be to take care of Jimmy. Even after Sutton had taken them in, Danielle had remained on guard, always. Because she knew she was the only one who really cared what happened to her brother. And Mama would have expected her to take good care of him. What was happening to her? Turning her to mush?

  Okay, so the Kramers had been good to her. Was that any reason to melt like she’d done? To forget about Jimmy?

  A door slammed and Danielle glanced out the window. Blake Nelson stepped off the porch next door and headed down the sidewalk. Probably on his way to the theater. Envy stabbed at her. If she was wealthy like the Nelsons, she wouldn’t be walking anywhere. Why didn’t he take his buggy or ride in the family carriage? She flung herself back in the chair, a frown on her face. Why should it matter to her what Blake did? Let him walk his feet off for all she cared.

  She jumped up. She might as well go downstairs and see if Sally needed her help. No sense in brooding over yesterday’s mistakes. She’d keep her wits about her from now on.

  Danielle started down the stairs. The smell of bacon and eggs wafted up from the kitchen, causing Danielle’s stomach to rumble.

  “Ah, there you are.” In the downstairs hall, Mrs. Parker held her hand out to Danielle and they walked into the dining room together.

  Breakfast was
already laid out on the sideboard, and the coffee urn was steaming. They filled their plates and sat at the table where Mrs. Kramer and her boys sat. The twins were eagerly devouring pancakes dripping with butter and syrup. There was no sign of Mr. Kramer, who often had to be at the bank early.

  Mrs. Kramer beamed at Danielle. “My dear, I simply haven’t the words to convey my appreciation for your finding my locket.”

  Danielle felt warmth rush to her face. “It. . .was nothing, really. I merely happened to look in the right place.”

  “Well, I’m grateful, nevertheless.”

  Nell, the parlor maid, appeared at the door. “Mrs. Nelson is here, ma’am.”

  “Thank you, Nell. Please ask her to come in.”

  A moment later, Blake’s mother stepped into the room, a smile on her lips and her eyes sparkling. Danielle bit her lip. The lady had her son’s eyes. Or she supposed it was the other way around.

  “Would you like some breakfast, Katherine?” Mrs. Kramer asked, rising.

  “No, no, sit down. I’ll just get a cup of coffee.” She brought her coffee cup and saucer and sat next to Danielle. Reaching over, she patted her on the arm. “How are you getting along, dear?”

  “I’m doing very well, thank you.”

  “Wonderful. I have a favor to ask.”

  “Oh. Of course I’ll help you in any way possible.”

  Mrs. Nelson laughed. “Don’t look so fearful, my dear. I’ve decided to go to the theater and take a look at my son’s masterpiece. It would be nice to have some company. There, does that sound terribly frightful?”

  Danielle attempted to keep her face composed as excitement poured over her. She’d never been to a theater and had to admit she was curious about Blake’s musical comedy. She grinned. He’d probably be furious when he saw her. “Not a bit frightful. I’d be happy to accompany you.”