Once a Thief Read online

  “Good, the carriage will be here to pick you up at ten o’clock.”

  After Mrs. Nelson left, Danielle rushed upstairs and tried on several outfits before deciding on an emerald green skirt and jacket. She wondered if Blake liked emerald green then blushed at her thoughts. What did she care what Blake liked?

  True to her word, Mrs. Nelson arrived at exactly ten. The ancient coachman opened the door for Danielle and she sank into the plush cushioned seat beside her hostess. Guilt pinged at her mind. She should be in her bedroom making plans to free her brother instead of riding in a posh carriage with a fur-draped rich woman. Oh, but it felt so good.

  If only she and Jimmy hadn’t had such bad breaks. If only their father hadn’t died, leaving their mother destitute. If only Mama hadn’t died giving birth to a child who never drew a breath. She squeezed her lids shut against the tears that threatened to flood her eyes. She wouldn’t give in to tears. She wouldn’t.

  ❧

  It wasn’t that the new actress was vulgar, like the last one. She tried. Blake had to give her that. But, she wasn’t Peg. At least, not the Peg he’d created. The girl was young and willing to give it everything she had. It simply wasn’t working. Blake shook his head at Bosley and heard the man groan as he walked over.

  “Let’s give her another try. I really think she can do it.”

  Blake sighed and nodded.

  “Okay, Hannah, let’s try it one more time.” Bosley threw the girl a gentle smile. “You almost had it, honey. But try to be gentle without being soppy.”

  Blake turned at the sound of the doors opening. His mother stood there and someone else was right behind her. His stomach lurched as Danielle stepped into view. And suddenly he knew.

  Ever since he’d laid eyes on the girl, it was the vision of her that had transposed itself upon his image of Peg. He felt his eyes widen at the revelation. But that was ridiculous. This girl was as different from his sweet, innocent heroine as night was to day. “Mother, what a surprise.”

  “A pleasant one, I hope.” She smiled. “Do you mind if Danielle and I watch the practice? I promise we won’t get in the way.”

  “I’d be delighted, of course.” He looked at her, puzzled. “Does Father know you’re here?”

  “For your information, I don’t have to tell your father my every move. . .but, yes, I told him my plans for the day.”

  “Here, let me take your wraps.” He removed his mother’s fur stole then held his hand out for the coat Danielle had removed. His fingers barely touched hers, but a thrill went through him and he inhaled sharply.

  Her face turned pink and she quickly turned and took a seat next to his mother.

  Confusion washed over Blake. If she was the type of girl he’d believed her to be, why would she blush over the brush of his fingers against hers? But what about the shady character he’d seen her with down by the docks? A nice girl wouldn’t associate with such as that.

  “All right, folks. Break is over. Let’s get to work.”

  At the sound of Bosley’s voice, Blake shook himself from the disturbing thoughts. The cast drifted back onto the stage and began once more to go through their lines. Everyone was doing great except for Hannah.

  After Blake had interrupted her for the third time, he saw tears flooding her eyes. She nodded and started over from the beginning.

  He turned and glanced toward his mother and caught a look of total awe on Danielle’s face. She seemed enraptured with the simple practice. Like she was watching a first-class performance. Was it possible he was being unreasonable with Hannah? Were his expectations for his Peg, perhaps, too high?

  When Bosley broke for lunch, Blake’s mother thanked Blake and said goodbye.

  “But I was going to take you both to lunch, Mother. There’s a wonderful little café nearby I thought you might enjoy.”

  “Another time, son. I’m rather tired and need to get home. But I love your play, except for the leading lady. She didn’t seem quite right for the part.”

  “Mother, you’re amazing. I was beginning to think it was just me being too picky. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Blake grinned and somehow his joy must have flowed over onto Danielle, because she smiled so brightly it sent a ray of sunshine into his heart.

  Blake watched as the Nelson carriage pulled away. He sighed. He needed to find out once and for all about the mysterious Miss Gray. But how?

  He walked to the bridge and leaned against a rail, looking across at block after dingy block of factories and crowded tenements. The dock teemed with laborers, and children played, laughing and sometimes shouting in anger. He hoped to catch a glimpse of the redheaded man Danielle had seemed so chummy with the other day. Maybe he could convince him to tell what he knew about her.

  He was about to give up and leave when the sun glinted off a red mop headed down one of the back alleys. From the build and the way the man walked, Blake was almost sure it was the same man. “Hey, there!” Blake started across the bridge at a fast pace, almost running by the time he reached the dock side. He spun around the corner and headed two blocks down to the alley, only to find it empty except for a couple of stray cats snarling at each other.

  Frustrated, he straightened his tie and headed back to the theater, feeling a little foolish. Why was it so important for him to find out about the girl? The obvious answer was that he was attracted to her, but he’d been attracted to plenty of girls without getting obsessed like this. But didn’t he need to protect his mother and her friends? Of course. Next time, he wouldn’t stand on the bridge. He’d walk the streets and alleys in his search.

  ❧

  The swing creaked as Danielle swung slowly beneath the big oak in the backyard. It was pleasantly sunny this afternoon, but she probably wouldn’t have known if it was snowing. Her mind and all her emotions were focused on one thing.

  The magic of the morning lingered with her. She’d never known anything like it. Ever. As the actors and actresses had read their lines for Blake’s enchanting musical, Peg in Dreamland, Danielle had been transported into each character. Only one of the musical numbers had been performed, but the atmosphere on the stage seemed to be filled with music anyway. Blake must be the most talented writer and songwriter ever to create something so marvelous. Oh, how she wished she could be there every day, feasting her eyes and ears on such wonder.

  She was jerked from her reverie as Wooly came charging at her from across the yard.

  “No, no. Bad dog.” Too late. His front paws were on her lap, and his rough, wet tongue lapped her face.

  Spitting and wiping her mouth, Danielle finally managed to shove the beast away. She didn’t know why he seemed to like her so much. She didn’t think much of him at all. Her skirt was a wet and filthy mess now. She’d have to change.

  She stomped in through the kitchen door, letting it slam behind her.

  “Uh oh. Looks like Wooly got you again.” Sally shook her head sympathetically, but Danielle didn’t miss the grin the good-natured cook tried to hide.

  “I don’t know why that dog jumps on me every time he sees me. His slobber kisses are awful.”

  “I think he just likes you, sweetie.” She handed her a towel.

  “Well, he can take his affection somewhere else,” Danielle complained, wiping at her skirt.

  “A dog’s affection is nothing to slight, you know.”

  “Umm hmm. Easy enough for you to say. You aren’t the one who gets attacked every time you step out the door.”

  Sally’s laugh followed her all the way upstairs.

  After Danielle had changed, she sat in the chair by the window and leaned back, lost once more in her thoughts. She wouldn’t have to worry here about being trounced on by that monster of a dog.

  Danielle closed her eyes. What would it be like to act in a play? As the thought struck her, her eyes flew open and she sat up straight. Would it be possible for her to get a part in a show? She could sing a little. Sutton used to tell her she had a voice like an a
ngel. And she’d never had any trouble mimicking others. Surely acting couldn’t be that much different.

  Could this be an opportunity for her to pay off Sutton without resorting to crime? Maybe this could be God answering her prayer. She shook her head. Why would He do that for her when she’d been telling lies and making plans to steal from her benefactors?

  “I wonder how much money an actress earns.” The words, spoken aloud, sent a bolt of excitement coursing through her.

  Seven

  Where had the excitement gone? Blake walked into the theater and glanced around. His masterpiece had lost its glow. Was it the lead actress’s fault or was it the play itself? He wasn’t sure.

  Bosley stood in the wings talking to someone. None of the cast was in sight.

  Blake walked up the stage steps and stopped short at the sight of Rhonda Vale’s red face.

  Bosley patted Miss Vale’s arm, while murmuring something in her ear. She nodded and walked away.

  Blake frowned and approached the manager. “What’s she doing here? Not trying to get her part back, I hope.”

  Bosley narrowed his eyes and stuck a cigar in his mouth. “No, she was asking for a part as an extra.”

  He stared at Bosley. “What? With as much experience as she has?”

  “That’s right.” Bosley struck a match and puffed on his cigar until it lit. “Most of the upcoming shows already have a full cast. And Rhonda can’t afford to wait. She takes care of her mother and kid sister.”

  Blake’s stomach tightened. “I didn’t know. Do we have anything for her?”

  “ ’Fraid not. All the parts are filled and everyone seems to be working out, except for Hannah.” He heaved a loud sigh. “She can’t seem to get Peg’s character right, either.”

  “I know. Maybe she’ll do better today.”

  “Maybe. I hope so. Mr. Vaughan says the prospective backer won’t be put off much longer. He wants to see the show soon. But if we can’t get Peg right, there’s no way he’ll invest a dime.”

  Great. Vaughan was their main backer, but he’d made it clear if no one else came in to help he’d probably drop his support.

  Blake sat and cringed throughout the practice. Whether Hannah knew she wasn’t playing the part the way Blake and Bosley wanted it or something else was bothering her, she stumbled over the simplest lines. Her frustration threw the whole cast off. But Blake felt so guilty about Rhonda Vale he couldn’t bring himself to ask Bosley to fire her.

  He chewed on his bottom lip. Without the right actress, maybe he needed to let Peg in Dreamland go. But maybe. . . He snapped his fingers and left the theater, whistling Peg’s theme song.

  ❧

  Danielle glanced around and darted behind the shed where she and Cobb had agreed to meet. Where was he?

  A shadow loomed beside her and she started, clutching her stomach. A large dog trotted on past her with barely a glance.

  Relieved, she pressed her hand against her heart and inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly. Peeking around the shed, she peered up toward the bridge, squinting in the early afternoon sun. All she needed was for Blake Nelson to show up. She’d never be able to convince him she was here by accident.

  A shock of red hair and a burly set of shoulders sauntered toward her. Cobb. Finally.

  She grabbed him by his shirtsleeve and pulled him behind the shed. “What took you so long?”

  “Got held up, Danni. Don’t be so crabby. I’m only five minutes late.”

  “Fifteen is more like it.” She took a deep breath. “What did Sutton say?”

  Cobb grinned. “He said you better be tellin’ the truth or you and your brother might end up in the river.”

  A vivid picture of Jimmy sinking in the filthy Chicago River popped into Danielle’s mind, and she shuddered. “You tell Sutton I’m not lying. I took a solid gold chain and locket.” There, that was true. He didn’t need to know she gave it back.

  “So where is it?”

  “Somewhere safe. I’m still waiting for an opportunity to get at the wall safe. As soon as I do, I’ll take what I can and get out of there.”

  Cobb’s narrowed his eyes. “Don’t double-cross him, Danni. He wasn’t kidding about the river.”

  “I know. How’s Jimmy? Did you give him my letter?”

  “Yeah. He sent you this.” He pulled a scrap of paper from his coat pocket. Danielle reached for it and he jerked it back, laughing.

  “Give it here, Cobb, or I’ll clobber you.” She doubled her fist and glared.

  With his head thrown back, Cobb guffawed. “Like you could. But here you go. I was just teasing.”

  She took the small scrap he offered her and clutched it tightly.

  “Thank you, Cobb,” she whispered. She reached into her pocket and retrieved an envelope. “Here, will you take this one to him?”

  Not for the first time, Danielle was thankful for the tutor Sutton had provided. Even if the man did show up drunk half the time, he was brilliant, a scholar. He not only taught them to read and write but also to speak correctly and to use social graces. Sutton had laughed and said their skills might be useful someday.

  Cobb took the letter. “Sure, Danni. Be careful. I know you learned a lot in the practices, and you were good, but this is the real thing. If you get caught, you’ll land in prison, and there won’t be any blarnin’ your way out of it.”

  Danielle fought the moisture burning the backs of her eyes. Cobb had been her friend ever since the day he’d rescued her and Jimmy. But could she really trust him? She took his hand. “I’ll be careful. I promise. And you’ll watch after Jimmy?”

  “You know I will. Anyone tries anything with Jimbo, they answer to me.”

  She took comfort in his words. No one would dare hurt Jimmy with Cobb around. That is, no one but Sutton, if he took the notion. Even Cobb was afraid of him.

  On the walk to the El station, snow began to fall. She picked up her speed and breathed a sigh of relief when she stepped into the crowded car. A short ride brought her near the Kramers’ home.

  A sharp wind slapped her face as she stepped onto the sidewalk. At least it had stopped snowing. A typical October teaser. She pulled her fur-trimmed hood up around her face and crammed gloved hands into the pockets of her warm coat, thankful for the gift from Mrs. Kramer. After a short walk, she burst through the door and headed for the kitchen. Warmth from the cookstove welcomed her.

  “Well, look at those rosy cheeks, young lady. Get over here by the stove and thaw out.” Sally bustled over and took Danielle’s coat and hat.

  “Thanks, Sally. It’s getting colder and the wind is really strong.” She walked across the linoleum-covered floor and rubbed her hands together to warm them. The wonderful aroma of stewing chicken rising from the big soup pot tickled her taste buds. She sighed.

  If only Jimmy were here. If only they could both live in a big, safe, warm house like this forever.

  ❧

  The roaring fire in the library drew Blake like a magnet. He hung his coat on the coat tree in the foyer and stepped through the heavy double doors. Finding the room empty, Blake warmed his hands briefly then went in search of his mother.

  He found her in the front parlor in her little rocking chair near the corner fireplace, her knitting needles clicking as the dancing flames crackled and popped.

  When he entered the room, she glanced up and smiled. “Blake, come by the fire and warm yourself. You look frozen.” She raised her cheek to his kiss and motioned to the wingback chair across from her.

  “I believe I will, Mother.” He sat down and cleared his throat, wondering where to begin.

  She gave him a glance and laid her knitting on the small round table beside her. “What’s wrong, son?”

  “I’m not sure if anything is wrong, except perhaps with me. But I do need to talk to you, if you have the time.”

  “I always have time for you. You know that.” She leaned forward and peered at him then rang the bell on the table.

  He str
ummed his fingers on the arm of the chair and shifted. “Several things are on my mind. I thought perhaps you could help me get them straight.”

  She nodded but didn’t offer any comment, so he continued. “Well, we’ve run into a problem with the leading lady. We can’t seem to find the right actress for the part of Peg.”

  “You rang, ma’am?” June stood in the doorway.

  “Yes, dear. Please bring a cup of strong coffee for my son and a cup of tea for me. Maybe some of those Russian tea cakes as well.” She smiled at the girl who curtsied and left the room.

  Blake sighed and continued. “I was instrumental in getting the first actress who played the part fired.” He looked down at his shoes. “Today, I found out she is the sole support of her mother and a young sister.”

  “Ah, I see.” She lifted her eyebrows. “So what are you going to do?”

  Blake felt his lips turn up in a grin. She knew him so well. “What makes you think I’m going to do anything?”

  The dimple beside her mouth dipped and seemed to wink at him. “I think I know my son pretty well by now. You have something in mind.”

  “You’re right. I do. You see, she is really a fine actress. So is the actress who replaced her. But they simply aren’t right for the part.”

  June entered with a tray and poured the hot drinks. “Will that be all?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Blake smiled at the girl and she left the room, closing the door softly behind her. He stirred his coffee and took a sip of the hot liquid.

  “So, I’m going to write a part in for them. Something big enough to make them happy but not so big that the backers will complain. Perhaps friends of Peg, or maybe one could be her older sister.”

  “But that still leaves you without a leading lady.”

  “Umm hmm.” Blake picked up his spoon and gave full attention to stirring his coffee again. But the action didn’t stop the vision of Danielle’s enormous eyes.

  “Have you prayed about it?”

  Guilt stabbed at him. When was the last time he’d prayed or even picked up his Bible?