Once a Thief Read online

  “You haven’t been to church since Easter.”

  Blake looked at her in surprise. “Has it really been that long?”

  She nodded. “Yes, it really has.”

  “I’ll go with you this Sunday. I promise.”

  “I think I’m going to hold you to that.” She smiled. “But there’s more, isn’t there?”

  Blake leaned back and gave a little laugh. “Yes, but it’s crazy.”

  “Why don’t you tell me about it.”

  “You’re not going to believe this, because I hardly believe it myself, but the one person who comes to mind when I think of Peg is Miss Gray.” There, he’d said it.

  “Danielle?” She frowned and gave him a puzzled look. “Can she act? Or sing?”

  Blake laughed. “Trust me, Mother. The girl can act quite well. And yes, I’ve heard her sing. She has a very good voice.”

  She stared at him, then her eyes widened. She bit her lip and smiled.

  “What?” Now what was she thinking?

  “Oh, I was just thinking you should probably talk to Danielle. Find out if she’s even interested in acting. She might not be.”

  Blake thought for a minute. Mother was right. But how could he find out if the girl had any interest in acting? He couldn’t just ask her outright, could he? And what would she think if he asked her to try out for the part? This was getting more and more complicated.

  “Well, dear. I’m sure you’ll know what to do. Now, I’m going to lie down and rest for a while. But you will pray about this, won’t you?” She put her cup down and stood.

  “Yes, I promise.”

  He smiled as she leaned over and gave him a tender kiss on his forehead. She closed the door softly behind her.

  Blake sat in the silence for a moment then closed his eyes. “Father, I’m sorry I’ve left You out of my life for so long. Please forgive me and show me what You want me to do. Remind me to keep You first, Father. Guide me in Your ways. Show me how to help Rhonda and Hannah. And let me know if You are the one putting the idea of Danielle in my mind or if it’s my own crazy idea. In the name of Jesus, amen.”

  Eight

  The storm that beat against the house, sending sheets of rain against the library windows, seemed but an echo of the storm in Danielle’s mind and heart. What was she going to do? She didn’t want to be a thief. It had seemed to her that someone, probably her mother’s Jesus, had kept her and her brother from such a fate. But that must have been her imagination. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be in the predicament she was in now.

  Surely there had to be a way. An honest, moral way to earn some money. Of course the fleeting thought she’d had about the theater was ridiculous. The play practices Sutton had insisted they perform didn’t count. She loved to sing, but she had no idea if she was any good. Probably not.

  Angrily, she swiped the tears from her eyes. Crying wouldn’t help. But a sob like a hiccup erupted from somewhere deep in her chest.

  “What in the. . . ?” Mrs. Parker had opened the door and stood staring at Danielle for a moment. Then she glided across the room, and Danielle found herself in the elderly woman’s comforting arms. “My dear, what has upset you so?”

  Danielle drew a sharp breath. “It’s. . .it’s nothing, ma’am. Nothing to worry yourself about.”

  “Nonsense. Something has you very distraught. Perhaps I can help.”

  Danielle’s mind grasped at the first thought that came to her mind and she blurted out, “I was thinking about my brother. I’m sorry.”

  “Oh, my poor girl, there’s nothing to be sorry for. Of course you’re sad about your brother’s death. That’s only natural.”

  Danielle groaned inwardly. She’d told a passel of lies to everyone and had no idea how to get out of them without getting herself and Jimmy thrown into jail. How could she have been so stupid? She’d never get away from Sutton anyway. She probably needed to make her way back there and throw herself on his mercy. But the revolting thought of his wet lips against her neck sent a wave of nausea through her, and she shuddered.

  Mrs. Parker’s arm tightened around her, and with her other hand, she smoothed back Danielle’s hair.

  Danielle sighed and closed her eyes. But almost immediately she opened them and sat up straight, gently removing herself from the woman’s arms. “You’re very kind, ma’am. I’m afraid I don’t deserve it.”

  “But of course you do. Everyone deserves kindness and compassion. And especially a sweet young lady like you.” She patted Danielle’s hand and rose from the sofa. “I do believe the rain has slowed down some. I’m taking food baskets to poor families in my church. Would you like to come with me?”

  “To the church?”

  “No, to their homes. Although it would be nice if you’d start attending services with us more often.” She peered at Danielle. “I don’t know how much you know about the Lord, dear. But I promise He can help you in your grief. There’s no problem too big or too small for Him.”

  “Why would He want to help me? I haven’t done anything for Him.”

  A look almost of pity crossed Mrs. Parker’s face, and then she smiled. “He wants to help you because He loves you, dear.”

  Did God really love her? Like Mama used to say? In spite of everything? If it was really true, then maybe He had led her here for a reason. Perhaps He had a plan all worked out to help Danielle and her brother.

  God, if You’re there, will You show me a way out of this situation?

  A tiny glimmer of hope made its way into her heart. Her curls bounced against her shoulders as she jumped up. “Let’s go get those baskets delivered.”

  A half hour later, the Kramer carriage pulled to a stop in front of a modest home. Danielle followed Mrs. Parker up the narrow dirt path to the front door.

  The lady inside invited them in.

  As they sat and visited with Mrs. Foster, Danielle glanced around the small room, nostalgia washing over her. The furnishings were old and the curtains and table coverings mended, but everything was spotlessly clean. Just as her home had been when she was small.

  A little girl, not more than three or four, came and stood by Danielle’s chair.

  Danielle smiled at the child.

  “Is it okay if I touch your hair?”

  “My hair? But why?”

  “It’s so shiny and I never saw hair that color before.”

  “Mildred, don’t be rude to the lady.” Mrs. Foster’s voice was filled with consternation.

  Mildred drew her little hand back before it made contact with Danielle’s curls.

  “But I don’t mind at all.” Danielle bent down.

  The little girl touched her locks and then drew her hand back and giggled.

  When they returned to the carriage, Mrs. Parker leaned back and sighed. “They have so little. Bob Foster was thrown from a horse last year. His neck was broken. Fanny does laundry and sewing to make a living for her two children. They manage, but it’s not easy. Yet she never complains and always gives thanks to the Lord for what He provides.”

  They visited two more families. Another widow with a child who was very nice then a woman who complained from the moment they stepped through the door.

  As they drove home, Mrs. Parker glanced at Danielle. “Don’t think too hard of her, dear. We all react differently to hardship.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” But Danielle thought her benefactress was all too kind. Perhaps I’m lacking in compassion.

  ❧

  The little stone chapel nestled between two brick tenement buildings that towered over it. Danielle didn’t remember the church being so small. But then, she’d only been nine years old the last time Mother had brought her here.

  Her hand trembled as she opened the door and stepped inside. Would the same minister be here? He’d seemed fairly old to her all those years ago. But, then again, she’d been only a child.

  The little sanctuary was unlighted except for the daylight seeping through the front window. Danielle shivered in the co
ld and shadows and glanced around the room, taking in the rickety benches. The church seemed to be deserted and she sighed, wondering if her venture would be in vain.

  The sound of a door opening at the back of the building drew her attention, and relief washed over her as someone entered. “Forgive me, miss. I didn’t know anyone was here. Have you been waiting long?”

  Danielle cleared her throat. “No, I came in only a moment ago.”

  He walked down the aisle and she saw a young man in everyday workman’s clothing. A janitor, perhaps?

  He drew near and stopped in front of her. “I’m Brother Paul, the minister here. May I be of assistance?”

  “Oh. You’re the minister?” Oh dear, she hoped the surprise in her voice hadn’t offended him.

  Smiling, he nodded. “I don’t suppose I look like one, do I?”

  Danielle’s face heated. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

  “You weren’t rude at all. Now, how may I help you?”

  “I. . .I. . .wonder if I could have a moment of your time.” Flustered, she turned. “Of course, I should have made an appointment. I’ll just leave and come another time.”

  “Appointments aren’t necessary here, I assure you. And of course I have time for you. Please don’t go. In fact, I’m fairly sure my wife will take me to task if I don’t bring you upstairs for a cup of tea.”

  “Upstairs?” Oh dear. How did she know this man in his dockworker’s clothing was a minister at all?

  “Yes, we live upstairs in a very modest apartment. It’s best that way, so we can be available if we’re needed.”

  “Paul, who is there?” A trilling voice came floating through the door and a young woman stepped through, her eyes laughing. “Oh, I’m sorry. If you’re having a meeting with someone, I’ll just go back up.”

  “No, no, my dear. This young lady wishes to speak to me, but we were just in the middle of introductions.” He turned, smiling at Danielle. “I believe you were just about to tell me your name?”

  Danielle swallowed and forced herself to relax. “I’m Danielle Grayson. My mother used to bring my brother and me here when we were children.”

  In no time, Danielle found herself being ushered up the stairs and into a cozy sitting room.

  The minister’s wife brought cups of hot tea and they looked expectantly at Danielle.

  “It’s just that. . .” Danielle hesitated, wondering how much to reveal. “You see, my mother used to tell me Jesus loved me and died for me. But I don’t understand what she meant. And I’ve done some things that I’m afraid might keep me from seeing my mother again.”

  Something passed through the minister’s eyes and he didn’t answer right away.

  “Should I tell you what I’ve done?” Oh God, help me to know what to say without getting Jimmy and me in trouble.

  “No, no, you don’t need to tell me anything you don’t wish to tell me. Confessing your sins to me isn’t how you get to heaven.” He picked up a leather-bound Bible from the side table and opened it. “But I can tell you what your mother meant and how you can be sure to see her again.”

  Relief hit Danielle like a burst of wind. “Oh, please do.”

  “Let me read to you from God’s Word. John 3:16 and 17 says, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ ”

  “Oh. I do believe in Him. I always have. Does that mean I get to go to heaven? Even though I’ve done wrong things?”

  “Well, let’s see what else the Bible has to say.” He turned a few more pages. “In 1 John 1:8 and 9, we read, ‘If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ ”

  “So I do need to confess?”

  “Only to Him. Not to me.”

  “Oh, He already knows.”

  A smile tipped Brother Paul’s lips. “Yes, but we still have to acknowledge our sins to Him.”

  “But I’ve done that.”

  “Well then, my dear child, you’re forgiven.”

  Joy washed over Danielle, so radiant and strong she felt she would burst from the intensity.

  “Then He really did save me.” Danielle felt her mouth split into a wide grin.

  “Absolutely.”

  Danielle left a few minutes later, her heart light and her eyes shining. It was all true. Just like Mama said. Danielle couldn’t wait to tell Mrs. Parker.

  Nine

  Blake smiled with satisfaction. It worked. The new parts actually made the play better, so Hannah and Rhonda had no suspicion he’d written them just so they’d have jobs. Bosley had convinced both actresses they’d be doing him a favor if they’d take the parts. They were both doing first-class jobs. Rhonda as the older sister and Hannah as Peg’s best friend. He watched them laughing together as they walked off stage and breathed a sigh of relief.

  Bosley walked down the aisle and flopped into the chair beside Blake. “I sent out a call for auditions for Peg. Let’s just hope someone shows up who can actually pull it off.”

  Blake cleared his throat. “Actually, I have someone in mind. She seems perfect for Peg. Of course, I realize she’ll have to audition and you have the final decision.”

  “A friend of yours?” Bosley threw a suspicious look in his direction. “Hey, you weren’t pulling a fast one on me, were you? Just to get some girl into the show?”

  “Of course not. Do you think I’d try to sabotage my own play? I don’t even know if Miss Gray will be interested.”

  “How much acting experience does she have?”

  “Er. . .I assure you she can act.” Okay, that was evasive, but he wanted to at least give Danielle a chance before Bosley found out she’d never been on a stage.

  “Well, okay. Auditions are next Monday. Eight in the morning.” He clapped Blake on the shoulder and walked away.

  Blake frowned. That gave him less than a week to talk to Danielle and coach her for the part. Maybe he was out of his mind, as Bosley suggested.

  And how was he going to even broach the subject to her? She’d probably think he was crazy.

  As he rode the elevated train home, he ran scenarios through his mind. Finally, he sighed and ran his hands through his hair. What had he been thinking? The girl probably couldn’t carry a tune. The few notes he’d heard her sing were probably an accident. And what if she couldn’t act at all? Except to get herself out of trouble.

  He moped through dinner, avoiding the glances his parents and Pop threw his way, then slammed out of the house and headed for the Kramers’. He might as well get it over with.

  Nell ushered him into the front parlor where he found the Kramers, Mrs. Parker, and Danielle having after-dinner coffee while the twins played on the floor in front of the fire.

  Mr. Kramer rose. “Hello, Blake. Come in and join us for coffee.” They shook hands.

  Blake sat in the only available seat, which happened to be on the sofa next to Danielle. He accepted a cup of coffee and made small talk while trying to decide how to speak to Danielle alone.

  Finally, when there was a lull in the conversation, he turned to Danielle. “Actually, Miss Gray, I wonder if I could have a word with you in private.” He felt everyone’s eyes on him as Danielle stared at him in surprise.

  Her face flamed. “Excuse me?”

  “I. . .uh. . .I need to speak to you about a business matter.” He felt curious looks leveled his way.

  “I. . .I suppose so.” She stood and gave a nervous glance toward Mrs. Kramer.

  “Why don’t you two go into the library, Danielle?” The lady smiled at the girl and then at Blake.

  He sensed their stares boring into his back as he followed Danielle down the hall and into the library.

  As soon as she’d cleared t
he door, she spun around to face him. “Mr. Nelson, I don’t know what game you are playing, but I hardly think you and I have any sort of business to discuss.”

  Why did she always have to be so cranky? Blake could feel anger rising. Swallowing hard, he pushed it down and smiled. “If you’ll sit down and give me a moment, I’ll explain.”

  “Well, all right. For a moment, then.” She sat in a wingback chair beside the window and motioned to its twin on the other side. “Please have a seat, Mr. Nelson.”

  He cleared his throat. “Miss Gray, have you ever done any acting?”

  “What?” She jumped up, fury on her face. “If you’re going to start your accusations again, you can leave right now.”

  “No, no, that’s not what I meant.” He stood and raked his hands through his hair. “Please.”

  She hesitated then took her seat again. “Will you please just say what you do mean?”

  He took a deep breath and sat down. “Very well. But promise you’ll hear me out.”

  She gave a slight nod.

  “Miss Gray, this might sound forward, but ever since I met you, I’ve had you in mind when I think of my main character, Peg.”

  Interest flickered in her eyes. “You have? Really?”

  “Yes. None of the actresses we’ve tried in the role have worked out. Would you be at all interested in auditioning for the part?”

  “Why, I. . .I don’t know.” Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

  He let out a slow breath. At least she hadn’t told him to leave again. “I’m very serious.”

  A dreamy look filled her eye. “But why me?”

  Good. She was considering it. “Because you look like Peg. And you have most of her mannerisms.” Never mind that before he’d met Danielle, Peg had been blond and blue-eyed. And he had to admit, she might have been a little too sweet.

  The corners of her mouth tilted and she pressed her lips together. “What do I need to do?”

  “So you’ll do it?” He couldn’t keep the excitement from his voice.

  “I’ll consider it. But what if I’m terrible?” The last word came out almost like a sigh.

  He grinned. “You won’t be. But auditions will be held soon. If you’ll permit it, I’d like to coach you.”