Once a Thief Read online

  “Of course. But are you sure about this?”

  “Very sure. Could you be free to begin soon? Very soon?”

  She nodded and grinned. “I’ll be ready.”

  ❧

  Moonlight streamed in through Danielle’s window. The day that had begun so wild and stormy had ended as calm and beautiful. She sighed and leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.

  Was it really true? Was the dream she’d barely dared to think about actually happening? Or was she dreaming now? If she opened her eyes, would she see the morning sun streaming instead of moonlight? Would she realize it had simply been another beautiful dream?

  She opened her eyes slowly and smiled at the moonlight. Silly girl.

  Blake’s face appeared in her mind. Had she noticed before how handsome he was? Yes, but she’d hardly let herself think about it. After all, he was the only one who didn’t believe in her innocence.

  Her heart leapt at a sudden thought. Had God, perhaps, been using Blake to convict her of her sin? If he had accepted her story right away, would she have gone on thinking she could get by with lying?

  Suddenly Danielle didn’t feel quite so good. It was time to tell the Kramers the truth. And Blake had a right to know, too. Maybe he wouldn’t use her in the show after all. But worse, what if he looked at her with hatred in his eyes?

  She groaned inwardly then took a deep breath. Whatever happened with the show, God would take care of her and Jimmy. For the first time in a long while, she truly believed that God loved her and she could trust Him.

  ❧

  “You’re asking me to put a girl with no acting experience in the lead role?” Bosley’s eyes widened and he raked his fingers through his hair as he stared at Blake. “Are you out of your mind?”

  After a restless night of being bombarded by his conscience, Blake had decided he needed to be honest with Bosley before going any further with his Danielle project. So after breakfast he’d come to Bosley’s downtown office. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to sell the idea, but he was so convinced that Danielle Gray was right for the part he had no intention of giving up.

  “Now hear me out, Bos. Think about Peg. She’s young and innocent. And the girl I have in mind can look so innocent she’d convince the angels.”

  “There’s more to the part than looking innocent,” the stage manager snapped. “Can she sing? Can she show a change of emotion? Can she follow instructions? Would she even be able to memorize her lines?”

  “Yes to everything.” He hoped. “Sings like an oriole. And remember, I’ll be there to coach her.”

  Bosley leaned back in his chair and sighed, tapping his fingers against the wooden desktop.

  Blake held his breath and waited.

  “All right. Bring her to the audition, as planned. But I’m not promising you anything. After all the trouble we’ve had with the wrong actresses and the new backer, I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

  Neither could Blake. What was he doing? He needed to have a serious talk with Miss Gray that very day.

  He whistled as he stepped onto the train and headed home. Should he stop at the Kramers’ house before he went home? It was still rather early. Maybe he’d go have a talk with Pop, whom he’d been avoiding lately. Mostly because of his grandfather’s keen insight into Blake’s heart and mind. But Pop could help. Give him tips on coaching Miss Gray.

  When he walked in the house, he tossed his hat on the hat rack, hung his coat on the coat tree and immediately went looking for Pop.

  Not finding him anywhere in the house, he headed out to the tool shed. Shivering without his coat, Blake walked over to Pop who was leaning over an old, blackened table. “What are you doing out here? It’s too cold.”

  Pop glanced up and grinned. “This old table was a prop in the last show we did before the fire. I found it in the rubble and kept it for sentimental reasons.”

  “Hmm. Sentimental because your theater burned to the ground?”

  “No, sentimental because it was the one show my Katie was in.”

  “Huh? What are you talking about, Pop? Mother wasn’t in vaudeville.”

  Pop groaned as he straightened his back. “Not vaudeville. That was New York City, before your grandmother died.”

  “Oh.” Confused, Blake stared at his grandfather. “You mean you weren’t in vaudeville here in Chicago?”

  “I’m sure I’ve told you before.”

  “No, all you ever talked about was vaudeville.”

  “Ah, I see I’ve neglected your education, lad. I was with an Irish troupe here in Chicago for years. Harrigan’s Music Hall and Theater was well known and well occupied day after day, night after night. We did musical comedy, mostly.”

  “But, I don’t understand what you meant about Mother. She wasn’t on the stage, was she?”

  “Hmm. You’d best be asking her about it. I’ll be in enough trouble for me slip of the tongue.” Blowing a gust of frosty air, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hands. “Now what were you wanting with me, to come out to this dingy shed?”

  Realizing he wouldn’t be getting anything more about the subject from Pop, he decided to bide his time. But the idea of Mother in a musical comedy both thrilled and disturbed him. “Could we go inside, Pop? I’d like to talk to you about something.” He nodded toward the table. “That is, if you’re finished out here.”

  “I am and we can. To be sure, I’m getting a mite cold.” He grinned. “But what can one expect? It’s almost November.”

  Blake grinned. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. That’s a week off.”

  “Guess I’ve got turkey on my mind.” Pop laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

  They settled themselves into the wingback chairs on either side of the library fireplace and Blake rang for coffee.

  “Make mine a wee bit Irish.” Pop grinned as June bit her lip and looked worried. “Just kidding, lass. Straight coffee for me, too.”

  When June had brought their coffee and left, Pop leaned back and peered at Blake. “Now, what’s so important you’d pull me away from my memories?” He smiled to soften the words.

  “I’ve decided to coach Miss Gray for the part of Peg. That is, she’s supposed to let me know today.”

  “I see.” Pop stirred his coffee for the second time. “And is Bosley in agreement?”

  “Well, not exactly, but he’s willing to let her audition.”

  “Hmm. I thought you couldn’t stand the sight of the lass.”

  “Yes, well, I think it’s possible I’ve misjudged her. And I can’t get the idea of her playing the part out of my head. So I have to try.” He blew on his coffee and took a sip. “I was wondering if you’d give me some advice.”

  “I see. And what about the other girl? Hannah, I think her name is?”

  “She and Rhonda Vale will be taking on a couple of new parts I wrote into the play.”

  A look of pride crossed Pop’s face. “You wrote parts just for them?”

  “Well, yes. You see, I found out that Rhonda. . .”

  “Was supporting her mother and sister?”

  “You knew?” Blake looked at his grandfather in surprise. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “Didn’t want to interfere. I prayed about it, though.”

  “You did?”

  “Well, yes. Don’t sound so surprised. What do you think I am, a heathen?”

  “Of course not, Pop. I just didn’t realize you knew about it. God really does care about our daily lives, doesn’t He?” He took a long sip of coffee.

  “I’m sure He does. Now, would you like some coaching tips for your young lady?”

  Blake choked on the hot liquid. And felt flames just as hot wash over his face. He should have known Pop would see right through him. He laughed. “I would be very grateful, Pop. Thanks for offering.”

  ❧

  “Will you stop overacting?”

  “What? Overacting?” Danielle glared at her tormentor and flung the scri
pt on the sofa. “I’m not overacting. Why do you have to be so critical?”

  “Oh, stop sulking.” He stepped closer and shook his finger practically in her face. “If you can’t take some simple criticism and follow suggestions, you’ll never make it in the theater.”

  She gasped and knocked his hand away. “How dare you? And I didn’t ask to be in your play. If you’ll recall, you asked me. Maybe you should find someone else.” She swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat, wishing she could take back what she’d just said. What if he thought she was serious? Or what if he decided to get even?

  She still hadn’t told Blake or the Kramers the truth. After all, she’d convinced herself, she had to find just the right moment and decide exactly how to bring it up. But in her heart, she knew she was simply making excuses. Having it constantly over her head was causing her to be short-tempered.

  He backed up and threw a contrite look her way. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to shake my finger at you.”

  Relief washed over her. “Well, all right. I may have spoken a little hastily. I’ll try not to ‘overact,’ as you call it.”

  Danielle forced a tight smile as Blake breathed a sigh of relief. The practices had been going well, and she knew she’d been doing a good job until today. The audition was tomorrow and her nerves were on edge. Apparently his were, too.

  “Shall I try again?”

  “Yes, please.” He picked up the script and handed it to her.

  “Thank you, Blake.” She wasn’t sure just when they’d switched to first names, but she was glad they had. She had discovered that once he stopped accusing her he wasn’t really so bad, after all. It would be nice if she could let her guard down so they could be friends. But of course, that wasn’t possible. Not until she found the courage to tell the truth. And after that, well. . .

  This time, the read-through went off without a hitch. Blake’s smile, as he congratulated her, was radiant, and she basked in it just for a moment.

  “Well, I guess I’m as ready as I can be. I’ll see you at the theater.”

  “Nonsense. I’ll pick you up in the buggy. No reason for your getting tired out before you get to the theater.”

  “Well then, thank you. I’ll see you in the morning.” She held her hand out to shake, but he smiled and bent over her hand. The slightest touch of his lips brushed across her fingers and a tingling sensation crept from her fingertips all the way up her arm.

  With a sharp intake of breath, she watched him walk away.

  Ten

  Danielle’s heart sank as she stood in the wings and watched the pretty blond actress read for the part of Peg. Perfectly. She was wonderful. What chance did Danielle have against someone so beautiful who obviously knew what she was doing?

  “Thank you, Miss Jackson. We’ll let you know our decision in a day or two.”

  The actress left the stage, and another girl with the same air of self-confidence took her place. She, too, seemed perfect to Danielle. Maybe she’d better leave before she made a complete fool of herself.

  “Miss Danielle Gray.”

  Danielle started at the sound of her name. She inhaled deeply then stepped onto the stage. She stood for a moment staring out into the shadowy cavern in front of her. She hadn’t known it would be like this. But maybe it was better that she didn’t see their faces. Perhaps that would be even more frightening.

  “Whenever you’re ready, Miss Gray.”

  As the disembodied voice called out, Danielle cleared her throat and stepped closer to the front of the stage. It seemed to her that she went through her lines in a daze, hardly knowing the line she’d just spoken and yet somehow finding the next. As the last word fell from her lips, she bowed and stumbled into the wings.

  You were terrible. Terrible. Thoughts bombarded Danielle as she hurried to the coat room. Everyone must be laughing that you would dare to try out for a part in this wonderful musical play. Blake must be so ashamed.

  Fighting back tears, she grabbed her coat and hat and hurried from the theater. She barely noticed the strong, biting wind as she rushed to the station.

  All the way home, she chided herself. Why had she thought she could do this? Why had she let Blake talk her into it? Pride, maybe? Or a desire for fame? She took a deep breath. No. There may have been a little bit of those, but her reason had been to make a way for Jimmy to have a better life. But why would God allow her this wonderful career when she hadn’t even obeyed Him and told the truth?

  She stepped from the train and was halfway down the street when she heard the clopping of a horse’s hooves against the brick street.

  “Danielle, wait, please.” She turned and saw Blake’s buggy rolling slowly along beside her.

  Unable to restrain the tears any longer, she turned her face away and burst into sobs.

  She felt strong arms around her, and Blake led her gently to the buggy and helped her in. He handed her a handkerchief and clicked at the horse. A moment later they pulled up in front of the Kramers’ house and he turned to her with a wide grin.

  “So you think it’s funny that I made a fool of myself?” she stammered.

  “Danielle, darling, look at me.” He took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes. “You got the part.”

  She gasped. Had he called her darling? Then the rest of his words sank in. “What? What did you say?” Her words were hardly more than a whisper, but it was all she could manage.

  “You got the part. You did a wonderful job and Bosley loves you.”

  A loud whoop came from somewhere, and she realized it came from her own mouth. “I got the part? Really? I’m going to be Peg? Are you sure, Blake?”

  He laughed and grabbed her hands, which were pounding his chest. “Unless there is another Danielle Gray around, I’m sure.”

  “Oh. Come in with me. We have to tell the Kramers and Mrs. Parker and Sally.”

  Arm in arm, they practically skipped up the walk and went inside.

  ❧

  Blake hummed Peg’s theme song as he drove next door and put the horse and buggy in the carriage house. As he went to find his mother and Pop to give them the news, reality hit him and he bit his lip. While it was true that Bosley had been impressed with Danielle’s freshness and her natural approach to Peg, what Blake hadn’t told Danielle was that Bosley was still uncertain that she could carry it off with the rest of the cast. They had one week of practices to prove to him that she could. If he had any doubts at that time, he would give the part to Susan Jackson.

  ❧

  “Sutton wants to see you, Danni.” Cobb leaned against the wobbly shed and gave her a sympathetic look. “He said you have to talk to him face to face.”

  Danielle bit her bottom lip and clenched her trembling hands into fists. She absolutely would not show fear. Not to Cobb or Sutton or anyone else.

  “I can’t imagine why. I said I have a job and will start paying him. Did you tell him that?” They’d been rehearsing for nearly two weeks now, and Danielle calculated she’d be getting her first paycheck in about three days.

  “Yeah. He said if you think the pittance you might earn from whatever you’re doing is gonna take care of what you owe him, you’re wrong, and he wants to know why you haven’t emptied out that safe yet.”

  “Well, I’m not wrong. He’s quoted what I owe him many times and I can pay if he’ll just be patient.” Danielle wasn’t exactly sure that was true, but she had to trust God.

  “And the safe?”

  “If I pay him back out of my wages, I shouldn’t have to touch the safe.”

  Cobb narrowed his eyes. “Are you going soft, Danni?”

  “No, of course not. I just don’t want to get caught and go to jail.” Okay, that was true, too. She should tell him about her newfound faith, but he’d just laugh at her. What should she do about Sutton? She’d almost rather face a wolf. However, if she didn’t go, he might do something to Jimmy just to spite her.

  “Okay, can’t blame you there. What about Sutton? You going to se
e him or not?”

  “All right. Let’s go now.”

  It wasn’t far. When they turned into the familiar alley, Danielle almost changed her mind. But her brother’s trusting face flashed in her mind, and sorrow assaulted her. Oh, Jimmy.

  Cobb unlocked the door and Danielle stepped through.

  “Danni!” Hobbling on his crutch, Jimmy thumped over and stopped short two feet from her. “Hi.”

  “Hi? Come here, you.” She rushed forward and grabbed him in a tight hug until he shoved her away.

  “Hey, stop the mush stuff.” He growled and blinked hard. But not hard enough to keep one tear from dropping from the corner of his eye. At twelve, Jimmy was small for his age but tried to make up for it in toughness. He had to at Sutton’s or the other boys would make life unbearable.

  “Okay, little brother. Sorry about that.”

  “It’s okay, I guess.” He grinned. “You’re just a girl.”

  “Well, well. And what have we here?” Sutton stood in the doorway to the kitchen, a mocking smile on his face.

  A chill swept over Danielle. Déjà vu took her back to the first day she stood in this room.

  “Hello, Sutton.” She forced a cheerful tone into her voice. She’d fooled him before.

  “Hello yourself, Danielle. And to what do we owe this unexpected visit?” His face had a few more wrinkles and there was gray in his hair, but otherwise he was the same as the first time she’d heard him say those words.

  “Here at your beck and call, of course.” She flashed a grin to make him think she was joking. “Besides, I wanted to see Jimmy.”

  “As you can see, your brother is doing well. After all, I’m quite fond of the boy and have taken good care of him. Right, Jimmy?”

  “Sure.” But something in her brother’s voice didn’t ring true.

  She examined him more closely. There were no visible bruises, so he hadn’t been beaten. And he didn’t appear deprived of food. So what was going on?

  Dread hit her. She knew what she had to do. “Maybe I’ll stay. I’m tired of living with those people.” She almost choked on the lie as she looked around at the squalor of the room. Apparently it had been cleaned very little since she’d been gone.