“Well, I suppose I am the start of this assembly line,” Camri announced.
The plan was for her to take up a new box and load it from the loose chocolates that had been placed in front of her. Next, Judith would do the same with the chocolates she’d been given. Once the box was full, Kenzie would secure the lid and ribbon before gently placing it into a large crate that Sam periodically removed and replaced. It was all very orderly and allowed the men, who previously had helped with the packaging, as well as Cousin George, to return to full-time work on the factory floor.
Kenzie and her friends were able to package the chocolates with lightning speed. Even Cousin George was impressed when he returned to check on their work. He opened one of the boxes just to ensure the girls were packing them correctly, then praised their work before disappearing again. By the time the workday concluded, there were a great many crates full of Lake Boxed Candies and an ache in Kenzie’s shoulders that left her longing for a hot bath.
On the cable-car ride back to their neighborhood, Kenzie sat wedged between Camri and Judith. She watched the world go by and tried her best not to think about Arthur. But no matter where she sent her thoughts, Arthur was there.
Why? Why had he left her at the altar? Why had he suddenly decided not to marry her when he had been the one to press for their union in the first place?
Kenzie had known from the start of their courtship that nothing would come of it. Arthur belonged to a family with old money and plenty of it. Their name made everyone sit up and take notice. He certainly wouldn’t want a wife from a merchant family. Kenzie also had an obligation to care for her aging parents and had set her mind and heart on that task. She made all of this clear to Arthur.
Arthur, however, didn’t care about social standing or Kenzie’s plans for her parents. He insisted he could make her change her mind—that she would fall as madly in love with him as he had with her. She continued to resist his invitations and gifts until he finally claimed to accept her terms. They would just be good friends and enjoy each other’s company. He wouldn’t push her for marriage or mention his love again until the day that she declared her love for him. Which Kenzie felt certain she would never do.
It seemed a reasonable compromise, and she had been certain no harm could come of it. She was so very wrong. It was easy enough to remember the day, even the very hour, that she had realized the truth. The library was closing for the day, and she was putting away the last of the returned books when she spied a young couple hidden in one of the dimly lit aisles. The man and woman were in each other’s arms, passionately kissing, completely lost in the rapture of each other.
Somewhere deep in her heart, an ache began, and Kenzie knew she’d lost control of her arrangement with Arthur. She wanted to be that woman. She wanted to be in Arthur’s arms, lost in his kiss. Hopelessly in love.
That evening, when Arthur arrived to escort her to a concert, he almost immediately sensed that things had changed, but still Kenzie couldn’t admit her heart.
It was only when her parents announced that her mother’s poor spinster cousin planned to come live with them in return for seeing to her parents’ needs that Kenzie began to reconsider. If her parents didn’t need her to remain at home, then there was no reason she couldn’t return Arthur’s love and marry him.
“Are you coming with us, or do you plan to ride around the city this evening?” Camri asked.
Kenzie glanced up to see that they had reached their stop. “Oh, I apologize. I’m rather tired.”
She followed Camri and Judith from the cable car and began the two-block trudge uphill to Caleb Coulter’s house. The deep sadness she’d felt since Arthur’s abandonment threatened to overwhelm her. She put her hand to her temple, as if to ward off any further thoughts of what might have been.
“Do you have a headache?” Camri asked.
Kenzie nodded. “I do. I think I shall just go right to bed. I’m not hungry, and the extra sleep will do me good.”
Camri looked at her like she might protest Kenzie’s decision, but she said nothing and kept walking, much to Kenzie’s relief. The less that was said about her predicament, the better.
Camri knew her next move was to meet Caleb’s employer, Henry Ambrewster. The only problem was that with her work schedule, it was impossible to meet him during the day. She decided her only option was to invite him to the house. She felt certain that if she explained the situation, he would understand. Caleb had spoken of him as a friendly and generous man.
She placed a call to Ambrewster’s office and told the man who answered the phone why she was calling. “I’m Caleb Coulter’s sister, and would like to leave a message for Mr. Ambrewster.”
“You needn’t leave a message, Miss Coulter. This is Henry Ambrewster. What may I do for you?”
She lost no time. “I’m here in San Francisco to look for my brother. I wondered if you might have time to stop by his house and visit with me one evening. I have some questions.”
There was a long pause on the other line. Finally, Mr. Ambrewster responded. “I’d be happy to come. When did you have in mind?”
“The sooner the better. I’ve taken some temporary work here in the city, and it consumes my days. Otherwise I’d make an appointment to come to your office.”
“Nonsense. There’s no need for that. Are you free this evening? I was just leaving the office and could come by on my way home.”
Camri breathed a sigh of relief. She wouldn’t have to wait before getting to talk to one of the last people to see her brother. “Tonight would be fine. Thank you.”
“I should be there in about half an hour.”
She hung up and looked at the clock. She needed to change from her work clothes and clean up. It wouldn’t do to meet Mr. Ambrewster looking as exhausted as she felt.
Upstairs, she found Judith ironing and made a request. “My brother’s employer is coming here soon. Would help me dress my hair?”
Judith smiled and put aside the iron. “I’d be happy to.”
“Just give me a few minutes to clean up. Oh, meanwhile, would you please find Mrs. Wong and let her know we’re going to have a guest?”
“Of course.”
Judith made her way downstairs while Camri hurried to make herself presentable.
With just a couple of minutes to spare, Judith put the finishing touches on Camri’s hair. She handed Camri a mirror. “I hope this is acceptable.”
“I wish it weren’t such a bother. I’ve heard that many women are cutting their hair short. Can you imagine women wearing their hair cut like a man’s? Sometimes I think it would be a wonderful freedom. I may try it.”
Camri surveyed Judith’s work. The style was elegant. Judith had managed to sweep Camri’s long brown hair back, then make several braids, all of which she interwove and pinned into a neat bun.
“It’s perfect. Thank you so much.” Camri heard the doorbell chime. “I suppose that’s him.” She handed Judith the mirror, then glanced down at her gown. Fashioned from mauve silk in the latest princess-style, the gown was perfect for entertaining guests, yet reserved enough for church. The sleeves puffed out from the top and were banded at the elbow. She didn’t bother with gloves, even though for some it was still very much the fashion.
“Miss Camri, Mr. Ambrewster is here,” Mrs. Wong announced at Camri’s open door.
“Thank you. Did you put him in the sitting room?”
“Yes. I bring tea and cake.”
Camri smiled. “Thank you, that would be lovely.”
She made her way down the stairs with Mrs. Wong following some paces behind. Camri paused in the doorway to the sitting room and took a moment to study the older gentleman who stood by the fireplace. He wore a double-breasted gray wool suit, white shirt, and dark burgundy tie. He was distinguished in appearance, looking well-bred and meticulously groomed.
“Mr. Ambrewster?”
He looked up and smiled. “Indeed.”
Camri stepped forward. “I�
�m Camrianne Coulter, Caleb’s sister.” She crossed the room and took a seat in Caleb’s leather wingback chair. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Ambrewster.”
“Please call me Henry. Caleb always did, and I should very much like for you to do so as well.”
“All right. You may call me Camri.”
He smiled and took a seat on the sofa. “Camrianne. Such an unusual name.”
“Yes. A combination of both parents’, Cameron and Anne.”
“Ah, yes. I like it very much.”
She nodded. “So do I, but Camri suits me better.” She smoothed the skirt of her silk gown. “Thank you for being willing to come. I’ve just arrived in San Francisco and am desperate to learn anything I can about my brother’s disappearance.”
“I would like to learn about it as well.”
“So you know nothing?” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.
“About his disappearance? No.” He leaned back and crossed his legs. “It’s as if he fell off the earth. There’s been no sign of him.”
Camri tried to control her emotions. “I’m so worried. This ordeal has cost my parents their health, and our sister, Catherine, is seeing to them while I search for him.”
The older man frowned. “This is hardly a task for a young woman.”
“I believe a woman is just as qualified to set up a search as a man.”
“I meant no insult. It’s just that this town is full of dangers.”
She nodded. “Be that as it may, I’m hoping you might tell me about the last time you saw my brother.”
Ambrewster’s bushy brows drew together as he frowned. “It would have been the Friday he went missing. He was at work, and we discussed several cases. Your brother was carrying a heavy load of work—we both were. Our office had been inundated with requests after your brother managed to have Patrick Murdock found innocent of murder.”
“Patrick Murdock?” She tried to remember Caleb mentioning the name.
“Yes, he’s a contractor. He and his father once owned a successful construction business, and we handled all of their legal dealings. When his father fell to his death, Patrick declared it murder and began to pursue the men he believed responsible. When one of those men turned up dead, Mr. Murdock was charged with murder. We generally don’t handle murder cases. Our tasks are mostly directed at corporations and their legal affairs, but Caleb was determined to defend Mr. Murdock. It was quite the sensation at the time. There was noise made about graft and political influence, as well as substandard construction.” Henry shrugged and smiled. “But when isn’t there? This town runs rampant with corruption.”
“Caleb mentioned that in his letters. I suppose all big cities suffer from such things. Chicago has more than its fair share of political corruption.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” The mantel clock began to chime the hour. Ambrewster leaned forward. “I wonder, Miss Coulter . . . Camri. Could we perhaps continue our discussion over dinner? I’m famished and would be honored if you would accompany me.”
Camri considered for a moment. It wasn’t as if he were asking her out for a romantic interlude. “I suppose it only right that I accept. After all, I’m the one keeping you from your meal.”
A smile spread across his face. “Wonderful. I have my car outside and know a lovely restaurant not far from here.”
An hour later, they were seated in a nearby restaurant, enjoying a sumptuous dinner of creamed scallops and prawns.
“This is one of my favorite places to dine,” Henry told her. “When my wife died, I found eating at home held less joy. I make the rounds most evenings to a variety of my favorite places.”
“How long have you been a widower?”
“Four years. My Agnes died just a year before your brother joined my practice. I was difficult to work for after her death, and the two men I employed quickly found positions elsewhere. Then your brother arrived and . . . well, I must say he was a breath of fresh air. His faith in God helped bring me back from the brink of despair.”
“That sounds like Caleb.” She smiled and enjoyed another bite of seafood before continuing. “I hope you don’t think me insulting when I pose this next question.”
“Of course not. You needn’t fear. Be blunt with me.” He smiled, and his blue eyes seemed to twinkle. “I doubt anything you say can put me in a bad frame of mind. This meal is pure pleasure to me.”
Camri heard the flirtatious note to his voice. She didn’t want to encourage him, but neither did she wish to alienate him. Despite what he said, she knew that men scorned could be just as difficult to contend with as women.
“Why is it you’ve done nothing to find Caleb?”
His right brow arched. “Who says I haven’t?”
Camri dabbed her mouth with her linen napkin. “I’m sorry. That was presumptuous of me.”
Ambrewster relaxed. “All is forgiven. But you should know that I did look for Caleb. At first I thought his disappearance had something to do with his interest in Patrick Murdock’s sister.”
“His sister?”
Ambrewster smiled. “Yes, I think they were taken with each other. Caleb seemed preoccupied with her—always wanting to do things for her. He would take time away from the office to escort her places. It was, I’m sure, quite respectful . . . but romance seemed obvious.”
“He said nothing about having any interest in someone.” Camri tried to imagine Caleb keeping such a secret from her. It wasn’t at all like him. “But I can’t imagine even that would cause him to become so irresponsible as to let his parents worry.”
“You would be surprised the power a beautiful woman can have over a man.” He gave her a surprising wink. “When he disappeared, I thought perhaps he had eloped. But when he didn’t return, I feared there might be another reason.”
“Did you ever speak to the young woman?”
“No. I spoke to her brother, though, who assured me they’d seen nothing of Caleb. After that I hired a man to search. He turned up nothing. He looked for leads, but as I said earlier . . . it was as if your brother vanished into thin air.”
“But no one can really vanish. He has to be somewhere. Our parents are worried half to death.” She put down her fork. “I have to find out what’s happened to him. Even if . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to finish her thought.
“My dear, don’t fret. I’m sure now that you’re here, we’ll find him.”
She lifted her face to meet his gaze. “I’d like to believe that. I must have hope, otherwise I fear I will despair. However, it isn’t like Caleb to leave us guessing.”
“No. He has always been a very responsible young man. Still, I don’t want you to fret. I find you much too pleasurable a companion to allow you to brood. I will redouble my efforts and report directly to you on my findings. In the meantime, perhaps you would do me the honor of letting me take you to the opera on Friday night.”
Camri shook her head. “Mr. Ambrewster . . . Henry, I appreciate the compliment you pay me, but I am not interested in anything more than finding my brother. When that task is resolved, my plan is to return to Chicago. I have a position there with a women’s college and very much wish to take up my duties once this is resolved.”
His expression grew serious. “This may take some time, Camrianne. You have to accept that your brother may not even be in the city.”
“I realize that, but it doesn’t matter. Until I know what happened to him, my focus must remain on my search.”
CHAPTER
5
Their first Sunday in San Francisco, Camri insisted they attend Caleb’s church. She explained to Judith and Kenzie that they might find someone there who could give them clues about Caleb’s disappearance. After that, if they desired to attend a different church of their choosing, she would completely understand.
The day was rainy and cold, but the girls made the short walk nonetheless. The miserable weather made them grateful for the warmth of the sanctuary, despite the curious looks of
the congregation. Camri enjoyed singing hymns and listening to Pastor Fisher speak on Christ’s birth. Prophecies from the Old Testament were the focus of his sermon. He stressed to the congregation the anticipation that the Jewish people would have felt, looking for their Messiah to come. They had watched and waited for years—centuries—and still nothing.
“But the Messiah didn’t come to them as they thought He would. They expected a fierce king to come and set them free—to bring them success and prosperity—to set all that was wrong right again. They were watching, even searching, but they weren’t looking in the right place.”
His message about their hopes and desires struck a chord with Camri, especially Pastor Fisher’s comment about the Jewish people not looking in the right place. Where was the right place to look for Caleb?
The sermon continued with the pastor sharing verses from Isaiah and other Old Testament books that gave insight as to where Jesus would be born. Camri glanced at Judith and Kenzie. Though they had come into her life unexpectedly, Camri already felt as if they had all been friends for a very long time. Still, she couldn’t help but remember the last time she’d visited this church, when Caleb had been at her side instead. His absence at the house and now here at church left a desperate emptiness within her.
Camri tried to keep her thoughts on the spirit of the holiday to come. She didn’t want her situation to cause Judith and Kenzie to think her less than joyful for God’s blessings. She glanced up, determined to pay closer attention to the sermon, when the room began to shake.
Kenzie gasped, and Judith reached to take hold of the pew in front of them. This was nothing like the little tremor they’d felt before. This was a noticeable earthquake.
Pastor Fisher held fast to the pulpit and waited until the shaking stopped. He smiled down at the congregation. “As Luke tells us in the twenty-first chapter, ‘And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.’ But we needn’t be afraid. These things must happen, and though the very foundations be shaken . . . we will not be moved, for we are the children of God, and He will watch over us with tender care.”
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