In Places Hidden

by Tracie Peterson

  “Yes. Yes.” He waved at her. “Go on. Get to work. This mess is mine to set straight.”

  Kenzie got to her feet with her stack of papers. “Don’t worry, Cousin George. I’ll come during my lunch break and straighten up. You have other things to tend to.”

  He looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “You are kindness itself. I must write to your mother and tell her how grateful I am for sending you to me.”

  Kenzie ignored the compliment and put the order forms and invoices on his desk.

  “Now, ladies, we must get to work. Christmas is soon upon us!”

  The girls made their way to the processing room, where newly made chocolates waited to be boxed. Camri’s thoughts kept returning to Patrick and his reprimand. She didn’t understand why he had so completely upset her. If she was wise, she’d avoid him altogether, but his help could prove invaluable in finding Caleb. And then there was the issue of his sister. Patrick had encouraged Camri to visit Ophelia, and who could deny a dying woman?

  “I love the smell of chocolate,” Judith said, pulling Camri from her introspection. “When I was a little girl, I remember begging my mother to buy me some when we were in town. We so seldom went to town that I was already beyond excited, but when we passed the candy store, I thought I was in a dream. I pressed my nose against the glass to better see the candy. My mother finally agreed to go inside, and I can still remember the smell of the chocolate. It reminds me of her now.”

  “You must miss her a great deal,” Kenzie said, tying ribbon around a finished box.

  “I do. She and my father were the only family I had. How I longed for brothers and sisters.” She frowned. “I don’t know why Mother told me there was no one left. I wish I’d known about her sister sooner. I suppose, however, if she had wanted me to know, she would have said something.” Judith pushed a box of candy toward Kenzie.

  “Well, before you know it, we will have found Caleb, and then we can locate your aunt.” Camri got up to fetch additional boxes of loose chocolates. She glanced down the table. “Where are the strawberry creams?”

  “Right here,” Judith replied, pointing to the box closest to Kenzie. “And the lemon is next to those.”

  Camri carefully removed the nearly empty boxes and replaced them with the full ones. She put the last pieces of candy from the old boxes atop the new and moved down the line to do the same for the other varieties.

  And so the morning passed. When lunchtime came, Kenzie disappeared into her cousin’s office and worked on the mess. Camri had considered offering her assistance, but she and Judith had already promised Mrs. Wong that they would pick up some groceries. It would be far easier to get them now than after work.

  By the time Camri and Judith did their shopping and returned, Kenzie had managed to put her cousin’s office in good order. There were still stacks of papers to sort through, but Kenzie had managed to get a head start on that as well.

  Camri unbuttoned her coat. “You have a talent for organization.”

  “That’s exactly what I told her,” Mr. Lake declared, coming in behind them. “I’ve never had such order to my office.”

  “I did work at a library,” Kenzie offered. “I know a bit about organizing files.”

  “That’s exactly why I’m taking you off chocolate work and putting you in charge of my office. The way you handled taking those orders a few minutes ago, as well as all that you’ve done here, makes me realize I’m wasting your talents.”

  “You’re going to work in the office now?” Judith asked.

  Camri frowned but lowered her head so no one would see. If anyone should have been placed in the office, it should have been her. She was the one who had an education and experience in running offices. She ran an entire department back at the women’s college in Chicago.

  Kenzie was saying something, but Camri missed it. She tried not to allow her feelings of jealousy but wasn’t able to squash them. She hated boxing chocolates, and had she known Mr. Lake was contemplating having someone take over his office, she would have volunteered.

  Why am I thinking this way? I’m only working this job to support the household until I find Caleb. There’s no sense in being jealous. Kenzie will remain here in San Francisco once I’ve accomplished what I came here to do. It isn’t like I’m staying. And even if I were, I wouldn’t work at the chocolate factory.

  She went back to work with Judith and tried to improve her spirits. Mr. Lake brought them one of the boys from the factory who’d helped them when they first arrived. He took over keeping them supplied with chocolates as well as securing the ribbons on the finished boxes. He was twice as fast as Kenzie. He tried to make small talk with the girls, but while Judith enjoyed this, Camri did not.

  By the end of the workday, Camri was wearier of her envy and petty thinking than she was of the physical labor. She had prayed at least a dozen times for God’s help, only to find herself wallowing in self-pity once more. In Chicago, she had been esteemed—highly regarded and all but put on a pedestal to be admired by all. Was that what this was about? She was glad no one could read her thoughts.

  The trio gathered their things to leave, but before they made it to the door, Mr. Lake appeared. His spirits were considerably lighter than they had been earlier that day. “Girls, I nearly forgot. I have something to give you.” He pulled some slips of paper from his pocket. “These are three tickets to a play that shows tonight. I’m certain you’ll enjoy the diversion.”

  Camri looked at the ticket he handed her. “The College Widow. I’ve heard of it but haven’t seen it.”

  “Neither have I,” Kenzie admitted.

  “I’ve never been to a play,” Judith said with such a look of delight that Camri knew they’d have to go.

  “I was given the tickets,” Mr. Lake admitted with a rare smile. “I hope you’ll go and enjoy yourselves.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Lake,” Camri said. “I’m glad to see that you’re in better spirits.”

  “I am. I am. I got word from a good friend of four strong young men he can send to work for me starting tomorrow. They’re lads he trusts with his life, and therefore I can trust them with my candy. Two shall stand guard at night, and the other two will help with production. Now we can go about our business with less concern.” He motioned to the tickets. “Now, go have fun.”

  “Oh, do say we can go,” Judith interjected, looking at Camri and Kenzie.

  “Of course. We’ll go and have a very nice time,” Kenzie answered before Camri had a chance. “But we’d best be on our way, or we’ll have very little time to change our clothes, have dinner, and still make the curtain rising.”

  “I’m so excited. Thank you, Mr. Lake!” Judith surprised them all by hugging the small man. Her action rendered Lake speechless for the first time since they’d met him.

  The ladies rushed to catch their trolley. If sheer desire could have hurried their journey, Camri knew they would have made it in record time. All the way home, Judith chattered about the play and what she would wear. Her enthusiasm helped Camri forget her sour mood and smile. By the time they’d finished dinner, Camri was nearly as excited as Judith. A play was probably just the thing she needed.

  At the end of the second act, Camri excused herself and made her way to the ladies’ room. She had enjoyed the comical antics of the players very much. The story was funny, and the enthusiasm of the audience had taken her mind off her troubles.

  Of course, it was impossible not to think of Caleb. He loved a good play and had taken her to several during their summer visit. Many times that evening, Camri had felt guilty for enjoying herself when Caleb’s condition was still unknown. He was her reason for being here—not plays.

  As she headed back to her seat, Camri startled at hearing her name called. She turned to find Mr. Ambrewster and another gentleman making their way toward her. They were dressed impeccably in stylish suits, looking for all the world as if they’d just stepped from their tailor’s shop.

  Camri smiled
as they drew near. “I’m surprised to see you, Mr. Ambrewster.”

  He smiled. “I could say the same. I was afraid you weren’t allowing yourself any pleasures at all. I know your brother would be delighted that you were taking a bit of time away from worrying about him.”

  “I admit to feeling guilty, but I know you’re right. Caleb would be the first to applaud my actions.”

  Henry turned to his friend. “Miss Coulter, may I present Frederick Johnston? His brother is married to my sister, so you might say we’re family.”

  She looked up at the distinguished man. Everything from the cut of his suit to the highly polished leather of his shoes suggested this was a man of means. “Mr. Johnston.”

  “I told Fred about our search for Caleb, and he’s agreed to help. He has many connections in parts of the city with which I’m unfamiliar.”

  Camri wondered if Mr. Johnston might be able to get to the bottom of her brother’s disappearance. There was a look of intelligence about him and, as she’d already surmised, one of money. Still, he had no reason to care about finding Caleb.

  “Mr. Johnston, I’m very grateful. Our parents are heartsick with worry over my brother’s disappearance.” She hesitated a moment. “I hope you won’t be offended by my outspoken nature, but I must add that I cannot afford to pay much for a search.”

  He studied her for a moment, then gave a slight smile. “You don’t offend in the least, Miss Coulter. I find it refreshing that a young woman would be so direct and yet . . . gracious. Let me put your mind at ease. I neither require your money nor expect it. I am happy to lend my aid. Henry tells me you’ve heard nothing in three months.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief at his reply. “It’s now nearly four. He was always faithful to write each month, and our last letter was in August. Henry and my brother’s friends pinpoint his disappearance at the end of August. His house servants confirm this as well.”

  “And you have no idea what might have happened?” Johnston asked, his gaze never leaving her face.

  “None. There was no mention in his letters of any trouble or pleasures that might cause him to forget himself and his duties. I know my brother has not willingly left his home and employment.”

  Johnston nodded. “I am sorry, Miss Coulter. I’ll do whatever I can to find answers for you. However, you must allow that after all this time, those answers may not be what you want to hear.”

  Camri frowned. “I realize that, but his disappearance was not what I wanted to hear either. I would rather know the truth, whatever it might be, than continue in ignorance.”

  Johnston reached into his pocket, took out a card, and extended it to Camri. “Take this. Should you need to reach me and Henry is not available, you may call my secretary. He will see that I get your message in a timely fashion. Again, I am sorry. I know this must be difficult for you. I will do my best to find out what I can.”

  Camri accepted the card, and as she did, Henry took her gloved hand and patted it. “Camri, I assure you that together we will leave no stone unturned. Caleb may have found his way into trouble, but Fred is a powerful ally, and you can trust him to be a man of his word.”

  Camri pulled back her hand, careful not to lose the card. “I appreciate your concerns and the help you’ve both offered. Now, however, I must get back to my friends before the third act begins.”

  She hurried back to her seat with a mixed sense of gratitude and uneasiness. Mr. Johnston appeared to be sincere in his offer, but she still didn’t trust Henry Ambrewster. He had lied to her, even if it was to keep her from worrying. Lies of any kind didn’t sit well with her. Trust had always been an important issue to Camri, and maybe the most important element of any relationship.

  “Ye need to be honest with her,” Ophelia told her brother. “Ye know that it never serves ye well to lie.”

  “I haven’t lied. I just haven’t told her everything. There’s no dishonesty in that.” But even as Patrick spoke, he felt guilt well up inside.

  Ophelia pulled her shawl closer as they sat near the stove, discussing Caleb and Camri. “There are sins of omission, ye know. Ye should just tell her everythin’ and trust the good Lord to take care of the rest.”

  “And for sure ye’d be doin’ it that way, but me and the good Lord are having a bit of a donnybrook.”

  She giggled at this. “You’re not makin’ out very well, are ye?”

  Patrick rolled his eyes. “Leave off with it.”

  “I won’t. Ye can’t blame me for wantin’ ye to make peace with God. After all, I’m soon to join Him, and it would break my heart if ye weren’t goin’ to follow.”

  Patrick felt his anger drain. He could see the dark halo around her eyes. Every day she slipped a little closer to the grave. “I’m sorry, Ophelia. My mood is not one for company.”

  “I know you’re frettin’ about Caleb, but more’s to be accomplished in prayer than worry.”

  “I remember Ma sayin’ that.” He smiled and put his arm around her.

  “’Tis true,” Ophelia said, smiling up at him. “You’re a good man and brother, Paddy, but ye need to make right with God. He’s not to be blamed for our troubles. That’d be on the devil himself.”

  “Aye. But God allowed for it. Ye can’t be sayin’ He’s all powerful and not accept that.”

  Ophelia looked back to the stove. “God is all powerful, but the devil and man are always interferin’. The world is full of sin, Paddy, but ye don’t have to be addin’ to it. Tell Camri the truth of what ye did and what ye know. Tell her lest someone else do it.”

  “I’ll tell her when the time is right, and not until.” He got up and stretched. “I’m thinkin’ it’s time for bed. I’ve got work tomorrow, helpin’ Mr. Flannery muck out stables down south of the city. I’ll be headin’ out early and back late. Folks’ll be checkin’ in on ye through the day and bringin’ ye somethin’ to eat as well.”

  “I’m happy to call it a day,” she said. “I’ve housekeepin’ and cookin’ to do on the morrow. Maybe even a little dancin’ in the evening.”

  Patrick picked her up and hugged her close. “You’re a treasure, Ophelia. Ye always make me smile. I wish ye could be well enough to tend to all those things—especially the dancin’.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I will be soon enough. And don’t ye be frettin’ for me. I know ye’ll miss me just like we miss Ma and Da, but once ye let go of yer anger with God, ye’ll be confident of seein’ us again in heaven. And I’ll be a dancin’ there for sure.”

  “Aye,” he murmured, feeling tears dampen his eyes. He didn’t want to think about losing Ophelia, and yet even now, holding her skeletal body in his arms, he knew he could do nothing to stop it.

  She’s all I have left, Lord, but You’re goin’ to take her anyway. Ye might be all powerful, but Ye don’t seem all that kind. How am I to make peace with Ye when Ye seem only to want to hurt me?

  That night Patrick tossed and turned in his sleep. He dreamed of his father’s death and the anger he’d taken on, knowing that someone had murdered him. He dreamed too of Caleb and his disappearance. Then, against his will, he dreamed of Camri Coulter. He saw them arm in arm, walking along a rocky shore. She was laughing, happy to be with him, and in his dream, he knew they were in love. But then everything went terribly wrong, and Camri was ripped from his arms and taken away, while some of the men he’d blamed for his father’s death began to beat him. They demanded he forget about the Coulters, then left him battered and bleeding, facedown in the sand.

  Patrick gave up on sleep just before dawn. There was no sense staying abed, enduring nightmares and thrashing about, while his dying sister slept just feet away. At least his noise hadn’t seemed to bother her, and for that he was grateful. The last thing he wanted to do was rob Ophelia of peace.

  In the kitchen, Patrick put on the kettle for tea and then made a small pot of oatmeal. He’d eat his portion and leave the rest for Ophelia. Hopefully she’d feel like eating something. Mrs. Ryan, the landlady
, had promised to come first thing that morning. She would see the cereal and try to entice Ophelia to have some. Patrick didn’t imagine Mrs. Ryan would have much success.

  The kettle began to whistle, and Patrick took it from the burner. He felt swallowed up in sorrow. The doctor had told them Ophelia wouldn’t last out the year, and the end of December was only a few weeks away. How could he say good-bye to her? She was all that was left to him of Ma and Da. He heaved a sigh. He felt so helpless.

  Glancing heavenward, Patrick shook his head. “Lord, I know I’ve been a bitter man, but if Ye could just see Yer way to helpin’ Ophelia, I’d be grateful. If keepin’ her from pain means takin’ her, then I’m willin’ to let her go. I wouldn’t see her suffer.”

  He ran his fingers through his unruly hair and sighed. “I’m tryin’ to let go my anger, but Lord, Ye know all the wrong that’s been done to my family. I don’t understand why Ye let it happen this way, and it troubles me deep in my spirit. You’re supposed to be lovin’ and full of justice and mercy, but I don’t see any of that. Please help me. Let our name be vindicated. Let me reclaim the company our Da built.”

  Thoughts of Camri came to mind. She was a feisty one to be sure—just like his ma. He had felt the attraction between them, but he also knew it was impossible for anything to ever come of it.

  “Help me keep my heart guarded. I don’t want to make problems where none exist. Give me strength to do what I must do. And Lord, let me find Caleb . . . alive.”

  CHAPTER

  11

  The next morning at breakfast, Camri shared with Judith and Kenzie about her encounter with Ambrewster and Johnston.

  “Mr. Johnston seems to be a moneyed and influential individual, to hear Mr. Ambrewster tell it. I’ve never heard of him myself.” Camri shrugged and helped herself to some scrambled eggs and a couple pieces of bacon. She placed her napkin in her lap and continued to tell Judith and Kenzie her thoughts on the matter. “Mr. Johnston seemed quite willing to help—Mr. Ambrewster, too. Of course, I have no way of knowing if they’re being honest with me.” She began to butter a piece of toast. “I’d like to believe Mr. Ambrewster, but he’s already lied to me, and once my trust is lost, it’s difficult to regain.”