After her father shared this, Caleb would play the piano and lead the guests in singing Christmas songs. “Silent Night.” “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.” So many old favorites and a few new songs as well. Caleb always kept an eye out for the latest tunes.
She smiled and picked up one of Caleb’s pens. Turning it in her hand, she tried to picture him sitting there at the desk—holding it as he prepared to write her a letter.
“I feel like there’s so little I can do. I came here thinking it wouldn’t be that difficult to find you, Caleb. I had this strange sense of confidence that it was nothing more than a misunderstanding—that I’d get here and find you, and you’d be safe.”
She rolled the pen between her fingers. “Am I doing enough? Is there something I’m missing?” She sighed. Maybe the situation was like that old saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees.
“You must come back to us,” she whispered. She fought off a wave of despair. “You will come back to us.” She glanced heavenward. “Please bring him back to us.”
She heard someone in the hall and got up quickly, losing her grip on the pen. When she bent to retrieve it, she found it had rolled completely under the desk. She thought about leaving it there, then feared the ink might leak out onto the beautiful Aubusson rug she’d helped pick out.
With a sigh, she carefully dropped to her knees and crawled under the desk. She had just reached the pen when she hit her head. She dropped to her stomach and reached up to rub her head, seeing stars.
Looking up, she was puzzled at what she found. There was some sort of box protruding out of the underside of the desk. It wasn’t large at all, but long and narrow, and stuck out just enough to become an obstacle to anyone crawling under the desk.
“What in the world is this?” It clearly didn’t belong there. Perhaps Caleb had put it there.
She reached up and pulled on the box. It gave a little, but not much. Camri backed out from under the desk and got to her feet. She needed something to pry it from the desk. She spied the thick, silver letter opener. Surely that would be strong enough.
She picked it up and returned beneath the desk. This time she stretched out on her back and reached overhead. Working the letter opener into the small space between the box and desk, she managed to work it loose. When it finally pulled away a bit, Camri gave a yank.
The box dropped into her hand, and inside she found multiple pages of paper rolled tight and tied with string. As quick as she could manage, she wriggled out of the small space and got to her feet. She untied the string and spread the pages atop Caleb’s desk.
The first few were lists of names and amounts of money—a bookkeeping page of sorts. She ran her finger down the list, not recognizing many of the names. She turned page after page and came to the conclusion that this was a list of money received by someone. Then she found a page that listed numerous businesses. Again there were amounts of money recorded at the side, but this time there were notes made as well.
Owes $30,000 to Parker, Inc. Agree to pay this in return for assistance with Whitson merger. She frowned. What did it mean?
She came to the final piece of paper and found it was nothing like the others. This was a handbill for a business called Daniels’ Dance Hall. The lewd sketches of women nearly made her put it aside, but just as she looked away, she saw the name Liling written in Caleb’s hand. Beneath this was another name.
“Wong,” she whispered. Beside the name was written Room 210 with a question mark.
Liling? Wong? Did the names go together? Was it someone related to the Wongs, or did Liling mean something else in Chinese? What about the room number? Was it a room at this dance hall, or had this piece of paper just been utilized to jot down a note? Surely it wasn’t the kind of place Caleb would venture.
She sat for a long time, staring at the handbill. Something inside told her this was the answer to finding Caleb, but for the life of her, she didn’t know how it fit or what it meant. One thing was certain. It was well past time to have a talk with Mr. and Mrs. Wong.
Patrick awoke at the sound of knocking on his front door. He was exhausted from his night of manhandling drunks and keeping brawlers from destroying the dance hall and had little desire to crawl out of bed, even if it was just past four o’clock in the afternoon.
“Aye?” he said in a questioning tone as he pulled back the door.
He was surprised to find Mr. Wong outside. Before he could speak, however, the gardener extended a piece of paper. “Miss Coulter send this. You tell me yes or no.”
Patrick yawned and forced his eyes to focus on the brief missive. It was an invitation to celebrate Christmas with Camri and her friends.
Please come share Christmas dinner with us at two o’clock tomorrow.
Camri
He couldn’t help but smile. “Tell her for sure, I’ll be happy to come.”
Mr. Wong smiled and bobbed several times before he left. Patrick stood for a moment in the open doorway, staring after the little man. An invitation to spend Christmas with Camri was definitely worth getting up early for.
He closed the door and yawned again. He glanced at the clock and tried to figure out whether to go back to bed or not. Malcolm Daniels intended to throw quite the Christmas Eve gala, and Patrick knew he’d need his mind to be sharp. Working for Daniels didn’t preclude pickpockets from trying to steal what little he had, and Patrick had learned rather quickly that Daniels’ bartender wasn’t the only one slipping things into the drinks. More than one man had tried to kill another by lacing his drink with poison. Of course, Daniels’ attitude about the latter was that so long as his workers weren’t bothered in the process, anything was allowed.
Seeing as how he’d have to be to work in less than two hours, Patrick decided to stay up. He put some water on to heat, determined to clean up as best he could before reporting to Daniels. Not that it would matter. After only minutes in the smoky, heavily perfumed dance hall, Patrick had no doubt he’d smell just as bad as everyone else.
He glanced in the mirror. It wouldn’t hurt to trim his hair and beard a bit. He was starting to look rather scraggly. Since losing their business, Patrick had relied on Ophelia to cut his hair, but now he’d have to tend to the matter himself. There was no extra coin to be paying a barber.
Thoughts of Camri came to mind as he took the scissors in hand. He had thought about her constantly last night as he kept an eye and ear open for anything related to Caleb. It wasn’t hard to imagine that she wouldn’t approve of his working for Daniels. Patrick wrestled with the idea of telling her about his position—telling her everything about the things he and Caleb had done to regain his business. He wondered how she’d receive the news. Ophelia had told him he owed it to her to be honest, but what if his honesty caused him to lose her good favor? Or what if once she found out he’d kept things from her, Camri decided to end their association altogether?
“Well, I just can’t be lettin’ that happen,” he mused as he gazed in the mirror at his reflection.
He knew that things had changed between them. He couldn’t be sure exactly what Camri’s thoughts were on the matter, but he knew his own. He loved her, and he intended to see that she loved him in return. He’d woo her in whatever fashion was needed, but the secrets between them created an obstacle that had to be dealt with.
“I have to tell her what I’m doin’ . . . what I’ve done and why.” He wrapped a towel around his neck, then picked up the scissors. His pensive reflection only served to feed his fears. “I have to tell her the truth,” he repeated in a firm voice.
His eyes narrowed as he tried to strengthen his resolve. “She might not be likin’ that I’ve kept things from her, but it’s been for her own good and Caleb’s.” He paused and frowned, remembering Henry Ambrewster. What if telling Camri the truth put her in further danger? What if it caused someone to want to kill her?
“The truth is always best,” he could hear his mother say.
He let go a heavy sigh and squared his shoulders. “I will tell her. I’ll tell her tomorrow after dinner.”
But even as he made that pledge, Patrick feared the result. The truth might be best, but it might also end any dreams he had of winning Camri Coulter for his own.
CHAPTER
21
Thank you for a pleasant Christmas dinner,” George Lake said.
For once he actually appeared calm and collected. Camri knew he was pleased. They’d managed to meet all of the Christmas orders and then some. Now perhaps he could relax a bit and ease up on his workers.
“Patrick, the plum pudding was an especially delightful treat,” Kenzie said, smiling. “I’ve never had it before.”
“Nor I,” Judith admitted. “When you set it on fire, I thought the entire thing would burn up completely. I was happy to be wrong.”
“It ne’er burns long, just enough to warm it a bit. Ophelia would be pleased to know ye enjoyed it. She made one every year usin’ an old family recipe. She would always start it just after Michaelmas so it would have plenty of time to cure.”
Camri had been touched that Patrick had decided to share Ophelia’s last plum pudding with them. It made it seem like the young woman was with them in their celebration. Not only that, but it was delicious.
“Maybe you could share the recipe with me,” Camri murmured.
Patrick gave her a wink. “I’m thinkin’ Ophelia and Ma would approve.”
There seemed to be something more implied in his statement, making Camri blush. Perhaps it was her own feelings running away with her, but she couldn’t help but believe things were different between them.
“Well, there’s a bit left,” Kenzie said, lifting the cake plate. “Would you care for another piece, Cousin George?”
Mr. Lake shook his head. “No, my dear. I fear I would burst at the seams. No, I believe I shall retire to my little house and enjoy a Christmas nap.”
“Must you go just yet?” Camri asked. “We thought to have Judith entertain us with some music and perhaps play some games.”
Mr. Lake shook his head again. “I’m not one for such entertainments.” He tapped his ear. “Tone deaf, I fear. I’ve never really enjoyed music. As for games, I haven’t the patience.”
“I would never want to impose something unpleasant upon a guest.” Camri turned to Patrick, who sat opposite her. “How about you? Would you care to stick around for a little music? Maybe a game?”
Patrick folded his napkin and put it to the side of his plate. “I do enjoy Miss Judith’s playing, but in truth, I had hoped for a few minutes alone to discuss a matter.”
“Well, I suppose since it is Christmas, I should be willing to grant your wish.” Camri smiled.
“I’m going to remember ye said that,” he said with another wink.
Camri felt her face flush and hurried to dismiss her audience. “Shall we adjourn, then?”
Patrick got quickly to his feet and came around the table to help her up. He turned then to help Judith, while Mr. Lake assisted Kenzie.
“Ladies, thank you again for having me. I fear I’ve been less than kind to you at work, but I’m hoping this might help show you my gratitude,” Mr. Lake said, reaching into his jacket pocket. He pulled out three crisp fifty-dollar bills and handed one to each of the girls.
Camri couldn’t contain her surprise. “Why, thank you. I’m sure I didn’t expect such a generous gift.”
“Nor I,” Judith replied. “I can’t say that I’ve ever had this much money in my life.”
Kenzie leaned over and kissed Mr. Lake on the cheek. “Thank you, Cousin George. How very generous.”
He held up his hand. “I know I was a bear to work with, and I do apologize for that. The holidays are always stressful, and what with the questionable happenings at the factory, I fear I was a less than ideal employer. I hope this bonus will allow you each to buy some of those fripperies that women so enjoy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must depart.”
Kenzie nodded. “Come, I’ll get your coat and hat.”
They left the dining room, discussing something that Camri couldn’t quite make out. She looked at the money. It would go a long way to helping her keep up with the household expenses. Now that Henry Ambrewster was dead, she had to find out the details of Caleb’s mortgage.
Judith came to Camri and held out her fifty dollars. “It was fun to hold such a sum for a few minutes.”
Camri shook her head. “Mr. Lake intended that as a gift. You needn’t add it to the household monies. He might ask you what you purchased.”
Judith’s eyes lit up. “Fifty dollars to spend on myself? I’ve never heard of anything so luxurious.”
“Well, you were just saying how you were in need of a new dress and—” Camri remembered the rest of what Judith had need of but felt it wasn’t proper to discuss such things in front of Patrick. “You’ll be able to get quite a few nice items with that.”
“Oh, I’m going to go upstairs and dream on it. Maybe I’ll take the newspapers with me and see what’s on sale.” She all but danced from the room.
Patrick laughed. “Ye made her day for sure.”
Camri shook her head. “It doesn’t take much to please Judith. She’s a sweet girl who has never known much wealth. I’m sure fifty dollars seems like five hundred.”
“And what of yerself? What will ye be buyin’?”
Patrick looked at her with a grin, causing Camri’s heart to skip a beat. He was so handsome with his hair and beard trimmed in an orderly fashion. She couldn’t help but be taken in by his nearness, and stuffed the fifty in her pocket lest he see that her hand was shaking.
“I have no needs, so my money will go for whatever expenses we have.”
“’Twas a gift,” he reminded her.
“Yes.” She looked up and nodded. “And mine to do with as I please. And I please to put it toward the household.” She turned and started to gather the plates. “I believe you wanted to speak to me.”
“Aye, but not while ye work. Why don’t I help ye clear this away, and then we could sit together somewhere private?”
Camri straightened and put the plate back on the table. “The dishes can wait. Why don’t you come to my brother’s office? I have something to show you anyway.”
Patrick seemed momentarily torn between helping her and seeing what it was she had.
“Are you coming?”
He looked at her with an expression that made her cheeks warm again. “Aye, I’m coming.”
She was well down the hall by the time he joined her. She couldn’t explain the giddiness she felt, nor the sense of anticipation. These were such new feelings that both confused and stimulated her thoughts.
She led the way into Caleb’s office and closed the door behind them. She wasn’t yet ready to share her information with Judith and Kenzie and wanted to make certain they weren’t overheard.
Patrick gave her a wicked grin. “So, ye wanted me all to yerself, eh?”
Camri’s mouth dropped open, but no words came. She had heard of women coming under the spell of a man, but always thought it silly. She always presumed she’d be above such nonsense. Now, however, she could see that she was just as vulnerable.
Patrick’s blue eyes seemed to twinkle, and the lines around them bore evidence of his happy nature. Despite all the troubles he’d faced, Camri still found him to be lighthearted. He seemed so capable—so even-tempered, although she’d heard that most Irishmen were quite hotheaded. Perhaps it was just an old wives’ tale. She knew from the way he’d dealt with his sister and to some degree with her friends that Patrick was gentle and kind, even tender. It was his tenderness that sent her thoughts into dangerous waters.
“I’ve ne’er had a lass look at me like ye’re lookin’,” Patrick said, sobering.
Camri bit her lip to force her attention elsewhere. It was ridiculous to let her thoughts wander in such a manner. “Sorry,” she murmured. She wasn’t sure why she was apologizing
, but nothing else came to mind.
Without another word, she forced herself to walk to the desk. She opened the top drawer but hesitated. Could she trust him? Her heart said yes, but her heart was saying yes to an awful lot where Patrick Murdock was concerned.
“Before ye go showin’ me whatever it is,” Patrick began, “I want to be revealin’ somethin’ m’self. ’Tis the reason I wanted to speak to ye privately.”
He looked uncomfortable, hesitant. “Go on,” she said.
He came to stand beside the desk. “I haven’t been completely open with ye regardin’ your brother. Ophelia told me I should have told ye everythin’ from the start, but . . . well, frankly I worried it might bring ye harm. Seein’ what’s happened to Ambrewster, I’m still not convinced it’s wise.”
Camri met his blue-eyed gaze. “The truth is important to me.”
“Aye. I know, and ’tis the same for me.” He surprised her by reaching out to take hold of her arm. “I was doin’ a piece of work for Caleb before he disappeared. Actually, he was helpin’ me, so we were workin’ together.”
“I know.” She barely breathed the words. “Henry Ambrewster told me.” He was so close she could scarcely breathe. “I wish you would have told me from the start.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Like I said, I feared for ye.” He let go of her arm. “I ne’er wanted to keep anythin’ from ye . . . just to protect ye.”
Camri reached into the drawer and pulled out the roll of papers. “I found these hidden in a box under Caleb’s desk.” She unrolled the papers. “I’m thinking you might know what this is about?”
Patrick’s eyes widened. “Aye. I know very well. They’re proof of Ruef’s illegal activities. Caleb and I conspired to take them from his house. I feared they’d been taken.”
“Is this why my brother is missing?” She looked into his eyes, certain she’d know if he lied to her.
“I can’t be knowin’ for sure. Caleb was helpin’ me get evidence so that I might reclaim my father’s business. Then we found other information, and Caleb decided we needed to put Ruef away for all his misdealings. We found a lot more than we ever intended.”
In Places Hidden Page 19
