Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  Drew appeared in the front doorway and motioned for her to come outside. People were still mingling after the service, and she got away unnoticed. The Packard was freshly cleaned and polished, gleaming in the morning sun. Kate could almost picture Anna sitting in the passenger seat, talking and laughing, enjoying the beautiful day. Kate heard a gasp and turned around to see Aunt Sue...alone.

  “What a wonderful idea. I forgot about Grandpop’s car. Katie, it’s perfect. Grandma J would love that you and Drew are leading the procession.”

  As people filed out of the house, they stood in awe or silence or made a quick comment. Kate’s dad gave a salute as he went by, showing his approval. She pulled the brim of the hat a little farther down over her eyes as Drew started the engine. The sound of the engine drowned out the moan that came out of her, surprising both of them. He grabbed her hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing it. That simple gesture helped Kate pull herself together. Sitting straight in her seat, she motioned for Drew to start driving. Kate wanted the trip to last forever because once they got to their destination she knew it was the final good-bye.

  The cemetery entrance appeared almost out of nowhere. Kate wasn’t expecting it so soon. The family was going through the motions, getting out of cars, walking to the grave, forming a circle around it. The pall bearers brought the casket and laid it to rest above the dark pit Kate stared into. This is it, Anna, my friend. So final.

  Not hearing the minister’s words or paying attention to the others around her, Kate just followed their lead. Flowers were placed on the casket. Someone handed her a white rose, Anna’s favorite. Waiting for everyone to leave, Kate walked up and placed the flower on the very top, right where her teardrop had fallen.

  “Kate, everyone’s waiting. They want us to lead them back to the house.” She felt Drew’s hand on her back. Guiding her to the Packard and placing her in the passenger seat, he slowly drove back to the ranch.

  The rest of the day went by in a blur. Kate was relieved when all the guests finally left. Carl and his family were staying at Ericson’s Bed and Breakfast while the others were at the ranch. Lindsey walked out to the backyard with her, the first time they were alone all day.

  “I’ll meet you at the boardinghouse whenever you want,” Lindsey said softly. “Maya’s letting me keep the book. I guess that means she trusts me.”

  “Definitely! What’s not to trust?” Kate smiled at her friend. “This may seem strange to you, but Drew and I are going back tonight. We need your help.”

  “You’re planning on going to New York? For the second reception?”

  “I think it would be good for Drew, but we have to leave tonight to catch the train and make it in time.”

  “Well, looks like you two are going back to college with me tonight.”

  “Would you mind saying that? We’ll go into Anna’s apartment and leave from there. No one’s going in there for awhile. I suggested leaving everything as is for now.”

  “And when you return?”

  “We’ll just say we had a great time with you, and what’s for breakfast?”

  The two girls hugged and watched the sun set in a blaze of golden streaks across the sky. Drew eventually joined them. They sat outside on the deck until the sky faded to a velvet black. Stars began to appear, one by one, filling the night like tiny jewels. It was the perfect night to pick a star.

  “Anna.” Kate pointed up at the sky.

  Lindsey seemed confused, but Drew filled her in. “In the letter you delivered, Anna told her to choose a star and name it Anna. Which one, Kate?”

  “See the Big Dipper? It’s the last star in the handle. I’ll always be able to find her.”

  “I don’t think Alkaid will mind sharing its name with Anna.”

  “Drew, stop being an astronomer for a second, and don’t ruin my moment. I’ll be able to find the Dipper wherever I am, in the city or even another country.”

  “Good choice.” Lindsey hopped up from her chair. “I’m going to see if the parents are bedded down and be on my way. I’ll wait until everyone’s asleep to leave so they’ll think we left together.”

  As Lindsey went back into the house, Kate’s dad came out to join the couple. “I made arrangements for you to come home next week. Your mother and I are flying out tomorrow, and then I’ll head for the canyon. I’ll be a little late this year, but won’t miss the reception.”

  “You don’t have to do that, Dad.”

  “I know, but I want to. Anyway, you may need me. Isn’t there someone named Gia we have to deal with?”

  “Don’t remind me! At least I’m prepared this year.” Kate faintly smiled as she remembered the mixed emotions when Nicolas introduced Gia, Drew’s ex, and her family. Shock, jealousy, surprise, anger.

  “I’ll take care of her, Jack.” Drew put his arm around Kate and kissed her cheek. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”

  “I’m holding you to that, Andrew.” Her dad’s voice sounded stern as he turned and went back into the house. “Don’t stay up much longer,” he called over his shoulder.

  “What are we, twelve?” Kate looked at Drew and saw him smiling, the first sign of life in his face since they heard the news of Anna’s death. Sitting under the stars had worked a little magic tonight. Kate was positive Anna had something to do with that.

  Chapter Eleven

  The train whistle startled Kate and brought her to her feet. She paced the floor, trying to remember where she was and why she was on this train. Slowly everything came back to her, Anna’s funeral, leaving present day Arizona to head back to the canyon, the big rush to catch the train.

  Last night was wonderful. She and Drew got lost in themselves, blocking out reality for just a few short hours. Now the train was making a stop, and their Pullman car would be attached to another train headed for Chicago. From there, it’d go straight to New York City after a stopover in Cleveland. Salvatore, the Martin’s chauffeur, would be waiting. She and Drew would stop at Saks Fifth Avenue to purchase crystal for his parents. Kate was not as nervous this time around because she knew what to expect. She intended to act the same part but not be the scared little girl inside.

  “A penny for your thoughts.” Kate felt Drew’s arms around her.

  “Do you know a way to occupy the time until we get there?” she answered coyly.

  “Let me see...”

  Kate felt herself being pulled back into bed, and she snuggled up against Drew’s warm body. “This trip will be good for you, you’ll see,” she said, and then there was no more talking, only the brush of his lips on her mouth.

  * * * *

  The trip seemed too short as Grand Central Station loomed ahead. Kate gazed out the window as the train pulled into the station. Spotting Sal on the platform, she knew she needed to wait for Drew to locate him and come back to the train. Kate busied herself with packing and straightening up the compartment.

  “Kate.” She heard Drew’s voice. “This is Salvatore. He’ll help you with that.” And what he meant was stop what you’re doing, and Sal will take over.

  Kate took Drew’s hand, stepped off the train and walked with him to the limousine. She took everything in as they slowly passed through the terminal. The grand marble hall never ceased to amaze her. Kate loved that most men were in suits and hats, and women were formally dressed like they were going to a special occasion. Some even wore the cloche hat like the one Kate found in Anna’s apartment. There was smoke everywhere, men with cigars and cigarettes standing and talking with them in hand, a sight she never saw much in her present day world.

  Sal appeared out of nowhere and finished escorting them to the car. The beautiful, shiny black Cadillac that Kate remembered was parked outside the station. She was now aware of how wealthy the Martin family was, although it had been an overwhelming surprise on her first trip. Drew never mentioned maids, butlers, chauffeurs or the opulent four story townhome.

  “Mrs. Martin.” Sal held the back door open for Kate. She climbed
in, and Drew followed, sitting close to her, taking her hand.

  Drew and Sal exchanged pleasantries and spoke in Italian for awhile. Kate didn’t remember that happening last year and was dying to ask Drew what they said. It would have to wait until they were alone.

  After the stop at Saks, they continued on to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, all the way to 74th Street. Kate loved people-watching as they drove along. So many people walked down the streets, like they all had somewhere important to go. Sal parked in front of the Martin home and ran around to the curbside to let the couple out. The townhouse door flew open, and Ilene, Drew’s mother, stood in the doorway. Kate was thrown off-guard by that. She didn’t recall that happening either. She was pretty sure a maid answered the door and took them into the study where everyone was waiting.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. Federico’s not home yet, but Father and Maria are in the study.” Ilene hugged Kate tightly and seemed to hold onto Drew for a bit longer. “Andrew, my son, you must appease your father. He’s in quite a mood.”

  “Anything for you, Mother.”

  As they talked, Kate took a few moments to explore the hallway. Last year, she spotted the artwork lining the hall but had little time to study the gallery. Gazing up and down each side, one particular portrait caught her eye. Walking up to the painting, Kate had to hold back a gasp. It was a picture of Nicolas.

  “Oh, Kathryn, I see you’re admiring the Lucioni.”

  “The Lu...” Kate spun around and faced her mother-in-law.

  “Yes, Luigi Lucioni, the Italian artist. Nicolas commissioned him to paint the portrait. Very well done, don’t you think?”

  Kate made a mental note to do a web search on the artist when she returned home to the present. “Yes, very well done...almost life-like.”

  “Nicolas has been trying to help him out, get his work noticed, support a fellow countryman. My husband always has the best interest of others at heart.” Ilene sighed and had a faraway look in her eyes as if she was thinking of another time. Perhaps she was remembering how Nicolas saved her family from the rundown tenements where she lived as a young girl. “We have a few of his landscapes, too. Would you like to see them?” Kate nodded as she followed Ilene back toward the study. “Two are in here.” Ilene pointed to the room that Kate dreaded stepping into because she knew who’d be sitting behind the large, mahogany desk.

  Drew took her hand and squeezed as a sign of support. He knew she was doing this for him and was grateful. “I’m sure you’re tired after our long trip. You don’t have to stay long,” he whispered.

  Kate already knew she wouldn’t spend much time in the study. Nicolas would make sure of it. She’d meet Maria and be sent to her room with the excuse she needed to freshen up for dinner. Kate intended on exploring the second floor and not cower in Drew’s bedroom like last time.

  Sticking to the script, she followed orders even though she felt like rebelling and staying put. Handsome and intimidating were the two words that came to mind when Kate came in contact with her father-in-law. She could see why everyone did as he said, no questions asked.

  Kate and Maria ascended the steps together. By the time they got to the top, Kate had broken the ice between them. Longing to grab Maria’s hand and tell her they already knew each other raced through her mind, but only for a second. She reminded herself that she had an ally and friend in Drew’s sister and should do nothing to jeopardize it. Eventually she would meet his little brother, Freddie, and do the same. Closing the bedroom door after Maria left, Kate waited until she thought it was safe to venture out.

  Drew’s room was the first on the right, and Kate decided to peek in the room directly across the hall. The door was open. It definitely was Freddie’s room, a little messy but still very regal for an eleven year old boy. Rich dark greens interspersed with gold dominated the room. There was a rocking horse in the corner. Kate was pretty sure he didn’t want it as decoration because it was covered by a blanket with only its head and front rockers poking out. Kate stifled a laugh. Typical Freddie. Although it seemed like the smallest room, he, too, had his own dressing room and bathroom. Obviously, no one had to share.

  Kate knew the room next to Drew’s was Maria’s because she paid a visit there last year. Maria always kept her door closed. For privacy, she said. Too many males lurking the halls as she put it. Drew’s and Maria’s room were equal in size but not in décor. Drew’s had a rich, manly feel while Maria’s was more feminine. The room across from Maria’s had a closed door, and Kate’s hand shook as she turned the knob. Peeking in, she noticed the room was the largest of all. Kate let out a small gasp as she realized she was over-stepping her boundaries but was also spellbound by the beauty of the room.

  This must be the master bedroom. Everything’s in place and beautifully decorated. Pale blues, cream and gold flowed throughout the room, making it light and airy, not as heavy and dark as Drew’s room. Surprised by this discovery, Kate thought Nicolas would have his room decorated to his taste, say black and gold. Still it wasn’t decorated in 1920s fashion, but had a touch of old world Italy.

  Quickly closing the door, she didn’t have the nerve to go any further. Being curious was one thing, but it crossed the line if she entered the room. Kate continued down the hallway to the back set of stairs. She never noticed last year that a smaller hall ran adjacent to them. This must be part of the add-on Ilene told her about. The original house probably ended after the bedrooms. The back steps only went down to the conservatory and breakfast room, not up to the next floor. Kate studied the hall for a second and made the decision to go down the narrow passage. Traveling along the short corridor, she came face to face with another closed door. This section was built above the new part of the first floor, she was sure of it.

  Curiosity killed the cat, she remembered her grandfather’s old saying, but still her hand firmly grasped the doorknob. Kate decided to take a quick look inside and slowly turned it. Perhaps it was an upstairs office. Nicolas conducted a lot of business at home.

  Carefully opening the door so as not to make a sound, Kate was shocked by what she saw. It was like entering another world. It felt like she had left the house and stepped into a corporate office. The hallway ran horizontal, the opposite of the one she was just in. Off the hall were offices and a large conference room, with one large office to her right. The conference room was the closest to the door so she stepped into its chambers. The smell of leather and cigars permeated the air. Something inside her seemed to push Kate to continue to explore. She got the courage to wander up and down the hall peering into the rooms. As she reached the far end, she glanced out a small window that overlooked the side of the house. A door to her left led to an outdoor set of metal stairs that reminded her of a fire escape.

  Talk about discoveries. A lot could happen here, and the house would never know. Kate continued staring out the window, daydreaming about what kind of business went on there. Her attention was suddenly diverted by a scene right out of a movie. A black car pulled in the drive below and drove down the side alley of the house, stopping right by the flight of stairs. Two men got out and pulled another one from the back seat. They pushed him from behind toward the steps. Kate swore she saw a gun.

  No, this can’t be happening. I’m fantasizing. I nodded off, and I’m dreaming. Kate dug her nails into her arm and felt the pain. “Ouch!” She called out and then whispered. “I’m awake. This is really happening.”

  She looked out the window one more time. The men were coming up the stairs. The one in front looked very familiar. She had seen pictures of him and immediately knew who he was. “Uncle Albert!”

  Running for the main door, Kate froze when she heard voices coming from the other side. All she could do was duck in the conference room and pray they wouldn’t come in. Sliding down the wall, Kate wrapped her arms around her legs and sat frozen in place. Loud footsteps and shuffling could be heard on the hardwood floors as the three men entered the house from the side door and came
down the hallway. The main door must have opened because Kate could clearly hear Nicolas’ voice.

  “This better be important to pull me away from my family.” There was a pause and then she heard him say, “Oh, so they found you. Put him in there.”

  More walking, scraping, shuffling. Kate realized they were in the office next door, the one she thought was the largest and most opulent. Nicolas’ office.

  “Albert, my dear friend, you’re causing problems for me. You need to go visit your mother. Do you think you can do that?” Her father-in-law’s voice was oddly soothing.

  Albert must be nodding his answers because all Kate could hear was the one voice.

  “Don’t be a stupid fool and ruin what we have. All you have to do is make nice on Christmas Eve and get your bloodhound of a brother off my back. He’s even got my son doing his bidding now. Speaking of sons, you have two young ones, don’t you? They are just so lovable at that age. What are they? Three and five? You wouldn’t want anything to happen to them now, would you?” Another pause. “Get him out of here...oh, and Rudy, make sure he understands.”

  A loud noise came out of someone. A noise a person would make when they were punched in the stomach.

  Did Nicolas just have Rudy hit my uncle? Kate looked down at her hands and saw them trembling. What would they do if they found her?

  “Rudy, you can do better than that.” Nicolas’ voice sent chills up her spine. She heard a thud, and Kate thought her uncle might have fallen to the floor. It now sounded like he was being kicked. She couldn’t tell. Tears silently fell from her eyes. She could only hope it would be over soon.

  “Get up!” A strange voice commanded. It was probably the man Nicolas called Rudy. “Come with me!”

  The sounds of footsteps made Kate hold her breath until they were far enough away.