Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  “Sal! Salvatore! A minute please.” Nicolas called out to the other man.

  Could that be the same Salvatore who drives the car? He’s a mob enforcer, too?

  “Sal, we’ve got to do something about this guy, Jack Woods. He’s a reporter, a writer, sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. He’s getting too close. Asking too many questions. If he doesn’t stop he’s...”

  “Morto?”

  “Si, morto.”

  Kate’s heart stopped. She was sure it meant dead in Italian. Nicolas could kill her father, just like that? She clenched her fists. Not as long as she was breathing, he wouldn’t. When did her father find the time to become such a bother to Nicolas that he was a threat? What did he know that she didn’t? She’d have to speak to him tomorrow at the reception, not exactly the best time to have a private conversation about the mob. Kate admonished herself as she crouched in the corner of the conference room.

  How could I be so stupid? I should have noticed it last year when I was here...the men. Nicolas leaving at odd hours. How everyone jumped when he gave an order. I never would have come back here. I’d keep Drew far, far away from this place. Kate pounded her head with her fists. Stupid, naïve girl! Was I so blind? So thrilled to be married to the man of my dreams that I didn’t notice?

  Kate held her breath, waiting for Nicolas to leave. It seemed like an eternity before she decided it was finally safe to stand and make a quick exit. Her legs were wobbly from sitting in one position for such a long time, yet she made it to the door. Rushing to Drew’s room, she flopped on the bed, hoping he wasn’t back yet.

  “Where’ve you been?” Drew walked out of his dressing room.

  For his safety, Kate decided to lie. This was too big of a secret. If she shared it, Drew might try to fix things. Things could go badly for her father. “I just went out back to get some air. It’s a beautiful fall day.”

  “Yes, it is. You better get dressed. My mother just sent me up here to get dressed for dinner. No jeans and t-shirt tonight.”

  “Wouldn’t she be appalled if she knew that’s what you wore to dinner every night?” Kate was relieved to change the subject and lighten the mood.

  “Yes, my love, she would, but I think she’d find it funny, too. But my father...not so much.”

  If only you knew what your father’s capable of we’d be on that train tonight headed back to the canyon, never to return again. Kate suddenly became distracted by a red-haired, green-eyed boy appearing at the door of their bedroom. Freddie! I almost forgot about him.

  “Mother said I had to meet Kathryn. She better not ask me to play this thing!” He lifted the violin case in the air. “Death to the violin!”

  Kate almost forgot those words and how truly lovable Freddie was. She remembered running to him and saying something about his violin and finally it came back to her. “You can throw it out the window for all I care.”

  The two laughed and talked for awhile, then Freddie excused himself so he could change. Kate was satisfied she kept things pretty much the same as last year. Now she needed to get through the dreaded family dinner. Not something she looked forward to especially since learning her father-in-law wanted to kill her father.

  “Oh, he makes me so mad!” Kate called out to the empty room.

  “Freddie? I thought you liked him.” Drew was getting good at sneaking up on her. She thought he was in the bathroom and would have to be more careful while they were still in New York.

  “I love him! I was just thinking ahead to dinner.”

  “It won’t be that bad. My parents will thank us for the gift. We’ll excuse ourselves early, blaming the travel for our fatigue, and hang out in the room until breakfast. Deal?”

  “Absolutely, let’s get this over with.” Kate put on her best smile and headed down the stairs with Drew.

  Chapter Twelve

  The phone call from Kate’s father didn’t come until late afternoon the next day. “Finally made it. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “Jack, we need to talk.” Kate wasn’t taking any chances. Someone could be listening. Last year Drew called her father, and she innocently assumed it was safe to have a conversation. Her father arrived earlier last year, and no one paid attention to Kate, the newly married bride. This year was different. Everything seemed to be on high alert. She was prepared to protect those she loved from Nicolas.

  “I’ll pencil you in for a dance, Kathryn.” Her father seemed to sense the urgency in her voice and went along with the facade. “See you soon.”

  She hurried down the hall to help Maria get ready for the reception. Maria was playing the piano, and her parents wanted her in the ballroom early. They did hair and make-up, then slipped on the dress.

  “You look so beautiful!” Kate took Maria’s hands. “You could be a model.” Seemed like she was saying that a lot, as she thought back to her birthday and Renae.

  “Thanks. You’re too kind.” Maria hugged her, and the two readied for the walk back to Drew’s room. As they stepped into the hall, Kate noticed a man standing by the back staircase. Last year she thought he was a butler but looking closer saw he was wearing a suit—vest, shirt and tie. He was standing guard, which seemed a little odd. Although, the more Kate thought about it, the more she pictured these men around the house. They were everywhere—one at the front door, another roaming the first floor, and now this guy in front of the offices. Kate and Maria parted at the front staircase, and Kate returned to her bedroom.

  “Drew, why are there so many men wandering around the house? I never really noticed last year because I was overwhelmed, but this year it seems like I’m bumping into them everywhere I go.”

  “Don’t ask. The less you know the better.” Drew was straightening his tie in the mirror. “I think this will be the last time we come. I’ll be relieved when this is over, and we’re on our way home tomorrow.”

  It was strange to hear Drew talk like that, although he rarely discussed his life in New York. He talked about family, of course, but not what it was like to live there. Kate decided not to push further and wait for her father’s input.

  When the two were ready, Drew extended his hand, and they started for the stairs. “Ready? At least we won’t be blindsided this year.”

  “Ah, yes, the Gia kiss and the mi amore comment.” Kate blinked innocently as she teased Drew. She recalled how she wanted to punch Gia right there in the ballroom, but her father rescued her. When he does show up today, they can slip out to talk.

  The guests politely clapped as they made their grand entrance to the tune of the “Wedding March”. Nicolas made some very nice toasts to the bride and groom. Maria continued to play the piano until the band started. Everything was exactly as Kate remembered. Gia and her family approached the couple, but Drew was ready and dodged her kiss, putting his arm around Kate instead. Her father came and whisked her away at the appropriate time.

  “We have to talk,” Kate whispered. “Out there.” The two left the ballroom and slipped into the guest apartment across the wide hall. “What are you up to?” She glared at her father, searching for answers.

  “I’m here to support you, Pumpkin.”

  “That’s not all. I heard Drew’s dad talking about you snooping around.”

  He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “He’s paranoid. I only talked to him a few times about my brother.”

  “Then you don’t need to talk to him again.”

  “I have to tonight. This is the final time I ask about the arrangements.”

  “Well, you don’t need to. I feel everything’s been arranged.” Kate made air quotations when she said the word arranged.

  “Did you hear...or see something?” Her father’s voice held concern.

  “I just overheard a conversation...accidentally.”

  “I find that hard to believe, knowing you.”

  “Can’t you just trust me?” Kate placed her hands on her hips.

  “It’s a short conversation between me and Nicol
as. He’s very polite, and that will be the end of it. I need to stay consistent with history.”

  Kate’s head began to spin. She wasn’t getting through to her father. “Let’s both tell the truth here, Dad. I know. I know what Nicolas is or should I say, does. He’s not just a fashion designer who runs a clothing business. There’s more to it, and you’ve been looking into it, Mr. Investigative Reporter.” Kate didn’t want to say the words aloud, but she knew her father was thinking the same thing. Nicolas was a mob boss. A Don. A crime boss. The head of the Mafia. Kate had to laugh as she ticked the names off in her head.

  “I just needed to know what my daughter got herself into because she may need my protection. I always suspected Nicolas was affiliated with the mob. Andrew was in denial.”

  “Well, you and I both know this house is filled with gangsters, so let’s get through this evening and go home tomorrow. Deal?”

  “After I talk to Nicolas, I’ll leave. Deal?”

  “Dad, stop being so stubborn. You’re not listening to me.”

  “Yes, I am. Let’s say I have a healthy curiosity about what’s going on here. It’s Prohibition, you know. I have a feeling Nicolas is involved in much more than petty mob related activities.”

  “You’re so frustrating. That’s what Nicolas doesn’t like about you. He says you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong and...” Kate couldn’t finish. How could she tell her father Nicolas could kill him? He was that powerful.

  “And what?”

  “We need to get back inside to keep him from becoming more suspicious of you.” Kate left the apartment and headed straight to Grandmother Lilly’s table. “Grandmother,” she whispered in her ear.

  “Oh, Kathryn, it’s such a delight to see you again. Please sit down. I have something I want to talk to you about.”

  “So do I.”

  “Well, you go first, my dear. You look troubled.”

  Kate proceeded to tell Lilly about her adventure in the back offices of the Martin home. Leaving out none of the details, she expressed concern for her father’s safety. “So you have to make sure he goes home with you and leaves tomorrow. Promise me.”

  “My, this is a turn of events. I had no idea Nicolas was involved with the criminal element. I always had my suspicions he was up to something but nothing dangerous.” Lilly glanced over her shoulder as if she thought someone was listening. She lowered her voice and said, “Something doesn’t seem right in this house. Someone’s always lurking about. It’s wonderful that Andrew has been able to break away before it was too late.”

  “Too late?”

  Lilly took Kate’s hand. “You know exactly what I mean.” The two women locked eyes. Kate saw the love and support, knowing she had nothing to fear, and her secrets were safe. “Now let’s talk about you. When you get back to Ohio there’s something I want you to do. Jack assured me Woods and Associates is still thriving so I’ll be leaving something there for you. Go to New York when you return home. All you have to do is tell the receptionist that Kathryn Roberts is here to see Lillian Woods, and the rest will be taken care of. Do you think you can do that?”

  Kate looked at her grandmother carefully. She was younger than first thought, maybe in her early fifties, but no way could she still be alive in the 21st century. “I’m confused. You’re not planning on still being...”

  “Oh, my goodness, no. I won’t be alive. Think of it as a codeword.” Lilly chuckled. “Wouldn’t that be something if I was there to greet you?”

  Not as strange as you think. Kate knew she didn’t have time to tell Anna’s story. “Alright, I’ll do as you ask.”

  “If for some reason this doesn’t work out, please laugh it off as the ramblings of an old woman.” Lilly patted the hand she still held. “Now, go, dance with your young man. I think you need to show that girl a thing or two.” Lilly pointed at the dance floor where Gia and Drew were slowly shuffling around it, not spinning together in time as last year.

  When she reached the dance floor, Kate’s father stepped in to stop her and had them cut in on the dancing couple. Her dad winked as he spun off with the shocked Gia.

  “Shall we dance to the door and down the stairs to our room?” Drew waltzed toward the exit. Just as they were about to make their getaway, a voice called out to them. Kate didn’t remember that, but so many things were different she stopped the comparisons.

  “Son, may I speak with you a moment?” It was Nicolas.

  Drew whispered for Kate to go ahead. “I’ll be there in a minute.” A shiver went through her. Suddenly she felt sick, and all she could do was nod. This wasn’t a happy ending to their night. Running down the steps and flying into the room, she slammed the door behind her. Something didn’t feel right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. She only had to wait a few minutes until Drew appeared.

  “Well?” Kate hoped it was nothing.

  “Father asked if we’d extend our stay a day or two.”

  “And?” Her fingers were crossed.

  “I said we’d leave on Tuesday.”

  “Is that a good idea? To change everything? We should leave tomorrow...Sunday.”

  “It’s the last time we’ll see them. And remember, it’s the final memories they’ll have of me.”

  “Fine, but we leave Tuesday. No matter what.”

  “Deal.”

  Now where did she hear that before? Kate knew her father wasn’t following her wishes, and now Drew seemed to be coming under the spell of Nicolas. If anyone was going to break any spell... make that curse, it would have to be her.

  * * * *

  Tuesday morning couldn’t come soon enough. Nicolas did his best to keep Drew and Kate apart during the rest of their stay. He insisted on taking Drew to the store on Sunday. They had to view the latest designs, and his father insisted he try on suits to take back to school. Maria and Ilene distracted Kate at the house although the time seemed to drag. She went to bed early, hoping the time would pass more quickly and never knew when Drew came home.

  On Monday, Nicolas was adamant that Drew sit in on business meetings and accompany him to lunch. Kate hoped to see him at dinner, but a call came instead. She received a message that he’d be late and don’t wait up.

  Kate intended to stay awake until he got home and passed the time packing and organizing for the trip. The only solace she got from being in New York these extra days was that her father returned to the canyon. Drew called him on Sunday and informed him of the extended stay, telling Jackson to go on without them.

  As she glanced up at the clock, Kate saw it was already past midnight. Drew was still not home. Pacing the floor didn’t help, so she slipped on her robe and opened the bedroom door. Peeking up and down the hall, she wanted to make sure no one was in sight, then headed for the back stairs. Kate was aware of the guards and knew she wouldn’t be allowed in the backyard. A visit to the sunroom was the closest thing to going outside. All she wanted was to see the night sky and find the Big Dipper. She needed to talk to Anna and hoped to spot the star from the huge back windows or skylight.

  She was able to slip into the solarium unnoticed. It was a clear night, enabling her to locate the Dipper and travel along the handle until she found the Anna star. “Anna, if you can hear me, I need your help. I’m trapped in this house and need to figure a way out. Anna? I hope you’re there because I really need you.”

  Kate waited in silence as if a sign from above would appear. A message across the dark sky spelling out an answer would be nice, but nothing came. It felt like she waited forever. The overwhelming stillness got to her. She crumbled to the floor in a ball, trying to muffle her sobs in her robe. Grief overwhelmed her. She longed to hear Anna’s voice again. What was she thinking, coming here so soon after Anna’s death? Drew was right. We shouldn’t have come.

  Then a realization hit her. She didn’t come for Drew. She selfishly came for herself, wanting to escape the hurt and pain in the present. Funny, it traveled right along with her.r />
  Kate trudged back up the stairs, not caring who saw her, but made it back to the room without being spotted. She crawled into bed, grabbed a magazine and flipped through the pages, waiting for her wayward husband to come home. Finally after two a.m., the door slowly opened.

  “You’re still up?” Drew’s words seemed slurred.

  “Yes, we need to talk.”

  Drew flopped on the bed. “Not talk, kiss.”

  “You’re drunk!” Drew drank a glass of champagne or wine, but Kate had never seen him drunk.

  “That’s what it’s called.” A big smile crept over his face, and he grabbed her, pulling her closer. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes.

  “Where were you?”

  “A place, I think it’s called an easy speak...no, that’s not right. A speakeasy.” He laughed as he said it.

  Shock, then anger overtook her. “You were at a bar drinking all night?”

  “It was business. Couldn’t get away. Entertain the clients.” He tried to kiss her but missed.

  Kate slapped him hard across the face. Shocked by her actions and suddenly appalled by what she’d done, she hung her head. “Drew, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean...”

  The slap seemed to help sober him up a bit, and Drew bolted upward. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” His words were still slurred, and his bloodshot eyes grew wide. “What was I thinking? I got caught up in the moment. It was a fantasy come true to visit those places. My father gave me the choice of where I wanted to go—The 21 Club, High Hat, 300 Club, Stork or the Cotton Club in Harlem. We bar hopped. I felt so powerful for those few hours. Forgive me?” He gave her a silly grin, then tipped his head to one side, sticking out his lower lip in mock sadness.

  “Just get some sleep so you’re ready to leave tomorrow. Then I’ll forgive you.” Kate lightly kissed the cheek she had slapped moments before, pulled the bed covering close to her face and chastised herself again for coming there.

  * * * *

  Hardly sleeping, dozing for a few minutes here and there, Kate finally saw daylight creeping through the crack in the drapes. She bounced up from the bed, dragged the suitcases to the door and hurried to dress. As she emerged from the bathroom, Kate saw Drew was still asleep. She sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a little push.