Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

“Nicolas, I meant Nicolas. Now what’s the plan?”

  “Drew’s meeting me in the jewelry section at eleven-thirty.”

  “And?”

  “And we didn’t plan any farther than that. Originally I was going to find a phone and call Lilly, but now I see I wouldn’t have time. We’d probably leave by taxi.”

  “Well, you don’t need a taxi now. I’ll pull the car around after I see Andrew for myself.”

  “Look, I think that’s him now.” Kate pointed over her father’s shoulder.

  “Jack! Couldn’t believe my eyes at first.” Drew grabbed his hand, shaking it like he spotted an old friend.

  “I’ll be at that entrance.” Her dad pointed to the opposite one Drew just entered. “Give me a few minutes and nonchalantly leave like nothing’s wrong.”

  “Dad, I got this.” Kate gave him a little push toward the door. “But I’m glad you’re here.”

  Drew and Kate lingered at a counter for a moment and then moved on to another, pretending to be interested in the jewelry in the glass cases, slowly making their way to the exit. Kate felt fear and excitement creep up inside her as the plan seemed to be working. Her father was an added bonus.

  “Kate, don’t look up, but I think Sal just entered the store. I want you to run now. I’ll distract him.”

  “No!”

  “What do you mean ‘no’?”

  “I’m not leaving without you. We leave together, or we talk to Sal together. Choose one! He’s getting closer and will see us soon.” She noticed him searching the store.

  “We run together...now!” Drew took Kate’s hand and began to walk quickly through the crowds of people, trying not to push or shove. Darting around displays and helpful salespeople, the exit loomed ahead. As Drew began to push the door open, they heard a voice.

  “Let me get that for you, sir.” Sal’s sinister grin seemed to say he caught them. “I’ll get the car and pull up. You and Mrs. Martin will be driven home.”

  “That’s great because I’m not feeling well.” Kate stuck to her earlier story. Did Sal think they were that submissive and would stand idly by while he went for the car? Kate assumed so because he left them standing at the exit.

  “There’s no way he can be two places at once.” Drew nodded to Kate after Sal left. “He goes for the car, and we try to find your father.”

  Kate glanced up and down the street, having no idea what car her father would be driving. She began to feel sick for real and had to fight the nausea that suddenly came over her.

  Strong, Kathryn. Be strong, my friend. A strange sensation ran through her as if Anna was standing next to her whispering those words in her ear. “We need to run down the street...that way.” Kate pointed in the opposite direction of Sal’s route. She quickly pulled on Anna’s hat for added strength.

  They ran as if their lives depended on it. Kate’s eyes darted from the sidewalk to curbside, praying she’d find her father. Pulling Drew over to the side of the building, she was afraid to go much farther. “We’re trapped and can only hope my father finds us first.” She felt like a hunted rabbit, hiding from its enemy. Backs up against the building, trying to look inconspicuous, the couple tried to catch their breath. “I feel so guilty about leaving your mother in there.”

  “She’ll understand,” Drew said softly. He was busy checking cars that drove by and the people who walked past them on the sidewalk. “Look, I think that’s your father. Walk slowly to the curb and step carefully out into the street. I’ll be right behind you. There’s nowhere for him to park. That’s why we couldn’t find him.”

  Kate did as instructed and heard a car horn honking as it slowed and came to a stop in front of them in an outside lane. Her father’s face, concerned yet calm, helped Kate keep her composure. To be strong and make decisions was tough, and a friendly face helped. They quickly ran out into the street. Drew opened the door and Kate hopped in the back as he slipped into the front seat.

  “Go, Jack. Get as far away as possible. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sal drew a weapon on us.” Drew looked over his shoulder. “Hopefully, he’ll go back in the store and find my mother.”

  “I’m so sorry about that.” Kate was remorseful about leaving Ilene stranded.

  “You did what you had to do.” Her father tried to console her. “Right now we need to focus on getting back to the canyon. There could very well be a welcoming party at the train station tomorrow. Drew, we have to find a way to fool everyone, even my mother. We can’t take any chances.”

  “Dad, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be a part of this. Actually I may have an idea.”

  “Let’s hear it.”

  “If you two trust me, we’ll start as soon as we get to Lilly’s. Just follow my lead.”

  “I trust you with my life. You know that.” Drew turned in his seat and took Kate’s hand. “Always.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Thank the Lord, you found them!” Lilly threw open her front door and pulled everyone inside. “I have tea ready for you.”

  Kate glanced around her grandmother’s home. Not as lavish as the Martin house but still very upscale. The Woods lived on the Upper East Side, too, a few streets down and a couple more blocks from Central Park. There was a friendly, welcoming vibe coming from the home, and Kate felt like she belonged. “Grandmother, your home is lovely.”

  “Thank you, dear. I never thought you’d get to see it. Now come, and sit down. I’m sure you had quite a day.”

  “Yes, we have, and I’m sorry we can’t stay long. We have to get back to the Martin’s to pack and say our good-byes.” Kate knew it would only be a matter of time before someone came looking for them.

  Lilly seemed taken aback by the comment but said nothing.

  “Dad’s coming with us, too. Right?” She gave him a “trust me” look. “For protection, you could say. We definitely want to leave tomorrow.”

  “Yes, Mother. She’s absolutely right. Could I use the car? Your driver can pick it up tomorrow at the station.”

  “Absolutely. I just want the three of you to have a safe journey.” Lilly dabbed her eyes with the linen napkin from her lap. “I just thought I’d have you a little longer to myself.”

  Guilt crept over Kate. “Oh, Grandmother, don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry. I love you so much. Always remember that.”

  “And the same for me. I love you more.”

  Kate got up and went over to the person she felt had her back now more than ever. She knew Lilly kept the secret of Nicolas’ threat against her father and was grateful. They hugged and kissed and cried, and then Lilly whispered in her granddaughter’s ear. “Don’t forget. Go to New York City...Woods and Associates...as soon as possible when you get home.”

  Lilly then turned to her son. “I’ll be waiting for this year’s pictures from the wedding. Don’t forget to put them in the mail. Always love seeing a postmark from the Grand Canyon.” There were more hugs and then final good-byes.

  Drew was silent throughout the visit except for his usual polite greeting and good-bye. Now sitting in the car, he flipped around in his seat and glared at Kate. “We’re not going back there. Jack will become a prisoner, too, until we finally give in and stay.”

  “Calm down. We’re not going back there. Dad, drive to Grand Central Station. We’re boarding the train tonight.”

  “The Pullman! I forgot all about it.” Kate’s dad hit his head like he made a discovery. “Thank goodness you ordered that car, Andrew.” He patted him on the arm.

  “We have somewhere to stay tonight, everyone.” Kate sat back and smiled, feeling proud. “If they come looking for us at Lilly’s she’ll truthfully be able to say she doesn’t know where we are if we’re not at the Martin’s. Andrew can make the arrangements to have the car attached to the train leaving tomorrow, and we’re out of here.”

  A relaxed smile returned to Drew’s face. “That’s a great plan. My father may place men at the entrance, but even he wouldn’t figure out we’re already
on the train. He doesn’t know about the Pullman and that we could already board. He’ll think we’re hiding out until tomorrow. When we don’t show up, they’ll think we delayed a day to fool them. Kate, you’re a genius.”

  “Thanks.” Kate knew she and Drew had to discuss all that happened during the trip, but she could wait until they were safely on the train. She learned so much about Drew’s family her heart ached for him, but she was still filled with mixed emotions. Some were good. His mother was sweet and wanted the best for everyone. He had the most wonderful brother and sister that he’d never see grow up. On the other hand, Drew would always do battle with his father, or he’d have to finally give in if his life continued in New York City. Kate was convinced the latter would win out.

  The most frightful discovery was that Drew’s father didn’t just have connections to the mob—he was the mob boss. He ordered her father’s death if he got too close to the truth. Kate shuddered and buried that conversation deep inside. It would always be a dark secret she’d keep hidden from both her father and Drew.

  Her dad pulled up in front of the station, letting them out. “Drew, go ahead and make the arrangements. I’ll take care of the car.”

  Drew took Kate’s hand and helped her from the car. He appeared back to normal and looked more like his young, handsome self than the brooding man she came to know over the last few days.

  As they entered the building, Kate decided to wait for her father by the entrance and told Drew to go on without her. Choosing a bench near the door, keeping Drew in her sights, she sat down. The place was bustling with activity and she soon lost track of him.

  Suddenly every man in a suit was her enemy and when one reached in his pocket, she gasped. He surely was pulling out a weapon and would slide in next to her on the bench, holding her hostage until her father and Drew showed up. Only this man was not the enemy. He was reaching for a cigarette. Kate exhaled. I’ve got to stop doing this to myself, or this will be the longest day of my life.

  A voice interrupted her thoughts. Kate jumped at the sound of it. “Kathryn? Or is it Kate as I’ve been told to call you?” She locked eyes with an unfamiliar man standing before her. His smile was friendly, but she didn’t know him.

  “You probably don’t remember me from the wedding. Drew’s roommate, Kenneth.” He stuck out his hand in greeting. “I stayed out in Arizona as you and Drew suggested. Just got in today. Fancy meeting you here.”

  “Kenneth, yes, I remember.” Kate lied and shook his hand. She didn’t recall a roommate being present at the wedding, although some of the wedding still went by in a blur. She tried to remember more details this time, but it was still foggy. Keeping her hands folded neatly in her lap to stop them from shaking, all she could do was wish for Drew or her father to appear.

  “Kenneth, you took our advice and stayed out west. I hope you don’t get demerits at school for that.” Drew’s voice was a welcome relief. Kenneth was at the wedding.

  “Not as many as you have, Andrew, my boy.” Kenneth shook his hand. “Are you two just arriving?”

  “No, heading out again after visiting my parents. I’m seeing Kate off to Ohio. I’ll see you back at school in a day or two after I spend a few more days with the family.” Andrew was so believable she felt she really was being sent back to Ohio alone. “Kate, I think your train’s boarding.”

  “Nice to see you again, Kenneth.” Kate rose from the bench and took the hand he extended.

  “A pleasure.” Kenneth bowed and kissed her hand.

  “Don’t let those manners classes go to your head.” Drew teased him. “That doesn’t impress my wife.”

  The couple laughed and waved, pushing through the sea of people, pretending to head for the boarding platform.

  “One more encounter like that and I’ll have a heart attack.” Kate brushed her hair back and pulled on Anna’s black hat. “I’m going incognito from now on.”

  Making their way back to the entrance, they found her dad waiting on a bench, hat in hand.

  “You two sure know how to cause trouble,” he laughed. “I saw that young man from your school approach Kate and knew what she was thinking. Good job.” He reached out for a hug from his daughter, but she shook her head. “Oh, right. Forgot. I don’t really know you that well. Not quite the time or place, is it?” Her father rubbed his hands together as if that was his intention all along. “Kate, I’m glad you remembered him from the wedding.”

  “I didn’t! Did you?”

  “Yes, I met him and had a long conversation. We talked about Drew’s love of the canyon and how I first met him.”

  “Sorry to interrupt, but the Pullman’s ready to board.” Drew said. “Arrangements were made to put it in place tomorrow morning. The porter’s living on the car, waiting for our arrival.”

  The trio made their way through the station, finding the Pullman on its special holding track. Kate’s heart jumped as she spotted the familiar green car that would take them away from this nightmare. Climbing the short flight of steps into the car, Kate was surprised by what she saw. “Our luggage?”

  The porter appeared and tipped his cap. “Afternoon, ma’am, those just arrived. I’ll be back to see if you need anything.” He disappeared down the stairs as Drew and her dad entered the cabin.

  “Did I hear you say our luggage is here?” Drew sat down on the sofa, loosening his tie and taking off his jacket. “I don’t have to wear the same clothes for the next few days?”

  “Don’t be so happy about that. Think. Isn’t this a sign they know we’re here?”

  “Not necessarily. Maybe it was already arranged.” Kate’s dad sat down across from Drew.

  Kate had her doubts but decided to open the suitcases and find some comfortable clothes. Digging through the pile, she pulled out some pale blue silk pajamas.

  “Where did these come from? Must’ve gotten in here by mistake. They’re my size... or maybe belong to Maria. They feel so comfortable, I’m wearing them.”

  As Kate slid her arm into the sleeve of the pajama top a piece of folded paper fell to the floor. “That’s odd.”

  She bent over and picked it up. Not a price tag or receipt. Kate examined it closer. It was a pale blue color, like the pajamas, and appeared to be from a set of stationery. Slowly unfolding it, Kate was anxious to see what it was.

  Written in the middle of the paper was only one sentence: Thank you for saving my son.

  There was no signature, but Kate knew who’d written it. She recognized the beautiful flowing script of her mother-in-law. “Drew, come here.” Kate held out the note for him to see.

  Drew took the paper from her hand. “She sent the luggage. She knew all along what you were doing. It’s her way of saying it’s okay. She understands.” Tears filled his eyes. They both walked over to the couch and sat down.

  “I think you two need a minute. I’m going to get some fresh air.” Kate’s father left his seat and went down the stairs of the Pullman.

  “Drew, how much did you know about your dad before the trip?” Kate waited until hers was out of sight before asking the question.

  “I always suspected he had connections. That’s why I asked for his help to convince Albert to visit his mother on Christmas Eve. Lots of men visited the store office, but I always thought they were customers. I have to say I was surprised by all the guards at the house. I don’t remember that when I was growing up. I haven’t really been home in the last few years except for short visits. I always headed to the canyon in the summer since I was fifteen.” His sentences came out one jumbled thought after another. “How could I be so blind?”

  “You love him. He’s your father.”

  “One that wants to control my life.”

  “True, but how long would that have lasted?”

  “I don’t know. He was doing a pretty good job without me realizing it. I was neglecting you and letting you be held prisoner in my home. I didn’t even know. I feel awful about that.” Drew covered his face with his hands. />
  “You would’ve come to your senses.” Kate rubbed his shoulder.

  “Only because of you. You made me see the light.”

  “You couldn’t have stayed away from the canyon. One day we would have gotten back there, probably lived in the cabin.” Kate hoped that was true. She was the only one with information on how far Nicolas would go to get what he wanted. She could’ve been next on his list if she kept up the resistance. Would she have given in and lived there to keep the peace? She involuntarily shuddered.

  “Are you okay?” Drew faced her and placed his arm around her.

  Kate decided she couldn’t keep her adventure entirely to herself. She had to share some of it with him. “Did you ever go into the offices on the second floor?”

  “Once in awhile but it was discouraged. We weren’t supposed to interrupt Father when he was conducting business.”

  “Oh, he conducts business alright,” Kate scoffed.

  “What does that mean?”

  “I was exploring, waiting for you the first night we were there. I was in the office area when Albert was brought in to talk to your father.”

  “You went in there! Did they see you?”

  “No, I hid in the conference room. I heard them threaten Albert. It was awful. I think he was punched in the stomach by someone named Rudy.”

  Drew sat quietly, rubbing his forehead. “That isn’t what I had in mind when I asked Father to talk to Albert. I hope you know that.”

  “Of course, I do! You had no idea he was capable of beating someone up and threatening children.”

  “Wait...what? You mean he threatened Albert’s sons?”

  “Yes.” Kate hung her head. She needed to end it, or she’d continue with the story, unable to stop. “I’m afraid your father’s in charge. You know, the boss.”

  Drew looked stunned as if it was the very first time he heard the news. He took the letter from his mother and held it to his heart. “She knew...she knows...and is doing the best for the family.”

  “She also knows you’re free from that life. Think how happy she is right now.”