Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Drew knelt down next to his brother.

  “How would you? I never blamed you.” Freddie patted his brother’s face. “You were my rock, what got me through when times got tough. I would remember how much you loved me.”

  “Did my grandmother know about...the abuse?” Kate felt like someone was squeezing her heart and wouldn’t let go.

  “No, I never told her.”

  Kate hoped her grandmother had a sense of what was going on. She did so much to help Freddie. She had to have some idea.

  “So how often...did he beat you?” Drew could barely get the words out.

  “Oh, a few times a year. He’d say crazy things like why was I alive when his firstborn son was dead? I think he took his grief out on me. When Maria was home, he aimed his anger at her. I couldn’t let him hit her. I had to step in. She finally put an end to things after the baby was born. She told Father he’d never see the baby again if he continued to hit me.” Freddie shook his head. “She promised me she’d find a way to get him to stop...and she did.” He looked up at Drew with tears in his eyes. “She was a good sister. She loved me.”

  “As I love you.” Drew pulled Freddie close and kissed the top of his head. “I’m sorry, brother. I would’ve stepped in and taken those beatings.”

  “I know.” Freddie dried his eyes with a fine linen handkerchief he produced from his pocket. “I want you two to know, I’ll keep your secret. I’ll go to my grave with the knowledge my brother’s alive. My sister and her daughter are gone, but I’ve been given the gift of my brother. Andrew, never leave me again.”

  Now it was Drew’s turn to get choked up. “Never.”

  Freddie rose from his chair and faced his brother. The two men shook hands that turned into a hug.

  Kate stood there exhausted, drained from everything she just heard. She was now the owner of her father’s works and a rich woman, but none of that mattered as she watched the scene in front of her, two brothers coming together again in a new century.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Freddie escorted the couple to the elevator and joined them for the ride to the first floor. By the time they reached the lobby, Drew had cajoled Freddie back to his old self. The atmosphere in the office had grown dark as Freddie told the unthinkable story of his father and the abuse. Kate didn’t think she could hate Nicolas anymore than she already did, but this pushed her over the edge. If only there was something she could do to prevent it from happening. She wished she had known before the trip to New York City.

  “Mr. Martin?” Ms. Richmond, the receptionist, called out as they walked past. “I have an important message for you.”

  “Just a minute.” Freddie raised his hand and smiled at the young woman. “Andrew, Kate, would you mind?” He pointed to the waiting area and headed back toward the desk.

  Kate grabbed Drew’s hand and pulled him farther away so they could talk without being heard. She turned and faced him, a pained expression on her face. “Nicolas makes me so mad! I can’t believe how he treated Freddie. If we had brought our books, I’d go back in time and give him a piece of my mind! Maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t bring them because if I had a way to get there, I’d be on my way.” Kate took a few steps back and threw out her hands to make the point.

  “I wish there was a way...but there isn’t.” Drew’s smile suddenly changed to one of concern. “Kate, look out!”

  He reached out as she backed into a tall, slender blue pedestal holding one of the many sculptures around the room.

  “Ooh, sorry big blue box.” Kate grabbed onto the rectangular base to catch herself. “Wow, this thing’s pretty sturdy.”

  “You better hope so because that sculpture might have knocked you out.” A slight smile returned to his face.

  “Then thank you.” Kate patted the side of the stand. “You saved my life.”

  “Talking to a blue box, now that’s a first.” Drew patted the solid pedestal. “I’m just as angry as you are, and if I was offered a ride back in time, I’d take it. But let’s not let Freddie see our anger. We’ll talk later.”

  Freddie was now headed toward them. He walked Drew and Kate to the front door and outside into an entirely different kind of day. The sidewalks were wet, but the sun was shining, and a pale blue sky covered the city.

  “Dinner on me tonight. Just the three of us. I’d love for you to meet my much younger wife, but what we need to discuss is not for her ears. Our secrets. Your money. She’s very protective of the twins and wants to make sure they get what’s coming to them, not to say they don’t deserve it. They’re good sons. Sometimes though, Charlotte forgets there are more than four of us in the family.”

  Kate hated to hear Freddie’s second wife seemed to care more about his money than him. “Freddie...”

  He stopped her in midsentence. “I know what you’re thinking. She’s after my money. Not entirely true. She was there when I needed someone after my first wife died. She’s loving and caring. Just young.”

  How young can she be? Sixty-five? Seventy? Freddie’s idea of young and Kate’s were complete opposite. “As long as you’re happy.” Kate hugged him tightly.

  Freddie smiled at the couple. “I haven’t felt this great in years. Andrew, give me your cell number. I’ll pick you up tonight at seven. I guess we have a lot of catching up to do. Decades in fact.”

  Drew’s face suddenly changed to one of shock. “Me? Decades? Not so much. I skipped over all those decades, Freddie. You’re the one who lived them. Never thought of it like that before...what I missed. I just saw you, as an eleven year old boy, last week. Still adjusting to the time travel, I feel like I’m living in the future but haven’t missed a day of my life. Does that make sense?”

  “The older you get, the less you question. I’m going to try to see things through your eyes. So much I want to know. Delmonico’s alright with you?”

  “One of my favorite places as a boy. Hard to believe it’s still around.”

  “Yes, some things have stayed the same. I’ll get a private dining room.”

  Kate and Drew slowly strolled back to the hotel. It was cool and crisp, and autumn permeated the air. Kate was exhausted and wanted to rest when they got back, but there was so much to talk about. “Your family’s in charge of Woods now. Ironic, isn’t it?”

  Drew placed his arm across Kate’s shoulders as they walked along. “When that elevator door opened and the man standing there said he was Federico Martin Junior, it was difficult to stay silent. I could just imagine what was going through your mind.”

  “Mostly shock. I was trying to sort things out as we followed him. I was positive I’d meet a Woods or two along the way, but your family has taken over.”

  “In a good way this time, I hope.”

  “Yes, my grandmother saw something in your brother. I’m sure she’d be happy to know it all worked out for the best.”

  “Glad to hear you feel that way. I was a little nervous after meeting Cal and Curt—more Martins. I thought you might be upset.” Drew opened the door to their room, and they threw all their things in a heap.

  “Not at all. Do you believe I own my father’s books? He’s not going to like that. I’m the boss of him now.” Kate giggled and flopped on the bed pulling Drew with her. “Can we rest and talk at the same time?”

  He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Of course, anything you want. Now how much did you say you’re worth? I think I can start early retirement.”

  Kate rolled on top of Drew, pinning his arms back like a wrestling hold. “I’m in charge now.” They laughed and kissed and she slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

  “Kate, no,” Drew protested.

  “You said I could have anything I want, and I want you.”

  “Just this once.” Drew kissed her cheek and moved down her neck. “I love you, Mrs. Martin.”

  Kate quickly sat up. “Are you calling me that so you won’t feel guilty?”

  “No, absolutely not. I call
you that all the time.”

  “This time felt different, like you were asking for absolution or something.” The mood was gone, and Kate got out of bed. “Your wish is granted, Mr. Martin. No sex in the 21st century if you have to pretend it’s 1927, and you’re married to me. Who knows when we’ll get back to the canyon again.”

  “Thanksgiving? I’ll make it up to you then. We’ll leave on Monday and stay right through Thanksgiving.”

  “Promise?” Kate began to soften her stance.

  “Yes, I promise. Forgive me?”

  Kate couldn’t stay mad at Drew for long. She knew he was thinking for both of them, and if she wanted things to be different all she had to do was marry him. That was her choice, not his. “I love you, you know. Across the miles, across time. Forever.”

  “I’ll never forget.” Drew came up behind her and wrapped his strong arms around her. He kissed her neck softly and slid up to her ear, whispering, “I still read those letters.”

  “Oh, Drew, you kept them?” Kate knew she shouldn’t be that surprised. Drew was a romantic at heart.

  “Of course! Did you think I threw them out?” Drew chuckled and sat down in one of the chairs by the window. “Now fill me in on all the details of the contract, and leave nothing out. I trust Freddie, so I’m certain there are no loopholes or problems. I’ll question him more tonight.”

  “Thanks for doing that. When it comes to legal stuff, I have no clue. The papers are in that folder.” Kate pointed to the desk and then decided to get ready for dinner. “I think I’ll wear the new dress I bought in SoHo.”

  “And I’ll wear the shirt you picked out for me.”

  Kate showered and dried her hair, spending the whole time dwelling on the events of the day. She grabbed a hotel robe and threw it on.

  “It’s all yours.” She pointed to the bathroom. Drew was watching TV, flipping through the channels aimlessly. “Drew, did you hear me?”

  “Yep, just thinking.”

  “Oh, I see. Doing two things at once.”

  “I was hoping things don’t change.”

  “Why would they?”

  “You have everything now. Financial freedom and a business to watch over.”

  “It means nothing without you. I’d gladly give it all away or back to my father if it bothers you.” Kate learned when Drew spoke like that, he wasn’t being chauvinistic. It was a reflection of the era he was raised in.

  “I’d never ask you to do that, you know.” Drew put down the remote, looking very serious.

  “Yeah, I know. It’s something we just have to get used to. I want you to help me with everything—manage the money, telling my father I own his books...” Kate smiled as she said it.

  “We’re a team.” Drew nodded.

  “Exactly. Now go get ready. Freddie will be calling soon. And, Drew? We don’t need his money.”

  “I know. I’ll tell him tonight.”

  * * * *

  Drew’s phone rang at exactly seven p.m. They headed down to the lobby where a chauffeur greeted them and escorted them to the car. Kate climbed in first, followed by Drew. Freddie held an open bottle of champagne and began filling three glasses.

  “Cent’ anni.” Freddie lifted his glass.

  “Cent’ anni.” Drew touched his against Freddie’s.

  Kate joined in, having no idea what they were saying, deciding it must be some old Italian toast.

  Drew saw her wrestling with the translation and whispered, “Hundred years. Did you ever watch Godfather II? It was Michael’s toast. Actually it’s shortened from ‘may you live one hundred years’.”

  “Well, you’ve lived one hundred years but just didn’t know it.”

  Freddie chuckled. “I’m getting close to that myself.” A shudder went through Kate as he reminded her of her loss. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, you didn’t. Kate and I just lost a very good friend a few weeks ago. She had a very long life and died peacefully, but was Kate’s best friend.”

  “I’m so sorry. Did I know her?”

  Kate shook her head. “I don’t think so. She was a friend from the canyon... Anna.”

  “I think I remember you mentioning your friends during your visit. The other one was Lucinda, I believe.”

  “Yes, great memory, Freddie. She turned out to be my great-great aunt.”

  Freddie was silent for a moment. His gaze seemed to bore right through Kate. “When you get back home, I want you to tell Jack he made the right choice--coming to the future, marrying your mother, having you—all the right choices. There’s an aura about you, which I never noticed before. It’s as if you were supposed to be a connection to the past and the present. Life would certainly be different without you in it.”

  Kate recalled a conversation she had with her father months ago that sounded almost like this one. She certainly wasn’t special and didn’t know why everyone kept insisting she was. “Thanks, but I’m just your average teenage girl.”

  “Not average at all.” Freddie took her face in his hands. “Fiore raro.”

  “We’re here.” Drew pointed out the window. Kate saw the golden letters spelling out Delmonico’s over a beautiful, ornate door. As he helped her out of the car, he said, “Rare flower. Thought you’d like the translation.”

  They filed into the dining room and heard a voice come from the bar. “Papa!”

  A gorgeous, young woman with jet black hair and sparkling chocolate brown eyes came running up to Freddie. Kate swore it was Maria. From the look on Drew’s face, he thought the same thing, too.

  “Miranda, what a nice surprise!” Freddie kissed the girl on the cheek. “Drew, Kate, this is my great-great niece, Miranda Castle.”

  “Call me Randi.” She shook both their hands. “Papa’s the bomb. The coolest and pretty hot, too. Don’t you agree?”

  Miranda seemed a little drunk to Kate, but she went along with her. “Absolutely.”

  “Papa, these people look a little young for you to be chillin’ with. What’s the story?”

  “These are clients who turned into good friends, Miranda. Perhaps you’d like to get to know them.”

  “Sure, later. I’m hanging with some friends now. I’ll stop at your table later.” Miranda kissed his cheek and made her way back to the bar.

  The trio was shown to their private dining area and seated. “We’ll try the Gaja Barbaresco, James,” Freddie said to the waiter. “Steaks all around, but later.”

  The waiter seemed to know what Freddie meant by “steaks all around” so Kate didn’t open the menu. She trusted Freddie’s judgment. She assumed the Barbaresco was a wine and a little surprised the waiter didn’t ask for identification. Shrugging it off, Kate decided to go with it. This was the first time she’d drink in a public place, but if they didn’t care, neither would she. Kate planned to enjoy the evening.

  “Randi looks so much like Maria I thought it was her at first.” Kate wanted to find out more about her.

  “Doesn’t she? She’s Teresa’s daughter and was the crisis at the office. Nothing major. Just a little fender bender.” Freddie acted like it was over and done with, and he took care of it. “Andrew, our sister’s lineage consists of all girls. Each generation had just one girl, ending with Miranda. I try to get Miranda to stop her partying ways and come and work at the firm, but she wants no part of it.”

  “What does she want to do?” Kate asked with interest.

  “Model, be an actress...pipe dreams.”

  Freddie sounded so much like Nicolas at that moment, Kate wanted to scream. Instead she remained outwardly calm hoping it was because Freddie came from a different generation. “How old is she?”

  “Just turned twenty-one, thus hanging at the bar.”

  “What if you helped her follow her dreams, so she could see if they work out or not?”

  “What a great idea!” Randi’s voice came from behind Kate. “Uncle Freddie would never go for it. He has a work ethic and doesn’t consider acting
work.”

  “She reverts to Uncle Freddie when she’s mad at me.” He leaned toward Kate like he was telling a secret.

  “Freddie.” Drew spoke up. “I think Randi deserves a chance. Just like the chance you were given.”

  “Oh, has Papa told you the boring story about Lillian Woods? Without her he wouldn’t be where he is today? Blah, blah, blah.” Randi made an unattractive face.

  “Yeah, he has. I think it’d make a wonderful story. I want to be a writer and would love to write it. I’m in my first year of college and hate it. It’s not for me...or maybe I haven’t found the right place for myself.” That was the first time Kate admitted out loud she didn’t want to continue going to school. Looking over at Drew, she saw he was stunned.

  “I think you and I could be very good friends.” Randi pulled up a chair and sat next to Kate. “How about turning your book into a movie, and I could play the part of my great-grandmother Maria?”

  The two girls chatted while Drew and Freddie held their own conversation. When Randi was ready to leave, she and Kate exchanged numbers, promising to keep in touch. Kate told her she’d work on Freddie to be more open to her career choices.

  “I owe you, Kate.” She gave Freddie a quick peck on the cheek and bounced out of the room.

  “I like her, Freddie. She has a good head on her shoulders. You need to support her. Just because she doesn’t want to be a corporate lawyer or work in your office doesn’t mean she’s scatterbrained. Her words, not mine.” Kate sipped her wine, taking in the two brothers, one still a teenager and the other at the end of his life. The pull inside her and the voice in her head had stopped. Lillian wanted the reunion more than Kate getting her royalties. She wanted the brothers to find each other once again. Kate held up her glass, “To Lillian.”

  The brothers joined the toast. “Lillian.”

  “I never dreamt our two families were connected.” Freddie set his glass down. “But Lillian did and never let on.”