Once a Thief

by Frances Devine

  “No, I was the decoy so they could get away. I was supposed to walk away in the other direction, but I got scared and ran after them.”

  “I see. And that’s when you and Blake collided. Does he know?”

  Danielle’s stomach sank. “No,” she whispered.

  “Well, maybe we’ll keep your secret a little while longer until I think this through.”

  Danielle wanted so badly to stop now and leave things at this point. But she knew she owed it to Amelia.

  “There’s something else.” Tears filled her eyes and she blinked hard. “When I was trying to keep Sutton appeased, I sent him the pearl necklace your mother gave me. I’m so sorry. I can never replace the sentimental value of her gift to me. But I’ll pay her back for the cost of it.”

  For a moment pain filled Amelia’s eyes, then blinking, she smiled. “The cost doesn’t matter, my dear. You did what you felt you had to do at the time. Mother loves you and she’ll understand. Don’t worry about it.”

  Danielle fell into her gracious friend’s arms and cried.

  Eighteen

  Danielle stood at the end of the alley and hesitated. Should she really go through with this? But she had to. The play would open in less than a week. If she could convince Sutton to allow Jimmy to go with her, perhaps she would be able to think of some way to prevent him from implementing his plan, whatever it was.

  Would he perhaps rob the theater? But that didn’t make sense, since he was the main investor. And Sutton wasn’t about to rob himself. She took one step down the alley and then turned and rushed back toward the theater. Maybe she’d been too hasty. She needed to pray and think things through some more before she did something she might regret.

  She made a short detour and stopped at Tony’s Sandwich Shop. Since Blake had introduced her to Tony and his unique Italian beef sandwich, she’d developed a craving for the things. She sat at a table and ordered. When her food arrived, she leaned over the table in a most unladylike manner to prevent the juices from dripping on her white blouse. Sometimes she wondered if they were worth the mess, but she’d been back a couple of times. Once with Blake.

  Blake’s appointment today had made it easier for her to slip away to the docks, but she needed to get back before he did. She didn’t want him to start wondering again.

  She sighed. Why was she such a coward today? She should have gone through with her plan. God, please show me what to do.

  But either He didn’t speak or she was too tense to hear His voice. She glanced at the clock behind the counter. She still had thirty minutes before rehearsal started.

  Jesus, please be with me.

  With determined steps, she headed back to Sutton’s place, this time walking down the filthy alley and knocking on the door. Her heart thumped loudly as she waited. Maybe Sutton wouldn’t be there.

  The door swung open and Tay, one of the younger boys, stared at her, wide-eyed.

  “Who is it, Tay?” Sutton’s voice dashed her hopes that she could turn and leave.

  Danielle smiled at the boy and stepped inside, laying her hand on his shoulder in passing. “It’s me, Sutton.”

  “Ah, Miss Gray, is it?” His mocking voice cut through her soul like glass.

  “Her name ain’t Miss Gray.” Tay scrunched his grubby face up and peered at her. “It’s Danni. Danni Grayson. Ain’t it, Danni?”

  Danielle heard laughter.

  “Stupid kid.” Several of the older boys were playing cards at a table in the corner. The boy who’d spoken leered at Danielle.

  “He’s not stupid,” she snapped then flashed the child a smile. “Sure it’s me, Taytay. I couldn’t fool you, could I?” She turned to Sutton. “I want to see Jimmy, and then I need to speak to you privately.”

  “Of course, my dear. Your wish is my command.” He turned and nodded at Cobb, who’d just come into the room. “Get Jimmy for us. His sister has come to visit.”

  Suspicious of Sutton’s honey tone, she peered at him through narrowed eyes.

  “Danni?” At the frightened near-whisper, Danielle turned and saw Jimmy standing in the doorway, leaning heavily on his crutch. He blinked his eyes, but tears remained.

  “Jimmy.” She sailed across the room and took her brother in her arms. “Are you all right?”

  He threw a quick glance at Sutton and nodded.

  Danielle looked him over. As before, there was no sign of physical abuse. She could only hope Sutton had stopped the mental abuse as well, but the haunted look in Jimmy’s eyes didn’t give her much hope. She squeezed his shoulder. “I need to talk to Sutton alone, then I’ll see you again. Is that all right?”

  He nodded, but his eyes held worry and doubt.

  Heart heavy, Danielle followed Sutton into the spacious room he used for an office.

  Unlike the rest of the house, this room was scrupulously clean. The walls were covered with brocade. The oak furniture was waxed and shining.

  Sutton indicated that she should sit on the sofa, but she shook her head. She stepped across the Turkish carpet to the chair in front of Sutton’s desk and sat down.

  With an amused smile, Sutton shrugged and sat in his desk chair. “Now,” he said, dropping the smile and pretense of kindness, “what are you up to?”

  Danielle pressed her lips together tightly to keep from licking them nervously. “I want to make a deal with you.”

  He raised an eyebrow and reached into a wooden box for a cigar. Striking a match, he lit it and leaned back in his chair. “A deal. What do you have in mind?”

  “A deal that will be to your advantage.” At his silence, she took a deep breath and continued. “If you’ll let me take Jimmy away from here, and leave us alone, I’ll pay you out of every check for as long as you say. Even if it’s forever.”

  There. She’d done it. She sat on the edge of her seat and stared at him for some sign of response.

  He pursed his lips around the cigar and took puff after puff while he stared silently. He sighed. “But, my dear, don’t you know you’re worth so much more to me right where you are? And if I allow Jimmy to leave, you’ll never do what I ask.”

  He looked at her silently once more. Then a sound emitted from his lips. At first it was so slight she wasn’t sure it was a chuckle. Then it grew louder until booming laughter filled the entire room.

  Danielle covered her ears. If she could, she’d cover her whole self to escape the taunting, mocking laughter. She jumped up and headed for the door. Slinging it open, she rushed into the front room and grabbed Jimmy by the arm. “C’mon. We’re getting out of here.”

  They were halfway to the door when Sutton’s hand grabbed her arm tightly, jerking her to a stop. Jimmy fell backward but caught himself with his crutch.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Sutton’s voice thundered throughout the room.

  “Away from here, and I’m taking Jimmy with me. I’ll never steal for you, Sutton. And neither will Jimmy. If you try to make me, I’ll turn you in to the authorities.”

  The blow hit her so hard she fell backward to the floor. Her head spun and her ears rang.

  “You leave my sister alone.” She realized the shadow that flew past her was Jimmy, and then she heard a loud slap.

  “Bring them,” Sutton yelled.

  Rough hands lifted her and dragged her across the room. Then she was flung forward and onto the floor, with Jimmy landing beside her. A door slammed and darkness surrounded her. She heard the snap of the bolt.

  She gasped, trying to get a clear breath, and fought against dizziness. At a moan next to her, she felt around until her hands found her brother. “Jimmy? Are you all right?”

  “Yeah. I think so. I must have passed out for a minute. Where are we?”

  “The kitchen pantry, I think. He locked us in.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’m so sorry, Jimmy. I shouldn’t have made him mad. It’s my fault we’re in this fix.”

  He squeezed her hand in the darkness. “At least we’re togethe
r.”

  ❧

  Blake paced the lobby and looked at his watch again. Where was she? She was more than an hour late for rehearsal, and that wasn’t like Danielle. Frustrated, he crammed the watch into its tiny pocket and went outside where he peered in one direction then the other, down the near empty sidewalk.

  The afternoon was getting darker as clouds moved in. It looked as though it might snow.

  Where was she? He’d phoned the Kramer house a few minutes earlier, but the maid said she hadn’t been there since morning.

  And where was Sutton? He almost always showed up for the afternoon rehearsal.

  A chill washed over Blake and he walked at a near-run to the stable. Without waiting for the stable boy, he hitched the horse to the carriage. Jumping in, he flicked the reins and took off. He crossed the Clark Street Bridge and turned away from the docks.

  For over an hour he searched the narrow streets and back alleys, his eyes scanning the area for her. He felt a rush of panic and his heartbeat raced as realization dawned. The guy she’d met. His eyes began to search for the mop of red hair that would identify her friend. Maybe he would know where she was.

  Finally, dejected and feeling helpless for the first time in his life, he gave up his quest and headed for his father’s office. He pulled up in front and threw his reins to the boy who’d hurried out of the building for that purpose. He entered the front office.

  Charlie Jenkins, the firm’s white-haired secretary, looked up from the front desk.

  “Is Father with a client, Charlie?”

  “No, but Mr. Crier will be here in about ten minutes.”

  “Okay, I just need to see my father for a minute.” He headed down the aisle between neat rows of desks where the assistant secretary and seven clerks worked.

  He tapped on his father’s door then walked in.

  “Blake, good to see you here. Getting the feel of the place?”

  “I wish that was the reason. Danielle didn’t come to rehearsal this afternoon and she’s not at home. Sutton never showed up, either, and he seldom misses afternoon rehearsal.”

  “Hmm.” His father’s brow furrowed and he stroked his chin. “What are you thinking, son?”

  “I need the address Hite turned up. I’m going to see if she’s there.”

  “You know if you go barging in there you may be arrested for breaking and entering.”

  “I intend to be invited in. After all, he is a business partner.”

  “Yes, well, since you’re not supposed to know he has interests in the house by the docks, he might get a little suspicious. Don’t you think?”

  “I don’t know. But if Danielle’s there, I’m going to find her. Then I’ll find out why. Maybe she wants to be there for all I know.”

  Blake’s father peered at him a moment then reached inside a folder that lay on his desk. “Here. This is the address. Hite still has a man stationed there. See if you can spot him. He might be needed.”

  The phone on the desk shrilled and Blake’s father picked it up. “Sam Nelson. Yes, he’s here.” He listened intently then whistled. “You don’t say. Thank you, Amelia.”

  “What is it, Father? Was that Amelia Kramer? Has something happened to Danielle?” Fear knotted Blake’s stomach.

  “The maid told Amelia you had called inquiring for Danielle. Amelia’s worried because the girl has had some past dealings with Sutton. She said if Danielle was missing, you should find Sutton.” He tapped his pencil on the top of the desk then added, “According to what Danielle told Amelia, Sutton has a bunch of kids robbing for him. Danielle and her brother, Jimmy, have been living with the man for years.”

  “What?” Blake stared at his father in unbelief. “But I thought she grew up in an orphanage.”

  “Apparently she made that up.”

  “So I was right all along.” Disappointment and pain knifed through Blake, and nausea rose into his throat. How could someone as lovely and sweet-appearing as Danielle be involved with a thief who exploited children? Well, he was done. He’d find another actress to finish up the show. But. . .he remembered the fear in her eyes when Sutton had spoken to her. Was it possible she herself had been one of those exploited children? He looked at his father. “Is there anything else?”

  “If there is, Amelia didn’t tell me. I think she wanted me off the phone so we could go find Danielle.”

  “We?”

  “Yes, you and I and as many police officers as they’ll send with us.” He reached for the phone and dialed.

  ❧

  Danielle pushed against the door to no effect. The clatter of pots and pans was evidence the cook was getting ready to prepare dinner. It must be late. What had they thought when she didn’t show up for rehearsal?

  A loud pounding reverberated through the house and vibrated the floor beneath Danielle’s feet. Something crashed, and Danielle could hear shouts and curses.

  “Danni, what’s happening?”

  “I don’t know, but I hope someone has come who will set us free.”

  “Danielle, where are you?” That was Blake. Joy and dread battled inside her. Amelia must have told him about Sutton. But how had he found the house?

  She pounded on the door and called out loudly, “In here. We’re in here.”

  More scuffling and shouts were heard. Then suddenly the lock snapped and the door swung open. Blake breathed heavily as he looked down at her. A storm of emotions battled in his eyes. He reached his hand toward her.

  She stood. When she once more looked into his eyes, they were unreadable.

  “Let’s get out of here.” The words were clipped, his voice cold.

  Danielle’s heart fell.

  Nineteen

  Nearly a week had passed since Blake and his father had rescued Danielle and Jimmy from Sutton. The Kramers had opened their arms and their home to Danielle’s little brother, just as they had to her.

  When Mr. Kramer had mentioned having a doctor examine Jimmy to see if anything could be done for the infirm leg, Danielle had been stunned. She’d never imagined the possibility that Jimmy’s leg could be fixed.

  Jimmy trembled on the carriage seat beside Danielle. She didn’t know if it was from fear or the shaking of the carriage as they drove through Lincoln Park.

  Amelia smiled from the seat facing them.

  The carriage turned down Fullerton and stopped in front of a cluster of stately buildings.

  Jimmy straightened from the slumped position he’d held most of the way. “Is this it? I won’t have to stay here, will I?”

  Danielle felt cold fingers squeeze her heart as his voice broke. “No, of course not, Jimmy.” Amelia’s voice was full of sympathy. “We’re just going to let the doctor examine your leg and then we’ll go back home.”

  Jimmy took a deep breath and his voice, when he spoke again, was nonchalant. “Oh. I just wondered. I’m not scared or anything.”

  They stepped out of the carriage and walked up the broad walk to a massive door. Amelia opened it and they went inside. The room was spotless, its white walls gleaming. Several chairs stood neatly in rows. About half of them were occupied.

  A white-clad nurse behind the front desk directed them down a hall and to the right. They found Dr. Paulsen’s office quiet, with only a few people in the waiting room. Danielle gave the young woman at the desk their name and sat to wait.

  When Jimmy’s name was called, Amelia turned to him. “Would you like for me to wait here while you and your sister go in?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I only want Danni to go in with me.” His face turned red. “It’s not that I don’t like you or anything like that.”

  “That’s all right. I understand. You don’t need me in there. I’d probably be in the way.”

  Danielle and Jimmy followed the nurse down a short hallway and into a cold, sterile examining room. Danielle noticed Jimmy’s nervous glance around the room and reached over and patted his hand. They’d only waited a few minutes when a man with steel gray hair came in, l
ooking at a chart. He took the chair across from Jimmy. “Well, young man. My friend, Kramer, tells me your leg isn’t working quite right.”

  “Yes, sir. I mean no, sir. It never has.”

  “You were born this way?”

  Jimmy looked up at his sister. “You tell him, Danni.”

  Dr. Paulsen peered at Danielle over his steel-rimmed glasses. “And you are?”

  “My name is Danielle Grayson. I’m Jimmy’s sister. Our parents are deceased.”

  Sympathy crossed the doctor’s face, but only for a moment. “I see. Well, Miss Grayson, Kramer didn’t tell me much. I need to know how your brother became lame and any other information that might help make a proper diagnosis.”

  “He had some sort of illness when he was two. I don’t know what it was. But it left him lame. We didn’t have money for doctors.”

  “I see. It could have been any number of crippling diseases. But we’ll go with what we have. If you’ll step outside, Miss Grayson, I’d like to examine Jimmy.” He glanced over at Jimmy. “That is, with his permission.”

  Jimmy nodded and gave a nonchalant wave in Danielle’s direction. Knowing it was only a brave front, she threw him an encouraging smile and returned to the waiting room.

  Amelia’s needles clicked and bright yarn of red and green cascaded across her skirt. She reached over and patted Danielle’s hand.

  Danielle sent her a grateful smile. “Waiting is hard.”

  “I know it is, my dear. Would you like to help with this scarf to pass the time?”

  Danielle blushed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to knit.” She darted a glance at Amelia to see how she’d take that piece of information.

  “Well, of course you don’t, being raised without a woman to teach you. Crochet?”

  Danielle shook her head. “No, I can barely sew on a button where it will stay.”

  “Ah. I think perhaps we need to have some lessons, my dear, before you get married.”

  Startled, Danielle stared at Amelia. “Married? What makes you think I’m getting married?”

  A knowing smile tilted Amelia’s lips. “Some things are pretty obvious. Such as the way you and Blake look at each other when you think no one is watching.”