“Kathleen, come sit here beside me,” Lily said, patting the sofa. “I know you are upset, but Richard was only reacting to what he heard. You know he never lived in the tenements and has only ever enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. He probably had no idea until today just how dangerous the lives of the children can be.”
“He deals with poor children in the hospital,” Kathleen protested.
“Yes, but those are children whose families take them to the hospital, not orphans like our kids,” Bridget said, in a soothing tone.
The hair on Kathleen’s neck stood up. She hated when Bridget used that tone with her. It made her feel stupid.
“Give him a chance, please,” Lily said. “He only said what he said because he loves you.”
“He does? He has a funny way of showing it,” Kathleen retorted, although she knew Richard was just worried. It annoyed her he had thought he could order her around, but she knew his actions showed he was worried about her. She shouldn’t have reacted so harshly.
“Yes, darling Kathleen, he does,” Lily said. “He went to a lot of effort to ask Bridget her permission to ask for your hand. He is a wonderful, young man, if a little authoritarian, but we can smooth those edges.”
“I know you hate it when you think I am talking to you like a child,” Bridget said. “But if you look inside your heart, you will know we are right. The man is head over heels in love with you.”
Kathleen stared into the fire considering what Lily and Bridget had said. It was normal for a man to want to protect the woman he loved. She remembered her da looking out for her mam. And Carl and Charlie would do anything for Bridget and Lily.
“You weren’t very fair with him, were you?” Lily asked gently.
“No, I guess not. I was angry. I never heard that about the police before. Can you imagine how much it took for those kids to try to escape the gangs, only for the very people who should have protected them to hand them back? Why, Lily?” Kathleen asked.
“I can’t answer that,” Lily said. “But it isn’t Richard’s fault or even Inspector Griffin’s fault. No matter where you go in life, there will be those who don’t treat others properly. We can’t worry about them. All we can do is try to do the best we can for the children who come our way.”
“You are so wise, Lily,” Bridget said.
“Me? I don’t think so. Charlie will tell you how often I have ranted and raved about things I can’t control. I think I have grown a little more patient, but that depends on the mood I am in. Anyway, speaking of my husband, here he is back to collect me. Are the children all right?” Lily asked Charlie, as he walked into the room.
“Yes, they are all asleep,” Charlie reported. “Kenny did ask for Jack, so I told him you were going to try and find him. He fell back asleep. I think the poor kid is exhausted.”
“After everything he has been through over the last few days, that’s hardly surprising. How will he recover?” Bridget asked.
“He will be given time and lots of love and understanding. You will find him a wonderful family. Now you should try to get some sleep. You, too, Kathleen, the next few days are bound to be very busy.”
“They are,” Kathleen agreed. “I completely forgot about the meeting with the sponsors. They want to hear updates on some of the children and also how the plans for the new farm school are progressing.”
“I can go to that for you, if you like, Kathleen. Carl knows a lot about it,” Bridget added.
“Thank you, sis,” Kathleen said gratefully, realizing just how tired she was.
“It’s a pity Charles Brace won’t be here to see that school. I think he would have liked the idea. When is Father Nelson coming over to discuss it?” Lily asked.
“On Monday. The Children’s Aid Society is responsible for the set-up of the school, but they have agreed to us placing some boys there. Father Nelson believes it will be a good way to get more farm placements for the boys from Hell’s Kitchen, as at least they will have some experience after they finish in the school.” Kathleen quickly brought the others up to speed.
“It sounds like a fantastic idea, but for now, Mrs. Doherty, you need to get home and get some rest. Between the new baby coming and those rascal twins of ours, you are worn out,” Charlie said, helping his wife to her feet.
“Charming, next you will be telling me I look old,” Lily replied, teasing her husband.
Their antics made Kathleen smile. The love between this couple was obvious to everyone. Charlie adored his wife, and he was protective. She felt guilty, as Charlie’s actions reminded her of Richard. She had been too hard on him. She would need to apologize tomorrow.
“Goodnight, Kathleen, sleep well and good luck tomorrow. Don’t go near Angel's house without Tommy and Mike. You promise?” Lily put her hands on Kathleen's arms and forced her to look at her as she spoke.
“Yes, I promise, Mom!” Kathleen replied. “I won’t do anything stupid.” She kissed Lily on both cheeks and did the same to Bridget and then closed the door behind the two couples. Leaning against it, she felt completely overwhelmed by what she had learned that evening, together with what it meant for the coming days.
Chapter 43
Kenny woke the next morning wondering where he was. George jumped on him, tickling him. He pushed the boy off and looked around in the hope that Jack had returned when he was sleeping, but that was silly. Jack didn’t even know where he was. He got dressed quickly and went down to look for the lady who had helped him the day before. She said she would try to find Jack. He didn’t want to leave his dog with Lucky and his brothers any longer than he had to.
* * *
“Morning, Kenny, are you hungry? Cook made pancakes,” Kathleen greeted him, once he’d made his way downstairs.
Pancakes were his favorite, and his belly was rumbling, but Kenny knew he should go look for Jack.
“I need to find Jack.” He followed Kathleen into the kitchen, all thoughts disappearing, as he stared at the mound of pancakes sitting in the middle of the table. Cook turned at the growling sounds coming from his stomach.
“I think someone is hungry this morning, young man. Do you like maple syrup on your pancakes?”
Kenny stared at the pancakes, “Yes, please.”
“So sit yourself down then, child.” Cook directed him to a seat, tempted as he was, since Jack could be in danger.
“I have friends out looking for Jack, so why don’t you sit and eat, and then we can make some plans,” Kathleen said, as if reading his mind. “Does that sound good?”
Kenny nodded. He didn’t know what she meant by plans, but he would do anything for this lady. She had taken him away from Lucky.
George showed him where to get a plate and cutlery, and then the cook put three, big pancakes on his plate. Three just for him. This place was heaven. He ate quickly, worried one of the other children would take his.
“Slow down there, Kenny, or you will be sick. There is plenty to go around. Cook will make more, if you want them,” Kathleen said, smiling as she ruffled his hair.
More?
“It’s good here. They feed us real well, and we have a Christmas tree and all. Do you want to see it?” George said cheerfully, his mouth full of pancakes.
“I am sure Kenny would love to, but after breakfast and chores,” Kathleen said.
Kenny groaned. He hated chores. Mary used to make him sweep up and go and find kindling for the fire. At the thought of his sister, his throat felt funny. He tried to force some pancakes down, but he couldn’t. He pushed the plate away reluctantly.
“Are you full already?” Kathleen asked.
He nodded, not sure his voice would work. He wanted to be by himself in case he started crying. He thought he might, and he didn’t want to be a baby in front of these kids. They might seem nice, but there were adults around. Who knew what they were like when they were on their own.
“Can you take your plate out to Cook please, Kenny? Then George will bring you to my office, so we can talk.
”
“Sure, will, Miss Kathleen,” George said. “Does that mean my chores are done?”
“Nice try, George,” Kathleen replied, her eyes bright. “I think I heard Sheila say it was time to sweep out your bedroom today.”
“Ah, man, I hate sweeping. I can never do it right, and she makes me do it again and again,” George muttered under his breath.
“She? George remember your manners.”
“Sorry, Miss Kathleen. Sheila makes me do it over.”
“Sheila wants the place to look nice for when Miss Lily visits. Now go on, Kenny, and go through to Cook. She won’t bite you.”
Kenny picked up the plate and went in search of Cook. She was really nice, giving him a big smile and telling him she would cook him something nice for his tea. She didn’t make any comment on him not finishing the food on his plate. His ma would have gone nuts. But he didn’t want to think about her at the moment.
“You ready, Kenny?” George asked. “I got to go sweeping.”
Chapter 44
Kenny reluctantly followed George to what he assumed was Kathleen’s office. He knocked on the door and opened it, when he heard her voice. Once inside he stood at the door, shifting from one foot to the other.
“Come in closer to the fire,” Kathleen said. “It’s nice and warm. Sit there on the sofa. One of my friends said he would call this morning, so he will join us soon.”
“Inspector Griffin?”
“No, Kenny, a man called Tommy. He knows Granny Belbin. I asked him to tell her you were safe. She was worried about you.”
“She was kind to me. Not scary like I thought she would be,” Kenny said. “Will Tommy have Jack?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart, but I hope so. I think Jack is a clever dog and will find his way back to Granny’s, don’t you?”
“He will, if they let him.”
Kathleen wanted to hug Kenny tight and promise him everything was going to be fine, but she couldn’t. She didn’t know if Jack would make it back and certainly couldn’t promise, even if he did, that Kenny would be able to keep the dog. She hadn’t heard of an orphan being placed in a new home with an animal in tow. She hoped Tommy would arrive soon with good news.
“Kenny, do you remember where Angel lived? Would you be able to tell me how to get there?”
“You’re going to bring me back to them?” Kenny asked, suddenly nervous.
“No, sweetheart, of course not. I am going to see if I can help Angel. She helped you, didn’t she? Maybe she needs a friend. Wouldn’t you like me to ask her?”
He studied her face, as if debating with himself what the best answer would be. Kathleen waited for him to decide. It wasn’t her role to tell him how to feel about things.
“I think she might need a friend, but I don’t know if she’ll leave her brothers. I don’t think you should go alone. Lucky is already angry with you. He may hurt you, and I wouldn’t like that to happen. You’re nice.”
She hugged the boy close, to thank him for his kind words but also to give her a minute to compose herself.
Her heartbeat drummed in her ears, but she tried deep breathing to still it. She couldn’t let Kenny know she was terrified. She didn’t want to go anywhere near Lucky or his brothers, but she had to. Angel needed her help. She refused to leave the girl alone, especially after her kindness to Kenny.
“Thank you, Kenny, for being so thoughtful. I will be careful, I promise.” Kathleen hoped her confident tone would reassure the child and was relieved her voice wasn’t shaking, although her knees were. “I will bring Tommy and Mike with me.”
“Good. Nobody would try anything with them two there, they’re tough. Everyone knows that.”
Kathleen acknowledged his words with a smile. Tommy and Mike may act tough, but both of them had huge hearts. If she told anyone what they had done over the years to help Lily, she doubted anyone would believe it. They looked like rough characters, but that was part of why they were so successful. They could blend in with the people from the toughest neighborhoods and find out who needed the most help.
Chapter 45
Kenny was able to give her a good idea of where Angel lived. She promised the little boy she would thank the girl for looking after him, if Angel decided to stay with her brothers. Then Tommy and Shane arrived and with them, Jack.
“You found him!” Kenny squealed. “Jack, come here to me. Who’s a good boy? Are you okay?” Kenny rubbed the dog over with his hands, as if checking him for injuries. Jack couldn’t stop licking Kenny. He ran around him and jumped up and down, until Kenny picked him up in his arms. Even then, the dog kept licking his face.
“He seems fine to me, Kenny. Was he at Granny’s?” Kathleen asked.
“Yeah, turned up whining yesterday evening,” Tommy confirmed. “She said she nearly did him in herself during the night, as the mutt wouldn’t stop crying. Kenny, she told you she sends her love, but she said you can keep Jack here with you. He messed up her floor again.”
“Jack, you bold dog. You know you shouldn’t do that. Granny’s old. It’s not fair on her to make her clean up.”
Even though he was scolding the dog, Kenny was still patting his head, and Jack was still licking his face and wagging his tail. Kathleen, Shane, and Tommy exchanged smiles before Tommy beckoned her outside. Shane followed Tommy out of the room, his dour expression causing her mouth to go dry. She knew her brother, that he had bad news and was afraid to share it with her. What had he gotten himself mixed up in now?
“Kenny you stay here with Jack, and I will be back in a few minutes.”
“Sure,” Kenny replied, as he sat on the sofa with Jack sprawled over his knees.
Kathleen closed the door behind her, so Kenny wouldn’t hear what the adults spoke about.
“Lucky’s been seen at the tenement. He may have set the dog loose, so he could follow him. Mike stayed with Granny. We’ve persuaded her to move for a few days,” Tommy explained.
“Are you going to bring her here? There’s plenty of space.”
“No, but thank you, Miss Kathleen. It's better she is somewhere near. She don’t like being made a fuss of, and the kids might be too much for her. She loves Kenny, but she is wary of lots of children. She says they make too much noise, but, between you and me, I don’t think she can handle any more goodbyes. She has looked after lots of kids in her lifetime, and they’ve all moved on.”
Kathleen nodded in understanding. “What do you know about Lucky? Were you able to find out anything about his feud with Eastman?”
Tommy nodded, before checking again that the door was closed. He glanced at Shane who sighed before explaining,
“Seems Monk believes Lucky was skimming the profits, taking a percentage for himself. Everyone does it, and usually Monk turns a blind eye, but Lucky got greedy. A man got killed, and the place he worked in was under Monk's protection. Monk thinks Lucky made him look bad. So Monk wanted to teach him a lesson and show him who was boss, only Lucky’s brothers got involved, too. They didn’t like their brother being picked on. Monk is furious.”
“How do you know all this?” Kathleen asked, although she didn’t really want her suspicions confirmed. Why was Shane mixing with gang members? Hadn’t he come close enough to prison?
“Monk trusts Shane,” Tommy said quietly. “Before you go jumping to conclusions, Miss Kathleen, there are some things you don’t know.”
“And that’s the way it will stay,” Shane said, meeting her gaze. He stood straighter.
“Shane, don’t be like that? I can’t but worry you are in over your head.”
Tommy looked at Shane, before turning to Kathleen. “It was Shane who rescued the dog. He followed Lucky to the tenement, guessing what his plan was. He intercepted him, before Lucky got to Granny. Granny owes him her life.”
“She does?” Kathleen’s high pitched squeak caused Shane to frown harder.
“I ain’t a kid, Kathleen. I know how to defend myself. These are the streets I grew up on.
”
Kathleen didn’t contradict him, but she looked to Tommy.
“We still got a problem with Lucky. I didn’t kill him, only scared him off. He may still come after Kenny.”
“Why Kenny?” Kathleen asked.
“Lucky thought, if he got some money together, he could make it sweet with Monk again,” Tommy said. “He was heard bragging of how much he made in Macy’s. Seems he was showing Kenny off as his younger brother, and, when the ladies were cooing over Kenny, Lucky was picking their pockets.”
“Still, he can’t have made that much,” Kathleen said, surprised women would be carrying much cash. She thought they would be more likely to charge their purchases to their accounts.
“Well, he thought he did okay. I think he had ideas for other schemes involving Kenny. But you stole him away. Now he ain’t happy. Monk ain’t happy either, but we are doing our best to focus his rage on Lucky, not the sanctuary. Leave that to us. Kenny should leave New York. Angel, too.”
“Is Angel involved with Monk as well?” Kathleen asked.
“No, of course she isn’t. Monk won’t take Angel.”
Shane stood with his arms crossed across his chest.
“Easy, Shane, your sister isn’t the enemy.”
“I got to be somewhere else. Keep that kid inside,” Shane ordered, before he opened the front door. He was gone before she could say anything.
“Shane’s frustrated Lucky got away.” Tommy looked to Kathleen, “Angel’s safe from Monk for the moment, but we think it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a pawn. Monk has a reputation for the services he provides. He could use a young girl.”
Shocked, Kathleen took a step back from Tommy as if she could distance herself from his horrible words.
“Tommy, they’re her brothers.”
Orphan Train Christmas Page 10
