Once a Thief

Six

Why, why, why? Danielle stomped across the floor and flopped down on the rocking chair by the window. She must have been out of her mind last night. That locket would have been a substantial deposit against what she owed Sutton. It would have shown him she wasn’t ducking out on him.

She had always been strong. Had to be to take care of Jimmy. Even after Sutton had taken them in, Danielle had remained on guard, always. Because she knew she was the only one who really cared what happened to her brother. And Mama would have expected her to take good care of him. What was happening to her? Turning her to mush?

Okay, so the Kramers had been good to her. Was that any reason to melt like she’d done? To forget about Jimmy?

A door slammed and Danielle glanced out the window. Blake Nelson stepped off the porch next door and headed down the sidewalk. Probably on his way to the theater. Envy stabbed at her. If she was wealthy like the Nelsons, she wouldn’t be walking anywhere. Why didn’t he take his buggy or ride in the family carriage? She flung herself back in the chair, a frown on her face. Why should it matter to her what Blake did? Let him walk his feet off for all she cared.

She jumped up. She might as well go downstairs and see if Sally needed her help. No sense in brooding over yesterday’s mistakes. She’d keep her wits about her from now on.

Danielle started down the stairs. The smell of bacon and eggs wafted up from the kitchen, causing Danielle’s stomach to rumble.

“Ah, there you are.” In the downstairs hall, Mrs. Parker held her hand out to Danielle and they walked into the dining room together.

Breakfast was already laid out on the sideboard, and the coffee urn was steaming. They filled their plates and sat at the table where Mrs. Kramer and her boys sat. The twins were eagerly devouring pancakes dripping with butter and syrup. There was no sign of Mr. Kramer, who often had to be at the bank early.

Mrs. Kramer beamed at Danielle. “My dear, I simply haven’t the words to convey my appreciation for your finding my locket.”

Danielle felt warmth rush to her face. “It. . .was nothing, really. I merely happened to look in the right place.”

“Well, I’m grateful, nevertheless.”

Nell, the parlor maid, appeared at the door. “Mrs. Nelson is here, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Nell. Please ask her to come in.”

A moment later, Blake’s mother stepped into the room, a smile on her lips and her eyes sparkling. Danielle bit her lip. The lady had her son’s eyes. Or she supposed it was the other way around.

“Would you like some breakfast, Katherine?” Mrs. Kramer asked, rising.

“No, no, sit down. I’ll just get a cup of coffee.” She brought her coffee cup and saucer and sat next to Danielle. Reaching over, she patted her on the arm. “How are you getting along, dear?”

“I’m doing very well, thank you.”

“Wonderful. I have a favor to ask.”

“Oh. Of course I’ll help you in any way possible.”

Mrs. Nelson laughed. “Don’t look so fearful, my dear. I’ve decided to go to the theater and take a look at my son’s masterpiece. It would be nice to have some company. There, does that sound terribly frightful?”

Danielle attempted to keep her face composed as excitement poured over her. She’d never been to a theater and had to admit she was curious about Blake’s musical comedy. She grinned. He’d probably be furious when he saw her. “Not a bit frightful. I’d be happy to accompany you.”

“Good, the carriage will be here to pick you up at ten o’clock.”

After Mrs. Nelson left, Danielle rushed upstairs and tried on several outfits before deciding on an emerald green skirt and jacket. She wondered if Blake liked emerald green then blushed at her thoughts. What did she care what Blake liked?

True to her word, Mrs. Nelson arrived at exactly ten. The ancient coachman opened the door for Danielle and she sank into the plush cushioned seat beside her hostess. Guilt pinged at her mind. She should be in her bedroom making plans to free her brother instead of riding in a posh carriage with a fur-draped rich woman. Oh, but it felt so good.

If only she and Jimmy hadn’t had such bad breaks. If only their father hadn’t died, leaving their mother destitute. If only Mama hadn’t died giving birth to a child who never drew a breath. She squeezed her lids shut against the tears that threatened to flood her eyes. She wouldn’t give in to tears. She wouldn’t.

❧

It wasn’t that the new actress was vulgar, like the last one. She tried. Blake had to give her that. But, she wasn’t Peg. At least, not the Peg he’d created. The girl was young and willing to give it everything she had. It simply wasn’t working. Blake shook his head at Bosley and heard the man groan as he walked over.

“Let’s give her another try. I really think she can do it.”

Blake sighed and nodded.

“Okay, Hannah, let’s try it one more time.” Bosley threw the girl a gentle smile. “You almost had it, honey. But try to be gentle without being soppy.”

Blake turned at the sound of the doors opening. His mother stood there and someone else was right behind her. His stomach lurched as Danielle stepped into view. And suddenly he knew.

Ever since he’d laid eyes on the girl, it was the vision of her that had transposed itself upon his image of Peg. He felt his eyes widen at the revelation. But that was ridiculous. This girl was as different from his sweet, innocent heroine as night was to day. “Mother, what a surprise.”

“A pleasant one, I hope.” She smiled. “Do you mind if Danielle and I watch the practice? I promise we won’t get in the way.”

“I’d be delighted, of course.” He looked at her, puzzled. “Does Father know you’re here?”

“For your information, I don’t have to tell your father my every move. . .but, yes, I told him my plans for the day.”

“Here, let me take your wraps.” He removed his mother’s fur stole then held his hand out for the coat Danielle had removed. His fingers barely touched hers, but a thrill went through him and he inhaled sharply.

Her face turned pink and she quickly turned and took a seat next to his mother.

Confusion washed over Blake. If she was the type of girl he’d believed her to be, why would she blush over the brush of his fingers against hers? But what about the shady character he’d seen her with down by the docks? A nice girl wouldn’t associate with such as that.

“All right, folks. Break is over. Let’s get to work.”

At the sound of Bosley’s voice, Blake shook himself from the disturbing thoughts. The cast drifted back onto the stage and began once more to go through their lines. Everyone was doing great except for Hannah.

After Blake had interrupted her for the third time, he saw tears flooding her eyes. She nodded and started over from the beginning.

He turned and glanced toward his mother and caught a look of total awe on Danielle’s face. She seemed enraptured with the simple practice. Like she was watching a first-class performance. Was it possible he was being unreasonable with Hannah? Were his expectations for his Peg, perhaps, too high?

When Bosley broke for lunch, Blake’s mother thanked Blake and said goodbye.

“But I was going to take you both to lunch, Mother. There’s a wonderful little café nearby I thought you might enjoy.”

“Another time, son. I’m rather tired and need to get home. But I love your play, except for the leading lady. She didn’t seem quite right for the part.”

“Mother, you’re amazing. I was beginning to think it was just me being too picky. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Blake grinned and somehow his joy must have flowed over onto Danielle, because she smiled so brightly it sent a ray of sunshine into his heart.

Blake watched as the Nelson carriage pulled away. He sighed. He needed to find out once and for all about the mysterious Miss Gray. But how?

He walked to the bridge and leaned against a rail, looking across at block after dingy block of factories and crowded tenements. The dock teemed with laborers, and children played, laughing and sometimes shouting in anger. He hoped to catch a glimpse of the redheaded man Danielle had seemed so chummy with the other day. Maybe he could convince him to tell what he knew about her.

He was about to give up and leave when the sun glinted off a red mop headed down one of the back alleys. From the build and the way the man walked, Blake was almost sure it was the same man. “Hey, there!” Blake started across the bridge at a fast pace, almost running by the time he reached the dock side. He spun around the corner and headed two blocks down to the alley, only to find it empty except for a couple of stray cats snarling at each other.

Frustrated, he straightened his tie and headed back to the theater, feeling a little foolish. Why was it so important for him to find out about the girl? The obvious answer was that he was attracted to her, but he’d been attracted to plenty of girls without getting obsessed like this. But didn’t he need to protect his mother and her friends? Of course. Next time, he wouldn’t stand on the bridge. He’d walk the streets and alleys in his search.

❧

The swing creaked as Danielle swung slowly beneath the big oak in the backyard. It was pleasantly sunny this afternoon, but she probably wouldn’t have known if it was snowing. Her mind and all her emotions were focused on one thing.

The magic of the morning lingered with her. She’d never known anything like it. Ever. As the actors and actresses had read their lines for Blake’s enchanting musical, Peg in Dreamland, Danielle had been transported into each character. Only one of the musical numbers had been performed, but the atmosphere on the stage seemed to be filled with music anyway. Blake must be the most talented writer and songwriter ever to create something so marvelous. Oh, how she wished she could be there every day, feasting her eyes and ears on such wonder.

She was jerked from her reverie as Wooly came charging at her from across the yard.

“No, no. Bad dog.” Too late. His front paws were on her lap, and his rough, wet tongue lapped her face.

Spitting and wiping her mouth, Danielle finally managed to shove the beast away. She didn’t know why he seemed to like her so much. She didn’t think much of him at all. Her skirt was a wet and filthy mess now. She’d have to change.

She stomped in through the kitchen door, letting it slam behind her.

“Uh oh. Looks like Wooly got you again.” Sally shook her head sympathetically, but Danielle didn’t miss the grin the good-natured cook tried to hide.

“I don’t know why that dog jumps on me every time he sees me. His slobber kisses are awful.”

“I think he just likes you, sweetie.” She handed her a towel.

“Well, he can take his affection somewhere else,” Danielle complained, wiping at her skirt.

“A dog’s affection is nothing to slight, you know.”

“Umm hmm. Easy enough for you to say. You aren’t the one who gets attacked every time you step out the door.”

Sally’s laugh followed her all the way upstairs.

After Danielle had changed, she sat in the chair by the window and leaned back, lost once more in her thoughts. She wouldn’t have to worry here about being trounced on by that monster of a dog.

Danielle closed her eyes. What would it be like to act in a play? As the thought struck her, her eyes flew open and she sat up straight. Would it be possible for her to get a part in a show? She could sing a little. Sutton used to tell her she had a voice like an angel. And she’d never had any trouble mimicking others. Surely acting couldn’t be that much different.

Could this be an opportunity for her to pay off Sutton without resorting to crime? Maybe this could be God answering her prayer. She shook her head. Why would He do that for her when she’d been telling lies and making plans to steal from her benefactors?

“I wonder how much money an actress earns.” The words, spoken aloud, sent a bolt of excitement coursing through her.