Once a Thief

Thirteen

Danielle stood frozen for a moment. Forcing a smile, she slipped her hand from Sutton’s and gave a nod. “How do you do?”

Amusement flickered deep in his eyes. “Very well, thank you. How charming you are, my dear.”

Wanting to scratch his eyes out, she continued to smile. “Thank you for deciding to back the show.”

Before he could answer, she glanced around the room. “I’m feeling a little tired from all the excitement. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go lie down in the dressing room for a while.”

With their murmurs of concern trailing after her, Danielle left the room and hurried down the hall to the side door. Slipping through, she fell against the wall of the building. Her breath quickened as anger and panic fought within her. How long had Sutton known? Had he been toying with her emotions all along?

Dear God, please don’t let him know where I’m staying. Please don’t let him harm the Kramers or Nelsons in any way.

She started as the door opened. Sutton stalked toward her then grabbed her arm. “Well, my little sweet, did you think you’d put one over on me?”

Wincing from the pain, she yanked her arm free. “What do you mean? I told you I was in a show and would pay you each week.”

“Ah yes, you did mention a show. But you led me to believe you were a chorus girl.” He gave a menacing grin. “This isn’t quite the same, is it? How did you manage it, my dear? And don’t hold out on me or you’ll be very sorry.”

Danielle calmed her breathing. Perhaps he didn’t know everything after all. “I heard they were auditioning for several parts and thought I’d try out. I never thought I’d get the lead, though.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’d better not be lying to me.”

“I’m not. Why would I?” She’d simply left out a few facts. Such as Blake’s part in getting her the role.

He straightened, and a calculating look crossed his face. “Very well, my dear. I think I do believe you. And there might be grand opportunities here. Let me think about it and I’ll let you know what I want you to do.”

Danielle shuddered as Sutton walked away. He had appeared surprised to find she had the lead in the show. Could it be coincidence that he’d happened to be the new patron, or was he manipulating her again?

One thing she knew. No matter what evil deed he thought up for her to do, she’d not steal for him. Nor do anything else to harm others. Not even for her own safety. Tears formed in her eyes. Not even for Jimmy’s. Peace washed over her. She knew, somehow, God watched over her and Jimmy. She’d have to trust Him to take care of this new situation.

The door opened and Blake rushed to her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Are you all right?”

She wiped a remaining tear from the corner of her eye and smiled. “I’m fine. The excitement was a little overwhelming. I needed to be alone for a few moments.”

Relief crossed his face. “Let me take you home so you can rest. You’ve been so tense waiting for this showing for James Sutton, I’m sure your rest has been sporadic at best. Besides, you’re shivering from the cold. Why didn’t you get your coat before coming outside?”

She realized he was right. Her hands were like ice and the tips of her ears tingled. Gratefully, she allowed him to escort her back to the empty ladies’ dressing room, where she retrieved her coat and hat.

They walked outside to where Blake’s carriage had already been brought around. Blake took her arm to help her into the buggy, and at the gentleness of his touch, she felt herself relax.

As the horse’s hooves clattered on the street, Danielle turned to Blake. “What do you know about this man Sutton?”

“Oh, not much. He’s some sort of businessman and filthy rich.”

Danielle couldn’t help the smile of wry amusement that tipped her lips. Blake’s family was surely one of the wealthiest in Chicago. However, she’d noticed he didn’t seem to care all that much. Of course, he’d been wealthy all his life and probably thought little about it. He had no idea what it was like to stumble down a cold street shivering in a ragged dress and threadbare sweater, with a little brother clutching tightly to your legs.

She shoved the thought away. That had been long ago. And even though Sutton hadn’t bought them fine clothes, they’d had enough for their needs.

They said goodbye at the Kramers’ front door. As she was about to go up to her room, Mrs. Parker stepped into the foyer from the direction of the kitchen. She smiled, her eyes bright with anticipation. “Danielle dear, come into the parlor and tell me what happened.”

Not knowing how to get out of it without being rude, Danielle handed her coat and hat to the downstairs maid with an apologetic smile then followed the sweet lady into the parlor where a warm fire blazed.

Mrs. Parker seated herself on the settee and patted the space beside her. “Here, sit here by me.”

Danielle smiled and did as she was told. “All right. What do you want to hear?”

“Everything.” The lady’s cheeks were pink with excitement.

“Would you like me to ring for tea?” Danielle asked, stalling for time. She knew she’d need to be careful when speaking of Sutton. Mrs. Parker was very wise and had a sharp eye.

“No, no. I don’t want tea. It’s almost dinnertime.” She waved an impatient hand. “I want to hear about your day. Did the man decide to back the show?”

“Indeed he did.” Danielle hoped she’d put the right amount of excitement in her voice.

“Well, tell me all about it.”

Danielle related the events of the morning, including Blake’s silliness at the café when he attempted to avert her thoughts from the mistake she’d made at morning rehearsal.

The elderly lady giggled. “That Blake. I think he’s fond of you.”

Danielle blushed. “Nonsense. He’s kind. That’s all.”

“Umm hmm.” She gave her a knowing look. “Perhaps I’ll have my daughter invite him for Thanksgiving. Now tell me what happened next.”

Danielle laughed. “All right. When we arrived back at the theater, I was still very nervous, but the other girls talked me through it. Then when I stepped onto the stage I felt like I could drop dead any minute.”

She told about the almost euphoric feeling she had during the show. How she’d been exhausted afterward. Then how they’d sent for her.

Mrs. Parker clapped her hands in delight as she heard about the excitement in the office.

Danielle skimmed over the meeting with Sutton, hoping her dear friend wouldn’t notice. “I was so overwhelmed with all the excitement I had to go outside for air. After a while, Blake came to find me. I had no idea how cold I was until he mentioned I had no coat on.”

“Oh, my dear. You must be chilled to the bone.” She stood. “You really must go upstairs and soak in a hot tub. I’ll have one of the girls bring you tea.”

Relieved to have gotten by so easily, Danielle played along. “Well, the tub sounds good, but I think I’ll forego the tea. After all, as you said, it won’t be long until dinnertime.”

“Perhaps you should have a tray in bed, dear.”

“No, thank you. That’s not necessary.”

Danielle was halfway up the stairs, when Mrs. Parker called out, “When you’re feeling better, you must tell me all about this James Sutton.”

❧

Blake wasn’t sure what was going on with Danielle, but something was wrong. He stood on the veranda as snow fell softly around him. She’d seemed fine when she came into the office. But then she changed. Her face was pale as she spoke to the new backer. Could it have something to do with this man Sutton? Did she know him? Blake scoffed at his imagination. It seemed as though where Danielle Gray was concerned, his protective side came roaring in. She was probably just exhausted from the excitement, as she’d said.

The snow was coming down harder. Reluctantly, Blake went inside.

His father stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Ah, Blake. How did things go with the new man? Did he decide to invest in the production of your show?”

Blake stared at his father. He’d never so much as mentioned the show to Blake since the day they’d fought about it. That was the day he’d found out Danielle was living with the Kramers.

“Son? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Father. Thank you for inquiring. Mr. Sutton did indeed agree to contribute a fairly nice amount to the show.”

“Sutton?” A frown appeared on his father’s face. “That name sounds familiar. Sutton. Hmm. Can’t place it. Ah, well, I must be mistaken. I’m happy for you. I know a lot was depending on him.”

Blake felt his face flush with pleasure. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to know you’re interested.”

“I was wrong to be so hard on you, son. Your mother reminded me of a few things and set me straight.”

Blake smiled. “I found out recently about Mother’s short stint in show business.”

“Yes, I was there on opening night and nearly every performance afterward. Until the fire shut everything down. She was quite talented, your mother. And she did love show business.” He threw a quick glance at Blake. “I didn’t make her give it up.”

“I know. She told me.”

“So, your mother thinks you are in love with Miss Gray.”

Blake started at the sudden turn in the conversation. “Er. . .when did she say that?”

“Just this morning. Any truth in it?” He peered sharply at his son.

Blake hesitated for a moment. Maybe it was time to admit his feelings, not only to himself but also to Danielle. He knew he needed to be honest with his parents. They’d always been there for him and they didn’t deserve to be left out now.

“To be honest, Father, I’m a little confused. But I am in love with Danielle. And it’s time I let her know.”

His father nodded and laid his hand on Blake’s shoulder as they walked up the stairs side by side. The warmth Blake felt for his father had been missing for a long time. Gratefully, he welcomed it back.

“Wait a minute. I just remembered where I heard the name Sutton. The family used to be fairly prominent. Owned a button factory and did quite well. They’ve been deceased for a number of years. Their only son and heir took over the business and pretty much ruined it. His name was James. A scoundrel, if I recall. Hope it’s not your man.”

Blake felt sick. “I’m afraid it is, Father.”

❧

Danielle leaned back against the porcelain tub, submerging her tired body in the hot sudsy bath then sighed as her tight muscles began to relax in the hot water. It had only been a few hours since she’d left for the theater, but it seemed like days.

Her thoughts wandered to the events of the day, starting with the moment she stepped onto the porch to wait for Blake. She remembered how he’d scolded her for waiting outside in the cold morning air. He’d seemed very concerned. Her memories jumped right over the morning rehearsal and to the little café where they’d gone for lunch. How dear he was. Teasing her like that so she wouldn’t worry. She felt a smile tilt her lips, and she sank further into the water.

Suddenly the moment Sutton stepped into the office popped into her mind. No, no, I won’t think of Sutton. She fought to erase his menacing face from her mind, but the harder she fought, the clearer it became until finally she could even hear his voice laughing, mocking, threatening. Please, God.

Something was pounding in her ears. Danielle sat up straight in the tub. Oh, what was that? She shook herself awake. Someone was knocking on her door. That was all. She must have fallen asleep.

“Danielle! Are you all right?” Mrs. Parker’s worried voice drifted through the door.

She realized suddenly her face was wet with tears and heaviness pressed against her heart. Should she pretend to be asleep? She’d never be able to hide her distress from Mrs. Parker’s knowing eyes.

Maybe it was time to stop trying to hide the truth from this kind friend. She grabbed a towel and hopped out of the tub. “Just a minute,” she called. She slipped into her bathrobe and hurried to the door. Flinging it open, she threw herself, sobbing, into Mrs. Parker’s arms.

“My dear, what is wrong?” Mrs. Parker pulled Danielle back inside and shut the door behind them.