In Places Hidden

by Tracie Peterson

  Camri nodded. “I’m sorry for detaining you. I’m just trying to gather all the clues that might help me find my brother.”

  Mrs. Wong gave a little nod, then left the room in her usual hurried fashion.

  Camri looked at Judith. “Did she seem upset to you?”

  Judith shook her head. “I wasn’t really paying attention. I find her hard to understand sometimes.” She shrugged, as if that explained everything, then went back to focusing on her meal.

  Judith seemed so naïve, yet perfectly content to be so. It was possible that with such a lack of education and social life, she truly didn’t know to want more. Wasn’t that exactly what Camri had found with so many young women when trying to talk to them about their rights? Perhaps the best thing to do was enlighten Judith a bit.

  “I know I’ve told you about my education,” Camri began.

  “Yes. You went to college.” Judith’s blue eyes twinkled. “You’re the smartest woman I’ve ever known. When I think of all the books you’ve read and the studying you’ve done . . . well, it’s so impressive for a woman.”

  “Women are no different than men when it comes to desiring knowledge.” Camri spread some butter on her bread. “And while it’s true that some people want to learn more than others, I think it’s most important to know what options are available. In your situation, you were probably never told about the possibilities.”

  “My situation?” Judith frowned, as was her habit when confused.

  “Living in the middle of nowhere on a cattle ranch wouldn’t allow you to speak with many people or attend lectures where education was being discussed. And even if you’d lived in town, you might not have had many opportunities to hear about the current political events that involved women.”

  Judith looked as if she was considering this. Camri hoped she hadn’t offended her new friend again. Judith was far and away the sweetest of young women, Camri didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

  “Growing up,” Camri continued, hoping to move the focus back on herself rather than Judith, “we were encouraged by our mother and father to do whatever we wanted with our lives. My sister Catherine became a scientist, as is her husband. She continues to work, even though they have two children. My brother Caleb became a lawyer, although he studied a great deal of theology as well. And I became a teacher as well as an advocate for women’s rights. My mother was a great supporter of the cause. In fact, whenever someone was speaking about women’s suffrage or the various movements to better women’s lives, she insisted I attend. My mother and father are very progressive in their thinking, as were their parents. They all support women getting the vote and having all the legal rights afforded to men. They want to see women have more opportunities.”

  “Opportunities for what?” Judith asked.

  Camri smiled. “For their futures. My parents want me to have whatever kind of life I want, even if it has nothing to do with marriage and having children.”

  “But why wouldn’t you want to marry and have a family? I’ve wanted that all my life. I want a big family.” Judith blushed. “I suppose that sounds bold, but it’s true. I grew up without anyone but my mother and father. It was lonely, and I always longed for brothers and sisters. I hope one day to marry and have a dozen children.”

  “A dozen?” It was Camri’s turn to frown. “But this is the 1900s. You should know that there are other opportunities.”

  “But what if I don’t want other opportunities? If your goal is for each woman to be able to choose her future, shouldn’t I be allowed to choose mine?”

  She was right, and Camri was once again trying to impose her beliefs on others. “I’m sorry, Judith. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately. I suppose being surrounded by students and other women who believe as I do has made me pushy when it comes to educating others. I’m often hired to speak at ladies’ functions, so I just naturally lecture.”

  “It’s all right.” Judith smiled in her sweet fashion. “I think your ideas are wonderful. I truly admire your passion. But it’s your passion. Not mine. I hope you won’t think less of me because of that.”

  Camri felt ashamed, because she had thought less of Judith for her simple desire to be a wife and mother. “Again, I apologize. I’ll try to rein in my thoughts.”

  “You don’t need to do that,” Judith countered quickly. “Just don’t be offended if I don’t want the same things you do. Right now, all I really want is to find my aunt. I hope you understand.”

  “I do, and I appreciate that you’re willing to help me with my search for Caleb first.”

  “What you said on the train made good sense. If we pool our resources and efforts, then we have two other people to count on. Three can cover much more territory than just one. And I don’t mind at all that I have to wait a little longer. Your brother might be in danger, and it’s far more important that we find him first.”

  “Thank you, Judith. You’re such a kind soul. I can learn so much from you.”

  Judith giggled. “From me? Goodness, I don’t think so.”

  Camri smiled. “I do, and I think God has put us together for that very reason.”

  They finished their lunch in relative silence. Camri was humbled by Judith’s spirit. Here she was supposed to be the Christian full of grace and kindness, yet Judith was far more gracious and kind. She was content and patient, while Camri knew a despairing restlessness that grew a little stronger every day. She had told herself it was just her worry over Caleb, but perhaps it was something more. If she was completely honest with herself, she had to admit she was lonely. Teaming up with Judith and Kenzie had alleviated some of that feeling, but only to a small degree.

  Mrs. Wong came and cleared the table. She kept her head down, signaling that she had no desire for conversation, and Camri felt even worse. If she wasn’t careful, everyone in the house would come to dread her.

  She decided to focus on searching for the key to Caleb’s study. “I’m going to search my brother’s room. I can’t imagine that he’d just carry the key to his study around with him all the time.”

  “Might I help?” Judith got to her feet. There was no hint of dismay in her countenance. She was all forgiving and sweetness.

  Camri smiled and nodded, and they made their way to her brother’s room. “Caleb was always very particular about his room and study. He’s very orderly.” She opened the door to the bedroom.

  “Oh my, it’s a perfect room for a city gentleman.” Judith appeared completely enthralled by Caleb’s room. Camri couldn’t help but smile as Judith made her way around, touching the drapes and furniture. “At least what I would imagine a city gentleman would like,” she quickly added. “After all, I’ve never really known any.”

  Camri raised one of the large window shades. “I tried to get him to lighten things up a bit, but he loves this dark green.”

  “I do too. With the wood furniture, it’s like being in a forest.” Judith turned to gaze at the fireplace. Two chairs sat in front of the hearth. “I can just imagine sitting here on a chilly evening with a lovely fire.”

  Camri’s emotions were triggered by memories of Caleb doing just that. “The house has a furnace system that generally keeps it warm, but last summer there were several cool evenings, and Caleb had a fire laid. I remember one night after our parents had gone to bed, I couldn’t sleep. I found Caleb here reading, and he encouraged me to join him. We sat until the wee hours of the morning, discussing the future.”

  Judith smiled. “How wonderful to have a brother who would do such a thing. He sounds amazing.”

  “He is.” Camri wiped away her unbidden tears. She went to the far side of the bedroom and began to search through the drawer of a nightstand.

  “Should I go through the pockets of his clothes?” Judith asked.

  Camri glanced over to find her friend standing in front of the wardrobe. “I hadn’t even considered that, but it makes sense. Please do.” She was glad to give Judith the job. She was afraid if she did it
herself, she would break into sobs.

  After an hour in Caleb’s room, leaving no item unturned, pocket unsearched, or drawer unopened, Camri and Judith still had found no sign of a key.

  “Once, when my papa had a door lock that wouldn’t budge,” Judith said, looking thoughtful, “he just removed the hinges.”

  Camri had never heard of such a thing, but it made sense. “That’s a brilliant idea. Thank you. We’ll go talk to Mr. Wong and see if he might lend us a hand.”

  They quickly made their way downstairs and found the Wongs sitting together in the kitchen. They were speaking softly in Chinese and seemed caught up in their conversation when Camri knocked on the doorframe.

  “Please excuse the interruption,” she said. The Wongs sat up straight and nodded but otherwise said nothing, so Camri continued. “I’ve been looking without success for the key to my brother’s study. Judith had a thought, and I wondered if you might help us, Mr. Wong.”

  He nodded again. “I am pleased to help.”

  “We want to take the door to the study off its hinges and get into the room that way.”

  “I can do that. Let me get tools.” He left the room momentarily, then returned with a hammer and slender chisel.

  Camri led the way upstairs to her brother’s study. Her hopes were high until they reached the door. “Oh no.” She felt immediate defeat. “The hinges are on the inside.”

  Mr. Wong shook his head, as did Judith. It was apparent neither one had any further ideas.

  Frustrated, Camri and Judith returned to the dining room table. Their lack of success was a serious damper to Camri’s mood. She had to find a way to get into that study. She was certain that if there were clues regarding Caleb’s affairs, they would be in that room. She sank into her chair and picked up the newspaper, flipping to the back to look despondently at more job listings.

  A loud knock sounded at the front door, followed by the doorbell. Mrs. Wong rushed down the hall, and Camri heard her open the door. A moment later, Kenzie came into the room.

  “I’m so excited. Mr. Lake said he has jobs for both of you.” She began to unbutton her coat. “You start tomorrow.”

  Camri put down the newspaper. “Well, that certainly worked out better than I anticipated. I must say, I’m surprised.”

  “Not only that,” Kenzie said, pulling her hat from her head, “but he’s going to pay you more than he might someone else. I told him what we were up against, and that while we did have a place to stay, we would need to be able to put our money together and support ourselves and our causes. What with it being the holiday season, he’s overwhelmed with demands for his candy and desperate for people he can trust.”

  Camri considered her words. “Why is trust such an issue?”

  “I’m not entirely sure, but apparently there has been some sort of trouble.” Kenzie placed her hat on the table and then discarded her coat. “But Cousin George, as I’m allowed to call him, is a nervous, fussy man. I think he would probably perceive trouble even if there were none.”

  “I’m so excited,” Judith declared. “I love sweets, and working at a candy factory sounds like a great deal of fun. Don’t you think, Camri?”

  “I wish our door troubles could be so easily mastered,” Camri replied.

  Kenzie gave her an odd look. “What door troubles?”

  “The door to my brother’s study is locked. Mrs. Wong said Caleb had the only key, but Judith and I searched through his bedroom and found nothing. I’m starting to fear he had the key on him when he disappeared.”

  The redhead glanced around the room as if assuring herself that no one else was listening in. She leaned down, putting her lips only inches from Camri’s ear. “I can open it.”

  Camri straightened. “How?”

  “Well, you know how I helped in my father’s store? A boy who worked in the back . . . he taught me how to unlock doors without a key.”

  “You mean you can pick a lock?” Camri asked in a hush.

  She nodded. “I can. It was just a game to me—a puzzle to learn.”

  Camri jumped to her feet. “Then come quickly and open the door!” She reached out to take hold of Kenzie’s arm. “Please.”

  The trio made their way to the office door. Kenzie glanced around once again, then quickly went to work on the lock with two hairpins. It took only a few seconds.

  “There,” she said, stepping back as the door swung open.

  Camri stared into the office in disbelief. The room had been ransacked. Papers were strewn everywhere, and some of the furniture had been overturned. Books had been torn from the shelves and left in heaps on the floor.

  Behind her, Mrs. Wong gasped. Camri hadn’t heard the older woman join them, but it was obvious that Mrs. Wong was just as surprised at the chaos.

  “Mr. Caleb not do this.”

  “No, I don’t imagine he did.” Camri turned back to look again at the disorder. “Now we just need to figure out who did. And why.”

  C

  HAPTER

  4

  George Lake was a man of limited stature and patience. He handed each of the women an apron while he told them about their duties. Kenzie slipped the apron over her head.

  “There is a great need for secrecy and cleanliness. The chocolate must be manufactured under constant scrutiny lest the secrets be revealed. There are a variety of candy makers in this town, and I’m certain they would like to put me out of business. You must pledge your loyalty and secrecy, or I cannot allow you to work here.”

  The girls all nodded in unison, and Mr. Lake continued. “I’m particular about how I manage my factory, and I’m sure Miss Gifford has informed you that I have been inundated with orders for Christmas.”

  “Yes,” Camri replied, and Judith nodded.

  “Good, then you will understand the need to get to work immediately. I’m putting you in the packaging department. I can move some of the men there to production, and then hopefully we can increase the amount of candy we make each day. Come this way.”

  Kenzie wasn’t sure what to make of her mother’s cousin. He seemed constantly fearful and anxious. His gaze darted around the room from behind his wire-framed spectacles as if he expected to be attacked at any moment. The poor balding man had the demeanor of a mouse about to be pounced on by a cat.

  Cousin George droned on and on, giving instructions that Kenzie listened to only halfheartedly. He’d already told her most of this when he’d toured her through the factory the day before. She was to sit at the end table, where she would put the final pieces of chocolate into the box, then wrap it in her cousin’s trademark red-and-yellow ribbon. After that she would put the finished product in a packing crate.

  “As you can see, there are more than ten different types of chocolates. Each has a unique filling, and different products will be packed in specific boxes,” Cousin George explained. “The boxes marked Variety will have two of each type. Boxes that specify Nuts or Creams must be just that and nothing else. It’s imperative you understand this. Goodness, we would have no end of trouble should you mix these up, and I won’t be able to employ you if something so simple as that is a problem.”

  Kenzie shook her head. At least Cousin George and the candy factory would keep her mind off of Missouri and those she’d left behind. Or better yet—those who had left her. She tried not to think of Arthur Morgan stranding her in her wedding gown at a church in front of over two hundred guests. She tried to forget the pain of her father telling her that Arthur’s family had sent word that the wedding was off and that Arthur had gone abroad. The pain in her heart was such that Kenzie had been certain it would kill her. Unfortunately, that hadn’t been the case.

  Because of Kenzie’s misery and their own embarrassment, her parents had immediately taken her away to stay with an aunt. Soon after that, they conceived the idea of her moving to San Francisco, where no one would know her shame.

  No one but me.

  But of course, that had changed, much to her surprise.
She hadn’t meant to make friends with Camri and Judith, and she certainly hadn’t intended to tell them anything about her past. But it had happened, and now, for what it was worth . . . she was glad. It was better to be in their company than to be alone.

  “Now, take your seats,” George Lake commanded. “I will demonstrate how to fill the boxes.” He picked up one of the variety boxes.

  The trio did as he instructed, each taking a chair at their appointed place. Kenzie sat at the end of the long table. Stacks of box trays awaited at Camri’s end of the table, while the lids were with Kenzie.

  Cousin George motioned to one of two young men who would be helping them. “David will make certain you have plenty of boxes in various sizes for the chocolates. He will also bring you spools of ribbon. Sam over there will bring in boxes of loose chocolates from the factory floor and will help take away the packed crates. David will do this also, if Sam gets behind with other duties.”

  The two young men smiled at Kenzie and her friends as if they were already making plans for the future. David even gave her a wink. Kenzie fixed him with a look of boredom, causing him to lose his enthusiastic grin.

  For nearly an hour, Cousin George continued his tirade about the exact way the candies should be arranged. He even had each of the young women package and repackage the candies until he was satisfied that they could do the job. He took extra time with Kenzie, showing her how the ribbons should be tied.

  “I see that you’re right-handed,” he said, “but if you would tie the bow as if you were left-handed, you will find it gives a flat and finished look.”

  Kenzie practiced several times, stopping momentarily to study the steps of her normal bow-making method in order to reverse them. Finally she created several bows using Cousin George’s left-handed method.

  “Good. Folks look for my ribbons in order to quickly identify my chocolates. It’s critical that you secure them properly and make them beautiful.”

  “I understand.” Kenzie quickly mastered the ribbon’s placement, much to her cousin’s relief.

  Finally, Cousin George concluded his instructions and left the women to their work. Kenzie was almost certain she heard the other two sigh when he finally departed. She felt the same way. His nervousness was enough to make her reconsider working for him.