Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  “Ooh, my head.” Drew covered his eyes with his arm.

  “First hangover? Let me know what it’s like.” Kate had no sympathy. “Come on, get dressed. We leave this morning.”

  Drew continued to moan as he stumbled out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

  Kate thought she heard a retching sound come from behind the closed door. Good! He’ll think twice about drinking like that again.

  Patiently, she sat on the bed waiting for Drew to come out of the bathroom. When he finally emerged he didn’t look much better.

  “Clothes.” She pointed to the dressing room.

  “I’m sorry,” he called from the room. “We’ll be at the train station in no time.”

  A knock at the door interrupted them. Kate hoped it was Sal coming for the luggage.

  “Mr. Martin, there’s no train leaving today for Chicago.” Sal’s words shot through the closed door causing Kate’s heart to stop. Chicago was the first main stop on their trip west.

  “What? A train leaves for Chicago every day.” Kate threw open the door. “Really? I’m surprised.”

  “Is your husband available?”

  “Andrew!” Kate called as sweetly as she could. “Sal wants to talk to you.”

  Drew walked into the bedroom. “Sally, something wrong?”

  “There’s no train, sir.”

  “Of course, there is. I checked myself. Ten a.m. departure.”

  “You overslept.” Sal pointed to the clock. It was now ten-thirty.

  Drew slowly closed the door and looked at Kate’s disappointed face. “I’m sorry.”

  “You keep saying that. You’re sorry you drank. You’re sorry you haven’t been here. You’re sorry we never had a chance to talk and never told me the time we needed to leave.”

  “I’ll make new arrangements. We’ll leave tomorrow.”

  Kate found that hard to believe. “Drew, remember when Sal picked us up at the station? You had a conversation in Italian...something I didn’t remember. What did he say?”

  “He told me how much my father missed me and said it would be great if I could stay and live here again. Just small talk.”

  That exchange was more than casual conversation. Kate began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This was a well-thought out plan to keep Drew in New York City. He was the innocent pawn. He gave his father a heads up at their wedding, giving Nicolas time to plan for their visit.

  Kate decided to keep Drew in the dark and made up her mind to visit her grandmother instead. She needed her help. “Drew, you rest. I’ll be back in a few.”

  Quickly sliding on her coat, Kate slipped out the door and down the stairs. Sal stood in front of the entrance door. That was her chance to go quietly unnoticed to Lilly’s. “Sal, would you mind taking me to Lillian Wood’s home? She invited me for tea today. I could use a break from the house.” Sal didn’t budge. “Sal, did you hear me?”

  “Car’s in the repair shop, ma’am.”

  “Then I think I’ll go for a walk.” Anything to get out of the house for awhile.

  “Not a good day for that, Mrs. Martin.”

  “Please call me Kate. I won’t be gone for long. You could go with me.”

  “Not possible, Mrs. Martin.” He enunciated her name to make his point.

  Kate turned so Sal couldn’t see her face. She felt her face flush red with anger and wanted to remain calm on the surface. “Do you know where my mother-in-law is?”

  “I believe she’s in the conservatory.”

  “Thank you.”

  Kate headed down the main hall to the back of the house. She loved the sunroom last year, but now it felt like another room in this prison. Ilene was doing needlepoint by the window, listening to the radio. “Ilene, am I allowed out of this house?”

  Startled, Ilene looked up from her sewing. “Of course, you are, dear. Is Sal being overprotective?”

  “I was invited to Lillian Woods’ for tea. Sal wouldn’t take me. Said something about the car being repaired.”

  “I keep telling Nicolas it’s time for a new automobile. This one has given us nothing but trouble. Perhaps you can go tomorrow. How would you like to visit the guest suite on the third floor? Nicolas and I discussed how we’d like you and Andrew to feel it’s your home when you come to stay. You might like to change the décor. Come on, let’s go up.”

  Kate didn’t know if Ilene was telling the truth about being able to leave the house or not. No way did she want to visit the third floor and see the place where Nicolas planned for her and Drew to live. Not wanting to raise any suspicions, Kate pretended to go along gladly. As they climbed the back stairs, she got an idea and decided to plant it in Ilene’s mind. “I’d love to browse some furniture stores while I’m here and maybe some department stores for accessories and linens.”

  “What a fun idea.” Ilene put her arm around Kate as they walked down the hall of the second floor to finish the climb. The front set of stairs was the only access to the top floors. Kate imagined herself trapped on that level of the house with no escape. She couldn’t sneak down a back set of stairs from up there. “I’ll tell Nicolas you want to go shopping, and we’ll pick a day.” Kate knew there was no way Nicolas would let her go out alone so she nodded in agreement.

  Drew might have made reservations for the train tomorrow, but she knew they’d miss that train, too, and every one after that until they caved and decided to stay. She needed to devise an escape strategy, but it required getting out of the house to do so. The sooner she could schedule the shopping trip the better. If she could slip away from Ilene, Kate could call her grandmother. Lillian could come to the store and pretend to be surprised by their chance meeting. She’d insist that Kate come home with her for a visit. No way could Ilene stop her.

  The first part of her plan was in place, but the second was a little trickier. Kate needed to get Drew over to Lillian’s. His father had him on a leash, scheduling his whole day. Drew was oblivious. Somehow, she’d have to make him see what was happening. They’d have to leave their things behind, luggage and all, but it would be worth it...anything to be safely away from this house and on their way to the canyon.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kate paced the bedroom floor in shock, as she waited for Drew to come home. It was almost one in the morning, and there was no sign of him. He seemed to understand the gravity of the situation that morning and promised they’d leave as soon as possible. They needed to make getaway plans and discuss strategy.

  She decided to go to the sunroom to have another chat with Anna while she waited. Kate threw on some clothes in case she came across any guards. Slowly opening the door, she peered out into the hallway. No one in sight. The men must only guard the second floor during the day—business hours—or was it when Nicolas was in the office? After all, she did get into those offices unnoticed before dinner. Hard to figure out a time table. Set times would help with our escape. Kate was positive Ilene insisted on privacy at night, so maybe the men were warned away when everyone went to bed for the night. It was so confusing.

  Kate tried to keep a calm head as she tiptoed down the hall, looking for any sign of men lurking in the shadows. She even went down the hall next to the stairs and pressed her ear against the office door. No sound came from inside. Feeling better, Kate headed to the stairs and lightly ran down them to the sunroom.

  Thankful it was another clear night, she looked up through the skylight. There would be no tears, only talking. “Anna, I need your help. I need your strength and guidance. It’s lonely here, and it’s my fault. I was too arrogant for my own good, thinking I knew best.”

  Kate sat down in a chair by the window. “This can’t turn out to be my life. Drew and I would grow apart. I’d just be someone on his arm at parties or a companion for dinner while the rest of the time was spent with his father and the other men. I know he’s unaware, and it scares me. Help me. If I need to escape on my own, without him, I’ll do it. I can’t live like this.”

&nb
sp; Kate buried her head in her hands, willing herself not to cry. She sat up, gazed out the window and saw the Big Dipper shining brightly in the sky. Crazy as it seemed, she swore the Anna star was twinkling.

  The door was ajar when she returned to her bedroom. “Drew?”

  He smiled sheepishly as he came out of the bathroom. “I’m a little drunk.”

  “After the hangover you had this morning?”

  “Sorry.” He hung his head and walked over to the bed, taking Kate with him.

  This time she decided not to fight him, not to be mad anymore. “Do you realize what’s happening?”

  “I’m drinking too much?”

  Kate knew there was no reasoning with him tonight. She hoped tomorrow morning things would be different, and they could talk then. She kissed him and lay down in the bed next to him, kissing him passionately, but also with a broken heart. This might be the last time they’d ever be together. If she slipped out in the middle of the night, no one would miss her. She was in the way of Drew’s transformation.

  Holding him close, Drew fell asleep in her arms. Kate wasn’t tired. Her mind raced during the night, filled with ideas for her getaway. She never thought she’d do this on her own. She always thought Drew would be by her side. Her heart ached so badly she wished for sleep to escape from the sadness and confusion swirling in her mind.

  * * * *

  Kate woke with a start, surprised she fell asleep. There was a note on Drew’s pillow. He was already gone. She picked up the letter and held it close, afraid to read it. The words on the paper were probably another apology for being drunk last night.

  Kate,

  Sorry to cause all this pain. I see it in your eyes. I promise we’ll talk tonight. Save a seat for me at dinner.

  Love,

  Drew

  That sounded promising. Perhaps she wasn’t as alone as she thought. Hopefully, there’d be two of them escaping tonight. As she dressed for the day, she made her decision. The best time to leave would be in the middle of the night. No one expected her, and hopefully Drew, to do something like that.

  Before heading down to breakfast, Kate felt the need to go in the opposite direction, up instead of down. She walked to the stairs leading to the third floor and slowly went up to the apartment designated for her and Drew. Standing in the doorway, Kate looked over the furnishings and decided they weren’t bad. She wondered if she left, if Drew would move up here. Would he and Gia become a couple? Shuddering at the thought, Kate walked to the large window, gazing down at the street. Drew was getting in the limo. If she hadn’t come up here, she might have seen him at breakfast. Turning quickly away from the window, she almost bumped right into Nicolas.

  “Oh, you frightened me!” Kate stepped back, not liking the sly smile on his face.

  “So sorry, my dear. Are you enjoying the view?” She knew he was aware Drew was getting into the car.

  “Yes,” Kate lied.

  “Andrew’s enjoying his time here. I hope you are, too.”

  “Since he gets drunk every night, of course, he’s enjoying himself. Is that the plan? Keep doing that until he gives in?” Kate was shocked by the forcefulness of her voice.

  Nicolas settled in on a small loveseat, casually draping his arm across the back of the sofa. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

  Kate knew she needed to play along and not make him any more suspicious. She needed to change her tone and sound like a concerned wife. “I don’t want him coming home drunk every night.” A woman of those times would worry about the drinking. She decided to go with that storyline.

  “I understand your concern. I want to show him a good time. It won’t always be like this. He’s learning the business, too, you know.” Again the smile.

  “That’s good to hear, but I’d like my husband to be home at night.” She hoped that sounded like a dutiful wife. Then she changed the subject. “Will the car be available for my shopping trip with Ilene tomorrow?”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged.” Nicolas rose from the sofa and seemed satisfied with their conversation. “I’ll talk to Sal today. Enjoy the apartment. Stay as long as you like. There’s a notepad and pen in the desk if you care to jot down what you’d like to buy. Have a good day, Kathryn.” Nicolas disappeared as quickly as he showed up in the apartment.

  Now it was Kate’s turn to sit on the small loveseat. Nicolas confirmed what she suspected all along. He wasn’t going to let Drew leave without a fight. If he kept him there long enough, Drew would want to stay and not give up the good life. It was a great plan. Nicolas didn’t care about Kate or her feelings. She was just someone he could use to keep Drew in line...and in the house. “Go home to your wife, Andrew. You’re wife is waiting.” Or the opposite, “Your wife is fine. She’s at home with your mother. She won’t mind if you come home late.” She could hear all the excuses and covered her ears with her hands, trying to block the sound of Nicolas’ voice running through her head.

  At that moment, Kate realized she was an important piece of the puzzle. Nicolas could use her. He may not care about her but definitely could use her. Maybe escaping wouldn’t be as easy as she first thought.

  Kate hugged herself tightly, rocking back and forth on the small sofa. Nicolas was a manipulator and had years of practice. He came up here with the clear intention of feeling her out, to see if she was breaking down. She was in the apartment so it had to be a good sign. His wife was well-trained, and his two younger children appeared to do as they were told. He wanted his eldest son back in the fold. Wasn’t there something about a father and his first-born son that made them special to each other?

  “I need to stop this and get on with my plan.” Kate stood and smoothed her dress. She took a deep breath and knew she had to get through another long day in the house.

  She forced herself to go downstairs for breakfast. Arrangements with Ilene needed to be made. They could be used as back-up if she didn’t escape tonight.

  As she came down the first set of stairs, she spotted a handsome young man with dark hair standing guard outside the second floor offices, leaning against the stair railing. As Kate approached the end of the hall she nodded at him. Then she decided to stop and befriend him. His help may be needed later.

  “I’m Kathryn...Kate.” She stuck out her hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “Rudy, ma’am.” He nodded but kept his hands folded in front of him.

  Kate’s blood ran cold as he said his name. He was the man who beat up her Uncle Albert. To keep her hand from shaking, Kate put her arm back down by her side. “Well, nice to meet you, Rudy. Please call me Kate.”

  “Yes, ma’am...Kate.” He stammered a little. Maybe she got to him.

  “Beautiful fall day, isn’t it?” Kate gave her best smile and continued down the stairs. “I’d love to go for a walk later.”

  “Feel free to go out in the backyard anytime, Mrs. Martin...Kate,” Rudy called after her.

  Oh, really, I’m allowed out in the backyard. What am I? A dog? Kate giggled at the thought.

  Ilene was having coffee at a little table in the sunroom. “I’m so sorry. I had the staff take everything away. I didn’t think you were joining me today. I’ll ring for them immediately.”

  “No, please don’t. I’ll just have coffee.”

  Ilene poured another cup and set it across from her. “Please, sit. Are you enjoying your stay?”

  “Yes, you’ve been so nice, and the house is wonderful. We’ve stayed a little longer than I thought we would. I really need to get back to school.”

  “Nicolas was afraid you’d say that. Just give us the number of your school. He’ll put a call in to them, explain the circumstances.”

  There are circumstances? “I’m sure it will be fine. If Andrew can miss all those days, I can, too.” Kate sipped her coffee to gain her composure. She reminded herself that the Martins think they’re dealing with a naïve sixteen year old girl. She wanted to tell Ilene she was eighteen and much smarter t
han that girl. She’d been a time traveler for two years. Feeling stronger and a little more courageous, Kate took a deep breath. “Is tomorrow good for our shopping trip?”

  “Yes, that will be lovely. I’d love to get to know you better. Have you made a list?”

  How did she know about the list? Nicolas suggested it less than twenty minutes ago. “I decided to wait and see what’s available when we get to the store. Everything looks brand new in the apartment. I’d hate to change too much.” In her mind Kate couldn’t let go of the fact Ilene knew Nicolas was with her. “Funny, I was surprised to see Nicolas. I thought he left for work.”

  “Oh, he was about to when one of his men said you went up there. He told me he just had to talk to you before he left. He wanted to tell you to have fun with the decorating. Such a generous man, he’d let you redo everything if you wished. I told him to have you make a list.”

  So someone was spying on her. Made sense. Kate made idle chitchat with her mother-in-law to pass the time.

  Ilene reached in a bag next to her chair and pulled out her needlepoint. “You really need to learn how to sew. It’s very relaxing.” She smiled fondly at Kate. “I can show you, if you’d like.”

  “Sure, maybe after the shopping trip.” Kate had no interest in needlepoint or anything else that would help relax her or waste the day away. She lived in another time where there were so many choices. Needlepoint wasn’t high on her list...or on the list at all.

  * * * *

  Another night and Drew did not come home for dinner as promised. Kate made up her mind she was leaving tonight...with or without him. She packed a few things in a bag, grabbed money from their hidden pocket in the luggage and stuffed it in her handbag. Her plan was to run up to Fifth Avenue and travel a few blocks either way. She was sure she could flag a cab and take it to her grandmother’s house.