Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  Kate couldn’t sit still and decided to head for the kitchen. A snack might help. She stopped on the stairs, thinking she heard someone calling her. Funny, it sounded like a woman’s voice, but Drew was the only one home. “Drew?” She called out. “Nope, he’s still studying in his room like a good boy.”

  She continued down the stairs and assumed the TV was on. Silence greeted her on the first floor. She walked to the refrigerator. Again, the voice called out to her. Kate swung around, trying to catch whoever was teasing her. Slowly it dawned on her. She knew the voice wasn’t anywhere in the house but in her head. It was saying, “Go to New York. Woods and Associates. Important.”

  Kate heard those words from Grandmother Lilly, but now they were swirling in her head like a bad song stuck on repeat. She knew she was supposed to go, but why the urgency? Grabbing a soda and forgetting the snack, Kate ran up the stairs to Drew’s room. Surprisingly, the door was open. He leaned over his desk reading.

  “Drew, we have to go to New York City now.”

  “I promised we’d go as soon as possible. I’m starting my paper. Then we’ll make plans.”

  “No, I want to go this weekend. I’m not waiting another week. Plus I don’t care about the stupid paper.”

  Drew rose from his seat and strolled over to her, taking her hand. “I see this is important to you. How about if we work on our papers together and then book a flight? I owe you that much.”

  Kate could agree to that. She ran to her room and grabbed her laptop. “Where do we start?”

  The hours flew by as the couple worked diligently on their essays.

  “Done!” Kate slammed her laptop shut. “I sent mine to the professor.” She glanced over at Drew and saw he was giving her a strange look. “What?”

  “Not as serious about this as I thought you’d be.”

  “The truth? I’m not. College isn’t for me. Is that bad?”

  “No, but if you don’t want to go to college, what do you want to do?”

  “Be a writer, like my dad.”

  “Then you found your major.”

  Kate shook her head. “Don’t think I can do four years. So much going on in our lives, I can’t concentrate.”

  “We can do less in our other life,” Drew said solemnly.

  “No! Never!” Suddenly, fear gripped her throat. What Drew really meant was to stay away from the canyon. When they were in New York she couldn’t wait to return to Ohio and the present. Now that they were back, existing here wasn’t enough. A part of her felt like it was ripping away. She wouldn’t be whole if she didn’t have the two lives.

  “Okay, calm down. I agree with you. I want to keep you happy, and if staying away helps, we will. If not, we’ll go as much as you want.”

  Kate threw herself into Drew’s arms. “Thank you. Now let’s make reservations and tell my parents we’re leaving this weekend.”

  “Leaving for where?” Kate’s mom walked by with a full laundry basket.

  “New York City,” Kate called out to her.

  “You were just there, and if I may remind you, it wasn’t pretty.” Her mom set the basket down and came in, sitting on the bed next to her daughter. “Honey, what are you thinking?”

  “We’re not going back to 1927. We’re staying here. Grandmother Lilly wants me to go.” Kate knew that sounded strange but couldn’t explain the pull inside her either.

  “You two are adults. I can’t stop you. But I wish you’d stay put.” Kate’s mom stared at them both. “I know it’s futile to argue. Does your father know? He’ll probably want to go.”

  “No and no.”

  “What’s going on in here?” Her dad was now upstairs. The bedroom was getting a little crowded.

  “It’s no big deal, Dad. Drew and I are going to New York...to Woods and Associates.”

  “Great. When do we leave?”

  “I said...Drew and I.”

  He appeared to be hurt by the statement but bounced back. “Fine. Call if you need anything. I can be on the next flight out of here.”

  “Thanks for understanding.” Kate jumped off the bed and hugged him.

  “Guess my little pumpkin doesn’t need her dad.”

  “Don’t say that! I’ll always need you. It’s just something I need to do for myself.”

  Her parents looked at each other with a sense of melancholy. “Remember when she needed us all the time, Jackson?” Joanna stood and pretended to faint into his arms.

  “Mom, too dramatic!” Kate laughed and lovingly pushed them toward the door. “Drew and I need to finish up. We’ll let you know when we’re leaving. We could use a ride to the airport.”

  “Now she needs us.” Her dad pretended to be shocked.

  Kate shut the door and turned to face Drew. “You understand, don’t you? It has to be me and you. We learned a big lesson while we were away. People tried to separate us physically and emotionally from each other, and it didn’t work. We’re stronger for it. From now on there has to be honesty and commitment in everything we do.” Again a twinge of guilt went through her as she said those words.

  “Kate, don’t ever doubt me again. I think I was supposed to learn that lesson. Somehow we missed out on completing the time-line last year. I only had a glimpse into the world I was supposed to live in, with no idea of how dangerous or manipulative my father was. I will ask forgiveness for that one stupid transgression over and over for the rest of my life. You’re my world. I need only you.”

  “You have to stop feeling guilty, Drew. I was hurt, very hurt by what you did, but then I realized that was your family. Your father was manipulating you. Besides, you came to your senses...it only took a few days,” Kate sighed. Then she took a deep breath and slowly let out the only thing left bothering her. “I would have left without you. I didn’t want to, but I would’ve found a way.”

  Drew pounded his fist into his other hand. “I was stupid and would have been totally lost without you.” He swept Kate into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. Was he going to break his rule again? Kate could only hope as Drew kissed her like never before. The room spun as she clung to him, and then it was over.

  “Drew!” she groaned in exasperation.

  “Only in 1927. Only then.”

  “This is getting a little old, don’t you think? Your 1927 speech?”

  “Then marry me now and be Kate Kelly. We could go to Arizona this summer and get married at the Circle J. Anna would’ve loved that, us getting married at the exact same place as 1927. We could combine your birthday and the wedding. What do you think?”

  Kate waited for Drew to finish his “marry me in the 21st century” speech and calmly said, “I can’t. It’s too soon after Anna’s death. If we do get married one day, and I mean one day in the distant future, I don’t think I could do it there. Too many memories. I’d cry through the whole ceremony and reception.”

  “So you’re thinking about it. I have enough money to buy us a home or anything you’d like.”

  That part was true. Drew had enough money that they probably would never have to work or want for anything. Not the existence Kate wanted for either of them. She didn’t want to be dependent on him or anyone else. Independence was important to her. If she married Drew they needed to be equal partners. “You know I will marry you, Drew Kelly, but first I need to establish myself...you know...become my own person. I don’t want to be dependent on someone. First it was my parents, and now you want it to be you.”

  “Is that so bad?”

  “I guess not. Ask me again in a year or so, and we’ll see what my answer will be.”

  “I’ll ask you every month until you say yes.” Drew smiled at her, and Kate’s heart melted. How could she keep resisting him?

  “Finish your paper! We have more important things to do.” Kate walked to the door, slowly opening it and then turned to face him. “Oh, and Drew, the answer every month would be yes.”

  * * * *

  Kate couldn’t wait for the plane to land and
get started on their journey. Drew arranged for a car to take them to a hotel in Lower Manhattan, close to the offices of Woods and Associates. They planned on arriving first thing Monday morning. Kate tried to imagine who or what would be waiting for her. Grandmother Lilly passed away long ago but other Wood family members could be working there.

  The plane touched the ground, jumbling Kate around in her seat and making her focus on the task at hand. Grab the carry-on. Head for the terminal. One step at a time.

  Drew had been in a good mood ever since Kate told him she would marry him, although she needed to clarify the meaning of that answer more than once. When she told him she would say “yes” every month, he interpreted it as she agreed to marry this summer as suggested. Kate explained she felt like he was saying “I love you,” and she was saying it back. Hopefully, he understood the difference, but Kate enjoyed seeing him so happy.

  The driver stood in the waiting area with a ‘Mr. Andrew Kelly’ sign. Kate found it quite humorous. “Who do you think you are? A celebrity?”

  “Very funny. Just a man with means to make it happen.”

  Inwardly, Kate was glad to get whisked away to the hotel and settled in. They would dine in SoHo later and then window shop to pass the time. Kate hoped Drew wouldn’t want to stop in any jewelry stores. Knowing him, he’d want to go to the Diamond District to buy her ring. Drew liked to surprise her, so she didn’t think he’d try to buy it while she was with him.

  Why am I thinking about diamonds and engagement rings? I don’t want to get married yet...although I wouldn’t mind being engaged for a few years. What am I saying? I need to stick to my plan. Finish my year of school and find a writers college if I want to continue. Right now, I need to find out why Lilly’s practically dragging me to Woods.

  “Kate, we’re here.” Drew held the door for her as she climbed out of the limousine and onto the sidewalk in front of the hotel.

  “Will we be able to walk to the offices from here?”

  “Yep, just two blocks away.”

  “Good, then let’s enjoy today. Dinner and shopping in New York City is something no girl could turn down.”

  * * * *

  Bright and early the next day, Kate and Drew got up and dressed, headed for a quick breakfast and then to Woods and Associates. The building was old and regal, but inside was quite the opposite. Ultra modern. Sculptures stood on pedestals around the waiting area, and expensive art hung on the clean, white walls. Kate’s heart was in her throat as she walked to the shiny, sleek, receptionist’s desk. “Excuse me. This may sound dumb, but I’m supposed to tell you Kathryn Roberts is here to see Lillian Woods.”

  The young woman stared at her for a moment and then finally reacted. “Not at all. Please have a seat.”

  Kate walked to the area where Drew was seated and sat down next to him. “So far, so good. She didn’t think I was some crazy person that needed to be hauled away.”

  “Look, she’s on the phone. That could be a good sign.” Drew pointed in the direction of the woman. Kate saw her talking into the small headphone she wore and then stand up. “She’s coming over. Act nonchalant. We can make a break for it if we need to.”

  The woman stopped in front of her. “Ms. Roberts, I’m sorry to have to ask you this. Is it possible to return this afternoon? Around one p.m.? I was told to offer you lunch on the company in return.”

  Drew stood up. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll be taking Ms. Roberts to lunch.”

  Kate joined him. “Thank you, Ms...” She quickly looked at her name tag. “...Richmond. I’ll be back at one.”

  Kate took Drew’s hand and walked toward the exit. “That’s strange. Why do I have to come back?”

  “No idea, but it will only be a couple hours. Where would you like to have lunch?”

  “I don’t think I could eat. Is it alright if we go back to the hotel? You could order room service. I’ll watch you eat while I pace the floor.”

  “Anything you want. Hopefully you’ll change your mind about eating.”

  As they stepped out into the cold autumn morning, the weather didn’t help the mood. It was overcast with low lying gray clouds that threatened rain. The couple quickened their pace and reached the hotel doors just as the downpour started.

  “Great! If this is an indication of the rest of the day, I give up!” Kate threw her clutch bag on the bed as they entered the room. It was close to ten a.m., and she knew the next three hours would drag. “We have to do something to pass the time. Drew? Any ideas?”

  “Sightseeing’s out with all the rain, but we could do a museum. Any preferences? MoMA? The Guggenheim? Or do you like the old masters? We could head for the Metropolitan.”

  “Listen to you, Mr. Expert. The MoMA?”

  “Sorry, Museum of Modern Art.”

  “That’s the one. Take me there.”

  “I’ll call for the car.”

  Wandering the floors of the museum did help pass the time. Kate’s favorite was the fifth floor where they roamed through rooms filled with Monets, van Goghs, Picassos and the like, reminding her very much of the lobby at Woods and Associates. Drew was able to grab a bite to eat in the café when they reached the second floor. Kate had to admit the menu looked tempting but opted for an iced tea.

  “Time to go, Drew. Thanks for distracting me. We could just hail a taxi from here.”

  “Not after I contracted for a car service, we’re not.” Drew laughed as he dialed his phone. “They’ll be here in ten minutes at the 54th Street entrance. Anything you’d like to do last minute?”

  “No, let’s go straight there. I have no patience left.”

  Drew took Kate’s hand and led her to the exit. The car was early, and Kate eagerly jumped into the back, sitting straight up so she could see where they were going. She longed to ask the driver to go through red lights and never stop until he got to her destination but compromised by asking him to take the most direct route he could. Finally pulling up in front of the offices, she took a deep breath. “Here we go again.”

  This time around she soaked in the surroundings, realizing Woods and Associates took up more than one floor of the building, maybe owned the whole place. The white walls gave the room a large appearance. The waiting area was filled with black leather couches and chairs with chrome and glass tables for accent. Large, red leather tiles created a huge rectangle on the main wall behind the waiting area and an abstract mosaic of many colors filled another. The artwork, along with sculptures and statues, were placed strategically throughout the whole first floor.

  Ms. Richmond was at her desk, which was really more than a desk. It was a large flowing counter separating her from the clientele. Two armed security guards were in the background — one behind her desk and one at the elevators beyond the desk.

  “Hello, again,” Kate smiled at the receptionist. “I’m here...”

  “Yes, I know. I’m told you are to go straight up to the tenth floor. Someone will meet you there.” She pushed a button, and a section of the counter slid back to let them through.

  “Thank you.” Kate motioned for Drew to follow her.

  The security guard held the elevator door open and pressed the button for the floor. He nodded and tipped his cap as the doors closed. Kate gripped Drew’s hand so hard she was surprised he didn’t cry out in pain. As the doors opened, a handsome gentleman in his seventies was waiting to greet them. He was impeccably dressed in a custom-made suit, designer tie and shoes. His white hair was cropped close to his head as was his immaculate beard and mustache.

  “Welcome, Ms. Roberts.” The man extended his hand and then looked at Drew.

  “This is Drew Kelly.” Kate introduced him.

  “Nice suit.” Drew shook his hand. “Italian?”

  “You have a good eye, sir. Yes, it is.”

  Kate waited for the exchange to be over. “And you are?” She hoped she was going to meet a long lost cousin, one of Albert’s grandsons or some other relation to her Grandmother Woods.
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  “Oh, in my excitement, I forgot. Forgive me. I’m Federico Martin...Junior, that is.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The shock of hearing that name was still sinking into Kate’s mind as she followed behind the man calling himself Federico Martin Junior. That would make him Freddie’s son. It made no sense at all. This was her grandfather’s firm and should be filled with people by the last name of Woods, not Martin.

  As they walked down the hall the offices became larger and more upscale, decorated in fine furnishings. Federico stopped in front of one and turned to the couple. “Mr. Kelly can wait for you here with my brothers.”

  Kate looked at the two men who were almost identical in features and coloring. She looked at Federico and then back at them. His brothers? They appeared to be in their forties, the same age as her father. She’d believe him if he had said sons, but brothers?

  Federico let out a knowing laugh. “Father had two wives, one much younger. These are his sons from that marriage. Calvin and Curtis will be happy to entertain you, Mr. Kelly, while I escort Ms. Roberts to my office.”

  “I’m not...” Drew appeared ready to argue, but Kate stopped him.

  “Drew, I’ll be fine.” She kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “See what you can find out.”

  She knew she was in good hands. After all, confusing as it seemed, these men were Drew’s family. She would love to grab Drew and pull him into a private room to say, “Do you believe this? The place is filled with Martins!”, but they had to maintain their cool.

  “This way.” Federico pointed down the hall, and Kate complied. As they reached the office, she was escorted to a seat in front of a large desk as the door closed behind her. Looking around, Kate was surprised she was alone. All she could see was the back of a large, leather office chair behind the desk.

  “Good afternoon, Kathryn.” The chair slowly turned around, and a very old man appeared before her. He had a shock of white hair and the greenest eyes she’d ever seen besides Drew’s. Kate heard her heart drumming in her ears, and her stomach flipped over. Was that Freddie? Did he recognize her?