Once a Thief

by Frances Devine

  “Oh. Well, if Blake had any affection for me before, it’s gone now. He hardly even looks at me since he found out I was part of Sutton’s gang. We ride to the theater and back in silence except for a polite hello and goodbye.”

  “Now, dear, I’m sure Blake doesn’t blame you for what happened to you when you were a child. Look how he insisted the Nelson Law Firm defend your friend, Cobb.”

  All the children twelve and under had been placed in a children’s home, except for Jimmy. The judge had been kind and allowed Jimmy and Danielle to stay with the Kramers while he investigated the situation. Danielle had confessed her intended part in the bank case, but since she’d actually done nothing, in the end, he found nothing to charge either of them with, and the exploited children would be cared for. The boys between ages thirteen and seventeen had been placed in a boys’ home, pending individual investigation. Most would more than likely be cared for until age eighteen and then released.

  Sutton was being held in jail awaiting a hearing, and to Danielle’s sorrow, so was Cobb and all the other adult members of the gang. Mr. Nelson had agreed to represent Cobb in court, but he said the young man would probably be found guilty and serve some time in prison.

  “I know. Blake’s been very kind to the children. But I don’t think he can forgive me for lying to him.”

  “And I think you’re very mistaken.”

  Danielle hoped Amelia was right. But she didn’t hold out much hope, and her heart was sick over it. She hadn’t realized how much she loved Blake until now.

  The doctor called Danielle back into his office. “I will, of course, need to run some tests to make sure, but there is a fair chance surgery will restore your brother’s leg. The nerves responded well and that’s always a good sign.”

  Jimmy’s face tightened. “Will I have to stay here for those tests?”

  “No. I’ll schedule an appointment with the laboratory. They should be able to get them all done in one day. But if surgery is an option, you’ll have to be in the hospital for a week or more.” He peered at Jimmy. “Can you manage that?”

  “Well, if it’ll help me to walk right, sure I can.”

  Joy shimmered through Danielle, and with a lilt in her voice, she thanked the doctor. Then she and Jimmy hurried out to tell Amelia the good news.

  ❧

  Blake sat in his front row seat in the darkened theater and watched the dress rehearsal for Peg in Dreamland. It was the evening before opening night, and the perfection nearly took his breath away. At any other time he would have been puffed up with pride and delight, but now he sat with despair on his heart.

  Every time he thought of the tragic circumstances that had surrounded Danielle and her brother for years, he wanted to hit something, hard. When he opened the closet door and saw them sprawled on the bottom of the dark closet, he’d wanted to take her in his arms and never let her go. Make sure nothing evil could ever touch her again.

  But mixed in with his sympathy and love was a thread of anger and disappointment that she’d lied to him. Hadn’t trusted him at all. Her lie about her brother hit him the hardest. How could she pretend the boy was dead?

  A picture of her lying in the fallen leaves the day he’d met her washed over him. Now that he knew her story, he realized she must have been terrified that day. He could understand that. And all he’d done was to make accusations and demand an interrogation.

  But what about all the months since then? Surely she knew him well enough now to trust him. Why hadn’t she confided in him?

  He took a deep breath. Well, at least she’d received some good news. Jimmy’s tests had shown that surgery should make his leg almost as good as new. He’d wanted to take her in his arms and whirl her around with the joy of it, but his uncertainty about their whole relationship held him back.

  Anyway, she didn’t need him. Tomorrow was her big day. Opening night. He was quite sure her performance of Peg would launch her into a successful acting career. She’d be able to take care of herself and Jimmy very well.

  He turned his attention back to the stage and shock zipped through him. She was staring at him with a sad, questioning look on her face. When his eyes met hers, she turned and looked away.

  He glanced up as Pop sat down beside him.

  “How much did I miss?” He was breathing rapidly as though he’d rushed to get here.

  “Just the first half of act 1. It’s really good, Pop. They’re doing a fantastic job.”

  “Ah yes. Peg in Dreamland will be a big success. I’m sure of it. So why are you sitting here like a dog who has lost his last bone?”

  Blake didn’t answer. Couldn’t answer.

  “Don’t be so hard on her, my lad. Her life hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale. She’s been through a lot.”

  How did Pop always read him so perfectly? How did he know?

  “Why couldn’t she have trusted me?”

  “Nelson.” Blake glanced up to find Bosley glaring at him. “We’re trying to have a dress rehearsal here. Keep the voices down.”

  Pop leaned closer and whispered, “If you’d been orphaned at ten, thrown out in the cold with a little lame brother to care for, and raised by an evil exploiter and mountebank like Sutton, maybe you’d find it hard to trust anyone, too.”

  A vice squeezed Blake’s stomach. Was Pop right? How could Blake know what drove a child who grew up in circumstances such as Danielle’s? He’d been loved and cared for since the day he was born.

  “Have you told her you love her?”

  “Yes, weeks ago. She ran away from me.” The memory cut through him as though the event had just happened.

  “Ah, but that was when she was in the throes of her trouble. James Sutton is an evil man and he had young Jimmy in his clutches. Besides, I’m sure he made threats against her friends as well as her brother.”

  “Do you think so, Pop?” If that were true, it could explain why she hadn’t confided in anyone.

  “Well, if I were in your shoes, I’d be finding out. Don’t throw away your chance with the woman you love because of your supposing.”

  Blake looked at Danielle again. This time he gave her a hopeful smile.

  Her eyes lit up and she stumbled over a word.

  “Danielle, would you get your mind on the production and see if you can stay in character?” Bosley snapped then threw Blake a disgusted glance. “Stop making eyes at her, Nelson. We’re trying to get through a dress rehearsal here.”

  Danielle blushed and averted her eyes as chuckles broke out among the rest of the cast.

  Blake’s heart pounded. Could he have been wrong? Did they have a chance after all? He forced himself to concentrate on the rest of the cast, everyone but Danielle.

  The remainder of the rehearsal went smoothly, and Blake took the whole cast out for a late supper at Tony’s. Pop excused himself and went home, despite the pleading of the entire cast that he join them.

  Later, as the carriage rolled down the dark streets on the way home, Blake argued with himself about what to say to Danielle. He pulled to a stop in front of the Kramer house. “Uh, Danielle?”

  “Yes, Blake?” She turned and spoke breathlessly.

  Her soft lips were so close, and the thought of the kiss they’d shared a few weeks earlier hit him like a hammer. If he moved his head just slightly, he could touch her lips with his own.

  He’d never been shy or tongue-tied around women before, but fear that she’d reject his love washed over him. He swallowed. “Do you need a read-through tonight? I’d be more than happy to help.”

  Her eyes clouded. Was that disappointment he saw in them?

  “No, thank you. I’m very tired. I think I should go to bed and get a good night’s rest.”

  “Of course. I should have realized.” He jumped from the carriage and hurried around to help her down.

  She smiled slightly, and ignoring his proffered arm, ran lightly up the steps and went inside.

  Blake stared after her for a full moment before g
etting back into the carriage and driving down the street to his house.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. He continued to berate himself all the way into the house.

  “Blake dear, your grandfather said rehearsal went very well.”

  “Yes, ma’am. It was a good rehearsal.”

  “I’m so excited about opening night,” she chattered, her voice full of excitement. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you, but the Kramers are hosting an opening night party after the show.”

  Blake’s eyes gleamed and he threw his arms around his mother in an enormous hug. Tomorrow night, he would ask Danielle to marry him.

  Twenty

  A thunderous roar of applause shook the theater as the crowd rose to their feet.

  Danielle stood in the spotlight, blinking, trembling as she bowed to the audience.

  The curtain went down with a whoosh.

  Heart pounding, Danielle forced herself to stand there and smile as the other cast members joined her. The curtain rose again and the applause never diminished as the cast took their bows. Then, the curtain fell once more and Danielle leaned against Rhonda as they exited the stage.

  “Honey, you were fantastic,” Rhonda gushed.

  Surrounded by the joyful cast, Danielle tried to get her bearings. “It was everyone. You know you all did great,” she protested.

  Bosley appeared from somewhere. “Congratulations. Great job. All of you.”

  Somehow, with Rhonda and Hannah on either side of her, she reached the ladies’ dressing room.

  “You’ll be having your own room with a star on the door after this.”

  Startled at Hannah’s sudden proclamation, Danielle stared at the actress.

  “No, I will not,” she protested. “Stop teasing.”

  Laughter filled the room, but several added their assurances that her status had changed.

  A knock on the door interrupted the good-natured chatter.

  Hannah flung it open to find a delivery boy, his arms filled with several large bouquets. All roses, mostly red, with a few pink interspersed among them.

  “These are for Miss Danielle Grayson,” he grinned. “Heard you had a smashing show.”

  Danielle got a coin from her purse and handed it to him. “Thank you.”

  The door had no more than closed after him when another knock came.

  “Oh, my goodness, Danielle. Would you look at this?” Hannah’s voice rang with excitement as more bouquets were presented.

  Rhonda stuck her head out and called to one of the stagehands. “Would you stand guard and not let anyone knock so we can get dressed?”

  The young man waved and nodded then deposited himself on a chair by the door.

  Danielle glanced eagerly through the cards that accompanied the flowers. The Kramers, the Nelsons, several friends of both families were represented. Breathlessly, she continued to look. Then, disappointed, she sighed and went to change. Of course, Blake was included in the roses his family had sent, but she’d hoped. . .

  The Kramers, Mrs. Parker, and Jimmy waited for her in the lobby which sparkled with white lights and red roses for the occasion. She’d be riding home with them in the family carriage.

  The ladies converged on her with hugs and kisses.

  Nearby, Jimmy leaned on his crutch, a look of shining pride on his face.

  Danielle hurried over to her brother and hugged him tightly. Soon, perhaps, he could throw the crutch away. Waves of joy washed over her at the thought.

  “You were great, Danni. You’re the best. I’ll say you are. Hey, I almost thought you really were that girl, Peg.”

  Amid laughter, Danielle glanced around for a glimpse of Blake. She’d thought sure he would be waiting. This was his victory night, too.

  With congratulations bombarding her from all sides, she allowed herself to be led from the theater. Their carriage was brought around and they all piled in and headed home.

  The house was blazing with light. The servants had everything ready for the guests, and most of them stood in the foyer grinning as Danielle trailed in after the rest of the family.

  “Congratulations, Miss Gray.” Sally beamed and took a step forward.

  “Miss Gray? Since when have I stopped being Danielle?”

  “Since you became a star, miss.”

  The news had traveled fast, it seemed.

  “Well, I don’t know about that, but I’m still just Danielle, if you please.”

  Sally’s shoulders shook with laughter. “If you insist.”

  Danielle smiled and headed up the stairs to get changed for the party. Halfway up, she turned around. The servants had scattered, all but Sally, who stood speaking to Mrs. Kramer.

  “And Sally. . .by the way, Gray is my stage name, but my real name is Grayson.” With a grin, she whirled around and continued up to her room.

  Her new dress lay spread on the bed in all its blue velvet glory. A narrow silver box sat beside it. Surprised, Danielle picked up the box and removed the lid. The lights that sparkled from the diamond necklace took Danielle’s breath away.

  She had no doubt it was from Mrs. Parker. Amelia must have told her about the pearl necklace.. This was the sweet lady’s way of assuring her it was all right.

  She dressed and redid her hair then went downstairs.

  Amelia was greeting a guest in the foyer. She turned and her eyes met Danielle’s. Smiling, she nodded.

  “Danielle, my dear girl, what a little actress you are.” Mrs. Carlton, socialite number one in the city, kissed the air on both sides of Danielle’s face then, with nose in the air, pushed on by her. Danielle heard the woman say in stilted tones to Wanda Fullerton, “Don’t you think there’s something a little disreputable about performing on the stage?”

  Coldness knifed through Danielle. Was that what everyone thought of her? No wonder Blake had withdrawn any feelings he had for her. That and the fact he thought her a liar and a thief. He was probably sorry he’d told her he loved her.

  “Pay her no mind, my dear.” Mrs. Parker had come up behind her. “She’s more than likely jealous. She had hopes that her daughter, Susan, would capture Blake’s affection. Now there are some friends here who would like to see you.”

  Danielle turned to find the Nelsons smiling from a few steps away. Mrs. Nelson stepped forward and took her in her arms, giving her a real kiss on the cheek. “You were marvelous, Danielle. You made me want to be on the stage again. But I was never as good as you.”

  “I beg to differ there.” Mr. Nelson gave his wife a tender smile. “Why do you think I sat and watched you perform night after night for months if you couldn’t act?”

  “Because you were in love with me, of course.” The lady winked at Danielle, and she and her husband joined the crowd in the drawing room.

  “Hello, Danielle.” Blake stepped forward, a huge bouquet of deep red roses resting in the curve of his arm. “I tried to get backstage after the show, but the hallway was so full of admirers and delivery boys, I decided to wait.”

  “I wondered why I didn’t see you earlier. I wanted to congratulate you on the success of Peg in Dreamland.”

  His hand brushed hers as she took the roses, and a thrill ran through her.

  “Thank you, Blake,” she whispered. “They’re the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen.”

  “For the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” Blake smiled, but when he spoke again, his tone was serious. “I wonder if I could have a word with you in private a little later.”

  He’d called her beautiful. “Yes, of course. Perhaps after everyone settles down a bit.”

  The smile he flashed her could only be called adoring.

  ❧

  Blake tapped his foot as he stood in the middle of a group of his friends. He wondered how soon he could excuse himself without seeming rude.

  “So this is what you quit law school for.” Donald Wilson shook his head. “I’ll have to admit, legal terminology is quite boring compared to your masterpiece.”

  Blak
e threw his friend a wry smile. “Hardly a masterpiece. But thanks for the very kind words.”

  All his friends had been effusive with their congratulations on the success of Peg in Dreamland.

  “I was especially impressed with the lovely young thing who played the part of Peg.” Tom Ferrell whistled. “She’s quite a doll. I believe I saw her here a minute ago. How about an introduction, Blake?”

  Blake stiffened and glared at his friend. “Miss Grayson is a lady. Don’t get any of your ideas about her, Tom.”

  Tom and the others burst out laughing.

  “Sorry. We had a bet going to know if you were in love with the young lady and decided this would be the best way to find out. I won the bet. Thank you very much.”

  Blake endured the good-natured teasing for a while then excused himself and went in search of Danielle. He’d waited long enough.

  After searching the drawing room and library, he stepped out onto the veranda.

  She leaned against one of the round white columns, staring up at the few stars that peeked through the dark clouds. When she heard his footstep, she turned. “The stars are beautiful tonight, but clouds are coming in fast. Do you think it might snow?”

  Blake stood beside her and looked up. “Maybe. Would you like that?”

  “Yes. I don’t usually like snow. The floor was always such a mess at Sutton’s because of the boys tracking the stuff in.” She paused. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

  “You don’t have to apologize, Danielle.” Pain stabbed his heart. Had he been that unreasonable that she’d think she couldn’t mention her past? “I want to know every detail about your life. That is, of course, only the details you want to talk about.” He was rambling like an idiot.

  She smiled and ignored his clumsiness. “I don’t think I’ll mind the snow this year. It might be nice.”

  “Danielle. . .” He whispered her name and she looked into his eyes, questioning. “I love you.” There. Please, God. Don’t let her run away again.

  “You do?” Awe filled her voice. “Even now that you know I lied to you?”