Stealing Time (21 page)

“Dad, I got this.” Kate gave him a little
push toward the door. “But I’m glad you’re here.”

Drew and Kate lingered at a counter for a
moment and then moved on to another, pretending to be interested in
the jewelry in the glass cases, slowly making their way to the
exit. Kate felt fear and excitement creep up inside her as the plan
seemed to be working. Her father was an added bonus.

“Kate, don’t look up, but I think Sal just
entered the store. I want you to run now. I’ll distract him.”

“No!”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“I’m not leaving without you. We leave
together, or we talk to Sal together. Choose one! He’s getting
closer and will see us soon.” She noticed him searching the
store.

“We run together...now!” Drew took Kate’s
hand and began to walk quickly through the crowds of people, trying
not to push or shove. Darting around displays and helpful
salespeople, the exit loomed ahead. As Drew began to push the door
open, they heard a voice.

“Let me get that for you, sir.” Sal’s
sinister grin seemed to say he caught them. “I’ll get the car and
pull up. You and Mrs. Martin will be driven home.”

“That’s great because I’m not feeling well.”
Kate stuck to her earlier story. Did Sal think they were that
submissive and would stand idly by while he went for the car? Kate
assumed so because he left them standing at the exit.

“There’s no way he can be two places at
once.” Drew nodded to Kate after Sal left. “He goes for the car,
and we try to find your father.”

Kate glanced up and down the street, having
no idea what car her father would be driving. She began to feel
sick for real and had to fight the nausea that suddenly came over
her.

Strong, Kathryn. Be strong, my friend.
A strange sensation ran through her as if Anna was standing next to
her whispering those words in her ear. “We need to run down the
street...that way.” Kate pointed in the opposite direction of Sal’s
route. She quickly pulled on Anna’s hat for added strength.

They ran as if their lives depended on it.
Kate’s eyes darted from the sidewalk to curbside, praying she’d
find her father. Pulling Drew over to the side of the building, she
was afraid to go much farther. “We’re trapped and can only hope my
father finds us first.” She felt like a hunted rabbit, hiding from
its enemy. Backs up against the building, trying to look
inconspicuous, the couple tried to catch their breath. “I feel so
guilty about leaving your mother in there.”

“She’ll understand,” Drew said softly. He was
busy checking cars that drove by and the people who walked past
them on the sidewalk. “Look, I think that’s your father. Walk
slowly to the curb and step carefully out into the street. I’ll be
right behind you. There’s nowhere for him to park. That’s why we
couldn’t find him.”

Kate did as instructed and heard a car horn
honking as it slowed and came to a stop in front of them in an
outside lane. Her father’s face, concerned yet calm, helped Kate
keep her composure. To be strong and make decisions was tough, and
a friendly face helped. They quickly ran out into the street. Drew
opened the door and Kate hopped in the back as he slipped into the
front seat.

“Go, Jack. Get as far away as possible. I
wouldn’t be surprised if Sal drew a weapon on us.” Drew looked over
his shoulder. “Hopefully, he’ll go back in the store and find my
mother.”

“I’m so sorry about that.” Kate was
remorseful about leaving Ilene stranded.

“You did what you had to do.” Her father
tried to console her. “Right now we need to focus on getting back
to the canyon. There could very well be a welcoming party at the
train station tomorrow. Drew, we have to find a way to fool
everyone, even my mother. We can’t take any chances.”

“Dad, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be a
part of this. Actually I may have an idea.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“If you two trust me, we’ll start as soon as
we get to Lilly’s. Just follow my lead.”

“I trust you with my life. You know that.”
Drew turned in his seat and took Kate’s hand. “Always.”

Chapter
Fifteen

“Thank the Lord, you found them!” Lilly threw
open her front door and pulled everyone inside. “I have tea ready
for you.”

Kate glanced around her grandmother’s home.
Not as lavish as the Martin house but still very upscale. The Woods
lived on the Upper East Side, too, a few streets down and a couple
more blocks from Central Park. There was a friendly, welcoming vibe
coming from the home, and Kate felt like she belonged.
“Grandmother, your home is lovely.”

“Thank you, dear. I never thought you’d get
to see it. Now come, and sit down. I’m sure you had quite a
day.”

“Yes, we have, and I’m sorry we can’t stay
long. We have to get back to the Martin’s to pack and say our
good-byes.” Kate knew it would only be a matter of time before
someone came looking for them.

Lilly seemed taken aback by the comment but
said nothing.

“Dad’s coming with us, too. Right?” She gave
him a “trust me” look. “For protection, you could say. We
definitely want to leave tomorrow.”

“Yes, Mother. She’s absolutely right. Could I
use the car? Your driver can pick it up tomorrow at the
station.”

“Absolutely. I just want the three of you to
have a safe journey.” Lilly dabbed her eyes with the linen napkin
from her lap. “I just thought I’d have you a little longer to
myself.”

Guilt crept over Kate. “Oh, Grandmother,
don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry. I love you so much. Always
remember that.”

“And the same for me. I love you more.”

Kate got up and went over to the person she
felt had her back now more than ever. She knew Lilly kept the
secret of Nicolas’ threat against her father and was grateful. They
hugged and kissed and cried, and then Lilly whispered in her
granddaughter’s ear. “Don’t forget. Go to New York City...Woods and
Associates...as soon as possible when you get home.”

Lilly then turned to her son. “I’ll be
waiting for this year’s pictures from the wedding. Don’t forget to
put them in the mail. Always love seeing a postmark from the Grand
Canyon.” There were more hugs and then final good-byes.

Drew was silent throughout the visit except
for his usual polite greeting and good-bye. Now sitting in the car,
he flipped around in his seat and glared at Kate. “We’re not going
back there. Jack will become a prisoner, too, until we finally give
in and stay.”

“Calm down. We’re not going back there. Dad,
drive to Grand Central Station. We’re boarding the train
tonight.”

“The Pullman! I forgot all about it.” Kate’s
dad hit his head like he made a discovery. “Thank goodness you
ordered that car, Andrew.” He patted him on the arm.

“We have somewhere to stay tonight,
everyone.” Kate sat back and smiled, feeling proud. “If they come
looking for us at Lilly’s she’ll truthfully be able to say she
doesn’t know where we are if we’re not at the Martin’s. Andrew can
make the arrangements to have the car attached to the train leaving
tomorrow, and we’re out of here.”

A relaxed smile returned to Drew’s face.
“That’s a great plan. My father may place men at the entrance, but
even he wouldn’t figure out we’re already on the train. He doesn’t
know about the Pullman and that we could already board. He’ll think
we’re hiding out until tomorrow. When we don’t show up, they’ll
think we delayed a day to fool them. Kate, you’re a genius.”

“Thanks.” Kate knew she and Drew had to
discuss all that happened during the trip, but she could wait until
they were safely on the train. She learned so much about Drew’s
family her heart ached for him, but she was still filled with mixed
emotions. Some were good. His mother was sweet and wanted the best
for everyone. He had the most wonderful brother and sister that
he’d never see grow up. On the other hand, Drew would always do
battle with his father, or he’d have to finally give in if his life
continued in New York City. Kate was convinced the latter would win
out.

The most frightful discovery was that Drew’s
father didn’t just have connections to the mob—he was the mob boss.
He ordered her father’s death if he got too close to the truth.
Kate shuddered and buried that conversation deep inside. It would
always be a dark secret she’d keep hidden from both her father and
Drew.

Her dad pulled up in front of the station,
letting them out. “Drew, go ahead and make the arrangements. I’ll
take care of the car.”

Drew took Kate’s hand and helped her from the
car. He appeared back to normal and looked more like his young,
handsome self than the brooding man she came to know over the last
few days.

As they entered the building, Kate decided to
wait for her father by the entrance and told Drew to go on without
her. Choosing a bench near the door, keeping Drew in her sights,
she sat down. The place was bustling with activity and she soon
lost track of him.

Suddenly every man in a suit was her enemy
and when one reached in his pocket, she gasped. He surely was
pulling out a weapon and would slide in next to her on the bench,
holding her hostage until her father and Drew showed up. Only this
man was not the enemy. He was reaching for a cigarette. Kate
exhaled.
I’ve got to stop doing this to myself, or this will be
the longest day of my life.

A voice interrupted her thoughts. Kate jumped
at the sound of it. “Kathryn? Or is it Kate as I’ve been told to
call you?” She locked eyes with an unfamiliar man standing before
her. His smile was friendly, but she didn’t know him.

“
You probably don’t remember me from
the wedding. Drew’s roommate, Kenneth.” He stuck out his hand in
greeting. “I stayed out in Arizona as you and Drew suggested. Just
got in today. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Kenneth, yes, I remember.” Kate lied and
shook his hand. She didn’t recall a roommate being present at the
wedding, although some of the wedding still went by in a blur. She
tried to remember more details this time, but it was still foggy.
Keeping her hands folded neatly in her lap to stop them from
shaking, all she could do was wish for Drew or her father to
appear.

“Kenneth, you took our advice and stayed out
west. I hope you don’t get demerits at school for that.” Drew’s
voice was a welcome relief. Kenneth
was
at the wedding.

“Not as many as you have, Andrew, my boy.”
Kenneth shook his hand. “Are you two just arriving?”

“No, heading out again after visiting my
parents. I’m seeing Kate off to Ohio. I’ll see you back at school
in a day or two after I spend a few more days with the family.”
Andrew was so believable she felt she really was being sent back to
Ohio alone. “Kate, I think your train’s boarding.”

“Nice to see you again, Kenneth.” Kate rose
from the bench and took the hand he extended.

“A pleasure.” Kenneth bowed and kissed her
hand.

“Don’t let those manners classes go to your
head.” Drew teased him. “That doesn’t impress my wife.”

The couple laughed and waved, pushing through
the sea of people, pretending to head for the boarding
platform.

“One more encounter like that and I’ll have a
heart attack.” Kate brushed her hair back and pulled on Anna’s
black hat. “I’m going incognito from now on.”

Making their way back to the entrance, they
found her dad waiting on a bench, hat in hand.

“You two sure know how to cause trouble,” he
laughed. “I saw that young man from your school approach Kate and
knew what she was thinking. Good job.” He reached out for a hug
from his daughter, but she shook her head. “Oh, right. Forgot. I
don’t really know you that well. Not quite the time or place, is
it?” Her father rubbed his hands together as if that was his
intention all along. “Kate, I’m glad you remembered him from the
wedding.”

“I didn’t! Did you?”

“Yes, I met him and had a long conversation.
We talked about Drew’s love of the canyon and how I first met
him.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but the Pullman’s ready
to board.” Drew said. “Arrangements were made to put it in place
tomorrow morning. The porter’s living on the car, waiting for our
arrival.”

The trio made their way through the station,
finding the Pullman on its special holding track. Kate’s heart
jumped as she spotted the familiar green car that would take them
away from this nightmare. Climbing the short flight of steps into
the car, Kate was surprised by what she saw. “Our luggage?”

The porter appeared and tipped his cap.
“Afternoon, ma’am, those just arrived. I’ll be back to see if you
need anything.” He disappeared down the stairs as Drew and her dad
entered the cabin.

“Did I hear you say our luggage is here?”
Drew sat down on the sofa, loosening his tie and taking off his
jacket. “I don’t have to wear the same clothes for the next few
days?”

“Don’t be so happy about that. Think. Isn’t
this a sign they know we’re here?”

“Not necessarily. Maybe it was already
arranged.” Kate’s dad sat down across from Drew.

Kate had her doubts but decided to open the
suitcases and find some comfortable clothes. Digging through the
pile, she pulled out some pale blue silk pajamas.

“Where did these come from? Must’ve gotten in
here by mistake. They’re my size... or maybe belong to Maria. They
feel so comfortable, I’m wearing them.”

As Kate slid her arm into the sleeve of the
pajama top a piece of folded paper fell to the floor. “That’s
odd.”

She bent over and picked it up. Not a price
tag or receipt. Kate examined it closer. It was a pale blue color,
like the pajamas, and appeared to be from a set of stationery.
Slowly unfolding it, Kate was anxious to see what it was.

Written in the middle of the paper was only
one sentence:
Thank you for saving my son.