Stealing Time (28 page)

“What you did was dangerous, especially if
you were discovered in those offices.” Drew reached for her hand
and pulled her to him. “Don’t worry. Your father knows what he’s
doing.”

“My mom told me he’s working on a new book. I
think it’s about your father or the mob or Prohibition or
something. I don’t know, but Nicolas said...”

“Father said a lot of things. He’d never do
anything to hurt your dad.”

“He doesn’t know he’s my dad. That’s the
point! Although it could be worse if he did know. I don’t like it.
I just want my dad back home!” Kate crossed her arms like when she
was little and wanted her way.

“We’re going to have to wait until tomorrow.”
Drew guided her down the stairs. “For now, let’s visit with your
mom and tell her about the trip.”

“I’d love to hear about it,” she called from
the family room. “Why was Lillian so insistent you go to New York
when you got home?”

“Mom, you’ll never believe this. Freddie,
Drew’s brother, is still alive and the head of Woods and
Associates.” Kate went on to fill in the details of what happened
during their stay.

“You own the royalties to your father’s work?
I’m still processing that, let alone everything else you just told
me.” Her mom grabbed the sides of her head as if she had a major
headache.

“How do you think Dad will take the
news?”

“Either very well...or badly,” she
laughed.

“That really helps, Mom.” Kate laughed with
her. “I thought I could just sign the rights over to him. I’d still
have the money. Or he can have that, too.”

“That’s sweet, but you should wait and see
what your father wants to do. He’d definitely want you to keep the
money, I’m sure.”

“Okay, I can accept that, but I think he’s
not going to like the fact I’m in control.” Kate popped up from the
couch and headed for the kitchen. “Now, what can I do to help with
dinner?”

Her mom and Drew exchanged surprised glances
at the mention of Kate making dinner and got up to join her. They
made small talk as they prepared the meal. To the rest of the world
they appeared to be a normal family. No one would guess they were
waiting for their husband, their father and friend to return to the
present from the past. No one would be able to figure out their
secrets from the scene in the kitchen. That’s how Kate wanted to
keep things and would work out a way to makes sure that happen, no
matter the cost.

* * * *

Kate found her father up bright and early the
next morning. He was in the kitchen, whistling while he made
breakfast. “Wow, you’re in a good mood.” Kate gasped as he turned
to face her. He had a black eye and a large purple bruise on his
cheek. “What happened?”

“Made friends with a tree, Pumpkin. Like my
shiner?” He continued whistling as he put bacon on the microwave
plate.

“No, I don’t. Has anyone else seen you?”

“Nope, just you. Your mother left a note
saying she needed to get to work early today. Something about
adding more classes to her schedule for next semester. Isn’t that
great?”

“Quit changing the subject, Dad. So how did
it really happen?”

“I was riding, came too close to a tree and a
low branch caught the side of my face.”

That made sense, but for some reason, Kate
didn’t believe him. “Have you iced it yet?”

“I will, after breakfast. Coffee?” Her dad
was trying too hard to be upbeat and avoid the real story.

“Dad, I just don’t believe you. After what
happened in New York, you come home looking like someone beat you
up.”

“Keep that one to yourself. You’ll scare your
mom.”

“So start telling the truth.”

“I’d like to hear it, too, Jack.” Drew now
stood next to Kate, still wearing flannel sleep pants and a
t-shirt. “I smelled coffee and came down to get some and hear
this.” He sat down at the counter, and Kate’s dad turned to pour
some coffee. “Whoa, Jack, did you walk into the barn door?”

“Something like that.”

“We were discussing the true story before you
interrupted us.” Kate crossed her arms and stared at her dad.

“Thanks for the save.” He slapped hands with
Drew.

“You’re acting a bit weird. What exactly did
happen?” Drew studied Jackson’s face carefully.

“It’s best you kids don’t know. Stop asking
questions. Everything’s taken care of.” He took a sip of coffee,
wincing as he did.

“I’m getting some ice, and you’re sitting
down.” Kate walked her dad over to the dinette table and sat him in
a chair.

Drew joined them. “Jack, you’ve got to tell
us. There can’t be any secrets.”

“Alright, as long as you promise it stays
between the three of us.”

Kate put a bag of ice in her father’s hand
and sat down across from him. “We’re listening.”

“Three of Nicolas’ men came looking for you
at the canyon. They were questioning people at the restaurant and
the studio. I heard they were asking about me--where I lived, where
I did my work. They caught up with me outside of El Tovar. I had
been talking to Thomas in the kitchen. Thank goodness I had just
left him.”

“Thomas would’ve helped.” Kate nodded at Drew
and saw he was already angry.

“It was best I dealt with it myself. They
dragged me into the barn behind Tovar where you keep your horse,
Drew. They threw me in one of the stalls and started asking
questions which I proceeded not to answer.”

“And that’s how you got this.” Kate pointed
to her father’s face. “Why didn’t you just tell them what they
wanted to know?”

“That would’ve been too easy. I wanted to
make it seem like I didn’t know much plus I needed time to think of
a plan. One of them struck me across the face. I got a few blows to
the stomach from another. Then a few punches to the face. I finally
told them all I knew was Andrew went back to boarding school, and
Kathryn was at her high school in Ohio. Andrew planned on joining
his family for Thanksgiving, and Kate would take the train from
Cleveland to New York on Friday after the holiday. I planted the
seed for the future to back up your story. Hopefully they won’t
come back. My biggest fear was they’d lay in wait for you two on
Thanksgiving. Now they think Andrew’s still coming to New
York.”

Drew pounded the table with both fists.
“Dammit! I should’ve been there to deal with them, not you, Jack.
Look at you! It’s my fault you were beaten.”

“I’d gladly do it all over again, son.” He
patted Drew’s arm. “Don’t take it so hard. It’s not your
fault.”

“Not my fault? I find out my brother was
beaten by my father, and now you’re beaten by his men. I felt
guilty in New York for not protecting Kate. And now it’s double the
pain.” Drew slumped over onto the table, head in arms.

Her dad looked quizzically at Kate. “I have
no idea what he’s talking about.”

“We just found out his brother’s alive and
runs Woods and Associates...not your family. Sorry.” Kate looked at
her father apologetically. “I guess we never searched the firm
on-line to see who was in charge...we just assumed. Well, anyway,
we told Freddie the truth. Who we really were...and then Drew
received some terrible news.”

Her father slowly slumped back in his chair.
“More bad news?”

“In a way, yes. Nicolas beat Freddie...after
Drew died. He took out his grief and frustration on his other
son.”

Now it was her dad’s turn to pound the table.
“What’s with that man? Freddie was just a young boy...” he paused.
“We have to tell Mother. She’ll do something to help him.”

“No!” Drew sat up. “As much as it pains me to
say it, we’ll leave things as they are. We can’t interfere anymore
than we already have.”

“But maybe we could warn Ilene...” Kate
nodded at Drew.

“We’re not going back there, remember?” Drew
looked defeated.

Kate didn’t want to add to his burden so she
decided to table the rest of her ideas. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m
sorry this happened, but Freddie got his own kind of revenge,
didn’t he, Drew?” She smiled at him and then looked at her father.
“Freddie has lived a long life, has three sons and would not help
his father with any dealings at Woods.”

“I guess that’s the best kind of revenge.”
Her dad slapped Drew on the back. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.
You didn’t know.”

Kate tried to hold back tears as she gazed at
the men in her life. Every time she pictured her life getting back
to normal, a twist was added. “Guys, we need some normalcy in our
lives. Let’s put this all behind us and focus on the month of
November. The big preseason basketball game’s in a few weeks and
then Thanksgiving. Our friends will start coming home from college.
I’m sure everyone will want to go to the game. Just like old
times.”

“If I remember correctly, that game doesn’t
hold good memories for us either. So much for getting back to
normal,” Drew reminded her.

“Well, this could be the start of good ones.”
Kate tried to push those thoughts from her mind, although they
popped up this time of year.

She recalled Tyson taking her out to eat
after the game, falling out of his car, hitting her head on the
pavement. She ended up in the hospital with a concussion, almost
keeping her from the canyon. Two years had gone by since that
occurred, but seemed like it happened yesterday.

Last year Kate had Drew by her side for the
game, but Tyson managed to literally pick her up and sneak her out
to the parking lot. Drew rescued her, but it felt like Tyson was
stalking them for the rest of the night, showing up wherever they
went. Things had to be better this year. “Tyson sent me a text that
he’s been asked to be honorary captain for the game.” Kate
continued on. “Erin will be coming home with him so he should be on
his best behavior.”

Drew choked on his coffee, almost spitting it
out of his mouth. “When did that ever stop him?”

Her father rose from his seat and went back
into the kitchen. “I have to agree.”

“Positive attitudes, boys. We’re all maturing
and making better decisions. Let’s hope Tyson has, too. We need to
be really nice because he still has the book. I haven’t forgotten
about that.” There was something else she hadn’t forgotten, the
kiss at Senior Prom. Another secret from Drew.

“Neither have I.” Drew slapped his hands
together. “I’ll get it back if I have to...”

“...I’ll get it back. Leave it to me.” Kate
stopped him. “Right now let’s finish breakfast and do some
studying. Then I’ll make plans with Lindsey and Jordyn. You’ll see.
Everything will be fine.”

* * * *

Kate dug through her closet looking for her
high school hoodie. It was white with red lettering. How hard could
it be to find? She sat back on her heels, hands on hips, staring at
the floor of the closet. So many thoughts were in her head, she had
a hard time prioritizing them.

She reached for her phone numerous times over
the past weeks to call Anna but then realized it was impossible.
She wiped a stray tear from her eye, trying to stay strong as Anna
requested. Talking to her special star at night wasn’t really
helping. Kate felt so abandoned.

“Anna, I need you now more than ever. Little
did I realize so much would happen in such a short time. You
probably knew Nicolas was a gangster and hid the fact from me.
That’s how you were...protective. Always in my corner. Anna, how
can I continue this journey without your guidance and advice?” Kate
slumped into a ball, wanting to tuck herself away in the
closet.

You don’t have to, Kathryn, I’m right
here. Be strong. When you feel the strongest, that’s when I’m by
your side
. Kate flipped around when she heard Anna’s voice. It
felt like she was right behind her, whispering in her ear.

“Just like in New York. When I panicked, you
were there,” Kate said to the empty room. She turned back to the
closet and placed her hand on the sweatshirt she was looking for.
It was right in front of her the whole time.

She slipped it over her head and felt game
ready. Funny how two small towns could make such a big fuss over a
game that didn’t count for anything except bragging rights. It was
a tradition that started back in the 1950s when the other school
didn’t have a gym, and they challenged her school to a game. It
became a high school tradition ever since.

Determined to make it a fun evening, Kate
headed downstairs for dinner. Lindsey and her family were joining
them, and she thought she heard their voices.

“Lindsey!” Kate drank in the sight of her
friend, looking so much like young Anna. “I’ve missed you so
much!”

“How are you? Your dad’s filled me in on the
details of your New York adventure, past and present.”

“No one else heard, did they?”

“Of course not. Your dad’s careful. You’re
growing more paranoid by the day. We need to get that book back
from Tyson so you can relax.”

“No,
I
need to get it back.”

“Hey, we’re a team. I helped you steal the
first book from Maya.”

“Yeah, you did, and I’m eternally
grateful...but this is something I need to do on my own.”

“I’m here if you need me. Sisters till the
end.” Lindsey hugged Kate tightly and then whispered in her ear. “I
can’t believe Freddie’s still alive.”

“I know. We really need to find time to
talk.” As Kate hugged her friend, she realized there was someone
else she needed to speak to. She never told her father about having
the rights to his books. Shocked to see him looking like a prize
fighter after his return, it flew right out of her head. Tonight he
was sticking to the story of a low tree branch hitting him in the
face, and everyone seemed to buy it.

“I promised Jordyn we’d save her and Brian
seats at the game. Seems like basketball players will be announced
plus all the cheerleaders...past and present.” Lindsey filled Kate
in on their friend.