Once a Thief - By Frances Devine Page 0,3

of the patrolman to the challenging expression of the annoying young man who held the cap out to her.

She didn’t think anyone would recognize her since she’d only been inside the bank for a few seconds. She had stepped into the doorway to block anyone who might be following Hank and Cobb. That was the plan. Cobb said anyone seeing her would think she was a messenger boy who just happened to step through the door at the wrong time. That would give him and Hank a few more minutes to get away.

Up to that point she had followed instructions. If only she had turned and walked slowly away in the other direction as planned. But she’d panicked. And it didn’t help any that she’d almost given them her real name, just now.

She reached for the cap and placed it onto her head, trying to place it in a feminine position. Holding her breath, she waited while every person scrutinized her then breathed a soft sigh as, one by one, each failed to recognize her.

“There. That should be that.” The lady who had championed her stepped forward with determination. “If you have no further questions for Miss Gray, Officer Brady, we’ll be leaving now.” At the officer’s nod, the lady took her arm and began guiding her gently toward the door.

Suddenly Danielle gasped. What was she thinking, letting someone lead her off like a puppy with no questions asked? She pulled back and planted her feet firmly. “Where do you think you’re taking me?”

“Why, home with me, of course. You look like you could use a good night’s sleep. Park bench, indeed.” She turned and smiled sweetly at her husband. “You don’t mind, do you, dear?”

Ah. Here it comes. My way out.

Mr. Kramer hesitated and then gave his wife an indulgent smile. “I think it would be all right for now. We can discuss things later.”

Danielle stared at the man, unable to hold back the surprised lift of her brow. Mister, you’re being mighty stupid. The stuff I could lift in a rich man’s house would buy my freedom.

A bolt of fear shot through her. What would Sutton do if she didn’t show up? He’d more than likely think she’d run out on him. Maybe she’d better try to get away now. But on the other hand, if she could pilfer enough valuables, maybe he would let her and Jimmy go, like he’d promised.

She glanced at the gentle face of the woman called Amelia and felt a twinge of uncertainty. But with sudden resolve, she pressed her lips tightly together and followed the lady out the door. After all, a body had to do whatever was necessary to survive.

❧

Danielle’s mouth watered. The smell of freshly baked bread and something chocolate tantalized her nostrils, a solid reminder that she hadn’t eaten since early that morning. And only a bun at that. Sutton had rushed them out the door so he could meet with some bigwig friend of his.

Mrs. Kramer had settled her into a small room off the main hall, promising to return momentarily. Danielle ran her hand over the settee’s velvety soft fabric. There was nothing like this at Sutton’s. And there certainly hadn’t been at Aunt Mary’s.

A shiver ran through her body. Standing quickly, she went to the bay window and pulled the curtains aside. A squirrel wiggled through a hole beneath the wrought iron fence and scurried up the oak tree in the yard.

She shivered again, rubbing her arms. It was autumn then, too. Late autumn. Danielle had been ten and Jimmy just four. Papa’s ship had gone down the month before with no survivors. Mama had gone to work at Aunt Mary’s boardinghouse in order to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. But Mother had died giving birth to a stillborn son. The very next day, Aunt Mary handed Danielle a bundle containing their meager belongings. She wasn’t raising two kids, she’d said. Especially a boy with a gimpy leg. After all, they weren’t really her kin. They’d have to make their own way.

Danielle’s stomach lurched. Again she relived the fear and confusion she’d felt as she took her little brother’s hand in hers and walked down the grimy street. That was the day they’d met Sutton.

Sutton had remained a mystery to Danielle for a long time. He was gone most nights by six or seven and didn’t return until the next morning. Finally one day, she’d asked Cobb.

“Him? Why, he’s from a rich