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Benjamin dug through the top dresser drawer in his bedroom. The sterling silver box had to be in here. He tunneled under the socks and into the back corner. There it was, heart-shaped and bearing the initials of his grandmother, KC which stood for Kirsten Claussen. Or her middle name Corabelle as Grandfather had teased if she hadn’t accepted. He opened the box and slid the ring onto his pinkie until it caught just before his knuckle. The diamond appeared dull and Grandma’s finger size was quite small, but he’d have the width adjusted if need be to fit Lily’s. He slid the band back into the purple velvet fold and placed the box inside his suit jacket pocket. If everything with this Cumberland deal went as planned, he’d propose immediately and Lily would accept.
For the past two days, he had worked non-stop on the bid. Last night ended well after midnight while he rechecked all the figures with the Addiator. He was confident with the proposal but in less than nine hours he had to be in Chicago and deliver the offer. There were still a few errands he needed to do before picking up Anna and Emmett. He grabbed his suitcase and satchel off the bed.
As he headed down the stairs, he visualized the best route. He’d swing by the jeweler and drop off the ring for cleaning then head on over to the filling station. Stop by the telegraph office and have two telegrams sent. One for the Cumberland deal indicating their bid in case he didn’t make it in time and the other for Lily. Her latest letter came yesterday, and he wanted to ensure she knew they were all coming. Hopefully, after the other stops, the jeweler would have the ring finished. He tossed his items inside the luggage trunk and got in the car.
Almost an hour later, they were on their way traveling south out of town. Benjamin gazed into the rearview mirror, eyeing Anna behind him. “We should arrive around lunchtime which will work out well since Lily said her shift would be done at one.”
Emmett turned toward him from the passenger seat. “How long are you going to be in Chicago?”
“Not sure, but I’m meeting Robert by four at his apartment. We’re going together so he can introduce me to Joey. He’s the owner of the construction company we’re putting our bid in with.” Benjamin shifted into a higher gear and swung into the opposite lane going around a green Plymouth. “From what Robert told me, we’ll probably end up at one of the clubs downtown.” He navigated back across the center of the road and in front of the car. “I’ll tell you this though, I’m going to do whatever it takes for Ebbe to get this job.”
“You sure sound determined.” Emmett angled himself at Benjamin. “What’s driving your motivation?”
“Plenty is hinged on this deal. I can’t go into the specifics, but our family business is in trouble. And if this materializes, I’ll finally prove my worth for the company and show my parents I can make sound decisions. Not to mention securing my future.” Benjamin glanced over his shoulder. “I do have a favor to ask you, Anna.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I have high hopes for this trip. Not only for the deal, but I’m going to ask Lily to marry me.”
Anna squealed. “Oh, my!”
“Congratulations!” Emmett smacked Benjamin’s shoulder.
“Please don’t say anything though. If I don’t get this project, I’m afraid Lily will say no. I won’t ask her yet if we aren’t the chosen bid. I’ll send you a telegram and let you know what happened.” Benjamin craned his neck. “Then I’m hoping you’ll help get a surprise ready before I arrive.”
Anna scooted forward toward Benjamin.
“I need you to arrange...”
***
ALL DAY THE RAIN HAD come down nonstop. The usual crowd outside Childs’ flapjack window diminished to only those who could stand underneath the pinstriped awning. Lily filled coffee cups for the few remaining patrons perched on the counter stools. The afternoon rush was almost over. She lined up sugar, salt, and pepper containers on three separate trays. Scooping out the sugar, she let the crystals fall in a stream from side to side, filling each glass to the rim.
Several hours ago, she had checked at the front desk for word from Benjamin. He would be coming today, along with their friends. Ever since she’d read the telegram, she could hardly concentrate on her duties. Four words had repetitively played through her mind. Found reason Vivian lied. What did that mean? A few more words might have given her a better idea. She didn’t like the fact his ex had found out about what happened to her anyway. When would the woman finally leave them both alone?
Lily twisted off the salt and pepper shaker caps. She sprinkled the salt over the glass bottles and repeated the process with the pepper. Once all the caps were screwed on, she carried the tray around, replacing the missing shakers on the tables.
The door opened and Celia approached in a freshly starched white uniform. “Have you heard from Benjamin?”
“He should be here soon with Anna and Emmett too.” Lily balanced the condiment tray on her palm and rushed around the table, bumping into the edge. “Dang it!” She steadied the platter. “The telegram he sent revealed Vivian had lied about how she knew I lost my job.”
“I’m sure the wicked woman jumped at the chance in spreading the rumor when she heard the news.”
“I wish Vivian would mind her own business.” The container slipped through her jittery fingers and landed with a thunk. The more she learned about Vivian the more she could understand why Benjamin didn’t want his future with her.
Celia followed as she weaved into the next row of tables. “My shift ends at six tonight. Let’s all meet for supper.”
“That’s fine with me.” Lily spun to the last table and stopped short. “Benjamin!” Her heartbeat quickened. She’d been thinking so hard she must have conjured him. “You’re actually here!” His smile was such a pleasant sight. She set the tray on the table, flung her arms around him, and squeezed tight. “Are you hungry? Do you have time to eat before you have to go?”
Benjamin returned a gentle embrace in his arms. “Yes, I can stay for a little while.” He let his hands slip down her arms, staring into her eyes.
Celia cleared her throat. “Nice to see you again.” She grinned at them in a sweet-as-sugar way. “Why don’t you all sit back here. You’ll have more privacy in the corner and I’ll be back to see what you’d like.” She pointed to a nearby table. “Go ahead with them, Lily. I can finish up the trays.”
Benjamin removed his fedora. “Good seeing you again too, Celia.” He stepped to the side, allowing Lily to notice their friends behind him.
Lily rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Anna. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve got a list of places I can show you while you’re here.” She let go. “You can come along too, Emmett.” She smiled.
“Are you sure? If you’d rather be alone, I could take a nap after lunch.” Emmett pulled out a chair for Anna and she sat. “That’ll leave you girls to your privacy.” He rested his hands over Anna’s shoulders.
“That’s nice of you, sweetheart.” Anna looked up at Emmett and touched his hand.
Benjamin pushed Lily’s chair closer to the table.
Emmett took a seat across from Lily. “What do you recommend for lunch?”
“A sandwich if you’re not too hungry, otherwise the plate special which is turkey with all the traditional fixings.” Lily didn’t crave food as much as finding out what Benjamin had to say about Vivian. She trusted her friends wouldn’t repeat the story and gazed on her left side at Benjamin. “Can you elaborate on your message about Vivian?”
Benjamin draped his jacket over the back of the chair and sat. “Ah! Yes. I’ll just bring everyone up to date first. Let’s see.” He rubbed his chin. “Well, the last time Vivian came by she commented Lily lost her job. Right afterward, she covered her mouth, and when I asked where she heard the information she hesitated. Those actions caused me to doubt her truthfulness. So, the next day I went to Sallie’s Beauty Parlor where she claimed hearing about Lily, and do you know what the owner told me?”
“Let me know if you’d like something other than water.” Celia placed a glass in front of each person and passed everyone a menu. “Would you like me to come back? Or is everyone ready?”
“I’ll have an egg salad sandwich.” Anna handed her menu to Celia.
Lily nodded. “I’ll have the same.”
“Turkey special for me.” Benjamin grinned. “I’m not taking any chances with the egg this time.”
“Me either. I’ll have the turkey special too.” Emmett laughed.
“All right.” Celia gathered the remaining menus. “Shouldn’t be too long of a wait, the kitchen’s not busy.” She walked away.
Lily glanced at Benjamin. “Please, go on with the story.”
“I spoke with everyone who worked at the parlor and no one had heard about any incident at Livingston’s. At first, I thought maybe they weren’t telling me the truth.” Benjamin rolled the cuffs on his sleeves. “But then I asked Sallie when Vivian had last been in. I watched her flip back through the pages, and Vivian’s name didn’t appear until the week before Lily lost her job.”
“That certainly is suspicious.” Lily narrowed her gaze. “Now how do we find out where she heard it from? And why she lied about the circumstances?”
“Well, I knew better than to go ask Vivian. I decided the best place was where the story would have leaked from to begin with.”
Lily touched her parted lips. “You talked to Oliver?” Her stomach churned as the appalling incident replayed in her mind.
“I did.” Benjamin tenderly moved her hand away from her mouth. “I’m sorry Oliver let you go so publicly. I didn’t know until he profusely apologized for his actions. Apparently, he thought I was there to teach him a lesson with my fists.” He rubbed across the top of her hand. “At that point, I didn’t think there would be any way to find out how Vivian knew since Oliver hadn’t been discreet.”
“But I can tell by the way you’re caressing my hand, you did.” Lily’s heart pulsed faster at Benjamin’s knowing grin.
“You’re right. I did find out. Oliver of course knows Vivian, so I inquired if she’d been there that day.” Benjamin’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Not only was Vivian there, but she told Oliver you were the one who took the money.”
Lily pulled her hand away. “What a cold-hearted, ruthless woman.” A wave of heat stung against her skin. “Did you tell Oliver I didn’t do it?”
“Yes.” Benjamin shook his head. “But someone did take the money and even though a possibility exists the thief wasn’t you, Oliver said he needed tangible proof. His career is on the line too and he won’t exonerate you without someone else to lay the blame on.”
“His career? What nerve! And how can I provide such a thing?” Lily’s fingernails dug into her palms. “I should be deemed innocent. Instead, I’m guilty just because a high society woman claimed it so.”
Anna brushed Lily’s arm. “We will think of something. That woman won’t get away with this.”
Benjamin picked up her hand. “I’m sorry Vivian caused you all this heartache. I will do whatever I can to protect you from now on. There has to be a way to clear your name, we’ll just need to find it. Everyone will know you are innocent. You have my word.”
***
HOURS LATER, LILY STOOD at the edge of the rooftop above the Miller Hotel with her arm entwined in Anna’s, pointing at all the interesting sites. “I’ll give you a sneak peek of some of the sights we can go see. Over there is St. Mary’s Church, the courthouse, the Pabst building, and on a clear day, you can view five different bridges.” She twirled around indicating where to look for each. “The large area over there is Mitchell Park and if you follow the canal back here, you can see the harbor. Of course, the most incredible sight is Lake Michigan. I love coming up here to watch the sunsets. Don’t you think this spot is beautiful?”
“Oh, yes! Just like your special place at home.” Anna braced her hand against the cement ledge and sat. “Umm...so, I ran into Mary a few days ago.”
Lily slumped as she sat, facing Anna. Memories of Ira slammed into her like a train stop at a dead-end track. She took a deep pained breath. “How’s Ira doing?”
“His father built him a ramp for his wheelchair so he could get out of the house and even placed a set of metal bars outside. Ira’s been using them to exercise his legs and regain as much strength as he can.”
“I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for him and his whole family. There will always be a place in my heart for him.” Lily touched the ache in her chest.
“Mary wanted me to tell you she truly hopes you and Benjamin are happy.” Anna tucked a strand of her caramel brown hair behind her ear. “She said she knows what Ira put you through with the other girl and respects how you were still willing to devote yourself to him.”
“Mary would have made a sweet sister-in-law. But the way I see it, Ira made the ultimate self-sacrifice when he let me go.” Lily touched her bare finger where the engagement ring used to be.
“He did redeem himself in my eyes too.” Anna grabbed onto Lily’s hand. “Now, how are we going to vindicate you?”
Lily wanted nothing more. Vivian had found a way to simultaneously strip her dignity and the slight amount of prosperity she had. “I tried to imagine who would have taken the money, but no one came to mind. If we knew who did it, we could make them confess.”
“Whoever the thief is might try again since they got away with taking the money the first time.” Anna shrugged. “At least then there would be some more doubt in Oliver’s mind.”
“Since he asked for proof...” Lily paused as brassy notes from a trumpet flowed across the wind. “...I don’t think that will work.”
Anna stood. “Where’s that coming from?”
“Come on, I’ll show you.” Lily led Anna toward the front of the Miller Hotel building’s roof. “See there, in the park, some musicians.” A trombone joined in along with a mellow tone from a saxophone. “Last week, some of the same performers played. I love the sound of soulful jazz.”
“I hear why.” Anna swayed to the rhythm. “The melody is great.”
“All the pieces are so different. Some notes long, some short while others are high or low and raspy.” Lily moved along with the beat. “If you listen closely, you’ll feel the emotions coming through the song.”
“You’re lucky you get to hear this type of music. If I had a phonograph, I could play songs like this anytime I wanted. Maybe someday, if we’re ever rich.” Anna laughed.
“One can always dream.” Lily smiled. “Benjamin’s mother had a phonograph. I noticed it in her front room the day we met.”
Anna’s eyes widened. “Can’t you record on those?”
“Yes, on a wax cylinder. Why?”
“I have an idea of how we’ll be able to corroborate your innocence.”