The phone call from Kate’s father didn’t come until late afternoon the next day. “Finally made it. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Jack, we need to talk.” Kate wasn’t taking any chances. Someone could be listening. Last year Drew called her father, and she innocently assumed it was safe to have a conversation. Her father arrived earlier last year, and no one paid attention to Kate, the newly married bride. This year was different. Everything seemed to be on high alert. She was prepared to protect those she loved from Nicolas.
“I’ll pencil you in for a dance, Kathryn.” Her father seemed to sense the urgency in her voice and went along with the facade. “See you soon.”
She hurried down the hall to help Maria get ready for the reception. Maria was playing the piano, and her parents wanted her in the ballroom early. They did hair and make-up, then slipped on the dress.
“You look so beautiful!” Kate took Maria’s hands. “You could be a model.” Seemed like she was saying that a lot, as she thought back to her birthday and Renae.
“Thanks. You’re too kind.” Maria hugged her, and the two readied for the walk back to Drew’s room. As they stepped into the hall, Kate noticed a man standing by the back staircase. Last year she thought he was a butler but looking closer saw he was wearing a suit—vest, shirt and tie. He was standing guard, which seemed a little odd. Although, the more Kate thought about it, the more she pictured these men around the house. They were everywhere—one at the front door, another roaming the first floor, and now this guy in front of the offices. Kate and Maria parted at the front staircase, and Kate returned to her bedroom.
“Drew, why are there so many men wandering around the house? I never really noticed last year because I was overwhelmed, but this year it seems like I’m bumping into them everywhere I go.”
“Don’t ask. The less you know the better.” Drew was straightening his tie in the mirror. “I think this will be the last time we come. I’ll be relieved when this is over, and we’re on our way home tomorrow.”
It was strange to hear Drew talk like that, although he rarely discussed his life in New York. He talked about family, of course, but not what it was like to live there. Kate decided not to push further and wait for her father’s input.
When the two were ready, Drew extended his hand, and they started for the stairs. “Ready? At least we won’t be blindsided this year.”
“Ah, yes, the Gia kiss and the mi amore comment.” Kate blinked innocently as she teased Drew. She recalled how she wanted to punch Gia right there in the ballroom, but her father rescued her. When he does show up today, they can slip out to talk.
The guests politely clapped as they made their grand entrance to the tune of the “Wedding March”. Nicolas made some very nice toasts to the bride and groom. Maria continued to play the piano until the band started. Everything was exactly as Kate remembered. Gia and her family approached the couple, but Drew was ready and dodged her kiss, putting his arm around Kate instead. Her father came and whisked her away at the appropriate time.
“We have to talk,” Kate whispered. “Out there.” The two left the ballroom and slipped into the guest apartment across the wide hall. “What are you up to?” She glared at her father, searching for answers.
“I’m here to support you, Pumpkin.”
“That’s not all. I heard Drew’s dad talking about you snooping around.”
He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “He’s paranoid. I only talked to him a few times about my brother.”
“Then you don’t need to talk to him again.”
“I have to tonight. This is the final time I ask about the arrangements.”
“Well, you don’t need to. I feel everything’s been arranged.” Kate made air quotations when she said the word arranged.
“Did you hear...or see something?” Her father’s voice held concern.
“I just overheard a conversation...accidentally.”
“I find that hard to believe, knowing you.”
“Can’t you just trust me?” Kate placed her hands on her hips.
“It’s a short conversation between me and Nicolas. He’s very polite, and that will be the end of it. I need to stay consistent with history.”
Kate’s head began to spin. She wasn’t getting through to her father. “Let’s both tell the truth here, Dad. I know. I know what Nicolas is or should I say, does. He’s not just a fashion designer who runs a clothing business. There’s more to it, and you’ve been looking into it, Mr. Investigative Reporter.” Kate didn’t want to say the words aloud, but she knew her father was thinking the same thing. Nicolas was a mob boss. A Don. A crime boss. The head of the Mafia. Kate had to laugh as she ticked the names off in her head.
“I just needed to know what my daughter got herself into because she may need my protection. I always suspected Nicolas was affiliated with the mob. Andrew was in denial.”
“Well, you and I both know this house is filled with gangsters, so let’s get through this evening and go home tomorrow. Deal?”
“After I talk to Nicolas, I’ll leave. Deal?”
“Dad, stop being so stubborn. You’re not listening to me.”
“Yes, I am. Let’s say I have a healthy curiosity about what’s going on here. It’s Prohibition, you know. I have a feeling Nicolas is involved in much more than petty mob related activities.”
“You’re so frustrating. That’s what Nicolas doesn’t like about you. He says you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong and...” Kate couldn’t finish. How could she tell her father Nicolas could kill him? He was that powerful.
“And what?”
“We need to get back inside to keep him from becoming more suspicious of you.” Kate left the apartment and headed straight to Grandmother Lilly’s table. “Grandmother,” she whispered in her ear.
“Oh, Kathryn, it’s such a delight to see you again. Please sit down. I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“So do I.”
“Well, you go first, my dear. You look troubled.”
Kate proceeded to tell Lilly about her adventure in the back offices of the Martin home. Leaving out none of the details, she expressed concern for her father’s safety. “So you have to make sure he goes home with you and leaves tomorrow. Promise me.”
“My, this is a turn of events. I had no idea Nicolas was involved with the criminal element. I always had my suspicions he was up to something but nothing dangerous.” Lilly glanced over her shoulder as if she thought someone was listening. She lowered her voice and said, “Something doesn’t seem right in this house. Someone’s always lurking about. It’s wonderful that Andrew has been able to break away before it was too late.”
“Too late?”
Lilly took Kate’s hand. “You know exactly what I mean.” The two women locked eyes. Kate saw the love and support, knowing she had nothing to fear, and her secrets were safe. “Now let’s talk about you. When you get back to Ohio there’s something I want you to do. Jack assured me Woods and Associates is still thriving so I’ll be leaving something there for you. Go to New York when you return home. All you have to do is tell the receptionist that Kathryn Roberts is here to see Lillian Woods, and the rest will be taken care of. Do you think you can do that?”
Kate looked at her grandmother carefully. She was younger than first thought, maybe in her early fifties, but no way could she still be alive in the 21st century. “I’m confused. You’re not planning on still being...”
“Oh, my goodness, no. I won’t be alive. Think of it as a codeword.” Lilly chuckled. “Wouldn’t that be something if I was there to greet you?”
Not as strange as you think. Kate knew she didn’t have time to tell Anna’s story. “Alright, I’ll do as you ask.”
“If for some reason this doesn’t work out, please laugh it off as the ramblings of an old woman.” Lilly patted the hand she still held. “Now, go, dance with your young man. I think you need to show that girl a thing or two.” Lilly pointed at the dance floor where Gia and Drew were slowly shuffling around it, not spinning together in time as last year.
When she reached the dance floor, Kate’s father stepped in to stop her and had them cut in on the dancing couple. Her dad winked as he spun off with the shocked Gia.
“Shall we dance to the door and down the stairs to our room?” Drew waltzed toward the exit. Just as they were about to make their getaway, a voice called out to them. Kate didn’t remember that, but so many things were different she stopped the comparisons.
“Son, may I speak with you a moment?” It was Nicolas.
Drew whispered for Kate to go ahead. “I’ll be there in a minute.” A shiver went through her. Suddenly she felt sick, and all she could do was nod. This wasn’t a happy ending to their night. Running down the steps and flying into the room, she slammed the door behind her. Something didn’t feel right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. She only had to wait a few minutes until Drew appeared.
“Well?” Kate hoped it was nothing.
“Father asked if we’d extend our stay a day or two.”
“And?” Her fingers were crossed.
“I said we’d leave on Tuesday.”
“Is that a good idea? To change everything? We should leave tomorrow...Sunday.”
“It’s the last time we’ll see them. And remember, it’s the final memories they’ll have of me.”
“Fine, but we leave Tuesday. No matter what.”
“Deal.”
Now where did she hear that before? Kate knew her father wasn’t following her wishes, and now Drew seemed to be coming under the spell of Nicolas. If anyone was going to break any spell... make that curse, it would have to be her.
* * * *
Tuesday morning couldn’t come soon enough. Nicolas did his best to keep Drew and Kate apart during the rest of their stay. He insisted on taking Drew to the store on Sunday. They had to view the latest designs, and his father insisted he try on suits to take back to school. Maria and Ilene distracted Kate at the house although the time seemed to drag. She went to bed early, hoping the time would pass more quickly and never knew when Drew came home.
On Monday, Nicolas was adamant that Drew sit in on business meetings and accompany him to lunch. Kate hoped to see him at dinner, but a call came instead. She received a message that he’d be late and don’t wait up.
Kate intended to stay awake until he got home and passed the time packing and organizing for the trip. The only solace she got from being in New York these extra days was that her father returned to the canyon. Drew called him on Sunday and informed him of the extended stay, telling Jackson to go on without them.
As she glanced up at the clock, Kate saw it was already past midnight. Drew was still not home. Pacing the floor didn’t help, so she slipped on her robe and opened the bedroom door. Peeking up and down the hall, she wanted to make sure no one was in sight, then headed for the back stairs. Kate was aware of the guards and knew she wouldn’t be allowed in the backyard. A visit to the sunroom was the closest thing to going outside. All she wanted was to see the night sky and find the Big Dipper. She needed to talk to Anna and hoped to spot the star from the huge back windows or skylight.
She was able to slip into the solarium unnoticed. It was a clear night, enabling her to locate the Dipper and travel along the handle until she found the Anna star. “Anna, if you can hear me, I need your help. I’m trapped in this house and need to figure a way out. Anna? I hope you’re there because I really need you.”
Kate waited in silence as if a sign from above would appear. A message across the dark sky spelling out an answer would be nice, but nothing came. It felt like she waited forever. The overwhelming stillness got to her. She crumbled to the floor in a ball, trying to muffle her sobs in her robe. Grief overwhelmed her. She longed to hear Anna’s voice again. What was she thinking, coming here so soon after Anna’s death? Drew was right. We shouldn’t have come.
Then a realization hit her. She didn’t come for Drew. She selfishly came for herself, wanting to escape the hurt and pain in the present. Funny, it traveled right along with her.
Kate trudged back up the stairs, not caring who saw her, but made it back to the room without being spotted. She crawled into bed, grabbed a magazine and flipped through the pages, waiting for her wayward husband to come home. Finally after two a.m., the door slowly opened.
“You’re still up?” Drew’s words seemed slurred.
“Yes, we need to talk.”
Drew flopped on the bed. “Not talk, kiss.”
“You’re drunk!” Drew drank a glass of champagne or wine, but Kate had never seen him drunk.
“That’s what it’s called.” A big smile crept over his face, and he grabbed her, pulling her closer. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes.
“Where were you?”
“A place, I think it’s called an easy speak...no, that’s not right. A speakeasy.” He laughed as he said it.
Shock, then anger overtook her. “You were at a bar drinking all night?”
“It was business. Couldn’t get away. Entertain the clients.” He tried to kiss her but missed.
Kate slapped him hard across the face. Shocked by her actions and suddenly appalled by what she’d done, she hung her head. “Drew, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean...”
The slap seemed to help sober him up a bit, and Drew bolted upward. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” His words were still slurred, and his bloodshot eyes grew wide. “What was I thinking? I got caught up in the moment. It was a fantasy come true to visit those places. My father gave me the choice of where I wanted to go—The 21 Club, High Hat, 300 Club, Stork or the Cotton Club in Harlem. We bar hopped. I felt so powerful for those few hours. Forgive me?” He gave her a silly grin, then tipped his head to one side, sticking out his lower lip in mock sadness.
“Just get some sleep so you’re ready to leave tomorrow. Then I’ll forgive you.” Kate lightly kissed the cheek she had slapped moments before, pulled the bed covering close to her face and chastised herself again for coming there.
* * * *
Hardly sleeping, dozing for a few minutes here and there, Kate finally saw daylight creeping through the crack in the drapes. She bounced up from the bed, dragged the suitcases to the door and hurried to dress. As she emerged from the bathroom, Kate saw Drew was still asleep. She sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a little push.
“Ooh, my head.” Drew covered his eyes with his arm.
“First hangover? Let me know what it’s like.” Kate had no sympathy. “Come on, get dressed. We leave this morning.”
Drew continued to moan as he stumbled out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
Kate thought she heard a retching sound come from behind the closed door. Good! He’ll think twice about drinking like that again.
Patiently, she sat on the bed waiting for Drew to come out of the bathroom. When he finally emerged he didn’t look much better.
“Clothes.” She pointed to the dressing room.
“I’m sorry,” he called from the room. “We’ll be at the train station in no time.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. Kate hoped it was Sal coming for the luggage.
“Mr. Martin, there’s no train leaving today for Chicago.” Sal’s words shot through the closed door causing Kate’s heart to stop. Chicago was the first main stop on their trip west.
“What? A train leaves for Chicago every day.” Kate threw open the door. “Really? I’m surprised.”
“Is your husband available?”
“Andrew!” Kate called as sweetly as she could. “Sal wants to talk to you.”
Drew walked into the bedroom. “Sally, something wrong?”
“There’s no train, sir.”
“Of course, there is. I checked myself. Ten a.m. departure.”
“You overslept.” Sal pointed to the clock. It was now ten-thirty.
Drew slowly closed the door and looked at Kate’s disappointed face. “I’m sorry.”
“You keep saying that. You’re sorry you drank. You’re sorry you haven’t been here. You’re sorry we never had a chance to talk and never told me the time we needed to leave.”
“I’ll make new arrangements. We’ll leave tomorrow.”
Kate found that hard to believe. “Drew, remember when Sal picked us up at the station? You had a conversation in Italian...something I didn’t remember. What did he say?”
“He told me how much my father missed me and said it would be great if I could stay and live here again. Just small talk.”
That exchange was more than casual conversation. Kate began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This was a well-thought out plan to keep Drew in New York City. He was the innocent pawn. He gave his father a heads up at their wedding, giving Nicolas time to plan for their visit.
Kate decided to keep Drew in the dark and made up her mind to visit her grandmother instead. She needed her help. “Drew, you rest. I’ll be back in a few.”
Quickly sliding on her coat, Kate slipped out the door and down the stairs. Sal stood in front of the entrance door. That was her chance to go quietly unnoticed to Lilly’s. “Sal, would you mind taking me to Lillian Wood’s home? She invited me for tea today. I could use a break from the house.” Sal didn’t budge. “Sal, did you hear me?”
“Car’s in the repair shop, ma’am.”
“Then I think I’ll go for a walk.” Anything to get out of the house for awhile.
“Not a good day for that, Mrs. Martin.”
“Please call me Kate. I won’t be gone for long. You could go with me.”
“Not possible, Mrs. Martin.” He enunciated her name to make his point.
Kate turned so Sal couldn’t see her face. She felt her face flush red with anger and wanted to remain calm on the surface. “Do you know where my mother-in-law is?”
“I believe she’s in the conservatory.”
“Thank you.”
Kate headed down the main hall to the back of the house. She loved the sunroom last year, but now it felt like another room in this prison. Ilene was doing needlepoint by the window, listening to the radio. “Ilene, am I allowed out of this house?”
Startled, Ilene looked up from her sewing. “Of course, you are, dear. Is Sal being overprotective?”
“I was invited to Lillian Woods’ for tea. Sal wouldn’t take me. Said something about the car being repaired.”
“I keep telling Nicolas it’s time for a new automobile. This one has given us nothing but trouble. Perhaps you can go tomorrow. How would you like to visit the guest suite on the third floor? Nicolas and I discussed how we’d like you and Andrew to feel it’s your home when you come to stay. You might like to change the décor. Come on, let’s go up.”
Kate didn’t know if Ilene was telling the truth about being able to leave the house or not. No way did she want to visit the third floor and see the place where Nicolas planned for her and Drew to live. Not wanting to raise any suspicions, Kate pretended to go along gladly. As they climbed the back stairs, she got an idea and decided to plant it in Ilene’s mind. “I’d love to browse some furniture stores while I’m here and maybe some department stores for accessories and linens.”
“What a fun idea.” Ilene put her arm around Kate as they walked down the hall of the second floor to finish the climb. The front set of stairs was the only access to the top floors. Kate imagined herself trapped on that level of the house with no escape. She couldn’t sneak down a back set of stairs from up there. “I’ll tell Nicolas you want to go shopping, and we’ll pick a day.” Kate knew there was no way Nicolas would let her go out alone so she nodded in agreement.
Drew might have made reservations for the train tomorrow, but she knew they’d miss that train, too, and every one after that until they caved and decided to stay. She needed to devise an escape strategy, but it required getting out of the house to do so. The sooner she could schedule the shopping trip the better. If she could slip away from Ilene, Kate could call her grandmother. Lillian could come to the store and pretend to be surprised by their chance meeting. She’d insist that Kate come home with her for a visit. No way could Ilene stop her.
The first part of her plan was in place, but the second was a little trickier. Kate needed to get Drew over to Lillian’s. His father had him on a leash, scheduling his whole day. Drew was oblivious. Somehow, she’d have to make him see what was happening. They’d have to leave their things behind, luggage and all, but it would be worth it...anything to be safely away from this house and on their way to the canyon.