Stealing Time by Nancy Pennick Read Free Book Online Page A

ran off to the parking garage ahead of everyone else.
    “Katie!” Megan squealed as she skipped up to
her. “Mommy, I’m riding with Katie...oh, and you, too, Drew.” She
gave him a quick hug.
    There were hugs all around. Uncle Steve and
his wife, Uncle Scott and family plus Aunt Sue and Grandpa Dan were
all part of the entourage. Sue, Scott and Steve were Lindsey’s aunt
and uncles—brothers and sister to her mom, Beth. They were cousins
to Kate because her third cousin, Amy, married Grandpa Dan.
Confusing to explain, but they understood the family bond quite
well.
    “Grandma J said to put the pedal to the metal
on the drive home. She’s anxious to see you.” Aunt Sue put her arm
around Kate. “I can’t believe you and Lindsey are eighteen! Anna
insisted on being in charge of your birthday again so I have no
idea what’s going on. I’m just following orders. Last year, it was
a cowboy party. I can’t get her to tell this year’s theme for the
life of me!”
    Kate jumped in the back of Aunt Sue’s SUV
with Drew and Megan. Brandon slid in front with his mother. No one
ever talked about Aunt Sue’s husband or what happened to him. Kate
didn’t know if they were divorced or if he passed away. She always
thought it was best not to ask.
    “So what do you want for your birthday?”
Megan asked Kate. “What kind of cake? I’m helping Grandma J this
year. I’m supposed to write down all the details.”
    “I want all my family to be at the party, and
I like marble cake.” Kate touched the tip of Megan’s nose with her
finger. “How’s that?”
    “That’s not a present.” Megan shook her head.
“The family already plans on being there.”
    “Okay, I’ll think about it. Do you know the
theme by any chance?” Kate thought she’d help Aunt Sue solve the
mystery.
    “Yes, it’s going to be a Roaring Twenties
birthday party. Personally, I don’t get it.” Megan slowly shook her
head and shrugged.
    Kate turned to Drew, and they smiled
knowingly. “Where’s she getting the clothes for us to wear?”
    “Don’t worry. She’s been ordering on-line for
weeks.” Megan put her hand to her cheek, giving them an exasperated
look. Kate had to suppress a giggle.
    “I did get a text to bring a suit.” Drew
leaned over to join the conversation.
    “She ordered a bunch of straw hats for the
men to wear. That’s what they wore in the summer.” Kate could tell
Megan was enjoying the attention. “I already have my flapper
dress.”
    Aunt Sue pulled into the driveway. “We’re
here! And completely informed on the birthday festivities!”
    Kate waited impatiently for Megan to open the
door and slide out, finally slipping out next and running for the
door. “Anna!” she called as she ran through the house, heading for
the apartment.
    Anna stood at her door, tears falling freely
down her face. “Kathryn, my Kathryn.” Anna held onto her tightly.
“Come in. How was your flight?”
    “Fine. Now, how are you? Let me look at you.”
Kate sat down next to Anna on her loveseat. “You’re beautiful as
ever.”
    Anna’s pure white hair was pulled back in the
style she wore while working at El Tovar—a simple bun at the nape
of her neck. Her brown eyes sparkled with excitement. “Did you
bring the book?”
    “Of course.” Kate pulled it from her bag.
    “Is it alright if I keep it?”
    “That’s a strange request.” Drew stepped into
the room.
    “Let her explain.” Kate took Anna’s hand.
    “I want to go back, back to the
boardinghouse. I want to see everything one more time. I miss it.”
Anna wiped a tear from her eye.
    “You’re already there. There can’t be two
Annas.” Drew sat down on the other side of her, taking her hand to
soften the blow he just delivered.
    “We don’t know until I try. Right?”
    Kate gave Drew a stern glance.
    “No, we don’t. The worst that can happen is
there are two Annas of different ages. We’d have to keep them apart
for a day.”
    “Then you agree? I can