The Sky Beneath Her(51)

Pride flared in his eyes. “It’s my job.”

“She is from Vienna?” I asked.

“Yes, from what I understand. An actress.”

I digested the information. Two women from Vienna. What were the chances we would know each other? “Thank you. I truly appreciate your help.”

He seemed relieved to know he’d helped me and would also be rid of me. “Glad to be of help.”

I climbed the stairs to the top deck and stepped outside into the bracing wind. Storm clouds rumbled on the horizon, and ocean waves arched and rolled toward the ship. The dark water surrounded us, flexing its powers.

I can crush you, but I won’t, the water whispered.

I slipped my hand into my pocket and removed the coin Dr. Brooks had given me. Had the coin found me after all this time?

My mother often spoke of ancient gods playing tricks on humans and making them believe in coincidence. If the coin had found me, could others?

I strolled toward the bow, promising myself I’d only be outside a moment or two. I should have sensed trouble, but I didn’t.

As I rounded a corner, I saw the woman standing by the railing. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat twist. She wore a dark suit that didn’t complement her pale skin. A breeze caught hints of her expensive perfume.

The scent conjured memories of the woman in the bookshop. As tempted as I was to turn and run, where would I go? We were trapped on this ship for three more days. I stepped toward her.

As if she sensed my approach, she turned and looked at me. “Good morning, Naida. I do love the moments before the sun rises, don’t you?”

Hearing my true name from the woman I’d met so long ago was chilling. I didn’t speak.

She continued to look out toward the water. “Funny that we would find ourselves on the same ship sailing to the United States.”

“You act as if you know me,” I lied.

Her grin widened. “So now we play pretend? I’ve done that many times and always enjoy the game.”

I’d thought about her from time to time since I’d escaped Vienna, but it had never occurred to me I’d see her again. The last time I’d seen her, we’d been sitting on a bench by the Danube River. Alfred was in Berlin, and I had a few days of peace to myself.

She’d sat beside me on the weathered bench as if finding me by the river was no surprise.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I’ve been watching you. I know you stroll down here whenever you can.”

“Why’re you watching me?”

“I think we could be of assistance to each other.”

“You can’t help me.”

“Don’t be so sure.” From her purse she pulled out a small book. “I have a gift for you.”

I wondered who else might be watching. Alfred had ensured the household staff tracked my movements. “I need no gifts.”

“All ladies like presents, no?”

I rose. “It’s not safe for us to be together.”

She captured my hand. “No one will see us here. And Alfred is in Germany, no?”

I stilled.

“Stay. I mean you no trouble.” She looked around. “Sit before someone notices us.”

I slowly sat. “I can’t be seen with anyone. Alfred doesn’t like it.”

“Alfred. Not such a hero, is he?”

I’d been alone and isolated for several years. Emotions buried deep churned, and I wanted so much to trust someone. But she was not that person.

She laid a slim volume in my lap. It was Shakespeare’s First Folio that I’d refused to buy three years ago.

“I no longer have money of my own to buy anything.”

“As I said, it’s a gift.”

Bitterness swept me. “I’ve never known you to give away anything for free.”

She shrugged. “That’s very true most days. But today I feel generous.”

“Why?” I smoothed my hand over the book. My uncle would have been thrilled to see this.

“I would ask one small favor of you in exchange for the book.”

I set the book between us. “I have no ability to grant favors.”

“Ah, but you do.” A breeze from the river pestered the strands around her face. “You’re having a party next week, from what I hear.”

I didn’t question how she knew. She’d always seemed privy to information and unique items. She was right, of course. At Alfred’s command, I was planning a large party for his associates.

“I would like an invitation for a friend and myself.”

“The guest list has already been selected. I have no control over it.”

“I think the hostess could find a way to sneak in two more people.”

“It’s all tightly guarded.”

She didn’t reach for the book. “Yes, big important men will be there. My friend would like to meet them. Meetings are hard to get these days. Everyone is so nervous. And my friend is American and finds he’s less welcome than he once was in Vienna.”

If Alfred were to find out about this conversation, I’d pay dearly. She rubbed my forearm where the flesh still bore the bruises from his tight grip. “I can’t help you.”

“What is it you want?”