Anxiety coursed through me as I thought about calling Luc when I returned to the hotel—but that would have to wait. I had another important task to complete today. One that gave me just as much anxiety.
I had to look for Tacy.
Pricilla had told me that her last name in this path was Barclay. Looking through the directories at theGlobe’s office, I could not find a Tacy Barclay in New York, but I had found several addresses across the city for Barclay families. I planned to start at the closest address, on East 42nd Street, and go from there.
My mind was still spinning from my visit with Thurston when I heard my name above the noise of traffic.
“Grace!”
I paused, uncertain if I had heard correctly. There were so many people that I couldn’t see who might have called me.
“Grace Cooper!” I heard again, and I finally spotted Luc as he jogged toward me.
He wore a black pinstripe suit and a straw boater hat with a black band around the crown. He looked like he had stepped off the pages of a fashion catalogue from R.H. Macy & Company Store.
Everything about New York had felt lifeless without Hope—butin one sweeping moment, a burst of sunshine fell upon it again as Luc’s gaze sought mine and he offered me a smile.
Pleasure filled me with surprise. “How did you know where to find me?”
“I came downtown on business and then stopped by the Victoria Hotel. The front desk clerk told me you were heading to the Garment District. I knew that could only mean one thing.” He studied me, concern in his eyes. “I hope you didn’t confront Thurston alone.”
I lifted my chin in defiance.
“Did he back down?”
I pressed my lips together and shook my head.
“I’m sorry, Grace.”
“I had to try—but I’m afraid I made it worse.” I didn’t want to talk about it, so I asked, “Why did you come to see me?”
“I wanted to know how you’re doing.”
I had to look away for fear I might start crying. It had been two days since Hope’s funeral, but it felt so much longer. “I feel adrift.”
“I lost my sister, Michelle,” he said, “and the hurt still haunts me.”
“I’m very sorry.”
He nodded and took a deep breath. When he seemed in control of his emotions, he said, “May I take you home?”
Disappointment weighed heavily on my heart. As much as I wanted him to walk me back to the hotel, I wasn’t going in that direction. “I am doing some investigative work today and will be traveling all over the city.”
His face brightened. “Even better. I have an automobile and would be happy to take you wherever you need to go.”
“You don’t mind?”
He shook his head, his gaze sincere. “It would be my pleasure.”
“You don’t have anything better to do?”
“Than spend the day with you?” He smiled. “No.”
My pulse ticked a little higher at the warmth in his voice. Anything would be preferable to walking or taking the hot subway—and it would give me the opportunity to tell him about my decision.
He led me down Broadway and stopped at a black Ford Model T before opening the passenger door for me. The top was down, and the leather seat was hot beneath me.
Luc quickly started the vehicle with a crank at the front and then jumped into the car. He pulled onto Broadway, joining the endless sea of automobiles, wagons, and carriages. I gave him the first address on my list, and away we went.
