“I don’t want to know them that much.” Indeed, Elizabeth couldn’t imagine broaching the subject of his infidelities with the Old Man. She’d needed years to forgive him for foisting her off on Jake’s alcoholic mother to raise after her own mother died. In some ways, she was even still angry at her own mother for dying and leaving her in the first place, although the more sensible part of her realized her mother wouldn’t have done such a thing on purpose.

“I can understand, dear. One doesn’t like to discuss such things with one’s parents,” Mother Bates said.

“Here we are, ladies,” the driver said, pulling the motorcar over to the curb.

Elizabeth insisted on paying, since this was her project, and the two women hesitated for a long moment when they stood in front of the storefront bearing a discreet sign that read, Madame Ophelia, Readings.

The front window was covered by heavy bloodred draperies blocking any view of what might have been inside. Elizabeth checked the watch pinned to her lapel and saw they were a few minutes early. “Let’s try not to chat about anything personal while we wait.”

Mother Bates’s eyes widened. “Do you suppose she eavesdrops on her clients?”

“I can’t imagine that she would miss an opportunity to pick up useful information.”

Having made that decision, they entered the shop. With the draperies blocking the spring sunshine, the interior was dim, and they needed a moment for their eyes to adjust. The front room was obviously a waiting area with an Oriental carpet on the floor and the dark red walls lined with a variety of wooden chairs, none of which matched one another. Four people appeared to be waiting. Two of them were a couple Elizabeth didn’t know. She was surprised to see a man here, but perhaps his wife had brought him. If his expression was any indication, he was here against his will.

Elizabeth did recognize the other two people.

“Elizabeth, I’m so glad you could come,” Anna said, leaving her mother’s side to greet them. “And, Mrs. Bates, what a surprise.”

“I hope I’ll be welcome. I told Elizabeth how much I’ve always wanted to attend a séance, so she invited me to join her. Clarissa,” she added to Anna’s mother, who had remained seated, “how nice to see you.”

Mother Bates wandered over to greet her friend, and Anna whispered, “I can’t believe she came with you.”

“When I told her the story, nothing would keep her away,” Elizabeth whispered back.

Anna started to respond, but someone in the next room screamed before she could.

CHAPTER TWO