Cybil could barely muster a disapproving frown because she was so proud of the way Zelda had ensured Waterson’s continued interest in them. She really would have a talk with Zelda later, but only to caution her about being too good at conning people. “I’m sure Mr. Waterson isn’t interested in our private business,” she told Zelda, who managed to look embarrassed.

“I certainly didn’t mean to pry,” he assured them. “But how fortunate you are, Miss Miles. Think of how much good you can do with your uncle’s fortune.”

“Oh, I’ve thought of little else since I discovered his will, Mr. Waterson. I’m only sorry to cause you a bit of a delay.”

“I’m sure everything will work out. Never fear, Miss Miles. Together we will accomplish much good.”

“I have no doubt of it, Mr. Waterson.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

When Jake arrived at the brokerage office the next morning, Harriet greeted him with a knowing grin. “You have a visitor.”

Since she was the only other person in the reception area, Jake frowned. “You put a visitor in the back office?” Where they could easily see no real work was happening.

“This visitor assured me that would be fine. She knew this was just a setup.”

“She?” he echoed in dismay.

“She’s not a mark, is she?” Harriet asked, but she wasn’t really concerned. “She didn’t act like a mark, at least.”

Jake didn’t bother to answer her. He strode to the door to the back office and threw it open. She was on the sofa at the very back of the room. She’d brought schoolbooks with her again, and she looked up from one when she heard him.

“You’re late,” Freddie said.

“Yeah, I might get fired.”

She laid the book aside and glanced around. “What do you usually do here?”

“Nothing that concerns you.”

She smiled at that. “I’m so glad I met you, Jake.”

Jake sighed wearily. “Is that some kind of compliment?”

“I suppose it could be. All I know is that my life got a lot more interesting since I met you.”

He tried a frown. “This can’t go on, you know.”

“Can’t it?” she asked a little too provocatively. She rose and started walking toward him, smiling mysteriously. “We’ll see about that.”

—

While they waited for lunch to be ready, Elizabeth and Mother Bates were discussing whom they should visit that afternoon. Now that congress was convening in a special session to consider the Susan B. Anthony Amendment for Woman Suffrage, groups were meeting all over the city to discuss strategy. Mother Bates wanted to help, and Elizabeth needed to. The Woman Suffrage movement had led her to her new life, after all, and she owed it all her efforts.

They had just decided whom they would go to see when the maid announced a visitor.