“I can’t imagine she even believes in the sight. She might think I’m just another con artist trying to horn in on her business, which is why I’m pretending to be so reluctant, but she might also be trying to convince me I’m really gifted. If I’m any good at all, she can probably use me to draw in more customers.”

“Now that makes sense,” Gideon said. “But it seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a few new clients.”

“You didn’t see how excited Mr. Lindhurst was when he thought he’d gotten a good tip,” Anna said. “And Mother said he was even more ecstatic after the horse won.”

“And he probably told everyone he knew about his good fortune,” Elizabeth said. “You see, I’m good for her business.”

“Do you think she’ll try to use you in her other cons as well?” Anna asked.

“Maybe, but I would have to be completely naïve for that to work, so I have to convince her that I am. I can’t use any of the usual tricks mediums use to read people, either. Everything I do must seem to be completely legitimate.”

Gideon couldn’t help shaking his head. “And just how do you fake legitimacy?”

“That, my darling, is a con artist’s stock-in-trade,” Elizabeth said as the cab pulled up to the curb outside Cybil’s house.

Gideon paid the driver and escorted the ladies up the front walk. Welcoming lights glowed in the windows of the old house, and the door opened before they had even crossed the large wraparound porch.

“Where have you been?” Jake demanded.

“We’re not even late,” Anna informed him, “although I’m gratified to know you missed us.”

“I didn’t miss you. It’s just that I didn’t have anybody to talk to.”

“Isn’t Miss Adams here?” Gideon asked, trying to sound perfectly innocent.

Jake gave him a murderous glare. “She’s a hundred years old, and she only talks about poetry.”

“I’m sure she isn’t a day over ninety,” Elizabeth said, “and she obviously adores you.”

“Just come in, will you?” Jake groused.

When they were all inside, crowded into the foyer, Jake asked, “What’s happening with the medium?”

“She wants Elizabeth to become her partner,” Anna reported gleefully.

Gideon almost laughed out loud at Jake’s horrified expression.

“Don’t be silly, Anna,” Elizabeth scolded her. “She just wants to train me to use my powers.”

“It’s about time somebody did,” Jake said, earning a black look from his sister. “I thought of something you could do to prove your powers, though.”

“Good. I’d love to hear it,” Elizabeth said.

“It’ll cost you.”

Elizabeth pressed her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes, as if communing with the spirits. “I could have foreseen that.”