“That would be perfect. I’ll find out when she’s free. So, when are you going back to Madame Ophelia’s?”

“I’m waiting to hear from her. She’s organizing an evening séance during a time when she usually doesn’t hold one. That way she can invite only the people she wants to attend.”

“People you don’t know.”

“Supposedly.”

“And what is going to happen at this séance?” Anna asked with a gleam in her eye.

“I will go into a trance, and my spirit guide will give some kind of prophecy that will then come true.”

“All right, but you still haven’t said how Freddie can help.”

“Tell her to think up a prophecy. That should keep her busy.”

“It’s not quite as exciting as actually helping with a con,” Anna said.

“No, but it’s a start.”

—

Gideon insisted on escorting Elizabeth to the séance on Friday evening, even though he wouldn’t be attending.

“You don’t need to worry about me,” Elizabeth said as they snuggled in the backseat of the cab. “Cybil will be there.”

“I still don’t know how she managed that.”

“She’s quite clever. She’s a college professor, you know,” Elizabeth teased him.

He tried to frown at her, but she looked so beautiful that he couldn’t manage it. She was very different when she was involved with a con, as if someone had lit something inside her. Everything about her seemed brighter somehow. It worried him, but he would never admit it.

“What should I do when I see Cybil?”

“Absolutely nothing,” she said sternly. “I’m planning to ignore everyone and you can nod politely, but don’t make conversation or reveal any emotion whatsoever.”

“That should be easy. I’m actually trained for it.”

“For not showing emotion?” she marveled.

“It is an attorney’s most important skill. Clients tend to get their backs up if they know you think their decisions are idiotic.”

“I can imagine,” she said with a smile.

“Are you planning to faint this evening?”

“I think not, although I’ll be weak afterward. That’s the only reason I allowed you to come. Madame Ophelia wasn’t too happy about it, but I assured her that you would sit in the waiting area and wouldn’t interfere in any way.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Will I have to carry you out?” he teased.

“Only if it amuses you.”

“I’ll decide when the time comes.”

“Just try not to look amused when the time comes.”

“Don’t worry. I will be furious and alarmed.”

“That should work nicely, if you think you can carry it off.”

“I’m sure I can, since this whole thing makes me furious and alarmed.”

“Oh, darling, I love you so much.”

“And I love you, too.” Which was the only reason he put up with all of this.