“I needed to see you, and I couldn’t take a chance in case they’re watching one or both of us,” he said without turning around.

“Why would they be watching you?” Gideon asked, but Elizabeth had already guessed.

“You’re not supposed to get involved in this,” she reminded him fiercely.

He shrugged one shoulder. “I can’t help myself. Your charity cons are so much fun.”

“And so profitable for you, too,” Elizabeth reminded him, in case he wanted to pretend to be righteous because he was in church.

He glanced at her over his shoulder, not looking a bit chagrined. “I took Persephone to dinner last night.”

Elizabeth glared at the back of his head, which was totally wasted since he couldn’t see her.

“Your brother is turning into a regular . . . What’s the word I’m looking for?” Gideon said.

“Gigolo,” Elizabeth said, taking pleasure in Jake’s shoulders hunching in reaction.

“I don’t think so,” Mother Bates said sweetly. “Perhaps ‘ladies’ man’ is more appropriate.”

“I told her I work for a brokerage house and I want to contact my mother, so she’s going to try to con me. Madame Ophelia has already started telling me the tale,” Jake said, ignoring Elizabeth’s jibe.

“You can’t go to a séance,” Elizabeth whispered anxiously, leaning forward a little until Gideon nudged her back to awareness. “Too many of the clients know you.”

“I’m going on Monday afternoon, and nobody scheduled then knows me.”

Her mind was racing with visions of how this could all go very wrong, but before she could say another word, the congregation rose for the opening hymn and all opportunity for discussion passed.

Elizabeth heard very little of the sermon as she considered what Jake’s involvement could be and whether it would help or hurt her scheme. By the time the closing hymn ended, she had reasoned herself into acceptance.

After the benediction, Jake turned to go and Gideon stopped him to shake hands, pretending to introduce himself and welcome Jake, who was obviously a visitor. Then he introduced Elizabeth and Mother Bates.

“Just don’t show up on Tuesday evening,” Elizabeth said as she shook his hand. “Cybil will be there, and we don’t want to surprise her.”

“The Old Man will warn her I’ll be around.”

Gideon coughed to cover a laugh. “Have you got him involved in this, too?”

“Just to deliver my messages,” Jake said with a smirk. “So nice to meet you,” he added loudly enough to be overheard by people passing down the aisle on their way out.

“We hope to see you again,” Elizabeth replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

“I’m sure you will,” he said smugly, and sauntered out.

“This is like a family reunion,” Gideon remarked.

“I should have known Jake couldn’t just sit by while Anna was being cheated,” Elizabeth said.