“As a matter of fact, I did,” he replied. He sounded a little less than sober, although she knew he rarely got genuinely drunk. It was bad for business. “I met a very interesting gentleman who owns some land in Texas that he’d like to sell to one of my clients.”

“I suppose that explains your late evening, then.”

“Yes, it does. My only regret is his choice of whiskey, but I believe I have met the man I was supposed to meet.”

“I wonder if Cybil will meet the same man.”

“It will be interesting to see. Are you ready to schedule our entertainment?”

“I think so. I will let you know when I do. I just don’t want to look too eager.”

“Maybe Cybil can be of use.”

Elizabeth was glad they weren’t face-to-face because she would have had to acknowledge this was a good idea. “Perhaps she can. I’ll investigate.”

“And I will look forward to hearing from you,” Jake said.

They bid each other good night, satisfied they had said nothing that would be of interest to any nosy operators.

“Did you finally reach Jake?” Gideon asked when Elizabeth returned to where they had been sitting in the parlor. Mother Bates had already retired for the night.

“Yes. He met the man who is going to con him,” she said, sitting down beside him on the love seat.

“How does he know that?” Gideon asked with great interest.

“Because the man owns some land in Texas that he wants to sell to one of Jake’s clients.”

“I see.”

“Do you, darling?” she asked with interest.

“Oh yes. It’s simple really. The man Jake met probably doesn’t even own any land in Texas.”

“That seems likely, although he might. That’s something Jake will need to find out, because if he doesn’t actually own the land, it will be difficult.”

“What will?”

“Everything, darling. Everything.”

Gideon looked far less sure of himself now. “And if he doesn’t own the land?”

“Then Jake will need to figure out a way to con him instead.”

“And if he does own the land?”

“Then he can just outcon him.”

“Why didn’t you say so? It’s all so clear now,” Gideon said, pulling Elizabeth over to sit on his lap.

“You really shouldn’t try to understand these things, darling. I know it just upsets you,” she chided while he nuzzled her neck.

“I can’t help myself. Besides, I know sooner or later, you’re going to pull me into something.”

“Do you think understanding it will help you?” she asked with a knowing grin.

“Not at all, but I think it’s human nature to want to be prepared.”

“Can anything really prepare you to participate in a con?”

“Probably not. At least there seems very little danger that anyone will kidnap or try to murder you this time.”