'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick Page B

him out of the house.”
    â€œYou’re pleased that he might be persuaded to get out more on my account?”
    â€œI told you, my brother has become a recluse, Miss Langley. Make no mistake, from time to time, he does associate with certain individuals he refers to as friends, but I fear that, for the most part, they are not the sort that one can invite for tea, if you see what I mean.”
    â€œNo,” Calista said. “I’m afraid I don’t.”
    â€œLet’s just say that he enjoys an odd array of associates. My point is that anything that encourages him to socialize with normal, respectable people is a very good thing.” Eudora paused. “Unless there is some danger involved?”
    â€œAs to that, I cannot say. I am also new to the investigation business.”
    â€œOh, dear. Now I am quite torn. I don’t know what to think.”
    â€œSave yourself some time and energy because it is highly unlikely that your opinion will change your brother’s mind in any way. Trust me when I tell you that I tried to talk him out of the idea.”
    â€œHe can be quite stubborn.” A gleam of curiosity lit Eudora’s eyes. “Perhaps I can assist you both in the project?”
    â€œThank you for the offer but I have no idea what you could do.”Calista picked up one of the files. “For that matter I’m not sure what I should be doing.”
    Eudora rose and walked to the desk. “Those are the files of the potential clients you rejected?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œHow many?”
    â€œOnly about a dozen. I have been able to narrow the list by removing a few who seem to be too elderly.”
    â€œWhat were your reasons for rejecting them?”
    â€œThe reasons varied. Several were attempting to conceal their marital status. Others I suspected were fortune hunters. And then there are those who simply made me uneasy for no particular reason. I never argue with my intuition when it comes to selecting my clients.”
    â€œPerhaps you should start by sorting the files into specific categories.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? One way or another, I believe that all of the applicants lied to me.”
    â€œI understand,” Eudora said. “But it sounds like you are looking for someone who has developed an obsession with revenge. Knowing precisely why each was rejected might help you narrow the field.”
    â€œYou appear to be very knowledgeable on the subject.”
    â€œAs it happens, my other brother, Harry, is a doctor. He is quite taken with the new science of psychology. He talks a great deal about the work being done in the field in Germany and America. He’s sure it will change the way certain areas of medicine are practiced.” Eudora contemplated the pile of folders. “May I take a look at your notes?”
    Calista thought about that. “Would you, by any chance, be interested in accepting a temporary position as my assistant?”
    Eudora’s eyes brightened with enthusiasm. “I would be delighted to accept such an interesting position.”
    Calista smiled. “In that capacity it would be entirely proper for you to help me review and organize my notes.”
    Eudora flipped open a file. “These are excellent. Quite detailed. Harry would approve.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Eudora turned a page in the file. “This one appears to have lied about his inheritance.”
    â€œA rather common problem in my business.” Calista paused. “You say you know something about psychology?”
    â€œHarry is the expert, not me, but I have learned a few things from him.”
    â€œI don’t suppose you would be interested in giving me your opinion on some of the people in those files?”
    â€œI will see what I can do,” Eudora said.
    Belatedly another thought occurred to Calista. “Your brother might not be pleased.”
    â€œI make my own decisions, Miss