Author: Regina Jennings

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take a strap to you for lying to her. Besides, last I heard, you were nursing a sick classmate back to health in Emporia. Now I’m wondering if that had any truth to it either.”

Calista blinked her round eyes wide, hoping to look innocent enough to kill suspicion. “Getting a job here is part of my education. The last stage in my finishing school is to collect a menagerie of experiences from different walks of life. I thought Joplin would be a natural place to start.”

Olive narrowed her eyes. “Is that the story you’re telling me? Are you sure about that?”

Calista shrugged. “That’s the story,” she said at last.

Olive’s mouth pursed in disapproval. “Well then, I guess I’m duty bound to help. Father might be able to get you on at the mine, if there’s an opening among his bookkeepers, although something tells me you won’t be interested.”

“That’s very kind, but I don’t think the mining industry is my goal.”

“Then where . . .” Olive’s gaze traveled past Calista to the building she’d just exited. “Not the House of Lords, Calista. How could you even entertain such a thought? Granny would grab you by the hair and drag you to the woodshed before you knew what hit you.”

“Regardless of my reasons or my future punishment at Granny’s hands, why don’t we have a nice tea while I still have my freedom?”

Olive could be as stubborn as those Missouri mules, and there was a chance Calista’s attempt to find Lila was over before it had begun. Olive didn’t like the change of subject, but with a shrug of her shoulders, she signaled defeat. “I don’t have time to argue,” she said, “but Mother can’t eat at the restaurant—not with her illness—and Friday is my baking day. Tomorrow when we return from Dr. Stevenson’s, I’ll bake my dinner rolls and would be glad to share them.”

There was nothing to observe in her aunt’s sickroom, yet Calista dearly loved Aunt Myra, and her mother would expect her to call on her sister-in-law . . . if her mother knew Calista was in Joplin. Which she would shortly.

“I accept your invitation,” Calista said. Then inspiration hit. “Did you say Dr. Stevenson?”

“Most of the other doctors are too expensive. He’s the only one we can afford.”

“Two birds with one stone.” Calista took the bag of groceries back again. “I’ll accompany you and your mother to the doctor tomorrow. How does that sound?”

“Visits to the doctor are rarely any cause for celebration, Calista. If you’re looking for diverting entertainment, it’s not the place.”

“Actually I’ve been very interested in the medical field lately. In fact, after caring for my roommate, I’ve found that I have quite a knack for rehabilitating patients. Perhaps Dr. Stevenson needs an assistant? I’d be willing to work free of charge, if he’d only give me a chance. Plus, it would help with my class requirements.”

“You, work for a doctor? You faint at the first sign of blood.”

“I’ve overcome that failing. Working with my classmate has bolstered my resistance.” No wonder Mr. Pinkerton had hired her with no references. Calista excelled at constructing fictions from thin air.

“If you’re serious, I’d recommend asking Dr. Cortez or Dr. Hooper. You’d be more comfortable with their upscale clientele. Dr. Stevenson . . . well, don’t tell Mother that I told you, but if it weren’t for our finances, Mother wouldn’t see him. There are rumors that he isn’t particular about his patients. Maisie told me that she heard from Hank that Dr. Stevenson treats the entertainment. You know what I mean . . .” Olive jutted her chin toward Main Street and its saloons. “The women who work there.”

Of course Calista knew what she meant. She also knew that somewhere in one of these houses, there was a girl who’d been enticed, seduced, or kidnapped against her will. And Calista would do whatever it took to save her.

About the Author

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

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Table of Contents

Cover

Books by Regina Jennings

Title Page

Contents

Dedication