Free A Whisper in Time by Elizabeth Langston Page A

possibilities, since we’re limited in what you can do.”
    Truly? Perhaps she didn’t realize how strong and capable I was. “Why are we limited?”
    Mrs. Lewis patted me on the arm. “Most employers require a Social Security card.”
    I stared at her in dismayed surprise, willing my face to remain calm. It might be months before I had one of those cards. How had I not known this? Had the Lewises mentioned it and I’d been too perplexed to understand? “What are we limited to?”
    “Primarily people who pay cash,” Miriam said as she ran her finger down the sheet. “What do you think about babysitting? It’s appropriate for someone your age.”
    I frowned, not confident about the term. “Sitting with babies?”
    “Yes, although you could take care of children of all ages, from infants until age ten.”
    It wouldn’t be my preference, but I was open to trying anything. “I have experience with minding children.”
    “Good. Do you know first aid and CPR?”
    It seemed that I would recognize the terms if I knew how to do them. “I am not familiar with either.”
    She sighed. “That’s not always a requirement. Can you provide your own transportation?”
    “I can walk.”
    “That restricts your availability a lot—”
    Mrs. Lewis interrupted. “We’ll be happy to drive her, but babysitting isn’t the answer. Susanna isn’t used to the way kids are around here.”
    I swallowed words of denial. Mrs. Lewis was undoubtedly correct.
    “Okay,” Miriam said. “Delivering newspapers?”
    Mrs. Lewis shook her head. “Susanna can’t drive.”
    Miriam’s smile became strained. “Food service?”
    “The preparation of food?” I asked. “I can cook.”
    “You would start out washing dishes, cleaning tables, or sweeping floors.”
    I nodded. I could easily handle a job with such tasks.
    “No,” Mrs. Lewis said, “She’s only just recovered her health after a serious infection. We shouldn’t let her do anything that might expose her to contagious diseases until she’s finished a round of vaccinations.”
    Miriam sucked in a deep breath. “Susanna, you’re lucky to have a family so considerate of your welfare.”
    It might seem fortunate in her mind. In mine, it felt as if I were falling deeply into a level of debt that I could never repay. It took balance from my relationship with Mark’s parents—and Mark.
    Miriam slid heavy notepaper across the table. It had brightly colored lines and circles scattered about in irregular patterns. “This is a map of the bus system. If you learned to use it, you could gain a real measure of independence, and fare cards are quite cost-effective.”
    “None of the routes come anywhere near our house,” Mrs. Lewis said.
    I was aware that the pair of them spoke English, and that they were discussing vehicles, streets, places, and money. But it held no meaning for me. I didn’t know what they discussed, nor why it had importance. The limited possibilities had been broached, only to have Mark’s mother decline them. I had come filled with hope for finding a job, and I would leave stripped of even that.
    Perhaps it would be best to think of something else. Something pleasant. Phoebe’s journals. Fishing at the lake.
    “Susanna?”
    I looked up from the painted woodgrain of the tabletop to find Mark’s mother eying me suspiciously. “Yes, ma’am?”
    “Did you hear what Miriam said?”
    “Pardon me. No.” I refocused on the other woman’s face. “Could you repeat?”
    “We have an attorney who is willing to consult with you for a nominal charge. It might help you find a way to get your identity established.”
    “Why would he do that?”
    “The attorney is female, and she is happy to provide this service through us.”
    I didn’t know how much “nominal” was, but if it were more than zero, I didn’t have it. Yet it seemed unwise to refuse completely. “I shall ponder this offer.”
    The other two women exchanged glances. Miriam cocked her head like