"Why? What does a street bum have to do that is so important?"
His amusement ran round her. "Who said I was a street bum?"
"That's the image you present to the world, isn't it?"
"It is. But I am not what I appear. You'd best remember that."
The soft warning sent a chill down her spine. She knew nothing about this man, who, conversely, seemed to know so much about her. She didn't even know if she could trust him. And yet, he'd saved her life, had given her somewhere to live when she most needed it, and had come to this room when she called — even if she wasn't aware that she had called.
His sigh was a breeze that stirred past her hair. "What troubles you?"
"I did a search on the pin. It led me to Mary Elliott."
"Did it now?" There was no surprise in his voice. He'd obviously known all along where it would lead.
"She kept confusing me with a woman named Josephine. Kept insisting I had a brother named Joshua."
"And do you?"
His shadow swirled slowly around her. Though he appeared relaxed, she could almost taste his tension.
"I have dreamed about Joshua, but I don't know who he is." She studied the shadowed form in front of her for a second. "Just as I don't know who you are. You might be Joshua, for all I know."
"I might. I might not."
"And the answer will be found in here," she retorted, lightly touching her chest, just above her heart. "When I am ready to find it."
She sensed more than saw his smile. "Took the words right out of my mouth."
"What a surprise." She stared at the ceiling for several seconds. Though the bright light was harsh, it did not hurt her eyes or make them water. "Am I a product of Hopeworth?"
His essence stilled. "I have said before that I cannot provide you with answers. You must seek them yourself."
"Cannot or will not?"
"Will not."
She nodded. He knew more than he would ever tell, that much was obvious. "I met with a General Frank Lloyd yesterday."
"I know."
"How do you know?"
His smile swirled around her. "As I said before, I know more than you know."
She didn't bother raging against his obtuse answer, simply because it wouldn't get her anywhere. "I have a feeling the general and I will meet again."
Joe's shadow began to move. Agitation stirred the still air. "Be wary of the General. He sees more than most men."
"That's because he's not exactly a man, is he?"
Joe hesitated. "No, he is not. He is a product of Hopeworth, born and bred to do the bidding of the military. He is not someone you want anything to do with."
She rubbed her arms. On that, at least, they agreed. "I may not have any choice in the matter."
Concern churned around her. "You had a premonition?"
"Maybe."