Catherine Sanderson has it all: a fulfilling career helping immigrant women find jobs, a lovely home, and a beautiful daughter on her way to Smith College. What Catherine doesn't have is a father for her child, or good answers for Phoebe's probing questions. And B. J., the only man she's ever loved, doesn't even know about Phoebe. But now B. J., a renowned reporter, is back in town, and he needs Catherine's help in cracking the story of a female slavery ring operating on the streets of Atlanta. Though eager to help, Catherine is fearful over the confession she knows she must make — to him and their daughter. Fearful, too, of the sudden interest her newest client, the icy Miss Mandeville — a housekeeper turned tycoon — shows in Catherine's connection to B. J. What follows rocks Catherine's world — and the entire city of Atlanta. This story is read by the author.