Page 31 of Sweetwater and the Witch

She reminded herself that she was new in Illusion Town. Evidently the rules were a little different here. Or maybe the Sweetwaters operated under their own rules.

When they reached the surface, Ethan dropped the unconscious Willis into the trunk of the Slider. He assisted Zora into the passenger seat and then returned to the front door, where Ravenna stood, Harriet in her arms.

“Sorry to have to rush off like this,” he said. “I think the stress test went off well, don’t you? Unfortunately, there isn’t time for you to give me your analysis.”

Ravenna went blank. “Analysis?”

“You were going to observe my dating skills and suggest ways in which I could improve, remember?”

“Right.” She pulled herself together. “Things got a little off track tonight.”

“Yes, they did, so what do you say we reschedule and try again tomorrow night?”

“You want to risk another date with me?”

“Are you kidding? This has been the most interesting evening I’ve had in ages. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that it was different from every other date I’ve ever had.”

“You make it sound like that’s a good thing.”

“It is, as far as I’m concerned. How did it go from your perspective?”

“I can truthfully say I have never had a date like this one.”

“So, how about we do it again but without some of the special effects?”

“I don’t believe you are for real, Ethan Sweetwater.”

“I’ll try to prove it. Dinner tomorrow night?”

She smiled. “Without the special effects?”

“That’s the plan, but I’m adaptable.”

“Yes, you are. All right. Tomorrow night.”

“I’ll make reservations. Pick you up at six.”

Before she could say anything else, he was heading back to the Slider. He got behind the wheel. A moment later the sleek vehicle cruised out of the driveway and disappeared.

She stood in the doorway a moment longer, letting the evening energy of the Dark Zone envelop her. In spite of its name, the DZ was never truly dark at night. The radiant ruins of the Dead City bathed the haphazardly constructed lanes and alleys of the old quarter in a green chiaroscuro. The paranormal radiation emitted by the ancient quartz walls infused the atmosphere.

“Do you think I’m dating a mob man, Harriet? I know Zora said she does some work for the Bureau, but that doesn’t mean the Sweetwaters aren’t a crime family that just happens to be in the amber business.”

Harriet chortled.

“Here’s the thing. If the Sweetwaters actually are a crime family that just happens to be in the amber business, I might have a very big problem. I accepted their help, see? I let them clean up the Willis situation for me. They now know my biggest secret. Okay, pretty much my only secret. But do you realize what this means?”

Harriet chortled farewell and took off into the bushes.

“Sure, go back to the party, wherever it is tonight,” Ravenna said. “Don’t worry about me and my problems. Who cares if I am now seriously in debt to the mob? What can possibly go wrong?”

Chapter Fourteen

“What a charming young woman,” Zora said. “A fire witch, you say? And a former FBPI profiler? She’s perfect for you. She’ll fit into the family very nicely. Congratulations. It’s time you got serious about settling down. Your grandparents will be thrilled. So will your parents, of course.”

“Don’t get too excited,” Ethan said. He eased the Slider to a stop in front of the stage door. “Ravenna and I are still getting to know each other. Tonight was our first date. As you can see, things got complicated.”

“Marriage is always complicated for the Sweetwaters.” Zora unbuckled her seat belt. “But I’ve got a good feeling about Ravenna Chastain.”

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