Page 95 of Sweetwater and the Witch

Chapter Forty-Eight

Garrett Willis was sitting behind his desk when Ethan Sweetwater and his aunt were ushered into his office. They were not alone. There was a dust bunny cradled under one of Ethan’s arms. The critter looked limp and exhausted.

Garrett got to his feet. “What happened to the dust bunny? Was it hurt?”

“Long story,” Ethan said. “This is Harriet.”

Garrett raised his brows. “Ravenna Chastain’s pal? I didn’t recognize her. Harriet and I are friends. I gave her a pen.”

“Unfortunately, your relationship with her got complicated,” Ethan said. “I’ll explain.”

“You do that, right after I greet Zora the Mysterious.” Garrett moved around the desk to kiss Zora’s hand. “Welcome to the Lucky Quartz. I’m honored by your visit. I’m a fan. One of these days I hope you will play the Hot Quartz Room here in my casino.”

“Thank you,” Zora said. She gave him a gracious smile. “I would be delighted.”

Garrett turned to Ethan. “What is this all about? Considering that it’s well after midnight, I’m assuming this isn’t business related.”

“Let’s start with a question. What do you remember about Ravenna Chastain?”

“I’m registered with the Banks matchmaking agency. Miss Chastain was a date arranged by the agency. I enjoyed her company and I think she enjoyed mine, but we agreed we would continue to date other people. Why?”

“Do you remember waking up in an alley in the Shadow Zone?” Ethan asked.

Garrett winced. “Gossip travels fast in this town. I was hoping to keep that incident quiet. Not my finest hour, that’s for sure. How did you hear about it?”

“I’m the one who left you in that alley,” Ethan said. “I believe I owe you an apology.”

Garrett went very still. “I think you had better explain.”

“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” Ethan said. “Afterward I’m hoping you will allow my aunt to help you recover your lost memories.”

Garrett frowned. “Of that night, do you mean?”

“Yes,” Ethan said. “And maybe another lost memory as well.”

Garrett narrowed his eyes. “What in green hell is this about?”

“Ravenna Chastain has been kidnapped. I’m hoping you have the key I need to find out who is trying to murder her.”

Chapter Forty-Nine

“I remember perfume,” Garrett said. He spoke in the uninflected voice of one who is in a deep trance. “It was pleasant at first. Sweet. Flowery. But it got stronger. Cloying.”

“Go on,” Ethan said.

Zora frowned. “Don’t rush him. He needs time to organize his recovered memories.”

“Sorry,” Ethan muttered.

He was in a great hurry for answers. The sense of urgency that had been riding him hard since he had returned from Frequency was growing stronger by the minute.

Garrett appeared unaware of the low-voiced conversation between Ethan and Zora. He continued to speak in the same unemotional tone.

“A woman entered my office. She was wearing a gas mask. Said she was a consultant and that she had something important to tell me. She said it concerned Ravenna Chastain.”

“What did she tell you?” Zora asked quietly.

For the first time since she had put him into a trance, Garrett seemed confused.

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