Moon Sworn (Riley Jenson Guardian 9)

"True." I took another drink, then winced and shoved the disgusting stuff from me. It was making my headache worse, not better. "But what if the whole object of the fabrication was to destroy and terrify? What if it was an act of vengeance designed solely for that purpose?"

"Then I'd have to say, that person has some pretty powerful enemies." He studied me intently. "Do you have enemies that powerful?"

I snorted softly. "Are you really expecting an answer to that given the state of my memory?"

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I guess not."

"Good." My own smile faded. "It makes the whole situation even more frustrating, though. And there's no guarantee I'll ever remember everything."

"I doubt it's possible to erase someone's memory so completely. At least, not when that someone is as strongminded as you seem to be."

I smiled at the jibe. "I think I've been called strong-minded - and worse - a few times in my life."

"Why am I not surprised?"

I laughed. "The thing is, it is possible to erase someone's memory. It is possible to give that person a completely new identity and life."

He raised his eyebrows. "You've witnessed this?"

"No." I hesitated. "Yes." I threw up my hands in confusion.

"Either way," he said, "if all this is planned, then it means that either the erasing wasn't entirely successful, or it was meant to be half-assed, to add to your frustration."

I hope you enjoy the week you have remaining, that arrogant voice had said, but I very much doubt you will.

"You could be right," I said gloomily.

"I usually am." He finished his coffee and pushed the cup away. "Tell you what - I'll do a more general search on your identity. I'll search police, tax, and government records, and see if I can find anything untoward that will help clear up this situation one way or another."

"That would be great." At least then I might know whether this was a plot or merely the imaginations of a very sick mind. Mine, specifically. "But do me a favor?"

"That depends on the favor."

"Don't tell my brother."

"Don't tell your brother what?" Evin said behind us.

Chapter 10

I somehow managed not to jump, and twisted around on the stool. He was standing in the doorway, a newspaper in one hand and what smelled like fresh croissants in the other. My stomach rumbled happily at the thought.

"That she's been helping me with my inquiries," Harris said smoothly, face as expressionless as they came.

"I didn't want you to worry," I added. "Especially given you didn't want me to get involved in the first place."

Evin grunted and stepped inside the unit. "I'm pretty sure Harris is more than capable of investigating a murder without your assistance."

Especially given he still half thought I might be involved. But before I could say anything, Harris said, "She saw the soul. I didn't."

Evin walked around the counter and dumped the newspaper and the bagged croissants on the counter. "And you believe her?"

"There are stranger things in this world than the ability to see souls," Harris said evenly. Which didn't really answer Evin's question. He rose and glanced at me. "I'll be in touch."

"Thanks." I watched him walk out, admiring the low-key, animal feel of it and wondering again who the hell he reminded me of.

Evin pushed the bag of freshly baked treats toward me. "I got chocolate chip and blueberry. Take your pick."

I reached in and grabbed a chocolate chip one, taking a bite and almost melting in pleasure. But my gaze rose to meet my brother's. "So why don't you believe I can see souls?"