“I don’t think you are crazed or strange.”
“I don’t know about that. I would certainly think I was crazed and strange in the same circumstance. Do you like kissing me?”
“Yes. I do.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if I wasn’t saying things that aren’t of my free will? Wouldn’t it be better if I said them because I meant it?”
Ruby’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I guess so. I will say having someone repeatedly say he loves me and wants to marry me isn’t a chore.”
He grinned. “Noted. Will you take my case?”
“Yes. Can you describe the two witches?”
Max told her about the two older women who’d accosted him and his subsequent adventures at the Black and Orange Ball. “The shorter woman is named Matilda. I’m not sure about the other one.”
Ruby giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
“Matilda and her friend Helen are legendary in this town. I believe my aunt Vilma mentioned seeing them earlier tonight at the ball.”
“Does that mean you know where they are?”
“Yes.”
“And you’ll contact them and find out what they did to me and how long it will last?”
“Yes. I will.”
A loud, discordant sound startled him enough to release Ruby. He followed her glare to the phone on her desk.
“What’s that sound?”
“The alarm on my phone. I set it because I have to go to work early tomorrow and I didn’t want to stay at the party too long.” She did something to silence the alarm, then pointed to the package. “I’ll send that to Arkansas first thing in the morning, where they will forward it on. Then I’ll go visit Matilda and Helen and discover what they remember about the party and putting a spell on you.”
“Good.”
“You’d better head out without me. I have a few things to do here, then I’ll see myself home. Okay?”
Max was disappointed, but nodded. “When can I see you again?”
Ruby considered. “Are you free for lunch?”
“I can be.”
“Excellent. Hopefully I’ll have some information from Helen and Matilda by then.”
“It’s a date.” He put an arm around her neck, pulled her in close and gave her a quick kiss good night. He exited her place of business and returned home.
Chapter Ten
Max was moving slowly early the next morning, but made it to work on time. He’d put some extra effort into his attire, choosing his favorite red shirt and a jacket, since he had an official date with Ruby for lunch. He couldn’t wait to see her again.
Max’s first client was a sweet older woman who was expecting her first grandchild and wanted Max to tell her if it was a girl or a boy. He could read human minds very easily, but he couldn’t predict the future.
To fudge it, he told her it was unclear. In her mind he saw the baby wasn’t due for seven and a half months. He told her it was way too soon for the sex of the child to be clear and reminded her of the baby’s due date.
