“Let’s just say I think he may have access to it.”
The doctor’s voice is still buzzing to the Logans.
Finally, Skye breaks through. “Can we see Tessa?”
“Just her parents for now,” Dr. Hedstrom says.
She nods. “Doctor, could ketamine and alcohol have such a dire effect? Obviously it was a small dose of ketamine, right?”
“It’s hard to say. We’ll know more after we’re able to speak with Tessa. If she doesn’t have any retroactive amnesia, we’ll know the dose was small.”
“Retroactive amnesia?” Mrs. Logan asks.
“Amnesia that causes you to lose time from before you took the drug. For example, if Tessa took the drug at—”
Mr. Logan clears his throat. “My daughter did not take that drug.”
Skye just told them that Tessa took ecstasy. But every father wants to think his daughter is perfect.
“I need to ask you both,” Dr. Hedstrom says. “Does Tessa take anything else? Like I said, I couldn’t find any prescriptions in our system, but does she take anything else?”
“You mean like over-the-counter stuff?” Mr. Logan asks.
“Yes, over-the-counter meds. Herbal supplements. Everything.”
“I honestly don’t know,” Mrs. Logan says. “She hasn’t lived with us since she was eighteen.”
“Her allergies were bothering her tonight,” Skye offers. “She takes that stuff. I think it’s echinacea.”
Dr. Hedstrom raises her eyebrows. “Do you know how much echinacea she takes?”
“No, just that she takes it. She has terrible hay fever.”
“That may be the issue. Echinacea can interact with ketamine and make the effects more profound. Then the alcohol on top of everything…” Dr. Hedstrom shakes her head. “But the good news is that Tessa is out of danger. She probably would’ve come to on her own, but I’m glad you brought her in, especially since she was vomiting.”
“Mr. Black…” Dan begins.
“Braden, please.”
Dan nods. “Braden, you seem to know this Garrett. I need to get in touch with him.”
“Not a problem,” I say. “If Garrett Ramirez gave Tessa ketamine, I will find out.”
“Thank you,” Carlotta says. “But what can we do now? The deed is done. I’m just thankful Tessa is all right.”
“We’re all thankful for that,” I agree, “but I will look into this. I’ve looked the other way far too long.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
If Peter Reardon and Garrett Ramirez thought they had a shot in hell at getting that architectural contract with my company, they were sorely mistaken. I excuse myself to make a call.
“Reardon and Company,” a voice says into my ear.
“Braden Black for Beau Reardon,” I say.
“Oh! Mr. Black. Yes. I know Mr. Reardon will be pleased that you’re calling. One moment, please.”
Pleased that I’m calling?