Swamped

"Well, whatever it's planning, I think it'll be easier to handle if we get Mortimer back to the hospital," you say. "He needs a shower, after all."

Mortimer nods.

"Makes sense," Sunflower agrees. "Though it might also make whoever's watching us a little desperate. So, best to be on your guard."

You all start advancing. Mortimer still isn't talking. You decide it might be best to put one of your main questions to Sunflower out in the open; maybe that will help with gaining Mortimer's trust.

"So why are you two interested in Mortimer, anyhow?"

"Mortimer!" says the lizard. Seems he's still tagging along.

"Strictly speaking, we're not interested so much in him as much as we are in whoever thought it was worth dragging him out of the hospital," Sunflower replies. "As to why we're interested in them... well, you might say we're concerned about just what they intend to do in this town more broadly. We think it might put our business ventures at risk."

So they think the kidnapping - or the attempt to influence control of the Guild it represents - could hurt their food-smuggling operation. Of course, they aren't about to admit to being criminals, so they're being very roundabout in answering. But Mortimer told you enough.

And that answer gives you an opening into a question you've been meaning to ask Mortimer. Might as well go for it now.

"I see," you reply. "Well, Mortimer? What can you tell us about whoever tried to kidnap you?"

"They had a weird mask around their neck," he says. "I tore it off and tried to get free, but they hit me in the head a bunch and twisted my arm. Other one's not in great shape right now, so I couldn't do much except yell at 'em a lot until those blows to the head knocked me out. When I came to, I saw..."

He suddenly pauses. He seems doubtful, but after a moment, he continues.