Page 31 of Signs and Wonders

“Thank you,” Seth replied. “Did you get any strong sense for something that might be Swain’s anchor relic?”

“No. I didn’t pick up on anything else paranormal beyond the ghosts and the demon. If Swain is using a different location for his rituals, it stands to reason he’d keep his anchor close at hand,” Travis said.

They drove back to the hotel where Travis and Brent were staying. Drake’s car was gone.

“Want to come in? We can find out what Brent’s been doing while we were risking life and limb.” Travis still looked a little shaky.

Seth shook his head, and Evan felt certain that Seth shared his concern that Travis needed a chance to rest and recover.

“We’ll check back with you later after we’ve made sure Cameron and Tyler are okay,” Seth assured Travis. “And I want to talk with Teag about some ‘computer research.’”

“Let us know how that goes. Talk to you soon.” Travis climbed out of the truck’s cab.

They waited until Travis had gone inside and gave the lot a careful once-over to assure themselves no one was watching the room before they pulled away.

“That was…pretty damn terrifying,” Seth admitted.

“Yeah. But Travis thinks it worked—and all those souls are at rest. When this is done, someone’s going to need to make an anonymous tip about the bodies,” Evan pointed out.

“Once we take Swain out of the picture, maybe the local cops will give a damn.”

They drove to Lacey’s. The lot was nearly full, and Evan realized the dinner crowd and evening gamblers were probably filtering in. Seth parked next to Cameron’s SUV, and they headed inside.

Tyler sat at the end of the bar, nursing a Coke. He leaned into the corner so he had a view of the whole room, even if he was ostensibly watching a game he’d probably bet on. Seth and Evan took seats next to him, and Cameron gave them a nod in acknowledgment.

“How did today go?” Evan asked.

“Good, I guess. As in, not bad. No one tried anything, and I’ve kept a lookout on the people who came and went. Didn’t see anyone who seemed creepy or paid too much attention to Cam,” Tyler reported, dropping his voice.

Evan dug into his pocket and handed Tyler a silver medallion. “Wear this—and make sure Cameron wears that St. Michael’s charm his mother gave him. Some of the creatures involved can take the shape of other people, but they can’t wear silver,” he said in a voice just above a whisper.

Tyler dropped the chain over his head. “I’ll check with Cam, but he never takes off that necklace from his mom.” He looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear them. “Shapeshifters? You’re sure?”

Evan nodded. “We can tell you more when we’re somewhere private. For now, just stay close to Cam and watch his back.”

“Do you need a break? We were going to order dinner,” Seth offered.

“I’d be happy for the company, but I planned to stay until the end of Cam’s shift and take him home,” Tyler said. “I have to work tomorrow, so I’ll need someone to cover for me until I can get back here.”

“I’ve got it,” Seth said. “I can work on my computer from here as well as anywhere.”

Evan got up to use the bathroom and paused beside the community bulletin board in the back hallway. A flier caught his eye.

Ready for a fresh start? Want to leave the past behind and create a new you? Renou-Vous at the Summit Lodge can help. Come to our free, no-obligation information meeting and find out more!

The colorful poster included the address for the local library with a date and time that Evan realized was tomorrow.

He checked to make sure no one saw him unpin the paper and tuck it into his pocket. When he returned to the bar, Seth had already put in their burger order and gotten sodas for them. Evan showed the advertisement to Tyler and Seth.

“I have an idea—”

Seth fixed him with a glare. “Absolutely not.”

Evan raised his chin. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

“No, but I knowyou.”

Evan laid out his plan to attend the meeting, and Seth looked daggers at him.

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