Page 35 of Signs and Wonders

“Travis told me about Evan’s ‘outing.’ I’m on speed dial if they need more backup. Don’t worry.”

“Who said I was worrying?”

Brent chuckled. “You remind me of how my father fusses over my mother to take her pills, drink water, and remember her doctors’ appointments. It’s adorable.”

“Did you just call us an old married couple?” Seth couldn’t decide whether to be amused or annoyed.

“If it fits—”

“Thanks for helping Travis watch out for Evan. I appreciate it.”

“Goes with the territory. That’s what friends are for.”

The call ended, and Seth’s phone chimed softly, reminding him that it was time to monitor Evan’s visit to the Renou-Vous meeting.

“Can you hear me?” Evan’s voice sounded in Seth’s earbud.

“Loud and clear,” Seth replied. “Can you see Travis?”

“Yeah, he’s sitting on a bench at the front of the library, reading a book,” Evan replied. “That’ll give him a good view of everyone who comes and goes.”

“You remember the drill?”

Evan gave an audible sigh. “Yes. It’ll be okay. I’ve got my medallions, loose salt in my pockets, a silver shiv in my shoe, and one of those protective mojo bags from Teag’s friend. I’ve also got my wooden rune disks, just in case. I won’t eat or drink, I’ll sit with a clear view of the door, and I promise not to go anywhere with anyone.”

Evan’s rote magic worked better with sigils, so he carried a piece of chalk and kept wooden “coins” marked with the most common symbols that activated his spells for times when circumstances wouldn’t allow him to draw the runes.

“I just worry.”

“I know.”

He heard Evan draw a deep breath. “I’d better go in. See you on the other side.”

Seth heard clothing rustle, the squeak of a door opening and closing, and muted voices through the link. He fought the compulsion to call Travis and check in.

They both know what they’re doing.

Seth forced himself to play solitaire on his laptop while he listened.

“Welcome! We’re always glad to see new faces. I’m Josh, and I’ll be one of the guides for today,” a man’s voice said. He sounded thirty-ish.

“I’m Sonny.” Evan fell back on the alias he used when he and Seth first met and he was dodging a stalker ex-boyfriend in Richmond.

“Come on in, Sonny,” Josh said. “We have some bottled water and bags of cookies if you want a snack. We’ll get started in a few minutes, but please wander around, meet the other folks and our staff, and have a look at the displays. I hope you’ll like what you see and hear today.”

Seth gritted his teeth. He knew he was cynical to distrust someone just because they were perky and friendly, but knowing that Swain was involved with the wellness resort gave him good reason.

Other voices carried over the wire, a mix of women and men, mostly pleasantries and chitchat. Evan had been a bartender and a restaurant server, so his skill with small talk exceeded Seth’s abilities and patience. While Evan had learned to fight, he also lacked the indelible mark of military service that showed in Seth’s stance and movements.

That makes him the better shill for this. He doesn’t look dangerous.Seth realized that he was clenching his fist under the table.

“The campus looks very nice,” Evan remarked. “Was the main building the original lodge? Does everyone stay there, or are the side buildings for attendees?”

Seth realized that Evan’s questions and remarks were narrating his surroundings.

“The lodge has been fully restored to a mid-century modern retro vibe,” a woman replied. “We call it ‘kitschy-cool.’ You’ll be happy to know that the spa treatments and the food are thoroughly modern.”

“Do people come and go to attend classes, or do they live there for a while?” Evan pressed.

---