Page 39 of Signs and Wonders

He accepted Seth’s grunt as confirmation, knowing his partner was probably still letting go of his worry. Travis rose and followed him, catching up to Evan in the parking lot.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on things.” Evan glanced around to make sure none of the lodge people were nearby.

“I’m curious to hear what went on inside. I sent a ghost in when your link went down, but I don’t think I got the full story,” Travis replied.

“I wondered if there was some sort of spell going on,” Evan said. “I’ll be glad to debrief you and Brent, and I want to hear your thoughts.”

“Go assure Seth that you’re safe, and we’ll catch up with you later.” Travis grinned.

* * *

Evan drove backto the bar, trying to sort through his impressions of the event. On the surface, it had been an unremarkable sales pitch—not as compelling as some of the timeshare meetings he had gone to for the free lunch.

But on another level, Evan knew there was more going on. Multiple spells, perhaps to keep people present and receptive. He also realized that despite paying close attention and planning to report back on what he heard, the more time that passed since he left the meeting, the dimmer the memory became.

Maybe they don’t want the details well-known for a variety of reasons. So the memories fade to vague impressions.

More magic—and manipulation. Swain is definitely up to no good.

Seth looked relieved when Evan walked through the door to Lacey’s. He gave Evan a once-over, and Evan smiled and nodded in reassurance, walking directly to his table.

“I’m fine,” Evan said. “And I’m hoping my phone recorded the rest of the presentation after the wire cut out.”

“Travis knew you hadn’t gone anywhere, and his ghosts kept an eye on you.” Seth sounded gruff, and Evan knew his partner was covering his worry.

“Yeah, he told me that. There was definitely some magic happening on several levels.” He started to tell Seth about the meeting, but Seth stopped him with a touch to the back of his hand.

“What you told that woman…about worrying over your ‘first-responder’ partner and feeling anxious about your ‘freelance.’ Did you mean that? Do you really feel that way?”

Evan smiled fondly and put his hand under the table to rest on Seth’s knee. “A little, sometimes, but I bet you do too. I know you worry—and it’s hard not to have anxious moments given what we do.”

Seth looked away. “I just want you to be happy. I dragged you into this.”

“You saved my life,” Evan corrected. “And because of you, I have a home, friends, a purpose—and a very sexy boyfriend.”

Evan hesitated. “And I signed up to go on an overnight orientation tomorrow at Summit.”

Seth’s eyes widened. “You what?”

“It’s our best chance to get a look at the lodge and size the place up without attracting attention.” Evan knew how much Seth was going to hate the idea. “Plus, there’s this weird symbol on all their materials, and I think it might be the anchor, and the spa has a pool in a cave, like in Drake’s vision.” He pulled out the brochure and showed Seth. “It’s got to be at the lodge.”

“You want to go there overnight—alone? Evan, Swain’s a witch disciple, and you’re a descendant. You’re taking an awful chance.”

“I know. And I won’t be able to wear a wire up there or use my cell phone.”

“Evan—”

“If we go together, it will tip our hand,” Evan argued. “Travis has magic, so they’ll pick up on him. Drake’s local—that wouldn’t fly.”

“Then take Brent,” Seth said. “There’s no reason for him to be recognized; he doesn’t have psychic abilities, and at least you’d have backup.”

Evan could see how much Seth disliked the idea, but his compromise made sense and quelled the nervousness Evan felt about the ploy. “Okay. There’s a phone number on here. I’ll call Jennifer and get Brent registered. You break it to Brent that he’s my plus-one.”

Minutes later, it was settled. Seth didn’t voice his worry, but they showed clearly in his eyes.

“Thank you for trusting me.” Evan gave Seth’s hand a squeeze beneath the table. “And for believing that I can handle myself.”

“I still don’t like it,” Seth grumbled. “But you’re right about us needing to get a look at the lodge, and if you locate the anchor, that’s going to be a big win. Just please…be careful.”

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