Page 46 of Signs and Wonders

Evan chuckled. “I’ll agree with that.” Jennifer had warned them that the resort did not allow drugs or alcohol. He suspected that Swain was more likely to manipulate people emotionally and with magic rather than to try to roofie them.

His thoughts drifted to hoping nothing significant happened in their absence and worrying about Seth’s safety. Under normal circumstances, visiting a retreat like Summit would be a fun break, a chance to breathe deep and take a day off.

Beautiful mountain vistas unfolded as the shuttle labored to climb the steep road to the compound. While Evan appreciated the view, he felt vulnerable knowing that his cell phone wouldn’t work so deep within the Quiet Zone and that he had no easy way to signal Seth if they got into trouble. He could still take photos and intended to document what he saw for when they returned.

When the van rumbled beneath an archway that read “Welcome to Summit,” Evan felt a frisson of energy that he knew must be magic. A glance at Brent confirmed that his partner had come to the same conclusion.

But what does the spell do? Does it deter nosy trespassers or make visitors more open to suggestions?

Despite the charms they wore and their familiarity with how magic worked, Evan harbored no illusions about being invulnerable. His rote spells were much less powerful than the witch disciples’ magic, and while Brent occasionally saw visions, that gift was unpredictable. Their skills had proven valuable, but a head-on confrontation was unlikely to go in their favor.

Evan felt no compunction to fight fair.

He caught himself twisting the silver bracelet etched with protective runes that Seth had given him and knew that Brent carried similar amulets.

Maybe Swain won’t try any funny business for the overnight guests. Sucker us in, and then whammy the ones who sign up to stay longer. Or maybe he’ll just try to make sure everyone leaves ready to give glowing reviews about the lodge and the programs to keep the locals happy.

Come to think of it, Evan wondered how many of the people at the luncheon and on the bus were actually from Buckhannon. Cameron had said the fliers weren’t new and that the library hosted meetings nearly every week.

Did wellness pilgrims in search of enlightenment come to the small town looking for an entrée to Summit? Buckhannon wasn’t a big place, and the New Age-y vibes of the Renou-Vous programs didn’t seem like they would be a hit with the mostly blue-collar residents. Pulling in health tourism was one way to bring fresh blood to the lodge—an unintentional pun that made Evan cringe.

Nabbing someone out of their small group would be foolhardy and easily noticed. But if Swain evaluated the guests on their suitability as potential sacrifices and further analyzed them on their visit, he could engineer their later disappearances at his leisure.

“We’re here.” Brent’s comment pulled Evan out of his thoughts.

The passengers filed out of the van to reclaim their luggage. Evan and Brent carried all the special items in their backpacks since they suspected their duffels might be surreptitiously searched before being delivered to their room.

The newcomers stood next to a circular driveway at the foot of the steps into the main lodge. Evan noted the mid-century modern lines of the building. But a clever renovation had updated the lodge, and he remembered Jennifer’s comment about being “kitschy-cool.”Smart marketing. Appeals to the nostalgia crowd as well as having a retro-chic vibe.

Josh jogged up the steps and clapped his hands to get their attention. “Listen up, everyone! You can leave your bags by the bus. They’ll be placed in your room while Jennifer and I show you around. Then we’ll come back here for lunch and a mingle before the evening’s agenda.”

“Don’t worry—I brought a micro-camera,” Brent whispered, apparently sharing Evan’s train of thought. “I’ll get photos.”

Summit’s setting lived up to the name, atop a rise with a panoramic view of seemingly unbroken forest and the time-worn ridges of the ancient Allegheny Mountains. The breeze at this elevation was cooler than in town, and Evan pulled his jacket tighter.

“We’ll end the tour inside the main building.” Josh trotted down to lead them with Jennifer beside him. “That’s where your rooms are located, as well as the dining room, main meeting rooms, and spa.”

They walked on, and several two-story buildings came into view. “These are dormitories for larger programs,” Jennifer told them. “And the lovely chalet in the middle is our library, which is open around the clock and full of resources.”

The outdoor pool was closed for the season. Nearby was a large patio with firepits, grills, and outdoor furniture. A small amphitheater had seating for lectures and live music. Evan had to admit that if Summit wasn’t owned by an immortal psychotic warlock, it would be a nice vacation destination.

“I feel like I’ve stepped intoDirty Dancing,only with Jack Nicholson instead of Patrick Swayze,” Evan murmured.

Brent laughed. “I was thinking along the same lines.”

“There are nature trails around the compound, but please use caution,” Josh said. “We’re in the middle of the woods, and that means wild animals. Please don’t leave the lit areas after dark for your own safety.”

They returned to the main lodge. The lobby had massive windows looking out onto the valley and a big stone fireplace surrounded by comfortable couches that gave it the feel of a ski resort.

“Lunch is ready.” Josh led them to a dining room that was a study in streamlined elegance. Evan looked askance at the buffet, only to find that the varied offerings were surprisingly good, as well as the “mocktail” punch the servers brought to each place.

“So far, their recruiting efforts are on point,” Brent noted. “It’s hard to turn down good food.”

“What brings you all here?” one of their tablemates asked, breaking the ice.

Evan and Brent shared their table with two husband and wife couples. The speaker was a man who looked to be in his early forties, with the trim, tanned appearance of a runner or an avid golfer. His wife’s razor-cut hairstyle brought the term “power couple” to Evan’s mind.

“We came from Roanoke,” the woman in the other couple answered. “We heard about the fantastic programs here and just had to see for ourselves.” She and her husband might have been in their late forties and looked more like small business owners than small-town socialites.

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