Page 29 of Phoenix Rising

“Oh, he is. But he’s the most adorable pain ever, and Dante is a big old softy. Kai’s punishment barely lasted a day before he was back climbing the wall—with a harness this time.”

“At least he learned his lesson.”

There was a twinkle in Audria’s eye. “You’d think.”

Reese grinned broadly. “What happened?”

“A week later, he snuck to the wall to climb untethered and discovered COBRA Security agents raining on him from above. He screamed louder than his younger sister, Gracie. They surrounded him and refused to allow him to continue.”

“He didn’t!”

She nodded. “Oh, he did. This time, Dante was irate and revoked Kai’s gym privileges, which is akin to a death sentence to him. Kai lives there. It’s his life.”

Reese couldn’t contain his smile. “I’m guessing Dante didn’t stick to his guns.”

“You guessed right. But Kai isn’t stupid and hasn’t tried to scale the wall without rigging since. He’s been the model kid.”

Reese shook his head. “It sounds like a great place to work.”

“It is,” Audria agreed. “I’m lucky.” She must’ve noticed his expression because she quickly added, “I mean, I enjoyed my time at the Bureau, but this is next level. The resources are amazing, and the people are top-notch. Not that the agents I worked with weren’t great.”

Reese held up a hand to stop her sputtering. “No need to explain. I understand. I’ve been impressed with everyone I’ve come across who is a part of the COBRA Securities world. It’s a stellar organization.”

“I’m glad you’ve seen them in action.”

“Me too.”

#

Audria felt a little guilty for bragging about her new job when Reese had been her old boss. He’d been a great one, but she’d never been happier than she was now. Her current position allowed her to do what she loved while offering guidance, personnel, and resources. If she’d been asked to describe the ideal work environment, she wouldn’t have been able to conjure the one she was currently a part of. It was simply beyond perfect.

The server placed their bill on the table, and Reese picked it up and paid. She considered the afternoon ahead of them as they returned to the resort. They had walked to the other appointments, but the spiritual awareness seminar was located north of town, close to Oak Creek Canyon. They would have to drive.

Audria navigated for Reese as they followed the curvy roads beside a raging, rocky river. “Don’t you think it’s strange that many of these gatherings offer longer overnight sessions?”

“That’s where they make their money,” Reese explained. “They bait the hook, lure you in, and then charge an astronomical fee. Have you seen the prices?”

She had. They were ridiculous. So was what they were paying to stay at their resort. This wasn’t her world. She’d grown up in a middle-class household. They’d never had to worry about food, clothing, or shelter, but her parents didn’t drive luxury cars, and their vacations were to places like Myrtle Beach or the Grand Canyon, not Paris or Madrid. Still, she didn’t hold money against anyone. Good for them if they were blessed with it. “It should be the next right turn.”

Several cars were already parked in the lot. Reese found an empty spot away from the others and pulled in.

“When I signed up for this one, I had to agree not to bring cell phones inside. They don’t want it filmed, I guess.”

“We’d better leave our weapons, too, in case they search us.”

They placed their guns and phones in the glove box and locked it. Audria glanced around as she slid out of the vehicle. The location in the canyon was scenic and bucolic. You could hear the water rushing over the rocks from the nearby river. The building looked like it could be a small resort.

She noted several cameras peppered around the premises. They took security seriously. She glanced at Reese, and the look he gave told her he’d noticed them too. Of course he had. Very little got by him. They passed a non-descript silver sedan parked in a spot with a sign marked, “Reserved for Guru Phoenix.” Even his license plate announced who was behind the wheel: Guru P.

Doors with “Spiritual Beginnings” etched on the glass swished open when they approached the entry. Reese had been correct in that they would be searched. A man in a uniform stood by a metal detector. He asked if they had cell phones or anything that might set it off. When they told him no, Audria was instructed to walk through first, followed by Reese. No beeps.

A woman with a bouffant of white hair smiled at them from behind a counter. Her nameplate read Helen Krause.

“Welcome. Are you here for the New Awakening session?”

“We are. Ross and Amy Green.”

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Green. We’re so glad you’re here.”

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