Page 30 of Phoenix Rising

As Helen typed on her computer, Audria glanced around, noting more monitoring devices. Was the seminar so secretive that they had to wire the place to the hilt? A printer kicked on, and Helen removed a stack of papers before sliding them on the counter for signatures.

“You’ll enjoy Guru Phoenix. He’s very compelling.”

Reese signed his name. “Has he been doing this for a while?”

“Well, not here. He’s been with us a few months now. He’s a much better speaker than our last minister, I mean guru.”

“What happened to the old one?”

“He didn’t show up one day.” Helen glanced around before leaning forward and lowering her voice conspiratorially. “The grapevine thinks he ran off with a rich woman from California.” She sat back and shook her head. “No one knows for sure. Then Guru Phoenix arrived, and it’s been a huge blessing. We’re lucky to have him. He packs the seats regularly. Of course, we draw from a larger base of people now that he’s opened worship up to all religions.”

“It wasn’t before?”

“No, we were a Christian ministry.”

“Is Spiritual Beginnings run by a corporation?” Audria asked.

“An individual. Mr. Josiah Porter started it decades ago. He used to give the sermons, but he’s retired now.”

“Didn’t it upset him to change the philosophy?”

Helen’s brows pinched. “Well, I don’t know for sure. He doesn’t come by anymore. He hasn’t stepped in and fired Guru Phoenix, so I guess he’s okay with it.”

“Does Mr. Porter live around here?”

Helen shook her head. “Montana.”

“Have you always had metal detectors?” Reese questioned.

“No, those were installed by Guru Phoenix. He’s made many changes, all for the better.”

“You mean additional security precautions?” Reese clarified.

“Well, some, but Mr. Porter was already a stickler for safety. Guru Phoenix streamlined the staff, which was needed in my opinion,” she said behind her hand like it was a big secret. “He created the wellness garden beside the river. And we now have twice-monthly retreats that bring in big money and fill every room. We have to turn people away, whereas before, our attendance lagged.”

Helen was in a chatty mood and proving to be a font of information, so Audria took out the photo she’d printed of Paige. “My friend Jan was supposed to come here, but we’ve been traveling and haven’t talked to her. Can you tell me if she made it?”

Lines radiated from Helen’s eyes as she squinted at the picture. “Oh, yes, I remember her.” She tapped the paper. “Jan Rather. I thought she said Dan Rather, and we had a good laugh. Charming woman. She asked a lot of questions like you two.”

Audria didn’t know how to take that statement. Was it a compliment or not? “Did she sign up for the extended session?”

“I don’t think so.” Helen typed on her keyboard and shook her head. “Just the one.”

The doors slicked open, revealing two women who entered and passed through the metal detector.

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” Helen told them before turning back to Reese and Audria. “The session is scheduled to start in fifteen minutes. Follow the signs, and it’s the open door on the right. Thank you all for coming. I enjoyed talking to you today.”

“Thank you, Helen.”

Several people were wandering around the lobby, and the din of chatter mingled with a softly playing classical music soundtrack. The walls were decorated with vivid prints, and the seating was a vibrant mix of colors. Audria noted more cameras covering most of the area. For a facility that forbade cell phones, they sure didn’t mind taping people themselves.

As she did any time she entered a new dwelling, Audria checked for alternate exits. A side door was plastered with warnings of an alarm sounding if it was opened. Another corridor beside the registration desk led to a closed door marked private.

They came to a blockade of two posts with a chain strung between them, preventing passage down the hallway. A sign instructed them to enter the open doors to the right. Audria was surprised to see an auditorium. The room was shaped like a horseshoe, and they entered at the top, meaning they had to descend stairs to find open seats. In the center was a stage. The total capacity was probably around two hundred people, but there were several empty seats.

Audria found a spot where they had a clear view of the pulpit. She looked for another entry besides the one they had used but didn’t see any. The only windows were on one wall, too high to use as an escape route. Plus, they were covered with thick, dark curtains. There was a door off the stage, but she saw no other egress. A sense of unease settled over her. If flames broke out or a shooter started spraying bullets, people would stampede for the only exit. It seemed like a fire code violation, but what did she know?

She wanted to discuss the heightened security with Reese, but it would have to wait until they returned to their SUV. More people filtered in until most of the seats were occupied, and then the door closed with a slam. That made her anxious. Were they locked inside?

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