by Raven Snow
***
There wasn’t too much to do, at least not that particular day. Preparing meals and snacks was their main concern. Aside from that, Crystal had her own thing planned. She had everyone gather in the pavilion after breakfast. She took her place on the small wooden stage while everyone else sat on the concrete floor.
“I’d like to begin with a moment of silence and prayer, so that—” Crystal was cut off when Veronica rushed up onto the stage and hissed something into her ear. Crystal rolled her eyes and waved her away. “Secular prayers. Whatever. You get the idea.”
It was difficult to tell how long the “moment of silence, secular prayers, and whatever” stretched on for. Not very long by Rowen’s count. It felt like considerably less than a minute had passed before Crystal was speaking again. “You may have noticed already, but we have had kind volunteers step up to take on Phoenix’s responsibilities while the police continue their search.” Crystal looked to Rowen and her cousins then. She smiled and inclined her head, indicating that they should join her on stage.
Rowen hadn’t been prepared for that. She exchanged a look and a minute shrug with Willow before climbing up onto the platform with Crystal. Some applause followed. Crystal started it and the rest of the camp gradually joined in. It sounded lackluster and uncertain, but Crystal kept right on smiling.
“I know I speak for everyone when I say, thank you. It warms my heart to know how much you believe in what we’re doing here,” said Crystal. Rowen wasn’t sure what precisely they were doing there that she evidently “believed in,” but she returned Crystal’s smile. Crystal turned back to her audience. “A lot has happened over these last couple of days,” she continued, the smile falling from her face as a more somber and appropriate expression took its place. “I’m sure you’ve all spoken with the police. I know you’ve all heard that Phoenix is missing. He is a dear friend of mine with beautiful energy and an equally wonderful outlook on life. Despite what you may have heard, right now he is only missing. There is no proof of foul play or evidence that anything untoward has happened to him.”
Rowen couldn’t help but notice how the audience kept glancing her way as Crystal spoke. It was like they were waiting for Rowen to correct her. Crystal was right. They had all heard what was going on. They had all heard that the Greensmiths had found a body while they were lost in the woods.
Veronica hadn’t left the stage yet. She had taken a step back to give Crystal room to speak, but now she moved forward again. This time she addressed the audience directly rather than whispering in Crystal’s ear. “No official statement has been released by the police yet. We’re only able to repeat information that has been shared with us by local authorities.” She stumbled over her words a bit, trying to both get them out before Crystal could stop her and choose her phrasing carefully. She didn’t want anyone coming forward later saying they had been lied to about the camp being perfectly safe.
Crystal laid a hand on Veronica’s shoulder. From where Rowen was standing, she could see Crystal squeezing it tight. They probably should have made up some sort of script last night. Maybe they had and Crystal just wasn’t following it. That seemed like a distinct possibility. “I really can’t overstate how difficult this has been for myself and my staff.” Crystal’s free hand moved to rest over her heart. “I’m certain this has been a very difficult time for you as well. I can’t help but—”
Paris’ hand shot up, silencing Crystal momentarily. She stared at her raised hand like she was debating whether to acknowledge it or not. “Yes, Paris?”
Paris dropped her hand back onto her tanned thighs. “Are we free to leave at any time?”
“Of course,” said Veronica.
Crystal squeezed Veronica’s shoulder hard again. “I’m certainly not holding you here, if that’s what you mean.” She laughed at the idea. “I can’t speak for the police, though. I know they asked that everyone remain in Lainswich for the time being. It’s my hope that you will all continue to cooperate fully with the police. That’s a big part of why I refuse to close down this retreat just yet. I don’t want any of you to be forced to pay for lodgings in town. You’re all more than welcome to stay here, where you’ll have a place to sleep and food to eat—all at no cost to you, of course.”
Gossamer raised her hand next. Rowen wondered if she was going to ask about a refund. That was probably Crystal’s concern as well because she shook her head. “I’m sorry, but can we hold all questions until the end? As I was saying--” She dropped her hand from Veronica’s shoulder but not before discreetly pointing her offstage. Frowning, Veronica did as instructed. “Everything happens for a reason,” Crystal continued. “I’m a firm believer in that. I won’t lie; my plans for this week have changed drastically. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though! Oh no, on the contrary, I feel this is a fantastic learning experience.” Crystal went to the edge of the stage and sat down, making things more intimate between herself and her customers. It wasn’t a bad tactic.
“I believe we can help the police,” Crystal explained, her face a stony and serious mask. “I’m sure all of you have heard of instances where psychics aid in police investigations.”
“Oh, no,” breathed Willow. “She isn’t.” Rowen gave Willow a nudge to be quiet, lest she be run off the stage like Veronica had been.
“With all of us collected here, I believe we will be an invaluable resource to the police,” Crystal continued. “I will be changing the camp itinerary to reflect these plans. We’ll be working on our intuition, remote viewing, and on sharpening a whole host of psychic abilities that will be invaluable to you after you leave here. I’ve known Phoenix for a long time, and I know he would be crushed to hear we closed down this retreat on his behalf. If anything, this is the most respectful thing we can do for him.”
Rowen pried her eyes away from Crystal and looked out across the audience. They were looking to one another, whispering. If Rowen had to guess, she would say that they were buying it.
Crystal must have sensed things turning in her favor. She doubled down on her call to arms. “The way I see it, we have one of two choices. The very first Crystal Spruce retreat can be a complete failure. I can put a stop to it here and now and dash any plans for a retreat in the future.” She paused somberly for effect. “Or we can make this week a landmark in the metaphysical community. We can use this opportunity that was dumped in our lap. We can turn our bad luck around, take charge of our fates, and really make the best of it. What do you say?”
There were some exchanged looks, some murmuring. Gradually, applause started again. Paris whooped and the clapping got even louder.
“All right!” Crystal got to her feet. “That’s what I like to hear!” She waited for the applause and scattered cheering to die down. “I say we get started right away. I’ll meet everyone in front of my tent in fifteen minutes. We should get started with some chakra cleansing and meditation. We have a big day ahead of us. It’s important to clear our minds and bodies for the work we’ll be doing.” Crystal walked off the stage and headed toward her tent. She didn’t wait around to speak with anyone or answer any questions that might have been held until the end. She was done performing. All she wanted was to get out of the public eye for a while. She was putting on quite the show, but all of this had her shaken. How could it not? Rowen didn’t see how she couldn’t think Phoenix was dead. Was she really in such deep denial?
Veronica swept back onto the stage before everyone could clear out. “Excuse me! Up here! Yes, if I can have your attention for just a little longer…” Without Crystal there to make her back down, she laid out some new ground rules. “Don’t interfere with the police. Make sure you give them their space. If you have questions, come either to myself or…” Veronica glanced over to the Greensmiths. “A member of our temporary staff. We’ll be happy to field questions for you. If you wish to speak directly to an officer, we can handle that as well. Also! Please stay out of the woods for now. It should go without saying, but we
have an employee missing. These girls here can attest to how easy it is to lose your way out there.” Veronica motioned to Rowen and her cousins. “We’re getting in touch with the campsite owners. The trails might not be up to par. Until we can assure your safety traveling them, I’m going to have to ask that you keep clear entirely.”
Veronica rambled on, going down a long list attached to her clipboard. She tried to downplay any risk to the campers but to Rowen it sounded like she would sooner they all sign waivers. It would make her job a whole lot easier.
Chapter Nine
Ben arrived during morning meditation. Crystal almost went herself, but Rowen swore she could handle it. Crystal relented, though she did send Veronica along as well. Did she not trust her? Rowen wouldn’t be completely shocked if that was the case. She was right not to trust her. The success of Crystal’s retreat was far from her primary concern.
“We’re not closing down the camp,” said Ben after a few seconds of customary but disinterested pleasantries.
Veronica nodded and made some sort of note on her clipboard. She didn’t look particularly enthused by the news. Heck, she might have been happier had the camp been closed down prematurely. Things between her and Crystal didn’t seem to be going so smoothly as of late.
“I’m trying to organize some volunteers,” Ben continued. “I can’t keep my officers tied up with this all day.” With that he gave Rowen an apologetic look. “It’s not that we don’t believe you, of course. It’s just… politics. That and the fact that our police force is so small to begin with. There’s really nothing for it, unfortunately.”
“It’s fine,” Rowen assured him. “I get it. Maybe everyone here can help with the search. You said you were taking volunteers.”
Veronica looked to Rowen with a start. “Let’s not go getting ahead of ourselves.”
“That sounds like a good idea to me,” said Ben, ignoring Veronica entirely. “We can use all the help we can get.”
“I’ll run it by Crystal,” Veronica said before Rowen could say anything else.
“Ah.” Ben took his cell phone from his pocket. “Before I forget, Eric wanted you to call him. You can go sit in my car if you want. I’m parked back that way. I was getting signal there last I checked.”
“Right.” Rowen took the phone. “Thanks.” She hurried down to his car, ignoring the distrustful eyes that followed her down the hill. Never mind Crystal not trusting her. Veronica definitely didn’t think Rowen had the retreat’s best interest in mind.
Eric picked up after only a couple of rings. “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s your dear, darling wife.”
“Which one?”
“Shut up,” Rowen said, even though she was smiling. She enjoyed Eric teasing her. She missed it when she was apart from him for too long. “Did you find out anything?”
“Not a whole lot,” Eric said with a sigh, getting down to business. “I mean, I found out a lot, but I’m not sure how much of it is relevant to the case… or lack of a case. Whatever you want to call this.”
“He’s dead, so as far as I’m concerned it’s a case. I’m pretty sure Ben agrees with me, even if he can’t say so officially.” Rowen steered the topic back on track. “What do you mean, though? What did you find?”
“A ton of social media pages, to start with. The kid wasn’t worried about his privacy, I can tell you that much for certain.”
Rowen hadn’t known Phoenix for that long, but that certainly fit the image she had formed of him in that short amount of time. “Sounds about right. So?”
“He lives primarily in California, though I don’t think he was born there. He’s the only child of this sweet-looking old couple that had him later in life. They live in Alabama. Both of them are retired, but they’re involved with their church and a bunch of local charities. That’s the only way I found them online.”
“Alabama.” Rowen chuckled. “I wouldn’t have guessed.”
“I don’t think he wanted it advertised. Though, from the looks of his parents, they’re pretty well off. I’m betting they paid for a lot of his lifestyle. I couldn’t find any indication that this guy had some kind of steady job.”
That also sounded about right. A thought hit Rowen, one that made her heart sink. “Do they know yet?”
Eric exhaled slowly into the receiver. “Yeah,” he said, sadly. “Their church has him on their prayer list. Looks like they only think he’s lost.”
Rowen groaned. They had probably talked to Crystal and had the dire nature of the situation downplayed. “Are they coming down here?”
“I don’t think so,” said Eric, which was a small miracle. “Like I said, they’re old. I didn’t get the specifics, but I think there’s a health problem keeping one or both of them from flying down. I don’t know. They might find a way to make the trip anyway if this goes on for much longer.”
“They’re probably not too worried yet. According to everyone I’ve talked to, he’s gone missing before, so…”
“They’ll all find the truth out eventually. It’s not your fault. There’s not anything you can do about it that you haven’t already done.”
“I know.” Rowen did know. The false hope wasn’t her fault. That didn’t keep her from feeling lousy about it, though. She was only human.
“Anyway,” began Eric, steering things in a new direction. “Phoenix seems like a social guy. He’s got a lot of friends—or acquaintances. Not sure which. It’s hard to tell just going by his social media page. He’s got a lot of girlfriends too, or a lot of girls he has casual sex with. It’s tough to tell on that front too. It should probably go without saying that he also has a lot of exes.”
That definitely didn’t come as a surprise. “And his history with Crystal Spruce? What were you able to find out there?”
“They met through a mutual friend, a dude named Wynter. That’s Wynter with a ‘y’ by the way.”
“Yikes.”
“Yeah, he looks and acts like his name sounds. He’s very into civilization falling and man returning to nature, yet the guy has at least five different social media accounts. He updates them regularly too, like he’s got an electronic device glued to his hand twenty-four seven.”
“And how does he know Crystal?”
“It looked to me like he helps out with her events. They seem close in the pictures I saw of them together. They may have been dating once. It looks like he got married this past summer, though so…” Eric trailed off. That was all he had to say about that, it seemed.
“All right.” Rowen racked her brain for something else to ask. She still didn’t have anything to go on. “You didn’t happen to see anything posted by one of Phoenix’s exes, did you? Or, heck, anyone he knows aside from Crystal? Are any of them in Lainswich right now?”
“If I’d seen anything like that, I would have told you,” said Eric, stating the obvious. “I’ll keep looking, but there just isn’t a whole lot to go on. I don’t suppose you have any other names for me? Another angle I could look at?”
Rowen considered his question, mulling it over in her head for a bit. “Veronica,” she said finally, decisively.
“Does Veronica have a last name?”
“Um… Good question. I don’t know it. You’ll have to ask Ben.”
“This is the girl who was sleeping with Phoenix, right?”
“Yep.”
“There are a lot of those. Maybe she found that out.”
“Maybe.” As upset as Veronica seemed about the situation, Rowen didn’t think she had anything to do with the murder. At the same time, Rowen had a good gut feeling. It was long past time she took a closer look at Veronica.
***
Veronica’s last name was Madison. Her parents lived in San Diego, which was where she stayed when she wasn’t working. She was almost always working, though. That was partly why she didn’t have her own place. She was on the road so much there wasn’t a point.
Rowen learned all that from Ben who swore he would pas
s it on to Eric. He agreed with Rowen that he didn’t think she was the killer. He also agreed that looking into her a little more couldn’t hurt.
For her part, Rowen tried to find answers herself. Despite Veronica’s best efforts, she couldn’t convince Crystal not to jump on the opportunity to comb the woods. “We’ll stay together,” Crystal said in her tent, shrugging off Veronica’s concerns. “We’ll move as a group, see where our intuition takes us. It’s not like I can force anyone to go. Anyone who doesn’t want to participate can stay behind.
Of course, no one refused to go. Everyone was still sold on the idea of being part of a group that solved a mystery with their psychic prowess. That would be something they could brag about around the water cooler or at soccer meets. It would be quite the notch in anyone’s belt.
“I don’t really want to go,” Tasha quietly told Rowen. “But I also don’t want to be the only jerk who doesn’t help.” So maybe not everyone wanted to go. Maybe they were just too embarrassed to refuse after so many others had enthusiastically agreed.
Veronica was the only person who seemed comfortable announcing loudly and in no uncertain terms that she did not want to go. Of course, she did so in the relative privacy of Crystal’s tent. She didn’t say what was on her mind in front of everyone else. She had the good sense to wait.
Crystal wouldn’t hear of it. “We need to all be united on this,” she said with nervous sidelong glances to Rowen, like she might call her family at the Lainswich Inquirer and start gossiping at any moment. Extra, extra, camp employee doesn’t feel like wandering through the woods to find corpse of former lover! “How is it going to look if only one of us doesn’t go?”
“Responsible?” ventured Veronica. “One of us should stay here in case—”
“You’re coming,” Crystal interrupted, tone firm. “End of story.”
Veronica huffed but didn’t argue. She worked under Crystal, after all. Rowen recalled that night in the woods, when she had caught her with Phoenix. She said she had needed the money then. That almost certainly hadn’t changed.
