Through the Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page B

lifting, I’m all ears,” Paul said, reaching for the tea Jimmy had magically produced from the kitchen. “Thanks, Jimmy.”
    Balancing his tray on one hand, Jimmy bowed deeply. “My pleasure.”
    â€œSo,” I said, sipping. “How can we help?”
    Emily glanced at her husband, and when Dante nodded, she continued. “We’d like you to take a typical journey.”
    â€œWhere will I be going?”
    â€œNowhere!” Emily laughed.
    François’s elbow caught Jimmy in the ribs, and both men chuckled.
    The tips of Paul’s ears turned pink. “I haven’t cottoned on to the lingo yet, I see.”
    â€œA typical spa guest journey, I mean.” Emily grinned. “It’s like a test run, part of staff training. The receptionist will greet you and introduce you to spa staff, who’ll take you on a tour of the spa, and explain the spa menu du jour.”
    â€œWe give all new guests a complimentary massage,” Dante cut in.
    â€œAnd clients are encouraged to share their personal goals so that we adjust future treatments and schedules accordingly,” Emily added.
    Paul turned to me. “So, what are my personal goals, Hannah?”
    I studied my husband, who was tall and lean, but not the least bit skinny. Since early spring, Paul had joined me on a daily jog around the Naval Academy sea wall, something I’d been in the habit of doing every since my late friend Valerie had turned me on to it. Paul’s thighs and glutes were in great shape; his pecs and abs incredible. The man was ripped. I could think of only one area—his back—that needed work. He’d injured it in a farm accident many years ago.
    â€œMore flexibility in your back?” I suggested, thinking that if Garnelle’s fingers couldn’t work miracles on his creaky vertebrae, nobody’s could.
    Paul patted his face. “How about doing something about these wrinkles?”
    He was joking, but Emily didn’t get it. “Yes! We can schedule you for a chemical peel!”
    Paul waved a hand. “Hold on! Let’s just stick with the massages for now. Do real men get facials?”
    Dante looked shocked. “Of course.”
    Emily pressed her palms together. “Good! A massage and a facial, then. And you’ll want to spend some time in the steam room.”
    â€œThe steam room’s divine, Paul,” I said. “I can vouch for that. And when you come out, you can hit the Jacuzzi, or the pool. There’s a refreshment station where they’ve got springwater with lemon slices and herbal teas.” I reached out and squeezed Paul’s knee. “And if you ask very nicely, one of the guides will bring you a smoothie.”
    Paul consulted François. “Peach?”
    â€œAny flavor you want, Professor.”
    â€œThen after you’re done,” Emily rattled on enthusiastically, “one of the guides will help you plan your next visit, take you back to the receptionist for scheduling, and then they’ll thank you and escort you to the door.”
    â€œTo the gift shop,” Dante corrected.
    Emily grinned. “Oh, right. To the gift shop, then.”
    Paul leaned back in his chair. “A massage and a facial. Sounds like a real hardship.”
    â€œCan you come when we open tomorrow?”
    â€œHow about right now?” Paul asked.
    Emily shook her head. “We gave almost everyone the day off.”
    â€œI have to teach first thing in the morning. How about we show up around lunchtime?” Paul raised an eyebrow in my direction. “No sense bringing two cars all the way out here.”
    When I nodded in agreement, Emily said, “Okay. I’ll put you down for an appointment. And remember, Dad, the staff aren’t supposed to know you’re a ringer.”
    â€œSo,” I asked, “when do you start getting real customers instead of guinea pigs like me and your