The Mountain Resort

by Bruce Allsman

  "I don't know," she said. "But I had a feeling she was trying to help us."

  "Help us?" he said. "I was expecting grilled meat."

  "I know you love to eat meat," she said. "But this time, you should pass."

  "If your spirit guides had warned you, fine with me," he said. "What else do you feel about the barbecue?"

  "It's weird," she said. "Something's not right."

  "What do you mean?" he asked.

  "I don't know why, yet," she answered. "Other than Daisy, the rest of the family is strange. Don't you think so?"

  "I don't know," he said. "You're the one with profound intuition."

  "I intend to find out more about this family," she said.

  ***

  The warmth between her legs roused Jasmine from her sleep. It was so good to wake up with pleasure but not today, she thought. Reaching down, she gently pushed Henry's hand away or was it his hand. She was still too tired to notice.

  "Not now, dear," she muttered sleepily and Henry grunted a disappointed reply. Under normal circumstances, she would have welcomed his early morning sexual advances but here, in this strange motel room, she felt no desire. Slipping out of bed, she automatically reached for her bathrobe but stopped because she realized she wasn't feeling cold at all.

  Henry turned to face her. "Why are you up so early?" he asked sleepily.

  She glanced at her watch on the nightstand.

  "It's seven o'clock," she said. It was two hours past her usual time to get up.

  "Come back to bed," Henry said.

  "I can't," she said. "Last evening, something wasn't right with the meat. I had a bad dream. My spirit guides had warned me. The sooner we get out of here, the better."

  "Your dream could be misleading," he said. "You told me you were having problems contacting your spirit guides these past weeks."

  "I was sure about my dream," she said. "Although I hadn't gotten back in the groove with my channeling. They are definitely telling me something."

  "I want to get out of here soonest possible too," he said. "But, our RV hasn't been repaired. Hopefully, it'll be fixed this morning. We could leave as soon as it's done."

  "I hope we don't have to wait long," she said.

  "I'm hungry," he said. "Eating just veggies last night wasn't enough. I'd definitely like to eat some meat today."

  "Remember, we are vegans," she said.

  "We? No, no, no," he said. "Daisy was mistaken. Maybe you are a vegan, but not me."

  "Let's go see what's available," he said.

  "Fine, but I'm not going to eat any meat," she said.

  Henry ignored her and went into the bathroom.

  Thinking about his bad food choice, she sighed. He really shouldn't eat meat but it's his life, she thought. For her, being a vegan helps her connect with her spirit guides. She uses her channeling to help others. Henry could eat whatever he wants but she was certain there would come a time when he would change. Just let go to let it happen, she decided.

  After her usual calisthenics session, her feet were warmer. The radiator in the room was working too well, she guessed but then the room's stone floor was unexpectedly warm. Unable to find a logical explanation for this, she shook it from her mind and went over to take a fresh set of clothes from the bag. When Henry came out of the bathroom, he started to get dressed, putting on his blue jeans, red plaid shirt, and black leather walking boots.

  "I've been thinking," he said. "About why Daisy said we're vegans. Doesn't want us to eat meat at the barbecue. But why?"

  "I've no idea," she said. "I just knew I had to go along with her. Her intention was clear. I felt it. Something wasn't right. I can't explain it now but my spirit guides will reveal to me sooner or later."

  "You're paranoid," he said. "There's nothing wrong. See how the others had enjoyed all that meat."

  "I am not paranoid," she said. "There are things we don't know about. Just because you can't experience them with your five senses, it doesn't mean they are not real."

  "I'm not the one with the sixth sense," he said. "Didn't your spirit guides show you anything?" he said.

  "Well, if you want to be like the others, you should eat the meat," she said.

  "Jasmine, I'm so sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to be an asshole."

  Silent for a moment, she told herself not to be angry with Henry but to tolerate him because he was unable to perceive what she was experiencing.

  "I don't want to argue with you," she said.

  "I didn't mean to," he said. "After all these years, I still don't understand women." He shook his head.

  "Men will never understand women," she said and smiled. "Listen to your wife. She's always right."

  "Why don't you go shower and get changed," he said. "I need breakfast."

  She hugged him and then went into the bathroom.

  ***

  A half hour later, they were out of the motel room. She had dressed in a pair of dark brown jeans with a beige sweater and a pair of black hiking boots. They walked along the porch toward the main building. Henry was a few steps ahead of her. He must be extremely hungry, she thought.

  "I hope they serve good food," Henry said as he slowed down, waiting for her to catch up.

  "All I want is some hot coffee," she said, rubbing her hands together, wishing she had taken out her gloves earlier. Today was too cold for a late autumn morning. The sky was a light gray and the air stagnant.

  They went past the room occupied by the Davidsons. Scanning the car park, she couldn't find the four-wheel drive, the car the family had come in. It was parked in a specific lot last evening.

  "Do you remember the four-wheel drive parked there last evening?" she said, pointing at an empty parking space.

  "Yeah, I remember," he said. "They might have checked out early this morning."

  "I don't think so," she said. "I thought John said they would be staying a couple of days."

  "They could have changed their mind," he said.

  "We'll see," she said. "I'll ask reception whether they had checked out."

  "Mind your own business," he said. "Don't be such a nosy parker."

  "I am not nosy," she said. "Just concerned."

  When they reached the main building, they entered the front lobby and she went straight to the reception desk. Gregory was on duty and he smiled at her.

  "Good morning, Mr. Cann," she said and smiled back at the man.

  "Good morning, Mrs. Waters," Gregory said. "How may I help you today?"

  "Say, had the Davidsons checked out?" she asked.

  "Yes indeed, very early this morning," he answered.

  She smiled, thanked him and Henry guided her toward the coffeehouse entrance. A strong feeling of unease swept over her. Gregory Cann had lied, but why. The feeling was so strong that she wanted to tell Henry right away but she controlled herself.

  When they entered the coffeehouse, Wilma and Daisy greeted them cheerfully.

  "Any news about my RV?" Henry asked Wilma.

  "Sean is still away," Wilma said. "He's getting a new part to fix it. Come this evening, you guys should be good to go."

  "Thanks," Jasmine said to Wilma. "I think we'll stay a bit, rest here in this peaceful place."

  "You're welcomed to stay as long as you like," Wilma said, and smiled broadly at them.

  Henry led Jasmine to a table for two near the window.

  "We are the only customers," she said. "Isn't it weird?"

  "I don't think so," he said. "Considering the remoteness of this place. And don't forget, it's mid November, Thanksgiving day coming up soon."

  Daisy came over to take their orders and seemed distant today, afraid to talk freely. Sensing Daisy's fear, she wondered what was bothering the girl. Then she realized Wilma was keeping an eye on her Daisy.

  After thanking Daisy for the menu, she glanced through the food selections. Many had been crossed out, mostly the meat dishes. There were a few vegan meals. The menu was old, probably never updated.
>
  "Yeah, I know, there ain't many choices," Daisy said when Henry was silent for some time. "We serve simple regular meals nowadays, like pancake with maple syrup."

  "Pancake with maple syrup is fine with me," she said. "And some coffee, please."

  "I'd like something with meat," Henry told Daisy. "I see you have bacon and eggs here." He pointed at a menu item.

  "I'm sorry," Daisy said. "We're out of bacon today. None until the next delivery or if Sean manages to get some but he'll only be back late afternoon."

  "How do you get your usual meat supply?" she said.

  "I'm not sure, usually from the nearest town," Daisy said. "Pa handles all that."

  Jasmine could tell she was hesitant, as if hiding something.

  "How about scrambled eggs with toast?" Daisy said to Henry and he agreed reluctantly.

  Daisy wrote down their orders and retreated into the kitchen.

  "This place is so quiet," Henry said.

  "It's deserted, barren," she said.

  "I'll bet in summer it's lively," Henry said.

  The sound of tires on gravel distracted her and she looked out the window. A police squad car had come in through the front archway. It stopped right in front, near the window.

  "It's Bill, the sheriff from last evening," Henry said.

  The squad car's door swung open and Bill heaved himself out of the seat. He strode into the coffeehouse, greeted them a fine morning, and took a seat at the counter near the entrance.

  When she overheard Bill ordering his breakfast, she stared at Henry. Henry shook his head.

  "What the …?" Henry said. "The man just ordered bacon."

  "There must be a logical explanation," she said.

  "It's called discrimination," Henry said. "Meat being scarce and expensive here, they probably serve it only to their friends."

  "It's crazy to assume so many things," she said. "The simplest reason is usually the right one. Why do you like to complicate simple matters?"

  "You, on the other hand, tend to over-simplify complicated matters," Henry said. "Let's just agree to disagree."

  They both laughed at their own sense of indignation.

  "Bill probably ordered his food in advance," she said.

  "I'll ask Daisy when she comes over," Henry said.

  When Daisy came and served them, Henry put on his most engaging smile and said, "How come Bill has bacon?"

  "It's his regular meal," Daisy said. "We do have a little stock left. Unfortunately, only enough for Bill. I'm sorry."

  "Never mind honey," Henry said. "As soon as I get to the city, I can have all the bacon I want." He smiled at her, but she looked strangely at him.

  She turned to go but Jasmine called out to her and she stopped.

  "Daisy," Jasmine asked. "This morning, did you see the Davidsons? They came in an SUV."

  "They must have checked out early this morning," Daisy said. "But I'm not sure."

  Abruptly, she turned away and hurried back into the kitchen. Henry picked at his food, taking each bite slowly, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

  Daisy was lying but why, and she was clearly hiding something, Jasmine thought. There was fear and hesitation in the girl.

  Pondering further about the Davidsons, she remembered, at the barbecue last evening, they were friendly. It was inconceivable that they had left early this morning. Susan had said they would be staying one more night. They didn't say goodbye, and left without a word. It could be something or nothing. She wished her spirit guides could help her decipher this mystery.

  ***

  Jasmine ate her breakfast in silence but in her mind, a cacophony of thoughts whirled around like a tornado. She mulled over possible reasons as to why Daisy had wanted to talk about something but was afraid to do so. After some time, she was aware that Henry had already finished his breakfast and was waiting for her. Sensing his restless need to leave the table, she finished her meal and he gestured to Daisy for the check.

  When Daisy came over, Henry paid and left a huge tip for her. Daisy collected the money calmly, but her face was as strained and nervous as before.

  "What's the matter, dear?" Jasmine asked. "You can talk to me, you know."

  "It's nothing," Daisy said. "Thanks very much for the generous tip."

  After Daisy left their table, Henry shrugged but didn't say anything. They got up and went out of the coffeehouse. Gregory was still at the reception desk when they walked past and he bade them a nice day as they stepped out the door.

  Going down the footpath and onto the porch of the motel rooms, Jasmine stared out at the empty car park again.

  "Henry, I want your honest opinion," she said.

  "About what?" he asked.

  "The Davidsons … what if I… break into their room?" she said.

  "Are you sure?" he said, and shook his head. After a brief silence, he sighed and said, "If you feel you have to, go ahead."

  "Let's walk inside, closer to the rooms," she said. "See which ones are occupied."

  They walked slowly along the inner side of the porch. When they reached the end of the long building, they had gone past ten rooms. All windows were curtained, unable to reveal which rooms were empty or occupied. Furthermore, there were no vehicles in the parking lot. They were the only guests here, she thought. She shuddered at that conclusion, feeling a sudden chill.

  "I don't like this place," she said. "Bad vibes."

  "I feel them too," he said. "We'll get out of here soonest possible."

  They turned to walk back toward their room. Recalling the room number occupied by the Davidsons, she said, "I want to try something, knock at the door. See if anyone would answer."

  At the door, they stopped and she went ahead, rapping at it a couple of times. They waited a minute or so for any reply but there was only total silence. The dark window curtains were drawn, completely covering the window, even its edges.

  "I'm sure this is their room," she said. "They came out of this room last evening. Remember, when we were going to the barbecue?"

  "You could be mistaken," he said.

  "No, I'm very sure," she said, her feelings confirmed by her spirit guides. She gripped the doorknob and twisted it, but the door was locked.

  "They couldn't have left so soon," she said. "I want to see what's in there."

  "Be careful, don't pry too far," he said.

  "I have to find out," she said. "I must. I have to see for myself."

  "You'll need the key," he said.

  "How to get it?" she said.

  "Simple, from the front desk," he said. "Just tell them we would like to change rooms."

  "No way. It'll arouse their suspicions," she said. "We have to do this quietly."

  Silently, she asked her spirit guides for help, confident they will show her a way.

  "Let's go back to the front desk to get the key," she said.

  "How?" he said. "We need a plan. Somehow get the key and return it without being found out."

  "I'm sure there'll be a way once I form my intention," she said. "I'll be guided."

  She started to walk briskly back along the porch, leading Henry all the way to the main building's entrance and through its door. Gregory was still at the reception desk, alone. He said hello to them. They returned his greeting and for a few seconds, she glanced at the pigeonhole cabinet behind the reception desk. All except their room's key were in their respective compartments. Locating her target room number, she made a mental note of its precise location.

  They entered the lounge, a small area opposite the reception desk, beside the entrance to the now empty coffeehouse and sat on the sofa. Henry picked up the TV's remote and began to channel surf. Reaching for a magazine on the coffee table, she began flipping through it, pretending to read while she monitored Gregory's movements. After some time, he hadn't budged even an inch from his seat at the reception desk.

  "We can't sit around and wait all day," she told Henry softly. "You'll have to divert his attention for me
to get the room key and go check out the room. You must give me enough time."

  "What?" Henry said. "What do you want me to do?"

  He seemed annoyed at her impatience, she thought. It was urgency and not impatience because her spirit guides had urged her to act.

  "Why don't you get him to go fix some problem in our room?" she said.

  "Like what?" he said. He pondered for a moment. "Okay, I got it. The TV reception was really bad."

  "Just say the TV was broken," she said.

  Henry nodded, got up from the sofa, and went toward the reception desk.

  Still pretending to read a magazine, she kept her ears open.

  "Any idea when Sean will be back?" Henry asked Gregory.

  "Any time soon," Gregory said. "Your RV will be fixed soonest possible."

  "Thanks," Henry said. "Say could you help me with a small problem?"

  "What is it?" Gregory said.

  "The TV in my room," Henry said. "It may be broken, could be something wrong with the reception. Do you mind fixing it?"

  "Let's go see," Gregory said. "Just let me get my toolbox."

  Jasmine heard the clanks when he took the toolbox. She stole a glance at him coming out from behind the reception desk and leading Henry out the front door.

  As soon as the two men were out the door, she dropped the magazine, stood quickly and looked around the reception area. There was no sign of Wilma or Daisy. She hoped they were probably busy elsewhere in the kitchen or in the garden. Without hesitating further, she hurried behind the reception desk and grabbed the target room's key from its pigeonhole. Then she exited the front door and treaded softly along the porch, several yards behind Henry and Gregory.

  For once, she was pleased with Henry for talking loudly, effectively drawing Gregory's attention away from her. When they finally entered the room, she was relieved. Gregory hadn't seen her. Hurrying over to the room where the Davidsons had stayed, she inserted the room's key, turned it, and unlocked the door. Pushing down the door handle, she swung the door inward a little. It creaked loudly and she turned sideways to check. Reassured that no one else was out there, she stepped in quickly and closed the door.

  Henry wouldn't be able to delay Gregory for long, she thought. Hopefully, it would be long enough for her to do what she needed to do and she began scanning the room. The Davidsons had definitely slept here. Some of their things were still in the room. A small, dark brown teddy bear on a cot near the bed caught her attention. When she first saw them in their SUV, their little girl was hugging it. Surely, they wouldn't have left it behind, even if they really were in a hurry to leave.