Page 14 of Dark Shadows
Inside the diner, the smell of coffee and bacon filled the air even though it was past dinnertime. The low murmur of conversation helped calm her nerves.
She spotted the same worn bar chairs right away. Even with the tears and rips in the vinyl, they'd been her favorite spot as a kid. They still spun, and Savanah suddenly felt just like the little girl who’d twisted back and forth on one.
A mother reached over and rested a hand on the girl's leg, bringing her spinning to a stop. “Sit still. I won't tell you again.”
Savanah's heart clenched at the familiar scene her own mother had once done to her.
The conversations dropped to whispers as she and Mason slid into one of the open booths near the back.
“Looks like you're still quite the celebrity around here,” Mason said, his gaze taking in all of the people now staring and whispering.
“I warned you to keep your distance.”
“I'm not scared of a little town gossip. My best friend's a freak. Some of the best people I know are.” Mason's tone wasgentle, but firm. “You're getting vindication. Before we leave, no one will doubt you again.”
Savanah grabbed the menu and looked down, pretending to read while trying to ignore the judgmental stares, trying to make sense of why on God's green earth she'd ever decided to come back.
“Well, I’ll be… Savanah Miles, as I live and breathe. I never thought I'd see you back in this town.”
That voice scraped down Savanah's spine like nails. Heat crawled up her cheeks before she could stop it. Was it too much to ask for one damn cup of coffee before the old enemies came out to play?
“Beverly Stanford.”
“You remember me?” she asked with a sparkle in her eye.
It was hard to forget a girl like Beverly, who spent years in school picking on people she'd considered beneath her. The girl who'd organized the “Crazy Savanah” petition demanding Savanah be removed from normal classes. The girl who'd left dead flowers on her desk with “sympathy” cards.
“Who could forget the homecoming queen?”
“It's not Stanford anymore. I married Bill Granger, and I own this place. I'm just covering for one of the girls tonight. It's prom.”
Of course she owned the place. Savanah would be lucky if her coffee and food wasn't poisoned.
“Congratulations. I remember Bill. He was the captain of the football team.”
Beverly's lips curled into what might have been a smile, but her eyes remained cold. “You caused quite the stir back then. I see you haven't changed. You’re still bringing trouble wherever you go.”
Mason shifted slightly in his seat, a subtle but protective gesture that Savanah didn't miss.
“Beverly…” His tone held warning.
Beverly's expression shifted as she turned her attention to Mason, her demeanor instantly transforming. “And who might you be?”
“I'm FBI Special Agent Mason Spencer.”
“Finally go and get yourself in trouble?” Beverly asked Savanah without looking at her.
“On the contrary. Savanah graciously agreed to help us out on a case,” Mason said.
“Is that so?” Beverly asked, surprise filling her eyes.
Savanah met Mason's gaze. “The FBI can't see the ghost. Who knew my brand of crazy might actually come in handy?”
“Who indeed,” Beverly grumbled under her breath. “What can I get you two?” Beverly flipped the coffee cups over and filled them up.
“Just coffee for me. Savanah fed me the most delicious wings I've ever had earlier.” Mason met Savanah's gaze. “Order whatever you want. It's on the bureau.”
“Toast,” Savanah said, sliding the menu back in place.
