Page 20 of Dark Shadows
She hadn’t called anyone to let them know she’d be coming home. Dr. Lawrence’s son and daughter, even though her childhood best friends, might not be so excited to see her, the way she’d just up and left without warning.
“No, it was an unexpected turn of events,” she answered.
“Is everything all right?”
“Everything's fine,” Mason interjected, extending his hand. “FBI Special Agent Mason Spencer. We're here on official business.”
“Really?” Dr. Lawrence raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “And how is Savanah involved?”
“Remember when you said my visions were just a wild imagination?” Savanah asked, voice light but laced with bite. “Turns out they held a little more truth than you gave them credit for.”
Dr. Lawrence blinked, his mouth opening, then shutting again before he managed to speak. “They found the body?”
“They found a dead man in the barn right where I said there was one years ago. Same barn and everything. This time the killer left my name painted on the wall. Not exactly subtle if you ask me.”
“Good Lord,” Dr. Lawrence murmured, his eyes widening in shock. “That's...unexpected.”
“Unexpected, but true, just like my visions, Doc. So tell me, have you treated any killers lately?” Savanah asked.
As she locked gazes with her former shrink, Savanah felt an undeniable sense of triumph.
“No killers that I’ve come across, but this is really fascinating,” Dr. Lawrence said, his voice genuine as he studied her. “I must admit I never expected this turn of events.”
“Neither did I.” Savanah shrugged. “But sometimes, life has a way of surprising us all. I guess now you'll have to find a new explanation for my psychic abilities, Doc. Perhaps I’m not so delusional after all.”
Dr. Lawrence shifted uncomfortably in his stance, clearly taken aback by her newfound confidence. “Yes, well, it seems I may have been mistaken. I'm glad your…talents are being recognized and helpful.”
“Recognized and utilized,” Savanah added, grateful she was finally able to prove herself to her former shrink and all the skeptical people in this damn town. She met Mason’s gaze. “The FBI is already connecting dots.”
“The victims weren’t exactly hidden. Someone is trying to make a point,” Mason added.
“We just haven’t figured out the who or why yet,” Savanah added as the realization finally hit home. There was a killer in town, just like there had been when she was a kid. A killer that knew her name.
“I hope you figure it out,” Dr. Lawrence replied, offering a tight smile before excusing himself from the table. He made his way to the diner counter.
As the murmurs and whispers around the diner continued, Mason locked eyes with her, sharing a silent moment.
They both had every intention of figuring this out.
“I guess you're going to help me sort this out? The bureau wants answers, and they want them fast. Local media’s already sniffing around. If this goes sideways, they’ll send someone else to take over, and that agent won’t care about your side of things.”
“And I suppose you brought me as bait?” she asked.
“You asked if I was your guardian angel on the way over. The truth is that you're mine. You’re my saving grace.”
“You’re expecting way too much from me,” Savanah said, wiping her hands on a napkin and sliding out of the booth. “Weneed to go. The motel office closes in thirty minutes, and I refuse to stay with my mom.”
8
Unknown
He crouched between the mahogany bookshelf and the floral-print curtains. The room reeked of air freshener and arrogance. His breath stayed even and quiet. Beverly Granger was oblivious that he was even in the room.
She paced just feet away with the phone pressed to her ear, her voice echoing the smug smile stretched across her lips.
She was enjoying herself.
“Can you believe that freak is back in town? And with a sexy FBI agent?” She paused. “I agree. He was way too good-looking to be with her.”
