Page 32 of Dark Shadows
“A few weeks before Savanah even came back.” Bill met his eyes. “I know what people are thinking. The message on the wall was directed at Savanah, but Beverly was already scared.”
“How was your marriage, Bill? Were you happy? Any problems between you?”
Bill clasped his hands together, eyes dropping to the table. “It wasn’t perfect. We fought like anyone else, but overall, we were fine.”
“I have to ask. Do you know anyone who would want your wife dead?”
He lifted his head, a frown settling into his face. “You’ll hear the rumors. Beverly was one of the mean girls back in highschool. She burned a lot of bridges then, but she wasn’t that person anymore. She ran the diner. She knew everyone in town.”
“I met her briefly,” Mason said. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled to see Savanah. I understand the two of you dated.”
Bill nodded, his jaw tight. “I know what that looks like, but Savanah didn’t do this. She doesn’t have it in her.”
“I’m not accusing her,” Mason said. “I already know she didn’t.”
“You do?”
“Yes, she was with me during the time of the killing. Now tell me, have you or your wife ever cheated?”
Bill’s brows drew together. His mouth tightened. “No. I’ve never cheated on my wife, and she wouldn’t have cheated on me.”
He folded his arms. “Do I need a lawyer?”
“I don’t know. Do you?”
“I didn’t kill her. I was at work. We’ve got logs. GPS. Phone. Radio. Dispatch. My partner can vouch for every second.”
Mason stood. “Thanks for your time. I’ll be in touch.”
He stepped out and joined Savanah in the observation room.
She crossed her arms. “That was brutal.”
“That was me going easy. His alibi is going to check out, but I don’t believe his wife never cheated. She was flirting at the diner yesterday. He might’ve been faithful, but I’m not convinced she was.”
“You really think so?”
“Love and jealousy are two of the oldest motives. I’d consider it, except for the message on the wall. That felt personal. How many people around here knew about what happened between you and Beverly?”
“The whole town knew. Everyone I went to school with. She humiliated me in front of all of them.” Savanah’s voicesharpened. “If I didn’t have you as an alibi, I’d be at the top of my suspect list.”
“Good thing you’ve got me.” Mason nodded toward the hallway where Jacob stood waiting. “Looks like someone else wants our attention.”
They crossed into the hall.
“What have you got?” Mason asked.
“Not what. Who.”
Mason raised a brow. “All right. Who?”
“Dr. Lawrence.”
“He’s my shrink you met at the diner.” Savanah frowned as she reminded him. “What’s he doing here?”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and he realized one of his patients is a serial killer,” Mason said.
“If he has, he hasn’t said a word,” Jacob added. “He’s not here as Savanah’s former shrink. The sheriff called him in for something else.”
