Page 35 of Dark Shadows
“That doesn't help us narrow it down,” Mason said with a frown. “Anyone working with cemetery records or genealogies could trace that pattern.” He glanced toward the bookshelf filled with leather-bound tomes.
The door opened, and Tina stepped in. Savanah's breath caught at the sight of her former best friend. Tina looked different now, no longer the girl with frizzy hair from their high school days. Her dark hair fell in an elegant bob that framed her face perfectly. “Dad, I—” She stopped short when she spotted Savanah, her lips parting in surprise. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”
“Tina.” Savanah's throat tightened. Her fingers curled into her palms, nails pressing half-moons into her skin.
“I heard you were back.” Tina's voice chilled the room. “Didn't expect to find you here.”
“Your dad is helping us with some town history,” Savanah said.
Tina’s eyes drifted to Mason.
“This is Mason Spencer with the FBI.” Savanah tried to explain as if she needed an explanation for why she’d ever come back to town.
Mason brushed his shoulder against Savanah's as he shifted, a subtle protective gesture that sent warmth through her despite the tension.
Tina nodded stiffly. “Right. Beverly.” Her expression softened slightly. “What happened to her was horrible.”
“Tina, sweetheart, we're in the middle of something. Can we talk later?” Lawrence said gently.
“Of course.” She backed toward the door then hesitated. “Savanah, we should catch up. Give me a call before you run out of town this time.”
The unspoken words hung in the air as Tina disappeared into the hallway.
Lawrence cleared his throat. “Sorry about that. Now, where were we?” He pointed to the book. “Oh, right. The symbol appeared several other times throughout our history. The town always connected it to people they wanted to forget. Or anyone who knew too much.” Lawrence's gaze met Savanah's. “The town has always had its secrets.”
Through the window, Savanah caught another glimpse of Beverly's ghost standing beneath the old oak tree. The apparition made no attempt to speak or gesture. She simply watched, as though waiting for something or someone. Savanah blinked, and Beverly vanished.
The front door opened and closed down the hall, followed by male voices and footsteps.
“That will be Wesley,” Lawrence said. “My son works at the library.” He gestured to the artifacts. “He believes I waste too much money on these old things, but history repeats itself if we remain careless.”
Mason's phone buzzed with a text. His expression darkened as he read the message.
“We should go,” he said, standing. “Thank you for your help, Doctor.”
“Was that text message important?” Savanah asked as she followed Mason into the foyer.
Mason lowered his voice. “Still no update from the ME. They remain backed up, but we should receive confirmation on time of death and substance tests by morning.”
In the foyer, two guys Savanah knew well were headed in their direction. Mark, Tina's boyfriend, who had tormented Savanah throughout high school, walked alongside Wesley Lawrence, who carried a stack of books.
Mark's eyes narrowed at the sight of her. In contrast, Wesley's face lit up with genuine warmth.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite shadow,” Wesley said, his easy smile bringing back memories of summers spent following him and Tina around town. “I heard Dad is boring you with his artifact collection?”
“Hey, Wes.” Savanah returned his smile, remembering how he always snuck them candy when Tina dragged her to the library and all the times at Summer Camp when he’d gone out of his way to save her and Tina the good canoe when he’d just been a counselor volunteer. He’d claimed it would look good on his college resume.
“Mark.” Her smile slipped into a frown.
“Savanah,” Mark said, his tone considerably cooler. “Welcome home.”
“Sorry, I can’t stay and catch up, but we were just headed out,” Savanah said.
“Of course. Don’t be a stranger,” Wesley added.
The sun had nearly set as they stepped out into the driveway. Beverly's ghost was absent, but Savanah couldn't shake the sensation of being watched.
“Do you think the symbol means more than just shame?” she asked as they reached the car. Her fingers brushed against Mason's as he reached for the door handle to open it for her.
