Page 37 of Dark Shadows
“There's more.” Dr. Peters moved to Beverly's body.
Savanah's stomach tightened at the sight of her former classmate lying so still on the cold metal table.
“The same symbol was carved into her chair, but look here.” The doctor pointed to visible marks cut into Beverly's upper arm. “The killer carved Beverly with the same symbol.”
Mason's jaw tightened. “Our killer is making a point.”
“We found partial fibers embedded in the skin from the rope,” Dr. Peters continued. “I’ll send them to your team for analysis. With any luck, they’ll find something useful.”
She guided them to a comparison chart on a nearby screen. “Our preliminary findings suggest the rope fibers binding Beverly match those found at the barn scene. It's a specialized climbing rope with a distinctive weave pattern sold at only three retailers in the state, including our local sporting goods store.” She tapped the screen. “My assistant is checking purchase records, though many local hikers and climbers use this rope, and it’s also sold on the internet.”
“What about the older remains?” Savanah asked, trying to focus on the case rather than the cold reality of death surrounding them.
Dr. Peters led them to a table of assembled bones. “Male, approximately mid-thirties at time of death. Some of his bones have cut marks. I haven’t finished my examination yet for the cause of death.”
Mason exchanged a meaningful look with Savanah before turning back to the doctor.
“I’ll send those findings when I’ve got them,” Dr. Peters said. “I’ll also send his DNA to your lab, and any cases I've flagged as potentially connected to older missing persons’ cases.”
“And the animal bones?” Mason asked, his hand coming to rest lightly on Savanah's back as she swayed slightly.
“Various species that were all killed within the last two years.” Dr. Peters gestured to the collection of samples. “They were dumped together in one big pile, so we’re still sorting out the species. We collected fur, tissue, and tool trace samples that should reveal what kind of blade was used and whether it matches the one used on the victims.”
“Thanks, Doc. Anything else?” Mason asked, his eyes scanning the room for any details they might have missed.
“These are just my preliminary findings.” She closed the file with a snap. “I'll call you when I have my official results.”
“Thank you.” Mason followed Savanah to the door.
Special Agent Jacob Klein waited in the hallway with a folder tucked under his arm. His expression remained neutral as he handed the documents to Mason. “The behavioral analysis unit completed their psychological profile of our killer.”
“Anything good?” Mason asked, flipping open the folder.
Savanah peered over his shoulder.
“They believe we're looking for someone intelligent with extensive local knowledge, likely educated, with access to historical records.” Klein's voice echoed slightly in the empty hallway. “The staging elements suggest someone obsessed with judgment and redemption. Most importantly,” he continued, reaching over to flip to the final page, “the profile indicates the killer feels a personal connection to you, Savanah. Possibly romantic, but definitely protective.”
Savanah exhaled sharply. “Why do I always attract the psychopaths?”
Mason's eyes met hers, concern evident in his gaze.
“Someone who believes they're avenging you, making the town pay for not believing you,” Klein added, his voice lowering. “They could be hiding in plain sight.”
A chill ran through Savanah as she glanced back toward the morgue doors. No one she knew could have done something like that to those people.
“Thanks,” Mason said, shoving the file under his arm.
“I need to head back to the motel and make some calls,” Klein said. “I’ll see you later.”
“So, dinner with your mom?” Mason asked as they walked toward the car.
“You don't have to come.”
“Are you kidding? After that invitation, I’m pretty sure she would hunt me down if I declined.” His hand found the small of her back, guiding her with a touch that lingered just a moment too long to be purely professional. “Besides, I bet she has some great stories about little Savanah.”
“Oh God.”
“What? Afraid she’ll break out the baby pictures?”
