Page 39 of Dark Shadows
“Mom.”
“I started seeing Dr. Lawrence after you left.” Catherine's voice quieted but left no room for interruption. “I thought he could help me understand why everything fell apart.” She stopped, shaking her head. “But that belongs to ancient history now.”
Savanah reached across the table and rested her hand over her mother's. “Mom, nothing that happened was your fault. None of it.”
“You always tried to cheer me up.” Her mom squeezed her hand. “I should have been the one doing that for you. I apologize for failing you.”
“Stop, Mom. You gave me the best childhood I could have ever wanted.” Savanah grabbed the wine bottle and poured her mother a glass. “How about we change the subject?”
Mason watched their exchange, his eyes soft with understanding. He leaned forward slightly.
“I was guilty of not believing my best friend when I first met her. She quickly changed my mind when she saved my life.”
“She was lucky to have you,” Catherine said. “So, do you still talk to her? Are you two involved?”
Savanah gasped. “Mom.”
“Actually, she’s happily married and pregnant. She’s already designated me as the godfather to her future babies.”
“That must be nice to have someone you can count on,” Savanah's mother said, taking a bite of her pot roast. “So, tell me about these deaths.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Mason said gently. His eyes met Savanah's across the table, a silent communication passing between them.
Savanah noticed how he deflected the question without making her mother feel dismissed. The skill came naturally to him, smoothing over potentially awkward moments with practiced ease.
“Of course.” Catherine nodded, though disappointment flickered across her face. “I understand. You know, your dad used to run his theories by me for a fresh set of eyes.”
“Smart man,” Mason said with a smile. “Since you were the wife of a cop, you know how things work. I guess it can’t hurt to discuss this with you. Maybe you’ll catch something we’re missing.”
“Great. I love a good mystery.” Catherine smiled.
“We found symbols at both crime scenes. One was carved into Beverly's chair and tattooed on her body, and the same symbol was tattooed on the deceased male,” Savanah announced.
“Forensics is still working through the evidence,” Mason added. “Rope fiber matches both scenes; blood spatter trajectory suggested the unsub stood behind Beverly when he made the killing cut.”
“Tell her about what you found in the bathroom,” Savanah added, taking another bite of food.
“Luminol in her bathroom showed the killer tried to clean up but failed. It revealed footprints and a speck of blood under Beverly's faucet. We’re awaiting the ME's full report and forensics.”
“Dr. Lawrence says the symbols appear on some old tombstones,” Savanah said.
“Both scenes had Savanah’s name written on the wall.”
“What!” Catherine’s eyes widened.
“I’m sorry. I thought you would have heard by now. Savanah said this town gossips.”
“No. I hadn’t heard.”
“It’s okay, Mom.” Savanah rested her hand over her mother’s. “No one is going to hurt me while I’m sleeping in the motel room right next to a fed.”
“John Delson…”
“Is still behind bars,” Savanah said, trying to reassure her mother. She knew John hadn’t been executed yet. His ghost hadn’t shown up to terrorize her.
“That man needs more than a mark of the outcast. He’s pure evil.” Catherine’s eyes flashed with anger.
“You’ve heard of the mark of the outcast?” Mason asked.
