Page 49 of Dark Shadows
“Because history doesn't just repeat itself.” She turned into his embrace, needing his warmth. “Sometimes, it comes back for revenge.”
As Savanah pointed out the flowers on the different graves, Mason examined them without touching anything.
“These flowers are still fresh.”
“Mrs. Hawkins said someone tends these graves regularly. Probably out of respect.”
“Or an obsession,” Mason added.
“She also said Beverly's ancestor was the town gossip, the woman who spread rumors about Emmaline and ruined her life.”
“Adding fresh flowers to graves doesn’t make you a killer.” Mason took her hand and squeezed it. “Tell me everything that she said.”
The words tumbled out of her now, like a shaken soda finally uncapped. At least Mason wasn’t looking at her like she needed a straitjacket. She told him everything Mrs. Hawkins had said. When she finished, Mason went quiet for a long moment.
“So Beverly's ancestor helped ruin an innocent woman's life,” he said finally. “And now Beverly's dead with the same mark of shame.”
“But who would know that history? Who would even care about wrongs that happened centuries ago?”
“Someone with access to old records.”
Savanah's mind raced. The mayor sat on the historical society board. So did Dr. Lawrence. Even Officer Daniels, over the years, had mentioned an interest in town history.
Mason's phone buzzed. Jacob again.
“What now?” Savanah asked.
“He found something about Beverly. Someone saw her arguing with the mayor at the college gym last week.” Mason's expression turned grim. “The mayor coaches the adult league basketball team. He's apparently there now.”
“The mayor?” Savanah remembered him as one of the older bullies from her childhood. Always smiling, always helpful. Always seemingly perfect to everyone watching, but picking on the weaker kids when no one was looking.
“They said that the mayor and Beverly were in a heated discussion, a little too close for comfort.”
“You think she was stepping out on her husband?”
“Only one way to find out. We should go talk to him if you're done here,” Mason said.
“Jacob found that out quick. He must have used a Jedi mind trick to get the locals to talk.”
“I warned you that he’s a charmer.” Mason grinned.
Savanah glanced back at Emmaline's grave. More secrets. More lies. More perfect facades hiding ugly truths.
“I’m done here,” she said. “But first...”
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him, soft and quick. When she pulled back, Mason's eyes darkened with emotion.
“What was that for?”
“For believing in me. For being here.” She managed a small smile. “For not being perfect.”
His answering smile was anything but perfect. It was real and warm and just for her. “Come on, trouble. Let's go talk to the mayor and see what he’s hiding.”
As they walked back to the car, Savanah caught a glimpse of two figures standing by Emmaline's grave. Mrs. Hawkins and a young woman in an old-fashioned dress. Both watched sadly before fading away like morning mist.
She climbed into the passenger seat as Mason started the engine and pulled out.
Movement caught her attention, and she spotted the figure of a man hidden in the shadows of the trees. Someone had been watching them.
