Page 50 of Dark Shadows
19
Mason
The drive to the college was quiet, both of them processing Mrs. Hawkins' revelations. Mason kept stealing glances at Savanah, remembering how she'd felt in his arms at the cemetery.Focus, he told himself. She was part of the investigation, and he needed to keep them both alive.
The gym smelled of sweat and rubber, sneakers squeaking against polished wood. A dozen men ran drills, Mark and Wesley among them. Mayor Thompson stood courtside, holding a clipboard.
“Agent Spencer.” The mayor's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Need to ask you a few questions.” Mason gestured toward the bleachers. “Privately.”
“Of course.” Thompson handed his clipboard to his assistant. “Give them ten minutes then back to drills.” He raised his voice to the court. “Take ten, boys!”
Wesley and Mark jogged over, both breathing hard. Wesley's face lit up. “Savanah? What brings you here?”
“Official business,” Mason said, perhaps too quickly.
The mayor smiled. “Why don't you boys keep Miss Miles company while Agent Spencer and I talk?”
Mason hesitated, but Savanah nodded. “Go ahead. I'll be fine.”
He followed Thompson to the bleachers, choosing a spot where he could keep Savanah in view. She settled on the bottom row with Wesley and Mark, laughing at something Wesley said.
“Beverly Granger,” Mason began.
The smile vanished. “Terrible business.”
“You were seen arguing with her last week.”
Thompson's laugh held no humor. “Half the town argued with Beverly. She wasn't exactly pleasant.”
“Where were you the night she died?”
“Home with my wife. She'll verify that.” Thompson's eyes narrowed. “But that's not what you really want to ask me, is it?”
“There are rumors about you and Beverly.”
“Ah.” Thompson straightened. “Let me guess, someone saw us together? Assumed the worst?” He shook his head. “Beverly was blackmailing several council members about their voting records. That's what we argued about. She thought if she had dirt on enough of us, she could get whatever she wanted for that diner of hers.”
“And that's all?”
“Check my phone records, Agent Spencer. Check my alibis. But while you're investigating me...” The mayor leaned back, watching Wesley demonstrate what looked like a shooting technique to Savanah. “You know, Agent Spencer, our town has always managed to deal with outsiders who cause trouble. The cops normally manage to run them off”—his voice was casual— “though some trouble comes from within.”
Mason's jaw tightened. “Meaning?”
“Meaning young women with special abilities have a way of manipulating situations. Who really knows if they're seeing ghosts or what those ghosts are actually saying. They can make people see what they want them to see.” Thompson nodded toward where Savanah sat. “She looks comfortable there, doesn't she? Like she belongs. She always did have a way of making men feel special.”
“You're out of line.”
“Am I?” Thompson's smile was knowing. “Did she tell you about her history with Bill Granger? Or the other young men she left behind? Savanah Miles has a pattern, Agent Spencer. She comes into people's lives, turns them upside down, then disappears.”
From the court, Savanah's laugh carried over. Wesley was showing her how to hold a basketball, standing close behind her.
“I'd hate to see a federal investigation compromised because an agent got distracted.” Thompson stood. “Beverly knew secrets about people. Maybe that's why she died. Or maybe someone wanted to bring Savanah home badly enough to kill for it.”
“Or maybe Beverly was having an affair with the town mayor.”
The mayor's eyes narrowed.
