Page 64 of Dark Shadows
“You're staring,” he said, handing her a cup.
“Can you blame me?”
His free hand caught her waist, pulling her close for a kiss. “Keep looking at me like that, and we'll never make it to the diner.”
“Tempting.” She stepped back reluctantly. “But Tina's waiting. And you have a deal to make with Daniels.”
“Any idea what he might want?”
“To avoid prison?” She shrugged. “He killed that man when I was a kid. Hid the body. Maybe he's ready to tell the whole story.”
Mason's expression darkened. “Or maybe he's playing games.”
“Be careful with him.” She touched his arm. “He fooled everyone for years.”
“I will.” He gestured to the stairs. “After you.”
On the drive to the diner, Mason's hand found hers across the console, thumb tracing patterns on her skin that made her think about turning around and going back to the motel.
“About dinner tonight with Mom and Richard. I’d really like you to be there. They should get to know you, considering you plan on being my future boyfriend,” she said instead.
“Of course, I’ll be there. Do you really think he'll come?”
“I think he still loves her. And she still loves him.” Savanah watched the familiar streets pass. “Sometimes people just need a push in the right direction.”
Mason glanced at her. “Speaking from experience?”
“Maybe.” She squeezed his hand. “Thank you for believing in me when the mayor tried to make you doubt.”
“Hey.” He lifted their joined hands, kissing her knuckles. “No more doubts. Not about this. Not about us.”
The diner came into view, morning sun glinting off its windows. Through the glass, Savanah could see Tina in their usual booth, checking her phone.
“You still have that pepper spray I gave you?” Mason asked as they pulled into the parking lot.
“Never leave anywhere without it since you won’t give me a gun.” She rolled her eyes.
“Hey.” His voice turned serious. “Someone's still killing people in this town. And they're fixated on you. Be careful, okay?”
“I will.” She leaned across the console to kiss him. “Go make your deal with Daniels. Text me when you're done?”
“Promise.” His hand cupped her cheek. “I still have that rain check to cash in.”
Heat bloomed in her chest. “I'm counting on it.”
He waited until she reached the diner door before pulling away. Tina waved from their usual booth. Savanah touched the pepper spray in her pocket, took a deep breath, and went inside.
26
Mason drummed his fingers on the steering wheel with Savanah's lingering kiss still on his mind when he pulled into the parking lot of the sheriff's department.
The morning felt surreal, waking up with her, sharing coffee, and planning dinner with her parents. Normal moments in the middle of a murder investigation.
He needed to focus and put on what Cree called his I-mean-business fed-face. Daniels was waiting, probably with some half-baked deal to save his own skin.
The station looked different in daylight. Less imposing than it had when they'd arrested Daniels, more worn around the edges. Paint peeled near the foundation, and the steps needed repair. Small-town budget cuts were telling.
Inside smelled of coffee and stale donuts, cops moving through their morning routines like automated figures. A young cop, who still looked wet behind the ears, nearly collided with Mason, coffee sloshing over the rim of his cup.
