Page 67 of Dark Shadows
“Doing something stupid, I’m sure.” Wesley grinned.
“Probably. Anyway, if you’re looking for her, I’m sure you can still catch her at Mark’s or the urgent care clinic.”
“Story of my life.” He chuckled. “Remember how you two used to interrupt my studying? Always needing help with math homework.”
“As I recall, you bribed us with candy to leave you alone.”
“Which never worked. You'd just come back for more candy.”
The memory warmed her. Wesley had always been the quiet brother who pretended to be annoyed but always made time for them.
“Where's your FBI sidekick?” he asked.
“He’s interviewing Daniels at the sheriff's department.”
Wesley's expression softened with understanding. “Must feel good to finally be getting vindication and people believing you after all these years.”
“Yeah.” Savanah traced the rim of her coffee cup. “Better late than never, I guess.”
“You know, I always believed you.” His voice was gentle. “Even back then. Remember that time in the library? You were crying because no one would listen?”
She did remember. Wesley had found her hidden in the stacks, offered her a tissue and his chocolate bar. Had sat with her until she calmed down.
“You were the only one other than Tina who didn't think I was crazy.”
“Because I knew you, Savanah. Some people are just special. Different. The rest of them were too stupid to see it.”
The waitress appeared with the check. “I’ll take the check when you’re ready, unless you’re eating, Wesley.”
“We’re good,” Wesley answered with his usual politeness. “Just catching up with an old friend.”
“I’m ready,” Savanah announced, digging out some cash from her pocket and handing it over with the check. “Keep the change.”
She smiled and moved away.
Savanah checked her watch once more before turning her attention out the window. Rain clouds had moved in.
“Need a ride?” Wesley asked. “I saw you checking your phone. Your FBI agent must be occupied.”
Savanah glanced at her phone again. Still nothing from Mason. “I should wait.”
“Come on. The motel is five minutes away. My dad would skin me alive if I left you to walk and you get caught in a downpour.”
“Okay.” She grabbed her purse. “Thanks.”
Wesley's car smelled like old books, exactly as it had in high school when he'd sometimes be forced by his dad to drive them home from school. He started the car just as her phone rang. Jacob's name lit up the screen.
Jacob's voice came through when she answered. “Savanah? I found something on the footage. Wesley's the one marking the graves. Is Mason with you? He's not answering.”
Savanah slowly glanced over at Wesley to find him pointing a gun at her.
“If you want a chance to say goodbye to Mason, hang up the phone.” His voice was soft, familiar, almost gentle.
Her blood turned to ice. For a second, she couldn't breathe, couldn't think past the gun pressing against her ribs and the impossible reality that Wesley was threatening her.
“Savanah, wait—”
“I can’t talk, Jacob. I have to go.” Her voice shook slightly. “I haven’t heard from Mason.”
