Page 73 of Dark Shadows
“Pretty sure the doctor didn't prescribe room service.”
“No, but your girlfriend did.” The word felt new and right, a sensation that shouldn't exist after everything that had happened.
Mason smiled. “Girlfriend, huh?”
“Well, what would you call the woman who saved your life?”
“The woman I love.” His voice was soft, certain.
“You’ve only known me a minute,” she teased.
“I’ve been dreaming of you my whole life,” he answered.
Before she could respond, a knock interrupted them.
Savanah pulled the door open, and Jacob poked his head in, looking apologetic.
Jacob handed Savanah a folder. “This came from Wesley's house. We thought you should see it.”
Inside were lists of names, each with notes beside them. Dates. Locations. Methods. Her stomach tightened as she recognized familiar names.
“You were right. Richard was next,” she whispered. “Then Mark. Then Officer Daniels.”
Mason's eyes found hers across the room, a silent question in his gaze.
“Twenty-six names in total,” Jacob confirmed. “Wesley was planning this for years. Each target supposedly wronged you in some way.”
“Mrs. Patterson from next door to my childhood home. Because she told my mom I was 'disturbing the peace' talking to ghosts in the backyard.” Savanah shook her head. “My college roommate. My former boss. People who barely crossed my path.”
“The sheriff said he'd personally contact everyone on the list. He asked me to give you this.” Jacob handed her an envelope.
The official sheriff's department letterhead contained a brief, handwritten note:
Savanah,
I was a deputy the day you reported the body in the barn. We failed you then. I failed you. A child came to us for help, and we dismissed her. Made her a target instead of protecting her. No official apology can undo that damage, but I want you to know that we all believe you now. Always will.
Sheriff Caldwell
Savanah folded the note, unexpected emotion tightening her throat. After years of doubt and dismissal, the acknowledgment should have felt like victory. Instead, it just felt like the closing of a very old wound.
“Caldwell also mentioned that Wesley had surgery last night,” Jacob said. “He'll recover in the prison ward before transfer to a secure psychiatric facility. Given the evidence and his confession, he'll never see the outside of a cell again.”
There was another knock on the door, and Jacob pulled it open.
“Director, what a pleasant surprise,” Jacob greeted.
Savanah straightened her shirt as a distinguished man in his fifties entered. His presence filled the room, but his smile was kind. Everything about him radiated quiet authority.
“Miss Miles, I’m Deputy Director Harrison Reed of the FBI’s Special Division. Mason’s boss.” He extended his hand. “I've heard quite a lot about you from Cree Blue.”
“I’m sure she already knows everything.”
“Actually, she said you'd say that.” His eyes twinkled. “I'm only passing through town, so I'll make this brief.” Harrison cleared his throat. “Mason’s team consists of unique people such as yourself, both FBI agents and consultants. His team focuses on…unconventionalelements.”
Savanah frowned. “You mean ghosts?”
“Let's call it unexplained witness testimony.” Harrison leaned forward slightly. “The program pairs trained agents with individuals who possess unique perceptual abilities. Let’s just say that Cree Blue opened our eyes to all the good that we can do if we work together, if psychically sensitive consultants help solve cases that conventional methods can’t touch.”
