This Present Darkness

Bernice manages to get a hold of the local realtor office’s records and discovers that the local grocery store was purchased from the Carlucci family by Omni Corporation. Bernice discovers that they own scores of properties all over town. Before she can keep investigating, however, the realtor’s office discovers who she is, and she gets kicked out of the office.

Meanwhile, other major events are shifting in the town. The Ashton Community Church congregation has a prayer meeting at the Forsythe’s home. At the same time, Kate ends up eating another meal alone, lamenting the absence of both Marshall and Sandy. Rather than finally heading home, Marshall takes the financial records to an accountant he knows, requesting that he help him dig into the financial records of the college.

Bernice disguises herself as a cleaning lady in order not to be followed as she goes to meet with the Carlucci family in secret. Bernice’s interview with the Carluccis reveals that they were defrauded of their store on account of false accusations of failure to pay taxes. In addition, their son was attacked and had both his hands broken, but they weren’t able to clarify how it had happened. Carl said that it was done by large, black spirits, but Bernice isn’t sure what to believe.