Page 10 of In Her Mind

“That’s right. She comes in for the evening shift, and she’s a wonderful help to us. Why do you ask?”

“She didn’t make it home after her shift here last night. Her parents are worried enough to call us about it.”

Dr. Reynolds’s face paled slightly. “That’s not like Amber at all,” she responded, her tone reflecting her rising alarm. “She’s always been punctual, responsible.”

“Did you see her before she left yesterday?” Jake interjected, his gaze locked onto Dr. Reynolds for any sign of insight.

“No,” Dr. Reynolds admitted, shaking her head. “I left early for a conference call, and I wasn’t here when her shift ended.” Worry showed on her features as she considered the implications. “But it’s unlike her not to go straight home.”

“Was Amber behaving normally when you saw her yesterday?” Jenna’s question was direct, her gaze fixed on Dr. Reynolds, searching for any nuance that might reveal more than words.

“Absolutely,” Dr. Reynolds replied with a nod, her fingers drumming lightly on the desk. “Amber was as she always is - bright and full of energy, ready to work. We chatted about a new litter of puppies we received. She seemed just fine.”

“Could we take a look at the list of employees who were here during her shift?” Jake asked. Dr. Reynolds reached into a drawer, pulled out a staff roster, and circled four names: Marcus Flint, Lila Garner, Theo Briggs, and Robyn Holt. Jenna jotted down the names on her notepad.

“Did Amber ever mention going anywhere after work?” Jenna asked. “Maybe meeting friends or staying somewhereother than home?” Jenna observed Dr. Reynolds closely, noting the hesitation before she spoke.

“Amber wasn’t one for socializing. Since starting college, she’d changed, became more focused on her passion for veterinary science. It’s all she wanted.” Dr. Reynolds’s voice carried a mix of admiration and concern.

“College can change people, for sure,” Jake mused aloud.

“Amber was completely absorbed in her studies,” Dr. Reynolds continued, her eyes reflecting a touch of sadness. “She’d come here to the shelter, and instead of chatting during the breaks, she’d be buried in her syllabi, preparing for her fall classes at Ozark State.”

Jenna nodded, understanding the drive but also the isolation it could create. “And her friends? How did they take this change?”

“I don’t know all of her friends, but I have noticed one or two of them who seemed to feel left out, as if they were losing her to this... new Amber who seemed more interested in her future than in them.” Dr. Reynolds sighed, a note of concern coloring her words.

“Dr. Reynolds,” Jenna ventured carefully, “was there anything else that might have been troubling Amber recently?”

The veterinarian hesitated before responding, her gaze flickering away before meeting Jenna’s again. “Amber confided in me about a personal matter. She felt she didn’t belong in Trentville anymore; she had her sights set elsewhere, beyond these familiar streets and faces.”

“Anything more specific?”

“Yesterday,” Dr. Reynolds added with visible reluctance, “Amber told me she ended things with Jason Reeves. Jason didn’t take it well, I heard. He has a temper. But Amber never indicated she felt threatened by him.”

Jenna felt a chill at that revelation. A breakup, a temper, and now a disappearance – it painted a concerning picture. She exchanged a glance with Jake, whose expression mirrored her thoughts.

“Have you two spoken with Jason about all this?” Dr. Reynolds’s asked.

Jenna shifted in her seat, exchanging a significant look with Jake. They had, indeed, found signs of Jason’s violent outburst, but sharing that information now would complicate matters further.

“We haven’t had the chance to speak with him yet,” she replied carefully.

“Any idea why Amber broke up with Jason?” Jake inquired, his eyes locked on Dr. Reynolds’s face, searching for any flicker of insight.

Dr. Reynolds hesitated. “Amber told me in confidence,” she started, the conflict apparent in her voice. A moment passed before resolve settled over her features. “Given the situation, I think it’s important you know.”

Jenna’s eyes met Dr. Reynolds’s, searching for any flicker of hesitation as the woman fidgeted with a pen on her desk, her reluctance clear.

“Amber confided in me that she got engaged,” Dr. Reynolds finally said, breaking the silence. “It was to a fellow student at Ozark State.”

“Did she mention his name?” Jenna asked.

Dr. Reynolds shook her head apologetically, “I’m afraid not. She spoke more about how he made her feel—a kindred spirit, she called him. She was elated.”

“Elated?” Jake echoed.

“Absolutely. She found someone who shares her passion and dedication. They both want to make a difference,” Dr. Reynoldsexplained, her eyes distant as if picturing Amber’s bright future that now hung in the balance.

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