Page 40 of Jenna's Threatened Sanctuary

The receptionist—Mrs. Tanner on the name plate—took a quick peek over her shoulder. “Mr. Custer and Mr. Sholl don’t like interruptions during business hours, but I think we can make an exception. Mr. Sholl isn’t in right now anyway. You don’t need to do a full clean. Maybe just wipe down the break room and take the trash. That’ll be plenty for now.”

Excitement clashed with Jenna’s jumbled nerves and threatened to turn her timid smile into a mile-wide grin. “I’ll make sure to tidy up the waiting room as well before I leave.”

She pushed the cart down the corridor and searched for Milo’s office. Closed doors lined the hall. She read the name plates until she reached the last door at the end of the hall.Perfect.

Her heart pounded in her ears as she stepped inside. She left the door open only a crack, hoping to hide her activities to anyone who stumbled passed. A quick glance didn’t show anything useful set out on the credenza or desk. She hustled to the sleek computer. A wall clock ticked loudly, announcing the passing seconds. She moved the mouse and the password request popped onto the screen. Dammit. Of course she’d need a password. She mentally scrolled through the most common passwords people used, each entry rejected.

Shit.Scanning the contents cluttering the desk, she mentally worked what Calvin had told her about Milo over in her mind. He gave the impression of putting family first. Was that more than just a façade? The framed picture on the corner showed a loving family with happy smiles. She typed in his wife’s name-Debbie.

Incorrect Password.

Debbie1

The desktop screen filled with icons. Relief sagged her shoulders.

She dropped into the seat and brought up the web browser, studying the tabs at the top of the screen. The familiar blue and white F of Facebook caught her attention. She clicked on the site. Pictures and status updates littered his newsfeed. She ignored them all and clicked on Facebook Messenger.

The site refreshed. A list of names and faces Milo had corresponded with took up the left side of the page while his most recent conversation took center stage. She scanned the discussion, rolling her eyes at the rude remarks exchanged with some other guy. This might show Milo was an asshole but wouldn’t prove he was a killer.

She skimmed the list of faces and names on the side. A picture of a stunning brunette with blunt bangs cut across her forehead and brilliant red lips caught her eye—Laura Smothers. She brought up the exchange, reading through as quickly as her eyes could take in the words.

Laura: Why are you being so distant lately? I know there’s someone else.

Milo: Why would I ever need anyone else but you, baby?

Laura: *Snort* I don’t know, maybe ask your wife the same question.

Milo: Don’t be like that. You know I can’t leave my family. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you.

Laura: Then why haven’t you called lately? I saw the message that popped up on your phone.Don’t play dumb with me. I know there’s someone else.

The door flung open. Milo Sholl stood in the doorway.

Jenna jumped, clicking out of Facebook and wheeling back the desk chair. Her mind spun in circles. Excuses burned her tongue, but none came out.

Hard blue eyes glared at her. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

She jumped to her feet. “I’m so sorry. I needed to sit for a second. My ankle is twisted.”

He took a step forward. His anger filled the room. “I don’t give two shits about your ankle. Who are you and what are you doing in my office? Looking at my computer?”

“I work for the cleaning company. I came in to empty your trash can.” She lifted her palms and rounded the side of the desk. “I promise. I wasn’t doing anything. I just needed to sit.”

Lowering her face, she tightened her sweaty grip on the cart and made a beeline for the door.

A large hand clamped around her bicep. Milo jerked her toward him. “I don’t believe you.”

She swiped her tongue over dry lips. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please, you’re hurting me. I’m just here to clean.”

Milo dropped his gaze to her shirt then over to the cart. He released his grip, but hostility still came off him in waves. “I don’t want to ever see you in here again, do you hear me?”

Swallowing hard, she leaned against the cart for support and hurried out of the office. She might have only been inside for ten minutes, but she’d learned all she needed to know about Milo Sholl. The man was a cheat with a bad temper.

Now she just needed to find out if her sister was more than just the woman who cleaned his office.

18

Dark clouds moved across the gray sky as the sun dipped behind the mountains. The bite of cold air urged Jenna faster as she ran to Calvin’s truck parked on the road and hurled herself inside. She fastened her seatbelt with shaky fingers. “Get me out of here.” Anxiety sat low in her stomach. Her encounter with Milo left her shaken. His height and build were like the man who’d tried to kill her. His flash of temper and rough way he’d handled her told her that he was more than capable of violence.

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