Page 6 of Jenna's Threatened Sanctuary

“You do what you need to do. Don’t worry about the hospital. I’ll make sure your shifts are covered.”

Her boss’ understanding set loose a torrent of fear and sadness she’d struggled to hold back all day. She dropped her head in her hand. “The police showed up at my door. They think I had something to do with the murder. The idea that anyone would ever think I could hurt Stella, let alone murder her, is so overwhelming. I can’t even focus on my grief of losing her.”

A beat of tense silence filled the room before Dr. Church cleared his throat then dropped his gaze to clasp his hands on top of his desk.

Jenna straightened and apprehension slid down her spine. She’d known Dr. Church for a long time. The man knew something, and whatever it was, he didn’t want to tell her. “What is it?”

“I was on call last night. A woman named Stella was brought in. I didn’t know she was your sister.”

Bile crept up Jenna’s esophagus. “How’d she die?”

Regret and pity swam in Dr. Church’s eyes. “Her throat was slit. She didn’t die on scene and was rushed here. By the time I got to her, she was already gone.”

Jenna closed her eyes against the image of Stella being killed in such a gruesome way. Sweat coated her palms. “I can’t believe someone would do that.”

“That’s not all, Jenna. I overheard the officers talking about the crime scene. They found the weapon.”

Opening her eyes, she shook her head. Even though she didn’t want to know the details, she asked, “What was it?”

“A surgical scalpel.”

The late-morning sunstreamed its dull beams onto the sidewalk outside Crawley’s Confections. Calvin finished thepastry he’d picked up and tossed the crinkled bag in a trash can. He’d needed some fresh air to clear his head after meeting with Jenna, so he’d parked his car on a side street off the town square and took his time strolling to his favorite bakery. The chocolate-filled dough quieted his growling stomach but did nothing to ease the anxiety coursing through his veins.

Loose pebbles skittered under his booted feet as he approached the mud-brown building. His stomach twisted and a familiar anger started to rear its ugly head before he stomped it down. He’d hoped to work in a police station—it’d been his dream to be just like his dad. That dream had been ripped away when Stella had hidden her drugs in his home, the unexpected discovery leading to his dismissal from the police academy and the end of his relationship with Jenna.

He’d spent the last few years building up his PI firm. His business may be miles away in his hometown of Water’s Edge, but he made a point of maintaining good relationships with the law enforcement in the entire county. The officers of Pine Valley were good people, and he hoped they’d open up a little regarding the investigation into Stella’s murder.

On a huff of breath, he opened the door and nodded to the gray-haired woman who sat behind a glass window. “Morning. I have an appointment with Officer Cruz Sawyer.”

The woman smiled and buzzed him through the door that separated the officers from the little entryway where she served as gatekeeper.

Low murmurs of conversation shrouded the square room filled with on-duty cops. A familiar organized chaos flowed through the station. The buzz of anticipation as officers worked at their desks and took incoming calls pulsed in Calvin’s veins. Owning a business had given him freedom he never realized he craved, but a piece of him would always regret not being a part of the police force—part of a team.

Not wanting to make conversation, Calvin dipped his chin and headed straight for Officer Sawyer’s office. He’d been here enough times to remember the lay of the land. The door was open, allowing a full view of a scowling Cruz Sawyer bent over paperwork to anyone who peeked inside.

He knocked on the doorframe, choosing to stay on his feet near the exit. “Morning, Cruz. Thanks for agreeing to see me on such short notice.”

Cruz set down the pen he’d been using and waved Calvin in. “Happy to help in any way I can. What’s going on?”

Calvin glanced over his shoulder than closed the door before stepping further into the room. “I have a few questions about last night’s murder.”

Cruz frowned. “Stella Simon?”

“Yeah,” Calvin said, scrubbing a hand over his jaw. “Can you tell me if the department has their sights set on a suspect, and how much of that evidence is circumstantial?”

Cruz snorted and leaned back in his chair. “The fact that you’re here tells me you already know part of that answer. I’m wondering why you’re interested.”

Sighing, Calvin rubbed small circles in the middle of his forehead. “I know the victim and her sister. The sister came by to see me. She was pretty shaken up. I told her I’d see if there was any information you could pass along.”

“I can’t tell you what’s going on, but I can tell you she has a reason to be nervous.”

The confirmation of Jenna’s fears spiked his blood pressure. “I respect the process, but just know, Jenna could never kill anyone. Especially not her sister. She loved her more than anything.” The truth of that statement stung. When push came to shove, Jenna had picked Stella over him. Disregarding all the ways her sister had hurt them both.

Picking up the discarded pen, Cruz used the end to scratch the back of his neck. “I’m aware of Dr. Simon’s reputation in the community. Hell, my wife’s even spent time with her over at the shelter. I can promise you my brother and I will work this case the same way we do every other one that crosses our paths—fair and with an open mind.”

“Appreciate that. If anything pops up you can pass along, give me a call.” Calvin plucked a business card from his wallet and handed it over.

Cruz nodded. “Will do.”

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