Page 15 of Jenna's Threatened Sanctuary

But apparently not all dreams were meant to last.

“I’m sorry, man. That really sucks. You planning on sticking around for a while? Need somewhere to crash? I’ve got plenty of space.”

Leaning against the porch rail, Dean smoothed a hand over Boo’s head, calming the canine. “I’m staying at the B & B downtown until I can get into my own place. Only problem is I can’t have Boo with me there. Can he stay with you until I get settled?”

Boo whined and pointed his big brown eyes at his owner as if he understood exactly what was just said.

“Sure. I’d love the company, and you can stop by anytime. Mi casa es su casa and all that shit.”

“Appreciate it.” Emotion thickened Dean’s words, announcing the pain more than anything he could have said.

“How about a beer? Sounds like we’ve both had some longs days.” Turning, Calvin halted in front of the door with his hand poised above the curved handle. “What the hell?”

The hair on the nape of Boo’s neck stood on end and a menacing growl climbed through his exposed teeth.

Dean took three long steps to stand beside him. “Something wrong?”

“The door’s open.” Clenching his jaw, Calvin returned his focus to the front door and adrenaline flooded his body. The racing of his heart whooshed in his ears. “Do you have a weapon with you?”

A hesitant smile cracked through the firm line of Dean’s mouth. “Got my Glock. Didn’t think I’d need it as soon I stepped foot back in town.”

“Welcome home.” Calvin secured his own gun and trained the weapon in front of him. He motioned for Dean to be ready, then pushed open the door and stepped into the foyer.

Chills swept over him through his leather coat. Shadows lurked in every corner, but his senses tingled. “Let’s clear the first floor, then head upstairs.”

He moved on light feet, checking nooks and crannies, confident his friend had his back. No sound emitted from the living room, and nothing appeared out of place, but tension still wound a noose around his neck.

He rounded the corner to the kitchen and his blood turned to ice. Large, red letters were painted on the cream-colored walls.

Until we meet again.

Anxiety ricochetedaround Jenna’s insides. Nausea pitched in her stomach as she stepped out of her car and walked down the street. Leaving Oliver with Mrs. Franklin to get to her appointment at the police department was like severing a limb. Something about walking into a police station, knowing she was being looked at as a suspect, made saying goodbye to her child feel like she was saying goodbye for much longer than a few hours.

The packed lot behind the police station was full, so she’d parked a block away. Wind whipped down the empty sidewalk as she hustled around the corner to the square building located at the edge of Main Street. She hunched her shoulders against the cold air, wishing she’d grabbed a jacket on her way out the door. Late October had come in with a fierce blast of frigid temperatures.

Jenna yanked hard to pull open the glass door, the breeze slamming against it to keep it shut. She stepped inside and stood in front of a woman with tired eyes and tight, gray curls.

“Can I help you?”

Jenna forced a smile “I’m here to see Officer Sawyer.”

“Is he expecting you?”

“Yes. We have an appointment at noon.”

The woman made a quick call from the landline phone then nodded. “I’ll buzz you in and take you back to his office.”

“Thank you.” Jenna waited for thebuzzthen opened the heavy steel door and entered the busy hive of the station. The woman stood to the side and motioned Jenna to follow with the crook of her index finger. She stayed close as they crossed theopen space and stopped beside Officer Sawyer’s office. Jenna thanked the woman before she left to return to her post.

Sucking in a deep breath, Jenna knocked on the door.

“Come in,” a voice called from inside.

Jenna stepped into the cramped office. Officer Sawyer sat at his desk, his head facing a computer screen as his fingers flew across a keyboard.

“Take a seat. I just need a second.” He dipped his chin in greeting, but the quick tempo of his fingers didn’t slow.

She lowered herself on the chair with shaky legs. She wished she’d asked Calvin to come with her. She hated not knowing what to expect. Calvin had a way of calming her nerves, giving her the confidence to move forward even when she wanted to crumble.

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