Page 36 of In Her Dreams
Jake leaned forward.“With all due respect, Mayor, when two people die under unusual circumstances within twenty-four hours of each other, and both happened to be in treatment by the same doctor, asking questions isn’t prying—it’s doing our job.”
Claire’s eyes flashed.“I’m well aware of what constitutes police work, Deputy.”
Then her expression softening into something that looked almost like a plea.
“Jenna, I know you’re an elected official just like me.I can’t give you orders—you’ve reminded me of that fact numerous times.”She sighed.“But I need you to understand something.Anthony Walsh, just any doctor in this town.He’s been one of my most important supporters since I first ran for office.I wouldn’t be sitting in the mayor’s chair without his quiet but consistent backing.”
Financial support, Jenna realized.
The political calculus was laid bare, naked in its transactional nature.
“I’m sorry about your predicament,” Jenna said, her words genuine despite her frustration.“But I do have to investigate whenever and wherever questions arise.”
“And what exactly do you find out that’s of any value?”Claire pressed.“Because from where I’m sitting, you’re just antagonizing a respected professional over two deaths that, while tragic, appear to be from natural causes.”
Jenna weighed her words carefully.The dreamcatchers found with both victims created a connection she couldn’t ignore, but discussing them now would only invite more issues that she wasn’t prepared to discuss with the mayor.
“There’s nothing more I can tell you about these deaths at this time,” Jenna said finally.“If that changes, you’ll be among the first to know.”
Claire studied her for a long moment, then exhaled slowly as she leaned back against the sofa cushions.The rigid posture that had defined her all evening seemed to soften, revealing a glimpse of the weight she carried.
“You know,” Claire said, her voice quieter now, “I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for what you did for Clyde.For finding his killer and bringing them to justice.”
“You have,” Jenna corrected gently.“Multiple times.”
Claire shook her head, her gaze drifting to the photo on the mantel.“It’s never enough.He was all the family I had left.”
A silence settled between them.
Then Claire continued, almost to herself, “I used to think I knew this town.I grew up here, just like you.But lately—” She stopped, collecting herself.“The violence, the disappearances, the strange deaths.Sometimes I feel like I’m serving a community I no longer recognize.”
Despite their professional differences, Jenna felt a pang of sympathy for the mayor.Claire’s vulnerabilities rarely showed through her polished exterior.
“We’re doing everything we can,” Jenna offered.
Claire nodded, then straightened, the moment of candor passing as quickly as it had appeared.“I hope that includes exercising discretion with Dr.Walsh.”
And just like that, they were back to politics.Jenna rose to her feet, Jake following her lead.
“Thank you for your concern, Mayor.We’ll keep you updated as appropriate.”
Claire walked them to the door, her composure fully restored.“I’d appreciate that, Sheriff.”
The night air felt refreshing after the tension inside.Jenna breathed deeply as they walked back to her car.
“Well, that was interesting,” Jake said as they pulled away from the mayor’s residence.“Walsh didn’t waste any time running to the politician he supports.”
“Makes you wonder what he’s so afraid of,” Jenna replied, navigating the dark roads back toward town.
“Innocent people don’t usually call the mayor to complain about routine questioning.Maybe he invested in her because he knew he might need her backing someday.”
They drove in thoughtful silence for several minutes, the headlights cutting through the darkness as they descended from the hill back into Trentville proper.
“What the mayor said about the town changing,” Jenna said finally.“It reminds me of what Frank told us.”
Jake glanced at her.“What specifically?”
“About what his grandmother used to say.That there was a darkness in these parts, tied to the land itself.That it woke up to ‘feed’ from time to time—to feed on fear itself.”Jenna shook her head.“Sounds like superstition, but...”
