Page 49 of In Her Dreams
She rose from her desk and led them down a short hallway.Her knock on a heavy wooden door was answered by a melodic “Come in,” and she ushered them through with a respectful nod before retreating.
The contrast between the waiting room and Dr.Mercer’s office was immediate and striking.Where the outer room embraced neutrality, this space celebrated color and texture.Rich emerald curtains framed the windows, complemented by a plush gold sofa and armchairs grouped in the center of the room.Bookshelves lined one wall from floor to ceiling, crammed with volumes whose spines ranged from the austere black of academic texts to the vibrant colors and crystal-embossed covers of new-age literature.
An ornate cherry wood desk occupied one corner, its surface neat except for a sleek laptop and a crystal paperweight catching the afternoon light.The walls held a mix of diplomas, certifications, and artwork—the latter featuring mandalas and sacred geometry patterns that drew the eye and held it.
“Sheriff Graves, Deputy Hawkins.”The woman who rose to greet them commanded attention without effort.
Dr.Valerie Mercer stood about Jenna’s height, her silver-streaked dark hair pulled back in an elegant chignon that emphasized her high cheekbones and striking gray eyes.She wore a tailored charcoal suit that spoke of professionalism, but the vibrant silk scarf at her neck—patterned with intricate swirls of blue and gold—hinted at an artistic sensibility.Jenna placed her in her early fifties, though she carried herself with the vitality of someone younger.
“Thank you for seeing us, Dr.Mercer,” Jenna said, accepting the offered handshake.The Doctor’s grip was firm, her hand cool and dry.
“Please, sit.”Dr.Mercer gestured toward the arrangement of armchairs.“Can I offer you coffee?Tea?”
“We’re fine, thank you,” Jake answered, settling into one of the chairs.Jenna took the seat beside him.
Dr.Mercer folded herself gracefully into her chair, her posture perfect without seeming rigid.“You mentioned on the phone that this concerns Samuel Rodriguez.I must say, I was shocked to hear of his passing.”
“Yes,” Jenna confirmed, watching the Doctor’s face carefully.“And we believe his death may be connected to two others in Genesius County—Richard Winters and Anita Palmer.”
The Doctor’s expression remained neutral, but Jenna noted the slight tightening around her eyes.“Connected how, exactly?”
“All three suffered from severe phobias,” Jenna explained.“Winters had claustrophobia, Palmer had ornithophobia—a fear of birds—and Rodriguez, as you know, had agoraphobia.Were either Winters or Palmer under your care?”
“I’m sorry, but no.And their deaths are news to me.”
“All three had their conditions for years,” Jenna continued.“All three apparently experienced sudden improvement recently.And all three died from heart failure that may have been induced by extreme terror.”
Dr.Mercer’s fingers interlaced in her lap.“That’s certainly disturbing, but I fail to see how I can help.Patient confidentiality—”
“We understand the constraints you’re under,” Jake interjected, his tone respectful.“But we’re trying to prevent more deaths.Anything you can tell us about Sam’s treatment might help.”
“More specifically,” Jenna added, “none of these individuals could or would explain how their phobias had suddenly improved.In at least one case, it was as if they were physically unable to discuss it.”
Dr.Mercer’s gaze flicked toward the wall of credentials, then back to Jenna.“That does sound … unusual.”
Jenna reached for her phone.“There’s one more connection.All three victims had rather odd dreamcatchers in their homes.”She pulled up the photos they’d taken at each scene.She held the phone out to Dr.Mercer.
The Doctor took the phone, her face a mask of professional interest.
“These are quite distinctive,” Dr.Mercer said, handing the phone back.“But I’m afraid I can’t comment on whether any of my patients possessed such items.”
Jenna tucked the phone away.“Dr.Mercer, I understand your position, but Sam Rodriguez wasn’t just a victim to me.He was a mentor, a friend.He helped shape my career in law enforcement.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss, Sheriff,” Dr.Mercer’s voice softened with what seemed like genuine sympathy.“But you must understand—”
“What if we contacted Mary Rodriguez right now for permission?”Jenna suggested.“Since Sam is deceased, she could authorize you to discuss his treatment.”
Dr.Mercer considered this, her gaze drifting toward the window.“That would help, certainly, though written authorization would be preferable.”
“We can call her,” Jake offered, already reaching for his phone.
Dr.Mercer hesitated, then nodded.“I have his home number.We’ll use my office phone.The speakerphone function will allow us all to hear clearly.”She gestured toward the desk.
Dr.Mercer reached for her sleek desk phone and dialed the Rodriguez residence number from memory.The phone rang three times before a weary voice answered on speaker.“Hello?”Mary’s voice was tinged with fatigue.
“Am I speaking with Mary Rodriguez?”Dr.Mercer asked.
“You are.”
