Page 48 of In Her Dreams
A sigh.“Alright.I’ll work in a break if you arrive before noon.”
“We’ll be there,” Jenna confirmed.“Thank you, Doctor.”
As they started their drive toward Pinecrest, Jenna called Frank to update him about their interview with Dr.Walsh and their pending visit to a therapist in Pinecrest.Jenna and Jake then discussed the case, piecing together what they knew and what they still needed to learn.
“The way Walsh reacted when he found out that Sam Rodriguez was dead—that wasn’t just discomfort,” Jake said.“That was fear.And none of the victims seemed willing or able to explain their recoveries to anyone else.”
“You think Walsh put them under some kind of hypnotic suggestion?Blocked them from talking about it?”
Jenna shook her head slightly.“Maybe.But why would he then kill them?And how?He certainly didn’t go breaking into their houses.There’s no evidence of that.And fear itself isn’t usually fatal.”
“Unless you have a heart condition like Winters,” Jake pointed out.
“But Palmer and Rodriguez were healthy.And all three died the same way—terrified of something in their bedrooms, where those dreamcatchers were hanging.”
“Maybe he wasn’t trying to kill anybody,” Jake said.“He seemed surprised yesterday when you mentioned that Anita Palmer was dead, and he certainly seemed surprised about Sam.Maybe it was just some kind of unconventional treatment gone horribly wrong.”
They fell silent for a moment, the road stretching ahead of them, leading to Pinecrest and, hopefully, answers.
“Walsh’s comment about your reputation,” Jake said finally.“Don’t let it get to you.So people talk—let them.You’ve got the best solve rate in the county’s history.”
“It’s not just that, Jake.If word gets out about...about what I can do …I could lose everything—my position, my credibility.Even my mother would be affected.”
“Jenna.”Jake’s voice was gentle but firm.“You’re not alone in this.Whatever happens, whatever we find out, I’ve got your back.You know that, right?”
The sincerity in his words touched something deep inside her.She glanced at him briefly, allowing herself a small smile.“I know.”
As she drove to Pinecrest, the sky stretched vast and blue above them, innocent of the darkness they were pursuing.Still, Jenna couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the edge of something far more dangerous than they had initially imagined.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Jenna was feeling the weight of this investigation as she steered the county vehicle into Pinecrest—three deaths, three phobias apparently cured, three victims who couldn’t explain how, three strange dreamcatchers hanging on the wall.
“Quieter than usual,” Jake noted, scanning the streets of the quaint college town.“Let’s hope Chief Morgan doesn’t catch wind of us being here,” he added, checking the rearview mirror as if expecting a Pinecrest patrol car to materialize behind them.
“We’re not stepping on his toes.Just having a conversation with a hypnotherapist who happens to practice in his jurisdiction.”
Jake’s skeptical sidelong glance said everything he didn’t put into words.
They pulled up to a modest building sandwiched between a modern glass-fronted bookstore and a coffee shop.The structure’s weathered red brick stood in defiant contrast to its sleeker neighbors, like a stubborn holdout against the march of time.
“This is it,” Jenna said, checking the address against her notes.A simple brass plaque beside the entrance confirmed: “Suite 204 - Dr.Valerie Mercer, Ph.D, Hypnotherapy.”
The building’s small entrance area greeted them with welcome coolness after the July heat.Although the elevator stood open invitingly, Jenna headed for the stairwell.
“You think she’ll actually tell us anything useful?”Jake asked as they climbed.“Patient confidentiality is a hell of a wall to break through.”
“Sam’s dead,” Jenna replied, her voice clipped.“And if she treated Winters or Palmer too, maybe she’ll see the pattern we’re seeing.”She didn’t want to mention the third possibility yet—that Dr.Mercer might be somehow involved.
On the second floor, they entered a waiting room that was a masterclass in calming neutrality—walls painted a soft beige, furniture upholstered in taupe fabric that looked both comfortable and expensive.Abstract paintings in earth tones hung at measured intervals, their swirls and lines suggesting landscapes without committing to them.
A diffuser in the corner bubbled quietly, releasing the subtle scent of lavender that mingled with the cooled air.The effect was immediate and clearly intentional—an environment designed to lower blood pressure and slow breathing before patients even met with the Doctor.
“May I help you?”A young woman looked up from behind a curved reception desk.Her smile was warm, her blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail.Her name tag read “Lisa,” and everything about her radiated calm efficiency.
Jenna showed her badge.“Sheriff Jenna Graves, Genesius County.This is Deputy Hawkins.We have an appointment with Dr.Mercer.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly at the badge, but her professional demeanor never slipped.“Of course.Dr.Mercer is expecting you.Please follow me.”
