Page 6 of In Her Fears
“Apparently they specialize in cases like hers—trauma-induced memory loss, cognitive rehabilitation.”Jenna’s tone was bitter.“Nurse Daniels assured me it was for Jill’s benefit, but the timing is painful.Just when she might start remembering something useful.”
Jake was quiet for a moment, processing.Then he reached across the center console, his hand hovering briefly before settling on her shoulder.The touch was gentle, warm through the fabric of her uniform shirt.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said quietly.“Valley Bend isn’t that far.You’ve got connections.And I’ve got your back, whatever you need.”
The simple gesture sent a familiar warmth through Jenna, complicated by the tangled emotions that had been building between them over the past months.She appreciated Jake’s support more than she could express, but the growing attraction confused her in ways she wasn’t ready to examine.
His hand lingered a moment longer than strictly professional, and she felt the loss of its warmth when he pulled away.
“Thanks,” she said, the word inadequate for what she meant.
Jake nodded, seemingly understanding all she didn’t say.He’d always been good at that—reading between her lines, anticipating her thoughts.
They drove in silence for several minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.The GPS on the dashboard beeped, indicating an upcoming turn.
“So,” Jake said as they approached the outskirts of Pinecrest, clearly shifting topics, “what do you think is waiting for us at this crime scene that has Colonel Spelling calling in favors?”
“A male victim staked through the heart,” Jenna reminded him, grateful for the professional redirect.“Found tied to a tree in Pinecrest Cemetery.Doesn’t sound like your average homicide to me.”
“No, it doesn’t,” Jake agreed.“But I’m more curious about why Spelling wants your take specifically.We’re outside our jurisdiction, and you know how Chief Morgan gets about outsiders on his turf.”
Jenna grimaced at the mention of Pinecrest Police Chief Rudy Morgan.Their previous encounters had been less than cordial, his territorial nature making collaboration difficult at best.
“Spelling said the case had ‘unusual characteristics,’” Jenna said carefully.“He’s never directly acknowledged what I can do, but he’s seen enough to know that I sometimes have access to information that can’t be explained through conventional means.”
“Ah,” Jake said, understanding immediately.“And has there been any...unconventional information about this one?”
Jenna shook her head, worry creasing her brow.“That’s the problem.Nothing.No lucid dreams, no visits from the departed.I’m flying completely blind here.I’m not sure how much help I’ll be to Spelling without...you know.”
“Your special brand of insight?”Jake supplied with a small smile.“You’re still a damn good sheriff, Jenna.Dream visitations or not.”
The GPS directed them onto a tree-lined avenue, where Victorian houses with wide porches and meticulous gardens gave way to the heart of Pinecrest.The university’s red-brick buildings rose in the distance, students milling about despite the summer break.The town had a polished, academic feel that contrasted sharply with Trentville’s more working-class character.
“Pinecrest Cemetery, one quarter mile ahead on right,” the GPS announced in its robotic tone.
As they approached, ancient iron gates came into view.Modern police vehicles created a jarring contrast, parked haphazardly along the narrow cemetery road.Yellow crime scene tape fluttered in the slight breeze, marking off a section near a crumbling stone wall.
Jenna maneuvered the squad car carefully between a Pinecrest PD cruiser and a Highway Patrol vehicle, then cut the engine.The sudden absence of air conditioning was immediately noticeable, heat flooding into the car as though it had been waiting for an invitation.
“Looks like the whole cavalry’s here,” Jake observed, nodding toward a cluster of uniformed officers standing near the crime scene tape.
Jenna recognized Colonel Spelling’s tall figure immediately.He stood slightly apart from the others, his posture radiating authority even from a distance.Two Highway Patrol officers flanked him, while a pair of Pinecrest police officers huddled together several feet away, their body language clearly communicating their displeasure.
“And those are Morgan’s men,” Jenna said, indicating the local officers with a slight tilt of her head.“Looking thrilled as ever to have state involvement.”
Jake unbuckled his seatbelt.“Wait till they see us Genesius county folk.It’ll really make their day.”
Despite the grim circumstances, Jenna felt a smile tug at her lips.“Let’s not keep them waiting, then.”
The wall of heat hit them as they exited the vehicle, the sun beating down from a cloudless sky.Jenna slipped her sunglasses on, scanning the scene with a professional eye.The grass around the cordoned-off area was trampled flat, indicating significant foot traffic since the discovery of the body.
Spelling broke away from his group as Jenna and Jake approached, moving to meet them halfway.His weathered face was set in grim lines, eyes narrowed against the glare despite his own sunglasses.
“Sheriff Graves,” he said, extending his hand.“Thanks for coming on such short notice.And you too, Deputy Hawkins.”The men exchanged nods of acknowledgment.
“Quite a scene you’ve got here,” Jenna said, her gaze drawn to the distinctive oak tree at the center of the cordoned-off area.Even from this distance, she could see it was ancient, its trunk gnarled and massive.Bulging burls marked where branches had been carelessly cut off, giving it a wounded appearance.
“Like nothing I’ve seen in twenty-five years with the Highway Patrol,” Spelling admitted, gesturing for them to follow him toward the crime scene.“Victim’s name is Martin Holbrook, forty-three, local contractor.Reported missing yesterday evening by his business partner when he didn’t show up for a client meeting.Body was discovered just after midnight by a teenager.”
