Page 61 of In Her Fears
“You two stay at your stations,” Jenna said.“We don’t want anybody slipping out.”Mike turned and headed back to his post at the back door.Maria nodded, but she followed them toward the house.
“Doesn’t look like anyone’s home,” Jake observed.The house was dark and quiet.
“We’ll try knocking,” Jenna agreed, starting toward the porch.
They hurried to the front door and Jake rapped sharply on the weathered wood, the sound echoing inside the empty house.
No response came.
Jake called out, “Mr.Harrow?This is the Genesius County Sheriff’s Department.We need to speak with you.”
Jenna turned to Officer Delgado and chose her words carefully.“Maria, I need to be honest with you,” Jenna said.“We don’t have probable cause to enter this house.My...intuition isn’t admissible in court.”
Delgado frowned.“But you believe something is wrong?”
Jenna placed a hand on Delgado’s shoulder.“Maria, why don’t you return to the car and monitor the radio?Jake and I will...check the perimeter.”
Understanding dawned in the young officer’s eyes.“Sheriff, if you’re planning to—”
“The less you know, the better for your career,” Jenna interrupted firmly.“Consider this an order.Go to the vehicle and wait for our call.”
Delgado hesitated, clearly torn between duty and obedience, but she finally nodded and retreated down the steps.
“You’re protecting her,” Jake observed quietly.
“And you’re about to break the law with me,” Jenna replied, meeting his gaze.“Last chance to back out.”
Jake’s mouth quirked into a half-smile.“I think that a window will be the fastest way in.”
They moved quickly to a window at one side of the door.Jake removed a multi-tool from his pocket and worked at the ancient latch.The window soon gave with a groan of protest, and Jake pushed it up.
Jenna hoisted herself through the opening.She landed in the living room, with Jake close behind her.They made a quick run through the house to make sure that Elias wasn’t anywhere.Then they rushed to the basement and found the big painting studio empty and silent.
“If there really is a tunnel, it must start down here,” Jake said, flashing his light around the space.
"There," Jenn said, pointing."Behind those shelves."The big wooden shelves stood slightly off the wall on one side.
“Good eye,” Jake murmured as they looked at it.“There’s a track here.It’s designed to move.”
Together, they pushed against the side of the bookshelf.It slid smoothly along the track, revealing a dark opening in the wall behind it—an arched tunnel entrance reinforced with old timber.
“The Underground Railroad,” Jake said reverently, shining his light into the passage.“This tunnel probably leads to somewhere in the woods.”
The passage was narrow, forcing them to walk single file.Jenna tried not to think about the weight of earth above them or what might happen if the aging timbers gave way.Finally, she stopped.“I think we’re getting close.I can feel fresh air.”
A few more yards brought them to the tunnel’s exit, and they emerged into the moonlit forest, the night air a relief.
“Any idea which way to the picnic spot?”Jake asked, holstering his flashlight now that the full moon provided ample light to see.
Jenna shook her head.“My dream didn’t show the route.But I’m sure it’s not far from here.”
“We’ll cover more ground if we split up,” Jake suggested, already checking his service weapon.
Jenna nodded reluctantly.“I’ll go to the right, you head the other way.Keep your phone on vibrate—no calls unless absolutely necessary.”
Jake’s expression was serious as he met her gaze.“Watch yourself, Jenna.First sign of trouble, you call me.”
“Same goes for you.”She touched his arm briefly, then turned away, already moving into the trees.
