Page 11 of In Her Fears
“The staging was elaborate—the ropes, the stake, the pentagram.Ritualistic.”She hesitated.“It feels theatrical, ritualistic, like the killer was sending a message or creating a spectacle for a reason.Not a crime of passion, not random.Deliberate.”
“And exceptionally brutal,” Jake added.
“Any sense of who might have done it, or why?”Spelling pressed.
Jenna met his gaze directly.“Not yet, Colonel.If something comes to me, you’ll be the first to know.”
The disappointment in his eyes was subtle but unmistakable.“Well, keep me posted,” he said.“I appreciate you coming out here.I’ll make sure Morgan understands the Rose boy is to be released promptly.”
Outside, the heat engulfed them once more.They said their goodbyes to Spelling and headed back to their patrol car.
The drive out of Pinecrest was quiet at first, both of them lost in their thoughts.The sleepy college town gave way to open countryside, fields of corn stretching to the horizon under the relentless sun.
Jake commented, “You were sure right about this being ritualistic, theatrical.This set-up clearly has some kind of meaning.”
“And we have to figure out what that is.”
“Yeah.Because that kind of killer is likely to be fixated on making that statement … more than one time.”
They both became very quiet for a short time.
Jake said finally broke the silence.“You know, Spelling must think you have some kind of informant.A CI feeding you information that you can’t officially disclose.”
“Better that than the truth.”
“Would it be so bad if he knew?About the dreams?”
She shot him a sideways glance.“Jake, I’m an elected sheriff.How do you think voters would respond if they found out I get investigative tips from dead people?”
“Fair point,” he conceded.
Jake started to respond, but was cut off by the shrill ring of Jenna’s phone.She reached for it, hitting the speaker button.
“Sheriff Graves,” she answered.
“Sheriff.”Mayor Claire Simmons’ voice filled the car, crisp and commanding.“I need to see you in my office immediately.”
Jenna exchanged a quick glance with Jake.“Of course, Mayor.I’m just heading back to town.Is there a particular—?”
“Just be there,” Simmons interrupted before ending the call with an abrupt click.
Jenna sighed, replacing the phone in its holder.“I guess Morgan wasted no time before complaining to Mayor Simmons.”
“You’d think the Chief of Police in another county would have better things to do,” Jake observed.
“Wounded pride is a powerful motivator,” Jenna replied.
“Well, you’ve faced worse than an irate mayor.”
“True enough.”Jenna’s lips twitched slightly with the hint of a smile.
CHAPTER FOUR
As the heavy doors of City Hall swung open to release a welcome wave of air-conditioned coolness, Jake was aware of the tension in Jenna, even though she appeared perfectly calm.His ability to sense her mood was growing stronger as they grew closer, both as work partners and potentially as much more.
The receptionist glanced up then went back to reading her computer screen.
Jake and Jenna followed the familiar marble-floored hallway to a heavy oak door with “Mayor Claire Simmons” on the brass nameplate.He knocked lightly and they entered without waiting for a reply.
