Page 33 of In Her Fears
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Jenna led the way out of the hunting lodge, the cool forest air a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside.Her mind felt dangerously sluggish, clouded by exhaustion and the horrific image of Alexis suspended from those ancient rafters.The ground seemed to shift beneath her feet, the forest around her swimming in and out of focus as she made her way toward their patrol car.
Jake fell into step beside her, and as they reached the car, he extended his hand wordlessly.Jenna surrendered the keys without protest.
“So,” Jake said as they settled into their seats, “where are we headed?”
She knew where they needed to go next—the only place in Trentville where artwork was on display, where her dream might finally lead her to the killer before another “masterpiece” was created.Leaning her head back against the headrest, she allowed her eyes to close for just a moment.“Starlight Canvas Gallery.”
“The art gallery?”Jake’s surprise was evident in his voice.“What do you expect to find there?”
"I don't know exactly."Jenna opened her eyes, watching the forest blur past as Jake navigated the narrow road back toward town."But my dream...There were all those blank canvases, an artist's studio.And the woman said, 'Find him, before he makes another masterpiece.'Our killer views murder as art, Jake.The gallery's the only place in town that deals with artists."
Jake nodded slowly, processing her logic.“It’s thin,” he said finally.
“I know.”Jenna rubbed her temples, where a persistent throb had taken up residence.“But it’s all I’ve got right now.And if there’s even a chance...”
“You’re running on fumes, Jenna,” Jake said.
“I’m fine,” she said automatically.
“You’re not fine.We should take ten minutes for a sandwich and coffee.”
“No,” Jenna replied, her voice sharper than she’d intended.His suggestion brought a favorite stop to her mind—the Sunflower Café.Alexis would never serve another cup of coffee there, never remember another regular’s order, never smile across the counter with that warmth that had made the café feel like a second home to so many Trentville residents.
She softened her tone.“No, Jake.If our theory’s right and he’s working with the full moon cycle, we have less than twelve hours before he might take another victim.”
Jake sighed but didn’t argue further.The forest gradually thinned around them as they approached the main road back to Trentville.They drove in silence for several minutes, the gentle curves of the road lulling Jenna into a dangerous half-sleep.She jerked awake as they hit a pothole, momentarily disoriented.
“We’re almost there,” Jake said, glancing at her with undisguised worry.“Sure you’re up for this?”
“I have to be,” she replied simply.
Downtown Trentville came into view, Main Street lined with the familiar storefronts that had defined Jenna’s life for as long as she could remember.
Jake pulled into a parking space half a block from the Starlight Canvas Gallery.The gallery occupied a renovated Victorian building, its façade painted a deep blue that stood out among the more conservative storefronts surrounding it.Large display windows showcased paintings visible from the street—landscapes mostly, capturing the rolling hills and dense forests of the Ozarks in vivid detail.
“I’ve never actually been inside,” Jake admitted as they approached the entrance.“Never really had a reason to.”
“It’s been years since I looked at an exhibit,” Jenna said, before pushing open the door.“And I haven’t been here since I became sheriff.”
A small bell jingled overhead as they entered, announcing their presence.The space was arranged in a horseshoe around a central display area, with white walls creating smaller alcoves for themed collections.Track lighting illuminated each piece with careful precision, creating pools of light in the otherwise dimly lit gallery.
For a moment, no one appeared to greet them.Jenna took the opportunity to scan the space, looking for anything that might trigger a connection to her dream or the murders.The art on display ranged from traditional Ozark landscapes to more abstract interpretations of local landmarks.Nothing immediately struck her as sinister or connected to their case.
“Can I help you?”
The voice came from behind them.Jenna turned to find a young man watching them with guarded curiosity, obviously a gallery employee.He was in his early twenties, with dark hair styled in an artfully disheveled manner.Multiple piercings adorned his ears, and a small silver ring glinted from one nostril.He wore a black t-shirt featuring the faded logo of a band Jenna didn’t recognize, paired with skinny jeans ripped strategically at the knees.
“Jay Langham?”Jenna asked, recognizing him from previous encounters around town.
His eyes narrowed slightly.“Sheriff Graves,” he acknowledged, then nodded at Jake.“Deputy.What brings Trentville’s finest to our humble gallery?Art appreciation suddenly part of police training?”
There was an edge to his voice that bordered on insolence.Jenna chose to ignore it.
“Just looking around,” she said, keeping her tone neutral.“The gallery’s been here for years, but I’ve never taken the time to visit.”
Jay’s expression remained skeptical, but he gave a slight shrug.“Well, look all you want.Eric is in his office if you need to talk with him.”
