Page 47 of In Her Fears
The camera’s red light blinked on, pointed directly at Jenna.Chen smiled, undeterred.“Sources tell us that the reclusive artist Elias Harrow has been painting some pretty disturbing subjects—murder scenes that might connect to Alexis’s murder.Can you confirm this connection?”
Jenna felt the stare of the camera, the expectant silence of the crowd, and the pressure of responding correctly.A misstep could jeopardize the entire investigation—or worse, set off the tense crowd behind her.
“What I can confirm,” she said evenly, “is that we’re investigating all leads in the Alexis Downey case, and that premature speculation in the media could seriously hinder our ability to bring her killer to justice.”
Chen pressed forward.“But is Elias Harrow a person of interest?”
“We’ve spoken with numerous individuals connected to this case,” Jenna replied, sidestepping the direct question.“Like I said before, I’m not at liberty to discuss specifics of an ongoing investigation.”
“Why are all these people gathered at Mr.Harrow’s home if there’s no connection?”Chen persisted.
Jenna felt her patience wearing thin.“As I said, they’ve been misled by rumors.Now, I need to ask you to step back while we address this situation.”
She turned away from the camera, signaling the end of the interview, and was relieved to see that Jake had been joined by two more patrol cars.Officers were now spreading out around the perimeter of the crowd.
“Everyone,” Jenna called out, her voice carrying across the clearing, “I need you to disperse immediately.You’re interfering with a police investigation and trespassing on private property.Those who don’t leave voluntarily will be escorted off the premises.”
The new arrivals—uniformed officers with hands resting visibly on their belts—lent weight to her words.The crowd began to shift uneasily.
“Ryan,” she said, addressing him directly again, “this isn’t helping.Take your friends back to town and let us do our jobs.”
Something in her tone—perhaps the raw sincerity—seemed to reach him.Ryan’s shoulders slumped, the fight visibly draining out of him.
“Come on,” he said to those around him.“This isn’t what Alexis would want.”
His words had a strong effect.The café workers and the others who had gathered here looked at each other, then back at Ryan.One by one, they nodded and began to step back.
“We just want justice,” the café owner said, her voice breaking slightly.
“I know,” Jenna replied softly.“And I promise you, we won’t rest until we find who did this.”
The group began to disperse, moving reluctantly back toward their vehicles.The reporter, seeing that the confrontation was defusing, tried one more approach.
“Sheriff, can you at least tell us if you believe this killer will strike again?”
Jenna turned back to Chen, aware that her response would be broadcast across the region.She chose her words with extreme care.
“We’re taking every precaution to ensure public safety,” she said firmly.“I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, but I want to emphasize that causing panic with speculation and rumors helps no one.”
Chen looked like she wanted to press further, but Jenna had already turned away, moving toward the porch steps.Behind her, she could hear Jake politely but firmly instructing the news crew to leave the property.
The lawn gradually emptied as officers guided the last stragglers to their cars.Jenna climbed the creaking steps to Harrow’s front door, Jake joining her a moment later.
“That could have gone worse,” he said quietly.
“It still might,” Jenna replied, raising her hand to knock.“Jay Langham deliberately stirred this up.The question is why.”
She rapped firmly on the weathered door.“Mr.Harrow?It’s Sheriff Graves again.The crowd is gone now.We need to speak with you.”
Silence greeted them.Jenna knocked again, harder.“Mr.Harrow, please.We need to make sure you’re alright.”
A floorboard creaked inside, then a raspy voice came from just behind the door.“Go away.”
“We can’t do that,” Jenna said, relieved to hear the sound of his voice.“We’re concerned for your safety.”
“My safety?”A hollow laugh seeped through the wood.“I haven’t felt safe in seven years.”
Jenna pressed her palm against the door, as if she could somehow reach through it to the troubled man on the other side.“Mr.Harrow—Elias—I understand you’re frightened.But we need your help to understand what’s happening.These paintings of yours...they’re connected to real murders.”
