IN HER DREAMS by Blake Pierce

Author:Blake Pierce [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-07-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Night had settled over Trentville as Jenna navigated the winding roads toward Mayor Simmons’s hillside residence. Beside her, Jake sat in contemplative silence, his profile illuminated by the occasional passing streetlight. It was late for an official visit, and Claire had obviously left her office and gone home for the night, but her phone call had made it clear that this couldn’t wait until morning.

As she made the final turn up the driveway, the impressive Victorian-style home came into view, its windows glowing amber against the night. The mayor’s home stood as an architectural testament to old money and influence.

“What do you think she has on her mind this time?” Jake asked.

“Something to do with Richard Winters and Anita Palmer, she said. And rumors about their deaths. I guess word has gotten around that we’re looking into what happened to them. It’s the kind of thing that really rubs her the wrong way about me.”

They walked up the flagstone path to the front door. Almost immediately after Jenna pressed the doorbell, the heavy oak door swung open, and Claire Simmons herself stood framed in the entrance. Her tailored charcoal pantsuit was as crisp as if she were heading to a council meeting rather than hosting an impromptu evening discussion.

“Sheriff. Deputy.” Claire’s voice was smooth but taut, like a violin string tuned a half-step too tight. “Thank you for coming so promptly.”

She stepped aside, gesturing them into a foyer that gleamed with polished hardwood and tasteful antiques. A crystal chandelier cast prismatic reflections across the cream-colored walls and the marble floor.

“This way,” Claire directed, leading them past the sweeping staircase and into a sitting room where she met with visitors who weren’t guests. Jenna and Jake had been there before.

“Please, sit,” Claire said, indicating the plush velvet sofas.

Jenna and Jake took their seats on one sofa while Claire perched on the edge of the other, her posture rigid, hands folded in her lap. Her manicured nails were painted a deep burgundy tonight, the color of dried blood against her pale skin.

Looking around, Jenna noted a new photograph framed and displayed on the heavy desk that dominated one corner of the room—Claire and her late brother Clyde at what appeared to be a campaign event, their smiles identical in their well-practiced expressions of sincerity. The sight stirred a complex mix of emotions—Clyde’s murder case had brought her and Claire into a temporary alliance, but the goodwill earned seemed to have a rapidly approaching expiration date.

“Can I offer you anything? Coffee? Something stronger?” Claire asked, the social nicety feeling like a delaying tactic.

“We’re fine, thanks,” Jenna replied, preferring to get to the point. “Your message sounded urgent.”

“Yes. Well, I had an interesting day today,” Claire began, her raptor-like gaze shifting between them. “I had rather lengthy phone conversations with Colonel Spelling and a certain Special Agent Cody of the FBI regarding the recent... situation at the mine.”

Jenna kept her expression neutral. “I assume they brought you up to speed.”

“They did. Two victims were rescued, suffering from severe dehydration and malnourishment.

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