Page 27 of In Her Bed
“Folks,” she called out, her voice firm and carrying across the open space.“I need everyone who isn’t law enforcement to clear the area immediately.This is an active crime scene, and your presence is hampering our investigation.”
A few people at the edges of the crowd began to shuffle away, but others held their ground, faces alight with curiosity.
“Sheriff Graves!”The reporter from Channel 8 had spotted her and was now hurrying in her direction, microphone extended like a jousting lance, cameraman in tow.“Isabel Chen, Channel 8 News.Can you confirm the rumors that a body was found here last night?”
Some of the dispersing crowd turned back to watch and listen.Jenna could see the glint of mobile screens lifted high, their owners eager to capture her words along with the scene.
“Ms.Chen,” Jenna greeted, acknowledging the reporter with a curt nod that was both professional and slightly aloof.Her voice carried an authoritative undertone that demanded respect.
“At present,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “I can confirm that we are indeed investigating what appears to be a suspicious death.”She paused for effect, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.“We’re still in the preliminary stages of our investigation and out of respect for the victim’s family; we won’t be releasing further details until proper notifications have been made.”
The reporter wasn’t deterred by Jenna’s succinct response.She leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with determination.“Sources tell us that it was a couple of local kids who discovered the body.What can you share about that?”
Jenna held up a hand, halting any further questions momentarily.“You know as well as I do that we don’t disclose information about minors involved in active investigations,” she replied firmly.
“But is there an ongoing danger?Should Trentville residents be worried?”Ms.Chen persisted, skillfully steering her line of questioning towards public safety concerns.
Despite the camera lens zooming closer on her face, Jenna kept her expression steady and composed.“At this point in time,” she stated clearly while maintaining eye contact with Ms.Chen, “we have no evidence suggesting an ongoing threat to public safety.”
She let this statement hang in the air for a moment before adding: “However, we urge all residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious activity.Now, I must insist that everyone leave the immediate area to allow our team to conduct their work effectively.”
Her firm directive echoed through the crowd, leaving no room for further questions.It was time for them to step back and let law enforcement do its job.
She turned back to the crowd, raising her voice slightly.“My order for you to leave is not a request, folks.Anyone still on this property in five minutes will be cited for obstruction of justice.”
She turned to the news reporter and added, “That includes you and your crew.You know better than to enter a crime scene that’s still under investigation.”
The authority in her tone had its intended effect.The reporter and cameraman retreated to their van and the crowd began to disperse, though not without reluctance.Jenna caught fragments of disappointed murmurs as people trudged back to their vehicles.
“Always when things get interesting...”
“...bet it was that drifter they found at the Sundown Motel last week...”
“...never had this kind of trouble when Frank Doyle was sheriff...”
That last comment stung more than Jenna would ever admit.She pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand as she approached her deputies.
“Miller, Anderson, I want this perimeter extended another fifty yards in all directions.No exceptions, no matter who they claim to know or be related to.You can cuff any who refuse to go.”
The officers nodded, immediately moving to expand the police line.
As the crowd thinned and the immediate crisis abated, Jenna and Jake returned to their vehicle.The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving Jenna feeling the full weight of the day’s events.She flopped into the passenger seat and leaned her head back.
Jake slid into the driver’s seat and looked over at her with the kind of personal concern that had become more frequent between them in recent months, crossing the line from professional to something neither of them had fully defined.
“You look exhausted, Jenna.When was the last time you slept?”
“I’m fine,” she said automatically, then softened at his skeptical look.“But it has been a while.”
The truth was, she’d barely slept four hours in the last two days.The case had her mind spinning with possibilities, theories, connections—not to mention the dreams that had been more intense lately.
“But we’re not finished yet,” she added.
“Where to first?The mayor’s or the station?”
Before Jenna could answer, her phone rang again.She glanced at the screen, a small smile forming despite her fatigue.
“Frank,” she said by way of greeting as she answered.
