Page 30 of In Her Bed
The mayor’s mouth opened, then closed abruptly.For a moment, the only sound in the office was the gentle hum of the air conditioning.
“Let me be clear about something,” Jenna continued, her emerald eyes focused intently on Claire.“You are not my boss.We are both elected officials with different responsibilities to the people of this town and this county.My responsibility is to uphold the law and keep them safe—not to manage public relations.”
The words struck with precision.Claire sat back, her expression shifting from anger to something more complex—perhaps respect, perhaps resignation.
After a long moment, she sighed, the sound weary and unexpectedly human.“You’re right.”She rubbed her temple.“I’m sorry, Jenna.That was...unprofessional of me.”
The apology surprised Jenna, who had braced for further confrontation.Claire rarely backed down.She responded with a nod.
“It’s been a difficult month,” Claire continued, some of her usual steel giving way to vulnerability.“These recent murder cases bring out my worst tendencies.”She glanced between Jenna and Jake.“My tendency to control everything, I mean.”
Then the mayor added, her voice softer now.“I do appreciate what you both do,” “Especially after what you did for Clyde.I haven’t forgotten that.”
The mention of Claire’s brother—whose murder Jenna had solved—shifted the atmosphere in the room.It was a reminder of their shared history, of the complex web that connected them beyond their professional roles.
“I was doing my job,” Jenna said simply, but without the edge that had colored her earlier statements.
“Yes, well.”Claire straightened a pen on her desk.“You do it well, even when it complicates my life.”
It was as close to a compliment as Claire was likely to offer, and Jenna accepted it with a nod.
“Keep me informed,” Claire said, her tone returning to its usual efficiency.“Properly informed, not through the evening news.And if there’s anything the mayor’s office can do to assist the investigation, let me know.”
“We will,” Jenna assured her, rising from her chair.Jake followed suit.
As they moved toward the door, Claire called after them.“And Jenna?Be careful with this one.Something about it feels...different.”
Jenna paused, struck by the genuine concern in Claire’s voice.“We always are.”
The door closed behind them with a soft click, and the tension that had filled the office didn’t follow them into the corridor.Jake exhaled slowly as they walked toward the exit.
“That went better than expected,” he observed quietly.
“Surprisingly so,” Jenna agreed.“Though I’m not sure what prompted the change of heart.”
“Maybe she’s finally recognizing that we’re on the same side.”Jake’s voice held a hint of optimism that Jenna couldn’t quite share.
They stepped outside into the cool evening air.The town square was quiet, storefronts closing for the night, a few pedestrians making their way home.
“Frank’s expecting us,” Jenna said, checking her watch.
The thought of visiting Frank Doyle offered a welcome respite.Frank’s steady presence and experienced perspective had guided Jenna through countless difficult cases.Tonight, she needed that guidance more than usual.
As they settled into the patrol car, Jake behind the wheel, Jenna’s phone rang.The caller ID displayed Chief Morgan’s name.
“Sheriff Graves,” she answered, putting the call on speaker for Jake to hear.
“Sheriff, glad I caught you.”Morgan’s voice crackled through the speaker, vibrating with excitement.“We’ve got developments.That warrant paid off big time—Lynch’s inventory is full of stolen merchandise.And we just picked up Mickey Guest toting around a backpack full of electronics.Guest just got out three months ago, and he’s already back to his old tricks.”
Jake raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Jenna.
“That’s good work, Chief,” Jenna said.“What’s Guest saying?”
“Nothing yet—lawyered up immediately.But we’ve got him dead to rights on the stolen goods.I’m telling you, we’re closing in on this murder.Lynch and Guest are up to their necks in this.”
Jenna noted the chief’s enthusiasm with caution.“What’s Colonel Spelling’s take?”
A brief hesitation.“Spelling thinks we need more,” Morgan admitted reluctantly.“Says the connection to the murder is still circumstantial.But I can feel it—we’re on the right track.”
