“We’ll answer that one,” she said with relief.Colonel Chadwick “Chad” Spelling, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was one of the law-enforcement people she genuinely respected—and one of only six people who knew about her gift.
“Colonel Spelling,” Jenna said when Jake accepted the call for her.“You’re on speakerphone, and Jake’s here too.
“Sheriff Graves,” his deep voice replied.“Deputy Hawkins.I've received word there's been another murder in Trentville.Thought I'd check in personally.”
“Yes,” Jenna confirmed.“Claudia Kingsley was found this morning.We're headed to speak with her estranged husband now.”
“Is there anything the Highway Patrol can assist with?”
“Not yet, but I may need your help as the investigation develops.The body was uniquely disguised and posed.Jake can send you the photos.”
They were all quiet while Jake passed along the images.After a few moments Spelling asked, “Have you had any dreams about this one, Sheriff?”
“No, I haven’t,” Jenna replied.“But there's something else you should know.My sister, Piper, is home after twenty years.”
“Your twin?”Spelling's surprise was evident.“The one who disappeared when you were teenagers?”
“Yes.And Colonel, she has abilities similar to mine, except she experiences them while awake.She did have a vision about having to cut open a wolf’s belly.So far, she hasn’t given us much to go on, but...”
“But the fact that she can do that is something,” Spelling finished for her.“Your gift has proven valuable.I suspect your sister's might be equally important.”He paused.“Sheriff Graves, I want you to know that if you need backup—officially or otherwise—you have my full support.”
The sincerity in his voice touched her.“Thank you, Colonel.That means a lot.”
After ending the call, Jake commented, “We're almost there.”He indicated a sign near the road that boasted “Creating Natural Beauty Since 2008,” though Jenna knew Keir Kingsley had only purchased the established business five years ago.
Kingsley Landscape Design occupied what had once been a small farmhouse on the outskirts of Trentville.When she pulled her cruiser into the gravel lot, neatly manicured demonstration gardens welcomed them with a burst of late-season blooms.
The business was a glass-fronted showroom attached to the original structure, the transformation from home to office space evident in strategic additions.A series of greenhouses gleamed in the midday sun behind it, and there was a larger outbuilding that likely housed equipment and supplies.
“Quite the operation,” Jake remarked, surveying the property as they stepped out of the vehicle.“For someone who always struck me as more talk than substance.”
“Keir knows how to present himself,” Jenna agreed.“Whether there's anything below the surface remains to be seen.”
They approached the entrance, stepping through double glass doors into a reception area that smelled of fresh soil and greenery.Potted specimens lined the walls, each tagged with a description and care instructions.A three-tiered fountain burbled softly in one corner, the sound of water creating an atmosphere of tranquility that Jenna knew was calculated to loosen clients' purse strings.Several landscape design portfolios lay open on a reclaimed wood coffee table, surrounded by comfortable-looking armchairs.
Behind a curved desk of polished maple sat a woman with shoulder-length auburn hair, typing rapidly on a keyboard.She looked up as they entered, and Jenna recognized her as Grace Thompson.The woman who, according to town gossip, had been romantically involved with Keir Kingsley for at least six months before his separation from Claudia.
“Sheriff Graves,” Grace said, rising from her chair.She wore a fitted green dress that matched the company's logo colors, with a silver pendant hanging at her throat.“And Deputy Hawkins.We were expecting you.”Her eyes darted between them, anxiety crossing her features before she composed herself.“Thank you for calling ahead.”
“Ms.Thompson,” Jenna acknowledged.“We’re here to see Mr.Kingsley.I assume he’s available now.”
“Yes, he's in his office,” Grace replied, smoothing down the front of her dress in a nervous gesture.“He cleared his schedule after your call.He seemed...concerned.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Can I get you anything?Coffee?Water?”Grace asked.
“No, thank you,” Jenna said.“We won't be staying long.”
“All right, then,” Grace replied a bit too quickly.“This way please.”She led them through an archway into a hallway lined with framed photographs of elaborate gardens and landscaped estates—Keir's portfolio displayed for maximum impact.Jenna noticed that Grace’s steps were quick and tense, her shoulders rigid beneath the fitted dress.
“How long have you worked for Mr.Kingsley, Ms.Thompson?”Jenna asked as they walked.
Grace glanced back, her lips pressed into a thin line.“Almost three years now.”She paused before a door at the end of the corridor.“He's expecting you,” she said, knocking once before opening it.
Keir Kingsley's office was designed to be impressive.One entire wall was glass, overlooking a Japanese-inspired garden complete with a small koi pond and carefully pruned bonsai trees.The remaining walls held architectural drawings of landscape designs alongside certificates and industry awards.His desk was a massive slab of live-edge walnut, positioned to frame him against the garden view.
Keir rose as they entered, a man in his early forties with the kind of sculpted good looks that came from both favorable genetics and careful maintenance.His dark hair was artfully styled with just the right amount of silver at the temples to suggest experience without age.He wore a tailored gray shirt with the sleeves rolled to reveal tanned forearms, khaki trousers, and leather boots that looked expensive but practical enough for site visits.
