Page 11 of In Her Path

Ellison sat, back straight, hands resting on her knees. Her uniform was impeccably pressed, her shoes polished to a shine. She’d transferred to Genesius County just six months ago, but already Jake had seen how her methodical approach to investigations complemented Jenna’s more intuitive style.

“We’ve got a sensitive assignment,” Jenna said, leaning forward. “As I’m sure you know, Curtis Paige was found murdered last night at City Hall. Mayor Simmons has authorized us to search his office and review his files, but we’ve got to keep this investigation clean and by-the-book.”

“I understand,” Ellison said, her expression unchanging. “What specifically do you need from me?”

“We need someone to document everything in his office—what’s there, what’s missing, any unusual patterns in his record-keeping. If there’s financial information, especially anything that might indicate motive, that’s priority one.”

"Understood," Ellison said. “Time frame?”

“You’ll have to be the judge of that. But definitely as quickly as possible.”

“Do you want everything brought back here, or should I photograph and leave the originals in place?”

Jake admired the question. It showed Ellison understood both the investigative needs and the political realities of the situation.

“Photograph everything,” Jenna replied. “Bring back anything that looks potentially relevant to motive or that might be related to council business. We’ll return the originals after we’ve had time to review. Take along an evidence tech to assist with photography and bagging.”

Ellison stood, tucking the folder under her arm. “I’ll have everything documented and accounted for. Thank you for the assignment, Sheriff.”

After Ellison left, closing the door quietly behind her, Jake turned to Jenna. “She’s something else.”

“The woman’s like a human spreadsheet,” Jenna agreed, admiration in her voice. “But in the best possible way.”

They fell into a comfortable silence. Jake studied Jenna’s face—the way her mouth curved slightly even at rest, the faint lines at the corners of her eyes that appeared when she laughed. He’d memorized all of it without meaning to.

“So,” he said finally, his voice softer. “We’ve been planning to talk. About us.”

Jenna’s eyes met his. “I know.”

“It’s not a great time,” he acknowledged. “With the case, and Piper being back, and everything else.”

“No,” she agreed. “It’s not.”

“But it’s never going to be a good time, is it?” Jake hesitated, then plunged ahead. “We’ve been doing this dance for what, two years now? We’ve grown closer, our feelings for each other have gotten harder to hide. But we never face any of that full on. Something always comes up—a murder, a crisis, a political firestorm.”

“But what kind of life could we have together? Considering everything?”

“I’ve never wanted ordinary with you, Jenna. But I do want something that feels sustainable. Something that doesn’t keep getting put on hold whenever the next emergency arrives.”

“I want that too. But my life isn’t going to change. The cases will keep coming. The dreams too. And now with Piper back...” She trailed off, then spoke softly. “But Jake, please don’t give up and go away. I don’t know how I’d deal with that.”

She held his gaze for a long moment, and Jake felt that familiar pull—the sense that, despite all the reasons this shouldn’t work, this was worth fighting for.

“Not going anywhere, at least not now. Jenna, I’ve never felt this way before, that someone could be a companion in every sense of the word—working partner, best friend, most attractive woman I’ve ever known—and that just can’t be the end of it.”

Jenna fell silent. “Can we please table this for now?” she said finally. “We’ve got a murderer to catch and a mayor breathing down our necks. But I will stop avoiding…the question of us… I promise.”

Jake took a deep breath. “Agreed,” he said, reluctantly shifting back to professional mode. “So, what’s next on the list?”

“I was thinking we need to talk with Agnes Freelander,” Jenna suggested. “She’s been reporting on Trentville politics since before either of us was born. If anyone knows the players and the grudges, it’s her.”

“That’s a good idea,” Jake said.

“Let’s head over to the Weekly News,” Jenna said, already reaching for her keys.

As they left the office, Jake found himself wondering, not for the first time, if they’d ever find the right moment—or if they’d have to create it themselves, case or no case, dreams or no dreams.

*