Page 61 of In Her Memory

Jenna leaned forward. “Mrs. McElmurray—Ruth—I’m here because we’re concerned about your safety. With everything that’s happened— “

“Donna’s fall and Boyd’s heart attack,” Ruth finished. “Yes, I heard. Very unfortunate.” Her expression didn’t change. “But I don’t see what either has to do with me leaving my home.”

Jenna chose her words carefully. “We’re still investigating both incidents. Until we’re certain what happened— “

“You think someone killed them,” Ruth said bluntly. “That’s why you’re moving everyone out. You’re afraid there’s a killer on the loose.”

Jenna hesitated, weighing honesty against discretion. “We’re exploring all possibilities,” she said finally. “Including the chance that someone might have had a hand in both deaths. And until we know for sure, we’d feel better if all the residents were somewhere safe.”

Ruth studied her for a long moment. “I’ve lived in this town for eighty-three years, Sheriff. I’ve survived floods, tornadoes, and the winter of ’78 when the power was out for two weeks.” She shook her head. “I’m not leaving because of what might be.”

“The Trentville Inn is very comfortable,” Jenna offered. “We’ve arranged rooms for everyone. It would just be for a night or two, until—”

“No,” Ruth said firmly. “This is my home. I’ve paid good money for it, and I’ve no intention of being scared out of it by rumors or possibilities.” She reached for her book again. “If that’s all, Sheriff, I have reading to do.”

Jenna opened her mouth to continue, but a knock at the door interrupted her. Before either woman could respond, the door opened to reveal Jake, his expression tight with urgency.

“Sheriff,” he said, eyes darting to Ruth. “Could I speak with you for a moment? It’s important.”

Jenna rose, offering Ruth an apologetic smile. “Excuse me for just a moment.”

She stepped into the hallway, pulling the door partially closed behind her. “What is it?” she asked, keeping her voice low. “Did you find something in the passages?”

Jake’s excitement was barely contained. “Baldry and I just finished exploring the entire network,” he said. “Ray’s plans were a huge help.”

“Any sign someone’s been using them recently?” Jenna asked.

“The dust in most of the passages was pretty thick,” Jake said. “It looked disturbed in places, like someone had been moving through them. There’s definitely an entrance into Donna Marsh’s apartment—that’s obviously how he got in. And there’s another one opening into the bedroom of Ruth’s apartment—complete with its own camera obscura.”

“Her apartment too?”

“Along with five others. But here’s the thing that doesn’t make sense—we searched every inch of those passages, and there’s no way in or out of the building. They’re completely self-contained. So how is our killer getting in and out? If not through the passages...”

“Either there are more passages that Ray didn’t know about—ones with an exit to the outside—or our killer has another way in.”

“Have you had any luck with Ruth?” Jake asked, glancing at the partially closed door.

Jenna shook her head. “She’s not budging. Says she’s survived worse and has no intention of being scared out of her home.”

“We could make it an official order,” Jake suggested. “For her own protection.”

“And have her fight us every step of the way?” Jenna countered. “You know how that would go—lawyers, court orders, the works. By the time we got her out, our killer could be long gone.”

“So, what’s the plan?” Jake asked. “We can’t just leave her here as bait.”

“Maybe we don’t have to,” she said slowly. “Maybe there’s another way.” She thought for another moment, then added, “I’ve got an idea. But you’re not going to like it.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Jenna took a deep breath, then started explaining to Jake. “I think we should tell Ruth the truth—all of it. About the passages, the camera obscura, everything.”

“Are you serious? We’ve been keeping this under wraps all day.”

“I know,” Jenna said. “But Ruth isn’t going anywhere—you heard her. And she’s sharp enough to figure things out on her own. So instead of fighting her, let’s bring her in.” She leaned closer. “We’ll explain about the passages. Then we’ll ask her to help us—not by leaving, but by staying in another apartment for the night. With Maria watching over her.”

Jake’s expression shifted from surprise to confusion. “What good would that do?”

“The killer will think Ruth’s the only one left,” Jenna explained. “Everyone knows she refused to leave. By now, the word has gotten all over Trentville. So, if he’s planning another attack, that’s where he’ll go—through the passage into her bedroom.” She paused. “But he won’t find Ruth there. He’ll find me.”