After saying goodbye, Jenna fell silent, turning the phrase over in her mind.“She lives in the twilight,” she murmured.“What do you think it means?”
Jake shook his head.“Could be literal—someone who's only active at dusk.Could be metaphorical—someone living between two worlds, or in some kind of limbo.”
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the Pinecrest Family Wellness Center.The building was modern, with large windows reflecting the afternoon sun and a small garden with benches at the entrance.
Inside, the reception area was painted in soothing blues and greens, with comfortable chairs arranged around low tables scattered with magazines.A young woman looked up from behind the desk as they entered.
“Can I help you?”she asked, her smile cautious as she noted Jenna's uniform.
“Sheriff Graves and Deputy Hawkins from Genesius County,” Jenna said, showing her badge.“We'd like to speak with Dana Schultz if she's available.”
The receptionist checked her computer.“Dr.Schultz is just finishing a session.She should be free in about ten minutes.Would you like to wait?”
“We would, thank you.”Jenna chose a seat with a clear view of both the entrance and the hallway leading further into the building.Jake sat beside her, thumbing through a psychology journal without really reading it.
“What are you hoping to learn from her?”he asked in a low voice.
“Any clue to whether Rebecca was targeted randomly or for a specific reason,” Jenna replied.“And whether that reason connects her to Claudia Kingsley.”
Before Jake could respond, a door opened down the hallway, and a woman in her forties with a short brown bob and glasses emerged, escorting a teenager to the reception desk.After scheduling a follow-up appointment and saying goodbye to her patient, the woman approached Jenna and Jake.
“Sheriff Graves?I'm Dana Schultz.”She extended her hand.“My receptionist said you wanted to speak with me.”
“Yes, thank you for making time,” Jenna said, rising to shake her hand.“This is Deputy Hawkins.Is there somewhere we could talk privately?”
Dana gestured toward her office.“Of course.Follow me.”
Her office was warm and inviting, with plants on the windowsill and children's artwork framed on the walls.Dana took a seat behind her desk, motioning for them to sit in the chairs opposite.
“Have they found Rebecca?”she asked immediately, hope in her voice.
Jenna hesitated, sharing a glance with Jake.“We have,” she said carefully.“But I’m afraid it’s not good news.She was found dead.”
Dana gasped, bringing her hand to her mouth.“Oh my God.Rebecca.What happened?”
“That’s what we’re investigating.It looks like she was murdered.”
“Murdered?Are you sure it’s her?”
“We’re sure,” Jenna said.“I can’t give you any more details yet.The death is under investigation.”
Dana looked stricken, her face blanching.“I can’t believe it.I just can’t believe it.”Her voice shook.“Who would do this to her?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Jenna said.“Any information you can give us will help track the killer.”
Tears welled in Dana’s eyes.“Of course,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.“I’ll answer anything you need.”
“Did Rebecca ever mention knowing a woman named Claudia Kingsley?”Jenna asked, watching Dana's face carefully.
Recognition showed in Dana's eyes.“Yes, she did, actually.They were both part of a focus group a couple of weeks ago.For a book that was being considered for publication by the Ozark State University Press.”
Jenna leaned forward, her pulse quickening.“Could you tell us more about this focus group?”
Dana adjusted her glasses.“The university press occasionally assembles focus groups to evaluate children's literature before publication.Rebecca was asked to participate because of her expertise in child psychology.They wanted her professional opinion on whether a particular book was appropriate for young readers.And I believe Claudia is a schoolteacher.”
“What was the book?”Jake asked.
“It was called 'Loyalynne,'“ Dana replied.“By Vivian Crane.”