Page 2 of In Her Grasp

“I know you’re a skeptic about these things,” Cassie’s laugh was light, unbothered.

Jenna had to restrain a chuckle at being called a skeptic. If only Cassie knew the truth about her! But only two people in the world knew about her paranormal dreams, and she wanted to keep it that way, at least for now.

“It’s not about the cards, Jenna,” Cassie added. “It’s about what they help us see. My intuition taps into something deeper, and it hasn’t steered me wrong yet.”

Cassie leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And speaking of seeing, there’s something about the way Jake looks at you—”

“Jake is my deputy, Cass. That’s all,” Jenna said quickly. “It would be unprofessional …”

“Sure,” Cassie persisted, a knowing smile curving her lips. “But there’s an energy there, Jenna. Anyone with eyes can spot it.”

Jenna bit her lip, wanting to change the subject, pondering whether to confide in Cassie about the dream that had haunted her sleep the night before.

“Is something else on your mind?” Cassie asked, her head tilted in genuine concern. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“It’s nothing, really.” Jenna shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Just had this odd dream last night.”

Cassie’s eyes sparkled with immediate interest, her posture shifting forward, her costume sparkling in the light. “Do tell,” she urged.

“Alright, but it’s not as exciting as your usual fare.” Jenna took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “I dreamed Iwas walking by the ocean. It was peaceful, serene even. There was this woman, kind of out of place, standing there looking out at the water. She was holding a bird, gently, like it was precious to her.”

“Interesting,” Cassie murmured, her expression thoughtful.

Jenna continued, her voice measured, “It was a sandpiper, Cassie. You know, one of those gray-ish birds with long legs you can sometimes see running around on a beach.”

“Sounds lovely,” Cassie replied, leaning back with a smile. “Dreams about the ocean can be about exploring your emotions, finding clarity.”

“That sandpiper, it seemed... important. But the whole thing was just so tranquil. I woke up feeling like I’d been somewhere else entirely.”

“And the sandpiper?” Cassie suggested. “Maybe it symbolizes something—or someone—fragile that needs your care.”

“Could be,” Jenna said, allowing herself a small nod.

Cassie leaned forward, her bracelets jangling with the motion. “The sandpiper,” she said, “isn’t just a bird in your dream, Jenna. It’s a symbol, a guide.”

“How do you mean?”

“Sandpipers are known for their resilience, for navigating treacherous tides. It’s no coincidence it appeared to you, Jenna. Think about it—the sandpiper could be nudging you towards something... or someone.”

“Someone?” Jenna echoed.

“Exactly … like Piper, perhaps? After all, her name …”

Jenna shivered slightly at the mention of her twin sister, who had mysteriously disappeared 20 years ago. Of course, the possibility that the word “sandpiper” might have something to do with Piper had already occurred to her. The question of whether Piper was alive or dead was the greatest mystery of Jenna’s life.

When Jenna made no reply, Cassie pressed on, her tone gentle but insistent, “Your twin has always been a part of you, Jenna, even now after all these years. Could this dream be a sign regarding her? “

“Maybe,” Jenna finally conceded. “But we’ve had so many false starts trying to find her, dead ends...”

“True,” Cassie acknowledged, nodding slowly, “but the dream came to you, not me. And you, my dear sheriff, have always had some kind of sensitivity, a special knack for uncovering things hidden in plain sight.”

“So, Cassie,” she began with feigned nonchalance, “since you’re so tuned into the other side, what’s your psychic take on where Piper might be?”

Cassie’s eyebrows arched, her lips parting as if to catch the seriousness beneath Jenna’s jest.

“Sorry, Jenna,” she said. “I’m afraid there are limits to my insights.”

“That’s okay,” Jenna allowed herself a chuckle, though it sounded hollow even to her own ears. “Anyway, right now I have to get on with my day,” she said, pushing back from the table. “I need to check on Mom before I go back to the station.”

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