Page 49 of In Her Wake
“Yes, I heard about that.That’s tragic, certainly.But is this something more than a personal issue of some kind?”
“Before we found her body, we found a mannequin with her face sitting at her kitchen table, wearing her clothes,” Jenna continued.“A perfect replica, positioned as if she were having morning coffee.And this morning, we discovered another mannequin in Pinecrest—this one resembling Kevin Torres, a local fitness trainer who is now missing.”
Claire’s posture shifted slightly.“Two victims?Two … you said … copies of them?”
“At least two,” Jake added.“In both cases, the mannequins were crafted with extraordinary detail—museum quality, according to a sculptor we consulted.And we have reason to believe there may have been previous victims we don’t know about yet.”
“The warning was necessary,” Jenna said, her tone softening slightly.“We don’t know who the killer will target next, but we know they’re selecting people who’ve recently had some public recognition for career achievements.People who are, in a sense, at their peak.”
Claire stood abruptly, walking to the window that overlooked the town square.When she spoke again, her voice had lost its edge.
“This is...deeply disturbing.”She turned back to face them.“And you believe this person is still active?Still in our community?”
“We have a suspect in custody in Pinecrest,” Jenna explained.“But I’m not convinced he’s our killer.The murders were meticulous, carefully planned.Our suspect doesn’t fit that profile.”
Claire returned to her desk, sinking into her chair.“These things are happening too often.Local people becoming serial killers … a human trafficking ring … “ She shook her head.“And now a...what do you even call this?A mannequin murderer?”
Jenna recognized the burden weighing on the mayor.For all their differences, Claire Simmons cared deeply about Trentville and its people.Each incident chipped away at her vision of the safe, prosperous community she’d promised her voters.
“People are starting to talk, Sheriff,” Claire continued, her voice quieter now.“About Genesius County.About whether there’s something wrong with this place.Tourism is down fifteen percent from last year.Two families backed out of home purchases last month, citing ‘safety concerns.’“ She gestured toward the window.“This town depends on its reputation.”
“We’re doing everything we can,” Jenna assured her.“We’ve caught the killers in previous cases and we intend to capture this one.”
Claire’s gaze fixed on Jenna, suddenly intent and searching.“Some people say that you have a gift for these cases.That you see things others miss.”A hint of desperation crept into her voice.“That sometimes it’s almost like you know things you shouldn’t be able to know.”
“I follow the evidence,” Jenna said carefully.“And my instincts.”
“Well, I need whatever magic you possess right now, Sheriff.I need this killer caught before anyone else turns up as a...a mannequin.”
“We’ll find them,” Jake promised.
Claire nodded, then straightened her already-straight papers.“Keep me informed.Directly.No more surprises, understood?”
“Yes, Mayor,” Jenna agreed, rising to her feet.
As they turned to leave, Claire added, “And Sheriff?Be careful.I don’t want to find a mannequin with your face next.”
The statement, delivered in Claire’s usual clipped tone, nonetheless carried an undercurrent of genuine concern that surprised Jenna.She nodded in acknowledgment before following Jake into the hallway.
Outside the mayor’s office, Jake let out a low whistle.“That was almost cordial by the end.I think you might be growing on her.”
“Nothing like a serial killer to bring people together,” Jenna replied.
“We should check in on Harry Powell,” Jake suggested as they reached his car.
Jenna agreed.When they reached the Powell house, yellow crime scene tape still clung to the porch railing.Even so, what had been a crime scene that morning—clinical, procedural, crawling with investigators—had transformed back into a home.Officer Maria Delgado met them at the door, her usually warm features drawn with fatigue.She stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind her to speak privately.
“How’s he holding up?”Jenna asked.
"As well as can be expected," Maria replied, her voice low."Late this morning, I went to his brother's house and broke the news to him there.He...didn't take it well, obviously.Collapsed at first, then got angry, then just went quiet."She glanced back at the house."Then he came home, and I came here with him."
“Has Harry said anything useful?”Jake asked.
Maria shook her head.“He’s mostly been asking the same questions over and over.How did she die?Did she suffer?When can he see her body?The usual things people ask when they’re trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense.”
“And the mannequin?”Jenna asked.
“Removed to evidence lockup, as you ordered,” Maria confirmed.
