Page 24 of Silent Trail

Sheila's heart pounded in her chest, sweat beading on her forehead as she scanned the crowd for any sign of Jade. The room buzzed with quiet conversations, whispers of grief and loss floating through the air like a somber melody. Her eyes locked onto a figure near the back, slipping through a door just as it began to close.

"Jade!" Sheila called, ignoring the frowning faces that turned toward her. She pushed through the sea of mourners, fighting her way to the far side of the room.

As she reached the door through which Jade had disappeared, she hesitated only a moment before yanking it open and stepping into the dimly lit hallway. She peered into the darkness, catching a glimpse of Jade's form disappearing around another corner.

"Stop, Jade! I just want to talk!" Sheila shouted, her voice echoing through the empty corridor as she sprinted after the fleeing suspect.

Her lungs burned, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she rounded the corner. A large exercise room loomed ahead, filled with rows of treadmills, stationary bikes, and weightlifting equipment. The walls were lined with mirrors, reflecting the fluorescent lights that flickered overhead.

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, her eyes darting around the room for any sign of Jade. The once pristine gym now felt like a maze, a labyrinth of machines and shadows that could hide her quarry all too well.

"Where are you?" Sheila whispered to herself, scanning the room with determination. She knew Jade couldn't have gone far, but every second that ticked by felt like an eternity. If Jade had already left the room, then every second Sheila spent here would only allow Jade to increase her lead.

She took a few tentative steps forward, navigating the maze of equipment as she searched for the elusive wrestler. "I just want to talk, Jade. That's all."

The scent of sweat and disinfectant permeated the air, a familiar aroma that normally brought her comfort but now only heightened her unease. The whir of the air conditioning above was the only sound that accompanied her footsteps, the silence otherwise oppressive.

"Please," she continued, her voice strained with desperation. "I'm not here to hurt you."

A flicker of movement in one of the mirrors caught her eye, and she spun around just in time to see Jade lunging at her. Sheila's instincts kicked in, and she raised her arms to block the powerful blow aimed at her face. Jade's solid frame collided with hers, the impact reverberating through Sheila's body.

"Get off me!" Sheila said, pushing Jade back with all her strength. The wrestler snarled, determined to pin Sheila to the ground, her muscles straining against Sheila's resistance. Sheila knew she needed distance—the close proximity favored Jade's grappling expertise.

A swift kick to Jade's midsection sent her stumbling backward, buying Sheila the space she desperately needed. A moment later, however, Jade was lunging toward her again, her face twisted with rage.

Sheila deflected her attack with a well-timed side-step, then retaliated with a series of quick jabs and kicks, each one expertly aimed to keep Jade at bay.

"Enough!" Sheila said, trying to establish control of the situation. "I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to!"

As their eyes locked, something shifted in Jade's gaze—a flicker of uncertainty, perhaps even vulnerability. But just as quickly, it vanished, replaced once more by the steely determination that defined her. Her hands clenched into fists, her eyes darting around the room for an advantage. Her gaze locked onto a dumbbell resting on the floor nearby.

"Jade, don't!" Sheila warned, recognizing the danger in her opponent's eyes. But it was already too late. Jade lunged for the dumbbell, gripping it tightly in her hand before swinging it at Sheila with all her might.

Sheila, acting entirely on instinct, jerked her body to the side. The dumbbell whizzed past her, missing her head by mere inches as it flew from Jade's hand. Jade had over-committed, the heavyweight dragging her body forward, and Sheila took advantage of the opportunity. Grasping Jade's arm, she twisted it behind her back, immobilizing her. Jade grunted in pain, but Sheila held firm.

"Let me go!" Jade demanded, her voice dark with fury. She tried to wriggle from Sheila's grasp, but Sheila clung to her, knowing that if she allowed Jade to escape, this fight could turn around in a hurry.

"Okay," Jade said softly. "I surrender. Just, please—my arm's really hurting."

Sheila relaxed her hold just a little. In the same moment, Jade jerked her arm free, twisting away. Sheila was ready for just such an attempt, however. Anticipating Jade's move, she tripped the wrestler, sending her sprawling to the ground. Before Jade could recover, Sheila knelt on her back, pinning her down with practiced ease.

"Jade Larson, you're under arrest," she said, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she snapped the handcuffs around the other woman's wrists.

Just then, the door to the exercise room burst open, and Finn Mercer stumbled in, water dripping from his hair and clothes. His soaked jacket clung to his body, making him look like a drowned rat–but a determined one.

"Mac, are you alright?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room, taking in the sight of Jade pinned beneath Sheila.

"Oh, just peachy," she said, her muscles straining to keep Jade restrained. Despite her apparent fear moments earlier, Jade's anger had reignited, fueling her renewed attempts to break free.

Sheila pulled Jade to her feet. "Let's get to the station," she said. "We've got some questions to ask you about Kristen Lee."

"Kristen?" Jade laughed bitterly. "She deserved what she got, and if you think I'm going to feel sorry for her for one second, then you can think again!"

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Sheila was still mulling over Jade's words about Kristen getting what she deserved when Finn stepped out of the sheriff's department locker room. She couldn't help but notice how sharp he looked in his borrowed uniform. The night sky outside cast a silvery glow through the narrow windows, accentuating the creases and lines of the crisp, navy blue fabric.

"Sorry about the wait," Finn said, adjusting the collar of his uniform. "Had to borrow this one from a friend since mine got soaked."

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