Hidden Shadows (The Shadow Series Book 1)

TWENTY-TWO

Four and a half hours after beginning the trip, Jenna pulled up the steep driveway to a beautiful two-story cabin in a remote cluster of homes atop the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This particular cabin—Bruce and Annette's—reminded her of Ben's home with its dark wood and rustic feel.

Jenna climbed out of the car, irritated she'd had to drive the unreliable squeaker on the long trip. You'd think with as much money as she shelled out to insurance each month, they could spare her a better rental. Her Jeep still wasn't ready, though Ben had promised he'd check on its status while she was away.

Taking in the view, she let the mountain air fill her lungs. Thinking of Leigh, she gulped an extra breath, grateful she was able to, overcome Leigh couldn't enjoy it and might never again.

Jenna had pleaded with Officer Cooley to let her go to the hospital and pay her respects to Leigh, to Eddie, but he'd forbidden it. So had Lieutenant Parks.

After learning Leigh had filled in at Jenna's class that evening, both men were certain Jenna had been the intended target. In the dark, the killer obviously made a mistake, or was angry at botched plans. Cooley insisted coming to visit was too risky.

Jenna almost ignored his instructions, almost did what she knew was her duty, to personally come and apologize to Leigh and her family. If it weren't for Jenna, Leigh wouldn't be fighting for her life. She'd been intent on it until Ben brought up the children. For their sakes, if nothing else, she couldn't afford to put herself in harm's way. So instead, she'd packed up and headed to the hideaway, hoping the guilt and fear couldn't reach her here.

As Jenna ducked inside the car, unbuckled Dawson from his seat and gave Jacy permission to get out and look around, she stated very clearly, "Be careful. It's very different here than at home, guys. You can't run and play without me right beside you, okay? I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself with nobody around to help you."

Both of them nodded, stood dutifully by while she popped open the trunk, lugged their bags out.

Abruptly, she peered down, yelled "Race ya!" before dashing off while two small voices squealed in excitement and four little feet rushed to catch up.

When she reached the door in third and last place, Jenna fished for the appropriate key on the ring, slipped it in the lock, and turned. Dawson pushed open the thick door and hurried inside.

"Wow! This is as big as the Jedi Temple!"

She followed him in, smiling. And while she didn't know about its comparison to the temple, it was quite an impressive and expansive space. An open living and kitchen area managed to be cozy while boasting plenty of space and seats for two dozen bodies. A floor to ceiling stone fireplace served as the handsome focal point of the dual rooms, with a hearth thick and wide enough to hold a grown man. A slim flat screen, comfy furniture in earthy tones and appropriate woodsy décor completed the charm.

They needed this so much. She needed this so much. To get away. To unwind. To have fun . . . to hide. She'd have to find a way to make it up to the Astons, to Ben for thinking of it, suggesting it, to Bruce and Annette for generously offering it.

"Mom, you have to come see this!"

She followed the excited cry down a long hall to a generous master suite and bathroom with a tub the size of Texas. "It's like a pool!" Jacy beamed with wide, amazed eyes.

"You're gonna have some fun in that, aren't you?"

Jacy laughed with anticipation and climbed in the deep tub. "Can we put bubbles in it?"