allow herself to be distracted, even if her plan—this whole thing—was far-fetched.
If the authorities, from local law enforcement all the way up to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security, hadn't been able to find the truth, how the hell did she think she could?
Maybe her mother's brain wasn't the only one rotted by alcohol. Jenna had given that up, too.. .just a month ago, but who was counting? It was nothing but time, and according to everyone else she'd wasted plenty already. Besides, she couldn't possibly have given up smoking and drinking simultaneously. She regretted her detour into those particular bad habits but, at the time, the diversions had seemed necessary.
Giving herself grace, she had dredged up the fortitude to quit one and then the other just as she'd managed to never give up her quest. That was more than she could say for the people who supposedly cared about her.
The idea that he had stopped believing hurt more than all the others who'd done the same put together.
She would show all of them. Refusing to give up had paid off. A sense of giddiness flitted along every nerve ending. The truth was close...so very close. She could feel it. This time, she wasn't wrong.
"Miss Thomas."
At first Jenna didn't acknowledge the greeting. It still took her by surprise when anyone referred to her by that name. Jane Thomas. For this, she was Jane Thomas. A whole new identity was required. Shoring up her determination, she turned to find the facility's administrator waiting, the door she needed to get past open, inviting her to the other side.. .to her. Jenna's heart fluttered and her stomach did one of those crazy flip -flops.
She was here. This time was different from all the other failed attempts.
Jenna produced a smile that was as counterfeit as the story she'd given the man who was now gifting her with the opportunity for which she had waited six long weeks. "I was beginning to think I'd gotten the time wrong, Dr. Hancock.”
Inside, she cringed at the lame response. God, she was tired. And desperate for the truth and for things forbidden to her. Like booze and smokes and him—the man she'd once trusted and loved with all her heart. The same one who'd turned his back on her and this search.
"We had an unexpected staff meeting. I apologize for the delay, Miss Thomas. Follow me, please."
"Thank you." A new kind of anticipation fired through her. The moment she had waited for was at hand. But what if the unexpected staff meeting was about her? What if they were on to her and.?
Stop, Jenna. Just stop.
A smile that hurt her heart tugged at her lips. She sounded like him. Some tiny part of her wondered where he was today. She hadn't seen or spoken to him in nearly a year. Not since the last time.
Focus, Jenna. You have to focus.
Settling her attention on the man in front of her, she considered what she had learned about him and this secretive institute. Dr. Stuart Hancock was well north of retirement age and ruled this facility as if it were his kingdom and the residents his subjects. There was nothing about his frame or face that could be called powerful or distinguished. He looked like someone's chubby uncle or older brother. A round, jolly sort of fellow who dressed up like Santa Claus each year to entertain the kiddies.
Except there was nothing soft or jovial about the man, according to Reginald Waters, the person who had given her hope and, more importantly, help. Hancock was reportedly stern and stubborn, especially when it came to protecting those under his dominion. Jenna had learned a great deal from Waters. She hoped she could trust what he'd shared with her. And though Hancock might not be the monster who stole Jenna's life all those years ago, he was the gatekeeper now. He had been for several years. The idea tore at her soul. All these years and she hadn't known.
She drew in a steadying breath and directed her interest to her surroundings. All she had to do was get this job
If the authorities, from local law enforcement all the way up to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security, hadn't been able to find the truth, how the hell did she think she could?
Maybe her mother's brain wasn't the only one rotted by alcohol. Jenna had given that up, too.. .just a month ago, but who was counting? It was nothing but time, and according to everyone else she'd wasted plenty already. Besides, she couldn't possibly have given up smoking and drinking simultaneously. She regretted her detour into those particular bad habits but, at the time, the diversions had seemed necessary.
Giving herself grace, she had dredged up the fortitude to quit one and then the other just as she'd managed to never give up her quest. That was more than she could say for the people who supposedly cared about her.
The idea that he had stopped believing hurt more than all the others who'd done the same put together.
She would show all of them. Refusing to give up had paid off. A sense of giddiness flitted along every nerve ending. The truth was close...so very close. She could feel it. This time, she wasn't wrong.
"Miss Thomas."
At first Jenna didn't acknowledge the greeting. It still took her by surprise when anyone referred to her by that name. Jane Thomas. For this, she was Jane Thomas. A whole new identity was required. Shoring up her determination, she turned to find the facility's administrator waiting, the door she needed to get past open, inviting her to the other side.. .to her. Jenna's heart fluttered and her stomach did one of those crazy flip -flops.
She was here. This time was different from all the other failed attempts.
Jenna produced a smile that was as counterfeit as the story she'd given the man who was now gifting her with the opportunity for which she had waited six long weeks. "I was beginning to think I'd gotten the time wrong, Dr. Hancock.”
Inside, she cringed at the lame response. God, she was tired. And desperate for the truth and for things forbidden to her. Like booze and smokes and him—the man she'd once trusted and loved with all her heart. The same one who'd turned his back on her and this search.
"We had an unexpected staff meeting. I apologize for the delay, Miss Thomas. Follow me, please."
"Thank you." A new kind of anticipation fired through her. The moment she had waited for was at hand. But what if the unexpected staff meeting was about her? What if they were on to her and.?
Stop, Jenna. Just stop.
A smile that hurt her heart tugged at her lips. She sounded like him. Some tiny part of her wondered where he was today. She hadn't seen or spoken to him in nearly a year. Not since the last time.
Focus, Jenna. You have to focus.
Settling her attention on the man in front of her, she considered what she had learned about him and this secretive institute. Dr. Stuart Hancock was well north of retirement age and ruled this facility as if it were his kingdom and the residents his subjects. There was nothing about his frame or face that could be called powerful or distinguished. He looked like someone's chubby uncle or older brother. A round, jolly sort of fellow who dressed up like Santa Claus each year to entertain the kiddies.
Except there was nothing soft or jovial about the man, according to Reginald Waters, the person who had given her hope and, more importantly, help. Hancock was reportedly stern and stubborn, especially when it came to protecting those under his dominion. Jenna had learned a great deal from Waters. She hoped she could trust what he'd shared with her. And though Hancock might not be the monster who stole Jenna's life all those years ago, he was the gatekeeper now. He had been for several years. The idea tore at her soul. All these years and she hadn't known.
She drew in a steadying breath and directed her interest to her surroundings. All she had to do was get this job
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