Make It Right by Shannon Flagg

temperature had dropped low. Amelia's first thought when she stepped out into the brisk air was that soon Danny wouldn't be able to ride until spring.
    Amelia saw Detective Harris get out of sedan parked at the edge of the lot. The woman was literally the last person that she wanted to see. She'd welcome a sit-down with Missy over one word with the blonde walking towards her. “This is a private service.”
    “So private that your husband isn't even here?”
    “What do you want?” Amelia knew that she had to be civil, so she didn't add the word bitch to the end of the question.
    “Do you want to find whoever killed Fiona and Taylor?”
    “Of course I do. What kind of question is that?”
    “Do you recognize this knife?” The detective held up her phone again.
    Amelia stared at the image for a moment. “No. I can't say that I do.”
    “Amelia, you're contradicting yourself. Here you are telling me that you want to find who killed your family, and you're lying to me. I can't imagine what you're going through. I can respect that you want to be loyal to Danny but at what cost?”
    “I told you, I don't recognize the knife. And I should be heading back in. This is a memorial service. You do realize that, right?”
    “I'm sorry to intrude, but I wanted us to talk one on one, woman to woman and sister to sister. I've got a sister. She's pregnant with her first, and I can't even imagine losing either of them. I can help you, Amelia. I can get you away from him. Get you safe.”
    “I am safe.” Amelia was surprised to find that she meant the words.
    “I'm sure that Fiona thought the same thing.” Detective Harris took a step back. “Think about that, Amelia. That's all I ask.”
    Amelia thought about what she'd said long after the woman went back to her car and pulled away. She remained outside, despite the cold and wind, because the idea of going back held no appeal.
     
    <#<#<#
     
    Danny hadn't called. In fact, there had been no word from anyone in Nightshade, and Amelia wondered why she seemed to be the only one worried about it. All around her the party continued to rage. Somehow what was supposed to be part of a joyful remembrance for her family had become a party, a wild, loud party complete with blaring music, drugs and several women taking turns embarrassing themselves on the stripper pole.
    Amelia wasn't even sure why she was still there. It was close to midnight, Danny should have been back and they should be home, but there she was, once again alone. James was still around; the last time she'd seen him he'd been well on his way to piss drunk. Jackie had taken off, with regret, because her mother had something she needed to do.
    She'd managed to find a place to sit which was mostly out of the way, and by some miracle Missy hadn't come near her in hours. Amelia wanted to get drunk, but she was still nursing the same beer because she couldn't let herself relax here, not around all these people.
    Amelia decided it was time to find Rock, tell him that she was leaving so he could follow her home. She wasn't quite sure where home was, though. Going to the house she'd grown up in, tonight of all nights, probably wasn't the best idea ever but it felt strange to go back to Danny's when he wasn't there.
    “I've been looking all over for you.” Missy approached. “I've got a room ready for you upstairs.”
    “Actually, I was just about to head home. I'm tired and I need some peace and quiet. Thanks for thinking of me, though.”
    “You always were a stubborn little bitch.”
    “Excuse me?” Amelia was unable to keep the edge out of her voice. Fuck her sideways, this was going to end badly.
    “It's easier for everyone if you just stay here. Here is where the guys are going to come when they get back, and here is where that prospect needs to stay to keep an eye on things. He doesn't need to follow you all around Detroit like a lost puppy.”
    “He's not following me around like a lost puppy. He's doing what