“I know that, Brother, I do.” Royal sighed. “I'll tell Missy to work on setting up something here for after the event, it's the best I can do. And I'll leave a prospect with Amelia.”
“Make it Rock,” Danny told him. “You talk to Missy and I'll talk to Amelia.”
“I think we're both going to need better luck than we've had lately for those conversations.”
“Yeah, I'd say you're right.”
Chapter Six
Amelia couldn't name most of the people who'd come up to her, all offering condolences. Some had truly sad expressions while others were clearly just there to gawk as if this was a train wreck and not a memorial service. She hadn't wanted the tone to be somber. Fiona and Taylor should be celebrated. There were six poster boards full of pictures of them at their happiest. Music played softly in the background, taken from the most played lists on both of their iPods.
“Why don't you come and sit for a little bit?” Jackie suggested.
“I think I need a cigarette or something.” Amelia looked over at her friend, glad that she was there and even gladder that Missy wasn't.
“I've got a flask in my purse. I believe in always being prepared even when I can't drink.” Jackie looped her arm through Amelia's. “Come on, there's a private bathroom downstairs. We shouldn't be disturbed there.”
“Wait, I'd better tell Rock where we're going.” Though it was hard to think of him as Rock, not William, which was the name he'd gone by back when she'd been his babysitter. “Danny told him not to let me out of his sight. He's taking that quite seriously.”
“As he should,” Jackie replied. “There's still some lunatic out there who did this terrible thing.” Her eyes welled with tears. “Sorry. Sorry. This is not about me and my raging, out-of-control hormones. I'll tell Rock where we're going. You just wait here.”
Amelia stood where she was and looked around the room. There was a decent turnout, mostly adults but there were a few children. She'd made a point to meet them all and recognized the names from her frequent conversations with Taylor. All of the girls were going to come over to the house one day soon to pick a keepsake out of the things that she'd kept of Taylor's.
It had been so hard to pack up Fiona's things, and packing up Taylor's had proved impossible. Amelia didn't want to leave a shrine behind for her niece, but she'd found that she just couldn't box her things away. Giving something to each of her friends made sense, and she hoped that it would help the children deal with their grief a little bit better.
“Amelia.” She turned when she heard James' voice. “Hey.”
“Thank you for coming.” Amelia hadn't thought that he would. Since the day he'd sat in on the Nightshade meeting, no one had heard anything from him. “How are you?”
“I'm supposed to be asking you that,” he pointed out. “But thanks for asking. I'm alright, all things considered. How are you?”
“Terrible,” Amelia replied. “I can't imagine I could be anything else.”
“I wanted to tell you I'm sorry for breaking my promise to you and for not finding out who did this already.”
Amelia knew the promise that he was talking about; it was the reason she'd pulled her gun on him the first night she'd been back. “I understand why you had to go to Nightshade. There's nothing to apologize for, it's all water under the bridge now. And I should apologize to you, getting involved with this got you suspended.”
“I love Taylor and Fiona. There's nothing that I wouldn't do for them.”
“I know.” Amelia moved forward and wrapped her arms around him. “We'll find who did this. They'll pay.” She realized that she was paraphrasing Danny; these were the things that he told her when she was upset to comfort her. She hoped that James found more comfort in them than she did. Amelia knew that nothing was ever going to erase the empty feeling inside of her.
Jackie returned and threw her arms around both of them. She'd always been the touchy-feely sort. “Both of you come on, a break will do you good.”
And the break did do them good. The flask didn't hurt, especially since it was full of whiskey. By the time that they went back upstairs, Amelia was feeling nearly human—until she realized that she needed to get up and give the eulogy. The idea of speaking in public on any occasion gave her anxiety. “Shit. I cannot do this.”
“Yes, you can.” Jackie told her. “You're going to take this and you're going to do great.” She pressed a pill into Amelia's hand. “It's a very mild sedative.”
Amelia swallowed it dry and nearly retched at the chalky taste. “If this makes me pass out up there, I'm going to kick your ass. I don't care if you're pregnant.”
“You can handle it. Don't worry, once you say your part I'll come up, say mine and take over.” Jackie squeezed her hand. “James and I are going to be right here.”
“Thank you.” Amelia was grateful for them being there, really she was, but she couldn't help but think of who wasn't there. Danny had left early in the morning to take care of the club business. She knew that they were taking something over the border. Even though they'd been apart for years, she could tell it wasn't just a normal run. If something happened to him.... well, she couldn't even think about that.
Instead of thinking, she stepped forward. One of the employees handed her a cordless microphone while another lowered the music. The sudden silence settled over the room and all eyes were on her.
Fuck.
Amelia smiled nervously. “First, I'd like to thank you all for coming here today to remember Fiona and Taylor.” Her voice cracked, but she pressed on. “I don't even know what to say about them being gone. It doesn't feel real. They were both wonderful. Fiona was...” She inhaled deeply. “Fiona wasn't just my sister. She was my best friend. And Taylor was just full of life and light. She had so much ahead of her. They both did, and it was taken from them. They were taken from us, and I don't know what I'm going to do without them.”
She handed over the microphone when Jackie approached her and exited the room from the closest door. It was a deceptively sunny day outside but the 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 Danny told him to do.” Amelia took a breath. “I don't want to argue with you, Missy. I've had a really long day and I just want my bed.”
“Your bed? Don't you mean Danny's bed? Or are the rumors true and you're staying in Detroit?” Missy had her arms crossed over her chest, a clearly defensive stance.
Amelia wasn't slow. She knew that Missy would like nothing more than a fight, verbal or physical. She wasn't going to give it to her. “We're figuring it out.”
“Are you now? Way I see it, if you wanted to stay, you wouldn't be sitting over here like your shit doesn't stink, looking down on the rest of us. Too good to drink. Too good to dance.”
“Are you kidding me? I just cremated my family and you expect that I'm going to be drinking and dancing like it's a regular old Friday night. Are you high?”
“Are you? Heard Jackie slipped you a little something back at Mahone's. You back to old habits?”
“I'm not a junkie. I was never a junkie. That was all you projecting your shit on me, and we both know it.” Amelia's head snapped to the side. She hadn't expected Missy to slap her. It stung and she felt a dull throb starting in her jaw.
Before she could retaliate, there were hands around her waist. She was dragged back, out the door and into the cold. “Put me the fuck down. Now. What the hell are you doing?”
“Keeping you off of Royal's shit list. Missy's got pretty much a free reign of terror here when it comes to the pass-around women and the old ladies. Anyone who lays a hand on her answers to her old man. Come on, let me take you back to Danny's place.” Rock released his grip from around her waist. “Don't make me drag you.”
“I'd like to see you try.” Amelia replied but she realized that he would drag her if necessary, because he'd promised Danny that he'd look out for her. Rock really wanted to earn his patch and it was coming up on a year that he'd been wearing the prospect patch, from what Danny had told her. They'd vote on his patch once the year was up, or before, if he did something to show his worth, so Amelia knew that Rock would likely be extra vigilant about doing what Danny had asked.
“Come on, I had my brother drop my truck off here. Figured I'd need to drive because you were drunk, but you didn't really drink.”
“No. I didn't. Hey, have you heard anything from anyone?”
“No. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Cell reception can be a little spotty in certain places. You want to find somewhere to eat? I noticed you didn't really eat, either. Can't say I blame you. Makes me feel sick just to think about them being gone. I used to have one hell of a crush on Fiona when we were younger.”
“You're like five years younger than her.” Amelia realized that he was trying to distract her from the radio silence they were experiencing, and she decided to play along.
“My father always told me to aim high. She never even looked at me twice as more than a pain in her ass.” He let out a laugh. “She was always nice, though, even when I see her... saw her recently. Every time we did the lawn, she'd bring us out something to drink. Make us lunch or let us sit inside and cool down awhile when it was hot.”
“Why were you doing Fiona's lawn?”
“Because Danny said to. He didn't want her doing it. Said she had enough to worry about raising a kid on her own. We'd help her in the garden, too, grunt work mostly. I can't believe that she didn't tell you.”
It didn't surprise Amelia too much. Fiona had known that she didn't want to hear anything to do with Danny. “I'm sure it just never came up.”
“Yeah, that's probably it.” Rock took a keyring out of his pocket, used the fob to unlock a black pickup truck. It was an older model but very well kept. “It's a little high. You need a boost?”
“I think that I've got it.” Amelia walked around to the passenger side. The truck was higher than most but she managed to get in without incident, though she was sure if she had been drunk that she'd have busted her ass and would have required the boost. “Can we stop for burgers or something? I'm starving. And not McDonald's. I'd like to eat actual cow tonight.”
<#<#<#
Rock was good company but Amelia was glad when she was finally alone in Danny's bedroom. He was in the living room, watching television and keeping guard. Maybe she did feel a little safer with him there, or maybe the feeling of being safe came from the fact that Danny's scent was all over the place.
Amelia showered and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a shirt she'd found in the clean laundry pile. Both were too big on her, but they were comfortable. She tied her hair up into a knot without bothering to brush it out and lifted the messenger bag she'd taken from Fiona's room onto the bed.
It was filled with every document and file possible; it was where she'd found Fiona's will and a just-in-case letter. Amelia hadn't been able to bring herself to read the letter, but there was no time like the present. She sat down on the bed, got comfortable and opened the envelope. The paper inside was lilac colored and thick. Fiona had always enjoyed writing actual letters.
If you're reading this, the worst has happened and I'm gone. First things first, take care of Taylor. I can't even imagine how hard it's going to be for the both of you but she needs you. And you need her. I worry about you Amelia, I worry about you being all alone when you don't have to be. I get why you left, really I do. I know that what I'm about to ask is hard but I want you stay in Detroit with Taylor. I want her to grow up in our house. I want her to grow up near her father. It's important to me that she continue to have her relationship with Royal. It might not be traditional but it works for them. She loves him. She'll need him. You can trust Royal. He'll help you.
I can only imagine the way that you're rolling your eyes at the paper, probably cursing me or calling me stupid. I'm sorry. I really am. I don't know what happened to get us here (obviously, I'm not psychic) but trust me, I'd rather be there.
This is all pretty morbid, sitting here and thinking about you reading this after I'm gone makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. I'll take advantage of
the fact that you can't kill me and bring up Danny. KEEP READING!! What he did was shitty. Beyond shitty but I really believe that he's sorry for it. He didn't do it on a whim. Royal told me why he did. You should ask him. If you ask, he'll tell you the truth. Just talk to him, okay?
I love you. I really love you and I've missed you. I know that you're going to miss me. I know that Taylor will too. I wish I had a magic answer for you as to how to get through this but I don't. Just trust your gut.
Amelia folded the paper carefully, placed it back in the envelope and then back into the bag. She pulled out a folder at random, just to keep her brain from thinking too much about the letter. It had only been written six months before. Had Fiona had a sense of her own impending doom?
It took several moments for Amelia to realize what she was looking at. She'd thumbed through the papers in the folder without even seeing them, but then she realized they were tax returns. Tax returns that listed Fiona as having two jobs. One of which was Davenport Development, Royal's company. She listed her title as consultant. Further investigation showed that Fiona had a 401K account with a sizable sum in it as well as health insurance for both her and Taylor. Amelia was paying complete attention now. She spread the papers out in piles. Royal had been paying Fiona nearly thirty thousand dollars since they'd started seeing one another.
Her head was spinning, but she kept going through the folder. There was an envelope at the very back, folded inside was a life insurance policy on Fiona which hadn't been mentioned in the will, but it was there, staring her in the face with Royal's legal name listed as the beneficiary. It was a million dollar policy, one that doubled in value if Fiona died during the course of a crime. Her death had certainly been a crime, so Royal was now two million dollars richer.
“Jesus Christ.” Amelia dropped the papers and covered her face with her hands. This was not going to look good for Royal when the policy came to light. And it would, because Catherine Harris had a determination about her. Not only would he suddenly look guilty as all get-out, but there was no way to keep it quiet from Missy.
Make It Right (Nightshade MC Book 1) Page 8