LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 4

Amelia's POV

Mr. Anderson despised the John family, especially because of his longstanding feud with Mrs. Agnes. His resentment extended to William and Edward as well, who always stood by and defended their mother. The hatred was mutual.

After my call with Detective Harris, I couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so heartless. Even if there was animosity, some level of humanity should prevail. What could have possibly driven Mr. Anderson to do something so cruel? Something didn't add up.

About fifteen minutes later, Edward emerged from the room where he'd been examining William's body.

"All done?" I asked softly, sensing the weight on his shoulders.

"Yeah... I think I'm going to head home now," he replied, his voice distant.

"Ed, wait..." I hesitated.

"What is it?" Edward knew my tone well, recognizing that something was bothering me.

"Detective Harris called."

"Did he find something?" His eyes locked onto mine, a mix of dread and hope in his expression.

I nodded, trying to control the tears threatening to fall. "He said... William was killed."

Edward froze, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The room felt heavier. His shock was pale.

"...And they found a watch... It belonged to Mr. Anderson." My voice cracked as I spoke his uncle's name.

"HELL NO!" Edward exploded, unable to contain his emotions. He sank to the seat behind him, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Ed... please, pull yourself together. Your parents need you," I whispered, kneeling beside him, trying to comfort him.

"I need to go, Ammy... before Mom finds out. I have to tell her myself," he said, his voice breaking, but his resolve clear.

"I'll drive you," I offered. He didn't argue, knowing he wasn't in a state to drive.

The car ride was silent, both of us lost in thought, processing the shock. The quiet allowed us to digest the reality of what had just unfolded. When we reached his home, I dropped him off, watching him disappear inside. I decided to head to the police station to gather more information—I had to understand what was really going on.

At the station, I bumped into Detective Harris as he exited the interrogation room.

"Oh, hey. What are you doing here?" he asked, surprised to see me.

"Harris, something doesn't feel right. Wait... is Mr. Anderson in there?" I asked, glancing toward the room he'd just left.

"Yeah, we brought him in after we found the watch. But he's not talking—just yelling that he didn't do it."

"Did you check the CCTV footage?" I inquired.

"The footage was wiped clean. No leads there," he said, shaking his head. "This is going to be a tough one."

I sighed. "That's exactly why something feels off."

"Why would you think that?" Harris asked, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.

"Because William didn't have any reason to see his uncle. They weren't on speaking terms. Why would Mr. Anderson have visited him? It doesn't make sense."

"But Anderson's last known location was near Williams's place. It just doesn't add up," Harris admitted, running a hand through his hair.

"I need to talk to Mr. Anderson," I said, determined.

Harris looked at me for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but only because I trust you."

I entered the interrogation room, feeling the tension radiating from Mr. Anderson. He was pacing, shouting at the officers.

"You're all framing me! I'll sue every single one of you. Why would I kill him? Why would I ruin my reputation like this?" he bellowed.

"Mr. Anderson, calm down," I said, taking a seat across from him. "You're just a suspect right now. If you're innocent, you'll walk free. But if you're guilty, you will face consequences. I need you to cooperate."

He stopped pacing and stared at me, his eyes narrowing. "I know who you are, Miss Amelia. You're a good lawyer. Help me. I'm innocent, I swear."

"Then explain to me why your watch was found at William's apartment," I said evenly.

"I don't know!" he shouted. "Yes, it's my watch, but I didn't visit him today. I haven't spoken to him in a long time."

"Where were you today?"

"I... I don't remember exactly," he stammered.

"Why does your location place you near William's apartment?" I pressed.

"I wasn't feeling well. I was sick, and I think I drove near his apartment, but I never went inside. I  have passed out in my car." His story was shaky at best.

"And where was your driver? I thought he always drove you around."

"He took a leave today. I was driving myself," Mr. Anderson replied, his voice growing quieter as he realized how suspicious his situation looked.

"Do you remember having your watch with you the entire time?" I asked.

"Yes... I remember wearing it this morning. Wait... don't tell me..." his eyes widened as he seemed to piece something together.

"That's all for today, Mr. Anderson," I said, standing up.

"Wait, what happens now?" he asked, his voice desperate.

"You'll wait for your trial date."

"You can't leave me here! I didn't kill him!" he shouted after me.

"Like I said, you're a suspect. The court will decide," I replied firmly.

Before I could leave, he called out, "Be my lawyer! I'll pay you whatever you want!"

"This isn't about money, Mr. Anderson," I said, turning to face him.

"Then help me. I'm innocent, I swear. No one else will defend me because I'm Agnes's brother. No one wants to fight this case," he pleaded, his voice softer now.

He was right—no one would want to take his case given the tension between him and Agnes, the city's judge. But I wasn't afraid of the challenge. I just didn't know how Edward would react if I defended his uncle, especially if it turned out that Anderson was guilty. God, give me strength.

"Alright," I finally said, taking a deep breath. "I'll be your lawyer."