LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 6

Edward's POV

"Come in," I said as I heard a knock on the door. It was her. Amelia.

"Hey..." she greeted softly.

"Hey, come sit here." I motioned to the chair beside me, trying to stay calm, even though the tension was bubbling just beneath the surface.

"Are you okay?" she asked, knowing me too well. Of course, she could sense something was off.

"When were you going to tell me?" I asked directly, not willing to wait any longer. The frustration was too much to hold in.

"Tell you wh—" she paused, realizing what I meant. "How... I was going to tell you today. I swear."

"I had to hear it from Mr. Anderson, Amelia. Really?" My voice was rising, but I tried to keep control. "I'm trying my best to understand you, but I can't. You know that, right?"

"Ed... I didn't think yesterday was the right time. I wanted you to hear it from me."

"Let's put all that aside," I said, cutting her off. "Now tell me, why did you take the case?"

"Ed, I know you won't get it, but trust me on this."

"Convince me, Amelia. Give me a valid reason why you think he didn't do it."

"Ed, it doesn't add up. Why would Mr. Anderson meet with Williams? They don't even talk—there's no reason for them to meet. You only see him at family gatherings, and you barely talk to him because of the issues with your mother. You keep your distance, just like you always do."

"Yeah, but during those fights, he involved us too. Maybe he went to provoke Mom by killing Williams. It makes perfect sense. Give me another reason."

"Okay," she sighed. "The watch. It's too obvious, Ed. Murderers are usually more careful. Sure, clues get left behind, but not something as big as that watch. I think it was planted."

"Or maybe he was running, and it fell off without him noticing," I snapped back, not willing to give in.

"Why would he set a fire and then stay inside?" she pushed.

"Amelia, stop. Just stop." I couldn't take it anymore. "You know what? Do whatever you want. You can leave."

"Ed, you know how much Williams meant to me, but I can't let an innocent man be punished."

"What if you're wrong?" I asked, my voice dropping.

"And what if I'm right?"

I couldn't believe she was doing this. I felt like not  saying something that could ruin everything between us, so I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay quiet.

"You can go, Amelia," I said coldly.

She hesitated, but after a moment, she left. She knew she wouldn't be able to convince me.

Damn it! Everything's spiraling out of control. But no matter what, I'll make sure he pays for what he's done. I'll make sure of it.

Amelia's POV

I knew I was a little late. I also knew Ed would never forgive me, at least not now. But I had to believe that someday he would understand. For now, I had to find the truth.

I drove to my office, trying to organize the statements and clues for tomorrow. It was going to be hard; the case wasn't in our favor, not yet.

Dan stayed late, helping me go through everything until it was past 9 p.m.

"I think that's enough for today," Dan said, leaning back in his chair. "We should head home and regroup tomorrow."

"You're right. It's late already," I agreed, rubbing my tired eyes.