Free Open Wounds by Camille Taylor Page A

casting shadows throughout the streets, offering places for the thieves to hide, ready to pounce on the first unsuspecting person.
    There had once been a time when Harbour Bay had been a thoughtful and caring community striving to better itself. Now, only the tourists believed that. The city had become overrun like all large cities had been by the disrespectful and cruel, preying on the weak, and it took the police everything they had and more to crack down on crime.
    She and Kellie had both showered and changed back into their work clothes. The desire to fight had dissipated, leaving only exhaustion and a need to mend their friendship. They had been through too much together to let it all go.
    She hadn't thought her protective hovering had made matters worse. Guilt twisted in her gut. All these years she'd been angry with Kellie for walking away but she'd practically been pushing her.
    Why the hell had she not said anything?
    “I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, but I can’t change any of that,” Amelia said. “I can only move forward and hope the crap doesn’t follow me. I never thanked you for getting me out of there. I know I owe you for everything, and one day I’ll find a way to make it up to you.”
    Amelia raised her glass, making her declaration a toast as well as a promise.
    Kellie shook her head, her blonde strands falling over her shoulder.
    “You owe me nothing. What you did, you did on your own. You never thought yourself good enough for anything…but I knew better. I knew the real you, and you’re worth more than anything in this world. Don’t forget that. You’re here because you wanted to be here, not because of what I did.”
    Amelia shifted uncomfortably. She’d never been good at accepting or examining her feelings, especially not feelings that continued to grow, whether it became a friendship or a sexual relationship. But she knew Kellie was right. She had been put down so much in her younger years, told how worthless she was so many times she’d begun to believe it. Kellie made her realise long ago that she had so much to offer, that she wasn’t as useless as she’d thought.
    If it hadn’t of been for Kellie’s attack, she’d never have found her true calling. She couldn’t imagine being anything other than a cop.
    Amelia bit down on her bottom lip. She never wanted to admit just how much she wanted and needed Kellie in her life. She’d changed, hardened over the years since Kellie's abrupt departure. She'd never wanted to allow anyone else power to hurt her like the person she'd trusted the most. She thought she could live without her, that she could just close the door on that part of her life, but the two women were connected, closer than she’d ever thought. She could forgive Kellie, knowing now all that her friend had battled, though she wished Kellie had confided in her.
    “I love you, Kel. I didn't want to after…but I do and you know I don’t say that to anyone easily. I’m not the touchy feeling type of person, but I missed you, missed what we were…and if you ever mention this night to anyone, I will kill you.”
    “Your secret is safe with me. I’ll never betray the fact that deep down under all that thick skin, you’re just a girl with a compassionate heart.”
    Amelia frowned. “Don’t push it or I’ll wipe the floor with you again.”
    “Not tonight, I’m too tired. Maybe we can go back to the old times?”
    Amelia laughed. “God, I hope not. I don’t think the LAC could handle it.”
    They broke off as Darryl sauntered up to them carrying a pizza.
    “I see no furniture broken, so I assume you’ve decided to play nice?” he asked. She glared at him before noticing Kellie doing the same. He put his hands up in surrender. “Not going to say another word.”
    Wise decision .
    “Hey, Hill, where have you been?” A rookie named Cade Watson shuffled past. “You missed the sweetest fight. These two were all teeth and claws, best fight I’ve