Chapter 2
After the funeral Amelia had change her clothes and started to do her chores. She thought that if she worked like a mule then it would keep her mind off from what was going on around her. She didn't want to think about the murders of her classmates or the killer being on the loose ready to attack again at any time.
Back at the house, Ben was with his sons discussing about Clem's suspicions. "Clem thinks that the killer has an obsession with young girls" said Ben. "What's Clem planning on doing?" asked Adam.
"He notifying everyone to be on alert" said Ben. "Amelia thinks she's the next target" said Joe emphasizing the word next.
"She thinks what?" asked Ben shocked. "She told me at the funeral. She's afraid that she would be the next victim" explained Joe. "I tried telling her that we wouldn't let that happen but I don't think she was convinced"
"You can't blame her, Pa. Three girls had just been murdered and they all gone to school with her" said Hoss sympathetically. "Yes I know. I'll have a talk with her and try to ease her fears even though I don't know how much good it would do" said Ben.
Amelia walks through the door and notices her family staring at her with concerned looks on the faces.
"Something wrong Pa?" asked Amelia curiously worried. "Is there something bothering you dear?" asked Ben.
"No why?" asked Amelia confused. "Joe told us what you two talk about at the funeral" said Adam.
Amelia turns and looks at Joe who gives her an innocent look. "You have nothing to worry about darling Clem is doing everything he can to catch the killer" said Ben reassuringly but Amelia wasn't buying it.
She was too mad at Joe for blabbing and mad at herself for blabbing to Joe.
"How is that gonna help if no one knows who the killer is or what he looks like" said Amelia. "There's no use for you fretting about it" said Adam.
"No use? Adam three girls have been murder by a serial killer and you're saying that there's no use to fret about it!" snapped Amelia astonished and angry.
Ben gives her a warning glare. Amelia turns to her brother. "I'm sorry Adam I didn't mean to snap at you. Maybe you're right I'm gonna go and get cleaned up for lunch" said Amelia. She walks upstairs.
The boys and Ben exchange glances. "I didn't mean to upset her" said Adam innocently. Ben turns to him. "I know you didn't".
"Those murders are really starting to get to her" empathized Hoss. "Can't blame her after all those girls were in her class" said Joe.
"What do you think we should do Pa?" asked Adam feeling helpless. "I'm not sure. I don't think us babying her is gonna help ease her nerves. We have to be very delicate about this she's at that age where she won't appreciate being over protected" dissuaded Ben.
The boys exchange glances and turn to their father. "We're her older brothers isn't it our job to protect her?" inquired Joe puzzled.
Ben smiles "Yes as Amelia's older brothers it is your job to protect her but there is a right way to do it without going overboard".
"How do we do that?" asked Hoss. "Well if there's a situation that she can't get herself out of or handle then that's when you step in to but it all depends on the situation" said Ben.
The boys nod declaring that they understood. "We'll be careful not to go overboard" assured Adam. "If you do I'm sure either Amelia or I will let you know" said Ben.
The boys felt better but they still were still worry about how this was affecting their sister.