Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

My brave girl agreed and put her hand in mine. She ended up hugging my
neck so I lifted her into my arms.
I could hear her sniffle a bit and hide her face in my neck. I gulped. I
couldn’t stand to see her like that. To see them, like that.
“We’ll wait for you in the car. Find me if you need anything, okay?” I
tried to make my voice as soft as possible so she wouldn’t feel startled.
Sofia slowly nodded and I nodded back, once, clutching Valentina firmly
in my arms and making my way back to my car.
In the warmth of the vehicle, Valentina sat quietly in the backseat, resting
her head on the window and sighed wistfully. I had a direct view on Sofia’s
back, and I couldn’t help but watch her surroundings.
The cemetery was crawling with cops, every exit was being guarded, but
it wasn’t enough for me. I needed to make sure for myself that she was safe,
that no one would harm her while she said goodbye to her parents.
My phone ringing cut me out of my thoughts and I answered without
checking who it was.
“Detective Brooks speaking.”
“Woah, what a nice way to say hi to your sister, you petulant child.”
Against myself, a small smile came to stretch my lips.
“Hey, Andrea. Sorry, I’m in a bit of a delicate situation right now.”
“Yeah, mom explained. How are you doing?”
The concern in her voice was evident. Growing up, and even though she
was only three years older than me, Drea had some trouble realizing she was
my sister and not my mom.
She’s always been super overprotective of me, she always concerned
herself with my safety and my wellbeing. Even after she got married and had