A/N:

All characters belong to the author of Twilight. I've only borrowed them for cheap thrills and a cure to boredom.

This story has been a long time in the making and I'm pretty sure its not even that good. Lol. I started this story line with other characters long ago and couldn't finish it. I've decided they fit better in the Twilight genre and sure enough the proverbial creative juices are a'flowin. It takes a while to get moving but stick with it I hope you enjoy the ride.

Its rated M so yeah, all that that implies. But not blatant and sex for sex sake.

Hope you like it, please review, good or bad.

When The Night Comes

Chapter One:

I'd heard the murmurs all day, while standing in line at the library reference desk I eavesdropped on two women hissing what they knew and still couldn't wrap my brain around it. Forks was a small place and once a rumor was started it was impossible to slow down its momentum. But this was just…impossible.

I'd seen his face on television hundreds of times, promoting the new childrens wing at the hospital. He'd designed it himself with his fathers vision in mind. Even as I leaned closer to the guy buying gum in front of me at the gas station as he told the clerk he'd been following the details all day. It still seemed…unfathomable.

His and his family's contribution to not only our little blip on the map Forks, but the whole of Washington State was legendary. The Cullens hosted dinner parties that bought new roads, preserved rain forests and generally kept our little soaking wet slice of the world in the mainstream media.

I'll never forget the first time I heard a Senator from New York City mention Forks Washington. He was regaling the friendship he had with one Dr. Carlise Cullen. Praising his beautiful wife Esme and looking forward to kayaking with the good doctors three boys over the summer. I was amazed to say the least. Proud is really the word that comes to mind. Someone outside of Forks city limits knew we existed and it was all because of the Cullens.

But this was different. This was no red carpet charity event at the Fine Art Museum. This was so far removed from the people I'd heard about my entire life that my brain wouldn't allow me to take it in. The imagery conjured up by the whispers and midday additions of our local paper just didn't fit. I tossed my quarters on the stack of papers as I pulled one from the top, barely acknowledging the seller as I stared at the picture on the cover fishing through my pocket for my keys. This picture. It was a familiar one, he was grinning wide as he cut the ribbon to the new hospital wing.

I remember this day.

I'd seen his face hundreds of times in this very paper, the caption under it never read arrested, accused, or murder. No, this was definitely not your normal, everyday charmed life occurrence.

A Cullen accused of murder? Not possible. I listened intensely to the radio as the local news station reported the latest of the breaking story. Pulling out my legal pad as I pulled into traffic skillfully scribbling down blurbs of information as the disc jockeys bantered back and forth, their disbelief evident in their voices and scattered thoughts.

This is what I do. I'm a law student, top of my class and on the fast track to the greatest law firm in Washington State. I write everything down. It's why I'm the best. Recording an accurate sequence of events is an obsession of mine and one that has benefited me on several occasions. Its part of the reason I'm being recruited a full year before I'm even eligible to take the bar. Its part the reason one of the greatest lawyers in the Pacific Northwest has taken me under his wing grooming me for what he and my father his best friend believe will be greatness.

But more than that, I know the Cullens. My father Charlie was the Chief of Police in this Podunk town before he died three years ago. Charlie was a great judge of character and he loved Dr. Cullen and the influence he held in what Charlie considered "his" town. If Charlie liked them, that was good enough for me and most of the people here in Forks.

"Jasper Cullen, acclaimed architect and local developer was arrested today in what appears to be a scandal of murder. Allegedly the middle child of Dr. Carlise Cullen phoned the police early this morning, confessing to the murder of his live-in girlfriend, Alice Brandon. Sources tell us that Cullen arrived just moments ago at the 23rd precinct, he was disheveled and his clothing was covered with what appeared to be blood. Our source on the inside says no formal charges have been filed, but there was an alleged confession to a 911 operator as well as his arresting officers. We will keep you posted on this late breaking story."

My hands were writing faster than I could absorb the information. I ignored the blaring sound of horns honking and drivers whizzing pass me with middle fingers jutting from their passenger windows as I drove two miles an hour down our busiest street during rush hour.

This is insane. I've seen Alice, I've spoken to her before. Nice girl. What the hell is going on here?

The familiar chime of my cell phone ringing as I pulled to a stop at a yellow light soliciting another long reminder of what a horrible driver I am. Still preoccupied as I turned the dial on my antiquated radio in search of more news I answered my phone without a glance.

"Hello?"

Why would he confess, who the hell is his lawyer?

I frowned, banging on the dash to clear the static when I heard remnants of Jaspers name as I passed a station.

"Izzy. Hey I'm glad I caught you, it's Harry. You got a minute?"

Harry Clearwater. My mentor, godfather and current employer, he is as I've already mentioned the greatest lawyer in Washington State and is who I am completing my internship and hopefully dusting off my name plate as I make partner with, five years from now. He has taught me everything I know about being in a court room and more than that, he held me together when Charlie died. In many ways, Harry is my second father and the reason I don't feel so alone in the world right now.

He hand picks his student positions and trust me, I was not a shoe in. Harry made it very clear to Charlie from the very beginning; I would have to be ten times better than any student competing for the position.

"Leave no room for doubt Izzy. When you walk into my office, I want everyone to know you belong. No favors."

And there weren't any. I bust my ass daily to get this job and everyone knew I deserved it. Most of all Harry.

I was one of five that he'd chosen in the last two years and the only one that he constantly called on to assist with research of really tough cases. Harry was truly amazing and always showed a great deal of confidence in me.

I was nodding my answer to his question instead of actually speaking. It was a habit of mine when I was distracted. He laughed, I'm sure fully aware that I was chewing on my bottom lip flipping through channels wildly in search of more on the case.

"You know, an actual answer would be nice."

"Hm? Yeah...Harry? How can I help you?"

"I've been calling you..." I put my pencil down at the sound of concern in his voice, easing ahead through the light the long line of cars weaving their way around me as my speed miraculously decreases. My brows knit together, he sounds anxious.

"Oh, yeah. I must have missed the calls. I've been a little distracted. Have you been watching the news, Jasper Cull..." His laughter paused my train of thought and I looked in the rear view as I attempted to pull into the left lane nearly missing my turn.

"Harry? What's so funny? I know the Cullen's, well sort of, this entire town is going to go apeshit."

"I know Izzy. It's why I'm calling you. I need you to head down to the 23rd. Now, I'm in Port Angeles, too far away and I can't let more of this case get away from me than already has. Get some vitals, gather information for me."

"You've got the Jasper Cullen case? That was fast."

Okay...now I'm confused. Not by the idea that Harry would get this case, he's a great lawyer, attentive and extremely thorough. I've seen Prosecutors make deals on slam dunk cases because they feared facing him in court. He had a law firm filled with well trained legal geniuses at his disposal. I know he loves me, but, this is really kind of ridiculous. I haven't even seen the bar.

"Harry? What do you need me for; couldn't one of the partners take this case? I mean, I'd be happy to help but, I'm not a lawyer…yet." He laughed again and I could see him rubbing his chin and shaking his head.

"I'm calling the person I need Izzy. Carlise is a friend of mine, he asked me to keep this as quiet as possible. That means I need to keep everything about this case close to home. Do you understand what I'm saying? Discretion is needed and you're the only one I trust."

I nodded understanding entirely. The Cullens were good people and if Harry wanted my help, I was going to give it to him.

"Carlise just called me minutes ago. They want us to move fast, because he's doing a lot of talking to the wrong people. We need to do some damage control and basically..."

"Shut him up, right?" I chimed in. I knew how Harry thought and I agreed. Clients who talked too much usually did the Prosecution's job for them. I stopped in the middle of the street, my tongue pressed against the corner of my mouth as I turned to face the rearview making a broken U turn cutting off the on coming traffic. The various Fuck yous and spastic horn honking ignored as I changed direction heading toward town again.

"I'm on top of it Harry. I'll be there in less than ten. Am I supposed to be meeting anyone there or is there anything specific I need to know?"

He answered immediately, which usually means he anticipated my question. "Yeah, his brothers, Edward and I think Emmett Cullen will be meeting you. Edward's the one that insisted on getting a lawyer. Jasper was refusing at first. That's the really strange thing about all of this Izzy. He doesn't seem to want any help."

I was already half

way there, pouring over my notes as I weaved clumsily through traffic again, the phone wedged between my head and shoulder.

"So he confessed, turned himself in, refused a lawyer and talked to everyone and their cousin about how guilty he was...what's going on here, Harry? This seems like a lose/lose case to me. Not your usual style?" I heard him let out a breath and clear his throat.

"I don't know Iz. There's just something about this kid and the way this girl was murdered that just doesn't seem to add up. The way Carlise talked, he and Esme were fully expecting him to marry her. This was true love according to them. Then he does a 180 and kills her? Some of the pieces just don't fit. You know? It's just a gut feeling."

I rolled my eyes at that last comment "gut feeling" usually meant wild goose chases. I groaned and let out a sigh. Harry worked really closely with Charlie. The Butch Cassidy to his Sundance Kid as they always called themselves. Charlie believed in using his gut, he listened to it more than evidence that was staring him right in the face. My dad was a good cop and Harry believed as he did. I on the other hand, still needed convincing.

"Harry, do you think he's innocent or not?"

Silence.

We'd gone through this before.

"Isabella Marie Swan, what is my first rule?" My eyes took a journey into my head, while I pulled closer to the precinct. The street littered with news vans.

"There's no such thing as innocence." I groaned. I knew that would annoy him.

"Are you there yet? I need you to get in there Izzy as soon as possible." I found a space in the back, turning off the truck shouldering the door open.

"Yeah I'm getting out of the truck now; I'll call you with an update."

"Thanks Iz. Listen, I know I don't have to tell you this but, be gentle with this guy. I know he's not in his normal state of mind. Ask the right questions, but don't push. We don't want to break him and make him shut down okay? And Izzy, you know how pushy you can be sometimes, don't say..."

"Hanging up now Harry. You want me to get in there today or next year?" His laughter was the only answer I needed. "Goodbye, I'll update you soon."

And with that I hung up the phone. I stopped to grab my legal pad off the passenger seat shoving it in my bag before heading up the back stairs. I smiled as familiar faces greeted me at the door. This was Charlie's squad.

Piece of cake.

OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

Media Frenzy was an understatement for what I encountered once I entered the precinct. News vans not only lined the streets, but reporters from every station in the Pacific Northwest were clamoring for this story. Police officers I knew to be really tough, trained by the best (my father) were having a difficult time keeping any degree of control. The crack of paparazzi flash bulbs filled the air and lit the small room in an unsettling strobe of white light. I maneuvered through the unyielding crowd of news hungry reporters rehearsing their opening lines for the sound checks. Needing a familiar face, I took a deep breath and pushed toward the front desk, stomach tightening as I scanned the room looking for Edward Cullen.

I knew his face well. I'd stared at it for the better part of a year in Biology class at Forks High School. Edward was the only Cullen that chose to not attend Prep School. I admired him for that, with all his money and prestige at his disposal, he chose a really simple life. As far as I could tell, he was a really good guy and excellent at Biology Lab. It's the only way I would have passed. I let myself indulge in the memory of the semesters I spent stammering over my words looking through my hair as I sat next to Edward.

I know beautiful is not a word reserved for men when describing their looks, but, really, no other word fit. Edward Cullen was a beautiful man. He was soft spoken, stoic and incredibly smart; my stomach flipped just thinking about the many days we spent in Biology Lab as partners.

The thought of seeing him again, even under these circumstances, was strangely exciting.

Professional, be professional Bella.

I pulled my fingers through my hair smiling at Officer Billy Black, Charlie's old partner; he chuckled shaking his head at the insanity behind me as he lifted forward out of his seat pulling me into a hug from behind the desk.

"Bella, God it's good to see you. What brings you by here today?" The hint of sarcasm I heard in his voice was confirmed as he pulled back, his brow arched knowingly. He already knew why, I laughed taking in a deep breath as he nodded toward the glass paneling separating the rest of the squad from the zoo that was the lobby.

As I made my way through he pushed back in his wheelchair meeting me, tugging me down into another hug, a better one. Billy was family and the closest thing Charlie had to a brother when he was alive. On the day Charlie died it was Billy who lay with him both shot and bleeding in the middle of the night in the woods bordering the Quiluete reservation. Billy watched my Dad take his last breath, we never talk about it, but, it's a silent energy between us. I understood each time we made eye contact, Billy would never give up.

Charlie died and Billy loss the use of his legs. The killer was never caught and the town has never recovered. Smiling as I pulled back he called to another officer to take over the front desk as he ushered me down the hall to the interrogation rooms.

"So, Harry called a little while ago. Since when do you have a law degree?" His brow arched again as he looked up at me the corner of his lips pulled into a smirk. I scrunched my nose, shaking my head.

"Um…"

Laughing as he threw a hand up.

"Nope. I don't wanna know. Just do what you can, quietly Bella. This thing is already completely out of control." His expression turned dark as he slowed down with a nod of his head toward the last room on the left. "Just, be careful…okay? I know the Cullens, they're good people, but, this whole business doesn't feel right. You got me?"

I nod, peeking through the glass door at the people pacing nervously inside, I was already gone.

"Hey." He tugged my bag to get my attention the warning in his eyes forces me out of my fascination with Edward Cullen as he turns toward the glass making eye contact with me.

"Bells, this is big. Just get the information Harry needs and get out. I don't want you in the middle of this thing." I frown, my eyes flashing back to the window as Edward approaches, his brother Emmett right on his heels, the door rattling as it opens.

Before I have time to pull my gaze from Billy, still trying unsuccessfully to interpret the different messages his dark soulful eyes are sending me I'm met with the nervous, low voice I know pretty well.

"Bella? Um, Isabella Swan…right?" I can feel his stare, it's unnerving to say the least. Giving a nod to Billy as he backs away, meeting my eyes once more before heading down the hall toward the madness again.

"Um, yeah, I mean yes...and you're Edward Cullen. It's been a while but…we went to school together."

He nods giving me a polite smile as he takes my hand in a shake, escorting me into the room. His eyes were creased with worry and slightly red.

"Right. Mr. Banner's Biology Lab. I remember. We won the Golden Onion."

"Right, the stages of Planaria. I can't believe you remember that." He looked different, older than I remembered. It's difficult to explain but, Edward always appeared more mature than most people around him. He was quiet, but approachable. He always seemed to be shouldering the weight of the world and there was a quiet strength and dignity about him that as kids, no one understood or bothered to negate. Edward Cullen was always a grown up and as far as I could tell, even in this awful unpredictable moment, the youngest Cullen was holding his family together.

Emmett shuffled his feet back to the table flopping down loud in the metal chair the legs scraping the hard concrete floor. He didn't bother to greet me, his frustration was evident as he raked his massive hands over his face pulling both Edward and I from our trip down memory lane.

Their brother was in trouble. They needed my help.

Edward cleared his throat lifting his hand toward an empty seat at the head of the small table, he crossed his arms over his chest opting to stand leaning against the wall he and Emmett sharing a silent moment that wasn't lost on me as I settled my things on the table surface.

"I trust Mr. Clearwater briefed you on everything that's going on here, so let me know how I can help. We're here to give you whatever you need."

He's a "get right down to business" kind of guy, that hasn't changed. And I appreciated it. Emmett however was far less reserved, he leaned forward resting his head on the table his shoulders sagging as his eyes met mine. Sad and scared he looked like a lost child.

"Yes, Mr. Clearwater gave me all the information he had. Which I'm afraid wasn't very much. I'm going to get the majority of my help from the two of you Edward and Jasper when they bring him up. So let's start by sitting down and talking about what brought us all here, okay?"

Offering me a polite smile that only seemed to magnify the weight of the situation he moved toward the table easing down into a chair. Emmett sat up nodding a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck looking at me briefly before staring down at his hands.

I didn't really know Emmett Cullen. He was for all intents and purposes a socialite, of the male persuasion. I'm not implying he was a Paris Hilton, there wasn't a sex tape as far as I knew. But he did his share of gallivanting and spending his parent's money over the years. The flashier the car, the prettier the girl the better seemed to be Emmetts motto in life. For years I read about his indiscretions and minor scandals involving paternity and angry boyfriends of girls who made the paper once Emmett was seen out with them.

Emmett was a playboy and never seemed apologetic about it, which always made me believe he was a bit of an ass.

But, that image was in complete contrast to the person sitting before me now. He was childlike in his posture, playing with his fingers as I pulled my legal pad and pens from my bag. I had an overwhelming desire to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.

Edward shifted in the folding metal seat. He was uncomfortable and kept bending and unbending his legs in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. I looked at him again and smiled, trying to reassure him that everything would be fine, even if I wasn't sure. He returned the smile and leaned forward on his elbows chuckling softly.

"I haven't had much reason to smile today. Thank you. I think I needed that." He and Emmett exchanged another look and Emmett responded by relaxing a bit more, he gave me a soft smile before closing his eyes letting out a deep breath.

"Why don't we get started, Edward. Um, Jasper is going to possibly be charged with murder by morning. So what I need from you, is as much information about this situation as you can give me. I need to know everything. Even the things you don't think are significant. Including, anything you know about the events leading up to last night and the specifics of the last twenty four hours."

"This is all just…crazy. I'm sorry Isabella; I'm not use to…."

"Bella. You can…you can call me Bella."

My interruption seemed to be welcomed because he took a moment to respond, rubbing his eyes that same polite smile never wavering once he continued, nodding once at the invitation to use my more informal name.

"Bella…I'm…we're not use to all this legal stuff. And I'm sorry, I don't know how much help Emmett and I will be. I don't even know where to start." Emmett seemed to agree his eyes flickering between the both of us as he bit his bottom lip, wringing his hands together.

"I know you're confused, angry, tired, scared." They both silently agreed leaning forward on their elbows, two pairs of lost eyes trained on me ready to take whatever direction I offered. I was suddenly overwhelmed with the weight of it.

"Okay, why don't we begin at the beginning? He's made quite a few incriminating statements to the police and several other people. So what we need to do first is some damage control. Okay?" They both agreed and I continued already scribbling down questions in preparation for their answers. The chair scraped the floor as Edward pulled closer to the table preparing to answer my questions.

"Okay, what was your relationship with the victim?" His eyes glassed over and he cleared his throat.

"Um, Alice is...was Jasper's girlfriend, and a very close friend of the family." He took a breath before continuing. Emmett sat up straighter giving a short nod as he watched me letting me know he agreed with this minor brief confession.

"She was a very special person and Jasper loved her very much. This, none of this makes any sense. He would have never hurt her I don't know why he confessed. I don't know why he said the things that he did, Bella." He leaned forward and stared at me with his trademark intensity and I had to remind myself to breath.

"I was there, I watched him cry over her…body. He threw up for god's sake. I watched him panic and toss stuff in the fireplace. He was out of his mind. He wasn't thinking, you can't imagine what it was like Bella. I nearly lost it myself."

Tears welled in Emmett's eyes; he looked away swiping at his cheeks as they rolled down his face. I sat back and just listened, it seemed more appropriate than my usual scribbling.

"He was just…out of control and I couldn't stop him. I didn't know to stop him. He didn't do this. It's just not possible." I reached into my bag and handed Emmett my handkerchief. He took it with an embarrassed smile.

"Thank you." His voice was small and cautious but he seemed grateful to disappear behind the white cotton fabric even for a brief moment, needing the distraction.

I got up to pace their eyes followed me. "Okay so, you were there, he was crying and eventually became sick, is that right?" I looked at Edward to confirm, he nodded his eyes edged with a hopeful determination.

"And you said you witnessed him throwing things into the fireplace?" He nodded again then let out a breath his brows knitting together seeming to already know where I was going next.

"Did you happen to see what he was burning?"

"No." His answer was firm and I got the feeling Edward never spoke unless he was sure his words were definitive.

"By the time I began to pay attention to what he was doing, he was already done. He was mumbling and crying and to be quite honest, I was in total shock. My brother was losing his mind and my close friend was lying dead on the floor. I didn't know what to do."

I stood behind him resting my hand on his shoulder, his back straightened then relaxed minutely against the chair. Emmett shook his head with an agonized look directed toward Edward.

When he spoke, he literally seemed to be reading my mind.

"It's okay bro. Did you…hear anything, what was he saying?"

I smiled, encouraging him when he looked up at me with apologetic eyes as if to acknowledge some line he thought he crossed.

I walked around the table to my notes jotting a few things down. Edward thought for a brief moment.

"Yes. But it was all so…confusing. He kept saying, 'Oh God Alley what have they done?' Then he would lie down over her. He hugged her to him and kissed her face. When I tried to intervene he snatched away screaming 'Oh my god, what am I gonna do, why did they do this to you?'.

He took a deep breath rubbing his fingers into his eyes before letting his head fall back exhausted from the memory it seemed.

"That's when he threw up."

He was silent for a moment but when he began again his voice was low, as if caressing each word with a palpable disdain. I sat down again my hand paused mid scribble.

"That's when he found the knife...that was...in her..." he trailed off.

After waiting what I thought was a reasonable amount of time to let him continue I finally spoke up realizing he was clearly done without further prompting from me.

"What do you mean? Where was the knife?" He turned from me and I had to touch his arm in gentle request for him to face me again. He did, Edward was always so polite.

"Edward, I need to know what you know. If it's significant, and this seems to be, I need to know it. Everything helps."

He shook his head, silently refusing to respond to me. I opened my mouth to push further when Emmett reached across the table taking his brothers hand in his.

"Ed, please, this is not the time to hold back…anything. I know this is hard, but…its Alice bro...Jasper. Please, just tell everything."

I could not have said it better myself and for the second time I was grateful Emmett was in the room.

Edward looked between the both of us, his fingers tightening around his brothers as he spoke again. He seemed younger, like a scared child awakened confused and frightened by lingering nightmare.

"It's just too...much." Emotion swelled in his voice, my fingers twitched to touch him, comfort him in some way.

"The knife was in her…" He shook his head again, our confusion must have been evident because he continued, his voice hitching when he couldn't form the words. He gestured instead, his hand pulling from his brothers to motion with a trembling half-hearted flick toward the lower half of his body.

He looked every where but at us and Emmett's sharp breath in made me look between both men still confused.

"What the fuck…Edward!"

He pushed back from the table with such force that the chair flipped over violently the noise echoing in the silence of the room. Edward flinched and looked down his hands knitting through his hair and all I could do was watch, trying to understand what was really happening here.

My facial expression must have mirrored my obvious confusion, because Emmett paced the floor, his shoulders hulking as he seethed, his words gritting through his teeth answering my unspoken question.

"Her…groin. Who…what the FUCK is going on here!"

I sat back unable to absorb what was being said, this was not what I was expecting. Edward's knuckles whitened as he fisted his hair, yelling back at his brother or me, I wasn't sure anymore.

"He went to hug her and I don't know, ran his hand down her body and felt it. It was just there. That's when he lost it and threw up."

His back heaved as he let a moment pass before speaking again, this time sitting up facing his brother's confused glare.

"He didn't do this. He was shocked and freaked out. He didn't kill her."

I sat back in my chair dumbfounded. There were no words and that was unusual for me. Literally hundreds of questions swirled through my mind and kept me silent as the men before me sank into a troubled silence.

Who were they?

Why would he burn evidence?

Who would stab her...there?

Why would he confess to a crime he didn't commit and possibly let the real killer go?

Who was he protecting?

I definitely had questions, but I honestly didn't think either of them could handle them. So silence worked for now, I'd get answers later.