Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight. This story is rated M. Thank you to Jennifer and Sammy, the talented and wonderful ladies from Sparkly Red Pen. They made this chapter readable.

Chapter 2

Sitting in Forks Police Department brings back memories of when I was younger. While it holds thirty cells it's a rare occurrence that even one of them is occupied. When I was a child I would come here after school and sit in one of the cells while I did my homework. Later, Angela would sometimes join me and eventually I hit an age where it was no longer fun to be at my dad's place of work.

A fresh round of tears soaked my cheeks. I sat in a stiff plastic chair and waited for someone to come and talk to me. No one would tell me anything over the phone, which basically confirmed that he truly was dead. As if that wasn't enough the looks of pity I received when I got here were like stabs to my heart. My stomach hurt and my head throbbed. The same picture that I saw on TV this morning was sitting in a frame on my father's desk, right next to my graduation picture. I watched as one of the officers stepped outside with an unlit cigarette in his mouth and for a moment, I wish I still smoked. At least then I would have something to do while I waited. I stared at my feet; I was in such a rush that I had grabbed the first pair of shoes I saw, Angela's pink, Happy Bunny flip-flops.

"Bella?"

I looked up into the kind face of Paul Lahote. He had worked with my father for as long as I could remember. He placed a Styrofoam cup of coffee in front of me and sat down in the chair across the desk.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I don't know what else to say." He spoke quietly but the words rang in my head, sending another wave of grief over me. I reached for the cup and took a sip, burning my tongue, but not caring.

"How did this happen? I talked to him yesterday. My father wouldn't kill himself and you know it."

Paul motioned to the pictures on Charlie's desk. "Your father loved you. Heck, half the time you were all he talked about, but it's been a long time since you've spent any time with him, Bella. I don't know if it was the job or something else…" Paul shifted in his seat, "you know how private he was. But he changed; all of us could see it."

I opened my mouth preparing to argue, lies, Paul didn't have a fucking clue what he was talking about. Why was he so sure? He lifted up his hand.

"Let me finish, okay?" I nodded and he continued. "I can't pretend to know everything that your dad thought, but ask anyone, even Sue noticed his change. Can you honestly tell me you haven't noticed a difference in the tone of his calls?"

I wracked my brain. Paul was right, there was a difference. Not necessarily in the tone or subject of the calls, but in the frequency. More often than not in the last six months, I was the one who had been calling him. I fixated on Paul. "Are you sure he did this to himself?"

"The reports won't be completed until later today, possibly not till tomorrow. His service revolver was present and there are no indications that anyone else was in the house. "

"What about a note? In the movies there's always a note."

"I'm sorry Bella, but this isn't a movie."

I took another sip of cold coffee. What was I supposed to do now? How was I going to tell Renee? And Sue? Poor Sue. My heart broke for her, first Harry, then Leah and now Charlie. Shit, Leah. I jerk my head up.

"Have you seen Angela Weber?" I ask him as I take another drink.

Paul looked at me and I could tell this was not what he was expecting from me. "Sometime last week." He stands up and hollers out to one of the guys milling around. "Hey, James. When did we eat at The Lodge?" A tall man walked furtively to us; his blonde hair swayed behind him in a ponytail. He must be new since he was the only officer I didn't recognize but I couldn't remember Charlie ever talking about him.

"Ah, I think it was Thursday. Why?"

He spoke to Paul but his blue eyes raked over my body as if he was undressing me. Only, it didn't feel sexual; I felt more like I was his prey. Even his grin seemed predatory. The hairs on my neck prickled and I looked away from him.

"No reason. Thanks." "Paul dismisses him and James moves away from us and leans up against the wall. Not far enough away, I think to myself.

"I'm staying at Angela's and she hasn't been home. I can't reach her on her cell either. I'm worried something may have happened" I say my words carefully, not wanting to sound overly paranoid but also wanting Paul to understand that I am concerned.

"I'm sure she's fine. She has a boyfriend, right?" I nod and wait for him to go on. "I bet she's with him. Do you have his number?"

"I don't, but I'm sure I can find it out. I feel on edge, like something isn't right." I almost tell him about the call this morning but decide not to. It was a prank, nothing more.

A low voice speaks before Paul can respond. "After your father's death, I can only imagine that you would think the worst about your friend but you can't jump at every noise in the dark."

I snap around to face James. My teeth are grinding together but I can't think of anything to say, so I flash him a dirty look, hoping he gets the hint.

Paul seems equally upset. "This doesn't concern you, Officer Hunter, please give us some privacy."

James looks between us and lifts his hands in the air as if surrendering and backs up, walking towards the door this time. We wait until he leaves and then Paul sits back down.

"How long has he worked here?" I ask.

"A few months."

"My father never mentioned him."

"Well, your father couldn't stand him so I'm not surprised. He showed up here while your father was off duty. He practically demanded we call him and kept insisting that he and Charlie were buddies from way back when. He was hired two days later."

As I listen, it all seems a bit weird to me but my brain is mush.I just want to be done now, but I can't leave before finding out a few more things.

"Angela?" I prod, trying to steer the conversation back to before we got interrupted.

"If you don't hear from her by tomorrow then give me a call." He gives me a small smile.

"Okay. Now what happens with Charlie?" I'm sure that a funeral will need to be planned and then there is the matter of his house. I needed to know what would happen to it.

"I'll definitely call you as soon as I know anything more. I think you should go talk to Sue, though. After Harry had his heart attack, your father got his things in order-just in case. Sue would probably have those details. "

Thinking about those details makes me cry again and Paul hands me a tissue. "Do you want me to drive you to Angela's?"

I shake my head. "No, I'll be okay."

After an awkward hug, I leave the station. I told Paul that I was going to go back to Angela's, but after starting the car and pulling out of the lot, I realize I am headed towards La Push. Sue, her family and most of the people I grew up around live on the Quileute Reservation in La Push. As if on auto-pilot, I pull up to a small wooden house and put the car in park. My door is yanked open and I am greeted by Jacob Black. He pulls me out of the car and into a bear hug, holding on just a little bit longer than necessary. It's typical Jake and instead of shoving him off me I welcome it, because after this morning, it's what I need.

"I'm so sorry Bella. I don't know what else to say." I feel his lips in my hair and then he sets me back down.

"Thanks Jake. How is Billy handling it?" Billy Black is Jacobs's dad and Charlie's best friend.

Jake shrugs, "he hasn't said much." He shrugs again and points inside. "Sue's been upset all morning and I know she wants to see you. We weren't even aware you were in town until a few hours ago."

I follow his hulking frame and wonder why my father wouldn't tell his friends that I was coming to visit. Once inside the small house I walk quietly into the kitchen where I can see Sue seated at the table with a cup of tea. Her eyes are red and she's sobbing. She's not actually making any noise, but I can tell by the way her shoulders roll and shake. I don't say anything to announce my arrival; instead I wait for her to notice me. After a few minutes she does and immediately gets up and crushes me to her. It's the first time Sue has ever hugged me. I can tell she needs this and I do, too. I hear footsteps but I don't lift my head to see who it is. Sue's grip loosens and she looks at me. Without her saying anything I know that she is hurting as much as I am, but her focus now is me.

"I'm fine." I try to assure her, but her eyes question and I push gently against her arms so that she will release me and I can sit.

"Do you want some tea?" Her voice is all raspy; a true testament to the fact that she has been crying since early this morning.

No, I don't want tea, I want Charlie. Seeing Sue has broken the levee that was helping to hold back some of my feelings. I lie instead of crying.

"Yes please."

Emily and Sam are here and I watch as Emily pours a cup and puts it in front of me. I wonder where Seth is.

"Milk or sugar, Bella?"

"Whiskey?" My lame attempt to lighten the mood has no effect and Emily follows Sam into the living room.

"I spoke with Paul." I leave it at that and wait for her to respond.

"Are th…are they sure?"

"Yes."

More sobbing, more heartache.

"Sue, Paul said that Charlie had already made all of his um…his ah…" I can't get the words to come out. They feel dirty on my tongue and I swallow thickly.

"Everything is taken care of, Bella. I have a copy of his wishes for you. After seeing what I went through with Harry, Charlie decided that he never wanted you to have to go through that. You just have to decide when you want the funeral."

"Okay." I sip some tea, aware that Sue hasn't touched hers since I've been here. I'm not sure what else to say. I don't really want to talk about the funeral; it seems cold hearted to be planning it the same day we find out about Charlie's death. We sit in complete silence for a long time. Finally, I stand up.

"I should go; I need to call my mother." I say.

"You can stay here, if you want."

No, I can't.

"No, you need your time, Sue. I'll stop by tomorrow okay?" She doesn't respond and I put my cup in the sink and walk to the living room. I catch Sam Uley's eyes and motion for him to follow me.

I hear music coming from the small garage near the house and realize Seth is probably in there and Jake is most likely with him now. I should check on him but I can't handle another look of pity and after Sue I'm not sure I can try and console him.

"Angela Weber is missing. Well, maybe not missing per se but I'm staying at her apartment and she hasn't returned my calls." I tell Sam with conviction in my voice. I know Sam will understand. He's been in my spot before.

"Are you sure she's not out with other friends?"

"No, maybe…I don't know."

"Cullen's back in town." It's a statement filled with disdain and I hear the unspoken question.

"I know. I saw him last night when I ate at The Lodge. You can't still believe all that?" We've been down this road before. It always ends the same. I end up defending the man, or rather the boy I once loved and he lists all the reasons why I shouldn't.

He doesn't answer me Instead, telling me that he'll look into the situation with Angela and that I look like shit and should get some sleep. I stick my tongue out at him and give him a hug.

The drive back to Angela's is quick. As I pull into the parking lot I realize I'm going forty MPH which means I was going at least seventy if not more on my way here. I start to think about how Charlie would respond knowing I broke the speed limit but then quickly push it out of my mind.

I call out for Angela, just in case she's home but all the lights are off and the apartment is silent. I flick on the light and grab my phone. I need to call Renee. She answers immediately and waits for me to talk. I can tell that she already knows and I feel guilty that she heard it from someone else. We talk for a long time and she's not sure if she can make it to the funeral because of Phil's schedule but she says she'll try. After I hang up with her, I immediately call Angela. I don't expect her to answer and I don't bother leaving a voicemail because deep down I know she won't get it.

I search the kitchen for a phone book and when I can't find one I venture into Angela's makeshift office. The room is a mess and papers are piled high, almost blocking her laptop. Fear runs through me. Angela is never without her laptop. The little blue light is blinking, telling me that it's onbut I can't bring myself to check what may be on there. Instead, I continue digging for a phone book, finally finding one tucked away in the desk.

Ben Cheney is not listed so I start to search under Attorney's. I find his office and call the number listed. I'm directed to his receptionist and I leave my information with her. I tell her it's in regards to Angela Weber and for him to call me as soon as possible.

There's a pile of newspapers on the floor and I pick up the top one. Then the second. When I get to the third I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding. There are more. Now that I am looking around I see another tall pile of newspapers. Why would Angela be saving these? I read some of the headlines.

Missing girl last seen at Fork's High School

Arrest made in connection with Tanya Denali and Jessica Stanley

Police ask for any information regarding the disappearance of Leah Clearwater

Bree Tanner now missing for seven days. Police have no leads at this time.

I drop the papers back on the pile as if they were burning my hand. I run to the living room suddenly afraid and even more aware that I am by myself. I don't want to be here anymore. I could get something to eat, even though I'm not hungry. I eye Angela's flip-flops and decide against them. I have time to put on my sneakers,so I lace them up quickly before I slam the apartment door and lock it. The list of places I can go runs through my mind. Now that I am away from the haunting headlines and among other people I feel silly for being afraid. I decide to drive to Fork's version of Wal-Mart and grab a few things for dinner and consider getting some wine.

I'm almost there when I spot familiar lights behind me. Shit. I wasn't even speeding. I pull over to the shoulder of the road and shut the radio off. I never did check to see if all the proper papers were in the glove box. I hoped they're in there. I cross my fingers.

"Isabella! Imagine finding you here."

I look into James's face and he's grinning widely. The hairs on my neck stand up and I move my hands from the steering wheel and cross them over my chest.

"I wasn't speeding." His grin fades. "At least I didn't think I was." I add.

"You forgot to use your turn signal about a mile back."

"Oh, I'm sorry." I leave it at that. I remember Charlie telling me once that the less you say the better. James looks like he wants me to say more but I just want him to go away.

"I'm just gonna give you a verbal warning missy. Next time it'll be a ticket."

"Um, okay, thanks." He's still standing right next to my car and I wonder what he wants. After what feels like forever but more likely is less than a minute, he bids me goodbye and walks back to the cruiser. Watching him continue to watch me as I pull from the shoulder of the road I give him a nickname. Officer Creepo. It seems fitting after this incident and the one from earlier. I laugh for the first time all day as I drive away.

Forks Outfitter's is almost empty and I navigate the aisles quickly, throwing random things in the cart. I manage to make it all the way to the wine section before crying. I don't know why but it hit me hard and without warning. I lean over the cart with my head in my hands trying to stifle the tears. I vaguely hear someone speak.

"Excuse me"

I move the cart over closer to a shelf of red wine.

"Excuse me." This time the voice is louder and I scoot over again. Can't a girl cry in peace? A hand is on my shoulder and I look to see who it is.

"Edward!"

"Are you okay Bella? I mean, ah, I'm sure you're not okay but…" his smooth voice trails off. I brush the tears away quickly and nod my head.

"I heard about Charlie. I'm sorry." He sounds sincere and I mumble my thanks. He shoves his hands into his pockets and pushes his shoulders up. He's sexy without even trying. Once again I feel like I'm a teenager.

"What are you doing here, Bella? By yourself?"

"I want to be here by myself" I retort harshly.

"Why aren't you with Jake?"

"Why would you assume I would be with Jake?" I bite my lip. Just because he didn't live in Fork's for a while doesn't mean he's unaware of what happened after he left. Something flashed across his face but it was gone so quick I couldn't be sure of what it was. "I'm sure Jake's at home, or at Sue's." I add feeling bad about snapping at him. "

"Oh."

"When did you get back in town?"

"A few months ago. My work brought me back to the area and my family still lives outside of Forks so I decided to make it home again."

I can't help what I say next. Sam planted the seed and seeing the newspapers helped it sprout.

"Have you seen Angela Weber?"

"Angela?" He stutters slightly as he says her name. One hand tugs at his hair. I want to tug his hair. He's staring at me and I tap my toes on the floor.

"No. Can't say that I have."

If I hadn't learned all his tell-tale signs when I was younger, his quick recovery and sure answer would have sufficed. But now I know that he is lying. His jaw twitched. Dead giveaway.

"Why?" His face is impassive now.

"I can't seem to get a hold of her." I say.

"Right, and I would be first on your list to try and find her. Fuck Bella. You know I had nothing to do with any of that bullshit."

He takes a step forward, crowding me and leaving me no choice but to breathe in his scent. Honey, spice and soap. Common sense tells me to be scared but instead I'm tingling in places that haven't had so much as a fizz in years.

"Edward! There you are, come on. "We both turn and see Alice standing at the end of the aisle. It takes her a few seconds, but when she finally recognizes me she bounces over and pulls me away from Edward and into a hug.

"Hi Alice."

"I'm so sorry. How are you holding up?" Her voice is melodic and I can't help but smile. I always liked Alice.

"I'll be okay."

"Hey, what are you doing tonight? Is your mom here with you?"

"No, she's in Florida. Phil plays ball down there now."

"So, what are you doing tonight?" Alice is practically jumping up and down and I spy Emmett and Jasper walking towards us now.

"I'm staying at Angela's. I'm going to make something for dinner and drink some wine."

"Do you want to come over for dinner with us? I don't want you to be by yourself."

I shake my head. "I really have to get going." Without waiting for her to respond or risking a glance at Edward I push the cart ahead of me and blindly grab a bottle of wine. I hurry towards the checkout, not wanting to run into them again.

By the time I get back to Angela's it's dark and rainy and Ben still hasn't called me back. I start to cook in an effort to brush off the day. Usually cooking helps me relax me after a long day but even after the pasta's done I'm still keyed up. I take a few bites but most of it gets scooted around the plate in a quest for something to keep me busy. I pour a glass of wine and finish it off in two gulps. My phone rings as I pour my second glass.

"Hello?" I tense up, half expecting to only hear heavy breathing. Instead, it's Ben.

"Ben, have you heard from Angela?"

It sounds as if he is in a tunnel, his voice muffled. "Uh, the other day, why?"

I remind him about how I'm on vacation and was supposed to be with Angela today, and then I tell him about Charlie. After he gives me his condolences I ask him if he knows where Angela might be now.

"I guess she could have stayed in New Orleans a little bit longer. That could be why she's not answering her phone."

"What is she in New Orleans for?"

"I'm not sure. She had a meeting with Cullen and then told me her story was breaking and she had to go to Louisiana for a few days. I've been swamped here and she's been so busy that our conversations are never long. I'm lucky if we get five minutes to talk.

"Cullen? Alice Cullen?"

"No, Edward, why?"

"Just wondering. What story was she working on?"

"Geez Bella, I don't know. I'm sorry. I can give her parents a call and see if they have heard from her. I bet she needed to stay in New Orleans and her phone doesn't get reception." He doesn't sound worried at all.

"Well then why wouldn't she email or call you from a landline, at least?"

"I'm in Africa, on business. That's why you couldn't get through to me today. I have limited cell and internet access here. The weather has to be just right in order for us to get out. I'll be back in Port Angeles the day after next, though. I'll email you tomorrow. "

"Can you check and see if she got on the plane?"

"I'll try. I'm sure she's fine though. Listen, I have to go."

I can barely hear his goodbye over the crackle in the background before the line goes dead. It took me a while to process what Ben said. I couldn't imagine Angela not calling me if Ben was unavailable and she had to stay longer somewhere. And then there was the fact that she had met with Edward. I knew he had been lying. I drink more wine. Feeling pretty buzzed I mull over my options. I decided I would call Paul in the morning and file a report. Would Edward lie to me again if I confronted him with what I knew? I've had too much to drink to be able to drive but I still have the Cullen's home line memorized.

My fingers fly over the keys and I wait impatiently for someone to pick up. I'm greeted by the machine but I chicken out of leaving a message. I hit the end button harder than I should have and throw my phone off to the side. Another glass of wine gone and I hit redial, hanging up after two rings this time. It's childish but I'm too drunk to care.

Two more glasses of wine later, I feel even better and can even think about Charlie without bursting into tears. The Big Bang Theory is playing on Angela's small TV. The wine now gone, I stumble towards the spare bedroom; I don't want to sleep on the couch again. I pull back the comforter and snuggle against the pillows.

I close my eyes and know that like almost every night I'll dream about Edward. I just hope that tonight it's not a nightmare.

Whew, chapter 2 is done. Thank you to those who reviewed alerted and put this story on their favourites. I love getting each and every notification. Let me know what you think.