4. A Long Shot

This all happens prior to Take This Heart.

I didn't get much sleep that night. I was worried about some of the things the lawyers had been telling me: The custody settlement had been reached so long ago, that it was hard to change, and I should just wait one year. I knew I had to find a way for Bella to get away from Phil. I knew if I couldn't find a way to get her away, I would take her away in a case of parental kidnapping.

After Bella called me, I headed over to Scott's office. I got there just as he was unlocking the doors.

Smiling, he looked up at me and said, "I thought I told you to get some sleep."

"I did."

"Doesn't look like it."

"Yeah, well, you're no prize either."

He laughed a full, honest laugh that warmed me up a little.

I walked into his office as he held the door open for me.

"Mr. Scott," I began, "my name is Chief Charles Swan of the Forks Police Department. I need your help. Including you, I have seen seven different lawyers." I then explained to him what I had told the other lawyers.

He looked at me very hard. "Have you called the local police?"

How did he know that there was a legal aspect to this case? "My daughter wasn't willing to talk to them," I answered.

He sat back, "Chief Charles Swan of the Forks Police Department, I know there is more to this case than you're telling me. I would like to help you, but this isn't my area of expertise. And frankly, on a Policeman's salary, you couldn't afford me."

His words stung me.

"But," he continued, "I know of a man who might be able to help you. He's retired, but one of the finest attorneys I've ever met." He took a card out of his jacket, flipped it over, and began to write on it. "Go to this address in Seattle. Tell him I sent you and tell him your story. I believe he is the right man for the job."

I looked at his card. Isaac Randall.

"Who is he?" I inquired.

Scott looked at me and smiled. "You'll see."

I thanked him and walked back to my car, hoping against hope that this Isaac could help me.

As I climbed into my car my phone was ringing.

"Hello?" I grumbled gruffly.

"God dammit, Charlie!"