Okay, here's last chapter in Bella's POV. It starts off before she gets to meet Edward though so there's a lot of inner-monologue in the beginning. Bella's character is different from the series. She's a lot more self-assured, headstrong, confident etc. Think more vampire Bella than human Bella.
This chapter's song is "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
I don't own Twilight.
To say I was less than thrilled about interviewing this Lieutenant-Detective Edward Masen was a gross understatement.
He was just going to be another selfish, self-absorbed member of the Seattle Police Department. All the men, except for one, in the department were just assholes looking to stay ahead of the game. If it meant participating in illegal activities, stabbing each other in the back, and living as if they were above the law then that's what they did.
I was hoping that with Charlie being the new Chief things would start to change in Seattle for the better but I wasn't going to be naïve. It was going to take more than Charlie being a good-hearted cop who really believed in justice and the law to change the SPD and the city.
I knew he wasn't particularly pleased with the articles I wrote but the truth needed to be told for the sake of justice. He raised me to live by that philosophy and he wasn't going to tell me otherwise just so he could be cushy in his new corner office.
This news about the S.W.A.T. team getting funded really made my blood boil. I couldn't believe they had the nerve to call it the "reallocation of city government funds to better a unit of the Seattle Police Department." That was the biggest crock of shit I'd ever heard in my life.
It was just another example of politicians in our area thinking they could buy off the men and women who were entrusted to take care of this city. And the jerk whose unit was getting funded probably just felt even more like he was entitled because of the funding. That was the thing with all those officers. They felt entitled. As if they deserved the money just because they wore a badge and "protected the city."
I groaned and got out of bed. I slipped my wife beater from last night back on and made my way into our bathroom. I methodically took a shower, brushed my teeth, cleaned my face etc. I had no idea how I let Charlie weasel me into this interview.
I really didn't want this jerk to be featured in my column but I had promised Charlie. If he promised to be unbiased about my articles and gave me quotes whenever I needed them then I could force myself to do one measly article. Right?
I opened the bathroom door and Jacob was still passed out on the bed. He was sleeping on his stomach. I smiled at his sleeping form. He was so quiet and calm when he slept. So much different from when he was awake. I could see the contours of his back very clearly from where I stood. The sheet was draped very low on his torso.
I walked over to him and placed a kiss on his shoulder blade. He sighed but made no sign of waking. I shook my head and walked over to my closet. That man could sleep through World War III. I picked out a plain, long sleeved white top and one of my favorite pairs of jeans. They were Jacob's old jeans from junior high school.
For some unknown reason Billy still had them in his basement and when Jake and I had found them they ended up becoming mine. They were a little long at first but thankfully I knew how to sew and I hemmed them just for my height. They were really comfortable and—although I would never tell Jacob this—the jeans kind of made me feel like they marked me as his own. I slipped on my long worn Vans and left the room.
Jacob was still lightly snoring.
I walked downstairs into the kitchen and made some coffee. Today would be a long day and thanks to Jacob I hadn't slept much. Not that I minded what we had been doing but it always made me a wreck the next morning.
The coffee was done after a few minutes. I drank it black. A bad habit I'd picked up from Charlie. Jacob always complained but I never changed my routine. I was a creature of habit in a lot of ways. I grabbed the newspapers from the porch and sat down at the kitchen table. It was small but enough for me and Jacob.
The headlines were all the same…death, violence, murder, corruption, sex, scandal. God, couldn't they come up with anything creative in this city? Granted, my column had to do with the crap they plastered across the front page but the difference was that I wrote about it to inspire change. The headlines might have been writing about the same news but I didn't leave out all the gory details and truth.
It didn't bother me that a good portion of the city's "most respected" people hated me. I slept fine at night. I couldn't say the same for them.
My editor was wary at first about giving me the column but it turned out to be a great thing for our paper. Sales went up dramatically when people started to take notice of my column. Sure, I received hate mail and threats but that was the good thing about being the Chief's daughter—I was unknowingly well protected—besides Jacob loved driving me everywhere.
There were very few times I was without him, only when I was working or had things to do on my own. We'd been officially dating for a little over two years now. It wasn't uncommon for us to spend the majority of our time together.
He had an apartment near his job but he only stayed there when we fought or if we were tired from hanging out and his apartment was closer. Jacob had his own key to my house and clothes here so it's not like we very often bothered with his apartment.
I looked at the clock on the microwave and it was 7:03. I still had plenty of time. With the way Jacob rode his bike we'd make it into the city in no time. I lived in a more residential part of Seattle. Just because I wrote about crime didn't mean I had any inclination to live so closely to it.
I was reading the sports section of the Seattle Sun Times when I felt two strong arms wrap around my neck. Jake leaned down and pressed his lips to my right cheek. I instinctively smiled and shivered. He was so warm. I turned around and looked at him.
His cropped hair was a little damp from his shower and he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. In typical Jacob fashion the t-shirt was tight and outlined every muscle of his body and the jeans were slung low, revealing his Spiderman boxers. At twenty-eight years old, Jacob was still very much a little boy obsessed with comic book heroes. It didn't matter to me. We could be comic book nerds together.
"What's on the agenda for today? I cleared my morning since I know you're heading to Charlie's," he poured himself a bowl of cereal.
"I have to be at Charlie's before nine for this interview. I was actually hoping to get there around 8:30-ish so I could talk to him. I haven't seen the Chief for a couple of days."
"You spoke to him yesterday," he scoffed.
"I know but still."
He chuckled and sat down next to me. Jacob always loved how close Charlie and I were. We were both headstrong and opinionated but at the same time we both really cared about each other. I was the only thing he had. Charlie wasn't like me.
After he and Renee's relationship had crashed and burned I was the only family member he had. His parents had died years back and he never had brothers or sisters. At least I had Jacob, Billy, our friends, Grandma Marie, Renee, Phil. I was lucky to have so many people that mattered to me.
"Okay, well we should probably leave around eight. I'll be in the area until you're done. Just call me and I'll come get you," he leaned forward and gave me a sweet kiss.
"What will you do while I'm working?"
"I don't know. Go to a music store."
"It's too early for any music stores to be open."
"Well, then I'll go Starbucks and read a book. I don't know Bells!"
"I just don't want to put you out," I admitted.
"You're not putting me out. I'm offering to take you," he clarified.
"Well, you better bring a jacket. It's overcast."
"Babe, when do I ever ride my bike without my jacket? You know it's dangerous to ride and not be protected."
I sighed. Jacob was right. He never rode his bike without his motorcycle jacket.
"Honestly, I don't even know why you have the thing. It's Seattle! It rains virtually every day. It's really impractical."
"Because I feel the need," he waited.
"The need for speed," I groaned. "I know. I know."
He laughed and kissed my temple.
"So what are we doing tonight?" he wondered.
"I've got to work on my article."
"Oh, okay, I guess I'll go practice with the guys tonight," he sounded defeated.
"I'm sorry," I kissed him.
"Rachel called for you yesterday by the way. I was going to tell you last night but I, uh, got a little distracted," there was a slight redness to his cheeks.
"What did she say?"
"Nothing much. She's got a break from school so she's visiting Paul," he grimaced.
"Oh, Jake! I don't know why you let that bother you so much. He's a good friend to you and your sister is happy."
"It's just hard knowing that he took my sister's V-card, alright?" he muttered.
"You don't know that," I tried to console him.
He gave me a look. Okay, so maybe that was not exactly on target because Paul was pretty much a nymphomaniac but still. Jacob sighed.
"We'd better get going. Go grab your jacket from upstairs," he stood up.
I jogged upstairs and grabbed my jacket and bag. One quick glance in the mirror told me I looked okay. I wore minimal make-up. It was mostly eyeliner and Chap Stick on an average day. My outfit was plain but very casual. I didn't see the need to dress up for this mystery guy. I could care less and had a man waiting for me downstairs.
I ran downstairs and met Jacob at the front door. He was holding two helmets—his and mine. I grabbed my helmet and walked out. He locked the door for me and I waited until he climbed onto his bike. I climbed on behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist once my helmet was on. Charlie wasn't exactly thrilled at first when he knew Jake drove around on a bike but he really couldn't say anything. I was old.
We drove into the city and made it to the police department plaza quickly. The building was an enormously huge skyscraper that housed the most important divisions of the Seattle Police Department and even the lower ones. It was a known-fact there were holding cells in the building as well but I'd never been down there. Charlie wouldn't let me.
Jacob parked his bike next to the curb and I hopped off. I took off my helmet and waited for him. He took his off and grabbed mine. He put my helmet in his trunk and locked the bike. It was a really nice bike. It was a BMW. It had charcoal, blue, and black coloring on it. Even the rims had blue on them.
He grabbed my hand and walked me to the revolving doors. I stopped and he waited with me. He knew what I was waiting for.
"You are so predictable Bella Swan," he chuckled.
"Shh, don't say that too loud. Someone could hear you," I scolded.
"Oh, excuse me Ms. Woods," he smiled seductively.
I grinned and leaned forward. I pressed my lips against his. My mouth parted against his and he continued the fluid movements. We kissed for a while. No tongue or anything but just enough to make me hate having to go to this interview even more. When I pulled back I pouted and he laughed at me.
"Bella, I'll be back in a couple hours. Go talk to Charlie," he smacked my butt.
I walked away and frowned over my shoulder. I really didn't want to do this. I entered the building and made my way to the front desk. I'd been here only a few times and Charlie hadn't been Chief when I visited him. She gave me a funny look and said my name rather loudly when I gave her my information. Once I was done with the secretary I walked over to the elevators.
I noticed quite a few officers staring at me. They all seemed to glaring or ogling. Some officers did both. I sighed. I knew why they didn't like me but it's not like I really cared. I knew my reputation but it hardly mattered to me.
I could only imagine the looks on their faces if they were to ever find out it was the Chief's only daughter that was writing the articles they hated so much. I stepped onto the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. I slung my press pass around my neck and waited.
Charlie's office was on the 62nd floor so I knew it'd be a while. People had gotten on and off during the course of the elevator ride. On the 32nd floor an officer stepped on. I'd been kind of annoyed. I was hoping I'd get to ride the rest of the trip alone.
He was a tan-skinned guy who looked to be around my age. He had a buzz cut like most of the officers and frameless glasses. I glanced at his nametag as he passed by me. His name was Officer Valence. I looked at his t-shirt and it was an official SPD S.W.A.T. shirt. Figures!
I laughed a little but shut up quickly when I realized he might hear me. He looked at me and I smiled. He was an attractive guy, a little short for my preferences but not deplorable. I mean I was dating Jacob. He was 6 foot freaking 7. Our trip was silent and a little awkward. I could tell he was trying not to look at me but he was obviously curious about me.
I decided to break the silence.
"So, you're a S.W.A.T. officer, huh?" I spoke conversationally
"Yes, ma'am."
I giggled. He really was in officer-mode. No one had ever called me ma'am.
"I'm sorry. I tend to start calling people sir and ma'am when I'm at work. My mom always complains about it," he said bashfully.
"It's okay. I'm Isabella Woods," I left my hand out.
His eyes bugged out of his head a little. I had to stifle a laugh at that one.
"I'm Officer Jay Valence— S.W.A.T. You can call me Jay," he surprisingly shook my hand.
"Jay," I mused.
The elevator suddenly dinged and I glanced at the panel. We'd finally reached Charlie's floor. The doors opened and I stepped forward. I turned over my shoulder and smiled at the officer.
"It was nice meeting you," I tried to be charming.
"Y-you too," he stuttered and walked in the opposite direction of me.
I saw him take out a cell phone from his pocket and press a button. I shook my head and went to Charlie's secretary. He'd been expecting me. She sent me to his door and I knocked. I could hear his voice on the other side of the door. He was obviously speaking to someone.
"Come in," he shouted.
I opened the door and waited in the doorframe. Charlie glanced at me and grinned widely.
"I'm gonna have to call you back Rich," he hung up the phone.
"Bells! You look great," he came over to me and grabbed me in a hug.
"Hey, Charlie," I said and then closed the door.
His eyes darted to the door and he sighed.
"I'm sorry. I was just so excited to see you. I promise not to call you Bells anymore while you're here in public. Or Bella for that matter," he smiled.
He sat on the front of his desk while I sat in the chair in front of him. I took off my press pass and slung it back into my bag. I didn't need it anymore that I was with Charlie.
"So, how's Jacob?"
"He's fine. He's hanging around town until I'm done," I responded.
"That's nice of him. How's work?"
"Work is fine. Work has got me here with you right now," I smirked.
"Thanks for doing this sweetie. I promise you won't regret it. Lieutenant Masen is a good guy. He's got a real way with people. That's part of the reason why he heads the unit. He's only 31 but he's damn good at what his does. There aren't too many people who are as natural born leaders as him."
"You don't have to sell me the product, Dad," I laughed.
"I'm being serious, Bella. I know you're worried about the funding and what it will mean for the department but you're not being entirely fair to him. He's tried and tried with Fiori but the evidence just isn't sticking."
"I thought he was detective," I questioned.
"He is but the evidence isn't his responsibility. Masen's most important job is making sure the operation goes through and that no one is hurt in the process."
I pursed my lips. I wasn't going to argue with Charlie.
"How about we head on over to the conference room and chat?" he offered.
"Okay."
We walked down the hall to the conference room. I sat down while Charlie stood. He told me he was sick of sitting. I laughed at him and he ruffled my hair. We spoke for a long while. I mostly wanted to check on Charlie and see he was doing well. He lived alone and I wanted to make sure he was taking care of himself.
"Man, Bells you should have heard me yesterday. I kept slipping in front of Masen. Actually, I'm surprised he didn't say anything. I almost called you Ms. Swan, Bella, and almost referred to you as my daughter," he chuckled.
"Daaaaaaad! You're going to ruin everything," I grumbled.
"I'm sorry! I'm trying really hard. It's just that you and I never really do anything work-related in public. All our 'interviews' are always over the phone and I can call you anything I want. I've got to train myself to get used to the idea."
"Oh, c'mon, Dad. Don't you think Woods has a nice ring to it?" I laughed.
"Hardly. You'll always be my one and only baby girl Isabella Marie Swan."
I heard a door swing open and Charlie turned around. I was sitting down and his arm was in the way so I couldn't see who it was. Charlie glanced at his watch and smirked.
"Nice of you to join us Lieutenant," Charlie spoke with authority.
"I'm sorry sir. I got caught up with McCarty and Valence," the mystery guy had a silky voice.
Hey, I know Valence!
"Take a seat," he gestured to the seat on his side.
The mystery man walked forward and I could see him now. He was still walking towards his seat.
He had dark brown hair that had hints of red in it. It was an unusual shade that was really curious. His hair was messy and unruly but for some reason it seemed to work for him. His face was pale and extremely defined. The sharp angles to his cheekbones, nose, and jaw line were so interesting and masculine.
His skin looked really smooth and didn't have any hint of facial hair. He had nice lips for a guy and the most alluring shade of green eyes I'd ever seen. His chest seemed well defined in the snug S.W.A.T. polo he was wearing.
His biceps were thick and I could see the veins in his forearms. A smile played on my lips. This guy was hot. There was no denying the fact. And with the way he was starting at me I could tell he was appreciating the view.
"Lieutenant, this is Isabella Woods."
I smiled a little at my fake name. He put his hand out and I placed my hand in his. It was awfully tiny in comparison to his huge manly hands. He seemed to be in a daze of sorts. I had to pull my hand away to get it back.
"It's nice to meet you, Lieutenant," I spoke first.
His Adam's apple bobbed a little as if he'd been swallowing. His lips parted and he stared for a moment. He seemed to be thinking about something. Seeing him think like that made him really attractive.
"You can call me Edward," he allowed.
I knew his name already but I didn't want to be rude…yet. It was actually sort of strange that his name was Edward. I hadn't met any Edward's in a while.
"Okay, well Edward I'm Isabella."
I wanted to cringe at my name. I actually hated being called Isabella but it wouldn't take long for someone to put two-and-two together if I referred to myself as Bella and Charlie spoke about his daughter using the same name.
"Alright, well I've got paperwork to do so you two play nice," Charlie started to walk towards the door.
"I always do, Charlie," I smiled deviously at him.
Playing nice was not one of my specialties. I looked back at Edward and opened up my notebook.
"Do you mind if I record this interview?" I was scrambling through my bag for my tape recorder.
"No."
I pulled out the tiny silver machine from my bag and placed it between us. I fumbled with the buttons a bit. I was trying to figure out how to start off from where I had ended without accidentally cutting off the end of my last interview. I hated the damn thing but writing down all my notes wasn't exactly a good resource, especially when I was looking for direct quotes.
I toyed with the stupid machine for a while. I had a feeling Edward was staring at me but I ignored it. I chewed on my bottom lip out of habit and frustration. I could taste my cherry Chap Stick. I looked up and I caught him staring. I blushed a little and tried to ease the awkwardness.
"Sorry, I'm terrible with these things. I swear technology hates me," I smiled and looked back at the recorder.
"It's okay. I cleared my entire morning for you."
I looked back up at him. I hadn't expected him to do that.
"Well, isn't that thoughtful."
He rolled his eyes and looked out the massive windows that lined the opposite end of the conference room. It was raining heavily outside. I hoped for a moment that Jacob was warm inside of a Starbucks.
"Look, before we began I'd just like to make it clear that I'm doing this for Charlie. Interviewing you wasn't exactly my first choice," I spoke.
There was no need with the pretenses. I'd be honest about my intentions and stance from the beginning. His head snapped to me. He seemed incredulous.
"Doing an interview with you isn't exactly my desired Tuesday morning either sweetie so you can shove your interview. I'm only here because it's an order. The last thing I want is to be featured in your crap ass newspaper," he spat.
Ugh! Who did he think he was? He's lucky I came all the way down here for Charlie. Charlie was the only reason why I was sitting with this Neanderthal.
And sweetie? Was he kidding me? Charlie was my dad and he threatened to stop giving me interviews if I didn't come.
"Well, an interview with a thickheaded S.W.A.T. officer is the last thing I want in my column too so I guess we can agree on something. And don't ever call me sweetie," I retorted.
"I'll call you any damn thing I want. Now are you gonna ask me some questions or not? I've got shit to do."
"Yeah, like pretend Danny Fiori and Peter Herman aren't in cahoots," I muttered.
"What?" he hissed.
"You heard me."
"You think you know everything! You don't know shit."
God, this guy really had an awful mouth. Granted, I didn't have the best manners when it came to vulgarity either but gosh!
"Oh really? And what exactly has your unit done to bring both of them down?"
"It's not up to my unit. We go in, get the evidence we're told to retrieve, and get the fuckers in jail cells. It's not my fault that thanks to you meddling reporters those mobsters are getting better at hiding the real evidence. You think Danny Fiori doesn't sip his coffee—while he's in bed with whatever broad he boned the night before—and read your column on Sunday mornings? News flash Isabella you set yourself up to be disappointed that they're never caught."
I wanted to punch him for calling me 'Isabella' like that. As if it was some sort of curse. And seriously he uses the word broad? What a caveman!
"You're full of crap! You think I don't know the other part of your title? Lieutenant-Detective Masen. You're incapable of catching a criminal, admit it."
"No."
Oh he was stubborn, was he? Well stubbornness was my tragic flaw. He'd be getting a lesson.
"It's true!"
"No it's not."
"Yes it is. I bet you stroll around here with your stupid badge and special S.W.A.T. polo thinking you're some god when the truth is you're not shit. Your unit hasn't made any major busts in the Fiori case in the two and half years you've been heading the operation. Charlie thought you'd be able to do it but he's dead ass wrong."
"How would you know about Charlie? What? 'Cause you guys are chummy after a few interviews? You have no idea about the Seattle PD so I suggest you shut your mouth or put it to better use."
That asshole!
That was the crudest thing a man had ever said to me. So I stood up and slapped that gorgeous face of his. This Lieutenant was the vilest creature I'd met in all my 27 years of life.
I was an investigative reporter. I'd met some real winners in my life but this jerk took the prize.
He looked back at me and glared intensely. He probably didn't get schooled by women. The look in his eyes should have scared me with its ferocity but I couldn't be anything but livid myself. And that thing about Charlie. Ugh, he made my blood boil!
"You better pray I don't go over to Charlie's office right now and tell him what you just said to me. And you better beg on your knees tonight before you go to sleep that I don't tell my boyfriend," I said in an icy cold voice.
"Fuck your boyfriend. I'd like to see him come and try to hurt me. Besides I bet you're standing here right now thinking that I feel sorry for what I said or that I want to take it back. No way. I meant every word I said."
"I hope your apartment has nice security," my jaw was set in a firm lock.
I wanted to scream but I wouldn't. So I picked up my unused notebook and turned off the recorder. I threw them into my bag and then brushed past him. I opened the door but paused for a second. I looked over my shoulder.
"It was nice knowing you Lieutenant," I smirked and walked out.
I walked over to Charlie's office and swung the door open.
"What happened? That was awfully quick," he looked at me confusedly.
I slammed the door shut and sat down.
"Your Lieutenant is an ass," I didn't mind cursing this time. Charlie wouldn't say anything.
"What happened?"
"He said something really crude and demeaning. I won't tell you what he said because you'll kill him but just know he's a jerk. The interview's over. I give up."
"What did he say, Bella?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"Honestly, Dad for his sake don't bother."
He sighed heavily and had a scowl on his face. Charlie was pissed.
"Well, I'm going to head out. This interview was a waste. I'll just have to attend your press conferences and relinquish the personal interviews," I sighed.
I was hoping he'd fall for my reverse psychology and give me my quotes still. I hated press conferences.
"Nuh-uh, Bella. I know what you're trying to pull. Thursday morning, same time. You better be here. He'll be here and he'll be more behaved."
"But Dad!" I whined.
"No, Bella. I'm sure what he said was rude but I'm also sure you didn't just sit there and not engage him. This interview is lesson for you as well. Now I'm leaving to go catch him before he disappears to his office. Thursday morning, Isabella," his voice got stern.
Charlie stood up and retreated from his office. I groaned and caught the elevator. I called Jacob when I made it downstairs and hung out in the lobby. The rain was letting up but I didn't want to go outside. It seemed humid. Jacob was about 10 minutes away so I stood by the lobby doors and tried to seem inconspicuous.
All the officers didn't like me and I didn't need to get harassed after being verbally abused too. I folded my arms around my chest and leaned against a wall. I watched the people in the lobby and stared.
I noticed one girl who was very conspicuous. She was on a phone. It was a short conversation. She hung up quickly and sat on her hands. She seemed nervous about something.She was extremely pretty. I had no idea what she was doing here. I figured she was a relative or girlfriend or wife or something—no one that pretty just hung out in police stations.
She was sitting down but I could tell by how long her legs were that was she tall. She was nicely tanned for someone living in Seattle and had long dark brown hair that was almost black. It was slung back into a simple ponytail. Her eyes looked to be blue from where I was standing which was an interesting contrast to her dark hair.
While I was watching her I noticed someone getting closer to her. When I zeroed in on exactly who it was I almost gasped. It was Edward! She looked up and smiled her bright white teeth at him. She stood up and pressed her lips to his.
Ugh, that pretty girl was dating him? His hands snaked around her waist and he pulled her closer to him. I was completely shocked when I realized how much that bothered me. Why should I care that he was kissing some model-looking girl? That could be his wife for all I knew.
I found myself walking out the building before I could see anything more. My throat started to feel constricted with the overwhelming emotions I was feeling. I had wanted to castrate this guy 15 minutes earlier. Why was I acting like this? I assumed it was because I was attracted to him but it still didn't explain why the emotions were so deep.
I waited for Jake to come and finally he did. I ran over to him and grabbed my helmet. I put my jacket on. Jacob revved the engine once and I smiled. I swung my leg over and planted myself on the bike. I latched onto him for dear life and he sped down the street. I needed to get away from this building.
I hope you all enjoyed getting to see Bella. I hope it kind of helped to explain her side to the argument with Edward better and her relationship with Charlie. I don't want people to think she uses Charlie for her job. He gladly does the interviews for her but Charlie also expects something in return at times.
As per the author's note if you're disappointed by the no smut thing I recommend my other story A New Sensation. It has plenty of Bella and Edward action in it. I feel bad plugging my other stories but I couldn't resist ;)
Oh and let me know if you listened to John Mayer.
