A/N: For those still reading, sorry it took me FOREVER to get this chapter up. I've been busy with college stuff, and now that I know where I'll be going, it makes it much easier to write! So, thanks for hanging in there if you did, and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: Yeah, I own a college sweatshirt, which is nothing compared to what Stephenie Meyer owns I'm sure. I suppose I could claim the plot though.

Fire and Rain

Chapter 4

Fools Rush In

"Charlie," I called into the small house.

It was just after breakfast. After I devoured the rest of my food, I quickly drove home, pushing my car to well above its desired speed. The sky had begun to darken, reminding me of the dreary weather Forks was consistently subjected to. Cullen sure had picked an excellent hideout.

I put my bag on the kitchen table and plopped into a seat. While I knew Cullen resided in Forks, for which I'm assuming its anonymity, I wasn't expecting his casual appearance. Granted the folders had evidence of Cullen frequenting some spots randomly, but it didn't mention any habitual hangouts around town. Seattle's The Meadow was the only one known. I was beginning to think the folders were useless and that I would just have to create my own.

"Bells," my father greeted, "What's the matter?"

He went straight to the fridge, pulling a bottle of beer from the shelf. After removing the cap with his shirt, he sat across from me at the table. He wasn't one to meddle, but be still cared for my well-being. His eyebrows were raised in question when I didn't speak for some time. My mind was too busy wandering around.

"Sorry," I apologized.

He shrugged his shoulders and took a sip out of the beer bottle. "How's the case going?"

"I don't even know why I took it," I said, shaking my head, "He's too complicated a person."

Charlie laughed, deep from his stomach. "You're just learning this now?"

I sighed heavily. Taking this case was the product of my motivation to prove to the squad I was worthy of some respect. It would be monumental for my career if I took down Cullen. Then again, it'd be disastrous if I didn't. At this point in time, there were too many plot twists going on about Cullen that it was looking like a definite failure.

"You want in, right?" When I nodded, he continued, "Keep going to the diner. Cullen's in there almost every day."

"I know that…" I started.

"Look, Bells, I've been watching this kid for a while now. If you're present enough on his turf, he's going to take notice, investigate. Just hold steady with what you're doing."

With that piece of advice, Charlie picked up his beer bottle, muttered something about a baseball game, and walked away. I closed my eyes, sighed in frustration, and let my head fall onto my arms on the table.

For once I needed to be patient and let him come to me. It was so unusual, just sitting. I felt like a lame duck, waiting and waiting, and yet nothing happens.

I suppose only fools, really do rush in.

Picking my head up, I went up towards my room, ready to review Cullen's files. Not even the worst story had as many plot holes as Cullen did. Then again, I was determined to fill them all in.

-=-=-

The next morning I was back in the diner, slowly eating my short stack of pancakes. I'd be damned if Forks, Washington didn't serve the best pancakes in the country. If I was going to be here every morning, I concluded I'd have to up my exercise routine. Not even the best body could weather the amount of pancakes I was to eat.

When I walked through the door, Gina smiled politely, remembering my face from the day before. She really was a sweet lady. I chatted with her before she took my order. She said her work at the diner helped her escape the quiet at home. With both her husband and son dead, Gina didn't have much. Yet, it made you appreciate the genuine smiles on her face.

"Gina, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, sweetheart, what'd you need?"

I bit my lip, hoping to phrase my question so it wouldn't be so suspicious or personal, but that challenge was proving to be too difficult. So, I went with what my brain really wanted to ask, "What's the deal with Edward Cullen?"

Gina stopped pouring the cup of coffee for the man beside me, her eyes flashing with anger and then hurt. She took a deep breath and shook her head a little before answering me.

"He's very dangerous. Certainly not a man I would want to get involved with, but I couldn't help my son from doing the same thing. I don't know much about him, sweetheart, but I'm sure you'll find out soon enough."

"What happened with your son?" I asked before I could stop myself.

With a dark chuckle Gina replied, "Edward promised him good money for working for him. My son didn't know that with good money came a gun. When he refused one of his orders, Edward had someone shoot him point blank, afraid he had too much evidence.

"Cruel world isn't it?" she said with downcast eyes.

"How old was he?"

"Eighteen," she whispered as tears gathered in her eyes. I instantly regretted asking.

She took a moment to collect herself and then smiled sadly in my direction, returning back to work to get her mind off of the tragedy her son's life turned into. My mouth felt dry, out of sadness and an odd fear for myself. What if he found out I was trying to infiltrate his tight company? He wouldn't think twice about killing me, nor would any of his lackeys.

With a shaking hand I picked up my fork and shoveled more pancakes into my mouth, unaware of anything other than the scenes playing out in my mind. Suddenly, Phoenix looked like the best place in the world.

-=-=-

Cullen hadn't shown that morning, despite the pace I ate at. Gina wasn't her normal self for the rest my visit and I felt horrible for asking what had happened. It wasn't my place. Yet, anyways.

Forks High School was my next mission. From the records I was given, Cullen graduated with a perfect GPA, yet rejected the title of valedictorian. Determined to get more information I parked outside, ready to charm whoever necessary to get information. But something stopped me from getting out of my truck. A black sedan was parked in the corner of the lot, with a familiar face in the driver's seat.

Jasper's saucy smirk stared back at me in my rearview mirror. With one eyebrow raised, he questioned my visit to the school, noticing I obviously didn't have any business being there.

Crap.

I debated getting out of the car to visit his for several minutes. The dangerous side of me won over as I jumped down and started walking towards him. His eyes danced with surprise and a slight challenge. A small smile spread across his lips and he rolled down the passenger side window.

"Darlin', what brings you to Forks High School?" he questioned, "Aren't you a little old for this place?"

"Didn't think you would remember me," I replied, avoiding his question.

With a slight head tilt, he said, "Anyone would be fool not to recognize those eyes of yours, darlin'."

As I gasped at the compliment he continued, "You're innocent for now, but just a warning, Mr. Cullen doesn't cater to undercover cops."

"Who said I was a cop?" I questioned with false surprise, hoping Jasper wouldn't see the blush rise to my cheeks out of fear.

"No one, sweetheart," he stated, smile now gone, "But if you continue to keep lookin', you'll be taken care as one. Understand?"

I nodded, unable to formulate any words. Jasper smirked, rolled up the window, and pulled swiftly out of the parking space, leaving me behind in the wake of his dust. My entire body was shaking. Never in my years as a police officer had I felt so nervous, and feared so much for my life. I had to gather a better back story, or at least be more cautious with my actions. Cullen liked to observe. Like Charlie had said, spend enough time on his turf and he'll come looking.

In my case, he was doing more than just looking.

He was waiting with a gun in hand.