A/N:

First a big shout out to DanceWithMeTonight for making the wonderful banner for this story!

Second, thank-you to Beachlover and Compass54 for the recommendation this week, I am beyond flattered!

As always I love reading your comments and appreciate all the favorites and notifications!

Twilight and anything connected with it are not mine, but belong to the talented Stephanie Meyer.

Okay, on with the story, we are getting closer to the big reveal and there is a lot happening in this chapter.

*This is an updated thank-you to PTB, especially beta Tds88, bigblueboat and beautifulnightmarex for all your help. Also another big thank-you to Beachlover, who graciously agreed to be my new pre-reader for both the chapters I am re-posting and my newest one. I feel very lucky to have her on my team! :)

Chapter 6: In the Deep

I am lost in the dark.

Evil faces and bony hands surround me. Escape is my only salvation.

With a racing heart and struggling for breath, I frantically run from unknown forces intent on tracking me down.

Everywhere I turn is a dead-end. I'm losing hope.

Suddenly, an angel appears, shining light into the dark with gentle touches and whispering words of comfort.

"I've got you."

"I'm here, Bella, I'm here."

"Baby, you're safe."

The angel knows when I need him. No matter how many times the darkness descends, the light is there fighting it away.


A sound invades my consciousness, and although I'm still groggy with sleep, I feel surprisingly rested. Opening my eyes to the sight of my bedroom, illuminated by the muted light of a hazy morning, I struggle to remember how I got here. Suddenly, I become aware of an arm slung over my waist and a warm body snuggled up against my back.

What happened last night?

I look down relieved to see that I am still wearing my paint clothes from yesterday. Hearing the noise again, I recognize it is Edward's cell phone. Untangling myself, I turn over and watch him sleep. He looks so peaceful. Without thinking, I find myself lightly running my hand through his hair. It's softer than I imagined.

His phone rings again, disrupting the moment and bringing me back to reality.

"Edward," I say, pushing his arm gently. "Edward, wake up, your phone is ringing." He groans and reaches out to grab me again. "Come on, you need to wake up."

Edward blinks slowly and smiles, his eyes bright and happy. Realizing where he is, and our physical proximity, Edward sits up quickly and jumps back, looking embarrassed by our current predicament.

"Bella, hey. How are you?" he stutters, running his hand through his hair nervously, and before I can ask about our sleeping arrangement, his phone rings again. Grumbling, he pulls the interrupting device out of his pocket.

"Cullen," he answers, getting up from the bed. "Hey, Emmett, what's up? … No, why is he trying to reach her?"

I sit there listening to his side of the conversation, trying to sort out what happened last night. The last thing I remember is being on the couch.

"What?" Edward yells, pacing back and forth in front of my bed."No way! … He can fucking wait! … He assaulted her in a jail. What's the rush?"

On the other end, I hear Emmett's mumbled voice answering the question. Edward is silent for a few minutes, but his facial expression is anything but calm. Whatever Emmett is saying isn't good.

"Say that again… You're fucking kidding me? How the hell does that even happen? … Fine, let me talk to her. … No, I'll do it. … Yeah, yeah okay, see you when we get there." He hangs up the phone and drops his head, gathering his thoughts.

"Bella, I hate to do this, but you need to go in and make a statement about what happened with Felix."

"Right now?" I question.

"As soon as possible. I'm sorry, Bella, the director refuses to budge."

For a moment, I struggle to fight off the increasing panic when I think about setting foot in that building, and the possible enemy within it. Relying again on my survival techniques, I force myself to ignore it. No matter how scared I am, if I am going to convince Edward to leave me alone, I need to play this smarter. Becoming emotional every time Edward mentions Felix is only going to increase his already heightened suspicions about my behavior. Swallowing my fear and putting on my best poker face, I calmly respond.

"That's okay. I understand. But, can we do it here instead?" I ask, getting out of bed and walking to stand next to him.

There is no reason for me to go into the office to give my statement. Edward and Emmett can do it here just as well as the office. I hold my breath, hoping he agrees with my request.

"Yeah, well, here's the thing. The camera in the room broke, and the video of your interview with Felix is messed up. Director Banner wants you to come in and map out the events for evidence. Don't worry. Emmett and I will do this quick, okay," he states with conviction.

"Thank you," I whisper, my mind racing to process his news.

Once again, someone tampered with the evidence. The move seems strange to me. I don't understand what they are trying to accomplish by destroying the tape of my attack. Nothing about our interaction implicates the Volturi. There is a specific plan being followed with Felix, but I'm struggling to connect all the pieces and understand the endgame.

Figuring out where Felix fits in is becoming more and more important; however, there is another pressing question I want an answer for first.

"So, how did I end up in my bed last night?" I ask, Edward's face reddening in embarrassment.

"Yeah, umm, you fell asleep before the movie ended, and I didn't want you to roll off and hurt yourself again, so I carried you to your bedroom."

"And you?" I question again.

"Umm, I swear I was going back to the couch, but you were really restless. I think you were having a nightmare, and sitting next to you was the only thing that calmed you down. Every time I tried to leave, you would get upset and grab me, so I decided to stay longer. I guess I eventually fell asleep."

He watches me with worried eyes, waiting for my response. I can't really blame him for not knowing how I am going to react. My recent push and pull is confusing me as well, my heart and mind no longer on the same page.

"Thanks, Edward. I appreciate you being here with me." My heart aches watching Edward's face light up with a huge smile. No matter how good this morning felt, I can't let it happen again.

"Wow, Swan, an actual thank you? You see that isn't so hard, is it?"

"Don't push it, Cullen," I warn, giving him a gentle shove. "Hey, I guess I messed up your plan." He looks at me curiously. "You know, for the zombie apocalypse. The only lesson I remember is no attachments, so there goes you and me against the world. Guess I will be fighting solo." I start to laugh, but abruptly stop when I see Edward's serious face.

"I will always fight for you, Bella. Only you."

Edward moves forward and grabs my hand. We stare at each other silently while he gently rubs circles along my wrist, both wondering which one of us will break first, and in what direction. Edward slowly leans down, gazing between my eyes and my lips, and although my heart is soaring, my logical side snaps me back to reality, and I quickly step away.

"I better get ready," I whisper, turning and walking towards the bathroom.

Edward stands still but holds my hand until the distance breaks the connection. Glancing back, I see him look down in defeat. Standing in the shower, I let the water wash away the tears. Edward's continued assault on my defenses is making it harder and harder to stay focused on my plan. I allowed myself one night, but now I need to let him go.

I laugh bitterly thinking about going into the office. Fate is a fickle foe for creating a reason for me to spend more time with Edward in the place that could destroy me. God I hate my life. Half an hour later, I am walking toward the kitchen, dressed and ready to go.

"How's your head?" Edward asks, coming over and touching me where the gauze previously resided. "Any pain or dizziness?" The tension in the air is thick, both of us avoiding what almost occurred before my shower.

"Not really. I have a dull ache, but it's better than yesterday, and the dizziness is gone." I smile reassuringly. He smiles back, continuing to touch the back of my head, checking the wound for himself.

"Do you need to dress your incision or anything?"

"No, it is actually pretty small and not bleeding." He steps away with a gentle squeeze to my shoulder.

"Do you mind if I use your bathroom to get ready?"

I shake my head no, and he smiles tightly before walking down the hallway carrying the duffel bag he brought in last night. Needing something to distract myself, I remember that I have several messages on my phone. Turning toward the counter, I grab it and decide to start with the text messages. They were all from Edward.

Bella I just found out you're out of the hospital. Call me.

Bella r u there?

Bella I'm worried, call me!

I am starting to freak out a bit here. R u there?

The messages become progressively more frantic, each asking me to call him back as soon as possible. Next, I listen to the voicemails, which are the same as the text messages; although, this time I can hear the fear and worry in Edward's voice.

Guilt bubbles up remembering how I chose to ignore the messages when I first found them. Thinking back on everything he's done for me, I feel sickened by my behavior. Edward deserves more than my indifference.

Focused solely on my preservation, I've neglected to consider how my departure will affect those around me. Edward and Emmett will not simply ignore my disappearance. The last thing I want is for myself or someone else to hurt them, and to that end, I can no longer ignore Felix's case, and the possible outcome. The mole inside the office is still there, and the Volturi are obviously interested in Seattle. The danger will not disappear just because I do. I need to protect them, and given my history, I'm the only one that can give Edward and Emmett ammunition against them.

The best way to protect Edward and Emmett is to expose the mole; this is now my priority. Quietly walking down the hallway, I pause by the bathroom door and hear the shower running. I don't have much time.

Rushing into my bedroom, I open the closet and dig past the clothes to the back corner where my treasured suitcase sits. Dragging it out, I unzip the main compartment and resist the desire to look at the objects packed there. Most belong to my mother, and I have no time for those emotions. Pulling at the lining, I expose the secret compartment. Hidden within are several ID's and documents, the basics of what anyone needs to disappear. To the right and taped to the back is what I need. Snatching the flash-drive, I lightly kiss it for luck before stuffing it in my pocket. Thank God for secret weapons.

I am about to put the lining back when I catch a glimpse of the guns buried to the far left. Buying them was Caius' idea. He gave me a rundown on obtaining illegal weapons before I left; buying them legally would create a paper trail I didn't need. Caius also told me what to buy; one is a Sig Saucer, and one is a compact Smith and Wesson, which is easy to conceal. Both are powerful.

I hesitate, wondering if I should bring one with me, feeling as though I'm about to go to battle. Shaking my head, I realize the stupidity of my thoughts. Walking into a building with metal detectors is a great way to get caught with a firearm, and there is no logical explanation I could give Edward about why I have one.

After securing the suitcase, I walk down the hallway and back to the kitchen. Edward will be out any moment now, which leaves me little time to plan. I know he is going to stick close to me when we get to the office. I will need him to leave me alone for at least 15 minutes to accomplish my goal, but I am struggling to figure out a plausible excuse.

"You ready to go?" I turn and see Edward standing behind me clean-shaven and in his usual work suit apparel.

"Do I have a choice?" I ask. "Let's just get this over." Edward nods, and we head out the door.

Since my car is still at the office, Edward is driving us. Both lost in our own thoughts, the car is silent as we start our journey. I am anxiously tapping my fingers on my leg, when Edward's hand grabs mine and intertwines our fingers.

"Breathe, Bella," he says simply, his attention focused on the road. I look down at our fingers, wondering how in the span of one evening I let Edward become so important to my life.

Nearing the office, my apprehension grows. My plan is a huge gamble, and successfully leaving today without being exposed will be a miracle. As we pull into the parking lot, I take several deep breaths, to focus my thoughts. There is no more time for doubt.

Game on, I think as we walk into the lion's den.

Edward and I proceeded over to the cubicles and offices. My senses are on high alert as I assess everyone around me for any clue that they are working for the enemy. However, it is not an easy task. Guilt is a strange emotion in humans because being guilty of a behavior often has nothing to do with the experience of guilt. The experience is personal and depends upon many factors. Looking across the office, I see many examples of this contradiction.

There is Jim who is currently drowning in guilt as he eats a doughnut. Last week, Jim pledged to lose 30 pounds and eat healthier after being diagnosed with diabetes. Simply assessing the intensity of his emotion could make you think he committed the worse type of crime, instead of just falling off his diet plan. On the other side of the room is Brett, a new father to an adorable three- month-old girl, recently born to his beautiful wife. He is currently sitting on the edge of Amber's desk, clearly flirting and touching her arm suggestively. His emotion is one of arrogant triumph, not guilt. Fucking asshole.

This is the limitation of my ability. The structure of an interrogation makes sorting through emotions easier because I can introduce topics, and see how the person reacts. Just searching for a guilty party in a room full of people is almost impossible, especially when I don't know if the person is guilty or proud of the betrayal they are committing. Narrowing down the possible suspects is the only way I will find the mole. I lightly pat my pocket feeling the flash-drive, hoping I can manipulate a way to use it.

"Bella!" Emmett rushes over and grabs me in a big hug. "How are you doing?"

"Hi, Emmett. I'm doing okay."

"Jesus Emmett, don't squeeze her to death." Edward growls.

"Aww, is someone having a bad morning?" he mocks, trying to rub Edward's head. I smile at the playful behavior. No matter what is happening, I can always count of Emmett's bright light to ease my anxiety.

"Shut it, Emmett," Edward retorts, effectively dodging Emmett's hand.

"So what's the plan? Pictures or statement first?" I ask not wanting to waste any time.

"Well, um there's been a slight change." Emmett glances nervously at Edward.

"What kind of change?" Edward tenses.

"Okay, but just remember I'm the messenger. Now, we are still in charge of the case, but since we are close to Bella, Banner decided we shouldn't interview her."

"So who is going to do it?" Edward looks cautiously at Emmett.

"Newton."

Mike Newton, my nemesis in the office. Newton hates me. Well actually, when I started working here, he lusted after me. However, since I never responded to his advances, he's resorted to making snide comments and challenging me at every opportunity. Both Emmett and Edward have told him to knock it off, but it never fails if Mike and I run into each other, he starts hurling insults.

"No fucking way!" Edward yells.

"Look, man, I agree it's not the best idea, but it is a done deal. Let's just get it over with, and if he steps out of line, you and I will make his life hell."

"No, Banner needs to back off. I can't do my job if he's going to call the shots from the sidelines."

Edward turns and looks at me warily. "Bella, I'm going to fix this. Will you be okay for a few minutes while I talk with the director?"

Maybe the fates are finally smiling on me; this is just the excuse I need. Trying not to respond too enthusiastically, I tell him I will be fine.

"Okay, come on, Emmett, let's go." He gives my shoulder a light squeeze, before turning and marching toward the director's office.

After they disappear around the corner, I rush over to my cubicle and turn on the computer. Once logged on, I plug in the flash-drive praying it still works.


"What exactly is this thing?" I ask Caius, looking strangely at the flash-drive.

"This, Cara, may save your life one day." He looks at me with excitement, and I look at him confused. "This device allows you to hack into different systems and retrieve passwords." He smiles triumphantly while I wait for any information that means something to me.

"And?" I respond petulantly.

"Isabella, someday you will need to cover your tracks. This little beauty will help you. Here look," he says, plugging it into his office computer. As the flash-drive blinks, a window appears on the screen with a scrolling list.

"It connects to the system's override programs and provides lists of all the passwords for any file or program connected to the computer. If you attach it to a computer linked to a network, you can pull up any password or file in that whole system. That, Isabella, is power."

I analyze the screen, finally comprehending the usefulness of the device. Although Caius and I have discussed ways to stay off of any electronic radar when I leave, the reality is the world runs on computers. This is my safety net if I need to erase any electronic footprints of my existence.

"That is amazing."

"The best money can buy, and what's more, there is a built-in feature to fool security systems designed to detect any breach."

He pulls out the flash-drive and hands it to me. Once again, Caius has thought of everything.


As soon as I plug it in, it starts working, and almost magically, a new window appears on my screen listing the usernames and passwords of all the staff and departments.

Tapping my fingers nervously, I scan the list looking for Emmett's name deciding to start with his case file for the names of anyone else involved with Felix's case. Opening Emmett's case notes, I scan the information while keeping an eye out for either Emmett or Edward. Luckily, there are only a handful of agents listed. Using my notebook, I write down the names and their connection.

1) Director Banner: He continues to orchestrate and watch how the case is handled.

2) Ben Cheney: The agent who originally processed Felix.

3) Bree Tanner: Tech who signed for the evidence at the lab, including the note.

4) Angela Weber: Was with the officer when Felix was first brought in.

My heart races as I glance around, knowing I don't have much time before Edward and Emmett return; I just need a few more minutes. Looking again at the list, I pull up the files for the personnel department, and using a second flash-drive, quickly download the files of the suspects as well as Mike's, who is new to the case, but could be involved. After successfully transferring the staff files, I also decide to download the case file. I don't have time to analyze the information here, so I need to make sure I have everything I need at home.

Before logging off, I have one last task. Sorting through the personnel files again, I search for mine. Finding it, I pull up the file and hit delete. The computer questions the request, asking if I am sure I want to delete the entire file. You bet your ass I do, I think, hitting the confirm button. I feel relief, knowing I may have bought myself more time. I log off, putting the list and flash-drives in my pocket just as I see Edward and Emmett round the corner.

Edward's face is full of frustration as he marches over to me. The talk must not have gone well.

"Why is he being such a dick about this? Impartial, I'll show him impartial," Edward mumbles under his breath as they arrive at my desk.

"The talk went well I see?"

"Oh it went swell. Lover boy here is on top of his game," Emmett responds sarcastically. "Seriously, bro, where the hell is that Cullen charm? You don't yell at the director and expect results."

"Well this situation is bullshit! Bella shouldn't have to deal with Newton."

As much as I hate the thought of being in a room for any extended period with Mike, I am more concerned about staying here longer. I have what I came for, and now it is time to leave.

"Edward, it's fine, let's just get it done." Looking at me pensively, he finally nods his head in submission. "So, Emmett, where are we going?" I ask.

"Newton said to meet him in the interview room you were in with Felix."

Like a few days ago, I make my way down the hallway and through the steel doors. I notice Edward walking closely beside me, our arms brushing against each other from time to time. On a few occasions, it seems Edward is about to take my hand, but he never does, and I find myself feeling disappointed. We are about to go into the interview room when I hear a whiny, shrill voice behind me.

"Edward!" Jessica Stanley squeals. "Where have you been? I missed you!" She winks, colored in desperation.

Ugh, this is just what I need today. Although I don't think Jessica and Edward ever had any type of relationship, he does nothing to stop her flirtatious advances. In fact, he usually fuels them with a few well-placed smiles and touches. I look over to Edward, expecting to see the typical Cullen charm, but instead I find him looking uncomfortable.

"Jessica, hi," he mumbles, shuffling his feet and rubbing the back of his neck. "How are you?"

"Oh, I am so much better now that you are here." She purrs, running a finger down his arm.

Emmett stifles a giggle next to me. The lust rolling off of her is too much, so I quickly walk into the room to distance myself from the pathetic scene. Emmett follows me rolling his eyes.

"Listen, Jessica, I need to go. So um, yeah, have a good day," Edward stutters before entering the room as well. The lust from Jessica quickly turns to frustration as I see her walk quickly past the door in a huff.

"Wow, E, when did you tap that?" Emmett laughs. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. I really didn't want to hear his answer.

"I have not tapped that!" Edward snarls. "I don't want anything to do with Jessica, not now, not ever." Edward is looking directly at me when he speaks, trying to tell me something important.

"I have a feeling she won't give up easily, so good luck there!" Emmet laughs again slapping Edward on the back.

"Shut up, Emmett." Edward hisses, intently holding my gaze as Mike walks into the room.

"You finally made it. Look, I'm in the middle of a conversation with Ms. Hale, so give me another minute."

"Rose is here?" Emmett asks.

"Yeah, we are wrapping up a case. I'll be right back, so don't go anywhere," he warns, and as he is speaking, I hear Edward mumble "prick" under his breath.

Great, more waiting, I think when suddenly the room starts flashing in bright and hectic colors. I look to my right to see Emmett sitting on a table, bouncing his leg and drumming his fingers.

"What has you so twitchy, Em?" I ask, watching the light flow out of him.

"Nothing."

"Well, nothing is giving me a headache, so tone it down some," I grumble annoyed.

"It's Rose," Edward interrupts.

Rosalie Hale is the federal attorney who prosecutes the cases we work on. She comes across as a stone cold bitch, but in truth, she is more vulnerable than anyone realizes. It was clear to me early on she was deeply hurt in the past, and it colors all of her interactions.

"What about her?" I ask.

"They went on a date last week, and she hasn't called him back yet."

"Seriously? You went on a date with Rose?" I ask Emmett astonished.

"Yes," he whispers.

"How was it?"

He sighs, the colors around him changing into dull hues of blue. "It was great."

"If it was great, why are you sad?" I reach out to touch his arm.

"Because she hasn't spoken to me since we went out. I thought we had a great time, and then nothing. I really like her, Bells, and it is killing me not knowing if she feels the same way."

"Oh, Em, maybe you just need to give her time." I think about the trust issues I see in her. If she did feel the same way, it is probably freaking her out.

"Wait, you can tell me!" He perks up. "You can do your thing and tell me if she likes me!"

"Emmett, no. Don't ask me to do that."

"Come on, Bells. What's the point of knowing about this thing if we can't use it to our advantage from time to time?"

"Emmett!" Edward warns. "Leave her alone. She is not a toy for your amusement."

"Come on, Bella. Just this once, I pro…"

The conversation ends abruptly when Mike comes back into the room and sits on the chair closest to the back wall. His dark colors take over as he looks at us with disdain.

"Okay, let's get started. Cullen and McCarty, why don't you leave so I can interview Ms. Swan."

"No way. I'm staying." Edward folds his arms across his chest in defiance.

"You know that's not the deal. Don't make things difficult."

"No, I believe the deal is we don't interview her, but I am still in charge of this investigation, and privy to any information. So, as lead investigator, I have a right to observe this interview." He stands there challenging Mike to argue.

"Fine, but that is all you will do. McCarty doesn't need to stay though."

"Don't get your panties in a wad, Mikey. I'll leave," Emmett taunts, smiling at me in support before walking out. Edward moves back to the corner of the room and leans against the wall, keeping his arms crossed.

I turn and look at Mike with narrowed eyes. If this is how he wants to play it, fine. I need an outlet for my frustrations, and Mike is a perfect target. He can act as smug as he wants, but I know his triggers. It is time for some mental fencing, I think, sizing up my new opponent.

"Okay, Ms. Swan, let's start at the beginning. Agent McCarty called you to meet with the suspect, correct?"

"That's correct. Can you call me Bella, please? I mean, it's not like we don't know each other."

"Well, at least one of us should maintain professionalism during this case," he states tersely.

Newton makes his first advance by trying to get me to bite on his indirect insult. Edward growls behind me as I roll my eyes.

"Your right, Agent Newton, my apologies, but if you prefer to address me by my last name, it is Dr. not Ms." I smile politely.

I parry back, targeting his insecurities related to my degree. His colors flash in anger, but the hues include shades of doubt. Point in my favor.

"Okay, so you spoke to the suspect by yourself, correct, Dr. Swan?"

"Yes."

"Is that typical for you?"

"Sometimes, I find it makes the suspect feel more at ease to not talk to an authority figure. Mr. Grey was defensive, so it made sense to try that route with him," I state calmly, wondering what he is trying to get at with this line of questioning.

"Tell me, Dr. Swan, is there anything else you do to make suspects feel more at ease?" He sneers, shades of revenge pouring out of him. I stare at him wide-mouthed, shocked by what he is insinuating. Point to Mike. Edward explodes behind me.

"You son of a bitch!" he shouts, rushing forward and slamming his hands down on the table.

"Agent Cullen, you are here to observe!" Mike yells, pointing his finger in Edward's face.

"And you should treat the victim with respect, Agent!" Edward sneers back.

"It is a simple question." Mike smirks.

"I don't like what you are implying, Newton," Edward responds in a deadly tone.

"Hey, something triggered Felix, and I am just looking at all the possibilities."

"You better watch yourself!" Edward leans in closer to Mike. I need to put an end to this before things get out of control.

"Edward. Edward, stop. It's alright," I say, touching his arm to break the staring match between the two men. He finally looks over at me. "Just let it go, okay. I want to get this over with, and this is not helping."

He takes a breath, glaring once more at Mike, before walking back and resuming his stance against the wall.

"Fine, but I am warning you, Newton, nothing will stop me from coming over that table if you step out of line again, clear?" he says, pointing a finger in Mike's direction.

"Crystal!" Mike scoffs in response.

"It's really fine, Edward. Agent Newton just has a hard time understanding that when you have good interrogation skills, you don't need to resort to any underhanded tactics, right, Mike?"

He narrows his eyes at my attack, angered by the reminder that I am better than him. Once again, his insecurities flare. Mike is known for his lackluster interrogation skills. Point returned.

"To answer your question, Mike, no I do not do anything else to put suspects at ease." I sit up taller as he stares me down. However, I see his resolve falter as his insults fall flat. Point and game.

"Fine, let's just go through the events of what happened then." He snarls, taking out his pen and writing down the exchange with Felix.

After the interview, we walk through the room and take pictures of the event. Mapping out where Felix was sitting and how he attacked me. Once done, Mike collects his notes and excuses himself while Edward tracks him with deadly eyes, not moving an inch until the room is clear.

"Motherfucker!" Edward spits moving over to kneel beside me. "Bella, are you okay?"

"Yes," I say honestly. "But I'm ready to go home. Can I leave now?"

"Of course. Let's get out of here." Edward stands and offers me his hand. Before we leave the room, Edward pulls me into a hug.

"I'm sorry," he whispers against my head. "Emmett and I will take care of Newton." I nod, more out of exhaustion then agreement with his intent to mess with Mike. I just want to get out of there.

We walk out of the door, and suddenly, everything moves in slow motion as I spot Felix walking towards me. Two officers are escorting him out of another interview room in waist-chains. He slowly looks up, recognition dawning on his face. Before I can alert Edward to his presence, the colors around him explode in chaotic anger. He screams in frustration, busting out of the grasp of the officers holding him.

"You fucking bitch! What more do you want from me? I will kill every last one of you!" he shouts, heading directly toward me.

Edward pulls me behind him and draws his service weapon, shouting at Felix to stop or else he will shoot. My hands fly up to my head, the intensity of the emotions causing a blinding pain. I back up until I am against the wall and slide down, holding my head in my hands and shutting my eyes. I am vaguely aware of the commotion happening around me. There are sounds of a struggle and lots of yelling. I can hear Edward's voice threatening to kill Felix if he comes near me again and demanding to know who is responsible for him being here.

Then just as suddenly, everything goes quiet and the pain in my head subsides. Felix must have left the room.

"Bella," Edward whispers, his hands covering mine. "It's okay. He's gone."

One of his hands softly strokes my hair, and I start to feel more in control. I rarely have such an intense reaction to other's emotions, and I am positive that Felix's connection to the Volturi is the cause. I slowly bring my hands down and look into Edward's worried eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine. That was intense." Edward grabs my hand to help me up. Once I am standing, he puts his arm around my shoulders in case I fall over.

"You sure you're okay?"

"Yup, just part of the fun of this, I guess." I point to my head, and he looks at me with sympathetic eyes.

"Jesus, Bella. Are you okay?" Emmett rushes over and pulls me from under Edward's arm into a hug.

"I'm fine, but I think I've had my quota of drama this year. I feel like I am this close to having my own lifetime special," I joke, trying to ease the tension and take the attention away from me. Emmett chuckles while Edward looks at me with concern.

"What the hell happened?" Emmett asks.

"Fucking Newton approved Felix being brought up to talk to his lawyer. He fucking knew Bella was here. I swear I'm going to break him!" Edward is breathing heavy, the adrenalin still coursing through his system.

"Just let me know when, and I will hold him for you!" Emmett narrows his eyes towards Mike's office. "So, Bella, why does Felix seem to think you did something to him?" Emmett questions, focusing his attention back on me.

"I don't know? He was saying the same stuff during our interview," I state in a noncommittal fashion, trying to deflect from that line of questioning.

I notice for the first time there are still several people lingering around, staring at our little trio. My fear returns, wondering if my run in with Felix was a coincidence or planned. It is time to leave. I am already taking too many risks, and I don't need to linger while people gawk.

"Okay, I've had enough excitement for one day. I'm outta here," I state, walking to the door, when Edward grabs my arm stopping me.

"Where do you think you are going?"

"Umm, home."

"You can't leave without me. I drove you here."

"Right, but my car is still here from before, so I can drive myself back." I smile sweetly at him "Look, I am sure that you have some things to do, and I am fine. I promise." If on cue, another agent steps over towards us.

"Cullen, the director wants to speak to you in his office."

"See, things to do. You go. I'm fine." He looks at me warily but eventually concedes and releases my arm.

"I'm calling you in twenty minutes to make sure you make it home. So, pick up your phone this time, please," he implores.

"Yes, sir," I say, mock saluting him.

He looks at me longer before walking in the opposite direction. I try to memorize this moment, so I can take it with me. Before leaving, I turn once more towards Emmett.

"Emmett, don't give up on Rose." He looks at me with wide and hopeful eyes. "Trust me." I wink.

He explodes with happiness, nodding his head in agreement. I give him one last smile, before walking out the door for the final time.


Arriving back to my apartment, I focus on my goal. I have one more task to complete. After answering Edward's phone call, to his relief, I start on my project. Several hours later, I am still sitting at my computer, reviewing the downloaded documents, looking for any clues on the mole's identity. I check each file using my knowledge of the Volturi and how they pick people. Often it is because their history makes them an easy target for blackmail.

The list of suspects is small, but their histories complicated, and several could fit the profile.

Director Banner is the most frustrating suspect. I have known him since I started working in Seattle, and he has always been forthright and honest. It is hard to imagine him involved with the Volturi, but he is overly invested in this case, and his file gives me no clues as to whether he is the puppet or the puppeteer?

Ben Cheney was recently sanctioned for a DUI arrest. A note in his file indicated it occurred on his way back from a poker game. If gambling is his vice, he would make for an easy target. Owing money to the wrong people can bring even the best-intentioned people down.

Angela Weber is the cleanest of all the suspects. There wasn't much in her file that would make her a target for the Volturi.

Bree Tanner is another mystery. Three months ago, she was hand-picked by Director Banner to run the lab. His strange behavior along with the fact that she signed for the evidence does not bode well. Right now, they are the strongest candidates.

Finally, there is Mike Newton. A part of me hoped to find evidence against him for the simple reason I would love to see his arrogant ass brought down. But, like Angela, there was not much in his background the Volturi would see as a tool to use to their advantage.

I sit sipping my coffee, considering the best way to package the information for Edward and Emmett. I wish I could give them something more specific, but at the very least, letting them know there is a mole should help to keep them safer. That is all I want and is the best gift I can leave behind.

Deciding to look through things one more time, I go to open the director's file again when my computer freezes.

"Son of a bitch!" I grumble, jiggling the mouse and hitting random keys.

Suddenly, an ominous black box fills my screen. My heart stops as a cursor appears, blinking like a ticking bomb. I watch it move slowly across the screen, filling the box with words. The coffee cup crashes to the floor, my shaking hands losing their grip as I read the message across the screen.

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE

Until next time…