A/N – hi again guys, Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter and to those who put me on faves or alerts. It's excellent.
We are just starting to get into the story now…
The last chapter saw Edward meeting James, the sadistic tracker who knew Alice as a human and around the time of her transformation. This revelation raises loads of questions, don't worry all will become clear as the story progresses…
Disclaimer: I don't own any of twilight, Stephanie Meyer does. I also make no money from this fanfic.
"Come on! We have to get you out of here. Now!" Garrett demanded.
I followed immediately; determined to save my sister.
Chapter 8
EPOV
"Fuck! How do we do this?" I said angrily, dragging my hand through my hair for the umpteenth time today.
"We could fight him here" Garrett suggested. I shook my head.
"No, it's too risky. It puts all the Denali girls at risk and what if he manages to get away? Then he has free reign to find Alice. No!" I said with finality. Garrett nodded his head in acceptance, thinking about Kate being in danger. He looked towards the house anxious to get back to check on the girls.
"His interest right now is not fighting me. It's finding Alice, I am more use to him alive than dead. That will come later." I added.
"Plus, Tanya said she had been visiting friends of his, we don't know how close they are. He might not work alone. If we did manage to destroy him, these friends of his could still manage to get to Alice. I can't risk it. I need to get back to Washington." I said with a sigh. Garrett shook his head in disagreement.
"I agree with you on everything but going back to Washington. The scent he has for Alice is weak. Yours will be much stronger. If you go back now, you are just leading him to her. And you don't know how strong a fighter he is, you say he doesn't want to fight you but he is clearly volatile. That could change. You don't want to run in to him alone if he does change his mind. I need to stay here to keep the girls safe. You need to get out of here and get some backup." He said in a tone that left no room for questioning. I acquiesced.
Garrett's perspective on this was beneficial. Although he was not one to fight for the sake of fighting, living as a nomad he would run into other vampires from time to time and the reception was not always friendly. Especially with garrets tendency to freely offer his opinions about freedom from oppression and his strong sense of what is right and just. This tended to lead to hostilities and disagreements.
He knew how nomadic vampires operated and he thought I was in danger of being led by my emotions, he thought I was too domesticated to manage this on my own. I had to agree with him. My existence had been somewhat sheltered.
"You need to trick James, but play to your strengths. He may have skill as a tracker but you have speed on your side, not to mention that you can hear his thoughts. He may be able to disguise his thoughts enough so you don't see his intentions but you can always see his surroundings in his mind. When he gets too close, run. Do not confront him alone." he warned and I nodded, feeling the anxiety rise in my chest.
"I have to head back inside." He said reluctantly, I gave him a tight lipped smile in response before he continued.
"Leave the details to me ok? Run on to the national park, you will be safe, the main road in is closed to the public with it being out of season. Run through the cover of the woods and spread your scent wherever you can. Take the most direct route but run in a zig- zag formation where you can to confuse the scent as much as possible. I will have someone meet you when you get there. You will pick up their scent. I have to make sure the girls are safe or I would come with you. I will follow as soon as I can. We will sort this ok?" he clapped me on the shoulder and turned towards the house. I thanked him silently with a solemn smile and a nod because I didn't trust my voice not to crack.
"Run Edward."
Garrett POV
The fear began to creep up on me as I watched young Edward set off running. I would do what I could for him but I had no clue how this would end. We could only strategize as best we could and hope for the best. The alternative didn't bear thinking about.
I headed back into the house, greeted by the sound of ladies arguing and Irina sobbing.
"Where is he?" I asked Tanya.
She looked up to me with a devastated look upon her face.
"Gone. He grabbed a shirt from the case and ran. I don't know where." She said looking dejected.
I nodded in thanks and sighed, I had been outside with Edward longer than I had thought. I just hoped James picked up his scent and followed and that Tanya hadn't mentioned where Edward lived or how he knew Alice. I took Kate outside away from prying ears. I would need her help.
"What does James know about the Cullen's?" I asked her quietly.
"Nothing really. He started asking questions earlier, but when he realised Edward had gone, he left. He said something about a head start. He's most peculiar Garrett." She replied looking down at the floor. She looked scared. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
"I need your help Kate, but I will also need your discretion. You can't tell Tanya or even Irina." I said and prayed she could help.
She looked torn but eventually nodded in agreement.
I had Kate call Carlisle with an embellished story, there was no need for everyone to know just yet. We didn't need a reaction that would aggravate James further. He was already unpredictable. It was important that we got him in a situation that we could control and manipulate first. She told Carlisle that Edward had had an argument and stormed away from the house. She also said that she, Irina and I were going looking for him. That wasn't a complete lie. We would follow Edward soon enough. We had to sort Tanya out first of all. This couldn't be easy on her.
But first I had a phone call to make; I needed to get Edward some allies. I contacted an old friend and had him meet Edward at the national park. I also made plans for Edward once the trail of his scent had been completed. The guilt crept in as I dialled the number that would have me force yet another person to lie to my old friend Carlisle. I tried to convince myself that my deceit was justified, but still I was left with a heavy heart.
I had just hung up when Irina charged into the hallway looking panicked.
"Garrett! Garrett! Tanya's gone!" I clutched my head in my hands. This was not a good omen. We would have to move quickly and hope that our plan came together.
A/N – It just felt right to end this here, even though it is so short.
Next chapter will be up tonight or tomorrow. Who do you think Garrett has roped in to lying to Carlisle? And where did Tanya go? Hmmm? …
Review please xx
