MOVING FORWARD AGAIN
Disclaimer: The Cullen's, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
This chapter has been beta'd by the best, dowlingnana.
"Have them continue. Bella did talk at one time about owning a ranch as an investment and having a place to go from time to time to get away from everything for awhile." And after a bit more discussion of the topic Alec gave the final bit of information he had available.
"Edward, this next week Bella will be doing a conference link with the trustees for her monthly updates concerning both companies. Word was sent to me today and I am now getting ready to get all parties in place for it to happen. If you like I will try to find some way for you to have knowledge of the full meeting."
"Thanks, but, please, more than anything else I would like to see my wife and children."
"The children have never been present during this conference link so I truly don't know if they will be here at that moment or not."
"Whatever you can get is fine for now. After this length of time and being this close I can be patient a bit longer."
"Okay. Well, I guess that covers everything at the moment. I will continue to keep you updated as I get the information." Alec told them as he begins to rise, making sure at the same time that he has everything. Saying goodbye to each member of the family he leaves with silence following him out the door.
After he's gone a heavy sigh of relief is released by each person left behind in the room. The excitement from the news that had been delivered was felt by each one as well. Edward was damn near vibrating with the tension he was feeling from the news and the expectation that he was nearer to finding his family. But, the silence still remained as if each was afraid to be the one to speak first causing everything to end up being a dream instead of reality.
CHAPTER 10: MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH
Everyone, including Alec James, knew how disappointed and upset Edward was that no way had been found that would justify him being present for the video conference that had taken place between the trustees of the company and Bella. Alec had tried every avenue that he could think of to devise a way, but, nothing was workable. And if he had pushed it alarm bells might have started ringing in the minds of some people; people that needed to be kept in the dark as to the fact that Edward Cullen was alive and home. Alive, home and searching for his family while working to resume control of his company.
Alec had remained quiet during this time as Edward and the rest of the family were voicing various opinions about the situation. He was waiting for all of them to finish before giving his report and delivering his surprise. All that the family was saying, even though some of it was a put down towards him and his services, or, what they were calling lack thereof, weren't truly how they felt or directed at him personally; at least, he didn't believe so.
Finally, they all got quiet and it was at that moment that Carlisle realized that Alec had indeed remained seated while silently allowing the rest of them to vent their frustration about the whole set of circumstances. "Alec why haven't you said a word: At least, defend yourself against our statements and allegations of being incompetent."
"Why, Carlisle? After all, every one of your statements was only said out of being prevented from being able to accomplish what had been hoped for. None were directed or meant towards me personally that I could see or hear. So, there was no reason to comment. My best course of action was to let all of you get it out of your systems before I gave my report and offered an alternative to Edward." He remarked in a friendly tone while hoping to let all of them know that he hadn't taken offence to what had been said. Then he continued, "Being an attorney you get used to people saying all sorts of things, so, you develop a thick skin and learn that what is being said isn't against you personally in most cases. Now, of course, the ones that know you personally, that could be a whole different set of circumstances." Alec finished with a smile that was reflected in his eyes and had said with a touch of humor.
"Okay. Let's get back to why we are all gathered now. It was disappointing not to be included into the meeting, but, I had been made aware that the chances were slim from the outset due to the position I now hold in the company.
"No, Alec, I'm not complaining as we are all fully aware of the why's it is this way. But, nonetheless, it would have been nice to have heard her voice and to have caught just a glimpse of her. That didn't happen; let's get down to business now. What, if anything, do you have to update us about?" Edward asked while combing a hand through his hair in a nervous gesture.
"Well, as you know the video meeting with all of us took place yesterday and nothing new was revealed other than the information you had been able to provide for us, Edward. Someone is trying to move around funds into new accounts, or, rather, establish false newly acquired customer accounts to try and cover the operation.
"Bella said she would be devising a plan to deal with the situation, but, didn't tell anyone what that plan might entail or who would be in charge of the investigation.
"Then later in the evening I receive a call from her at home. She tells me that in a few days a couple of individuals will be getting in touch with me and I'm to fully cooperate with bringing them up to date on all the happenings within the company and status of all employees. And, that I'm to turn over all information that has been collected so far on James Cunningham. But, even though I'm doing this I am to continue with my side investigation of all things and any new information discovered by these other two will be delivered to me as it becomes available."
As he pauses for a brief moment Edward looks at him before asking, "Did she say who these people are, or, what the main purpose was to have them involved?"
"None, But, I do believe that it has to do with your discoveries. She did, however, tell me to reward the employee that had been honest and diligent enough to discover the situation to report it in a timely fashion." Alec answered with a smile before adding, "But, I had no idea at the time what said employee would consider a proper reward for such loyal dedication to his job. Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck me, so, I acted upon it.
"But, before I get to that part I want to finish telling you about the ending of our phone conversation. I tried to inform her that you were back, however, I didn't get the chance to get the words completely out before being cut off very abruptly with her saying she wouldn't discuss anything concerning her late husband. And, ends by saying she would be back in touch in a day or so." With that said he noticed the looks that were on everyone's face; the sadness and longing present in those looks were heart breaking to the attorney. He needed to find some way to let his friend and client know that her husband was alive, well, safe and back home. But, what could he do if Bella refused to discuss Edward with him or allow him a chance to talk to her about him? He felt like his hands were being tied with her forcing him to withhold important information from all because she had taken a certain stand about the subject. However, Alec knew that he would continue to try and get her to listen to him.
The silence stretched out until its level of tension became uncomfortable for everyone. At that point, Alec looked around to each person in the room before bending down to reach for his briefcase and to draw it towards him. Once he has a hold of it he reaches his hand inside to remove an item in a square casing. Moving his briefcase to one side he stands and moves over to Edward all the while holding the object out towards him. Edward reaches for it, but, questions being reflected in his eyes and a puzzled look showing upon his face. However, he says nothing; just waited for Alec to say what he was handing over.
"This is the reward that I knew you would appreciate more than anything else. Since you couldn't be a part of the meeting I have arranged quietly with someone I trust completely to make a copy of each meeting with Bella until she and the children have been found and you both reunite so you can see her, hear her and be kept in the loop as to what all is going on behind closed doors without me or gossip giving you the information." And as Alec finished with his explanation, a gasp from someone in the room, a surprised look and then one of appreciation appearing on Edward's face and the rest of the persons present stunned to absolute stillness, Alec became a little uncomfortable for the first time in his career of dealing with all sorts of situations.
Without a spoken word Edward goes to the entertainment room and inserts the DVD into the player as the rest of the family follow him into the new room location. They each get settled and prepare to watch as Edward hits the play button.
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"James, have you been able to find out any more information as to where the Cullen bitch and her brats disappeared to?"
"No, Mr. Volterra, I haven't, nothing definite, but, I have come across some new leads that we are checking out with the belief that we are close to finding them. I will keep you posted as we continue to check out each of these new ones." James Cunningham tells Aro Volterra.
"Mr. Cunningham, we need to bring this to closure as soon as possible since it is causing us to lose money with the holdup: Money that we aren't happy about losing. Am I making myself clear to you?" Caius informs him in a cold, unemotional voice.
"Now, brother, I'm sure Mr. Cunningham is doing all he can to get the situation under control so we will have ownership of Cullen Elite and will be able to quickly makeup for our loses." Marcus quickly chides his older brother.
"Be assured that I'm moving as quickly as fresh information comes to hand to try to locate Bella Cullen so I can force her into marriage and then to influence this new owner, Mrs. Sea, to put me in charge of the company. Once that happens it won't take long to be able to move in the background to force change of ownership."
"Your promises are falling on deaf ears until we see evidence of approaching success." Aro tells James. "Get the job done and don't be making promises that you might not be able to keep. As failure will cost you most dearly. Am I understood, James?"
"Yes sir, but, I am only stating what I know is achievable; nothing more."
"Very well, get back to work and continue with the alternate plan of moving funds around as you are currently doing. So far it doesn't appear as if anyone has caught on to your activities." And with that the conversation between the four men concluded. James sat quietly in his place considering all that had been discussed and knew that his time for completing his assigned task is growing short by the minute.
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Alec arrived at his office one week later after giving the copy of the conference video to Edward only to find four men waiting impatiently for him to appear. Without saying a word all four followed Alec into his office without a glance towards the secretary, or, even pausing in stride as she was attempting to halt their entrance into her boss's office.
Noticing the failed attempts by Margaret to stop the four men Alec tells her to go ahead and let them in; But, to be ready to call the police if it becomes necessary. She nods and then closes the door behind her as she returns to her desk.
After two hours of her boss and the four men still being behind closed doors and the first appointment waiting beyond his appointment time by an hour, Margaret was starting to get a bit concerned as to what was happening in Alec's office.
Another hour passed and by then two more clients had arrived and was waiting somewhat impatiently for Alec's appearance when his office door opened. He was shaking hands with the four men and then told his secretary to send in his first appointment. But, after he saw the three waiting for him, he knew that he would be gone for the rest of the day and so he had to cancel all appointments for today and rearrange them for the next few days.
By early afternoon Alec had dealt with the business of his clients that had been waiting and he was reaching for the phone to contact Edward to arrange a meeting for around four in the afternoon. He wanted to know if Edward would be able to make it at that time as he had a lot of work to do at home to be able to get all available information to the four men that had been in his office this morning. Bella had been true to her word when she had told him that she would be sending someone to meet with him concerning the problems at the company and to investigate James Cunningham. All four individuals would be meeting him later that night to go over everything he had collected so far and then they would set forth to plan a course of action.
Why Edward kept insisting that all meetings include his family members was beyond Alec's understanding, but, since Edward was a client, in a manner of speaking, along with Bella he felt compelled do as instructed.
As he approached the front door it was swung open by Alice and she motioned for him to come on in and to go to the living room. She followed along behind after closing the door. Entering the room Alec observed that all members were present and in the same positions they always seemed to take whenever he came to meet with them.
After everyone greeted each other Alec got ready to bring them up to date concerning his visitors of that morning when his phone rang. Looking to see who might be calling he saw it was a number he didn't recognize, but, was also, one with an area code from another location. Thinking it might be one of the men from this morning he answered without hesitation only to be surprised by the voice on the other end. "Bella?" Quickly gaining control of his surprise he put the call on speaker for all to hear, but, motioned for total silence as he did so.
She is asking if he had been contacted yet by the people she had sent to which he replied yes and would be meeting with them later that evening to continue going on all information he had to hand.
"Okay, good, that is all I called about. Talk with you again next month." And with that Alec realized that she was about to hang up.
"Bella stop! I need to tell you that Edward is-"
"You stop! I told you before that the subject of Edward is closed. Don't try this again, Alec."
And as she finished saying that Edward called out, "Bella!" but, he was too late, she had already hung up. "Quickly, call the number back. Get her back on the phone." He tells Alec who responded immediately, but, no answer. They keep trying until finally the phone is shut off; it doesn't even ring; only going to voicemail which the system informs them that the mailbox hadn't been set up as yet. Finally, in complete frustration Edward grabs the phone only to throw it against the wall where it shatters while leaving a hole in the wall, itself.
A/N: So close and yet, still so far.
Hope you enjoy this as much as you all have my other stories and will take the time to let me know. Looking forward to reading and answering your comments and reviews.
This story will update about every two to three weeks since I have so many stories all going at one time.