Chapter 11
"I just think you ought to warn your family and friends in Washington," Salvatore said. He looked around the Cullen family feeling like the villain again. "I'm trying to... help."
Carlisle stepped forward, seeing the desperation in the young man's eyes. He could see he felt cornered and on the spot, and he felt as if it wasn't fair.
"Thank you for warning us about this," he said with a nod. "We're lucky to have your insight on this."
Salvatore nodded, though Jasper continued to eye him in suspicion.
"It's okay, Jasper," Edward assured his brother, "It's a warning. It's a good thing. Now we have an idea of what to expect."
Jasper's response was plain and unrevealing. "Yeah."
"I'm in your side," Salvatore reassured them. "I needed to tell you that Caius was making a trip to Washington so you would know."
"That's very thoughtful of you," Esme told him. "I understand how difficult it must be to have to balance two worlds."
Nicole clung closely to his side and kept making eye contact with Alice.
She gave her daughter reassuring nods every so often and tried to silently make her feel better amidst the tense conversation.
"I think Bella and I should make a trip out there," Edward volunteered. He looked at her, "We need to be there for Renesme... and Jacob."
"Of course," she agreed immediately, "Of course. Yes." Bella glanced downward where Charlie laid peacefully in her arms.
"Keep Charlie here," Rosalie told them, "We'll take care of him. He doesn't need to be anywhere near Caius."
Emmett put a hand on her shoulder and nodded. "I can go with you to Washington," he offered, drawing a neutral look from Rosalie.
"You don't have to do that, Emmett," Bella told him, shaking her head.
"More manpower," he told them, "Just in case."
Rosalie leaned herself against him, letting concern show in her eyes, though she always stood by her husband's intentions in situations like this. "If you need him, or us, we'll be there to go with you."
"You'll need to make sure Caius doesn't know you're there," Carlisle told them, "Warn everybody. Get them to safety."
"The wolves won't leave." Bella shook her head. "I know they won't."
"At least they'll know what's coming," Carlisle said, "If they choose to stay then that's their decision. It doesn't appear that the Volturi are looking to attack, or bringing the numbers."
"Just Caius and Marcus," Alice said, squinting as she spoke. "I have seen them leave Volterra."
"So they're looking for information," Carlisle concluded, "As Salvatore explained."
"It doesn't mean it won't get ugly," Edward pointed out.
"They're outnumbered there," he said, shaking his head. "Just the two of them, Alice?"
She nodded, "Yes."
"They won't go into a fight outnumbered," Carlisle went on, "If anything they'll attempt to use scare tactics."
"We'll go," Madison volunteered. She looked at William, who nodded.
"No," Rosalie shook her head, "There is no altercation that is going to take place. It's a warning to the tribe... and Renesme."
There was a silence that fell over the group, all still in their bathing suits or party clothes from the evening's formerly upbeat atmosphere.
"I think Carlisle's right," Alice said with a nod, "They're going to use scare tactics to convince them to give information."
"No one gets hurt?" Esme asked.
"I can't see much because of the Quileutes, but from what I can see there's no physical fighting involved."
"I can see the reservation," Nicole chimed in, "You're right... but it's not going to be a pleasant visit."
"We're not going to be able to stay here long, are we?" Caleb asked.
"We'll see what happens," Carlisle told him. He looked at Salvatore, "If you don't mind keeping your shield off at all times so Alice can see what may or may not go on..." His voice trailed off as he deemed it unnecessary to finish the thought in a complete sentence.
"Of course." Salvatore nodded, "It's not wholly automatic yet, but most times I can."
"Make it automatic," Jasper told him, keeping his voice dry and unsympathetic.
He nodded and Nicole stared at her father.
"I'm going to hunt," Jasper said to no one in particular. He looked at Alice, who attempted to use soothing touches as tactics to keep him calm.
"I'll go with you," Emmett offered.
"Me, too." Edward stood up from the half-seated position he sat in on the arm of the couch. He looked at Bella, "We'll talk when I get back."
Carlisle made eye contact with him and seemed to be agreeing to go without using words to say it. He glanced at Esme, who nodded once.
"Let me change my shoes," Carlisle said, "And then we'll go."
"Same." Emmett nodded and already began removing the tie from around his neck. "Guys night out." He half-smiled at Bella and Esme, alleviating the stress of the situation only a little bit.
"Be careful," Bella said quietly.
Carlisle walked toward the stairs with Esme by his side and Emmett just a few steps in front of them.
"Take your time," Esme told him. "I think the four of your need to talk things out."
He nodded.
"Keep Jasper calm," she whispered.
Carlisle nodded again and tipped the corner of his mouth up in a worried smile, before reaching for her hand.
"You'll all be okay here?" he asked.
She nodded. "Of course."
"You and Alice shook make sure Nicole and Salvatore are okay," he suggested.
Esme played with a crease on his shirt subconsciously. "We will."
Carlisle sighed and looked at her.
The two of them stopped walking upon reaching the top of the staircase and just shared a look, knowing what the other was thinking without having to say anything.
"I know." Esme nodded, "I know."
Carlisle's eyes were tired and he continued to look at his wife.
She brought him toward her in a hug and stroked his hair.
"Are we ever going to get back to those peaceful, boring days?" he whispered against her neck.
Esme closed her eyes as he let out another deep breath. "Doesn't seem fair, does it?"
"No." He rubbed her back for a moment. "I'm tired."
"Maybe if we move to Antarctica no one will ever find us."
Carlisle snickered and pulled back. "Or maybe the island."
"Even better."
The two of them shared a kiss, accompanied by some wishful thinking and Esme hugged him again for a moment.
"This may be nothing," she told him.
"Maybe." He sighed again.
Esme planted a kiss on his cheek and looked into his dark eyes. "Go hunt," she said. "Be careful."
"Maybe we can do something... normal and watch a movie when I get back."
"It's a date."