Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight

Authors Note:

Chapter 14 Oops! Will Someone Just Shoot Me, Please!

Could anything be worse? I looked at Bella and she grimaced tapping her head. No! I know that I'd closed the door when I saw Dad on the phone. Bella shook her head and pointed at herself. Oh FUCK! Bella had left the connection open and that meant...Alice would hear Bella's thoughts. Shit I hope she wasn't driving. In the mean time Charlie had gone white...like vampire white and was now moving through the colour spectrum. He had just moved from a lovely shade of royal blue to imperial purple. If he didn't say something soon he was going to explode. Betty was by his side and looking at him like she didn't know whether to run for cover or wrap her arms around him. The rest of us just sat there. I didn't have the guts to look at anyone else. Then I heard this thunderous pounding on the door but no one else seemed to be reacting to it. I swear that if someone didn't get that door soon it was going to come off of its hinges. Bella was shaking my arm and as I looked down at her she tapped my head and mouthed 'ALICE.' Oh! Oh that was my mental door and guess who wanted in. I shook my head no at Bella. She got a very stern look on her face and mouthed 'Chicken'. Then Charlie cleared his throat. I looked his way and he was now a blushing rose colour. "Will you two knock it off! I don't know what hocus pocus you've got going on with my daughter and your sister but knock it off." What the fuck! Why me...it was his daughter that was using the sign language. Then he turned on my Dad. "I think maybe you'd better start explaining a few things before I kick all of you out of my house!

Bella stood up. Now she was doing the colour change thing and that was not good. "DAD! Sit down and behave yourself." He stopped then spluttered and glared at her. "Alice and Jasper are going to be here shortly. And I don't imagine Alice is going to be in the best of moods. She just found out how you reacted to this news through me." Betty looked perplexed and Bella of course noticed. She smiled at her and shrugged. "Telepathy it's a Forks thing apparently... Sorry." Betty only chuckled and shrugged. Not sure what that meant but at least she wasn't freaking out. Charlie on the other hand was still on the verge of losing it. Bella stepped forward and pulled him over to the couch to sit down. I moved to stand beside my Dad and Betty sat beside my Mom. "Okay Dad just calm down. For the record Esme and Carlisle have not been plotting to destroy your life, so give the attitude a rest." Charlie grimaced and sunk down onto the couch with his hands folded before him and his eyes on the carpet. "So you're Jasper's biological father big deal! It's not like you're going to have to change diapers, teach him to drive or pay for college... so relax. He's family and whether this new information changes your relationship or not I think that it's pretty much up to him."

My wife was lecturing her father from the dominant position of 'I'm a woman and know better than you do so shut up and listen'. And Charlie so far was doing just that. However the pounding in my head was giving me a headache. I reluctantly opened the door ready to slam it closed in a moment's notice particularly if Alice started screeching at me. "Alice?"

"Hey Edward."

"You're not pissed that I didn't answer?"

"No it was probably for the best that you didn't. Jasper noticed as they were loading him up in the wheelchair that I was somewhat alarmed."

"Have you told Jasper?"

"Didn't need to, he told me, right after Dr. Volturi told him they were running his DNA against the State database. Seems Jasper is very intuitive and Charlie's Grandma Swan had a big mouth when she visited. The last year she came to Forks before she passed away she spotted Jasper and new right away that Jasper was Charlie's son. She even went and saw his Mom. Apparently most of the money that Gayle left Jasper was actually a legacy that Grandma Swan gave her for Jasper's education. It was all done very much on the QT. When she asked to meet Jasper she told him that Charlie was his Dad. Can you believe that she actually took him out for ice cream to explain to him who she was and that Charlie was his Dad and how that had come to be. Seems Bella's Dad couldn't lie to save his life back then and spilled the beans to his Grandma that summer that he and Gayle had ...well you know. Anyway he's known for about twelve years. But he didn't want to hurt Charlie or ruin their friendship and of all things he was afraid that Charlie wouldn't want to go fishing with him anymore. But Jasper insists that he has always felt very dawn to Charlie. He originally thought it was because of the kindness he showed to him, his Mom and then Alice. Then when he found out... he just didn't see any reason to change things." There was silence.

"Sis?"

"Yeah."

"Are you guys still coming over?"

"Yep the wheelchair van just got here. Why?

"Um Charlie just found out."

"WHAT?"

"Hey! Yelling is just as loud telepathically."

"Oops sorry."

"How's he taking it?"

I looked at Charlie and then at Bella, Betty and my parents. "Well he's getting tough love from Bella, counseling from Dad and Betty and Mom are just watching it all like it's a tennis match."

Alice giggled. "We'll be there shortly. I'll warn Dr. Volturi that he may have another patient."

Alice closed the door. Hmm she must be telling Jasper what was up. I wonder if he'll have them turn around and go back to the hospital where he belongs. Nope not a chance! One thing I knew for sure about my friend was that he loved to punish himself. Well I'm on his side...that is if there are sides to be taken. And if Charlie loses it ... I looked at Bella she had finished unloading on her Dad and was looking at me quizzically...then I guess I'll play it by ear. That got me a smile from my gorgeous girl. Whew, note to self remember to close the door for unedited or inappropriate musings. Charlie looked like a wreck. Dad had finished talking and the silence was deafening so I decided to break the ice. "Well Charlie...not working tonight?"

Everyone honed in on me like I had three heads. Charlie looked up from wringing his hands and he was totally perplexed. "What?"

"Aren't you working tonight?" One thing I had learned from Bella was that the Swans did not do heavy issues well. They needed time to think and it was better to give them the time to process. So I had determined that I should distract the audience in the room.

He smirked at me so he had caught on. "Nope it's one of the advantages of being the Chief...I called Marks in, he owed me. Besides Betty suggested that I was going to miss out on one hell of a party. And so far she's been right."

"Well since Forks finest is here maybe we should have invited the Fire Chief as well... we might need it with Emmett on the grill. Good thing that we got the medical covered." I winked at my Dad and he just sighed, rubbing his forehead.

Charlie noted the exchange and smiled. "Ah Edward, I believe the Fire Chief is already here."

"Huh?

"It's a volunteer department and Sam Ulley is the Chief for Forks and La Push since we share the equipment. It works well since his Construction Company is exactly halfway between both places."

Charlie sat for a bit looking at his shoes then looked up at me. "Okay... I guess that I can do this. You were obviously off somewhere while I was being roasted. Can I ask if it had anything to do with this mess?"

Bella squeezed my hand drawing my attention, she smiled and nodded but she was still biting that damn lip and it was a really distracting. "Um oh yeah...so you noticed that. Well Alice was filling me in on a few things." How the hell was I going to say this...should I even say anything at all. Panic was setting in so I pounded on the door in my head...no answer, fuck! Just then I heard the gravel on the drive crunch. Oh shit I was out of time...now what. "Charlie they're here. I think you and Jasper need to talk. He knows and he's known for a long time." Well now that the cat was out of the bag it was officially a 'what the fuck moment'. I've honestly never seen so many mouths open at one time in surprise over the same thing. The front door was opened just then by Alice followed by Felix a behemoth of a male nurse from the hospital who was easing Jasper's wheelchair up the stairs. Christ I hope we had enough food he looked like he could eat a whole cow on his own.

Once Felix was inside he was able to maneuver the chair around so Jasper was facing us. Jazz looked around the room and tried to smile. "If ya'll don't mind I'd like to speak to Charlie alone." We all nodded but Felix stood his ground and my Dad wasn't moving.

Then Dr. Volturi came into the room. The doctor gazed at all of us and smiled. Then in a whisper quiet voice he said. "I think we can leave you alone with the exception of Felix Mr Whitlock." Jasper looked as if he was about to argue. Marcus smiled. "Either that or we all stay.

"Jasper glared at the good doctor and through gritted teeth said, "Fine."

Alice walked past him to sit on the couch. Jasper reached out and touched her hand. "Sorry sugar this is between Charlie and me...and apparently Felix."

Felix grinned and Alice stuck her tongue out at him. He just shrugged and stuck his out at her. We had all known Felix from kindergarten through High School. He had been the epitome of jock from the sandbox on up. Hell he was more of a jock than my meat head brother. To say the least we were all shocked when we found out that he wanted to be a nurse. He had decided that in senior year after doing community service with my Dad...Charlie had pulled him over while he was drunk and driving. The football team that year were all waiting for him to announce that he was Gay as well...courtesy of meat head spreading the word. But nope he wasn't gay. He just wanted to be a nurse. He was actually married to Angela Weber the editor of the Forks Forum and they have two cute kids. But he and Alice had always had this animosity between them ever since first grade when he had put worms in her mud pies. Yet she didn't retaliate until High School in our junior year when she put a small dab of A535 in his cup before the first game of the year. That woman can really hold a grudge. But I digress. I walked over and assisted Alice up by the elbow...well actually I grabbed her elbow and pulled her out of the room behind everyone else.

Dr. Volturi was a very tall lanky man he looked more like a Cambridge professor than a shrink. He had his dark hair pulled back from his face in short ponytail. But his eyes were really unusual. They were deep set and a very clear dark brown almost black with just a hint of what looked like burgundy that edged the iris. And they were very piercing when he looked at you... it was like he could see into your soul. Other than that slight creep factor he was a very pleasant man, friendly and soft spoken. His daughter was another thing. She had the Goth chick nailed...clothes, makeup and attitude. Ah yes and that attitude... I think the only thing that would have made her crack a smile was if all of us drop dead in front of her. Sorry for her luck that wasn't happening. Embry at least had her engaged in a conversation of a sort. From what I could tell she was speaking to him in short angry bursts of language that shouldn't be used in front of small children, fortunately none were in attendance unless you counted our unborn child.

I caught a look on Dr. Volturi's face he wasn't exactly the proud father at this moment. He noticed me watching him and shrugged as he stepped towards Bella and I. "My wife Didyme died when Jane was very young. I'm afraid her behaviour is a result of me being an overindulgent father." He looked back at Jane before shaking his head. Then he smiled at Bella. "I understand that you are expecting Mrs. Cullen."

Bella nodded and squeezed my hand. Alice who I still had a hold of groaned. "Call me Bella please. I'm not Mrs. Cullen." The good doctor frowned and looked at me and our joined hands. "I mean not yet...we did get ahead of ourselves I suppose." She was so embarrassed and was beet red when she added softly. "But I will be...and soon."

He smiled but he still seemed skeptical. So I tried to save my darling and just made it worst. "It's a long story and very complicated."

"I have two doctorates Mr. Cullen I think I can keep up."

Alice groaned again. "Marcus these two are Romeo and Juliet reincarnated with one exception their fate was to eventually reunite and remain alive...no poison, no dagger."

He chuckled and sighed. "I'd love to hear that story sometime." He leaned towards Bella. "I'm a sucker for the classics my dear."

Bella giggled. "It would be my pleasure but I think we'd need an ensemble of story tellers. There were multiple players in keeping us apart and bringing us back together. I don't believe even Edward or I know the whole story."

She looked around me and at Alice. Alice rolled her eyes. "Okay since it looks like my husband is going to be busy for awhile I'd love to regale you with the tale of Bella and Edward." She linked her arm with the good doctor and they strolled off towards the tables that had been set up and away from the crowd around the BBQ.

I took Bella's hand and we strolled over to see what was going on around the BBQ. And to my utter surprise Emmett wasn't cooking. Philip's Helen and Sam's Emily where doing the grilling... Sam was chuckling at the look on Emmett's face. I tapped Philip on the shoulder. "What's up?"

Philip smiled. "A cook off...your brother has already been eliminated. We are down to the final two contestants."

"Wow Emmett agreed to that?"

"Well not really... but the ladies were heckling him after he informed them that grilling was an art that was perfected by men. One thing led to another and he unintentionally challenged them."

"Who's judging?

"Everyone... they're being graded on taste and presentation."

"Oh this ought to be good. What was Emmett's score?"

"Eight."

"Well that's not bad."

"That's eight... out of a possible twenty points." I couldn't help myself I broke out laughing and fell off the stump I was sitting on. Emmett just glared at me and continued to pout. Bella was trying to hide her smile behind her hand. But finally gave in and joined me on the grass laughing. Bella and I had the privilege of declaring the cook off winner. And honestly it was a dead tie between Helen's steak and Emily's ribs. Emmett could be seen mumbling on the periphery of the crowd saying that he still made a better burger ...which Emily conceded he did. The party was on again, Emmett was happy and the beer was flowing while everyone's bellies were sated. I must admit that Emily's cake with a beer was new taste sensation and one that I would not be repeating anytime soon. I switched to coffee after that.

Bella was drinking milk and green tea only. I noticed that she hadn't eaten much, "Are you feeling okay love you didn't eat much."

Her eyes watered up. "I don't want to get fat."

Where the hell did that come from she had been telling me the baby was no bigger than a peanut. So why, was she suddenly worried about putting on a few pounds? I frowned not sure what my response should be. Mom was watching me and she smiled then got up and came over to sit by Bella. "You know Bella that a certain amount of weight gain is essential for the health of the baby. But you don't have to become a couch potato and eat brownies everyday either. You can still keep up with your usual exercise routine and modify it as the belly gets in the way."

Bella paid attention and sighed there was something else that was bothering her. "Bella what else is bothering you?"

She nudged my shoulder with her head. Then sat up and forward so her hair covered her face. "I don't want a female OB/GYN... I want Carlisle. I trust him...I can talk to him about things that a stranger might find weird. "She turned and looked at my Mom. "He can do that... can't he? Or is there some rule about 'conflict of interest' in caring for family."

Mom smoothed Bella's hair back from her face and cupped her chin. "Why don't you ask him? I bet he'd be thrilled."

Bella smiled weakly and in a hushed voice said. "Really?" My Mom shook her head yes. Bella looked around the yard for my Dad and when she spotted him she got up. I rose to follow her and she turned around and placed her hand on my chest. "No honey I'd like to ask him by myself. Okay?" I smiled and nodded and she slowly made her way over to Carlisle. She just narrowly missed Emmett who naturally was in full tackle mode for a game of touch football. I grimaced but she managed to dance out of his way without falling and she reached my Dad unscathed. Then she touched his arm and conversed with him for a few minutes...he finally looked up at me and beamed. I guess that was a yes to her question. He wrapped his arm around her a shoulder and gave her a hug. He motioned for Mom and me to join him.

I took my Mom's hand and helped her up off the picnic bench and we skirted the football game. However Emmett did manage to just grab my shirt tail. But I deeked away from his hands, caught the football in mid flight that was hurtling towards me and tossed it towards Embry. To his great surprise and mine it landed in Jane's lap. She was stunned at first then leered at the players that were all just standing there waiting to see what she would do. Personally I was expecting to see a switchblade come out of nowhere and puncture the ball. Instead she stood up removed her biker's jacket and called "shirt" and headed for the skins end zone, with them chasing her. When she crossed over the broom handle she spiked the ball and danced in place with her arms raised. Hmm who would have thought that the Goth girl was into sports? The guys finally pulled themselves together with Jane on the shirts team...someone had turned the music up and the chaos of the game resumed.

When the music was cranked up I looked to were the sound system was set up. There fiddling with dials was Jasper in his wheelchair with Felix behind him and Charlie standing at his side. It was Jasper that cranked up the tunes. Emmett yelled at Felix to get his ass in the game...Jasper motioned for Felix to go as Charlie sat down on the step beside them. Alice had left Marcus talking to Sue Clearwater and joined Jasper on the porch.

Charlie looked at Sue and then at Betty and smiled. Sue and Charlie had broken up after Bella had caught them together two Christmas's ago. They had agreed that it just didn't feel right, it was too soon after Harry had died but they never got back together. Sue had not moved on, she was lonely and at loose ends.

I continued making my way to my Dad's side. He was looking at Jasper and Charlie both men were smiling. "It looks like things went well."

Dad smirked. "It's too early to tell but I guess for now they are still friends at least." Then he sat down and pulled Mom down beside him. "So Bella has asked me to be her doctor, are you okay with that son?"

"Yeah Dad, it would be very special for both of us... cheaper too." I chuckled at his surprised look. Bella punched my arm. "Ouch! He knows I'm only kidding...sort of."

Dad and Mom were laughing, that made me nervous it meant they were both on the same page. Mom caught my sharp intake of breath. "Oh calm down Edward he's not going to gouge you."

"So what are you charging these days Dad?"

"I can't say for sure...but I'll let you know."

"Huh...aren't there standard fees for service?"

He chuckled. "Edward, I'm not an HMO. I don't know because I need to see what the clinic needs."

He grinned like a kid in a candy shop. "The price for caring for my new daughter and my grandchild is you helping to refit the clinic."

"Sure I can help...but what do you mean by refit?"

"You, your brother and your mother and I are going to make a substantial donation to the clinic at La Push with the provision that anyone that can't afford the hospital in either Forks or LaPush can use its services. Our donation will be seed money. But will need help with raising the funds to refit the equipment and the clinic infrastructure. This way in a few years it can become self sufficient... if we don't touch the principle of our investment. Then annual fundraisers should take care of any capital equipment needs after that."

"Okay I'm in, but that seems a lot to ask for just one pregnancy...Bella and I want a large family."

Dad was smirking. "Alright you got me... free health care for Bella and all my grandchildren."

"What about me?"

"You Edward can afford to go to the hospital."

"What!"

Bella was laughing. "Don't push your luck babe I think your Dad is being very generous."

"Yeah well about your delivering our child it's not happening at the Forks/LaPush Clinic!"

She stepped away from me and crossed her arms. "No it won't, nor will it be at the hospital. I want a home delivery surrounded by everyone I love." That was my signal to keep my mouth shut. I swallowed what I was going to say. I was proud of the fact that I was learning when to do that.

Suddenly Alice was at my side. "Edward would you help Felix lift Jazz down off the porch he's starting to feel like he's on display."

"Sure cutie."

As I was walking away I heard Alice. "So did he agree or freak." I threw a look back over my shoulder. "Hah, since he's no longer depressed his hearing has really improved...I used to be able to get away with so much."

I smiled to myself and wondered how much had I missed out on over those years without Bella. I approached the porch, Felix was standing on one side of the wheelchair and I went to the other side. I looked at Charlie he was watching closely what was going to happen. But I had to be a wise ass. "Hurt you back old guy?"

He glared at me. "What?"

"I thought all you Cops knew how to lift and carry properly or is that only fireman." He smirked and rolled his eyes. "That's firemen you clown."

Jasper sucked in a breath and said, "I think he's afraid he'll break me." Charlie grunted and walked down the steps to make room for me. Jazz made an effort to chuckle. I noticed Felix reach around back of the chair and push a button on a pump hanging off the back. Jazz glared up at him. "Sneaky Felix...but I said I'd tell you when I needed any extra."

Felix nodded looking down at Jazz in the chair. "Yeh you did. But you lie when I ask you if you're in pain. So I'm going to use my super assessment skills to determine when you need another bolus."

Jazz grimaced looking straight ahead. "Good help is hard to find." Then he glared back up at Felix looking for a reaction. It rolled right off of him like water on a duck. Felix then explained to me what he wanted me to do. And without rocking the chair at all we had him down and onto the patio in a shot. People started differing over in small groups to speak to him. But Jasper wasn't his usual talkative self. I decided it was time to get this construction talk moving.

I asked everyone to grab a seat. The ladies not affected by the construction of our new home volunteered to do the clean up. Charlie started a blaze in his fire pit. And we all pulled up chairs, stairs or sat wherever our butts landed. Bella and I sat on a chaise lounge on one side of Jazz and Alice and Rose and Emmett sat on the other. Across the fire from us was Sam Uley, his crew and Philip. Mom and Dad were half way between the two groups. It had the feel of a council meeting. Both Mom and Philip had spent the afternoon discussing the plans. Apparently Philip was honoured to have the famous Esme Cullen assist on the project...she insisted it was in a consultative position only that she would be concentrating her efforts at the Clinic. Sam's face lit up when he heard that. I guess he saw the dollar signs with two major projects going on at once. I could almost see him doing the calculations looking around at his permanent crew and his sub contractors this would provide a ton of work and he would hopefully make a name for himself in the business. The Pacific Northwest was attracting a lot of people with money looking for a piece of wilderness as their backyard.

Philip looked at my Mom and she nodded. "Bella these plans you had drawn up are perfectly good and I'm willing to use them but I think your mother and I can do much better." He was excited and Esme was smiling at his enthusiasm. "Building on a cliff side is expensive and hazardous but what I propose in going underground. With windows looking out of the cliff face I suggest that these rooms be the main family rooms, kitchens and dining rooms with bedrooms above ground. Now your Mom and Dad want their wing totally above ground along with the garages and out buildings." He barely took a breath as he paused and before I could open my mouth he continued. "I would also like to propose a series of roof top gardens so that we don't compromise the natural flora. Esme has requested a green house for herbs and as a kitchen garden since the surrounding conifers may have made the soil too acidic to grow vegetables." He rubbed his hands together and launched into his next statement. "Now I bet you're wondering about power consumption? Esme says that Edward is very committed to reducing their carbon footprint so I'm proposing the use of solar power."

Emmet jumped in and blurted out. "Solar power! In the Pacific Northwest are you nuts?"

Philip smiled at him and pointed. "It is a little known fact that solar panels work more efficiently in cooler climates which makes the Pacific Northwest one of the ideal places to install them. And believe it or not 50% of the country's solar power is currently being generated in the Puget Sound area."

Then my Mom piped up. "And aesthetically it's better than wind power."

Emmett rolled his eyes. "Well of course if looks prettier that's the perfect reason to go with it."

My Mom got a very pissed look on her face. But before she could say anything Rose jumped in. "Shut the hell up Emmett. Besides what was that case your firm handled last year? Wasn't it a fight against a wind farm because of its impact on the eco system? If I'm not mistaken your guys won that one didn't they?" Emmett sat back pulled Rose onto his lap as a shield and did exactly what she told him to do...he shut the hell up.

Sam then started the discussion about where the property was located. It wouldn't be a problem getting the equipment in but there was going to have to be some blasting. Esme had already contacted a geologist she knew in Seattle to come up and do a survey for us. From there the discussion moved onto all the details. Emmett and Rose requested that their bedroom face the forest. Bella and I wanted a seaside view as did Alice and Jazz. Rose even got them to agree to add a service bay to the massive garage and we would need the extra space for things like snow removal equipment for the mile long lane. And of course Emmett wanted a pool with an infinity edge. Mom was able to point out to him the impracticality of it but mentioned that a covered pool could be added to the property if we were all in agreement. Finally as we all argued about the pool Sam pointed out that we had hot springs on our land. Emmett immediately gave up the idea of a pool. Which made me happy, particularly since Bella and I were planning on having a passel of kids...the idea of an indoor drowning hazard just lit up all my parental alarms. I paid closer attention to the conversation in case any other safety issues arose. Jazz's only request was specifically for him he wanted to have a studio for his film projects and music. Bella had requested a huge library for all of us. And Dad wanted an office with enough equipment to take care of immediate emergencies and to run a little lab where he could conduct his evil experiments...I had to chuckled at that thought my father the mad scientist...sometimes I crack me up. Alice shook her head at me. I knew the door was open but I didn't care. Esme was going to have an office as well. Then everyone got on the band wagon I was the last one to speak up and all eyes turned to me. "I want at least eight bedrooms." I smiled at Bella I could see she was thinking of Marie and Robert. "I want a kick ass kitchen with catering capabilities." Everyone looked puzzled over that one. I wasn't thinking of myself but Alice, she had a penchant for cooking and I know how much she liked to do events. Then I asked for a cosy study like I'd had in the other house but with ocean views and above ground.

I repositioned Bella at my side and leaned over to talk to Jazz. He was asleep I looked at Alice and her eye shifted to Felix. "Thanks Felix...would you consider coming to work for us?"

He raised his eyebrows then looked at Emmett. "No thanks Edward."

"We could make it worth your while."

"There's not enough money in the universe that would get me to work in the same house where Emmett Cullen lives." Then he chuckled. Emmett shot daggers at him but was keeping his mouth shut.

My Dad had come over to check on Jazz and he leaned over me. "He's taken Edward. I already hired him as my clinic manager." Felix grinned and shrugged. "Besides son Jasper isn't going to need a nurse much longer. Then he looked at Dr. Volturi who was still deep in conversation with Sue Clearwater.

"What's up with Sue?"

"Nothing Edward, but she and Marcus knew each other a long time ago. So they're just catching up. It's nice for Sue she lost Harry and then the engagement with Charlie fell through. But she's actually been talking to him about Seth. His marks have slipped over the last couple of years and she's not sure if it's because he hasn't had a male role model around since his Dad died or something else. Plus he's been lying to Sue a lot lately. Marcus is going to see what he can do to help."

"Where is Seth anyway?"

Bella moved her feet and made room for Dad to sit on the end of the lounge.

"He didn't want to come. So he's spending the day at the Black's with Rachel and Paul."

"Why did Sue come?"

"Well Billy's car has been out of commission and Old Quil needed a ride. Jake's car was full with Leah and things that we needed here."

"Hmm I haven't talked much to Jake since this whole thing blew up in our faces. I guess I need to rethink the security arrangements with Jake?"

Bella and my Dad both looked perplexed. "Why son, nothing has changed. Your still a literary celebrity and need a body guard when on tour. This place we're building is going to be huge and it might not be a bad idea to have security on the premises."

"What? Why?"

"Edward your Mom hasn't talked to you yet about the Forks pre-cogs and there are the Quileute's shadow warriors and wolf thing to consider. Son the recent events at the house have made the government curious all over again. We need to stick together."

"Is that why you want all this equipment for your office and a lab?"

"Yes that's one reason. But I really think we need to stick together for the next few years or at least until they lose interest again."

"Is it that serious?"

"Old Quil believes so and so does Philip. I don't know what Philip is fully capable of but just like with Alice I wouldn't want to bet against him."

I needed to talk to Sam sooner rather than later about those condos he built near what would be our construction site. I was prepared to buy them all just to get us out of the Forks Arms. Alice nodded in agreement and so did Bella. As I stood up to go over and talk to Sam the radio in his truck crackled alive at the same time as the one in Charlie's cruiser went off. They both raced to their respective vehicles. Emily went to Sam she kissed him as he jumped into the cab of his car with five other guys clambering on board. The others of his crew were piling into anther truck and peeling out of the drive. Charlie seemed to have more time and came to my side. "It's the house Edward...It's an inferno. I don't what those guys will be able to do except to keep it from spreading." Emmett and I made a move towards our cars. Charlie grabbed my arm and stood in front of Emmett. "NO. You guys stay here! Sam and his crew know what they are doing and they don't need you guys fumbling around out there and getting yourselves into trouble. I looked over at Billy and Old Quil both of them seemed just as shocked as we were. So I guess the tribe had nothing to do with starting the fire. I suddenly thought of that line from the Tempest 'Hell is empty and all the devils are here.' It finally meant something to me now... evil doesn't live in far off places where it can't affect or harm anyone. The devils are here and are hard at work trying to inflict hate and fear into people's hearts. So should I heed the Bards words and ...Unmask the falsehood and bring truth to light? Good question but I didn't have an answer.