Chapter 25

As the evening progresses we all indulge in a glass of wine while continuing our own conversations. The girls brake off somewhat and we talk about the living situation and the recent events leading up to it. But when we hear the boys conversation, decided to join in with them.

"I told you I spoke with Aro not long ago." Carlisle says, looking to each of his sons. "He insinuated that he sent the men to Edward and Christian's homes but wouldn't commit to anything concrete. One of the PI's discovered something recently while listening to Aro's phone conversations. The men were definitely working under his order and he was cussing Caius out for the lack of information found. He made it sound as though it was Cauis's idea to search different employees homes." Carlisle stops and lets the information sink in.

I'm a little unsure of its significance though. Edward has never spoken of a Caius.

"I didn't realise those two were in touch anymore. I wouldn't be doing business with him otherwise. It worries me because I trust him." He says with a shake of his head. Carlisle's tone is taut when he continues. "So I had the same PI dig up some more recent information on Caius. Looks like he cut all ties from Aro a few years back so that I'd even consider dealing with him, which was our agreement, but since running low on funds he has been helping Aro out."

"But that means Aro has access to the companies weapons." Emmett says, outraged. "He knows how you feel about Aro, it was a condition you made years ago when you started selling to him." He says matter of factly.

"I know Emmett, which was why I called him. He flat out denied any involvement with Aro. I didn't let onto him that I knew differently. They're working together. Cauis is the buyer, Aro pays him to then pass on the information. They've been careful up until now though. Never buying more then what would be suspicious." I can here the distain Carlisle holds for these men in his voice. They're betrayal will not be swept under the rug. "But that phone call was a slip up. They're getting cocky because they don't think I know what they're up to."

Silence falls around the room for a few moments as everyone takes in what Carlisle has unveiled.

"So what do we do now?" Jasper asks. "You can't keep selling to him now that you where the weapons are going. But you can't stop because otherwise Aro will know you've caught onto him." He states.

"That's the issue. It's put us in quite a precarious situation." Carlisle responds with a worried tone.

"Can you try delay him?" I ask, without even realising what I've done. I quickly slap my hand over my mouth, unsure of weather or not I'm in a position to contribute.

"What do you mean, Bella?" Edward asks curiously.

I look around the room and catch Carlisle's eye. He nods in encouragement.

"How about you say there's a problem with payment or you've had to update the system, holding payment and distribution of products until everything is finalised. That might give you a few months to try and work this out. Then when you do have to start selling to him again make sure the products are faulty. Then they'll have to send them back, figure out the problem, fix them and return them. Maybe they get lost along the way. It's not as though you'll be doing business with them in the future. There's another few months there. You just need time to figure out what their objective is and how you can prove their involvement in the break ins and other activities." I finish, hoping that I haven't made a fool of my self.

There's a long pause before Emmett's booming laugh breaks the silence. "Well there you go, Bella has given us time!"

"That just might work, dad." Edward's tone is thick with delight. "What would we do with out you Bella?"

I smile up at Edward and quickly lean in to peck his lips.

Eventually it's time to go home. Esme gives me a warm embrace and kisses my cheek. "It was so lovely meeting you sweetheart. Make sure you get Edward to bring you back here soon."

"Thank you for suggestion, Bella. You're definitely a positive addition to the family!" Carlisle says, also embracing me. "It's nice to see my son happy again, thank you."

As we drive home Edward takes my hand and softly kisses my knuckles. "Told you they'd love you." He says with a cocky smirk.