We're the Cullens
Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns it all.
I removed the cigar from my mouth and took a deep breath, inhaling the smoke in my lungs. I watched Ron remove his jacket and put on a red cap. He stashed his laptop in a pizza box and looked at his watch. The man standing next to him, shifted his weight from one foot to another, seeming disinterested.
On the other hand, Cullen came into my view, he looked breathless from running for too long as he looked around the empty street. I watched him as his eyes fell on everything around him, he looked disturbed and slightly confused. He looked straight at me, although I'm sure he couldn't see me. He frowned and was about to take a step but he didn't.
Ron took a deep breath and bounced on his stance once after he peeked over the bushes to look at Cullen from the corner before he started walking towards him.
"Hey Romeo!" I heard Cullen's voice call out to Ron. He turned partially and I saw Cullen get his gun ready to take a shot. I looked up into the sky, exhaling smoke towards the starless sky and closed my eyes, knowing what was coming.
The sound echoed off the empty street as I inhaled the smoke once again, letting it burn in my lungs. Ah. We'll have more chances later. I noticed a man walking over to the scene as Cullen hit the man that I noticed next to Ron previously.
"Who is that?" I asked as I watched him shoot the already limp man, but the sound didn't reverberate this time.
"Aden Williams." I nodded and threw the cigar on the grass, stubbing it out with the back of my foot.
"Cullen is going to be a trouble, isn't he?"
"You want us to take him, capo?" I chuckled and shook my head.
"I like a challenge. Looks like a good one too."
"What about her?"
"We'll get her, before he does."
"We can still go—"
"No andiamo." We turned and I pulled my hat lower as I heard the sounds of the familiar sirens coming our way.
Isabella, ti prendo.
EDWARD
I ran as fast as I could, trying to burn my lungs just as badly as the wound on my arm stung. I noticed the dark sky lifting to let the day shine. It was six in the morning and I had to get out of the apartment. My mind was already running through so many possibilities and the arm hurt so bad.
Plus, the chaos in the bedroom looked much worse in the daylight. I couldn't clean so much, and Bella won't be willing to help. Maybe I can call a cleaning service. Yeah, I'll have to do that.
My phone buzzed and I answered it, pressing the button on my earbud's wire. I didn't bother checking the name, knowing exactly who it would be.
"Good morning Edward, why did you annoy me with your text at six in the mornin'?" I chuckled as I continued jogging away from the garden and pulled my hoodie up carefully.
"I told you to call me when you were free, that's not annoying, I was being polite."
"Whatever, what's up?" Gale said instead.
"I need you to get here in Seattle."
"Why?"
"Someone took a shot at Bella last night."
"Oh my god, is she okay?"
"Yeah, she's fine. I was there with her but I can't be all the times, although if you are up for it, perhaps you could do that for me."
"Of course, I'll help in any way I could, when should I get there?"
"Thank you and I'll let you know."
"Alright."
"So, did you go back home?"
"Mom couldn't stop bugging me about getting married. It was almost not worth going back home." I chuckled.
"Yeah, I know the feeling." I let out a deep sigh as I paused at the street across from me. It was the only house along the five-mile radius of this place. It was a white wooden house, with a giant brown rooftop. It was surrounded by tall silver birch trees, giving it a cave-like feeling. I noticed the gate was locked and there was a board that read 'FOR SALE' and a contact number was shared of a real-estate agent.
"Gale, I'll call you back later."
"Okay, bye." I ended the call and the music continued blasting from the earbuds.
I called the number as I knelt to the ground to check the lock. The phone rang but nobody answered. Even for six in the morning a person should answer the phone. I called again and pressed on the shackles of it to find it unlocked. Strange.
It wasn't your regular lock, it was the size of a kiwi, and the lock didn't have a normal keyhole, with a circle and rectangle having the width smaller than the diameter of the circle projecting from the bottom. No. It had a circle in the center and two straight lines that made an approximate 2 cm pathway away from it. I had never seen a lock like this before.
But anyone would've noticed the placed being unlocked that means it's not been that long. This is a good place, of course people must be calling for putting a price on it. Did no one ever notice the gate to be unlocked.
Either that or it had recently been unlocked. I couldn't stop the nagging thought that entered my mind that someone was standing in the backyard of this house last night. I'm sure the door would be locked, because he can't risk that. Or maybe a she. You may never know.
I looked around and found the street almost empty so I jumped over the small gate, landing swiftly on the wet grass from the morning dew on the other side. I flinched as my arm stung but I tried to forget about it for now. I went up the porch steps towards the door and found it locked very well although it was a normal lock. Then why would they have a lock so weird at the gate?
Just as I jumped on the other side of the gate, back to where I was previously standing, I noticed a woman walking towards me. Ah, she was Will's mom.
"Edward, oh my god is that you?" her pale jade eyes widened with recognition and I groaned internally.
"Um, hi Shelly." I mumbled, pulling my hoodie down and running a hand through my hair. I pulled out my earbuds and the music stopped making the city quieter than it usually was.
"I haven't seen you since Eli's birthday!" she hugged me then, taking me by surprise and I patted her back, my arm wanting to escape the pain so badly. Her expensive perfume hit my nostrils making me cough.
"How have you been?" I asked and kept my hand on her shoulder to get her off me.
"I've been juggling things. It's hard to keep balance at work and be a single mom. Good thing I have a nanny to take care of Will. I get call ins from the customers anytime."
"Oh. What do you do?"
"I'm a real estate agent. There is a couple here from Australia, and their flight landed at three in the morning, they wanted to start looking at houses first thing in the morning."
"Oh, you are a real estate agent." I couldn't help the smile on my face. "Well, do you happen to know whose house this is?" I pointed to the one behind me.
"I'm not really sure, it hasn't been that active on the list."
"Do you happen to know the agent for this house?"
"Sure, Tim Harper, I have been trying to contact him ever since a family wanted to buy this house years ago but he wouldn't let me."
"Is he from town?"
"Yeah, he lives in the city. I could've sold this house so much faster." she shook her head but then gave me a smile. Tim Harper. Hmm. There must be something up. Will have to get Phil on this one.
"Oh, thanks."
"So what are you up to Edward?"
"Just out for a morning run."
"Well I heard somebody got shot last night somewhere around, not much people know about it." she gave me a secretive smile and I couldn't help the chuckle. "What's wrong?" I quickly recovered.
"That must not be true," I shrugged. "There are no signs of murder around."
"Some people got it all cleared up early in the morning, people must not find out about this. Do you know how much affect this would be on the real estate market?"
"Yeah, that's true. How do you know about this?"
"Didn't you hear the sound of a bullet being shot?" I shook my head. "Well, last night I think, I was having dinner."
"Oh."
"You live on the eight, it must not be heard up there."
"That must be it." I nodded.
"Oh god, I'm getting late, see you around Edward." she hugged me again and I rolled my eyes as I hugged her and noticed numerous bobby pins on her hair. I quickly slipped one out and she walked past me, giving a tiny wave.
I tried not to shudder as her perfume lingered in my senses. I jumped on the other side of the fence again and jogged my way over to the door. I slipped the pin in the keyhole and twisted it until it clicked against the door.
I sneezed as I opened the door and I walked further in. I shut the door carefully and noticed the room was light and open. The furniture was covered with white drop cloths; the couch, the TV, the cabinet, everything. It was like two rooms were broken down into a one huge living room. I turned my phone on silent mode.
I couldn't help hear a buzzing coming from somewhere. There was a wall partition in the middle of the room and just as I was about to walk towards the other half, I noticed a CCTV camera on the wall, facing the furniture of the living room. I dropped to the ground and slipped away towards the entrance. Why is there a CCTV camera at a house that is vacant from the past I don't know how many years or months?
I stood by the door and called Phil.
"Phil Huntley."
"Phil, it's me."
"Yo Cullen, what's up?"
"I want NFC Jammer on my phone right away."
"What? Why?"
"Just do it."
"Alright, I'll send you the signal just click activate and point it at the camera."
"Okay, then?"
"Does the camera have a red light?"
"Yes."
"The light will go off, when you activate the jammer. Now remember Edward, do not, I repeat, do not keep it any further away than 30 meters, it will deactivate."
"Alright. Thanks." I murmured.
"Good luck." And he ended the call. I waited as I looked around and the white walls, no trace of any more cameras around. My phone beeped and I pressed activate when I got a notification in a green box. A radar came onto the screen, showing the radius meter of how much the phone was away from the camera.
I took two steps further in the apartment and it showed ten meters less. I just extended my left hand and heard the camera beep before I peeked a little to see the red light had gone off. Fuck yes. I kept my phone on the floor right under the camera and quickly scanned around the place, taking off the drop cloths that were draped to see if I could find anything. I noticed a bag in the far left corner and I hoped it wasn't anything as dangerous as my mind was reeling about.
It was a black travel bag, with UPS printed on it. Holy fucking shit. I opened it quickly and a gasp escaped my mouth. It was a laser rifle sniper. It could blow a person into millions of pieces with just one shot. Oh god, it was aimed at Bella. I thought it would be a regular shotgun. How did this get here if the man was all the way across the block?
There is something strange about this shit. I noticed a backdoor to the space and was surprised to find it very smooth to open when unlocked. I stepped out and came directly to face the front of my apartment building, except for the fact that dense shrubs grew all over the fence blocking it away completely.
I ran a hand through my hair, my wide eyes taking in everything that had been happening. Just a street away from my apartment, how have I never noticed it? This isn't a safe place to stay for Bella or Eli. I need to take them someplace else. Not today but soon.
I walked over to the shrubs and stood exactly at a distance from where I could interpret someone standing here last night. I took a step forward and my feet scrunched on something. I frowned and looked down to see a stubbed out cigar.
I pulled out the tissue that I had in my pocket and picked up the cigar using it. I blew on it a little to let the ashes float away. It's not like the normal cigars you smoke, it's different. I need to find out about it.
I kept in the pocket of my hoodie and made my way back inside. I grabbed the bag and brought it outside. I stood up on the sill of the concrete cement where the bushes grew and kept the bag afloat on it. I noticed Mr. Willock grabbing his coat.
"Hey Mr. Willock!" I called out in pain, my arm literally burning. He didn't hear me. I whistled and he turned me to, staring at me confused.
"Dr. Cullen, what are you doing there?" he asked and I sighed.
"I was out for a morning run." I bet he could only see my head. "Could you come here for a moment?" he walked over to me and looked up.
"Can you just keep this bag with you? I'll be over there in a few minutes, I know your shift is over, but could you help a little please?"
"Sure, son."
"It's a little heavy." I pre-warned him and slipped it over to him across the shrubs. He grunted a little as he held it and let out a light laugh.
"Yeah just a smidge heavy." I gave an apologetic smile.
"Please don't open it." I told him seriously and he nodded.
"No worries." Mr. Willock dragged the bag with him to the security kiosk. I jumped back down and noticed blood staining my right arm. Great. Just great.
I shut the door behind me as I entered the house again and walked over to the couch, dusting off the drop cloths and positioning them exactly like they were originally placed.
I walked back outside and noticed the lock now unlocked, having no idea how to get it back to its initial state. I just inserted the shackle back, so that it looked like it was locked. I went inside the place from the backdoor and walked over to my phone.
I heard footsteps approaching towards the house and my eyes widened as a string of profanities left my mouth. I quickly grabbed my phone from the side and within seconds entered what looked like that kitchen. It was all covered in dust and I saw a staircase to my right.
I climbed up the stairs as mutely as I could and went up to notice it was a roof space of the house, filled with wrecked up shit and dirt. I kept my phone in the pocket and heard their voices getting clearer from downstairs but I couldn't comprehend exactly what they were speaking. But I knew there were two of them. I was damn sure about that.
I closed my eyes and took a shaky breath as I felt my arm flinch with pain. I looked around and saw just one glass window facing my building as well. It was matted with dust and dried leaves. I popped it open and creaked so loud, I bet the sound was heard downstairs.
"Son of a bitch!" I whispered as I quickly slipped off the space and held the window sill as I shut it tightly, I could see Mr. Willock at a distance sitting on the chair, the bag nowhere to be seen. I noticed the shrubs were dense enough. I hope it doesn't hurt when landing.
I leaned over and aimed for the shrubs as I heard the voices close to me, my body weight completely balancing on the shrubs as I ended up landing on them, my back pressed against them. I jumped off them and removed my hoodie quickly, slipping my earbuds back on.
I continued jogging on the street, pretending that I never left exercising on my way back home. I heard the window then open but I didn't turn back. I noticed blood staining my right arm but I'm sure they couldn't see my right side, as I faced the opposite side to them.
Mr. Willock got the bag out as soon as they saw me by the entrance and I took it from him, as he stared at me with wide eyes.
"Have a good day Mr. Willock." I winked and carried the bag towards the elevators.
What a great start to the day.
"Hey Ed, feeling better?" Jake asked and I sighed.
"Not really." I wasn't talking about the arm.
"Take a shot, then you'll feel better."
"Yeah alright. Do me a favor, okay?"
"Sure, what do you want?"
"I need you to go to Bothell."
"What's in Bothell?"
"Food and Drug Administration. Come at my place around lunch time, I'll give you a sample, get it tested, I would've gone down myself, but it's a 20-mile drive and my arm is killing me."
"Hey, it's not trouble. I'll go. Where are you right now?"
"Home."
"Couldn't sleep, eh?"
"Yeah, there is a lot on my plate right now."
"I know, alright then, tell Bella to make something good, I'll be there on time." I chuckled.
"Sure."
"Later then." I ended the call and made another one.
"April Lane's Home Cleaning, how may I help you?"
"Good morning, this is Edward Cullen and I would like to know if your services are provided in Downtown Seattle."
"Of course sir, what time would be convenient for you?"
"I don't know, right now is perfectly fine though."
"Okay Mr. Cullen, if you can just tell me your address, I can let you know right away if we would be able to have the cleaners come to your place." I told her the address.
"Sure sir, we can have them come at your place in thirty minutes."
"Thank you very much."
"Happy to be of service and as a reminder, we only accept cash or checks."
"That won't be a problem, thank you very much." I ended the call and went to my bedroom. The bed was unmade now that I see it in the daylight much more clearly, the mirror wasn't there anymore, as shattered glass lay all over the foot of the dressing table. The glass painting too, was no more and I sighed disappointedly, because I really like that one.
I looked at the clock and noticed it was eight in the morning. I went back to the living room and found Bella still sleeping peacefully on the couch. I placed a light kiss on her forehead and tightened the blanket around her.
I went to Eli's room where my princess was already up, rubbing her eyes and letting out a yawn. I grabbed the thermometer and made my way to the bathroom. After washing it clean, I came back to find her staring at out of the window from her position on the bed.
"Morning princess." I smiled as I walked over to her.
"Daddy up." She pouted and I settled her in my arms, shifting her quickly to the left side. Eli wrapped her arms around my neck and I kissed her forehead, feeling her temperature to be better than last night's.
"Is my princess feeling better?" she nodded, letting out another yawn. "Here baby, let daddy check your temperature." I set her down next to me on the bed and she opened her mouth quickly. I placed the tip of the thermometer in her mouth and waited until it beeped. 99.2.
"Ah, look at that, my baby is almost healthy now." I said grinning at her and Eli giggled a little.
"I pway now?"
"How about we rest for today? Daddy will let you play tomorrow." She nodded and crawled into my lap. I kissed her forehead, rocking her a little.
"Mommy?"
"Mommy is still asleep love, we'll let her rest okay?" Eli nodded and looked at me curiously.
"Daddy, why you go befoh?"
"Daddy had some work darling, that's why, but I'm here now and everything's great." She smiled and nodded her head. "Breakfast?"
"You makes vowels?" I chuckled.
"How about just pancakes today?"
"Otay, we make for mommy?"
"Of course. Come on." I got out of the bed and Eli pouted.
"Daddy cawwy."
"Baby, hold daddy's hand come on." I said and tears gathered in her eyes making me sigh. I lifted her in my arms and she gave me a smile. I shook my head but tried to reassure myself that she is just being clingy because she is unwell.
Yeah, but I know that's not the case.
Eli opened her mouth and I fed her another piece of pancake, as she chewed with a slightly unhappy face because I won't let her have maple syrup. It's not good for her when she is having a fever.
Suddenly out of my periphery I saw Bella bolt up straight, her eyes looked around the room and she turned quickly on the couch to gaze at us. I gave her a grin and she smiled back weakly.
Bella got out of the couch and folded up the duvet as I watched her because she seemed very thoughtful for some reason. She must be thinking about last night.
She collected the duvet and was about to go in our room but stopped short, looked at me for a moment and then went to Eli's room. I sighed loudly making Eli look at me. I smiled and kissed her forehead. Bella made her way to the couch and slipped the bed back in as I handed Eli a glass of juice to drink from.
As soon as Bella set the couch back to its original condition, Eli turned at the movement and looked at Bella, giving her a wide grin.
"Mommy!" she waved happily making Bella chuckle. She walked over to us and placed a soft kiss on Eli's head.
"Morning honey, are you feeling better?" Eli nodded and opened her mouth as I fed her another piece.
"Her temperature is almost back to normal." I said and watched Bella make herself comfortable on the chair next to Eli. She stroked Eli's hair, her face a mask of concern. She looked over at me and I gave her a questioning frown to which she shook her head.
"Edward, the room is all messed up, isn't it?" I smiled at her.
"Don't worry love, I called a cleaning service, they'll clean the whole apartment." she nodded, biting her bottom lip softly. "Breakfast?"
"I'll get it." Bella volunteered.
"That's okay, let me get it for you." I stood up and walked over to the kitchen to serve her a couple of pancakes on a plate. I carried the plate over to her and set it down in front of her. I kissed her hair and she turned to murmur a thank you.
"What's wrong Bella?" I murmured, stroking her hair.
"It's nothing Edward, everything's fine." I sighed and as I was about to ask her something more but the doorbell rang incessantly making me chuckle. Bella looked at me with an alarmed expression, panic was set in her eyes.
"Who is it?" she asked, I could recognize the fear in her stance.
"Hush, it must be Alice." I whispered and she still looked nervous.
"Daddy." Eli pointed at the door and I nodded as the ringing continued. I jogged over and opened the door to see Alice standing on the other side, grinning from ear to ear, her face literally glowing.
"I got engaged!" she squealed and hugged me tightly. I chuckled and hugged her back, lifting her off her feet.
"I know, congratulations. I'm so happy for you both." I kissed her spiky hair and set her down quickly as my arm went numb.
"See the ring!" she showed me her left hand that was now sparkling with a gorgeous diamond ring.
"It's nice, very sparkly." Alice rolled her eyes but continued smiling.
"Where's Bella?"
"Having breakfast." She skipped over to Bella who was about to stand up and Alice hugged her tightly, making her smile.
"Congratulations Alice, you guys make a wonderful couple." Both pulled back and Bella asked Alice to show the ring. They continued talking amongst themselves and I sat next to Eli, who was staring at them with a puzzled expression.
"Princess?" Eli looked at me, her blue eyes staring at me curiously.
"Daddy, why Awice happy?" I chuckled.
"That's because Alice and Jasper are going to get married." I stroked her hair and she frowned.
"I wanna mawwy too."
"You do huh? Maybe after you're thirty or something, okay?"
"Pwomise?"
"I promise." I kissed her forehead and she grinned at me. "Are you done with your breakfast?" she nodded.
"Eli, honey I missed you so much, I haven't seen you in four days!" I rolled my eyes and watched Alice pick Eli in her arms to hug her tightly.
"Awice I sick." Eli whispered to her and she frowned.
"My god, what happened?"
"She got fever three days ago."
"Are you feeling good now sweetie?"
"Yes." Eli smiled at her and I chuckled watching them.
"Why are you laugh—hey what's with the arm?" I noticed blood staining my t-shirt and I sighed.
"Shit." I murmured and quickly went to the bedroom to slip on a jacket and collected my car keys. I came back and Eli ran to me, hugging my legs tightly.
"Princess what happened?" I knelt to her height and she pouted looking at me.
"Daddy got boo-boo?" I smiled and kissed her forehead.
"No love, daddy's fine. I'll be back in some time, okay? Daddy has to show it to the doctor." she nodded and pecked my lips softly.
"I wov you daddy."
"I love you too baby. Come on, now don't turn the television on, okay? Be good for mommy." Eli went back running to where Alice sat on the couch. I walked over to Bella who was picking up the plates from the table.
"Love, I'll just go get this looked at, alright?" she nodded looking up at me. "I'll be back in an hour." She nodded again and carried the plates to the sink.
"Alice?" I whispered as I went over to her.
"Yes?"
"You don't have anything to do right now, do you?" she shook her head.
"Then could you stay with Bella until I get here, please?"
"Sure, I can tell her about my wedding ideas." I chuckled and kissed her hair.
"Alright thanks." I walked out of the apartment and waited for the elevators to open to the ground floor.
I walked back in the apartment an hour later to the sound of vacuum cleaner and TV turned on at a very high volume. My arm felt much better now that I had taken a shot. Alice was nowhere to be seen when I looked at the living room and so was Bella.
Only my princess sat on the couch, watching her morning cartoons. As soon as Eli saw me, she jumped into my arms hugging me tightly. I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Hi baby." I murmured and set her back on the couch.
"Daddy you sit wif me?"
"Princess, daddy told you no television." She pouted and I shook my head.
"No." I turned the television off with the remote just as the noise of vacuum cleaner died down in Eli's room. "Are those the cleaning people princess?"
"Two." She said and I nodded.
"Now, daddy will go change very quickly and then we can read if you want."
"Gow-wom?"
"Yes we'll read the book with the Glow-worm." She nodded and I made my way to the bedroom which was completely tidy and properly cleaned up. I couldn't imagine comparing last night's chaos to this. Wow. It's amazingly clean.
I removed my jacket and heard the shower run in the bathroom. Bella must be in the shower. I kept my jacket back and took off my shirt, keeping it in the laundry basket by the door of the bathroom. I grabbed a light blue shirt to wear and as I was to shut the closet door, I heard two gasps.
I turned to see two blonde women, although having completely different textures, one was strawberry blonde and the other was platinum blonde. They wore similar uniforms, grey-blue t-shirt and black jeans.
"We were just, um, yeah. We were cleaning." One of them said, shaking her head. I chuckled.
"I am aware of that; I'll be out of your hair in a moment." I slipped on my shirt and made my way out towards the living room where Eli was. I quickly buttoned up my shirt and noticed Eli was fast asleep on the couch. I chuckled. The medication must've kicked in.
I picked Eli in my arms and carried her to her bedroom. I laid her down on the bed and noticed she was changed into different clothes. Bella must've given her a bath. I kissed her forehead and took a look around the room.
Even this room was cleaned perfectly fine and I noticed their cleaning supplies still here. I was about to get up when Eli gripped my hand in hers, opening her blue orbs partially.
"Daddy no go." she whispered and I stroked her hair.
"Okay princess, daddy will stay right here." I kicked off my shoes to sit on the bed next to her and she snuggled against my chest, holding my hand in hers tightly. I kissed her hair and watched her breathing even out quickly.
I stayed next to Eli for I don't know how long until I heard footsteps approaching and the two girls came into my view. They stared at me for a whole minute and I looked away quickly.
"We're done with the bedrooms; we'll go ahead with the living room." I nodded.
"Is she your daughter?" the other one asked, playing with her hair.
"Um yeah."
"She's really cute." I smiled.
"I'll let her know that."
They picked up the supplies and made their way over to the living room. Bella came into my view, looking absolutely beautiful, wearing a white blouse and light blue skirt. Her hair looked wet and her red rimmed eyes stared at me. I noticed she was barefoot and I motioned for her to come in but she shook her head.
"Could you come here please?" I nodded and got out of the bed, making sure Eli was asleep. I walked over to her after I put on my shoes and I could see tears building in her eyes. Bella grabbed my hand in hers and pulled me into our bedroom, shutting the door behind her.
"Baby, what has happened to you today?" she hugged me tightly and started sobbing in my arms. I sighed and wrapped my arms around her, stroking her wet hair. "Hush, darling. Don't cry so much."
"I'm s-sorry." She whimpered and I frowned. What is she sorry about?
"Love, what happened?" I repeated but she didn't say anything. I pulled back to make her look at me. "Look at me Bella." she shook her head, staring at her fingers and I sighed. "Look at me." I snapped and she looked up immediately. I wiped away her tears and kissed her forehead.
"Tell me what's bothering you, and no tears." I murmured and she sniffled.
"I know last night's events happened because of me. You were restless all through the night. I know you haven't had a good night's sleep since Friday and I just made it so much worse for you. Eli got so scared last night. You have to be cautious about me and look after me a lot. That wasn't your job here. I'm so sorry you had to go through so much because of me."
"Bella—"
"And with all this chaos, I dragged you to your family. Emmett said so much to you yet you stayed for us. I forced you to go. I know the person here last night came to shoot me, but what if something had happened to you or Eli? I would've never been able to forgive myself. I love you so much Edward and I can't watch you get hurt because of me. Will you both be safe if I go to New York or someplace? Will it help? I can go anywhere you want." I could see the desperation in her brown eyes and tears streamed down her face.
"Bella, Bella, oh god, come here." I hugged her tightly letting out a chuckle. "You are so absurdly silly. There is no way, at all, that I could stay away from you. How can you even say that?"
"But then you got hurt because of me." Bella said in a small voice and I sighed.
"Love, nothing will happen to me. I know it and nothing will happen to Eli. I promise. Why do you overthink so much? Forget about everything, if you keep thinking about it, the thoughts are going to haunt you."
"But then they make you restless at nights."
"Of course they do, because I have to keep you both safe. You both mean so much to me, I need to know you are safe and I can do anything for it. There is so much going on at the same time, I am personally losing my mind and this has nothing to do with you, believe me."
It had everything to do with Bella.
"Really?"
"Of course. There is just some other, eh, stuff going around about some people you don't are related to the case. So keep these depressing thoughts away and try to stay positive. I know it's your favorite past time to worry," she smiled at me and I stroked her cheek. "But try."
"Okay, I'll try."
"Thank you. I love you."
"I love you too Bella." I leaned my forehead against hers and she smiled at me.
"You look beautiful." she blushed and I kissed her forehead. "And Jacob's coming over for lunch, I hope you don't mind. So just make whatever you will in large quantities. He told me to tell you to make something good." She chuckled and nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind." I leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss, her lips working against mine swiftly and she sighed when my tongue entered her sweet mouth. My arms tightened around her waist and she gripped my arms making me flinch and pull back.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It completely slipped off my mind for a second." I gave her a smile.
"It's okay love, don't worry." She sighed sadly and rested her head on my chest, hugging me tightly. I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath.
I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and I saw it was Fred. I tried to pull back but Bella shook her head. I sighed and answered the phone anyway.
"Yes Fred?"
"Are you better? Jake told me what happened." I rolled my eyes.
"I'm fine. I think you have the name even though we won't be needing it anymore."
"Yes, Ron Yale. He was best known for his shooting, figures."
"Yeah well, where is he from?"
"He's local."
"In any way does he have a connection to James?" Bella stiffened and I kissed her hair.
"No, I don't think so. I can't find a link anywhere."
"Try Fred, I don't think there is any way he could've pulled this shit if not for James."
"But why would James try to take a shot at Isabella Swan?" I sighed.
"That's what has gotten me so confused too."
"Still I'll see what I can do about it."
"Okay and text me the contact number of Joseph Floyd, James wants to meet his father. We'll have to see what we can do about it."
"You're going to let Banner see him?"
"He wants to; we can't let him know Banner's in custody."
"I'll text you."
"Alright then, talk later." I ended the call and Bella pulled back to look at me confused.
"James has a father? I thought he was from foster care." I nodded and felt my phone beep. Must be the text.
"Yes, that's the main story." She gave me a thoughtful smile and we turned when there was a knock on the door.
"Baby, there is a checkbook of our joint account in my drawer, just fill in the amount and sign it if they are done with service. I have to go make a call." She nodded and walked over to the closet. I opened the door and both stood there with giddy smiles and I smiled back politely.
"We were done with, yeah, everything." I nodded and turned to look at Bella.
"Baby, they are done. Get the checkbook, please?"
"Okay." I pulled out my phone and excused myself, going to the balcony. I called on the number Fred sent me moments ago.
"Special Agent Floyd."
"Good morning Floyd, it's Edward Cullen."
"Cullen hey, what's up?"
"I was calling in to ask about Banner, how's he doing?"
"Oh that son of a bitch, he's told us shit that we already knew. I don't think he has anything else left to say. Just a long time to rot in jail." I chuckled.
"Yeah, well I hope the news isn't disclosed yet because the media will want to do a coverage and it'll be all over the tabloids."
"We are aware of the situation you are talking about. Don't worry we have it under control."
"Yeah well, there was a problem I wanted to talk to you about."
"Sure, what is it?"
"As you know we haven't disclosed the news to anybody, his son—"
"James Smith, the guy you are after?" I chuckled.
"Uh yes, he wants to meet Banner, tomorrow." I heard him sigh on the other line and knew it was going to be difficult.
"Cullen I'm sorry but there is no way that is possible. We have been running checks all over New York already, everyone is swamped with work, I know he isn't a suspect anymore but I can't help you with this. There are strict orders to not let any suspect out who is in custody for violation of drug policies."
"Just for a few hours, I'm sure you can manage that. You have no idea how much penalty there'll be to pay if he finds out Banner is in custody."
"I'm sure you can think of something Edward."
"Come on Joseph, we've known each other for a long time now. Isn't there anything you can do?"
"I could but there aren't enough consents to let him out. Security would be needed; we will have to record his every move."
"There'll be six CIA agents present at the same time. What more do you want?"
"Edward, I'm sorry but there will be nothing we can do about it." Fine, I'll have to play the bigger cards and call Springfield.
"Okay, okay. I'll wait for your call."
"What?"
"Talk later Floyd. Have a good day."
I turned around when I heard Eli's voice and found her standing by the barstools, holding her stuffed unicorn in one hand, rubbing her eyes with the other. I scrolled through my contact list and found the number I was looking for. I called on the number.
"Chuck Louis's office, how may I help you?" a woman, who had a very raspy voice questioned me.
"This is Edward Cullen from the CIA, can I please talk to Mr. Louis?"
"Could you give me a moment, he is currently in a discussion group meeting, let me check if he is willing to take calls this moment."
"Sure." I waited for five whole minutes before she was back on the line.
"Just a moment sir, I'll put you right through." I sighed with relief.
"Edward? I can't believe you called and I thought you forgot about me!" I could hear him laugh on the other line. I chuckled and ran a hand through my hair.
"I think there is a misunderstanding Mr. Louis. It's you who forgot about us."
"Ah, what a liar and since when did you start calling me Mr. Louis?"
"Since you became the Acting Administrator of the DEA. You aren't just the Chief of Staff at FBI New York anymore. There comes a respect with a position as grand as yours."
"Since when did you start giving shit about this?"
"Jackass." I muttered and heard him laugh on the other line.
"There you are." I chuckled. "So, how can I help you Agent Cullen?"
"Well Mr. Louis, I think you must've heard about our ex-Chief Banner been taken into custody."
"I'm aware of that," his tone grew serious. "It came as quite a shock to me too."
"Tell me about it, anyway, we have been trying not to let the information get disclosed because it would be all over the news and we don't want that happening."
"True." I told him the gest about the case, about James and the factors connected to him and this DMT we're trying to find. "Sounds tricky Edward, are you alone at this? I would personally advice you not to handle this case alone." I chuckled.
"Don't worry, I have got Alex with me."
"Then I have no problem at all, is he undercover again?"
"Oh yes, he is undercover alright. Dyed his hair black and is wearing contacts, it's hard not to laugh."
"I can imagine." Chuck was the main leader for the Sullivan case we had in London and we had been in contact ever since then.
"So, Alex got me this information that James wants to meet his father tomorrow in New York."
"You want Banner out?" I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
"Yes."
"Well, I did contact the New York department and found out you and Black already got whatever information was required. So it pretty much wouldn't matter if he is alive or dead although the press would make it a big deal if he was dragged around with security."
"Six of us will be there Mr. Louis. At every corner. You have nothing to worry about. Even if something happens, I'm sure we can find a way to get it resolved."
"I'm sure about you Edward, do you think you can find something valid out of this meeting?"
"I am confident."
"Alright, I'll let the Chief know to let him out, I want two of your people there when he is out though." I couldn't help the grin.
"That wouldn't be a problem."
"I'm risking this for you Edward, I want more information about this drug chase you are after. I don't care what happens to Banner then."
"Count on me Mr. Louis."
"Good luck." The call ended and I kept my phone back, going inside the apartment with a wide grin on my face but just as quickly my smile disappeared. This meant I will have to go to New York. Fuck.
"Hey honey, what happened to your pretty smile?" Bella grinned at me and I sighed.
"Well, I have to tell you something that you may not want to listen."
"What?" she asked cautiously.
"I have to go New York tomorrow." She didn't say anything but just stared at me. "Bella?"
"I'm coming with you." I stared at her with a blank face.
"No."
"I will."
"I can't let you."
"Watch me." she said stubbornly and I sighed.
"Love, it's too dangerous."
"I'll be fine Edward."
"Eli's still unwell." I tried to reason and she rolled her eyes, motioned behind me. I turned to see Eli sitting behind the couch on a carpet, with all her toys splayed around. Eli looked up at us and offered an adorable grin.
"Yes, she's all sick." Bella said and I shook my head, letting out a chuckle.
"Are you going to be stubborn about this?"
"I think I can manage that."
"Bella, please—"
"Edward, it's more dangerous here in Seattle, and without you I feel more insecure," she walked over to me, wrapped her arms around my neck. "I'll feel much safer knowing you are in the same city as me and its New York, I've lived there for so long I know every street of it, so if a guy comes after me, I have safer hideouts to lock myself in." I chuckled and kissed her nose.
"I can't risk losing you, baby." I murmured staring into her eyes and she nodded.
"I know, that's why I'll be there, plus I can get to meet Angela, even if it's just for a few hours. Please?"
Ah. So that was the main reason.
"Now I see why you are so desperate to come to New York. To meet you friend." She blushed and shook her head.
"It's not just that."
"I know exactly what it is. You just want to meet your friend. And here I thought you were going to miss me so much that you couldn't bear the thought of staying away from me, that's why you were coming to New York." She pouted.
"You know that's not it." I pecked her lips softly.
"I know, but what are you going to tell Angela when she sees Eli?"
"Don't worry, I can manage something."
"Alright then, and I can't believe I'm saying this but keep your bag ready we'll have to leave early." She squealed and hugged me tightly. I chuckled and wrapped my arms around her waist kissing her hair.
"I love you Edward."
"Not more than Angela, I guess." She smacked my right arm lightly and I groaned. "Bella, please be careful with the arm love." She pulled back with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry sweetie." I kissed her lips softly.
"Don't worry and go make that lunch your friend asked for."
"Oh he's going to love it." Bella said and walked back in the kitchen. My phone buzzed and I saw Joseph Floyd flash on the screen. I grinned as I answered the call.
The doorbell rang and I walked to the foyer to answer the door. There stood Jacob Black in all his glory, a wide grin on his face and Leah Clearwater, whose face clearly showed she wanted to be anyplace but here.
"Leah, hey!" her expression quickly turned happy and she hugged me tightly. I hugged her back, patting her back a little. I pulled back and kissed her cheek.
"How are you?"
"I'm great Edward, how's Eli?"
"She's great, come on in." I stepped back to let them in and Jake went straight to the kitchen where Bella was. Eli looked up surprised when she saw Leah and then waved at her excitedly.
"Hey pretty girl, what are you playing?"
"Daddy and I pway wif my dollies." Eli told Leah who gasped, giving a big grin.
"Wow, you are playing with your daddy huh?" she turned to me. "Edward, may I have a word?" I nodded and she pulled me over by the end of the couch. I looked up to find Bella staring at us and I gave her a reassuring smile.
"What?" I stared at Leah to notice her glaring at me.
"What? You are asking me what? That girl has her family coming over on Sunday and she's calling you daddy? What is the matter with you? When we went down to the hospital, you knew what the words 'temporary' meant, didn't you? Do you really think this is the right way to go?"
"Leah, what's your problem if she wants to call me daddy? It's her choice, Bella and I didn't force her to call us her parents, she said it on her own. I don't care about the family, Eli's going to stay with us, that's for sure. She is not going anywhere."
"Edward, listen to me—"
"I don't want to," I turned back to the kitchen and found them both Bella and Jacob staring at our exchange. "Jacob, a word." He nodded and I walked in to the bedroom.
"Here." I handed him the sample of cigar I found out and kept it in a plastic sample bag. He took it from me and studied it carefully.
"It's a cigar."
"Oh really? I didn't know that." I said and he rolled his eyes. "I wanted to see if we can find out what kind it is, or what's in it."
"Where did you find it?"
"In the house across from this building."
"What were you doing there?" I dictated the morning incidents and walked over to my second closet to unlock it and pulled out the USP bag I discovered.
"Open it." I shut my bedroom door and he unzipped it, his eyes widening.
"Sniper, fuck." I nodded and closed it up again.
"Take it back to the department. We'll have forensics look into it."
"How's Aden?"
"He's okay. He was a little less hurt than me and listen, we have to go New York tomorrow."
"Why?
"James wants to meet Banner, I spoke to Mr. Louis and they are going to grant him an exit for a few hours, until we are done. We'll be needing six of our people there. We'll have to ask Aden if he's up for this."
"So we'll have to plan this up really good, and get Banner's phone to send a text of the place we want him to meet at."
"Okay."
"Now, they are going to be six of us Jake, we don't have enough evidence to get James under arrest, so we need to be careful about the number of people that are going to be there with him, and not get ourselves in trouble."
"That's a good point."
"I'm taking Eli and Bella, after last night, I can't leave them alone. And Leah has to come with us."
"Why Leah?"
"She was Banner's assistant; we don't want to raise suspicions."
"Oh god, that's going to be a trouble, will she sit next to Bella without questions?"
"I don't think so." I mumbled and sighed.
"We'll discuss it at the headquarters then, I don't want a cat fight on the plane."
"Yeah, but I'm sure Bella won't do anything."
"Oh," I chuckled, shaking my head "You should've been there at my parent's place." He nodded and tapped his foot impatiently.
"Are we done? I'm starving and the food smells delicious. She's making my favorite. Sausage Lasagna." I rolled my eyes.
"I'm aware of that." Jacob and I walked out of the room and saw Eli sitting on the highchair and Leah on the couch in the living room. Bella was serving up plates and Jake made a beeline towards the dining table.
"Leah?" I called out and she looked up. "Aren't you having lunch?"
"I'm not that hungry Edward, it's okay." I sighed and went over to sit next to her.
"Leah, I'm sorry I snapped at you but please try to understand."
"Edward, I don't want you to see you hurting later, what if Eli does go away, what are you going to do then?"
"She won't."
"How can you be so sure? Are you going to go against the law? Take her from her real family?"
"She doesn't have a family, Bella and I are her family."
"Oh really?"
"Leah just drop it."
"Fine." She said and I buried my face in my hands as I heard her footsteps going towards the dining table.
"Edward?" I heard Bella's sweet voice closer to me. I looked up and found her staring at me with concern itched on her face. "Lunch?" I nodded and stood up.
"Come on."
"Is everything okay?" I nodded, giving her a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
"Yes, everything's great."
"Come here." She murmured and wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I sighed against her and inhaled her intoxicating scent in. "Everything will be fine. Don't let her words bother you if you think they weren't believable, okay?" I nodded and closed my eyes.
"How do you know what she said?"
"I don't know, I guessed it." I chuckled and kissed her hair.
"I'm starving, and the food smells mouth-watering." She pulled back and pecked my lips softly.
"Yeah well then you better eat it before Jacob finishes it all."
"That was the best lasagna ever Bells. Thank you so much." Jacob grinned hugging her tightly. Bella smiled and hugged him back.
"It's no problem Jake." I watched Leah staring at them with an unhappy expression. They pulled back and Bella walked over to stand next to me. I kissed her hair softly and found her looking at Leah.
"Bye Leah, take care." She whispered softly and Leah openly glared at her.
"Leah." I snapped and she looked at me immediately. "Bye. And Jake call me after the work is done." He nodded as they exited the apartment. Bella turned in my arms and hugged me tightly. I sighed and kissed the side of her hair.
"Why does she always do that?" she whispered and I sighed, not knowing what to say.
"Forget about it, why don't you rest for a while, just for an hour at least, you look dead tired." Bella nodded.
"Okay, do you want me to check on Eli's temperature?"
"That's fine, I'm pretty sure it's back to normal, I'll check it once she wakes up."
"Hmm, maybe you should rest for a while too." she murmured and I sighed.
"I can't. I have to be somewhere."
"Where?" she pulled back to look at me.
"Um, North West Market Street."
"Why?"
"Stuff. Now come on, get to bed and do that without arguing."
"What are you going to do if I don't?" she asked, crossing her arm over her chest.
"You really want to see?"
"Yes please." she said sweetly and I chuckled.
"Oh, baby." I swept down and lifted her over my shoulder and she squealed.
"Edward, put me down!" she screamed and I shushed her.
"Eli's asleep."
"Put me down, right now!" she hissed and I laughed as I carried her to our bedroom.
"You should've thought about that before acting so stubborn." I muttered and she flayed her legs.
"Edward!" she groaned and I swatted her butt playfully.
"Quit talking."
I set her down at the edge of the bed and she glared at me. I couldn't help chuckle looking at her adorable expression.
"Don't laugh, I'm so mad at you right now." Bella said in an angry statement.
"Okay, I'm sorry." I tried to hide my smile.
"Now get out of the house, I don't want you here anymore."
"Really?" I murmured and she nodded.
"Fine," I sighed. "Goodbye Bella." I kissed her forehead and started walking towards the door.
"Wait!" I turned to look at her as she walked over to me and pecked my lips softly.
"I love you." I couldn't help smile.
"I love you too."
"Yeah whatever, get out." I chuckled and made my way out of the apartment.
"I thought you said we were going to your apartment."
"No we are going someplace else."
"Are you like a gangster or something because I can't help you man. Because JC doesn't do no wrong." I rolled my eyes.
"I'm not a gangster."
"Then why are we still sitting in your car in an empty parking space?" I sighed.
"We are waiting to see if someone is still in that house." I pointed to the white house across from us.
"Do you live in this building?"
"No."
"Dude, you are fishy." I opened my glove compartment and showed him my CIA badge and his eyes widened. "That's so cool." I kept it back.
"Yeah, well you know what would be much cooler? You keeping your 20-year old ass quiet."
"Hey, you don't talk to me that way."
"I'm paying you $200 for a $40 job."
"Yeah alright." He grumbled and stayed silent. It's been twenty minutes and no one had been around the house for long. Maybe it's safe to check.
"Come on." I got out of the car and so did JC. We made our way to the gate of the house which I had visited in the morning.
I went down to the Ballard Lock and Key to hire a two-hour locksmith and they got me stuck with this 20-year old chump here, although they said he was pretty good.
"See this lock? I want to know what kind it is." He nodded and squatted down to look at it closer. I watched him look at the shackles and the keyhole carefully and ten minutes later he looked up at me.
"It's a chain cuff lock, man." I frowned. "Who uses these nowadays?"
"Someone whose probably old." I said and ran a hand through my hair, my heart pounding as I was getting a hint of doubt of who it might be. "Look at it carefully, tell me more about it." he went back to studying it carefully.
My phone buzzed and I saw Jake's name flash on it.
"Hey Jake."
"Hey Edward." his voice sounded grim for some reason.
"What's wrong, why do you sound like that?"
"I went down to the FDA."
"I know, what'd you find?"
"About the cigar sample you gave."
"It's not American, is it?"
"No, it's definitely not."
"Agent sir?" I chuckled at the boy's nickname for me.
"Jake hold on one second." I kept the phone away from my ear as I looked at the boy. "Yes?"
"This is a Bagno lock." I looked at him confused.
"What lock?"
"Bagno, it's Italian for bathroom." I rolled my eyes.
"Then why can't you just say bathroom."
"Because the lock is Italian."
"What?" I couldn't help the shock. I put the phone back to my ear. "Jake I'm going to have to call you back."
"No Ed! Listen to me!" I sighed.
"Sure, what is it?"
"The cigar is called Toscano. It's a very rare kind. It's Italian." I stared at the lock as all the words sunk in.
"Because the lock is Italian."
"The cigar is called Toscano. It's a very rare kind. It's Italian."
"Italian huh?" I cleared my throat.
"Yeah, like the pasta."
"And like Laurent Scott."
I walked in through the familiar doors of the CIA field office and noticed everyone already in the meeting room. Everyone sat comfortably around the wooden convex-shaped table and I stood in the middle so that everyone could see me.
"Now, I had to call this meeting so very urgently because there was something I discovered in the morning, something very crucial about the case. Laurent Scott is in Seattle." I could hear murmurs going around.
"Now," I said aloud so that everyone would turn to me. "I know we halted his research for later but I want you to stop all your workings, and start with him. Every single detail of Laurent Scott you can find. About his childhood, his works, his businesses, especially the trades overseas, his locations, everything."
"Phil, your sole responsibility is James, but we don't want many people researching about him. We have to start from zero. From the beginning and this time, we have data with us. Robin and Samantha, both of you, I want you to start researching back on Victoria Preston. Where is that woman? The case it called Preston case and we know nothing about her."
"You want to start from the rehab?" Robin asked and I sighed.
"Start from her fucking childhood. Every little detail. We are just going into research now because we have been doing this the wrong way. Just pure research, we can arrest these people sooner or later. All we need is enough evidence so that no one can question our work."
"Copy that."
"Chuck, Dave. Start with Laurent Scott. Only Laurent Scott. I want his minute to minute movement recorded. Where he goes, what he does and every single other detail. Do whatever you like, just get the data for the team."
"Yes Edward."
"Tim." He sat up straighter. "You research everything about Irina Fetcher. Everything about this woman and her husband. She lives in Austin, I'm pretty sure you can find some information fast enough. Her siblings, family, any secret kids, everything."
"Um Edward, how is she related to the Preston case?" Tim asked. That's a very good question.
"It's Level 5 classified." He nodded and typed her name on his laptop.
"Gina, Katie, Luke distribute work amongst yourselves. I want you setting up the suspect places with cameras, microphones, lasers, rocks, I don't care. When I say the name of the place, I want the thing on the computer screen and the voice heard in the ears."
"Roger that."
"I'll help Phil note down the places, I want you going there with Jacob."
"Okay."
"Benji, Julie. Here's a special work. Now I know you have been dating for just two weeks and this is going to be very difficult for you to do," both looked at me with wide eyes. "But I'm going to have to tell you to keep your hands off each other for a while." I could hear everyone chuckle and I smirked at them.
"What are you talking about?" Benji asked and I laughed.
"The cameras here are on all the time, don't think I don't know what's going around here." Julie blushed and looked away. "So anyway, find out about Gale, you'll find her data from the CIA New York records."
"The one who is staying over at Bella Swan's?"
"Was, I just want to confirm something. Get a background check for me. Track her, she's supposed to be in New York."
"Copy that."
"Benji," he looked at me with an obvious stare, a pen in his hand ready. "Keep the pen down, I got some fieldwork for you." I could see a smile forming on his face. "Now I know you have had bad field records."
"Very bad." Phil added and I glared at him which made him shut up.
"So here's something. Bella Swan. You have to be around her, without her noticing it too much. Now, there is a little twist. You walk around talking in an Italian accent. Not your normal American one. Watch videos, goggle it, do something. And kill every person who walks towards you with a gun."
"What's proved from that?" Jacob asked.
"That James is having people not only following Bella but Laurent Scott's men as well. He will obviously doubt him because of the accent and possibly try to follow him too, it'll be too late for him to understand that he was following the wrong guy. Just show a hint of some weapon occasionally, Phil can have your fake IDs ready in two days, you'll be good to go."
"Fuck yeah." He grinned at me.
"So, go ahead. Kill only the people you suspect and keep it covert. Don't let people notice you killing them. Hide them well. Your records aren't very reassuring but I'm going to give you a chance."
"I won't let you down." He winked at me and I chuckled.
I sat in my car and checked my phone to find two voicemails from Bella; one made at five and the other one at six-thirty. I looked at the dashboard to see it was seven-fifty. Shit. I played the voicemails.
Hey Edward, it's um, me. I was just calling to ask when you are getting home and yeah Eli was asking for you. So call me when you get this. Bye. -05:00 pm
Edward, where are you and why aren't you answering your phone? I'm getting really paranoid right now. Can you just come home quick, please? I don't like the apartment without you when it's dark. Please come home when you get this. I love you. -06:00 pm
Great. I'm royally fucked. I started my car and drove through the busy Seattle streets trying to reach home as fast as I could. It was twenty minutes later when I finally parked my car and was out of the door within seconds. I greeted Mr. Willock as I passed by and quickly reached for the elevator.
I entered the apartment to find it dead silent. I couldn't hear a single movement and panic set in me. I threw my coat on the couch and made my way to my bedroom to find it empty. I let out a deep breath and walked over to Eli's room. I opened the slightly ajar door wider and found Bella on the bed and Eli's sleeping form snuggled up to her.
Bella was staring at the clock hung on the wall and I could feel her anxiety, just through the way she stroked Eli's hair or the frown on her face. I cleared my throat softly and she snapped her head in my direction.
The first thing she did was point her index finger to the living room. I nodded and walked over to sit on the couch. I unbuttoned my shirt and removed it all the way as I checked on the wound. I need to change the dressing. Maybe tomorrow after shower would be better.
"Care to tell why you didn't even have the courtesy to call and tell you were going to be late?"
"I'm sorry, love. My phone was on silent and I left it in a different room from where I was, I heard your voicemails in the car and came home as soon as I could." She sighed and sat on the armchair with an unhappy expression.
"You should've told me you were going to be late." I sighed and buried my face in my hands utterly exhausted.
"I said I was sorry."
"When I forget my purse, you blow up a storm, and when you forget something, it doesn't matter, does it?" I looked at her.
"You know what Bella, we have an early flight tomorrow and I am dead on my feet, so if you want to argue about this, we can do that later, okay?" I glared at her and stood up to go our bedroom.
I changed into my night clothes and checked the window, first thing. I shut the drapes and plopped on the bed as I waited for Bella to enter. Fifteen minutes passed and she still wasn't in the room. It was way too early for bed but I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.
But I had to see where Bella was. I got out of the bed and made my way to the living room to see her nowhere. I went to Eli's room and found her staring at the ceiling as she laid down on her back.
"Bella?" she didn't look at me. I sighed. "Bella?" she looked at me. "I'm sorry about before. I didn't mean to snap at you, it's just that there is a lot going on and I was so caught up in everything, I forgot to call." She nodded and closed her eyes. "Aren't you coming to bed with me?"
"That's okay, I can sleep here for the night."
"Eli's fine now, I don't think you'll be needing to sleep."
"Edward, could you just let it go?" Bella asked in a calm voice and I sighed.
"Baby, please?" she kissed Eli's forehead, getting out of the bed and made her way to our bedroom. I followed her and as I entered the room, I found her under the covers with her eyes closed. I sat on the bed and stroked her hair softly.
"Did you have dinner?"
"Yes." I replied and pulled the duvet over my body. "Did you?" she opened her brown eyes to mine.
"I was waiting for you." I suddenly felt guilty.
"Come on love, you should've dinner before bed. I'll reheat it if you want."
"That's okay now."
"Hey, I don't want you not eating. Please eat." Bella sat up on the bed and looked at me. I could see words waiting to erupt from her mouth.
"I woke up around four thirty in the evening when Eli came to wake me up. That's when I noticed you weren't there but I remembered you said five o'clock. So I waited. Eli was asking for you so I promised her that you would be here by five. But you didn't come home. I called you, as you know. Eli asked again and I told her that you were busy and would come before bedtime. I left you a message. Again."
"Eli started to cry during her supper because you weren't here. She apparently got scared you won't be home for the bedtime story. She thought you left us. I don't know where she got that idea from. I assured her you were coming home but she said that like you went last night, after the, you know," she shrugged uncomfortably. "you won't be back. I somehow made her eat half of her supper and put her to sleep. She called me a liar. I hated that."
I sighed running a hand through my hair. Oh dear god. Why couldn't I get home early? I looked over at Bella who was staring at me with a sad gaze and I couldn't feel worse. What should I say now?
"I'm sorry baby, I really am. I just had some really important work to do. It was very important, otherwise I wouldn't have left the apartment at all." She shifted closer to me and I pulled her on my lap, hugging her tightly.
"What was it? What was so important that you didn't even have enough time for us?" Bella mumbled against my t-shirt and I stroked her hair.
"It was something about yesterday." She pulled back immediately to look at me.
"What did you find out?"
"Something about the person who tried to take a shot at you."
"Oh." was all she said and stared at her fingers thoughtfully. I stared at her beautiful face, her pale skin was glorious in the moonlight, her hair framed in natural waves created a curtain as they were set loose, her thick lashes moving every time she blinked, her lips pursed as I could already make out her mind running a mile a minute.
"Penny for your thoughts?" I whispered and she gazed at me.
"Did James sent the guy to kill me?" I looked away not knowing what to say when an idea struck me.
"I'll only tell you if you have some dinner." She rolled her eyes and I smirked at her.
"Fine!" She huffed and walked out of the room, going straight to the kitchen. I followed her lazily, stifling a yawn as I propped on the chair at the dining table as I watched Bella reheat the dinner. "Start talking, I'm reheating the dinner."
"Alright," I had no idea what to say to her now. The truth? No, that'll just freak her out. But then I can't just keep hiding things from her. And its Bella. "It's wasn't James, love."
"It wasn't? Then who was it? Do I know the person? Was he here for Eli as well?"
"No Bella, he wasn't here for Eli. I bet he doesn't know much about Eli either. I can't tell you the name, I really can't but uh, he's not from here."
"Not from Seattle?" Or America.
"No, he's not."
"Oh." The oven beeped and Bella got the casserole out. She served herself the dinner I wasn't able to see from here and walked over to me. She sat adjacent to me and I clasped her left hand in mine as she took a bite of her chicken that looked very appealing right now.
"Can't you tell me the name Edward?" She asked again and I let out a soft sigh.
"What are you going to do if I tell you the name?"
"It would be just good to know."
"Laurent Scott." Bella frowned softly, I could feel her thoughts were running again.
"I, I think I have heard this name." My eyes widened on their own accord. She knew him? How?
"You do, love?"
"Yeah, I think I've heard dad say his name."
"On the phone?" She nodded. "When was this phone call made?"
"A week or two before their accident."
"Was he stressed because of it?"
"Very, and mom was getting so worried, that's why she decided that perhaps they should have a night out on their anniversary." I nodded. Charlie. Oh god.
Charlie got a call from Laurent Scott? Or maybe he was searching about him. Why? He must not even know the guy. There was no record at the Forks Police department. What was going on? It was all sure now that Charlie did have the DMT, but then where is it now?
Was he trying to run away from everything? Did he want to not be blamed about it? I had no idea how to define Charlie now. Bella loved him. Of course all kids love their parents. But what was he really like?
"Baby, what was your father like?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, was his personality like?"
"Um, he was very committed and you can call him I don't know, very cautious about everything. He was a tad selfish—mom hated that about him—like always thinking about himself before others or us. Mom and dad usually got into a fight because of that."
"Did they suffer from any martial problems?" Bella shook her head tightly. A little too tightly. "You know you can't lie, right?"
"They weren't getting along." She murmured and I sighed softly.
"Were things heading for divorce?"
"They would have. Mom was doing the best she could, dad wasn't being much co-operative about it."
"You said they loved each other."
"I did, I never wanted people to know that they did have problems, I never told it to anyone, even Jake or Billy didn't know."
"Bella things would've been so much less completed it you would've told the truth."
"I'm sorry." I noticed she wasn't eating either.
"Eat." I snapped and she obliged.
Charlie wasn't a good man after all. Clearly, marriage problems made it much worse. What did he do?
Only three things can make a man do wrong things. Money, Fame and Woman.
"Did your dad have an affair outside?" I asked and Bella choked on her food, coughing it up. I rubbed her back lightly and whispered a sorry. I filled a glass with water and handed it to her.
"Of course not." She muttered after sipping some water. I nodded, not believing her. Why would they tell Bella if that was the case? I need to get a lead on this shit.
I watched Bella eat, just gazing at her as we both were lost deep in our own thoughts. She was probably thinking about her parents as well, just like I was but on completely different frequencies.
Maybe I could tell this to Jacob and he can ask his father about it. Of course Billy would know something about this. Bella stood up with the plate and walked over to the sink to rinse it. As soon as she was done, she went straight to the bedroom, without glancing at me. I followed her quickly, switching off the unnecessary lights.
Have I made Bella mad at me? I didn't say anything offensive, did I? Or the questions about her father sent her off guard? I walked into the room and a soft sigh of relief left my lips as I watched her folding up a dress to keep in a small travel bag. She was packing for tomorrow.
"You didn't finish packing?" I asked and she gave me a sheepish smile.
"I forgot."
I relaxed staring at her adorable smile and I could feel her stance relaxing too. That smile, I hadn't seen it all day long. The day was the longest day ever.
First, with the morning run, then coming home to Bella being paranoid and scared for me, then having Jacob over and argue with Leah, go back to the office and work on something so complicated, plus, not getting enough sleep took it out of me.
Her brown eyes locked with mine and I couldn't help walk over to her. She dropped the dress when I approached and wrapped her arms around me, crashing her lips to mine. She moaned against my lips and I lifted her in my arms, carrying her to the bed.
"Edward… the packing." She mumbled against my lips.
"Later." I kissed her passionately, sending her out of breath and we pulled apart to breathe and I trailed kisses down her neck to her shoulder.
"Eli's temperature." She panted and I chuckled.
"She's fine now."
"Okay." I laid her down on the bed and hovered over her beautiful form. I kissed her lips again, letting my tongue enter her sweet mouth. She moaned and I trailed my fingers over her skirt, feeling the soft cotton against my hand. I pushed the skirt up until her waist, my fingers tracing her wet panties.
"Edward." Bella moaned softly against my lips and tugged on the hem of my t-shirt. I helped her pull it over my head and went back to kissing her. Her soft fingers threaded into my hair to pull me impossibly closer and I reached over to unbutton her blouse.
My lips nipped on her soft flesh, down to her neck and kissing the valley between her breasts as I opened her blouse. I got it off, throwing it somewhere on the floor and unhooked her bra, setting her beautiful breasts free of their confines.
I kissed her soft breast, palming the other one with my hand and she arched her back to me, thrusting them into my face. I bit on one of her nipples making her groan softly and reciprocated the same action for the other one.
I made my way downwards, kissing over her smooth stomach and felt her fingers grasping my hair tightly in her fingers.
"Edward, do you know the girls who came for cleaning said you were hot." She panted and I chuckled.
"Nope." I murmured and leaned up to stare at her perfect face.
"When I was in the bathroom, the same time." I nodded. "I wanted to punch them both." I nuzzled my nose against hers as I smiled.
"You did huh? Well it's a good thing you didn't because then the cleaning company would've sued us." She smiled but then frowned softly.
"They didn't know I was in the bathroom and they said that I don't suit you." I couldn't help sigh.
"Bella, you are perfect, they were just jealous of how beautiful you are. So smart," I kissed her forehead. "And caring," I kissed her cheeks. "And funny you are." I kissed her lips softly and pulled back to look into her eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too Edward. So much." I grinned and leaned in to kiss her lips again, her tongue tangled with mine and winced as her fingers touched the wound on my right arm.
"Sorry." She whispered and wrapped her arms around my neck. I nodded and trailed my kisses over to her stomach again as I reached further down to pull down her blue panties.
"You're so wet." I murmured and ran my fingers over her thighs and watched her shiver against me. I removed her panties all the way and pressed two fingers over her clit. I eased them into her making her moan out my name. I moved them slowly inside Bella, stretching and making her squirm.
"Edward, please." She whispered heavily, her breathing increasing rapidly.
"Please what, love? Tell me." I murmured, pressing a kiss against her inner thigh.
"Faster, please."
Then I increased my pace, thrusting my fingers in and out of her as she cried out my name. I added a third finger inside her, sending her over the edge and she clamped around me.
"Don't stop Edward, I'm so close." She panted and finally let out a loud moan as she came over my fingers. I moved my fingers out of her and stared at her sated, peaceful face. Her cheeks were glowing red and her lips were parted. Bella had her eyes closed and she opened them to look at me.
I pressed a soft kiss against her thigh, placing warm wet kisses on either side of her legs. I removed her heels, unstrapping them and setting them by the edge of the bed. Her feet looked rather appealing and her legs like miles long.
"So pretty." I murmured making her giggle lightly. I pressed soft kisses over her feet, kissing each of her toe and making my way to the inner arch.
"Edward." She muttered grumpily and I smirked at her.
"Yes, love?"
"Nothing." She said instead and stared at me. "You are such an ass." I chuckled and rested her feet back on the bed and leaned over to her.
"Ass, me?" Bella nodded and I hovered my lips over hers. "You know I've had sex with a lot of women but no one has ever called me that."
"Talking about having sex with other women when you are in the middle of it with your girlfriend, makes you an even bigger ass."
"I'm sorry. I love you so, so much." I pressed kisses all over her face and she smiled, finally bringing her lips to mine. "But I have never told a woman that I love her." I whispered and watched her eyes fill with warmth.
"I know." I pulled my pants and boxer briefs down to my knees and positioned myself over the entrance of her clit. I kissed her lips softly as I entered her and stifled her moan against me.
Bella felt so amazing. I felt pleasure surging through our bodies as we moved against each other. My hands hovered on either side of her face as I balanced myself over my arms, and the right one was killing me.
"Edward, oh god." Bella moaned against my neck as I continued moving along her hips rhythmically. I kicked off my remaining clothing items and gently flipped us over, still inside her and felt her stretch.
Bella sat there straddling my lap and looked at me with a puzzled expression. I tucked the stray piece of hair behind her ear and pecked her lips softly before plopping down on the pillow.
"You take me." I murmured and saw her eyes darken. "Here." I reached for her with my hands and she threaded hers with mine. She started moving on top of me, grinding her hips along mine and felt my arm relax a little.
"Bella, you're doing so great." I said and she started moving faster, making her beautiful form bounce on top of me. My hands rested on her hips as I watched her moving along me, and I couldn't help feel grateful for having her in my life.
"Edward I'm close." Bella whispered with her eyes closed. I could already feel her tighten around me which made me throb inside her.
"Come with me, Bella." I whispered back and watched her come undone against me as she cried out my name. I soon followed her as I thrust upwards making me moan with pleasure as we both found our release. I sat up a minute later and Bella opened her eyes.
"Hey," I murmured, a soft grin on my face. "Come here." I opened my arms and she willingly hugged me, snuggling against my neck and closing her eyes again.
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too Edward." I pulled out of her causing her to tighten her arms around me and she pulled back to kiss my lips shortly. "You know; I would love to stay right here with you but I need to pack for tomorrow." I chuckled and nodded.
"Okay." I murmured and she leaned down to grab my t-shirt. She put it on and pecked my lips and got out of my lap. I slid on my pants again and gathered up Bella's clothes strewn down on the ground. I put them in the laundry basket. I made a quick work of changing the sheets and went to the kitchen to take my medications.
I heard some sniffling sounds as I was making my way back to our bedroom. It was coming from Eli's room. I opened the slightly ajar door even further and found Eli sitting on the bed, shivering lightly.
"Princess, what's wrong?" I murmured and she looked over at me instantly.
"Daddy up." She motioned her arms to me and I hugged her tightly to me.
"Baby, why aren't you asleep?" Eli pointed her finger to the window of her room. I frowned. "What's there?" She motioned to her hand.
"You saw a hand?" I asked, knowing she must have dreamt something crazy.
"Yes daddy." I sighed and carried her towards the window. Eli immediately buried her face against my neck as we approached it. I noticed nothing but an empty street, no hands whatsoever were around.
"There is no one here, love." She hesitantly, looking at me from under her lashes.
"I no wike here." Eli said letting out a yawn.
"Okay, we'll go someplace else soon." She nodded, resting her head on my shoulder.
"I sweep wif you and mommy?" I nodded.
"Come on, maybe mommy will tell us a story." Her face erupted into a beautiful smile and I kissed her forehead softly. We made our way to the bedroom to see Bella zipping up her bag and I cleared my throat softly.
She turned to look at us and walked over to take Eli from me, who snuggled against Bella, closing her eyes.
"Hi baby, aren't you sleepy? We have to go back to New York tomorrow early morning, remember?" Bella said and Eli nodded.
"Love, it's getting a little late for Eli's bedtime." She nodded and kissed Eli's cheek, carrying her over to the bed.
We got under the covers and Bella dictated a short story which put Eli to sleep right away. Bella and I stared at her adorable face as she slept peacefully and I pressed a small kiss on her head.
"You wore me out Cullen." Bella said and I chuckled.
"It should be the other way around." I leaned over Eli and kissed her lips quickly. "Go to sleep, tomorrow's going to be a hell of a day."
"Good night, I love you." She murmured staring into my eyes.
"I love you too." I placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand and closed my eyes, letting sleep finally claim me.
Like it? Hate it? Let me know. There were some technical difficulties due to which I couldn't update soon enough but here it is!
I have my exams staring this Wednesday and I will hopefully try to update as soon as possible, so stay tuned.
Please REVIEW guys! I would really appreciate them!
Until next time.
Love Always,
Paint the Walls