GIVE ME A CHANCE

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline

"Are there any other precautions we can take to add further protect?"

"Not that I am aware of. We have lights covering all of the ground area from fencing to house. Motion detectors covering all entryways into any part of the house or surrounding buildings on the grounds with alarms systems for all of this, as well. And, finally we, have motion lights covering the grounds and CCTV that is being monitored with the alarm company. I have no idea what else we can install at this point, Edward. Do you have any suggestions as to what I might have missed?"

"No."

At that point a crash and a scream are heard from upstairs. Both Edward and Jasper jump up knocking over their chairs, yell at Alice to stay where she is and to call the police immediately, as they rush for the upper floor. As they get to the top of the stairs they see Bella coming out of her room running towards Toni's. Toni is sitting up in bed rubbing her eyes with a look of puzzlement showing in her features.

After searching around, a small device was found with a timer set to get off at a certain time. The three adults were puzzled about the purpose for this and how it got there. Knowing that Alice was calling the police, they left it where they found it so nothing would be disturbed for the police to check it out. Heading back down to the kitchen to let Alice know what they had found and that all was okay for now, they were met with a surprise.

The kitchen was a mess as if a fight had ensued and Alice was missing. They called for her, looked inside and out of the house for her, but, no Alice. Bella picks up the phone while telling everyone to leave things as they are and to go into the living room, she then dials 911.

CHAPTER 25:

"Esme, I need to ask a favor of you and my mom. I haven't talked with her yet, but, will be after I get through talking with you." Bella begins with tears in her voice and sounding very defeated.

"Honey, why don't you let me get Renee on the line and you can talk to both of us at the same time?"

"Thanks, that would be great." She says.

"Bella, I don't know what is wrong, but, we will get it fixed. Don't worry. And, if my son messed up again I will personally deal with his ass. That is a promise. Hold on, sweetie." Esme puts her on hold while she dials the Swan residence. Renee answers and listens as Esme quickly relays the reason for her call. Then she switches over to pull everyone on the line at the same time.

Bella quickly tells them about all of the happenings that have been going on in LA including Alice missing tonight. She explains that the police have been called and everyone is waiting for their arrival. Needless to say, Esme is upset about what has become of her daughter, but, is also, concerned about Bella and Toni. Renee isn't in much better shape, but, has decided that she will have a good heart to heart with her husband and son for keeping this information from the family.

"What I need for you both to do at the moment is to decide who can come and get Toni. And, where she can safely stay until all of this has been resolved. I just don't want to take a chance of him getting his hands on her." Bella quietly explains to the two women. But, they don't hesitate in agreeing with her.

"Bella, your mother and I will be on the next plane out of Seattle. I will let you know when to expect us. Have Toni ready and we will do an immediate turnaround to get her to safety." Esme states with determination.

"Thanks, Esme, Mom. I appreciate it." She says with a small catch in her voice, but with gratitude and relief being detected. All three hung up together so they each could begin the arrangements they needed to make. Bella felt sorry for her dad and brother, mom wasn't going to let them off lightly since they kept this information from her. She walks into the front just as the first patrol car pulls up.

Once again the house is overran with police doing their investigation, dusting for fingerprints, checking for forced entry of some kind, taking statements and getting a hold of the security company to see about getting copies of the video tapes covering the grounds and house over the last couple of day.

Det. McClaine arrives shortly following the first arrivals and he takes charge of the case since he is actively working the stalker case from before. He keeps going over all of the information that Bella has given him just to double check that she hasn't forgotten or left anything out. She went over all of it so many times that she was being to feel like the accused.

It was at this point that she mentioned to the detective, Jasper and Edward about the fact that she had talked with Esme and Renee, asking them to come and get Toni until all of this is settled. She let them know that she was waiting for Esme to get back with her as to when they would be arriving to pick up Toni. Det. McClaine asked if they would be staying and for how long. He was informed that no, they would not; just coming to get Toni and take her to safety and leaving again on a return flight.

"Mrs. -"

"It's Ms, not Mrs." Bella corrects him immediately. "Mr. Cullen and I have been divorce for nearly five years."

"I see. Well, as I was saying, please, let me know when they will be arriving and departing. I would like to make sure they get away with no problems from this end."

After about another hour, the police finished their work, but, found nothing out of the way. The video tapes were being delivered to headquarters for Det. McClaine to look through to try and find anything that would be out of place or give a clue as to how the intruder had been able to take a hostage with no sightings.

"If any of you hear any or remember anything don't hesitate to call me. From all of the information that has come my way in the last few days, we need to put a stop to this person immediately. And I will let you know the results of the tapes. If there is a security glitch then we need to plug it."

The house became quiet with all of the police gone. No one could believe that Alice was missing. The fact that it could have been Toni or Bella didn't escape any of the three, either. The fact that Bella had called Esme and Renee to remove Toni from the threat spoke volumes to bother of the guys. Edward wasn't sure how he felt about it, but, at the same time had to agree that it was probably for the best.

XXXXXXXXXX

Getting a job driving the cleaning truck that picked up and delivered their dry cleaning wasn't a bad cover. It gave him a chance to get inside and to slow set things up to get a hold of that woman. The cleaning company had many top flight clients and Salvatore just had to work with the schedule. With the company being allowed the necessary security code to enter and clean the house made it easy to come and go without any problems.

He had the accident ready at the studio for when she returned and now he was able to come and go without raising an alarm due to the current cover. Today while everyone was gone he was able to come with the regular crew to clean top to bottom. Shortly into the shift he acted like he had received an emergency call. As far as anyone else was concerned he had left in response to that. But, instead, he had made himself comfortable in an out of the way place in the basement. A place that couldn't be found unless you knew it was there.

He waited until his little surprise had been delivered then when into motion. Of course, he was surprised to find that the other female was left behind in the kitchen instead of Ms Nosey. So, with showing his hand he had to take her. She did put up a good fight, but, it didn't take long to knock her out. Now, here they both are in the more or less hidden room, undetected. No one had been able to find them even though the cops had been all over the house, top to bottom.

His best bet was to stay here until the cleaning crew came again and he could leave without anyone being the wiser. He just join them as if he had returned to work and been sent on out to assist. That way he could still leave without a problem. He needed to be on hand at the studio to see if the next accident was going to work. But, he needed to make sure that this hostage could be of benefit if she was needed to get to the bitch.

From the way things were looking from his end, he was holding all of the aces. But, he still had to be careful. One wrong move and everything could backfire in his face. One missed step and all of his work could be for nothing.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Bella, why didn't you talk to me about sending Toni away before calling our mothers?" Edward asked.

"I acted to protect Toni. If that person can get into here to take Alice, then I don't think that Toni is very safe here anymore, regardless who is watching her. Besides, that sort of tension doesn't need to be around her.

"Nothing against you, Edward, or Jasper, it was just an act of mother's instinct. Being up close to our parents and away from here at this time I think would be better. It's not like we can just stop living our lives and put everything on hold until this guy is caught. The police want us to go about our daily routine to try and draw him out, but, I can't leave Toni's safety to chance. We have to make sure she is okay." Bella tries explaining the best way she knows how.

Quietness settles over each of them as they become lost in their own thoughts to be suddenly pulled by to the present by the phone ringing. Jasper gets up to answer and listens for a moment then hangs up.

"That was Esme. She said to let you know that she and Renee will be here at three tomorrow morning. They flight from here returning to Seattle is scheduled for departure at five. So, we need to have Toni ready. Esme said not to pack anything other than a few favorite toys. Everything else will be taken care of at that end."

"Thanks, Jazz."

"Bella?" At Edward calling her name she looks over at him, with a question showing in her expression. "Yes." "I believe you made the right decision. " She nods and says thanks.

They all begin to straighten up from the wreck that the police left from their search and investigation. The chairs in the kitchen were put back into place and Bella headed up to Toni's room to gather and pack the requested toys. As she got to the doorway she found Edward in there just watching their little girl. He was talking to her quietly so as not to disturb her slumber.

"You're going to be visiting with both of your grandparents, little one, just for a short time. But, while you are away remember that Moma and Daddy love you so very much." As she watched she saw him wipe a few tears from his face that had been sliding downwards. She quietly backed out a little ways and then begins to make a noise as if approaching the room for the first time. Edward was composed as she got there and if she hadn't seen the incident no one would know that it had every happened.

Time seemed to move swiftly and before you knew a cab was pulling up to the gates to be admitted. Jasper punched in the code for the gates to open. It pulled up to the front entrance and here comes the Grandmothers Elite. They charged in a took over without a by your leave.

Edward in preparation for them returning to LAX had his car out front to drive them back. He wasn't going to chance anything happening to them because of pretend cab driver. After what happened to Alice he was in full protect mode, determined not to have anyone else hurt by this sadistic bastard.

Everyone took a moment to discuss the details of what is going on and what has been happening. They wanted to make sure that Charlie and Emmett had given them all of the information they knew without leaving anything out this time. Then the two women were brought up to date as to what is being done to get Alice back safely.

Bella got Toni and had her dressed so Edward could take all of them back to the airport. Jasper was staying with Bella until Edward returned. From them they would all get some rest and decide what their next steps should be. The lateness of the hour wasn't an issue about any of them working as it was the second planned day they all were taking off after Bella had been gone on the book tour.

The house was eerie quiet with both Alice and Toni gone. Bella wandered from room to room trying to find something to take her mind off of all that was happening. But, it was useless. Nothing helped. She did hear Edward return and a few minutes later he walked into the house.

But, unspoken mutual consent all three adults decided to stay in the living room and try to get some sleep. No one wanted Bella to by herself, but, at the same time they were all still upset over the loss of Alice.

A/N: A plan flawlessly executed to gain entry into the house. The plan so simple that it was child's play, almost. Do you think the police will catch on to how Salvatore is coming and going so easily without setting of the alarms? How long will it take them to find Alice? Or, will Salvatore use her to get to Bella? You know like a trade out, right? Do you think Bella's feelings for Edward are starting to soften?

The next accident is ready. What will Bella think about the latest accident that took place while she was away? Do you think it will work to draw the attention away from Bella's accident? Don't they need to inform the police of all they have discovered? Just what is Demitri Salvatore deciding to do next?

I hope that you do enjoy the story as it develops as much as you are enjoying my other stories.

I will try to update at least once a week and wish you good reading on this story and many others that are just divinely outstanding.

I welcome your comments of both good and bad as they show an interest. So, please, take a moment and review and I will answer back.