Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.

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Chapter 25

The next morning Bella could feel Edward's tension. His hair was untidier than ever before and he kept biting his pen. Bella wanted nothing more than to sooth her husband's worries but she knew she couldn't.

"When will you talk to Victoria and his parents?" Bella asked as she handed him a strong coffee.

"Around noon," Edward answered. "Nana and Carlisle will be with me, as well as Garrett, but I fear they won't be able to help much. Uncle John was always jealous of my position and thought it should have been his son's and my aunt isn't much better. In her eyes James can't do any wrong. This will be a very unpleasant talk."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could be with you but I have to talk to Ben and Angela and I think I should inform Jane."

"You're right," Edward said. "Jane managed to give us some good leads and it could be fatal if we didn't tell her. And I know that you can't be with me but promise that Noah won't leave for side."

Edward's green eyes bore into her own and Bella knew that he was terrified that something could happen to her. "Of course, Edward. I'll also make sure that someone else will be going with Maggie to her signing tour."

The smile Edward threw her was relieved and thankful. He knew how hard it must be for Bella to let someone else go with Maggie. It was her project after all. "Thank you."

The opening of the back door made both turn their heads and they saw Garrett and Noah enter the kitchen. "Good morning, Mr Cullen, Ma'am," both men said and nodded in greeting.

"Morning, gentlemen," Edward said and spoke with them about today's plans while Bella prepared some snacks that they could take with them.

Noah was a tall man with chocolate brown skin and no hair. He was fit but he didn't look like a bodyguard which was something Garrett was very conscious about. In Garrett's opinion a bodyguard should be able to become invisible and that was the reason why every single one of Garrett's men were inconspicuous but deadly.

Bella liked Noah. He was friendly and didn't hover. As much as she didn't want to have a person following her every step, if she couldn't have Garrett, she would be more than fine with Noah.

"Okay, gentlemen. It's time for me to go," Bella announced and walked over to Edward to give him a kiss. "Call me after your talk with the Hunters."

"Will do," Edward promised and reluctantly let his wife leave the house.

The drive to Phoenix was shorter than normal as Noah seemed to enjoy speed just as much as her man, luckily he was also a very good driver or Bella would have complained. As she got out of the car, she noticed that Jane's car was also in front of the building.

Well, that will spare me effort to call her.

The employees were still throwing cautious glances at Noah although Bella had explained why he would be with her for the next time. But Bella thought it was to be expected that they were curious about him. Many often forgot that Bella was married to one of the most influential man of the USA, even Bella sometimes forgot it.

"Ma'am, I will make my rounds and come back here in 30 minutes. Should you need me just call me," Noah said once they had reached Bella's office and her bodyguard had checked it.

"Okay. I'll be here or in the meeting room but I'll notify should I go anywhere else," Bella answered and watched as Noah moved down the hall. It only took her friends two minutes before they charged into her office, and in Jane's case, demanded answers.

"Okay, girl, what the fuck is going on?" Jane said as soon as she'd made herself comfortable on top of Bella's desk while Ben and Angela took the chairs.

Bella used the next fifteen minutes to tell her friends everything they needed to know and by the time she was done Ben and Angela were pale but Jane looked calm and collected but also concerned.

"I agree with your husband and the security team," Jane commented. "This James is obviously way more dangerous than we'd thought and it would be stupid to go anywhere without your bodyguard."

"I know," Bella agreed. "Edward is very worried and Garrett has strengthened the security arrangements and every member of the immediate family has a bodyguard now. I think he's especially worried about Rose. She's pregnant."

"Oh my!" Angela gasped and looked at Bella and Jane with huge eyes. "You don't think that he would do something to harm her or the baby, do you?"

"That bastard is crazy," Jane said and gave Angela pointed look. "He won't care who he hurts and Emmett and the rest of the family would do anything to keep them safe but I think Bella would be a better bargaining chip."

Bella turned her head and stared at her friend as if she'd sprouted horns."Why me? Rose is in a much more delicate situation."

"That may be but you're Edward's wife and you need to be more than blind not to see how much he loves you. And don't forget that you were the one who told Edward and Garrett to watch out for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he somehow found out that out."

Bella's jaw dropped as she heard her friend speak. She hadn't thought about that at all but it was true. Someone had helped him and Bella didn't believe that it was only one person. "Shit!"

"Yup! That asshole cousin of Edward deals with drugs and arms, Bella, he's dangerous and he has to know that he's a wanted man now. He shot a cop for fucks sake! The police won't rest until he's behind bars. You can only hope that his parents won't be inclined to help him. You should be very careful about how much you tell them," Jane advised and Bella had to agree.

"I totally agree with you. Edward will meet with them in a few hours. I just hope this whole debacle will be over soon."

"We all do, Bella," Ben said and stood up. He walked around the desk and hugged her. Soon after that Bella felt the hands and arms of her other two friends. "All we can do is pray and be as careful as we can. We won't make it easy for the asshole."

No, they wouldn't.

MaoC

Edward was pacing while he waited for his aunt, uncle and Victoria to arrive. His dad and grandmother were already there as were Garrett and a detective, but that didn't calm him.

"Mr Cullen?"

Edward looked up and saw Jessica Stanley standing in the door.

"The Hunters are here, sir, and on their way up."

"Thank you, Jessica. Please let them in immediately. Oh and bring us some coffee, please."

Jessica nodded. "Of course, Mr Cullen," she said and closed the door behind her.

Edward jumped a little when he felt his father's hand on his shoulder. "Take a deep breath, son. You're not alone and Garrett and Detective Green are here to help should things get too ugly."

"Yes, sir," the detective said. He was an unremarkable man with dirty blond hair and gray eyes. He looked to be in his forties and wasn't really friendly but Garrett had told Edward that he was very good at his job and that was what was important. "I'll let you tell your family the news but I have to ask the a few questions myself."

"Of course, Detective Green," Edward said just as the door opened and the Hunters marched in.

Marianne and John Hunter looked unhappy but they didn't seem to know why Edward had asked them to come here but Victoria's face was closed off and he was willing to bet that she knew something. Victoria had been away yesterday and had only returned this morning but she didn't appear to be surprised that Edward had asked her to come. Garrett and Det. Green had also noticed Jame's wife's particular behavior and the tree shared a quick look before Edward concentrated on his family.

John Hunter was a tall but slightly stocky man with brown hair and a receding hairline, and dull brown eyes. He wore an expensive gray suit. His expression was tight and it was obvious that he was greatly displeased, his wife didn't look any happier.

Marianne shared her brother Carlisle's hair and eye color but she didn't look nearly as good as he did. She was dressed like a woman of her standing should, at least in her opinion. She wore a brown dress and a blue and brown checkered tweet jacket. It was a timeless outfit that she could also wear when she was at least ten years older. Not that Edward's aunt didn't look older than she really was. She was obsessed with her youth and appearance and tried everything to stay beautiful and fit but because of that she looked ...well spent. Not even the best plastic surgeon could change that. The fact that she always looked displeased didn't do anything to her face. Marianne wasn't a very happy person. She was jealous and wanted what overs had. For example her brother's perfect marriage.

Out of the three children of Edward Senior and Elizabeth she was the only one who wasn't happy with her lot. Carlisle's other sister Theodora was much like her brother and was very happy that she didn't have to take care of the family business.

Only Marianne had wanted to be the heiress of the Cullen business or be the mother of him, but her father had known that neither she nor her son James were fitting for the position. The fact that Edward Sr. had thrown Jame's name into the running and not announced him as his heir was something that none of the Hunters had forgotten. Or forgiven.

"Edward, why have you called us here?" John Hunter asked as he let his eyes roam over the faces of the other people in the room. "We're busy people and can't just come here because you're the head of the family."

Ah yes, there it was. Edward had wondered when either of them would mention something like that. Everyone in the family and their social circles knew just how much they wanted to be the CEO of Cullen Corp and head of the family. It was irritating and Edward had better things to do.

"I know," Edward said and offered them seats and something to drink. "But I wouldn't have asked you to come here if it weren't important. A few months ago we noticed that someone was stealing millions of the corporation's money and it took us until two days ago to find enough evidence that the police could arrest him."

"I don't see why that has anything to do with us. It just shows us that you're obviously not the right man to lead the business," his aunt said with an unpleasant sneer on her lips. John just nodded. "With James something like this wouldn't have happened."

"Mari," Elizabeth gently rebuked her. "This isn't Edward's fault. No one can be everywhere at once. Please, listen."

Edward took a calming breath so that he wouldn't snap at his aunt and uncle. "As I said," he continued. "We finally had enough proof and yesterday the police wanted to arrest the culprit at his own home but he was unwilling and shot one of the detectives, who'll make a full recovery. This person is now on the run..."

"I still don't see why you're telling us this," Marianne snapped. She didn't seem to suspect anything but Victoria, much to Edward's surprise, had closed her eyes, as if this could shield her from Edward's words.

"This person was James," Carlisle said gently.

"What!" John screamed and jumped up and started trowing wild accusations at Carlisle and Edward. Marianne supported her husband and Edward and those who were supporting him needed five minutes until they could continue their conversation. The only one who hadn't said one word yet was Victoria.

"I know that this is hard to believe," Edward began but he was once again interrupted by his aunt.

"Of course, it's hard to believe because it's not true. You're lying! Our son would never do something like this. He's an honorable man..."

Apparently, Det. Green thought that it was best to take over before things went from bad to worse. "Ma'am, we have undeniable proof that your son did what Mr Cullen said. We also know that your son has connections to some very shady people that deal with drugs and arms. I know you don't want to believe it but I was there when James Hunter shot my partner."

That was too much for Marianne and she started sobbing. John sat next to her as if he were made of stone.

"M-my son was a-always a good man and a perfect husband. I can't believe that he would so something c-criminal." A soft snort cut Marianne off and everyone looked at Victoria who tried to become invisible but now that she'd caught her mother-in-law's attention there was no escaping it. "Why haven't you said anything to defend your husband. What kind of wife doesn't at least try to protect the man she loves."

"I don't love him and haven't for months," Victoria said and stared defiantly at Edward's face. "I'm sorry that James caused you so many problems but I'm not surprised that he did something stupid. He was always jealous of your success and your accomplishments. I know that he really believed that your grandfather would choose him and not you but that was stupid. I may not be the most loving person and I married James not only because of my feelings but I did love him but James only saw me as part of the game. After you took over the business he became increasingly moody and secretive. He stayed away for hours and did God knows what. He received strange phone calls. I swear I didn't know that he was stealing money or dealing with anything. James made sure that I knew nothing about his income or investments."

"How dare you say something like that!" Marianne suddenly screamed and tried to slap her daughter-in-law but Garrett and Edward were faster and managed to drag her away from Victoria before she could harm her.

"Shut up!" Victoria screamed to everyone's surprise. "You don't really know your son. You only believe what you want to but James isn't a saint." She closed her eyes for a moment before she looked at Det. Green. "I know I said I didn't know anything about the money but I do know more than James knows or would be comfortable with. From the very beginning he wasn't faithful. He didn't have only one woman though like some in our circles but many. And I know that James has an apartment under a different name where he meets his whores. Here's the address and a name that I heard frequently. I hope this helps," she said and handed the detective a little piece of paper. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more but this is all I know."

"Don't worry, Mrs Hunter. This is more than enough," Det. Green said as he handed Garrett the paper. "Please don't leave the city in case we need to reach you."

"Of course," Victoria said and muttered a quick goodbye before she left the room.

Edward excuse himself and hurried after her. "Victoria, wait!"

Reluctantly, she turned around and waited for Edward to speak.

"Thanks for helping. I know that couldn't be easy for you."

She gave Edward a small smile. "It was easier than one might think. I had my own suspicions for a while now and even tried to talk to him but James wasn't interested in my opinion. He dug his own grave and I don't intend to follow him. I was stupid to marry him but I intend to remedy that."

"You want to divorce him?" Edward asked shocked. Never had he expected that she would do something like that. It just wasn't done very often in their circles. Not that Edward cared about that but he thought Victoria did.

"Yes. I know it must be surprising but my marriage was a huge mistake. I was young and stupid and my parents were so happy about James' proposal but now I know that money and status doesn't make you happy. I know that your own marriage wasn't a love match either but every time I see you two together I long for this special connection. Treat her well, Edward. Bella seems to be a nice woman."

"That she is," Edward whispered as he stared at his cousin's wife. She was much smarter and stronger than he'd expected. "Call me if you need help. You're still part of the family and I'll make sure that you're safe. Do you know where you'll be staying?"

"Yes," she answered and gave Edward the name and the address of her friend before they hugged and she left.

Edward stood alone in the hallway for one minute before he reluctantly returned to his office and his problems.

MaoC

The next two days were hell. Edward had to do a complete security check and every single access code had to be changed. The employees were first confused and, after they'd gotten an edited explanation, worried. The worst thing though was that Edward had to contact business partners and customers that James had worked with.

They'd not been happy but they understood that it wasn't Edward's fault or that of Cullen Corp. After Edward had promised them that every transaction and contract had been checked and that everything was as it should be, they calmed down. He knew that it would take time for them to trust Cullen Corp. like they had before but the partners and customers were satisfied that Edward was open about the problems.

It was just lucky that the media hadn't gotten wind of the James problem but the police had told Edward that it would only complicate things if the media would report something.

Edward tried to keep everything as normal as possible but that was nearly impossible and he was getting tired of all the drama. The best part of the day was getting home and spending time with his beautiful wife, which was something he would be doing right about now.

He wished Garrett a good night and opened the front door and was greeted by the mouth watering smell of home made lasagna.

"Bella, I'm home!" Edward called and took off his jacket and shoes.

Bella nearly ran to him and threw herself into his arms. "Welcome home!"

They stood in the entrance hall for a few moments and just enjoyed each others presence before Bella stepped back. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Do you want to change now or later?"

"I'm going to change now."

"Okay, but hurry," Bella said and walked back to the kitchen where she put the finishing touches to the salad before she carried it to the kitchen table and switched the oven off. Knowing that Edward would need a few more minutes she quickly started cleaning the kitchen. Bella hated sitting in a dirty kitchen, it was uncomfortable and she wasn't able to relax.

Edward entered the room just as Bella had finished wiping the working top.

"Mhh, it smells fantastic," Edward said as he grabbed the bottle red wine off the table and poured them both a generous glass.

"Thanks," Bella said with a smile and carried the lasagna to the table.

Edward didn't wait for Bella to sit down before he put a huge piece of lasagna onto his plate. He saw Bella's raised eyebrow and gave her a sheepish as he hurried to put something onto her plate, too. "Sorry, I'm just so hungry and your lasagna is to die for."

"Pff, you're a man. It's to be expected," Bella teased him and took a sip of the wine. "How was your day? Any news from James?"

"Sadly no," Edward sighed. "The police is doing everything they can but so far they hadn't had any luck. They promised to notify us should they find him."

"Hm, I hope it'll be soon. I hate having a bodyguard following me," Bella commented as she put a fork of lasagna in her mouth. "Not that Noah isn't a great man but it makes me feel uncomfortable."

Edward nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. Garrett doesn't normally follow everywhere either but for now it's better to be safe than sorry." Bella grimaced but she had to agree with her husband.

They enjoyed their dinner and spent the rest of the night lounging on the sofa reading books before they went to Edward's bedroom that they were now sharing. It was after three in the morning when they were woken by a loud crash followed by the blaring of the alarm system. Edward and Bella woke with a start and three more crashes indifferent parts of the house could be heard. It sounded as if someone had thrown something threw the windows.

"Edward, what was that?" Bella whispered and wrapped her arms tightly around Edward.

"I don't know," he said and pulled both himself and Bella out of the bed. "Get dressed," he ordered and hurried to the door which he locked before he too threw some clothes on.

Bella opened her mouth to ask something but she was interrupted by the ringing of Edward's phone.

"Garrett," he told her before he answered the phone. "Cullen...In the bedroom. ...Yes..."

Bella listened as Edward talked to Garrett. She'd completely forgotten that he was close to them and would most likely be alerted by the alarm. She silently waited for Edward to speak to her when she smelt something unpleasant.

"WHAT? Fuck!" Edward's shout startled Bella and she knew immediately that something was very wrong.

"Bella, the house is burning."

For one moment Bella was incapable of doing anything but Edward's next words made her hurry. "Go to the bathroom and get some wet towels and put them under the door," he ordered while he ran to the window to open it.

Bella didn't think, she just did what Edward said but once that was done she couldn't stop her mouth. "Why aren't we leaving? We need to get put of here!"

Before she could say anything else Edward grabbed her arms and shook her once. "No, we're staying here until Garrett says otherwise. The fire downstairs is spreading and fast. Garrett believes that they used an accelerant."

"Oh my God."

"Hush," Edward whispered and crushed her to his chest. "Police and fire department are on the way and Garrett is doing his best to get us out of here but we need to stay calm. We'll most likely escape through the window but we must wait until it is safe to do so. Just a few more minutes, okay?"

Bella just nodded and together they waited. It didn't take more than one minute before they could hear Garrett calling for them from beneath the window. Edward quickly got up and leaned out of the window to talk to Garrett. Bella stayed where she was but looked to the door and she could see the some smoke coming from the sides of the door.

"Edward," Bella yelled and Edward turned to his wife who pointed to the door. He nodded and continued to do what he was doing.

Bella moved closer and saw that Edward was tying a rope to the radiator and she feared that they would have to rope down.

She realized the her fears weren't unfounded when Edward told her to come closer. "Okay, Bella," Edward said and handed her a pair of gloves. "Put these on and then you'll rope yourself down."

"Have you lost your mind!" Bella screamed and stared at the ground beneath the window. Okay, so it wasn't really high but still too high for Bella's comfort.

"No, I haven't," Edward countered as he put on his own pair of gloves. "But as you might have noticed the house is burning and we need to get out of here."

Bella didn't appreciate the comment and glared at her husband but sadly there was nothing she could say. She knew they needed to get out of the house.

"But you don't need to worry Garrett has a self inflatable mat that should protect you, should you fall down. Come one now."

In the distance they could hear the approaching fire department but Edward and Garrett didn't want to wait another minute and so they instructed Bella how to get down. It was difficult and her arms weren't used to that kind of work but somehow she managed to reach the ground without breaking her damn neck.

As soon as her feet were safely on the ground, Bella threw her arms around Garrett. "I'll never do something like this again!"

"Hopefully, you'll never have to and now let's get your husband down," Garrett said and gently pushed her aside so that he could help Edward.

Police and fire department arrived while Edward got outside. Of course, he was much more graceful but that didn't bother Bella. She waited until Edward was safe before she wrapped herself around him and breathed in his calming scent. A police officer came to them and asked some questions but Bella ignored him and let Edward and Garrett answer.

They got examined by a paramedic but everything was fine and after that they sat on the ground and watched as the fire fighters fought to extinguish the flames. Kate, who was also completely shocked, brought them hot cocoa before she went to her husband.

It took them nearly three hours to extinguish the fire. During that time Det. Greene had arrived. He'd heard abut the fire and had immediately driven to their house. He, like everyone else, knew that this fire wasn't a coincidence. Bella didn't understand why James would try burn down their house and maybe them with it but there was no doubt in her or everyone else's mind that James was somehow responsible for this.

"Mr Cullen?" a fire fighter called from the left and Bella fought to concentrate on his words. "The flames are out now but the damage is ...The ground floor is badly damaged and it'll take weeks, if not months, before you'll be able to return. The upper floor isn't as badly off but because of the smoke you'll have renovate that too. It's not easy to get the smell out of the walls."

Bella sagged into herself as she heard that but Edward just nodded. "I understand. Will we be able to get some of our things out of the house?"

"No, sir. The stairs are damaged and it's too dangerous to go up there. We'll have to wait and see but maybe tomorrow we'll be able to get you some your things. Your clothes will most likely smell pretty bad so you won't be able to wear them regardless." The fire fighter looked sorry for them but they were lucky that they hadn't been hurt and that they had enough money to buy new things.

Edward and the fire fighter talked for a few more minutes before they could go. Garrett and Kate had already packed their bags and were ready to leave. They would come with Edward and Bella because Garrett needed to stay close to them and he wasn't comfortable with leaving Kate at their house.

Once their were all in the car, Bella asked where they would be staying now.

Edward turned to her and pressed a kiss against her hair. "We'll be staying at Cullen Manor. The house is big enough and we'll have out own rooms."

"Of course, Cullen Manor. I'm sure your grandmother will be happy to have us there...Oh shit!" Something had just occurred to Bella and she wasn't looking forward to it.

"What! What's wrong, Bella?" Edward asked her frantically and she noticed that Garrett and Kate were also staring at her.

"Nothing's wrong," Bella moaned. "But we'll have to notify your family and they'll be so worried. Especially you mother. And we won't be able to keep the fire from the media. Argh!"

For one moment Edward looked surprised but then his expression changed to one of horror. "Oh fuck!"

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Hello my lovely readers.

Over 1000 reviews. Holy mother of FUCK! Thank you soooooo much. You're the best readers one can wish for.

I did a little happy dance when a guest posted the 1000th review.

I love you and hope you enjoyed this chapter. Well, who's surprised?

I decided to finally get myself a beta. Sooo anyone out there who wants to help me? If not I'll get one the normal way.

Next update in two weeks. Please leave a comment.

Love, Nini