Chapter Thirty Four.
Charlie
Well I met with Aggie's Grandmother but I came away not sure if I'd just entered the Twilight Zone or been given a load of crap, the sensible cop me said it was a heap of horse crap but the deepest part of me knew what she was saying was true. My daughter was mixed up in some real crazy shit and I had no idea how to get her out of it or even if it were possible. Angel tried to reassure me that Bella would know what to do, that whatever danger she was in she had the power to keep herself safe although she couldn't explain how.
"It doesn't work like that Chief Swan, I see things or feel things without having the words to explain them but your daughter has great power within her and she will prevail if only she has faith in herself."
"What do you know about the Cullens?"
She was unwilling to discuss them at first but once I told her I'd only get it from my friends, the Quileutes after she made it clear it was a native American thing, she was forced to open up and things got worse real quick. My daughter had been dating a vampire, knowingly dating one, and now she was off somewhere with him and in terrible danger.
"Will he turn her into one or kill her?"
"I don't think Edward Cullen is the problem Chief, its much deeper and primeval than that."
"Look you'll have to use one syllable words Angel I'm not one for the long ones."
"I can't explain Chief but I can tell you that whatever you do will only make matters worse. Bella is the only one who can solve the problem and save more deaths in both our worlds."
"More deaths?"
"Yes there have been humans killed already and I see more blood spilled but also vampires hunted down and destroyed if Bella is unsuccessful. I couldn't warn her because I didn't have all the facts before but now I see more clearly. Someone has unleashed a terrible predator on the world and your daughter holds the key to taming him."
I didn't like the sound of that one bit but when I asked her to explain further I found myself more, not less, frightened for my daughter.
"Bella has a connection with a creature that has been formed from the darkest parts of a vampire psyche and it is this connection and only this connection that can send the creature back into darkness."
"How?"
"By connecting with him once more. She will understand when they meet again and they will meet again but your priority should be keeping the police away from the Cullens or there will be more deaths. They will protect themselves those that can and the rest...well they will be protected by beings far more dangerous, beings who will not think twice before killing you, your family, and friends or the whole of Forks if necessary."
"Isn't that being a little dramatic?"
"It's the truth, dramatic or not. Tell your wife and the authorities you've heard from Bella. That she's gone off with this ex boyfriend, that will buy you a little time. Then I suggest you take yourself back to Forks and talk to your friendly Quileutes."
"Do you know where Bella is Angel?"
"No I don't but if I did I wouldn't tell you. For you to turn up there would only make things worse. Trust that your daughter will know what to do."
She wouldn't or couldn't tell me any more and there was no way to make her. If I took her story back to Officer Harris he'd laugh in my face but I wasn't sure he would believe that I'd heard from Bella without proof and Carlisle going missing had made the situation worse. I tried Eddy and he promised to swing by the house and see if he could find anyone there or any clue where they'd gone if not. The Cullens were my only hope to finding Bella safe.
Renee and Phil listened with little enthusiasm as I told them I'd spoken to Bella's friend and suspected she'd taken off for a few days with her ex.
"Are you seriously trying to tell us Bella went off without a word? She and Edward were over, it doesn't make any sense Charlie"
"It makes sense to me Phil"
He and I looked at Renee although I thought I knew what might be coming next and she didn't disappoint me,
"Bella's been acting very strange as if she's hiding something. I think she realised that breaking up with Edward Cullen was a bad move. I think they've been planning this for some time. Get away together, reconnect, it's quite romantic really. Oh, I wish I were her age again."
"And what about Dr Cullen?"
"Phil, he's probably gone off with a woman, it happens, sheer coincidence."
"Bella wouldn't do that, she knows we'd worry."
"You'll see, she'll be back all smiles and probably with a ring on her finger and lets face it she could do a lot worse than get tied up with the Cullens. I understand they are an affluent family."
"Edward is a foster kid so money doesn't come into it. This isn't Bella's style, she knows we'd worry about her."
Renee got up tossing her head,
"Well if I'm going to be shot down in flames by my husband every time I open my mouth I'm going to get a drink. Anyone care to join me?"
I shook my head as did Phil and she strolled out of the room laughing quietly to herself.
"You know there's something more to this don't you Phil?"
"Yeah, the Bella I know wouldn't worry you like this. Renee has her own particular brand of reality and I'm still getting used to it."
"Well all I can tell you is that you don't want to get involved. As soon as I can tell you more I will but please just go along with Renee for now.
Phil nodded,
"OK, but I don't like it Charlie"
I passed Renee, carrying a glass of wine in one hand and the bottle in the other, in the hall way.
"You need to chill out Charlie."
"Hey you were the one who rang me worried."
"I know, that was down to Phil but I know my daughter. She'll come home when she's ready. Remember I ran away from home as a teenager, she's just carrying on the tradition."
I shook my head at her words and went back to my hotel to mull over what I'd learned and hope to hear something from Eddy.
I'd almost given up hope and just got in the shower when my phone went off so cursing I wrapped a towel around my waist and grabbed it with wet hands.
"Chief? Sorry it's so late but I got a call as I was leaving the station. I went to the Cullen house but there was no sign of life. I checked the garage, which wasn't locked by the way, and most of the cars were missing so I checked out the grounds just in case. As I came back to the house I saw the girl Alice drive up with the youngest boy"
"Edward Cullen?"
"Yeah that's him, the one your daughter was sweet on. Well I walked over but they stopped talking as soon as they saw me. I asked about the doctor but they said they'd been away and didn't know anything. When I mentioned Bella I thought he looked guilty but I could be wrong. Do you want me to try again? I'm just at the entrance to their drive."
"No its OK. I'll ring the house myself. Thanks Eddy."
"No news I take it?"
"No"
"Well best of luck Chief"