Disclaimer I don't own Twilight. Stephenie Meyers does. Enough said.

Chapter 36

Bella

"This is Edward Cullen. I'm not here at the moment please leave your name and number and I'll get back to you."

"Where the hell are you? Call me back when you get this and it better be soon," I said, before hanging up quickly. I took a few calming breathing as I put my phone away in my pocket and leaned against the wall.

This wasn't happening. It can't be happening.

Can it?

How can Edward do this? Was he capable of doing this?

The interrogation had ended about five minutes ago. Though it only lasted awhile, to me it felt like it lasted a million years. I headed back towards Marcus' office where everyone was pretty much inside as I closed the door.

"What do we do now?" I asked.

"Bring Cullen in of course," Jake replied right away.

"On what grounds?" Leah asked. "Just because James said it, it doesn't mean he actually did it does it?"

"I wish that was the case," Marcus said. "Unless we have enough evidence to arrest him, we may have to settle in on questioning him."

"Is that enough?" Felix asked.

"Of course not," Jake said.

"Jake don't..." I said. "Where is James anyways?"

"He left. We made sure he don't skip town," Felix replied.

I nodded. Even if he didn't leave town, it still didn't ease any worry from me about what's going on right now.

"Should we get Cullen here?" Seth asked.

"Let me talk to Aro. Maybe he might be lenient on the situation but until then, keep working and we don't let the media or anyone else know until we know for certain what lead we're going on," Marcus said.

"Good luck with that conversation," Felix mumbled as we all slowly walked out of the room.

"Bells?"

I turned slowly as I caught Jake's attention. I know we haven't spoken much since earlier but I doubt now would make a difference.

"What?" I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I just want to say that...I hope James is wrong," he said. "I know Cullen can be weird but for him to do something like this? I don't know."

"Let's hope for your sake he didn't do it," I said.

"Do you think he did?"

I couldn't answer him because I wasn't so sure myself.

-LINE BREAK-

I was relieved to be going home but nervous that something might happen overnight. I tried calling Edward but it went straight to voicemail. I gave up as I got in my truck. Tonight I was supposed to meet up with Mom, Phil, Rose and Em for dinner. Rose and Em wanted to tell Mom and Phil her pregnancy news since she was in her 12th week and her recent trip to the doctors, all signs were a go.

I went into my apartment and changed quickly into a pair of dark jeans, boots and a black cardigan over a light brown shirt. I brushed my teeth before texting Rose to let her know that I would be on my way.

I would need to forget out Edward for awhile. I had texted Alice to let her know where I'll be for tonight. Right now I need to be there for my sister.

I'll try Edward again later.

-LINE BREAK-

"Bella sweetie, you're quiet tonight," Renee said at dinner.

"Sorry Mom just had a long day," I said with a sheepish smile.

"It's quite alright Bella I can only imagine what you have to take care of at work lately," Phil said.

"Yeah, I mean I know our girl will catch the bad guy soon enough," Em said, while Rose could only shake his head.

"Anyways," she said. "Mom, Phil. There's been something we've been wanting to tell you but we wanted to make sure everything was okay first before we said anything."

"Oh of course but first I do want to make a toast," Renee said.

The three of us looked at one another thinking what the heck is going on as all of us lifted our glasses.

"Phil and I, we love you all so much and couldn't be more prouder of you both. If your father was alive I'm sure he'll share the same sentiments as we all do and he does. I know he can't wait to meet his grandchild." she said.

Rose, Emmett and my expressions went from happy to shocked in five seconds.

"Mom how did you...?"

"Rose I know the signs. I gave birth to you girls myself," Renee said. "Plus you didn't order alcohol tonight so it was easy to do the math."

"Oh Mom that's what we wanted to tell you today once all was clear," Rose said.

"I understand and congratulations to you both," she said.

"I couldn't agree more," Phil said.

We toasted and talked about the baby being here and all the plans that Rose and Em would have to get ready for and it was nice to not worry about anything work related at the moment.

-LINE BREAK-

"Call that you got home safe," Rose said after Renee and Phil left as the three of us are in the parking lot.

"I will," I said as I was getting into my truck.

"Thank you for tonight Bells," Em said. "It was nice to see you more at ease than you normally are."

"Emmett," Rose warned.

"It's okay Rose. Work has been getting tense lately," I said.

"I see," she said. "You'll tell me though right if something's bothering you?"

"Of course," I said.

We said our goodbyes and parted ways. I had the radio on low so I would concentrate going home. Tonight was special and though I have yet to worry about Edward calling back, at least he was in the back of my mind for that time being.

I pulled up to the apartment and saw Alice was home. I walked into our building and saw her stuff on the couch where she was sleeping soundly as the TV was playing. I walked over and turned it off when she stirred away.

"Hey you came in late," she said, stretching her body.

"Sorry I had dinner with the family," I said.

"Oh right," Alice said. "I was about to head to bed and I wanted to watch Netflix."

I was about to say something when someone knocked on our door loudly. I looked over at Alice who was just as confused as I am.

"Who in the hell could be here now?" I asked, making my way towards the door.

When I opened it up, I was shocked and surprised to see Edward, his beautiful hair in a mess and he was wearing dark jeans, a black shirt with a grey sweater over.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, as he walked in.

"I needed to see you," he replied.

"I can see that. Do you have any idea that I've been trying to call you all day? Where the hell were you?"

"I should leave you two alone," Alice said softly.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Quite alright. Just keep the noises to a low level," she said as she gave Edward a wary look before she headed into her room.

"Bella what James told you..."

"How do you know that?" I asked.

"It spread around the office," he replied. "I've been struggling with this all day. I couldn't answer you no matter how hard I wanted to."

Now he was starting to make me nervous. I wanted him to sit down since he was pacing nonstop and he kept running his hand through his hair. How so badly I wanted to comfort him and let him know it'll be okay whatever this was.

However this is reality and I know whatever Edward wanted to talk to me about, it better be soon.

And I wasn't sure if I was fully prepared for it or not.

A/n What is this? An update within two weeks? Did hell freeze over? LOL

Also more of their talk in the next chapter. Consider this part one of their talk and part two next chapter.

Okay I know shocking I updated on time almost for once and since I started school again, I want to get this out as soon as possible and I hope to do the same for upcoming chapters unless RL gets in the way. Let's pray that it won't lead to an longer wait.

Thank you for the love! I'll forever appreciate the support and patience you all have for me as I write this.

Until next time,
Spike