DAMNIT, WOMAN, I LOVE YOU

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.

The awesome and talented dowlingnana searched out my errors and corrected them.

"Mr. Cullen, she is in bad shape and I can only tell you what injuries we have found so far. She will recover, but, as to how much I can't say at this point. I don't know how well she will be able to move her fingers if any. Also, there could be other injuries resulting from her abuse that just haven't come to light as yet due to her being unconscious. It is going to be a wait and see game, along with a long haul for recovery with plenty of physical therapy. Don't think for a moment that this is going to be a quick and easy going because it isn't. She is going to have some very real emotional and psychological problems that will need to be addressed along with all of the physical recovery."

"I am very much aware of this after what you have told me. Do what has to be done, expense isn't an issue. Get the best for my wife."

"Very well, And I didn't mean to offend you earlier, if I did, but, the circumstances was a little strange and then from all of the publicity you have been receiving about another woman that was found dead we had to make sure. Hope you understand."

"Not really, but, that isn't the issue at the moment. I want my wife taken care of and I personally don't give a damn what you think of me. I love her and would do anything for her. If the police need to investigate me then fine, I don't give a shit. Just take care of Bella."

CHAPTER 36: THE BEGINNING OF THE END

The time passed as night moved towards morning. Edward tried to send the rest of the family home, but, that was met with refusal vehemently given by each and everyone collectively. Their love and respect for Bella along with the fact of Edwards's feelings for her made that a no starter before the words were completely out of his mouth. Each one was determined to wait with Edward for word of Bella's progress wanting to give support to both. After all that was what family did for one another, right?

At no time did any of them notice off to one side a person standing in the shadows listening to all that had been said. He quickly called the newspaper to turn in his story as the heartbreaking tragedy was being played out at the hospital. No one was aware of the word spreading about Edward Cullen being married to a mystery lady that had been found attacked at their home.

The headlines that hit the streets with the morning paper caused a swarm of the paparazzi to descend upon the hospital. The headlines and story shocked all as they read:

CULLEN MARRIED TO MYSTERY WOMAN

While checking upon the condition of a friend at the Los Angeles Memorial Hospital this reporter overheard a very interesting conversation between the well known director Edward Cullen and a doctor on staff. This doctor was discussing the condition of one of his patients which it turns out that Mr. Cullen had told the doctor that the lady in question was in fact his wife. It seems they had married in a rather quiet ceremony before he parted for location shooting. The wedding had been kept quiet due to all of the publicity that Cullen had been receiving in regards to the death of one Marie Swan from several weeks ago.

It is after further checking that this reporter was able to obtain the following information; that the new Mrs. Cullen was admitted to the hospital due to a brutal attack by person, or persons unknown, and, she was left on the family home doorstep for the finding.

Her condition at the writing of this article is listed as extremely critical and she is being closely watched, but, her survival is not expected. As I have been told, it is a miracle that she has lasted this long and still draws breath.

I am sure that our hearts go out to this couple that all will go well for them instead of another tragedy being connected to Edward Cullen. He and his family has indeed suffered enough lately. But, Mr. Cullen, who is the mystery lady: Tell us her name so we might wish her well and a speedy recovery.

Finally, Edward was able to get everyone, except, for his mom and dad to go home and get some rest. It was decided that each couple would stay with Bella so she wouldn't be alone. Edward did, from time to time, feel his conscious stir in rebuke to the lies he had told the police, doctors and hospital concerning his relationship with Bella. But, at this point, he felt that it was justifiable so he could make sure she got the best of treatment without hesitation. As he kept telling himself, the lies will be true one day, he just upped the timetable.

XXXXXXXXXX

Charlie had gotten a hold of his friends during the night to inform them of the interview and what had all been said. They each were quite excited over the news, but, cautioned Charlie to move carefully. They were quite upset about what had happened to Bella, but, impressed nonetheless by the fact that she had remained silent about her father's position. His cover had remained intact at such a great cost.

The filming continued as if nothing was happening that had any great importance. However, come about midmorning when Edward had shown, questions begin to be asked. That was when reference was made to the article that had appeared in the L. A. Times about Cullen and his marriage. Speculation begin to fly as to what had happened to his wife and why. Also, questions begin to surface as to whether Edward had been the cause.

Later in the afternoon Charlie was requested to come to the production offices as they needed to have a word with him concerning some more possible changes to the script. Charlie thought he knew what the summons was concerning, but, gave nothing away in his mannerisms as to what his thoughts might be. Upon arrival at Carlisle's office he knocked and was told to enter. Doing so Carlisle motioned for the door to be closed behind him.

"Charlie, have you read the papers today?"

"No, but, if it has anything to do with Bella I'm aware that she has been abused."

"Let me tell you what we do know and what all has been happening. That way you can offer what advice or information you might be able to give that would be of benefit in her treatment. Also, the whole family wants you to know that she is receiving the best of care around the clock and never is she left alone." With that being said Carlisle continued to tell Charlie everything he knew about what had happened to Bella, how it had come about as to their discovery, how she was found and what the doctors had to say along with what treatments have been done and are being authorized to be done.

"How is it possible for all of this to be decided without a member of the family giving the okay?"

"Edward has told everyone that Bella is his wife and they were married quietly just before he left for the location shoot. That it was done in that manner due to all of the publicity before surrounding Marie Swan."

"I see. And, of course, Bella has no knowledge of this at the moment, right?"

"She hasn't regained consciousness as yet, Charlie, but, as I told you she isn't left alone for one minute. One of us is with her at all times. They haven't moved her from the SICU as yet, but, that is expected to happen any time. The doctors want to make sure that she is completely stable before moving her to a private room. We are making sure that she receives the best, my friend."

"Thanks, Carlisle." It was then that Charlie confided as to what had happened on his end and what Mancini was expecting the outcome to be. "Can you imagine having to sit and listen to the torture that had been dealt out to your own daughter without saying a damn word? That was torture in itself." Charlie told him.

"I can only imagine the torment since I've never experienced it. But, Charlie, know that we aren't going to let anyone near her. The whole family is taking care of her as we consider her as part of the family. My Edward is stupidly, head over heels, totally in love with her and would die for her if need be."

Charlie smiles at that description and the picture that forms in his mind. He has witnessed himself how much Edward cares for Bella with his own eyes without anyone being aware. Edward follows her with his eyes when he thinks no one is observing him. And, unconsciously, wherever Bella is standing Edward is turned facing that direction. It's like two magnets pulling towards each other, but, refusing to give in completely just yet.

"Don't tell me what or how you are planning to make a move towards Bella. That way we can be surprised and not give anything away before hand."

"The only thing I will tell you is that all of this is going to be ending a lot quicker than any of us realize. I haven't been given any of the details, but, my retired friends are in the middle of bringing this entire nightmare to an end and my family will be avenged. Marie would not have been killed, or, Bella tortured in vain. It will hit all of us with a hard surprise." Charlie warned Carlisle.

"Charlie, I will be making an announcement very shortly about Edward and Bella's marriage as well as her attack and inviting any of the personnel that she works with to visit at the hospital to check on her. That should give you the opening you need to come and go without blowing your cover."

"Thanks, Carlisle, that will definitely help and make things easier in that regards."

Both men shook hands and Charlie left to go back down to the studio while Carlisle prepared to release the newsletter to the entire staff concerning what he had told Charlie. In the meantime, he did call Edward to see how Bella was doing and if there had been any changes as yet.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Felix North and Demetri Masterson were busy on a conference call with headquarters back in D. C. Everyone was trying to coordinate everything to grab Arturo Mancini and his bunch before anyone of them has a chance to disappear forever. Charlie Swan and his daughter Bella had done their jobs well and now it was time to bring all of it to a head.

Enough agents had been sacrificed to try to bring this bunch of criminals into custody. It was the closest they had even been able to get and they would be fools to pass up this once in a lifetime chance.

"Been advised we are getting ready to leave D. C. tonight and will begin getting into place immediately upon arrival. Do not advise anyone of our plans; let it all come down as a surprise. Everything can be sorted once we have all of them under arrest."

"Yes sir."

A/N: Plans are moving forwards to bring down Mancini and his band of misfits. What is Charlie going to do at the hospital? When will Bella wake up and what will be her reaction to what Edward has declared to the world?

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