I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

April and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.

Warning: Some of you may want to buckle up for this chapter, it's a bumpy ride.

Ch. 37

"Finally," Edward stated as we stepped off the elevator.

We had been back from Ireland a week but had been staying with his parents since the penthouse wasn't ready. As much as I had grown to love his family, I was looking forward to being in our own place.

"You make it sound like we just got free from a torture camp or something," I said with a laugh.

"Just too much smothering for me. We couldn't steal a moment without someone interrupting or Junior crying." He set our bags in front of the door, so he could press his hand up against the metal plate. We had upgraded to fingerprint recognition.

"It wasn't his fault; the poor guy was teething. You better get used to nights like that if you want babies. I'm telling you now, I won't be the only one to get up with our children at night," I told him.

"That'll be different; it will be our kid." Edward took a step towards me and lifted me bridal style.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Carrying you over the threshold like a good husband." He smirked. "Or would you rather carry me?"

"Somehow, I can't see that working out well." I shook my head.

As he stepped through the door, the smell of fresh paint lingered in the air. Edward paused, so we could take in the changes. Emmett and Rosalie's furniture had been replaced with ours, which we had recently picked out together. Where Emmett had a large shrine to the Boston sports teams, Edward's grand piano now stood. Edward's large 3-D screen had been moved in, and over the mantle was a picture from our wedding of the two of us on the beach.

"Should we go check out the bedrooms first," Edward suggested.

"Not yet. I have to show you your wedding gift." I hopped out of his arms.

"You got me a present?" His eyes lit up with curiosity. "Is it something lacey to wear?"

I looked him up and down with an amused smirk. "Funny. I didn't think a lace teddy was your style. But I guess you have a birthday coming up; what size are you?"

He scowled at me. "I wasn't talking for me to wear; I was talking about you."

"I'll keep it in mind for next time. Come on; it's this way." I grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall, coming to a stop outside of the room.

He gave the door an inquisitive look. "In here? This is supposed to be your room. Do you make it a sex den instead?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"No. Stop guessing, you're so bad at it." I smacked his arm playfully.

I opened the door and went in first. I turned and saw Edward had taken one step in and was looking around the room. Three of the walls were a vibrant dark blue; the fourth had a Pac-man design. There were three pinball machines, two other arcade games, and ice hockey table scattered around the space.

"You got me my own arcade?" He grinned like a boy on Christmas morning.

"I did. You told me I could do whatever I wanted with this room. And to be honest, I don't need one of my own; you need it more than me. When I'm stressed, I like to work out, and I can do that across the hall. When we were up north, you seemed so carefree in that arcade, so I hoped I could bring a little of that to you," I explained.

"Acushla, I…wow. It's not often someone surprises me." He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me lightly on the lips. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." I was pleased I could make him so happy.

His eyes caught something in the corner, and he let me go so he could investigate.

"Is that a Jukebox?" he asked. "Where did you find one?"

"You'd have to ask Jasper, that was all him. It was his wedding present to us. He helped me find all the games and made sure they were delivered. I didn't trust Emmett not to spill the beans," I told him.

"Smart woman." Edward bent over so he could read the titles.

My phone beeped with a message, and I pulled it out to see I had a text from a candidate I was going to interview for the center.

"Huh?" I wondered out loud.

"What is it?" Edward asked, looking over his shoulder.

"The woman I was supposed to meet with tomorrow sent me a message. Her daughter is sick, and she can't get a sitter. She was hoping we could move the meeting to her place," I told him.

"Can't you just reschedule? That's a strange request. Is she the preacher's kid?" he asked.

"No, she is the single mother who lost her husband when he was killed in action. She's desperate for a job because the time is almost up and she'll be losing her housing."

"She lives on base?" Edward asked.

"Hanscom, I think. I know it's unconventional, but I really want to give her a chance. She had great references and was a kindergarten teacher before she had her baby. Jasper said her background came back clear."

"A military base would hard for us to secure." Edward looked unsure.

I snorted. "You don't think a military base would be secure?"

Edward smirked. "Get an address so we can see if the place is legit. You'd need to take Quil with you."

"He'll have to wait in the car. How will I explain his presence to Lauren? 'I need a bodyguard, but it's safe to come work for me?' Quil would also be intimating to a little kid," I stated as I texted her back.

"Fine, but make sure you're carrying. And conceal it. A military base will probably check your purse," he ordered.

"Yes, sir." I mocked saluted him.

LS

The next day, we were on our way to meet Lauren. It turned out she lived about two miles off base. Edward seemed more appeased because it was easier for them to check out the area beforehand.

The clouds in the sky were dark gray, and a light rain started to fall as we pulled up to a ranch-style house. I could see a curtain flicker by the window as we parked.

"Hopefully, I shouldn't be too long," I told him as I opened the door.

"No problem, ma'am," Quil said.

As I walked up to the path to the house, the front door opened. A young blonde woman about my height stood nervously in the doorway.

"You must be Lauren?" I asked as I approached.

She nodded her head. "Yes, ma'am. You must be Mrs. Masen."

I extended my hand. "Please, call me Bella."

"Thank you for coming here, Bella." Her smile seemed anxious, and her hand was damp as I shook it.

"Don't be so nervous; I swear I don't bite." I joked, trying to ease the tension.

"Please come on in." She stepped aside.

I entered her home, and she closed the door behind me. Her entire body began to shake, and she paled considerably. This seemed to go beyond simple job interview nerves.

"Lauren, are you okay?" I asked concerned.

"I am so, so, sorry. I had no choice." Her voice cracked, and tears sprang to her eyes.

I followed her gaze and my heart jumped to my throat as I immediately reached for my gun. Tanya's bodyguard, Demetri, was pointing his at a little girl who couldn't be more than two years old. She was clutching a blankie in one hand and a stuffed bunny in her other—she looked petrified.

"Stop, right there, or I'll pull the trigger," he threatened.

"No! You told me you wouldn't hurt my baby if I convinced her to come here," Lauren begged.

"Well, now it all depends on whether Mrs. Cullen cooperates with me." Demetri looked at me.

"What do you want?" I asked, warily.

"My boss wants to talk with you," he said simply.

"And he hasn't heard of a phone?" I countered.

"Was that a sad attempt at humor? I've been ordered to take you to the boss. We can do this the easy way, or I can kill the little girl and her mother and take you by force," Demetri stated.

"Fine, I'll meet you at the Volturi estates with Edward," I offered.

Demetri cocked his gun. "You're not in the position to make any demands."

I didn't know what to do. There was no easy option I could think of at the moment. If I fought him, that poor baby could lose her life. If I went with him, then it was a good chance it was the last thing I would do. I couldn't even contemplate Edward's reaction, but I'm sure it would show a side of him I'd never before seen.

"Momma," the little girl wailed.

"Shhh…baby. It will be okay." Lauren sounded as if she was barely holding it together.

"Fine. I'll go with you. Just don't hurt them." I held up my hands in surrender.

I hoped I could catch him off guard once we were outside the house. Quil would be on my side by then, and Lauren and her daughter would be out of harm's way.

"Somehow I knew you would see it my way." Demetri stood and pulled the little girl with him.

He dragged her across the room and practically threw her at Lauren, who dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around sobbing girl. Demetri clasped a hand on my shoulder and squeezed tightly.

"Let's go." He pushed me forward.

I opened the door and took a deep breath to calm myself. All I needed to do was take a few steps from the house, and then I could turn on him.

Bang! Bang!

I whirled around, and Demetri had his gun pointed back into the living room.

"What did you do?" I cried, horrified at seeing Lauren slumped over, her child still in her arms.

"No witnesses." Demetri smirked, pointing the gun at my forehead.

I kicked him in the shin and made a grab for the gun, twisting it out of his hand. Before I could aim, I felt a jab to the center of my back making me freeze. Demetri snatched his gun back from me.

He looked past me. "Is it done?"

"Yes, Quil won't be bothering us," a voice that sounded vaguely familiar answered.

I turned my head to see Colin with another gun in his hand.

"Aren't you family?" I asked, confused.

"I got tired of being treated like dirt, by those who call me their kin." Colin spat at my feet. "So I did what I had to do."

A gun went off again, and a circle of blood started to seep onto Colin's shirt. I watched as the light faded from his eyes and he collapsed to the ground. Before I could react, I felt a sharp sting on my neck, and everything went dark.

LS

When I woke up, I was in an unfamiliar bedroom. The furniture and drapes looked tacky but expensive, and through the window, I could see it was still daytime. I groaned, looking around the room to see if I was alone. It was then I realized my hands were tied behind my back, and my feet were also bound.

Not knowing how much time I had, I started to move to free myself. I had thought Dad was crazy when he taught me how to do this, but now I was glad he had. I leaned back on the bed and brought my knees up so I could shimmy my arms around my butt. I then brought my legs through my tied hands, so they were now in front.

I tightened the cable cord with my teeth and wormed my way to the edge of the bed so I could stand. I was a little wobbly since my legs were bound, but after two tries, I managed to break free from the cords around my wrists.

The legs proved to be more difficult. I glanced around the room to see if there was anything that could help me. I spotted a letter opener on the desk by the window. Being as quiet as I could, I hopped over to it and sawed my way through my restraints. I then pocketed the opener.

I looked out the window to see if I could figure out where I was. I was relieved to see recognizable Boston buildings and immediately realized I must be at Aro's house in Cambridge. At least, I wasn't in some obscure location. If I could get out of here, then I could easily make it to a safer location and contact Edward. I spotted a tree growing outside the next room.

I glanced at the wall between the room and found a door. Hoping it wasn't a closet, I tested the knob and slowly opened it. I was relieved to see another bedroom and stepped inside quickly.

At first, I thought I was alone in the room, but then I noticed a lump in the bed, and I froze. Lying on the mattress was Aro, and he looked like hell warmed over. His skin was sunken in and a nasty shade of gray. There was a putrid smell of urine and decay in the air that made me cover my mouth and nose. If it weren't for his shallow breathing, I would've thought he was dead.

"Oh my God," I whispered.

"So you do believe in God, that's interesting," Tanya spoke from the doorway.

I snapped my head towards her as she entered the room carrying a fancy looking tea service on a tray. She didn't seem fazed at all that I was in here or untied.

"What's going on? Demetri brought me here to speak to your father but he…what's wrong with him?" I asked.

"Karma is catching up with my father. And you weren't brought here to talk to with him, but with me." She took a seat at the small table in the room. "Tea?"

"No, thank you." I declined, not trusting her one bit and also was extremely confused.

"Don't you know it's rude to refuse your hostess?" She leveled me with an icy glare.

"It's even ruder to hold them hostage," I countered. "So, let me understand … you're the boss?"

She smirked and played with the cross around her neck. "I guess you can call me that."

"I thought you wanted to be a nun. Running a crime family seems to be the opposite of that. You have a lot of people fooled by your angel act," I told her.

Her eyes hardened. "It has always been my calling to serve God. Over time I realized my purpose was different than most. Crime families are riddled with filthy sinners, who disrespect God by sitting in his pews every Sunday. My own family included. My mother and sister were whores, and my father is an evil, vile man. Sooner or later, they all have to pay."

Shit! She was crazier than everyone thought.

"It was you the whole time, wasn't it?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

"Do you honestly think Victoria was smart enough to pull off kidnapping Emmet Junior? My sister was a slut, who was either drunk or high all the time." She wrinkled her nose. "It was easy to set her up. Then, as the good sister, I was going to rat her out and get in the Cullens' good graces. But then you came along and ruined everything—including Edward."

"Edward was already involved in this world before I entered his life," I told her.

She clucked her tongue and shook her head. "Yes, but he was redeemable. Edward is a good man, who was staying pure until marriage. That was until he met you."

"And he did. Not that it's any of your business," I said. "So, you're in love with Edward?"

"No, I only love and serve God. But at Edward's side, together we could do so much good in his name and bring down all the other families. Just like I did with yours."

"It was you who killed the Rosus," I surmised. "So, why am I still alive?"

"It wasn't without trying. However, after you foolishly attempted to save my life with the hit and run, I thought you deserved a chance. Leave today; we will help you disappear anywhere in the world the way your mother did years ago. Never to return."

I shook my head. "And when I'm gone, you think Edward will just turn to you? You've got to be joking."

"Have it your way. When Demetri comes back, he'll kill you." Tanya shrugged her shoulders.

"Why not just kill me now and get it over with?" I questioned.

"Because I refuse to get your blood on my hands. It would be breaking a Commandment," Tanya coolly explained as she played with her cross.

"What do you think you are, some type of vigilante? You're just as guilty." I scoffed.

"I will be forgiven; it's all for the greater good." Tanya closed her eyes, seemingly deep in prayer.

At that moment, a gun went off, startling me, as Tanya slumped over with a bullet in her forehead. Aro was staring at me with unfocused gaze, the gun still in his hand.

"Soreena," he mumbled before his eyesclosed and his chest stopped moving.

Loud voices came from the hall, and I ran for the window. My hand was on the latch when I heard my name hollered, and I recognize the voice.

"Edward, I'm in here," I yelled back.

The door flew open, and Edward appeared with Emmett and Felix flanking him, their guns raised. Edward scanned the room until he met my eyes.

"You killed them both. Hell, Bells; I knew you had it in you." Emmett looked proud.

"Wasn't me. Aro shot Tanya, and I'm not even sure if he's still alive." I made my way to Edward's side as he wrapped one arm around my waist, putting me between him and Emmett, but kept his gun ready. "What the fuck happened?"

"Can I tell you after we get out of here. It's a long story, and the smell is really starting to turn my stomach," I asked.

"Of course, Acushla. Felix check on Aro," Edward ordered.

Felix walked over to the bed and leaned down. His nose wrinkled and he checked for a pulse before he straightened and turned to Edward.

"I'm barely getting a pulse; he'll probably be dead within the hour. Just by looking at him it appears he has been dying for a while," Felix announced.

Movement caught my eye as a figure appeared in the doorway of the room I had been kept in. I didn't recognize the guy, but his shirt was bloody, and he was aiming a weapon at Edward. I grabbed the gun out of Emmett's hand and pulled the trigger just as the stranger's went off. His shot barely missed Edward's head, hitting the doorframe and splitting it. I had gotten him in the shoulder, making him stumble toward us as Edward shot him in the chest, ending the standoff.

"You're sure it was Aro who shot Tanya?" Edward questioned, looking at her.

"Yes, I was in the room." I nodded.

Edward walked to the bed and exchanged his gun for Aro's, after wiping his clean. He then went over to the third dead body. He turned and shot Aro with his own gun then cleaned it before giving it to the third dead body.

"Nice setup, Boss," Emmett commented.

"Here, sorry." I realized I was still holding his gun.

"Forget about it. Hold on to it for yourself. I have a spare." Emmett held up a second one.

"Let's move, I don't want to be here when the feds arrive," Edward ordered.

We made our way quickly to the haphazardly parked car in the driveway, Edward holding my hand the entire way. Once we were on the road, he turned to me.

"Start explaining now, Acushla. What the hell happened at that interview?" He barely seemed to have a hold on his temper.

"The interview…Oh. My. God. He killed them…" I recalled, feeling distraught.

"Who, Acushla? I'm trying to be patient, but you've got to give me more," Edward said.

"Demetri was there. He shot Lauren and her daughter…she couldn't have been more than two." I paused as I remembered something. "Edward, Demetri might be up to something. Where are the others?" I asked in alarm.

"Did either of you see him in the house?" Edward demanded.

"No, boss," they said in unison.

"Emmett, call Da. Make sure he knows what's happening," Edward ordered.

Emmett pulled out his phone. "There's no answer."

"Then try Peter…or Jasper…" Edward's fist clenched.

I heard a news alert on the radio.

"Someone turn that up," I asked.

Felix reached over and twisted the knob.

The hostage situation at Charlotte's Bridal Boutique located in downtown Boston has come to a sad end. At least two body bags have been removed with several more reported injured. We will return when we have more details to share. Until then, this is Austin Marks, Boston Twenty-five News.

A/N: I know this chapter was a rough one. I take no pleasure at all what happened to Lauren and her daughter. However, it fit the evilness of Demetri's character. For him to leave them alive to call the cops or any one else wouldn't make sense.

Maybe of you were on the right track but Tanya. However, her holier than thou act was always true.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.