This chapter is better thanks to Lilith and Ficfangirl. They clean up my messes and convoluted sentences. Until I get it back and mess with it again. So yes, all errors are mine.

Welcome to the new followers and readers. Thank you to those who have stayed around as the story has unfolded. Your reviews and support are awesome. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or anyway you may celebrate this holiday season. For those who don't, take care of you and yours.

More connections to the gang are made in this chapter. I hope you enjoy it.

~ J *+* D ~

"The mind is everything. What you think you become."

~ Buddha ~

Chapter 37

Emmett

I didn't want to leave Rose and Victoria alone. Not that I feared anyone was going to show up. I was positive no one followed us. However, I'm overly cautious where Rose is concerned. I side with the idea of 'Better safe than sorry.' This last week has been eye opening with so much information to take in. So many sides to a story that all coalesce into the reasons why an innocent man was sent to certain death. Yeah, I insist on safety first.

I silently curse Mrs. Stanley and Newton for their obstruction of justice. Riley Biers alias Judge Banner. Victoria's theory about Apep. It is mind numbing and I need a moment to clear my head. Little good it does me, because the name James de Sade rings a bell. I don't know if it's because I had actually seen him when I first started working at the prison or because I filed away his death certificate.

I focus my attention on taking the stairs, two at a time, down to the lobby instead of the elevator. Once I'm on the ground level, I briskly walk to the concierge's desk asking for directions to Demetri's street, finding it's only a fifteen minute walk. With the adrenaline racing through my system I cut the time in half. Just as I was walking through the front gate, a man is exiting the house. "Is this where Demetri lives?"

"Who's asking?" He stills in a defensive stance.

"I am. The name is Emmett McCarty. Demetri is a friend of a friend of mine and they gave me this address," I calmly reply.

He looks me up and down and carefully asks, "Who are your friends?"

"Peter and Charlotte." By his subtle change of expression I know I've found him.

"I'm Demetri," he finally admits.

"It's nice to meet you, Demetri. As I said, I'm Emmett McCarty." We shake hands and he invites me inside.

When we reach his library, he shuts the door and offers me a seat. Once settled, I explain how Rose Hale and I are here looking into the case of Edward Masen. He recognizes Rose's name and relaxes a bit more.

I tell him Victoria's story and our imperative need to hide her. I inform him, "She hasn't said it, but I think she's being followed."

That's when he offers, "Maybe she could stay with Peter and Charlotte?"

I couldn't believe my luck. "They're already here?" He nods in confirmation. Where did the time go?

Demetri is a cautious man who doesn't take anything at face value. He sends his housekeeper with a note to Peter and Charlotte, letting them know, a Mr. Emmett McCarty is looking for them and is currently at his home. I admire and appreciate him for it. He's guarding the people I care about and I would do the same. We make small talk as we wait for their arrival. Forty minutes later, there's a knock on the door and once their eyes land on me they're all smiles. Charlotte runs over and hugs me, asking after me and Rose. Then I'm shaking hands with Peter. Demetri visibly relaxes completely and I do the same.

I explain why I'm here and both are interested and willing to help. I voice my only concern, "I'm not sure we want Edward to know that Victoria is indirectly involved with his case. There's quite a bit we've recently discovered, but we haven't put the puzzle together yet. Also, I think someone might be following Victoria and I'd hate for her presence to lead anyone your way."

"No, no, we don't need that to happen," Peter quickly agrees. "The Whitlock/Masen Gang should be arriving soon and I know it's going to take some time to work out the 'Revenge Is Powerful' plan to take down Maria. Having this Victoria there would surely have the girls talking to her and I doubt she'd be able to keep quiet." His gaze flickers to Charlotte who is giving him the evil eye.

"I'm not talking about you, sweetheart. I'm talking about Alice, Bella and Esme. They are interrogators and can finagle, sweet talk or use brute force if need be to get answers to their questions." Charlotte continues to glare and Peter backs away from her.

"Okay, fine, you're just as bad as they are and now I'm going to have to try to bribe you to not tell them what you will surely find out." Exasperated, Peter throws his hands in the air and looks at us with a sorrowful expression. "She used to be so sweet until Bella and Alice got their hands on her."

I watch the little showdown and see the determination in Charlotte's eyes. I thought about all my years spent with Bella and Alice and an idea struck. "How about this, Charlotte?" Her angry glare slides my way and she tilts her head waiting patiently for me to continue. "I'll tell you some of what we've learned from Victoria and how it affects Edward's case. Then you'll understand why I don't want him to learn about her involvement." Her calculating eyes never left mine.

"I want to know everything if I'm going to withhold information from my friends," she heatedly bargains.

Her determination is impressive and I chuckle as I look over at Peter. "You're right, she's learned well from Alice and Bella."

Peter rolls his eyes and Charlotte smiles as if it was a compliment. "Fine, I tell you what we've learned in the last 24 hours and then you will understand my reasoning." I explain about Mrs. Stanley, Mr. Newton also known as Father Michael and finally Victoria's theory about Constable Apep. When all is said and done, I'm exhausted and slump in my chair. The room is blissfully quiet and I enjoy a brief moment of silence. Everyone is mulling over what they've learned and realize this is much bigger than a priest falsely accused. There are murderers on the loose, hiding in plain sight within the general population as stand up citizens. It's overwhelming.

Charlotte's whisper echoes against the walls, "I'll keep quiet, Emmett." And I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Let's go meet this Victoria. Maybe I can figure out a place to hide her," Demetri suggests.

~ J *+* D ~

Rose only opens the door after I tell her it's me, with friends. I'm impressed and proud she's so cautious. It drove home once again to everyone how dire this situation is. She lets us in, closing and relocking the door behind us. Turning around, she welcomes Peter and Charlotte with hugs and smiles. And then Peter introduces her to Demetri.

Victoria must have been disturbed by the commotion. I catch a glimpse of her in the doorway, eyeing the new arrivals and the door, probably trying to figure out if she could or should make a break for it. "Victoria, I'd like you meet our friends." All eyes turn to her and you can see her stress is returning tenfold in her stance. "I've told them everything about you, Victoria."

Rose gasps, "What?" Fury in her eyes, as she advances towards me.

"Blame it on Charlotte." Peter steps between us and tries to shield me.

"I wanted to understand why we couldn't tell Edward what was going on," Charlotte defended herself. "I'd do the same for all of you. Besides, you taught me Rose, knowledge is power. I was just following your advice." She grins winningly at Rose.

Rose snorts, "I'll be sure to watch what I say in the future." Then her attitude changes in earnest. "Charlotte, you have to understand there is so much that has recently come to light and I want everything down pat before we talk to Edward. Some things will devastate him. When we talk to him, it will be because it has been verified and written up for his appeal and now a pardon. It's also my hope we will see the real criminals behind bars. For right now, as long as I know he's safe, I want him to heal, get stronger and relax. He's been through so much."

She pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath. "And there is Bella to consider." She raises her brows as she continues, "Her father made an interesting discovery in his search for her. Surprisingly enough, it has to do with Edward's case. Until we can get the background story fleshed out, Charlie, her dad, has agreed to wait for what will hopefully be a happy reunion. So the question is, will you keep quiet about what you've been told?"

Charlotte didn't take any time at all relieving Rose's mind. "Of course, Rose. Now that I understand the magnitude of the situation, I agree your cautiousness has merit. But I did have to know why I was agreeing in the first place."

Rose smiles at Charlotte and turns her eyes to an alert Victoria. "Victoria, this is Charlotte, Peter and Demetri." All of them nod their heads to her, but stay in place. "Everyone, this is Victoria." Victoria inclines her head in acknowledgment. "Victoria, won't you join us at the table? I promise you, we're all friends and they're here to help."

We all move away from the door, giving her the option to stay or go. She eyes the door for a few moments and watches as we all take seats around a large table in the room. Her decision is finally made as she takes the open seat next to Demetri, sitting on the edge with her back straight and hands clasped tightly together.

Demetri warmly smiles at her and asks, "Victoria, Emmett told us what you've been through and what you think about this constable. Your reasoning is sound, but what Emmett hinted at is that you seem to think you're being followed." She stiffens again and Demetri gently places his large hand on top of hers. "Hey, it's okay," he murmurs. "We're all friends and want to help." She looks at him and then everyone else around the table.

I have to know, "Victoria, is it Apep? Is he here?"

Her shoulders slump and she takes a calming breath before she answers, "No, not that I've seen. It's someone else. When I first saw him I thought he looked familiar, as if I might have seen him around where I used to live or work in Texas. But, it can't be. He's just a man I saw when I first arrived here. I didn't see him for a few months or so. Lately, it seems he keeps popping up regularly around the café and I thought I saw him two days ago by my apartment house."

Rose softly inquires, "Can you describe him?" And she does - short to medium height, slim and scrawny, greasy dark hair and shifty dark eyes.

Demetri looks annoyed as he huffs, "It could be anyone, but it also describes Eric Yorkie."

Rose hits the table hard with her fist making everyone jump in our seats as we all look at her. "I swear, Eric Yorkie is becoming the bane of my existence."

"Rose, we don't know that it's even him. It would be…" Shaking her head furiously disagreeing, she doesn't let me finish my sentence.

"I know it's him. Call it intuition or gut instinct. It's him," she argues. "He was on Edward's jury, so he's been a resident in the Houston area." She ticks one finger in the air. "His landlord informed me he called New Orleans home and he seems to be involved with the Maria woman from Jasper's case." Flicking two more fingers in the air. "And now he might be following Victoria?" Her fourth finger makes an appearance and Rose's expression is a combination of rage and confusion. "I want to know what's going on. We're missing something. Is he the murderer? Does Apep know and is that the connection? Is Apep protecting him?"

No one answers her questions and I'm having trouble with the idea of Yorkie being the actual murderer and being on the jury sentencing an innocent man to cover his tracks. The idea sends shivers up my spine. Why would Apep be protecting him if he knew? What would he gain? How does Banner/Biers fit into the equation? Under whose orders were the letters to the Warden for Edward's demise from? Apep, Yorkie or Banner himself? Or is there a fourth player?

"Shit! If it's him, we need to get you out of there now, Victoria. You can stay with me. Or we can find you another place," Demetri offers. "I promise, I'll keep you safe." Then as an afterthought adds, "Although, I insist you not return to work. If it's Yorkie, he will follow you. Is that a problem?"

She vigorously shakes her head, no. "I need to get my things though," she quietly asserts.

"Demetri, do you mind if we take Victoria back to your place? Rose, Charlotte and Peter can keep her company, while you and I go to her place and get her things." Demetri nods, but Victoria looks uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Victoria, I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but if it is this weasel Yorkie and he's there, he would recognize everyone else. From what I understand, he's never met Demetri and I've never seen him." I try to sound reasonable, but she still looks unsettled. Then it dawns on me what her concern might be. "If it makes you feel better, I've lived with two women and I know about all kinds of unmentionables. Nothing will bother me and I promise just to empty the drawers as impersonally as possible."

With her head bowed and her cheeks flaming as bright as her hair, she nods again. Once she conquered her embarrassment, she spoke softly, "By the bed there is a floor vent. When you pull up the cover, it looks like the vent goes straight down, but there is a side vent. In it is a bag that I hide my money in." She looks between Demetri and me, two men that's she's never met and is now trusting with her life and savings, too. I can understand her anxiousness in asking, "Will you please bring it to me?"

Demetri squeezes her hands. "You have nothing to worry about, Victoria. What's yours is yours. We just want to retrieve it for you," he gently reassures her. Rose and Charlotte watch closely as Demetri comforts Victoria. Then they look at each other with little Cheshire cat grins. I look at Peter and he shrugs his shoulders at the two women. Makes me wonder if they are setting up a matchmaking service. By the look on Demetri's face, I don't think they need any help at all.

~ J *+* D ~

"Economy, prudence, and a simple life are the sure masters of need, and will often accomplish that which, their opposites, with a fortune at hand, will fail to do."

~ Clara Barton ~

Alice

We've settled into our new Whitlock/Masen hideout. I laugh at the term when you consider the fact that this is not a hole in the wall shack in the middle of nowhere. But it's what Peter has proclaimed it, so that's what it's known as. The house is a mansion by my estimation. It's over the top in décor and extravagances. It made me feel as if I should be reclining on a fainting couch with one arm thrown over my head; men standing around me with fans gently stirring the breeze; others massaging my feet and a bell in one hand with servants waiting to cater to my every whim. I laugh to myself because I've combined a picture of Cleopatra I once saw in all her decadent glory and a southern woman with a case of the vapors.

Jasper's and my bedroom is majestic in size, trimmed in gaudy gilt wherever possible. The whole house is ostentatious and I was afraid to touch anything. The only thing I could appreciate was the bed. Maybe not the bed itself, but how Jasper and I lose ourselves in each other in it. Yes, I really enjoy the bed with the goose down mattress that you sink into and how Jasper sinks into me. Then again I loved the rustic charm and hard mattress at the cabin and how Jasper was rough one moment and so gentle the next.

However, the bed I want for life is in the master bedroom located on his plantation. It is framed in history, an antique family heirloom that has witnessed many generations of Whitlocks. Its mattress is comfortable and could speak of Jasper's and my most intimate moments. Jasper had never used the bed before for anything but sleeping. In fact, I learned I was the first and, hopefully, the only woman he ever brought home with any type of romantic feelings. And though it hasn't been that long ago since that night, every day he's told me he loves me. I swoon just thinking about those words leaving his lips.

I wasn't swooning a few days back though. Our welcoming committee included not only Charlotte and Peter, but also Emmett and Rose. It was so good to see all of them again. Well maybe not Peter.

~ J *+* D ~

When we arrived, he greeted Jasper first. His greeting to me was a loudly blurted, "You had sex!" I gasped, mortified by his bold proclamation and without thinking, I kicked him in the shin. He muttered a low, "Ouch," grinning at me as he bent down to rub his shin.

Jasper laughed and quietly snickered in my ear, "Told you."

I would have stormed off, if it weren't for the fact that when Peter glanced over at Edward and Bella his words stopped me in my tracks. "And you two! You've had sex, too!" Stunned and disbelieving, I turned around to see Edward with a wicked grin gracing his lips and Bella's face livid in embarrassment, her eyes shooting fire. Peter was a fool to forget about her lightning quick reactions and stunned when she delivered a sweet uppercut to his chin, instantly erasing his grin as his head rocked back.

Edward quickly wrapped his arms around Bella's waist from behind, pinning her arms to her sides, as he pulled her back against him, preventing her from doing any further damage. Jasper's eyes widened at how fast Bella, and then Edward, reacted. Next he was laughing his fool head off at actually getting to witness Bella in action. I was still trying to wrap my head around the idea of Edward and Bella being intimate together. I had noticed the string tied around both their wedding ring fingers and I assumed it was a promise ring of sorts.

I'm brought back from my musings with everyone's giggles or chuckles – except for Peter and Bella. He was rubbing his jaw and heatedly glaring at Bella. Bella was angry as a grizzly bear and matched his glare. I can't say Edward was helping matters though. He was still holding her back, planting little kisses on her cheek, shoulder or head, encouraging the standoff by calling her his champ, winner or hero, all the while smirking and keeping his eyes on Peter. Even though Edward was teasing, playing devil's advocate, I had no doubt in my mind if Peter so much as flinched a muscle the wrong way, Edward would pull her behind him and protect her to the end.

Of course, Peter was getting more irritated, but in the end, Bella won the stare down when Peter looked away first. Bella turned to hide her blazing red face into Edward's chest.

Esme remarked with a grin, "You never learned to think before you speak, did you Peter?"

Peter turned his gaze on Esme. You could see another comment was fast forming, "Hell, I know you have sex. Our room was right next to yours and you two go at it like rabbits." He chortled and then immediately stepped away from Esme's raised brows.

"Good, I'm glad you heard that. Maybe you learned something and Charlotte will benefit from it." Carlisle's comment surprised all of us into open-mouthed gasps, followed by delighted sniggering.

Peter looked affronted and was ready to retort, when Charlotte cut him off as she piped in, "He learned that new move because of you, Carlisle? Well then, I for one, thank you!"

"Hey, I…" Peter tried to defend himself, but we all were laughing so hard and loud, he couldn't finish his sentence. When we did calm down, he grumbled, "I knew how to please my wife before you came along, Carlisle."

"Sure, sure you did," Carlisle teased, patting him on the back. Luckily, Peter gave up on the topic of sex.

~ J *+* D ~

The first evening we arrived was spent catching up with each other and meeting the infamous Demetri and a subdued, pretty woman named Victoria. We all thanked him profusely for his help in finding the house and sending Nettie. We caught everyone up to speed on things they hadn't known, regarding the Warden, the bank heist, etc.

What Peter lacked in verbal skills, he made up for in phenomenal organizational abilities. Not long after we arrived, he took off for the Western Union station. He knew Seth would be anxious to know us girls were safe and well. For that I was most grateful.

The house was in a beautiful, quiet area of New Orleans. It was fully stocked with food, beverages, bathing supplies, etc. Peter also covered the personal amenities, such as the two boxes of condoms and a jar of lubricant I found in the bedside table.

I was snickering as I came out of my room and saw Bella coming out of hers. She asked what was so funny and I mentioned what I found. Bella returned to her room for a looksee. She came back chuckling and confirmed it was the same in her room. Esme caught us laughing on the landing and asked the same. She, too, investigated and found the same stockpile. Charlotte joined our little hen party and admitted it was Peter. He wanted to make sure no one had a need that wasn't taken care of before we arrived.

According to Charlotte, Peter decided, "We don't know how long we'll be in hiding here and I wouldn't put it past Jasper to send me out in the middle of the night to get condoms." I was thrilled to have the extra supplies, but I wasn't going to thank him. Not after his words of welcome.

Another thing Peter prepared was the War Room, as he affectionately called it. He had moved a large table into the study, stocked it with detailed maps of downtown New Orleans and others showing the surrounding areas, paper and pens. We all convened for our first meeting in the War Room after supper. With Demetri's help, Jasper and Peter pinned down the location of Maria's new still and her other businesses. It was Jasper's intent to bring Maria down. It was while they were deciding on how achieve the 'Revenge Is Powerful' or 'RIP Maria' plan that Carlisle asked, "What are you going to do with Maria after you raid her home?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Jasper, now wondering the same thing. "I'll be honest, when I was first sent to prison, I wanted revenge in the simplest form. If I had been given the chance, I would have killed her. She not only took me down, but she tried to take out Peter and Charlotte, too. I was that angry and vindictive." He looked at everyone in the room, letting us absorb the brutal honesty of his words.

He lowered his eyes and lightly chuckled, "Then I met Preacher Man." His eyes shot up to Edward's and they seemed to have a silent conversation. "I watched him take everything that was dealt him. He didn't complain, except for the first time." Jasper and Edward share a smile.

Edward shakes his head and mumbles, "Crowley."

"Yeah, Crowley. The first man to whip you. The man who was ready to take you out in the courtyard after the Rooster and Miner incident. The man, who later apologized to you. The same man who killed Lahote. In the end, the very same man who saved your life." Jasper tilts his head to the side and glances at all of us. I heard Bella gasp and I realize I had never looked at the bottom line before and it was the truth. All of us had a part to play in the rescue of Jasper and Edward. If Crowley hadn't killed Lahote, Edward would be dead and possibly Jasper, too. It was a sobering thought.

"Preacher Man here didn't try to, but he led by example. His quiet strength and the will power to endure what was handed to him not only earned him the respect of prisoners, but prison guards, and even reformed some of the hard core ones. I learned it wouldn't improve my life or ease my mind if I killed Maria. Does she deserve it? She might, but not by my hand. It's not my right to pass that harsh judgment. We all survived the day." He looked at Peter and Charlotte and they both agreed.

Jasper lets a slow smile curl around his mouth when he looks at Carlisle, "Do I seek revenge? Absolutely, and I will see it done. But therein lies the rub. If she stays here in New Orleans, she has friends who could very well come after us and we can't afford to let that happen." Jasper shakes his head. "Somehow we need to get her far away from New Orleans."

Bella's eyes swing to mine with a mischievous grin. Who do we know who could take Maria away? Bella mouths the word, "pirate." And then it clicks. John, John Ashley! I squeal and Bella laughs out loud. Without a word, I get up from my seat and run out of the War Room and up the stairs to my room. I find my book, Huckleberry Finn, retracing my steps back to the War Room.

"I know who could help take care of Maria! John Ashley is the man I met when I was a runaway. He's known as the Swamp Bandit. He's a pirate and a rumrunner. He told me if I ever needed help to contact him. We could see if he's willing to help and if he'd take Maria off our hands. Maybe he could set her up on a deserted island? She wouldn't be able to harm or use anyone else. Maybe Laura, his wife, has need of a housekeeper or something? I'm sure they would help," I excitedly ramble.

"You're positive he wouldn't kill her even if he agreed not to, on their way out of town?" Carlisle asks.

"Unless Maria did something stupid to hurt Laura or his family or friends, I can't see John doing that. He helped a young runaway when he could have done all sorts of other not so nice things – including murder. He's a man of his word. According to him, 'There is honor among thieves,' and he said it applies to murderers and pirates, too," I assure him.

Carlisle mulls over the idea and finally sighs, "Let's hope you're right."

Jasper pulls me onto his lap and tightly hugs me. "Peter can take you to Western Union tomorrow and you can send a wire. We'll take it from there."

~ J *+* D ~

After we left the War Room, the rest of the evening was spent in pleasant conversations. Rose mentioned that she and Emmett needed to head back to Houston and both of them shot furtive looks at Edward. He seems to have missed or ignored them, but both Bella and I saw it. Bella looked at Edward and then she, too, looked down and missed the looks that were thrown her way. Peter abruptly announces everyone needed to get going and Charlotte is fidgeting. What the hell was going on!

Within two minutes, Edward and Bella exchanged goodbyes, nice to make your acquaintances and good nights to everyone and left the room. Soon after Peter, Charlotte, Esme and Carlisle also retired for the evening.

Rose asks the rest of us to return to the War Room, stating she needs to talk to Jasper. Once we're all in and had taken our seats, Rose shuts and locks the door behind her. This is very strange and extremely uncomfortable. We quietly wait for Rose to speak.

However, it's Emmett who does, asking Jasper, "Do you remember James de Sade?"

Jasper was trying to figure out the reason behind the question as he took his time in answering. "Yeah, he was my first cell mate. Why?"

Victoria's eyes well with tears, but she valiantly tries to hold them back.

Rose explains who James was to Victoria; that she is on the run and was possibly being followed by Eric Yorkie.

I knew about Jasper's first cell mate and how Jasper was determined to protect Edward. My first thought was, she needs closure and Jasper can give it to her. I glanced quickly at Jasper and he held my gaze for a moment. I swear that man can read my mind because he slightly nodded and gave his attention to the softly weeping Victoria.

Reaching across the table, he captured her hand in his as he spoke gently to her. "I didn't know James very well, Victoria. I had just arrived at the prison and he was barely surviving. But what I do remember about him is he never stopped thinking of you. When he would talk, it was always about you. He told me how much you loved him and he knew you were staying true. I know you were the only thing on his mind and he loved you deeply."

She didn't ask how he died as I might have done and Jasper didn't offer her an explanation. Tears freely run down her face, but a lovely smile appears as she whispers, "Thank you, Jasper. Thank you for your kind words."

Jasper and I both offer to let her stay with us. Emmett shakes his head, no. "I don't like the idea. There are too many loose ends that need to be tied together. Demetri spotted Yorkie in a vehicle with binoculars aimed at her window as we were leaving Victoria's building. He's tailing her, but on whose orders? He's supposedly now with Maria. I don't want the gang found or to act irrationally."

"What aren't you telling us?" Jasper quietly asks.

"It has to do with Edward's case. We're putting the pieces together, but we can't discuss it right now," Rose quickly interjects.

"Why were you looking at Bella strangely?" I demand. What would she have to do with Edward's case?

"We weren't," Emmett huffs.

"Yes, you were!" I know what I saw.

"Again, it's something we can't talk about yet. It's complicated and we've learned so much so quickly that we need to put it together before we explain it to everyone," Rose finally admits. I had to accept it even though it irritated me.

Rose continues, "We need to leave. But you will hear from us soon. I'll find a safe place for you to stay in Houston after you've taken care of your business here."

Jasper and I followed them to the front door. Soon the four of them are saying good night and goodbye. Their leaving was difficult. I wanted answers about what's going on, but I also wanted all of this resolved. I hadn't moved from my position by the door after I locked it. Jasper's arms wrap around me from behind and he whispers in my ear, "Let it go."

"I want to, but there's something important that they aren't telling us and it bothers me," I petulantly mumble.

He hugs me tighter and I can hear the smile in his voice. "I know. You're just going to have to be patient. We'll know when they've completed their puzzle. If they tell us what might be happening and it's wrong, if might devastate one or all of us. Let it go for right now."

I turn around in his arms and raise mine behind his neck. "Make me forget, Jasper." He gently leads me up to our room and he does just that. Over and over again.

~ J *+* D ~

The next morning I wrote: J and L STOP Does your offer stand STOP If available visit me 2125 N Rampart Bywater New Orleans STOP Runaway Alice STOP

Peter looked over the innocuous message and sent it off.

Five days later, much to my surprise, my reply is answered in the physical forms of John and Laura standing at the door. I immediately ushered them in and hugged them both. They're introduced to everyone and learn all about the happenings of the Whitlock/Masen Gang from the time we left Florida. What surprises me is that John escaped from a prison road gang himself and disappeared into the Everglades. The more I learned about him, the more I felt a kinship.

The next day we're all seated in the War Room and Jasper informs them of the 'RIP Maria' plan. We haven't figured out all the details yet, but he tells John that he wants Maria removed from the area. It goes without saying we can't take the chance of her talking.

John asks, "What do you know about her home? Does she have security?"

"From what we've been able to ascertain, she has two security guards and recently had a telephone installed," Jasper quickly answers.

"What about a hurricane shelter?" John wonders.

"She has one in the backyard and a cellar," Peter eagerly replies.

"Seems to me, you need to get the security guards into the shelter. Disable the telephone, and do what you want once you get in. They would be safe if you decide to blow the place up," Laura muses. We all stare at her in awe.

John chuckles and hugs her to him as he kisses the top of her head. "She's one of the best planners you'll ever meet."

She smiles at him and then at the rest of us. "It's what I like to do. Housekeeping, not so much." She shrugs her shoulders and we all laugh with her, because really, how many people enjoy cleaning or laundry?

"What about this Yorkie character?" Laura takes us back to the business at hand.

"From what we've learned, he's a low level man here with the mob. Supposedly, he's Maria's shadow and may be living with her," Jasper explains. "He's involved with Edward's case also and I'm not sure what to do with him yet. We can't bring him here. At least, not for any extended period of time. He could escape and lead the authorities or Mafia to us. We can't have him arrested; he'd recognize me, Peter, Charlotte, Edward and maybe even Carlisle. That would blow our cover."

John looks at Laura and a silent conversation takes place. His gaze returns to us as he offers, "We'll take Maria off your hands with the promise to not kill her." This he says specifically to Carlisle, who nods his head in gratitude. "We'll merely let her loose in the swamps for a few days to teach her a lesson on how you need to play nicely with others." He chuckles as he says, "It's worked well in the past."

"She likes using people so maybe a boat trip will be in order. The men do get awfully lonely and none would have a problem promising her the world only to use and discard her until the next man takes her on and does the same," Laura laughs.

More ideas are discussed and we set a date for three weeks from today to initiate 'RIP Maria.' We spent the rest of the day and the next just getting to know each other better and enjoying each other's company. John and I tell the tale about our initial meeting and how we became friends. John and Laura entertained everyone with stories of their family and living in the swamps of Florida.

All too soon, it was time for them to leave. They needed to get back to their family and deal with details on their end. It was bittersweet to only spend these few days with them, knowing that when next we met, it would be brief as we rendezvoused with Maria. I made a mental note that when this business was completely done, we would invite them back for a celebration.

~ J *+* D ~