Chapter 48 – Tactical Maneuvers

I keep my seat knowing that Judge Verine will probably not let this fly. I also know that if it were me, I'd be objecting the shit out of this little maneuver.

"Objection!" Eleazar exclaims, standing and approaching the bench. "Mr. Masen wasn't on the defense's witness list. The prosecution has not had the opportunity to prepare for this testimony."

"Your honor," Aro says as he too approaches the bench, "I was unaware that I would need to call Mr. Masen until I heard the testimony of the prosecution's witnesses. I believe that Mr. Masen has knowledge that could be of benefit to Mr. Cavanaugh's defense."

"It's prejudicial. Mr. Masen has been present for all previous testimony. He can't testify."

"Nothing that I will ask Mr. Masen will impugn any previously given testimony. I contend that it is not prejudicial. Anyway, the defense intends to petition for Mr. Masen to be treated as a hostile witness."

"This is ridiculous. You can't allow this. It's... it's... it's the fruit of a poisonous tree."

"How is it fruit of a poisonous tree exactly?"

"The source of the testimony is tainted. Anything gained from it will be tainted as well. He's been in the courtroom for all the previous testimony. He's tainted. That's how it's fruit of a poisonous tree."

"Not so. That doctrine is intended to deter police from using illegal means to obtain evidence. Mr. Masen's testimony is no such illegally obtain evidence. The questions I intend to ask are public knowledge."

"Then you have no need to examine Mr. Masen."

"Mr. Masen has intimate knowledge of the public information. His testimony, I believe, will shed light on the reason that we are all here. My client has a right to confront his accuser."

"Mr. Masen is not the accuser."

"I believe that I can prove that he is indeed the accuser."

"He wasn't on the list. He can't testify."

"That would be at the Court's discretion. You may preclude Mr. Masen from testifying, Your Honor, but you also have the ability to allow it. In Crawford v. Washington, the Supreme Court emphasized the right to confront one's accusers could not be taken away."

"Crawford also says that statements by witnesses who do not appear at trial may not be admitted."

"Unless the witness is unavailable. Mr. Masen is definitely available. He's sitting at the back of the courtroom."

"Enough!" Judge Verine says suddenly. "Harry, please take the jury back to the jury room." Judge Verine waits for the jurors to leave the courtroom before he speaks again. "I've read Crawford. I know what it says and both of you are only quoting the parts that you need to support your own arguments. I will not have my courtroom turned into a circus, especially not in front of the jury."

"What's goin' on?" Jasper asks.

"Aro pissed off the judge," Emmett answers.

"You," Judge Verine says, pointing at Aro, "will have an updated witness list to the prosecution before the end of the day. I also suggest that you get a subpoena ready. You will write a brief supporting your argument. I want it on my desk by eight o'clock in the morning. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"And you," he says turning to Eleazar, "will have a motion to preclude the testimony on my desk also by eight o'clock in the morning. I will decide on this ridiculousness tomorrow. Until then, we are adjourned." He pounds his gavel and stands. He pauses for a moment and then turns to face both attorneys. "I don't want to see Crawford quoted once in either of your documents. I've had enough of that one."

"I'm confused," Jasper says, looking back and forth between me and Emmett. "What just happened? Are we done for t'day?"

"Yeah, we're done. But Eleazar will be working tonight," Emmett laughs as he stands.

"What happened?" Jasper asks again.

"Aro tried a tactical maneuver and got it slapped back in his face. Talk about calling foul, right?" Emmett says with a huge grin.

"What?" I ask, completely perplexed.

"I think he's usin' a basketball metaphor, which would be completely lost on the likes o' you," Jasper says. "I still don't know what happened."

"Aro is just trying to rattle my chains. I'll never testify," I answer.

"Are you sure about that?" Eleazar asks as he joins us. "Aro has a junior associate, Cody Roberts, who is called a research machine. I'm sure that he's already working on the brief. I would bet my monthly salary that Aro had him research it and write it yesterday." Eleazar sighs and shakes his head. "Maybe I should apply for a continuance."

"Don't do that," I say to him. "That's what he wants. Right, Emmett?"

"Yeah, he's trying to get to us. Let him submit the brief and the new witness list. It won't do him any good. Judge Verine is a smart guy. He's already seen through Aro's game. I say write the motion and wait for the new list."

"I doubt I'll see a subpoena tonight," I say with a smile. "I agree with Emmett; write the motion. Then start working on your closing arguments." I slap Eleazar on the shoulder. "Just think of it this way. If he's trying to rattle our chains, then what are we doing to his?"

"I'm still confused as hell," Jasper whines as he pushes past us. "You lawyers are all nuts."

Emmett, Jasper, and I exit the courtroom. Bella rushes toward me. "What's going on?" she asks.

"Aro tried something and the judge was a little miffed. It's not a big deal. We're done until in the morning." I try to guide her toward the elevators.

She digs in her heels and says, "Uh uh, Edward, tell me what happened."

I turn to Emmett and Jasper for help. Emmett walks back to the courtroom doors to wait for Rosalie. He won't even look at me... asshole. Jasper still has a confused expression on his face. He shrugs at me over Alice's head and then shakes his head. I'm on my own with this one.

I take a breath and frown. "Aro called me to testify."

"What? Can he do that?" she asks frantically.

"Not usually," I answer. "It's really at the court's discretion, but it's atypical. I doubt I'll ever take the stand in this case." Worry lines cross her forehead. "It's nothing to worry about, really. Judge Verine asked for a brief from Aro and a motion from Eleazar. He'll consider both arguments in the morning and render his decision. I told Eleazar to start working on his closing arguments, because I think we'll be hearing those tomorrow and not my testimony."

"Why would he call you? What could he possibly ask you? We didn't even know each other when... it happened. I don't understand," Bella says.

"This is exactly why he's doing it. He wants to upset us... make us worry unnecessarily. It's the only weapon he has. He's lost and he knows it. He's grasping at straws." I take her in my arms and kiss the top of her head. "Don't you see that he's running scared? We have him. It's a tactical move that's going to bite him in the ass." I pull back to look into her eyes. "I'm not worried. He won't subpoena me. He won't get me on the stand."

"Are you sure?" she asks as she looks at me skeptically.

"The only thing that I've ever been sure of is my love for you." Her forehead furrows. "No, I'm not positive, but I know that Judge Verine is an intelligent man. I trust him to make a good and fair decision." She still doesn't look convinced. I sigh. "If I do have to testify, the only thing he can ask about is the Webber case and maybe our relationship. I've been in there for everyone's testimony. It would be prejudicial to ask about any of that."

"Then why did he call ya an accuser?" Jasper asks... not helping.

I turn and give him my best 'shut-up' look. I look down to see Bella waiting for my answer. "I guess because of our relationship... Bella and me. He's already alluded that the only reason James was charged is because I have some vendetta against him. Maybe Aro wants to connect our relationship and that imagined vendetta. I really don't know how it would help his case at all."

Rosalie, Emmett and Eleazar join us. Rosalie says, "I agree. I think your testimony would actually hurt his case. Aro is just trying to get a rise out of us. We're going to let one of the other ADAs work on the motion while Eleazar and I get our shit together for the closing."

"Hey," Eleazar says, do you want to help?"

"Um, I don't know." I look down at Bella. "I think I'll just go home with Bella and Charlie tonight."

Bella gives me a knowing smile. "You want to help, don't you?"

Yes. "No, love, I should go home with you guys."

"I think that I can take care of her tonight, Edward, if they need your help," Charlie says as he and my mother approach us.

"I can take them to dinner," my mother says. She turns and gives Charlie a look that makes me uncomfortable for some unknown reason. "I would love to get to know my future in-laws better."

One of my eyebrows goes up involuntarily. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Of course not, dear," my mother says as she steps forward to kiss my cheek. "We just know that you miss this. You should go and help. They need you. Right, Rosalie?"

"Not... ow!" Rosalie says as Emmett elbows her. She turns and shoves him hard. "That hurt, you big ape."

"Yes, they need you, dude. I'll even stick around and offer my two cents. Okay, Rosie?" Emmett says as he tries to wrap his arm around Rosalie.

"Don't even think about it," she hisses as she steps out of his reach. Emmett laughs at her reaction and then reaches over and touches her shoulder, teasingly.

"Jerk," Rosalie says as she rubs her arm and glares at Emmett. "If we're going to work on it then we need to leave now. Jerkface here can be the gopher and 'go for' dinner." She motions to Emmett and then turns to my mother and says with much sarcasm, "Thank you so much for saddling me with both of them." She turns and starts to walk away, but not before muttering, "Just what we need tonight; two juvenile delinquents with law degrees and too much free time."

I pull Bella to me and kiss her more deeply than is socially appropriate. I can't help myself. I haven't been any more than a room away from her since the trial started. The thought of her leaving without me makes my chest ache.

I lean down and touch my forehead to hers. "I'll miss you," I whisper.

"I know; I'll miss you too, but there's work to be done. I'll be fine. Dad and Elizabeth will take care of me. Go have some fun." She pulls back and the ache in my chest intensifies.

"I love you, Bella."

"I love you, too." She turns and walks away with her father, my mother Alice and Jasper.

I have a very difficult time suppressing the urge to follow them. I watch as they step into the elevator and disappear from view. I'm still glued to the spot when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I look at the caller ID and see 'CYNT' on the screen.

"Cynthia!" I exclaim. "Where have you been? What's going on?"

"I have extremely good news. Is everyone there?" she asks.

"No, it's just me. Bella and the others have left for dinner. I'm supposed to go up to Eleazar's office to help him and Rosalie with closing arguments. Emmett is helping too. What's up?" I ask as I start for the bank of elevators that lead to the district attorneys' offices.

"Hmm," she starts, "I really wanted everyone to hear this at the same time."

"Sorry," I say as I push the 'up' button. "Do you want to wait until later? Maybe Eleazar can call Bella on the speakerphone in his office. I know she has her phone with her. You could meet us here and we could call her."

"I don't want to leave just yet," she says. "I can tell you now and you can decide if you want to spread the news or let me have the honor in the morning."

"Tell me," I say.

"The police have a warrant to arrest Connor Cavanaugh and several of his associates for harassment and attempted murder. The guy that Ted and the boys cornered finally broke and admitted everything. He named names and said that he wasn't going down alone. Don't look for Connor to be in the courtroom in the morning. Ted convinced them to pick him up first thing tomorrow so that he wouldn't be out on bond in time to make it to the trial," she says with a giggle in her voice.

I almost yell out with joy. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Not lately," she giggles. "I thought you'd be excited. The police are going to pick up the other dirtbags tonight and hold them in protective custody. The guy we have now, whose name is Scotty by the way, is afraid for his life and wants police protection. He's given up names, addresses, places to find evidence... you name it, but he's afraid that if Connor or any of the Cavanaughs find out that he talked, they'll kill him."

"If he gets a good attorney, they'll ask for immunity or at least a really good plea bargain." The elevator dings and the doors open. "This is great news, Cynt. Thank you so much. Tell Ted that I love him too and I owe him a steak dinner. You guys are the best."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." I can hear her eyes roll. "Go prepare. I'll call you if I get any more news."

I disconnect the call and ride the elevator to the eighth floor. I almost sprint to the conference room. I can't wait to tell them the latest news.

I burst through the door and say, "Can you call Bella on the land line and put it on speaker, please?"

"What's wrong?" Rosalie asks.

"Nothing; just call Bella... please." Rosalie turns the phone on the table around and dials Bella's cell number. It rings three times before she answers.

"Hello?" She doesn't recognize the number.

"Bella, love, it's Edward."

"Hi, honey. Where are you? Am I on speaker phone?"

"Yes, I have some news. Who is with you?" I ask.

"My dad, your mom, Alice, Jasper... why? What news?" she asks, confused.

"Switch your phone to speaker, okay?"

"Edward..."

"It's good news and I want everyone to hear it."

"Okay." I suddenly hear the back ground noise of a restaurant. "It's on speaker. What news?"

"I just got off the phone with Cynthia. The police are arresting Connor Cavanaugh in the morning."

I arrive home after ten o'clock tonight to find Bella asleep on the couch. She's partially covered with a blanket, but she's shifted enough that her pajama shirt has ridden up on one side. I can see the scar that she tried so hard to hide from me the first time we made love. I run my finger softly along its length. She stirs slightly and frowns as she pulls her shirt down to cover it. Slowly her face softens again as she drifts back into deep slumber. I find myself not wanting to wake her. I want to watch her sleep. When she isn't having a nightmare, she seems to be truly at peace in her sleep.

I sit on the coffee table; my eyes never leaving her face. She sighs and a sweet smile ghosts across her lips. I've never wanted to be in her mind more than at this moment. To know her thoughts; to know what she's dreaming, but I don't have the ability. I reach out to brush an errant strand of hair from her face. She whispers, "Edward," and my heart lurches in my chest.

Is she dreaming of me? Does she know that I'm here? I kneel down at the side of the couch and cup her cheek with my hand. She sighs again and leans her face into my hand. "Love you," she whispers.

It's more than my heart can stand. I lean in and brush my lips to hers. The intoxicating scent of Bella, all strawberries and vanilla, invades my senses. I lean in and kiss her again; deeper this time. She stirs and slowly opens her eyes.

"Hi," she says as she takes my hand. "How long have you been home?"

"Not long," I lie. I don't want her to know that I've been sitting here staring at her for the last fifteen minutes like a love-sick, teenage boy. "You looked peaceful."

"I was dreaming of you," she replies, biting her lip.

I smile and say, "Care to elaborate?"

"Not with my dad asleep upstairs."

My eyebrows rise with surprise. "You could always show me," I press.

She smiles and says, "Again, not with my dad asleep upstairs."

"I can be really quiet," I say as I lean in to kiss her neck on the spot that I know drives her crazy.

"No, you can't," she says with a giggle, "and neither can I."

Her voice is protesting, but her body is betraying her. She reaches behind me and wraps her hand around my neck as she pulls me closer to her. Our lips meet and she moans into my mouth; driving me insane. I pull back to take off my tie. She begins to unbutton my shirt.

I hover over her and whisper, "Do you want to continue this upstairs?"

"Remember Charlie?" she asks. "He's up there, just across the hall... asleep. Anyway, I think that the couch could be just as entertaining as the bed." She pulls me into another kiss.

My inner teenage boy is screaming to get out. I struggle to remain the responsible adult that I'm supposed to be. "Love, I don't have any protection down here. I'll at least need to go upstairs and get something." She takes off her shirt and Mr. Responsible almost loses the battle with Mr. Hormonal Teen. I moan. "Bella, you are not making this easy."

"I was actually trying to make it quite hard," she says with a coy smile.

Where did this sexy vamp come from? "Wow, what have you done with my Bella."

She bites her lip and smiles shyly. "Too much?"

"No, it's just surprising." I sit back on the arm of the couch and pull her on top of me. "I think I like it, but it doesn't change the fact that I'll have to go upstairs if we want to continue this."

"Go upstairs then," she says as she attacks my mouth again.

I reluctantly pull back and say, "I'll be right back... don't move." I take one last look at her exposed breasts, shake all over with excitement and then sprint upstairs.

I go immediately to our bedroom and retrieve a condom from the bedside table. I exit the room and run directly into my future father-in-law. "Charlie!"

"Is everything okay?" he asks as he looks me up and down. I suddenly realize that I am standing in front of the man with whom I plan on spending the next fifty or so Christmases, with a very prominent erection, an unbuttoned shirt, and a condom in one hand.

"Um, yeah, everything's fine." I quickly put the hand with the condom behind my back. "Are... you... alright?" I feel Little Eddie making a fast retreat.

"Thought I might go down and get a glass of milk," he says as he steps past me and starts for the stairs.

"I can get it for you," I say quickly.

"Nah, that's okay. I can get it myself." His foot hits the first step.

"Really, I don't mind. I can bring it right back up to your room. Like room service at a hotel." I try to push past him to get downstairs first, but he stops me.

"This isn't a hotel," he says as he looks at me suspiciously. "Is there something downstairs that I'm not supposed to see?" He smiles at me and I feel my whole body turn tomato red.

I sheepishly look down at the floor. "Kind of." I have never been so embarrassed in my life.

Charlie smiles and shakes his head. "Put it in the microwave for about fifteen seconds. I'll be in my room. Tell Bells I said 'good-night.'" He turns and goes back into his room.

I watch him until he closes his bedroom door and then I drop my chin to my chest and finally start to breathe again. I can't believe that just happened. I slowly descend the stairs. I glance over at Bella as she sits up; still topless.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

I walk into the kitchen and open the refrigerator to get the milk. Bella is standing... topless... at the bar as I close the door. "I ran into your dad upstairs." I sit the milk on the counter and drop the condom next to it as I turn to get a glass from the cabinet. When I turn back around, I can tell that Bella is trying very hard to not laugh. "What's so funny?" I ask as I pour Charlie a glass of milk.

"You're embarrassed," she says.

"Yes," I say as I turn to put the glass of milk in the microwave. I turn back around and pick up the container of milk. "Please put your shirt back on." I put the milk back into the refrigerator.

"Why?" she asks.

"Seriously?" Does she really have to ask? I put my hands on the counter and lean over so that I can say in a loud whisper, "I just literally ran into your father upstairs... with a condom in my hand. He's awake and waiting for his glass of warm milk. Little Eddie has gone to bed for the night." I turn back to retrieve the milk from the microwave. "I have never been so mortified in my life."

I can hear Bella giggling to herself as she walks back to the living room. Thankfully, she puts on her shirt. She returns to the bar and reaches out her hand. "Give it to me. I'll take it to him." I hand it to her and she starts for the stairs. She stops with one foot on the bottom stair. "You know, he isn't stupid. We live together; we sleep in the same bed. He knows that we have sex."

"Not ten minutes go you were trying to make me stop because he's upstairs," I remind her.

"I was teasing you. It doesn't bother me that he's upstairs... or in the next room for that matter. You're being a prude."

I stare at her like she's an alien. "You wouldn't understand," I finally say.

"Explain it to me," she counters.

"If it were my little girl, I'd beat the shit out of the bastard that was boning her. It's a father thing," I explain.

"I'm not a little girl and Charlie knows that. Give him some credit. I'll meet you upstairs," she says as she starts to ascend the stairs again. "Bring the condom," she says a little too loudly for my comfort.

I take a deep breath and try to regain some of my shattered dignity. I look down at the condom. She has got to be kidding. There's no way. I won't be able to get it up... not with her dad awake in the next room. It was different when he was asleep and we were downstairs. I pick up the small plastic package and shove it in the pocket of my trousers. I think back to a half naked Bella on the couch and I feel Little Eddie twitch. I start for the stairs.

Suddenly I have these completely inappropriate thoughts of the different things that we'll have to do to wake Little Eddie up again. My trudge up the stairs begins to quicken. As I round the corner I hear Bella say 'Good-night, Dad' as she closes his bedroom door.

She sees me and says, "Did you bring the condom?" I smile and pull it from my pocket. She smiles wide and says, "Good," as she leads me into our bedroom.

"What about the couch?"

"Next time," she says as she closes the door. She stops just inside the room and removes her shirt. I think back to a time when she wouldn't be this exposed in front of me because of her scar. I smile at the thought that she's become so comfortable in herself and in me to remove her shirt. "What?" she asks. I shake my head and shrug out of my own shirt.

She reaches out and takes my belt in her hands. She unbuckles it and then unbuttons my pants. She slides down the zipper. Little Eddie springs forward through the fabric of my boxers. "I thought he'd gone to bed for the night."

"He's still dozing a bit," I reply.

She brushes her hand along his length. "Yes, he is." She pulls him from the constraints of my shorts. "I guess I'll have to wake him." She wraps her tiny hand around the shaft and slowly strokes him.

I moan and throw back my head. "Feels good," I whisper.

Bella removes her hand and lowers herself to her knees as she pulls my pants and underwear down to my ankles. "Bella..." I begin to protest as she runs her tongue up my cock. "You don't have to..." I always feel a little bad when she does this. She takes him in her mouth, effectively shutting mine.

She sucks and strokes until Little Eddie is at full attention. I pull her up and kiss her. "God, that felt too good," I tell her as I step out of my pants and walk with her to the bed. I lie down and rip open the condom. She takes off her pajama pants before she straddles me. She takes the condom from my hand and begins rolling it down onto me. She sits up slightly and then slowly slides back down; encasing me in her wet warmth. She slowly begins to ride me as I reach up and rub her breasts.

She leans over me and slides her knees back. I love it when she does this. The slight shift makes me go deeper. I moan a little too loudly. She covers my mouth with hers. I feel her tongue run across my lips as she begins to ride faster.

"Bella... Bella, I'm getting close."

She kisses me again and then says, "Me too." Our mouths meet again as we both climax. The only thing keeping me from screaming in ecstasy is her mouth on mine.

She collapses on my chest. I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head. We lay like this for several minutes, until I feel Little Eddie beginning his retreat. I nudge her gently and say, "I have to get up and do a little clean-up. I'm sorry."

She smiles and says, "I know." She rolls off me onto her side. She props her head up with her hand.

"Damn, you're sexy," I say as I get out of the bed.

She giggles and shakes her head. I go into the bathroom to clean up and dispose of the 'evidence.' When I walk back out, I see that Bella has picked up our discarded clothes, folded them, and placed them neatly in her rocking chair. She's lying in the bed... still naked. I shrug and crawl... naked... into the bed with her. I reach over and turn off the light before I take her in my arms.

"How did it go tonight?" she asks.

"Well, I ended up helping with the motion. The guy they gave it to is new; he's inexperienced. He needed the help. We got it done and the courier will take it to the judge first thing in the morning."

"What happened with Cynthia's guy? You didn't really elaborate."

"Apparently, the police kept coming at him until he broke. He said that he wasn't going down alone and spilled his guts. They're holding him without bond for his own safety. He's afraid that Connor will have him killed when he finds out; which will be in the morning." I can't help but feel some satisfaction at this thought. "They're going to arrest him and his goons right before the trial is supposed to start so that he won't be in the courtroom."

"I don't understand. Why does it matter if he's there or not?" she asks.

"It's to rattle James' and Aro's chains; like they've tried to rattle ours." I pause as I try to think of a way to help her understand. "It's a tactical maneuver."

"I see. How did you get the police to go along with it?"

"Cynthia has connections," I say with a smile.

"Hmm, you gotta love Cynthia," Bella says as she drifts off to sleep.

Bella, Charlie and I arrive at the courthouse at nine o'clock the next morning. I've been having a difficult time looking at Charlie all morning. Any time our eyes meet he smirks and shakes his head. Bella thinks it's hilarious. I'm thankfully granted a reprieve when my mother arrives. She and Charlie retreat to their corner and begin talking. I watch them and wonder why their apparent friendship makes me uncomfortable.

"They're getting along well," Cynthia says as she comes up behind me and places a hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah."

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"I don't know. It just makes me... uncomfortable." I turn to face her. "Why is that?"

"Do you want the truth or do you want me to lie to you?"

"I don't know. Will I like the truth?"

"Probably not, but there's really nothing you can do about it. I can lie to you if you want; just to make you feel better," she says.

"No you won't," I say, flatly.

"You're right; I won't." I motion for her to tell me. "They like each other."

I roll my eyes at her obviousness. "No shit," I say as a turn back to stare at them again. "I had already figured that one out."

"No, moron, they like each other... a lot."

"What?" I look back at Cynthia with disbelief. "No. They're not each other's type."

"How do you know what their types are?" she asks.

I cock my head to the side as I think about this question. I look at the two of them deep in their own conversation; oblivious to the rest of us. I realize that I don't know what type of man my mother would be interested in. I've only ever seen her with my father and that was a disaster. Maybe Charlie is her type. I shake my head and turn back to Cynthia. "No. That's... no." I shake my head and walk to where Bella is standing with Alice and Jasper. Cynthia follows me... laughing.

"What's got'cha all tickled, Miss Cynthia?" Jasper asks.

"Oh, just Edward's reaction to finding out that he's not the only Masen in love with a Swan."

"They are not in love," I emphasize to her and everyone else.

"He's told me that he thinks she's a 'remarkable woman,'" Bella says.

"And you'd be okay with it?"

"Yes. I love your mother. If she makes him happy and he makes her happy, then why not," Bella says with a smile.

"The whole world has gone insane," I mutter. "You wouldn't find it weird?"

"Maybe a little, but he's a grown man. What am I supposed to do; forbid him to see your mom?" Bella pokes me in the chest. "Your inner prude is showing... again."

The doors of the courtroom open and Judge Verine's clerk comes out. "The judge has made his decision." I kiss Bella and start for the door. Jasper follows me in and we take our seats.

Aro is standing at the defense table looking out into the gallery. Our eyes meet and he smiles. His smile always makes my skin crawl.

"He seems ta be lookin' fer someone," Jasper drawls.

I smile and nod. Rosalie and Eleazar enter from the side door of the courtroom. A few moments later Emmett appears at my side. He taps my knee with his cane and says, "Scoot over."

I sigh and shake my head before Jasper and I scoot down the bench. Emmett knows I like to sit on the aisle. Judge Verine enters and we all stand. He motions for us to take our seats.

"I've read your brief, Mr. Anastas. You make a compelling argument. I understand your point of view. You're right it would be at my discretion.

"I've also read your motion, Mr. Vasquez. Brilliantly written. I also can see your point of view on the matter."

He takes the stack of papers that he brought in with him and straightens them before handing them to his clerk. "I've made my decision." He turns to look at Aro. Judge Verine smiles as he says, "I'm sorry, Mr. Anastas, but I just don't think I'm going to let you question Mr. Masen today."

Aro stands and says, "I would like the record to show that the defense objects."

"So noted," Judge Verine says. "Harry, bring in the jury."

"Why did he object? What good does it do?" Jasper asks.

"He's preserving it for appeal," I reply.

The jury enters and Judge Verine addresses Aro again, "Do you have any other witnesses you'd like to call?"

Aro shakes his head no and says, "The defense rests."

"Well then, I hope you both have your closing arguments ready."