It's Sunday morning, and I'm cleaning my apartment before Leah moves in. In a stroke of luck, she's been looking for an apartment with more space, which allowed me to sublet to her without breaking my leasing contract. I'm also sorting and packing up the last of my things, getting them ready to be sent over to Edward's.
I stop and chastise myself. I still haven't completely registered that it's now our place. He'd have a cow if he heard me still referring to it as his.
I want to show him that I'm as invested as he is, not just in co-habiting, but also in our relationship. I realize that to do that, I need to start opening up to him about my thoughts and feelings.
That God-awful nightmare was just that, a nightmare, it has no substance. But as much as I keep reminding myself of this fact, I can't seem to get away from the constant feeling of unease that it's left me with.
Rationally, I know that I did everything I could to help those women. My advice to Lauren and Angela was based on my professional training and knowledge. I try to be considerate of everyone I meet, as one human being to another. I tried, even when sorely tested by Victoria's disgraceful behavior, to show compassion. I could easily have fired her and not cared about her future employment.
But I can't help wondering whether my dream is a manifestation of my subconscious. I recall how much I loathed Edward when I first met him; the unrelenting flirting, sexual innuendos, the way he treated women. Now, I find myself questioning whether I really loathed him, or whether his relentless pursuit and overt sexuality in fact tapped into some deep sexual psyche of mine? Listening to his brazen and explicit confessions of his infidelity with Irina and then witnessing it in action with Victoria, struck some deep chord within me, no matter how much I try to deny it. Even watching him seducing Rosalie brought out reluctant feelings of desire in me.
God, I must be some sort of depraved human being!
During our relationship, Jake was constantly suggesting that I be more sexually open and adventurous, and that had left me wondering sometimes whether I was boring or prudish in bed.
Did the knowledge of Edward that I gained in our sessions become the reason for me wanting him, and am I just another woman caught up in his web?
I immediately discount that thought. Edward loves me, and I love him. I'm being ridiculous.
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Having had enough of the constant obsessing, I decide to go for a run. Not long after I'd left home, I realize that I have yet to make a call that I've been procrastinating about.
"Hello, I'm Isabella Swan, you were referred to me by Doctor Rosalie Hale. I'm in need of legal advice and can be reached on (413) 224-4546. I look forward to your call, thank you." I clip my phone back on to the waistband of my yoga pants and relax on a park bench.
The park has a fountain, and I smile as I remember Edward leading us to make a wish on our first date. He has a romantic side to him that knowing his past reputation, few would guess at.
"I see that you do still make this run on a Sunday."
I whirl around in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice. "Jake?"
He sits down beside me, shirtless and drenched with sweat from jogging.
"I haven't seen you here in a while. Been slacking off?"
"I've been busy with work. I really haven't had the time to just enjoy being out. It's a beautiful day, so I thought 'why not?'
"It is beautiful." He stares off into the distance.
It's strange that our relationship has devolved into awkwardness. We used to be friends and could talk about anything.
"You're in trouble." He deadpans, eyes still averted.
"What…what are you talking about?"
"I couldn't help overhearing your telephone conversation."
"You mean you couldn't help eavesdropping? You have some nerve, Jacob Black."
"Easy, technically, I wasn't eavesdropping. I came over to say hello, and you made the call as I neared. I couldn't help overhearing."
I shake my head at his feigned innocence.
"So, are you going to tell me?"
"Tell you what, Jake?"
"The reason for needing legal advice."
"No, I'm not." I stand up to leave, and he follows.
"It's about your boyfriend, isn't it?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but no. It's not about…"
"You're lying. I know when you're lying or deliberately avoiding a subject, Bella. You're tied up in this hit and run case, and you need a lawyer."
I cross my arms and stare back at him.
"I know the situation might be awkward, but why didn't you come to me, Bella. I can help you."
"Awkward is an understatement, don't you think." I raise a sardonic eyebrow.
"Look, I know our relationship ended badly, but I still care about you, and I'll always care. I'd like to think that you feel the same way?"
"Of course, I do, Jake, but it doesn't mean that I'll come running to you when I need help."
"Why not?" He exclaims loudly. "Surely, your boyfriend can keep any jealousy or insecurity in check to allow for us to remain friends."
"Any further comment about, Edward and this conversation is done with, and I appreciate your concern, but I can't have you as my lawyer. I'll find someone to help me."
"Let me guess, someone Rosalie referred." He sneers cynically
"Jacob." I warn.
"Celeste Daniels, she works with me. Call her. Tell her you're a friend of mine. Like me, she's one of the best and for what it's worth, I hope we can look past our differences and remain friends." He jogs off without a backward glance.
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I drop the keys off to Leah, and as Edward's fridge only ever contains bottled water and leftover takeout, I make a trip to the grocery store.
A simple roasted chicken and potatoes with vegetables seems good. I prepare everything and take a shower while it's in the oven.
Ever-present thoughts of my dream, now coupled with my run-in with Jake, cloud my mind. I stand under the spray, hoping that the warmth will ease my tension.
My phone rings just as I wrap myself in a towel.
"Hey."
"Hi, you sound nice and relaxed."
"I am. I've just had a shower while I wait for dinner to cook. You sound exhausted."
"What's on the menu?"
"Roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables."
"Mmmm, that sounds perfect. Damn it."
"Damn it?"
"Yeah, you're right about me being exhausted. I've been in surgery practically all day, and I'm headed back in about an hour. You may have to enjoy that delicious meal alone, and I'll be stuck with cafeteria cuisine." He sighs dramatically and I giggle at his drollness.
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I stop at the reception desk to gain clearance to proceed to Edward's office.
A couple of nurses make it into the elevator just as the doors close.
"Something smells yummy," one of them comments to me.
"Oh…it's roast chicken." I smile hesitantly and hold up the evidence. They return my smile and continue their conversation. As they step off the elevator, one pulls the other closer, her whisper loud enough for me to hear.
"Rumor has it that she used to be his marriage therapist. No wonder his wife tried to kill him."
I feel a stab of disappointment and hurt. I suppose I should expect that rumors would abound in a hospital, but it shocks me, nevertheless. I hate that people view me in that light.
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I listlessly poke at my food.
"Mmm, Sweetheart, this delicious."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it." I respond absentmindedly.
"Well, at least one of us is." He reaches over and tilts my chin so that I look up at him. "You sounded happy when I spoke to you earlier. What's changed?"
"Nothing…it's just…"
"Damn it, Bella, don't you dare tell me it's work. You've been preoccupied for days."
I open my mouth to speak, but he gently places his finger over my lips.
"I just meant that I think that something is bothering you, and I want…no, I expect you to tell me what it is. Is it the move? Was it too soon? Speak to me, Bella."
"No. I'm happy with our living arrangements, and I'm happy in our relationship, Edward." I place a reassuring hand over his, but I realize that he isn't going to be that easily satisfied.
"On my way up, a couple of nurses commented on our relationship. It just hit a nerve, that's all."
"What did they say?"
"It's not important." I raise an eyebrow. "It got under my skin for a moment, but it's not that important. Can we go back to you telling me what a good cook I am?"
"That's the second time you've charmed your way out of having a necessary conversation. I do believe that my bad habits are rubbing off on you, there won't a third time, Doctor Swan." He leans in and pecks my lips. "And yes, you are a wonderful cook, thank you. I'm sorry , Sweetheart, but I'm going to have to cut dinner short."
"Duty calls." I smile up at him.
"I'll try not to be too late getting home." He cups my chin and kisses me passionately before he leaves.
"You are such a liar, Swan." I shake my head as I repack the remains of our meal.
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"I really appreciate you seeing me on such short notice."
I thank Celeste Daniels as she offers me a seat.
"You're a friend of Jake's, so it really wasn't a problem at all. Come in, Bella…I can call you Bella?" She holds onto my hand, waiting for an answer. She has a warm smile that immediately makes me feel comfortable.
She's very attractive and looks to be in her mid to late thirties. Her expensive two-piece suit and Italian shoes are a testament to her success. She sports an asymmetrical bobbed haircut, which perfectly complements her strawberry-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes.
"Bella's fine. In fact. I prefer it. You have a lovely name. "
"I'm named after my great Aunt."
I smile at the irony of our seating arrangements, and she looks at me quizzically.
"This is a rare occurrence for me. Normally, I'm on the other side, asking the questions."
"That's right. You're a marriage therapist. I hope you don't mind, Jake reminded me. I vaguely remember meeting you at a company dinner we attended some time ago"
"You're absolutely right about that. I recall your face now."
"Jake is one of my biggest rivals in the courtroom, but he's also a good friend. I understand the two of you have parted ways."
"Yes, we have. Will this pose a problem, given your friendship?"
"Not at all, how can I be of help?"
I take a deep breath and begin.
"Over a month ago, I witnessed an accident."
"What kind of accident?" She instantly switches to professional mode.
"A hit and run…the car hit my boyfriend's nephew. I think that he was the intended victim, but the driver didn't see Josh. Edward knocked him out of the way, and the impact caused a serious head injury."
"Is the little boy all right?"
"Yes, Josh is fine; precocious as ever." I chuckle as I picture his adorable face.
She opens her laptop and begins to type.
"Edward is your boyfriend?"
I clear my throat," Yes, he is."
"And you said he was the intended victim. Why would you think that?'
I hesitate, and she stops typing. She stares at me intently, and I inhale deeply and shift in my chair. She's astute and has noticed my discomfort but remains silent as she waits for me to continue.
"Edward's ex-wife paid someone to photograph us together, and I assume that things got out of control."
She sets her laptop aside, leans on the desk and tents her fingers. Lord knows, I'm familiar with this tactic.
"I can tell that you're not used to discussing personal aspects of your life freely, and that you're uncomfortable right now, but I'm going to need specifics. I can pretty much put two and two together, but it would really help if I didn't have to do that, Bella. I'm sure you understand why I need to know." She smiles to take any sting out of what she's just said.
"Edward and Lauren are ex-patients of mine."
Her expression remains impassive as she sits back in her seat and waits. I huff and pinch the bridge of my nose before telling her the background to my relationship with Edward, ending with the run-in with Lauren at the restaurant.
"This is some situation. You don't really have any tangible evidence that Lauren deliberately followed you, but she did make a veiled threat and knowing her past, we should take all necessary precautions.
I will contact her lawyer and see what he has to say about this. In the meantime, if she ever gets close enough to be in contravention of her bail conditions, you call the police. The first thing you need to do is to protect yourself from possible harm. After that, we can determine whether she's violated her bail terms or not."
"Thank you. That pretty-well summarizes what everyone has been telling me, but I just wanted to seek legal advice, in case I should need it."
"I'm glad you contacted me, and I'll do everything I can to protect your rights, Bella, and to keep you safe."
She escorts me to the door, reminding me that she'd be in touch.
I feel better leaving her office than I did going in. Her easy acceptance of my relationship with Edward and lack of censure about the circumstances of us getting together makes me feel more comfortable. I once again realize that I should really tell Edward about everything that's been troubling me.
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Back in my office, I busy myself by dealing with my correspondence and returning messages. I power up my laptop and sign in. While waiting, I finally sort through the mountain of mail on my desk and place a call.
I click on the incoming mail folder as I tear through the first envelope. My call goes through to voicemail.
"Hey, Rose. I just wanted to let you know that I found another lawyer. I hope you won't be upset. Anyhow, call me at the office when you get this message. Bye."
I delete the first couple of emails. I'm not familiar with the sender of the next one, and it doesn't have a subject heading. There is an attachment however, and I notice that there are ten consecutive messages with attachments from the same sender. My normal practice is to simply delete emails from unknown parties, as I'm well aware of the potential for viruses, but my curiosity is spiked. I click onto the attachment.
While it's downloading, I turn my attention to the letter in my hand. The familiar logo of the American Medical Association immediately catches my attention, but I'm puzzled by the bold stamp just above the addressee panel, which reads, 'Private and Confidential. Generally correspondence from the AMA is simply to inform members of some special event, so I find this is highly unusual.
I can't believe what I'm reading; there must be some mistake. I've read it three times now, and it still doesn't make any sense.
My palms feel sweaty, and my heart is thumping so hard, I'm sure it can be seen by the naked eye. I close my eyes then read it once more, slowly taking in every damning word.
Dear Doctor Swan,
You are notified that we have received a formal complaint against you, alleging a breach in the code of professional conduct on your part.
The AMA serves as an umbrella organization of state medical associations, and as such, is not in the position to investigate allegations of unprofessional or unethical conduct at the local level.
We have therefore referred the complaint to the relevant body in the state of Illinois, where you are currently registered to practice.
You will, in due course, receive formal notification from this body, detailing the allegations made and the procedures to follow to resolve the matter.
As you are a registered member of this association, the Illinois State investigative council will forward its findings to the AMA for review by our Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.
We wish you well, and it is our fervent hope that this matter be resolved quickly and in your favor.
I take a deep, shaky breath and look up to see my computer screen. I stare aghast at the photographs, large and in full color.