As always, none of this is mine. This belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground she created.

I'm happy that I finally figured out how to get to the climax of the story. Woo hoo! Up next will be … well, let's just say, hold on to your butts.

Chapter Nineteen

Edward

I sipped some coffee, completely spaced out. I was beyond exhausted. The marathon love-making session that Bella and I enjoyed the night previously seemed like a good idea when we were high on pleasure endorphins. Now? The following day?

I felt like a zombie.

Fuck, I was walking like a zombie.

I loved what Bella and I shared last night, but my hips and ass were in agony. My injury from Memorial Day was throbbing dully from the exertion from one of the most amazing nights of my life that I shared with my amazing, sexy and phenomenal wife.

What I shared with Bella was beyond anything I'd ever imagined. I meant what I said to Bella that I'd dabbled in ass-play, but never took the plunge. Besides, until I'd been with Bella, there was never anyone that I trusted enough to do that. Anal sex was too intimate to share with a casual sexual partner. Now, it was something that Bella and I shared and we'd only ever do it with each other. I loved her. I loved everything about her.

I couldn't imagine my life without her.

For her, I'd walk away from everything in my life, just to give her the world.

To give her and my son the world.

"Have some coffee, Capo," Bella said, topping off my mug and putting the carafe onto the tray. She looked as exhausted as me, but absolutely beautiful. She wore a serene smile and was extremely snuggly with me all day. I was not going to deny my wife. I'd happily take her snuggles and kisses any moment of the day. I slid my arm around her waist, kissing her temple. "Love you, Edward."

"Love is too small a word," I whispered against her forehead, echoing her sentiment from last night. My sweet wife looked up at me, her eyes welling with tears. I brushed my lips over hers and tugging her onto my lap. She giggled, idly playing with my wedding band as she sipped my coffee.

"You two are so sweet," Sue sang.

If she only knew … we were anything but sweet last night.

More like raunchy, dirty and needy.

It had been too long since we'd made love.

Far. Too. Long.

"We do try," Bella snickered, giving me a wry look as she settled next to me.

As we ate some leftovers from the wedding, we watched as the company who rented us the tent dismantled it. Sue and Jimmy were over with my parents, opening their gifts from the wedding. They didn't receive much in the way of physical gifts. They received a lot money from their friends and family, which shocked them to no end. Seth, Claire and Leah were sitting outside, walking along the shoreline on our property.

"Are you all packed for your honeymoon?" Mom asked.

"Sue's been packed for two weeks," Jimmy snorted. "We didn't want to be rushing around today, packing and finalizing details. We had a leisurely breakfast, after an amazing wedding and phenomenal night." He gave Sue a slow, carnal grin, which made her blush a brilliant crimson, but she shared his smile.

"Uncle Jimmy, really?" Bella deadpanned, scrubbing her face and tucking her legs underneath her body.

"You're one to talk, Isabella Marie," Jimmy chided. "The way you're waddling …"

"Stop it," she snickered, throwing a piece of bagel at him.

"Little ears," I reprimanded, blinking to Charlie, who was playing on the floor with my father, who snorted at my admonishment.

"Okay, okay," Jimmy said, holding his hands up.

"She's not the only one who's waddling," Sue teased, giving her new husband a shitty grin. Jimmy's cheeks turned a brilliant pink and he ran his hand through his hair. "To answer your question, Esme, we have been packed. I've always been an early packer. I mean, it's not like we can't buy what we need, but I'd rather be prepared. All we need to do is pack our toiletries and such. That will be done before we leave."

"I noticed you brought back your wedding bouquet," Bella said. "Why?"

"Claire is taking it to be preserved," Sue smiled. "She has a contact in the suburbs that dries the flowers and reassembles the flowers and bouquets as a keepsake. We're adding our invitation and a photo from last night in the frame. Felix was kind enough to send us a picture of our first dance underneath the fireworks."

"Oh, I'd wished I'd known that," Bella frowned. "My wedding bouquet was gorgeous. I wish I had thought about preserving it."

"I didn't even know about it until Claire told me. She wanted to treasure every moment of her wedding, including the flowers and her research led her to this woman in Oswego," Sue said. "My bouquet is her 'test' for Claire. I'm more than willing to have my bouquet be the test subject."

"And I appreciate it. The reviews and photos were promising, but it's not the same as seeing it," Claire said, sipping some iced tea.

"Do you have any big plans for while you're at Maui?" Dad asked from his spot on the floor with Charlie.

"We're playing it by ear," Jimmy answered. "Other than when I was recovering from the accident involving The Swan Dive, I've never really taken any time off."

"Uncle Jimmy, you were recovering from a shattered leg and major surgery. We could have lost you," Bella growled, her beautiful face pale and her brows furrowed. I pulled her into my arms, nuzzling her neck. She was trembling.

The loss of her uncle's restaurant had shattered Bella to the core. It was ruled a gas leak, but we knew it had been a hit ordered by Royce and Stephan. Jimmy received a huge payout from his insurance policy and from the city. He was living large off the seven-figure settlement Jenks had argued for in court. It also provided the seed money for The Blue Swan, which was a huge hit, becoming one of the most popular restaurants. He'd hired several new chefs and more servers to extend the hours to lunch. He was still heavily involved in the restaurant, but now, he was the face of the brand. There was even discussion of opening a second location in the city in the Consortium building.

"I'm sorry, baby girl," Jimmy frowned, giving me a panicked look. He moved to sit next to me, taking her hand. "Too soon to make jokes."

She scowled at him. "Way too soon."

"Anyway, the villa that we're staying in has a beautiful private beach, gorgeous pools and more rooms than we know what to do with," Jimmy snickered. "We've got a few ideas, but as I said before, we're playing it by ear."

"What are you guys doing while we're on our honeymoon?" Sue asked.

"We're spending some time here at the house, but Edward's got a meeting in the city on Tuesday. I may take Charlie and Leah out for some retail therapy," Bella answered. "Our kid is growing like a weed. He's outgrowing almost all of his clothes. I was panicking that he wouldn't fit in his ring bearer outfit. We'd only gotten it a month ago, several sizes up. It was tight, but it fit."

"Leah needs some new clothes, too," Sue said, reaching into her purse. "If I give you some money …?"

"I got it, Sue," Bella answered, waving her off. "It's my prerogative to spoil my new sister."

xx MOTM:FFF xx

The next morning, we were up with the sun. We rode with Jimmy and Sue to Chicago Executive Airport for their private chartered flight to Kahului Airport on Maui. Leah was sad that her mom was leaving for over a week, but excited to spend time with Bella, Charlie and me for the first part of the week and the latter half of the week with her brother and Claire.

The day after Jimmy and Sue left, and after a brief Skype call from them, we decided to spend the day out on our brand-new boat. Emmett and Dad had gotten it for me for my birthday and first Father's Day present. We never really discussed getting anything even though our home came with a long pier, dock and slip for a sizable yacht. Unfortunately, I couldn't really enjoy it since I was still recuperating from a gunshot wound when it was delivered, the weekend after Memorial Day. I could barely walk on a flat surface with my crutches, let alone climbing into a bobbing boat.

Today, Felix and Jake were trying to teach me how to drive this monstrosity. I was eternally grateful for my present, but lost as to how to maneuver it. I needed mechanical engineering degree to understand all of the gauges, levers and the navigational array. I was watching as Felix pointed out all the gauges and instruments while he moved us away from the pier.

"This is insane," I said. "I'm never going to be able to drive this boat."

"It's okay, Boss," Felix laughed. "If I get to captain this boat, I'll be as happy as a clam. This is an awesome piece of nautical technology." He expertly finessed it away from the pier and out to open water. Bella and Leah were on the back deck, wearing their bathing suits underneath their coverups. My mom was watching Charlie since Bella didn't want to have him on the boat and in the sun for the afternoon. It was forecasted to be quite hot and sunny. "How long are we going to be out on the lake?"

"Bella said she wants to be back for dinner," I answered. "A couple of hours."

I blinked back to where Bella and Leah were seated on a pair of chaise lounges. My wife wore a gorgeous red polka dot bikini that looked reminiscent of the bathing suits from the '50s. She looked like a bombshell, but she wore the suit because she didn't like the tiny pooch she had beneath her belly button from having Charlie. I barely noticed it; my wife looked perfect in my eyes. However, she was not comfortable in showing her stomach, but she didn't want to wear a one-piece. Leah was in a pretty tankini with a pair of boy shorts. Bella was slathering Leah with sunscreen as we made our way out to open water.

"Go and be with them, Boss," Jake said, nodding to them. "Felix and I will take care of the boat."

"I do want to learn how to do this," I snickered, gesturing to the machinery. "Not while I have such precious cargo with Leah and Bella." I made plans to go out the following weekend with Felix, Jake and my brother, who was an avid sailor, though he preferred his sailboat. I made my way over to Leah and Bella, carrying some bottled water to them. "Having fun, ladies?"

"The most fun," Bella said, grinning up at me. "Leah was telling me that this was the first time she's been on a boat like this."

"Very big," Leah chuckled, her eyes wide and her cheeks blushing. Her speech was slurred and it took some effort to understand her because of her delay, but the happiness in her expression told me that she was loving it. "You pale, Eddie."

"Compared to you, yeah," I laughed, looking down at my fair skin. I did have Italian blood flowing through my veins, but with my scar from my burn on my shoulders from when I was abducted and the gunshot wound from earlier this year, I'd not been outside very much and definitely not without sunscreen. The results meant that I was very pasty. At least I wouldn't get skin cancer. I wore a tight t-shirt, protecting my back, and wore a pair of swim trunks. Even my wife, who said she had 'fish belly skin' was darker than me. "Hopefully, I'll get darker before we go in for the day."

I slathered the sunscreen onto my arms and face and then helped Bella cover her skin. An hour later, the engines were cut and the anchor was set. Bella put on a life vest onto Leah, encouraging her to dip her feet into the lake water. She did not know how to swim and we didn't want her to feel pressured to do something she wasn't comfortable doing. Leah, however, had other things in mind.

She was fearless and she got into the water, trusting me and Jake to keep her from floating away. She kicked her feet, laughing happily in the water. Bella took pictures when she wasn't in the water, sending them to Sue, Seth and Jimmy. It was hard to get her back on the boat at the end of the day, but she was exhausted, her eyes drooping from all of the excitement.

Another hour back to our private dock and Leah crashed in the cool passenger seating behind the bridge. I easily lifted her and carried her into the guest room. Bella kissed me after I put Leah on the bed. "I'm going to get her washed up. If you want to take a quick shower and go pick up Charlie from your parents' place?"

"I will, cara," I whispered, tucking an errant curl behind her ear. "Love you."

"Love you more," she grinned, ducking into Leah's room.

I took a quick shower, washing off the lake water. I pulled on a pair of shorts and a relaxed button-down shirt. Jogging down the stairs, I waved at Felix who was in the kitchen, nibbling on some popcorn. "I'm going to pick up Charlie from my parents' home. I'll be back in a few."

"Do you want me to come with you, Boss?" Felix asked, arching a brow at me.

"It's a five-minute drive in two gated communities," I snickered. "I'd rather you stay here with Bella and Leah." With a grin, I left and got into Bella's car, which had the car seat. I drove out of my neighborhood and to my parents' neighborhood. On the front yard, I saw my parents on a pair of chairs with Liam hovering nearby and Charlie running around the lush green grass. "Hey, buddy!"

"Dada!" Charlie squealed, taking off as quickly as his chubby legs to take him. I scooped him up, tossing him into the air and he giggled. His arms wriggled their way around my neck as he cuddled close to me. He babbled happily, telling me about his day, but I was not as adept at understanding baby speak. Bella was the pro.

I carried him to my parents. "Was he good?"

"Always," Mom said, standing up and kissing Charlie's cheek.

"Did you enjoy your inaugural voyage aboard your yacht?" Dad asked. "Have you named it yet?"

"It was perfect and no, we haven't named it. However, I'm thinking about calling it Dolce, after one of Bella's nicknames," I answered. My mother cooed and Dad gave me a crooked grin. "However, driving it proved to a problem. Felix was awesome and he said he'd give me lessons along with Emmett next weekend."

"I can help, too," Dad nodded.

"You just want to play on my boat," I laughed, blowing a raspberry into Charlie's belly. He squealed, wriggling in my arms and patting my cheeks. He pulled off my sunglasses, throwing them onto the grass. I peppered his face with more kisses and he giggled. I looked back at my parents, picking up my glasses and tossing them into my hair. "Who would I call to get that name painted onto the helm of the yacht?"

"We can also contact the seller for information to add the name you've chosen," Mom said.

"That would be awesome," I grinned. "Where's his stuff?"

"Inside," Mom said, moving to stand up.

"I'll get it. Stay with Nonni and Papa," I murmured to Charlie, kissing his temple. I handed my squirmy son to my father. I ducked inside, seeing the diaper bag near the front door, along with a few new stuffed animals. I slung it over my shoulder after I added the new toys into the bag. Walking back out, I took Charlie from my dad and kissed both of my them. "Thank you for watching him. We're planning on going to the city on Tuesday. This one needs new clothes and Bella's taking Leah out for a day of shopping."

"I'd love to spend some time with them, but I've got a doctor's appointment on Tuesday," Mom frowned.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Just a routine checkup," Mom replied, waving her hand. "I'm perfectly healthy. It's your father who has high cholesterol."

"I take medicine," Dad snorted. "And it's under control." He ruffled Charlie's chocolate curls. "Be good, little man. Papa loves you."

"Loves," Charlie smiled, his few teeth gleaming. Mom kissed his cheeks and tickled his stomach, earning her a few giggles. I hugged both my parents and buckled him into the car seat. With a wave to my parents, I drove back to my house. Charlie conked out in the back, drooling onto his shirt. He was teething and it made him a slobbery mess.

Inside, Bella and I lay down on the sofa with Charlie on her chest. I held in my arms my world. I nuzzled my wife's neck, inhaling in her sweet, seductive scent. "I love you, Bella."

She yawned, kissing my jaw. "I love you, too, Edward. Today was a perfect day."

"The best day," I breathed.

"I'm glad we got out today. There's a storm brewing," Bella said, her eyes fluttering shut as she ran her fingers down Charlie's back. She blinked to the west and sure enough, the skies were black with an incoming storm front. "A big one, Capo …"

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Bella

It rained for three days straight following our amazing day on the water. I was sitting in the condo, watching as the rain fell onto the dreary, bustling Chicago below. Leah was eating breakfast that Mrs. Cope had made for us. Edward was already gone, leaving early in the morning for his meeting at the office. Leah and I had a date planned to go shopping for Charlie and his super-growing body. Leah was also getting some new items, as a gift from me.

"I'm going, Miss Bella," Mrs. Cope said. "I have dinner prepared for you, baby Charlie and Mr. Edward. All you have to do is put it in the oven for forty-five minutes at 375 degrees."

"You didn't have to do that, Mrs. Cope," I said, walking over to the kitchen.

"It's not a big deal," she chuckled, hugging me. "With this weather, you need something to warm you up. You know?"

"Agreed. It's miserable out there," I sighed, wrinkling my nose at the abysmal weather. "We're staying through the weekend. Edward has some business to take care of and I'm helping Claire with her wedding plans on her day off."

"Oh, before I forget," Mrs. Cope said, scurrying to the door. She walked back with a large basket filled with pink baby gifts. "This is for Dr. Alice and Mr. Jasper."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cope," I grinned. "This is beautiful. Alice will love this."

"I would have had it delivered, but since they moved out of this building, I didn't have their updated address," Mrs. Cope said. "Give my love to them." We hugged and she left the condo.

A half hour later, Jake called up and said that Nessie was on her way to the condo. Leah was dressed, feeding Charlie some Cheerios. Once Nessie arrived, I introduced her to Leah. Nessie was friendly, kind, but Leah was very shy and wary, hovering close to me. With a little encouragement, we left the condo and drove to an upscale, chic children's boutique. I would have preferred to go to Target, but Esme purchased a gift card to the boutique.

Leah cooed at the clothes, running her hands over the adorable outfits. With some guidance, Leah picked out two outfits for Charlie and some necessities for Alice and Jasper's baby, Sophie. I also got some other clothes, in larger sizes since Charlie was growing so much. He was definitely his father's son. Edward was a tall, muscular man. If I had to guess, Charlie was going to be as tall, if not taller than my husband. Esme said that Charlie was taller than Edward was at the same age, but about the same weight.

When I handed over my credit card, I barely hid my cringe at the total. The amount of money I paid for my son's new summer and early fall wardrobe was the same amount I paid for one semester's worth of graduate school, including textbooks. I took the bags and handed them to Felix once we walked out of the store. He gave me a warm smile, walking them to the car.

We strolled down the street. The rain had finally stopped and the sun was trying to make an appearance. Jake was ahead of us and Felix bringing up the rear. Leah did relax around Nessie, bonding over Charlie and Nessie's desire to become a special education teacher. We went out for lunch, going to a pizza joint that Jake suggested. The guys ate a large pizza each. Leah, Nessie and I split a pizza and Charlie ate a meatball. Okay, he more like destroyed a meatball. While we were at lunch, we made a plan of attack for clothes for Leah. I also wanted to pick up a few things. Some sexy things for my husband.

You've got to keep things spicy. You know?

As we were making our way to Nordstrom's on Michigan Avenue, I shivered despite the hot, humid, oppressive weather. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, gripping the handle of Charlie's stroller. Leah stumbled against me and Jake helped her, holding her upright. "Are you okay, Bells?" Jake asked. His black eyes were swirling with concern.

"I …" I trailed off, looking around the street. "I thought I saw someone … following us? Not Felix, though. I'm not sure."

Jake blinked to Felix, who strode up to me. Nessie was frowning and Leah was confused. "What's up, Bella?" Felix asked, his fingers itching to reach for his sidearm, which was well-hidden under his clothing.

"Did you notice someone following us?" I asked. "A woman, looks like me, but with too much silicone?"

"I've seen a picture of your mother," Felix said, wrinkling his nose. "And she does not look like you. You're prettier, much, much prettier."

"Quit flirting with the Boss's wife," Jake barked, glowering at Felix. The latter just held up his hands in surrender with a wry grin. "Though, it's true, about you being prettier. Your mom … yeah, time has not been kind to her."

"Regardless, did you see her?" I snapped and rolling my eyes. With a huff, I pushed Charlie's stroller into the store. I wanted to have this conversation inside and not on a sidewalk where anyone could hear us. "I could have sworn I saw her across the street."

"I'll keep my eyes peeled, but I didn't see her," Felix replied. "Jake?"

He shook his head, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out his phone.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Calling Edward," Jake muttered, his thumb moving on his cell phone screen.

I plucked his phone from his hand. "I said felt like someone was following us. It's not a reason to freak Edward out, Jake," I sighed. "Maybe, I'm being paranoid …" I twisted my hair up into a messy bun. The heat and the humidity were causing my hair to stick to my neck. It was driving me fucking crazy. "It's nothing. Both of you. I'm just …"

"You've got a feeling. Something made you feel on edge. It's not nothing," Jake said. "Felix, call in Liam. He's in the office and could be here in a half hour. We may need backup. I'm staying with you."

"Even as I'm shopping for sexy lingerie for my husband?" I countered, pushing Charlie through the main floor of Nordstrom, which happened to be makeup, fragrance and accessories. Jake wrinkled his nose as Nessie giggled. "First stop, new clothes for Miss Leah."

"I'm still calling Liam," Felix said, holding his phone to his ear.

We rode up to the women's clothing floor and went in search of some cute dresses and summer clothes for Leah. She was giddy as she tried on her new wardrobe. I happily paid for things, stowing the bag underneath Charlie's stroller. Leah asked to go to the bathroom. "Come on, there's a bathroom on this floor," I said to her.

"Do you want me to watch Charlie?" Nessie asked.

"From what I could smell when I put the bag underneath the stroller, he needs a bathroom, too," I snickered. With a smile, we made our way across the floor to the posh women's lounge. A large man walked passed us, pushing a cart of clothing. He went into the back, which was on the opposite side of the lounge. I blinked back at the swinging doors. Leah tugged on my arm and I followed her into the lounge.

While she took care of business, I changed Charlie's stinky diaper. "For someone so small, you make a lot of mess, bub," I said, wiping his ass with a baby wipe. He just giggled, biting on his toes. "And you're freaky flexible, too. I love you, though, little one. Remember when I wiped your ass, if you have to wipe mine." He just babbled as I finished cleaning him and put him in a fresh diaper, into his stroller. When I was done, Leah was washing her hands and I ducked into take care of my human moments.

I heard the door open and a pair of heels clack on the marble floors. I figured it was one of the associates and I finished up in the stall. When I walked out, I saw the same large man that had been rolling the rack of clothing with his hand over Leah's mouth and a gun pressed to her temple. It was pressing against her skin, already bruising her face. She was crying and trembling in the man's hold, clearly terrified beyond all recognition.

In front of me, I immediately recognized my mother. She was dressed like a whore and she wore a triumphant smirk. "It's about time I meet my grandson, Isabella," she said, pulling something behind her back. Moving too quickly, like a viper's attack, she plunged something into my neck.

"W-W-W-What?" I asked, trying to push her away, but my vision blurred and I fell heavily against the sink. I gripped the porcelain as I was knocked off balance and my stomach rolled by whatever was injected into my bloodstream.

"Come quietly and I won't kill your …" Renee sneered as she blinked back to Leah, who was crying uncontrollably, "friend, or your kid."

Charlie was also screaming, trying to break free of the stroller and reach for me. "I can't …" I slurred. "What did you give me?"

"Something to make you compliant," she snickered, grabbing my arm. "Ricardo, come on. Leave the girl and the brat."

"I could have some fun with her," Ricardo growled, sniffing Leah's neck.

"You could also have some fun with her," Renee said, tugging me and I went willingly. My brain was slow to react and I knew I had to protect my son and my sister, but whatever my incubator injected me with had fucked with my body, my mind and my reflexes. I was terrified that my mother was going to allow her partner to rape me. She must have seen the fear in my eyes. "It's only fair that I ruin your life like you ruined mine, Isabella. Let's go." She tossed something into Charlie's stroller and I was taken from the bathroom. I was awake and aware, but I had no control over my body.

All I wanted was my husband …

Please find me before it's too late.

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Edward

"Mr. Cullen," Rhonda said, her eyes wide. "I know you said you didn't want to be interrupted, but Mr. Jacob Black has been trying to get a hold of you for the past ten minutes. Your cell phone must be on silent. He called the office in a … he's quite agitated, sir."

"If you excuse me," I murmured to the conference table. I had a meeting with a group to create a new shopping center in the Gold Coast, but needed capital for the various high-end boutiques. "My associate is quite anxious to discuss another deal." I stepped out of the conference room and slipped out my cell phone. I'd had over fifty missed calls from Jake, Felix and Nessie. I went into my office, picking up the blinking line. "What's wrong Jake?"

"Bella was taken," he said, his voice rough and angry.

"What?" I snarled. "When? How? Don't tell me. I'm on my way. Where are you?"

"Nordstrom's on Michigan Avenue," he answered. "Um, the cops are on the way. One of the associates found Leah crying in the ladies room with a bloody nose and bruises on her face and … they called the police."

"Fuck!" I snapped, my heart shattering. "I'm coming." I hung up the phone and dialed Jasper. I told him to activate Bella's GPS tracker in her wedding band. I also mobilized everyone, despite the fact that the police were going to be involved. They were not going to find her. And if they did, it might be too late.

I was …

Regardless of who'd taken her, my wife was coming back to me.

"Rhonda," I called. She scurried into my office; her face ashen. "Can you handle the meeting in the conference room? I've got a family emergency that I need to attend to and I will not be back."

"When do you want to reschedule?" she asked.

"I'll call them. Have them leave their business plans and we'll be in touch," I answered. "Now, if you'll excuse me." I blinked to the door and she nodded, leaving my office. I pressed a button and the windows frosted over. I changed into a pair of jeans, sneakers and a black t-shirt. I armed myself discreetly and ducked out of the office, using the private elevator in our hidden conference room. When I got into the garage, my brother, Jasper and Seth were all waiting for me.

"Boss, we'll cover your back, but Jake said the cops were called," Jasper said, handing me a small earpiece. "Our work would be more efficient … if we didn't have to deal with the cops. You know?"

"For now, we cooperate," I said, popping the earpiece inside and activating it. "Liam is already there, as is Felix and Jacob. Seth, I want you with me. Leah was …"

"I'm coming, Boss," Seth nodded. "But, there's a shit ton of traffic. It'll take too long to get to the store if we use the car."

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

Emmett tossed me a set of keys. "Take the bikes," he said. "You can weave in and out of traffic."

It had been a while since I'd ridden a motorcycle, but I strode to my brother's black Ducati Diavel. I put on the helmet and revved it. Seth pulled up next to me on a red motorcycle, also a Ducati. We nodded and left the parking garage. Seth and I broke numerous traffic laws, but I didn't care. I needed to get to that store. I desperately needed to get my wife, save her from the evil in the world – from her mother.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived and we haphazardly parked the bikes in a handicapped parking spots near the entrance. The store was already locked down and we had to plead to be let into the store. However, after speaking to the cops upstairs, we were granted entrance. Sprinting up the escalators, we arrived on the women's floor. There were twenty cops on the floor. I heard Charlie's terrified shrieks and I pushed my way to my son.

I lifted him out of the stroller, crushing him to my chest. "I'm here, little one. Daddy's here," I whispered as I held his squirming body.

"Well, well, if this isn't karma biting me in the ass," came the cold, slithery voice of Detective Peter Maas.

"No, I don't want you," I snapped. "Get the fuck out of here. If it were up to you, my wife would be better left taken by whomever decided to kidnap her. No."

"While I agree with your assessment, I was on my way to pick up your wife," Maas said, holding up his hands. "She's our only suspect for the death Royce King and Stephan Romani. I'm here to close my case, after we find your wife." He reached into his pocket, pulling out an arrest warrant issued for my wife, signed by a judge that I knew who had been in bed with Royce and Stephan.

"Can you be any more of an opportunistic asshole?" barked Claire. She was walking in with some suits and a smug smirk. She handed Maas a letter. "You're off the case, per an Internal Affairs Bureau investigation of your finances, your history, your personal vendetta, with Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, along with Royce King, Stephan Romani and their associates. And you're not the only one … your contacts in the court system are also going down. Judge Schuyler has been removed from the bench and this warrant," she plucked it out of my hands, "is null and void. Tucker, Carson, take Maas into custody."

Maas paled and he blinked to Claire, to Leah, to the tall men approaching him and then to me. "Fuck," he spat.

"Oh, you're fucked," I snarled.

"I know who did this," he whispered. "I know who took Mrs. Cullen." He held up an evidence bag with some loopy, bubbly writing on it. "Renee … she's … she's fucking crazy." We made our way into a break room, giving the crime technicians space to work. Maas sat down, sliding the evidence bag across the table. "But, there's more," Maas said. "A few months ago, there was a war council, a meeting with Los Muertos and an unnamed organization." Maas arched a brow at me and pursed his lips. "Their heir apparent, Roberto Sanchez, was killed. Supposedly, by his own father, protecting the leader of the organization. It ruffled feathers and Ricardo Vallejo, Roberto's right-hand man and frequent customer of Renee, became partners. This is all bankrolled and supported by Los Muertos." He held up the ransom note, giving it to me.

Claire intercepted the evidence bag and read the letter with her lips pursed. She handed it to me and I read it quickly.

It's time I get what I deserve and what my bitch daughter deserves. I'm done being used as a hole to fuck and human punching bag. It's Isabella's turn to feel the humiliation, the degradation of being used and abused. It's her turn to feel my pain, my shame, my anger.

I've been quiet for long enough.

I want $20,000,000 in unmarked bills and you'll get Isabella returned in fairly decent shape … I'll let you imagine what plans I have for her. I'll be in touch by noon tomorrow, with information where you'll need to drop off the money and when you can pick up this useless cunt.

After a day, that number goes up by $10,000,000.00 and another hole gets fucked. Your wife is nothing but a whore.

Let's see how much you want her after … well, after she's been fucked over.

By everyone. She'll be bleeding for days … weeks … ruined for you.

Be grateful I didn't take the brat. He may be all you'll have as a memory of Isabella, if you do not follow through with all of my demands.

Los Muertos

"What was she planning on doing?" I asked, glaring at Maas. "Were you in on this? What's your cut?"

"Mr. Cullen, you need to calm down," Claire said, placing a hand on my arm. "Give the baby to your nanny."

I looked at Charlie, who was crying again. I took a deep breath, kissing his temple and handing him to a very anxious Nessie. She sat down next to Jake, who was trying to calm down Leah with Seth and Felix. "My apologies. It's just that I get a fucking ransom note from my wife's whore mother … threatening … I'm overwhelmed and pissed the fuck off."

Maas sat down and scrubbed his face. "I'm fucked either way. I may as well do something right."

"You have the right to remain silent …" Claire said as she began to mirandize him.

"I know, I know. I waive my right to counsel. I'm going to jail. I've lost my pension. It's all my own damn fault," he snapped. "You recording this?"

Claire took out her phone and set it up. "The floor is yours, Peter."

"I was on Royce's payroll since I became a detective," he said bluntly. "I hid evidence, finagled interviews, stole weaponry and enjoyed Royce's hospitality in his brothels. I have four accounts. Three are offshore accounts where Royce and Stephan deposited money. I have one where my paychecks and I do my usual banking …"

"Then explain this amount in your bank account," asked one of the suits; Tucker, I believe. "You have well over five million dollars."

"Stephan made a mistake in one of my payments. I was trying to move it little by little," Maas shrugged. "Obviously, not fast enough."

"We don't really care about your relationship with Royce, Stephan and that whole mess," Claire said. She waggled the letter in his face. "How do you know that this is Renee Higginbotham, mother of Isabella Cullen?"

Maas gave Claire a sharp scowl. "She's been living with me since … I don't know … since September? October?" He sighed and shook his head. "She approached me in a bar. I was three sheets to the wind and we fucked. She was broke as fuck and I gave her a place to crash."

"Did you know about her relationship to Mr. Cullen? You've had quite the hard-on for him. Your partner told us all about it," Tucker snorted. "He showed us your board and your unfounded conclusions that Mr. Cullen murdered your sister."

"He did," Maas argued. "He raped and murdered my baby sister!"

"No, it was Royce and Stephan who raped and murdered her, Peter," Claire said. "We have proof back in the precinct. Photos of what they did to her before they punished her for something she did during Mr. Cullen's abduction a couple of years ago. So, your need for vengeance was misplaced, sir. You were framing the wrong man. Mr. Cullen is a fine, upstanding citizen with ties to community and one of the hardest working men in the city. Build a bridge and get over it. Now, more information about this!" She slammed the letter down on the table in the break room where we'd settled.

"Renee was determined on getting money. She tried to finagle funds from me, but all I offered her was a bed," Maas said.

"And a few black eyes," the other suit, Carson, muttered, shoving a picture his way. "This was taken shortly after the benefit, outside of your condo complex. She did have those injuries when she came home from work the night previous."

"If you had to listen to her bitch, you'd slug her, too," Maas argued. "She got what she deserved. Hell, she got a lot more when she spread her legs for the losers she fucked for money." He shook his head. "I've got a temper. I know that. But, I had nothing to do with what she had planned. I was going to bring your family down, by arresting Isabella for the murder of Stephan and Royce. Renee … she just wanted money."

"She came to me last year, demanding that I pay her, but I threw her out on her ass," I said. "She has no claim …"

"I know that. You know that. Renee? Not so much," Maas said.

"How did they know they were here?" Claire asked.

"I have no clue," he shrugged. "The only thing I know for certain was that Isabella killed Royce King."

"And we're back to this," Tucker grumbled. "That's not what we're dealing with, Maas. We need to find who took Mrs. Cullen."

Felix stepped forward, but I shot him a look and shook my head. I knew he'd take the fall for my wife. He'd said it more than once. He sat back down, wrapping his arm around Leah's body. She was still crying and clinging to Seth, undoubtedly terrorized from what happened.

"Take him out of here," Claire said, shaking her head. "He's worthless in regard to this investigation."

"Not entirely," Carson argued. "We, at least, have an idea of who Renee is working with, her accomplice."

"Follow up with the Los Muertos," Claire ordered. I wanted to open my mouth, but Claire gave me a sharp look. "I'm going to escort Mr. Cullen and his family back to their residence, getting some more information regarding Mrs. Cullen's relationship with her mother. Have the CSU guys rush any evidence."

"They did find a couple of things," Tucker said. "A syringe found in the ladies lounge and a diamond eternity ring in the receiving bay."

"I want the contents analyzed, yesterday!" Claire sighed, pinching her nose. "Also, get all of the security footage from the store. Everything!"

I shot a look to Seth, knowing that they'd removed Bella's ring. How would we be able to track her?

Tucker nodded and Carson whipped out a pair of handcuffs. He arched a brow at Maas, who stood up. Carson turned him around and slapped the handcuffs onto Maas's wrists. They read the charges against him and that he was stripped of his rank in the Chicago Police Department, on indefinite leave pending the final results of the investigation. He was led away and Claire gave me an understanding look once it was just our family. "Edward, I know that you want to hit the ground running."

"You're not stopping me, Claire," I whispered.

She held up her hand. "We'll talk more once we get back to your condo. I do want to talk to Leah, Felix, and Jake, away from the prying eyes of the CPD," she said. "I'm going to give you a ride back to your home in my squad, with Charlie."

"I'll take the keys to Emmett's bike," Seth said, standing up. "Felix can ride back with me."

"Do you need to talk to Nessie?" I asked.

"Yes, and you may need to tell her a little more about your life," Claire pressed. She stood up and walked over to Nessie. I followed her and picked up Charlie. I told Jake to follow Claire's car back to the condo with Nessie. I was still shaken to the core that my wife had been taken by her mother and by Los Muertos.

We'd had a deal, a compromise. Why would they want my wife?

In the car, with Charlie strapped in the back of Claire's CPD SUV, she looked over to me. "We'll find her, Mr. Cullen."

"I certainly hope so," I whispered. I wanted to talk more, but Claire shook her head and pointed to the recording device on the dashboard. I blew out a breath and almost three hours after my wife had been taken from Nordstrom, we had no real answers, no solid leads and the only way to track her was being bagged and tagged in the receiving bay. I let Claire drive us back to my condo and a tear fell down my cheek.

I prayed I could get to her on time.

Stay strong, dolce. I'm coming. I love you.

A/N: So, Renee has flown the coop. We're going to stay with Edward at the beginning of the next chapter. There's more you're going to hear. We'll also hear from Bella … where is she being held? What will happen to her?

Pictures, while not very many, are on my blog. You can access that from my profile. I have a link there. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too: tufano79.

Leave me some lovin … I'm hoping to have the next update up in a week, fingers are crossed. It's all dependent on my muse and my time for writing. Thank you for reading and I'll see you on the flip side!