A/N - Back to a longer chapter. Some overlap in this one. Some dreamy fluff.
A courtroom, An admission, Lots of good stuff.
Please read and review.
~Munchkin1978 Enjoy!
Chapter 8
EPOV
How could I face her knowing that her husband died? I couldn't tell her. I technically was not responsible but I certainly felt like I was. My heart lurched again. I pushed the files away. I was sure the FBI would come now and seal them. I would have them ready for them when they did.
Leaving my office I sat at my piano as I had in the past weeks and just tinkered with the keys. Not really playing but more thinking. Jace sat at my feet glad to have me home. I had laid my phone on the bench beside me and felt the buzz come through. I ignored it at first. But when I heard three more I stopped playing and picked it up. It was Mike and he asked me to call him urgently.
I got up from the piano and hit dial as I moved from the piano back to my office. Jace followed me of course and he lay down at my feet as I talked with Mike.
"What is so urgent Mike?"
"Elina was questioned by the Greek police. She didn't want any more trouble and apparently sang like a bird. She had drugged you with the help of the bartender." That was maybe why I was seeing Bella and not her. I knew I had not had that much to drink. I held my own when I did drink. I knew my limits unless I was drowning in them. It was a set up from the beginning.
"I was set up. Fucking bitch. I should have known. What now?"
"The court has all the paperwork from the Greek Police. They are co – operating as is Elina. The bartender is in custody for drugs."
"Will she be flown here to testify to it?"
"I will put forward that motion."
"Good."
"I don't know what happened in Greece but it can't happen again."
"Trust me it won't happen again. It was a lapse in judgment and apparently a drugged judgment."
"We are still looking through the files and have not found any connections yet."
"Okay. Keep looking. I know they are there."
"We will. Good night Edward."
"Night Mike. Get some sleep. You have been working over time."
"Some one has to keep your ass out of the fire in this divorce."
"True but get some sleep."
With Elina singing like a bird Tanya and her boy toy would not have a leg to stand on. I took Jace out on the roof and let him run around for a bit and we headed back inside. My heart ached for Bella and I couldn't help my mind wandering back to her and the death of her husband. I did feel responsible even though it was an FBI case.
Ben had called me in the morning to go over some of the figures for the new company take over in Italy and get the Brazilian paperwork to take back to the office.
"So I was surprised to see you there last night." I told him as we had a moment to talk.
"Angela's wanted to go out the 4 of us and honestly I had forgotten at first that Jasper was your brother in law. Until we all went in."
"No worries. My family is getting bigger. Emmett's wife is expecting a boy any time now."
"They were not there last night?"
"No Rose made Emmett stay home. She doesn't want him going far from their home in the case she goes into labor."
"I guess when I have kids I will understand that."
"Well your wedding is soon two months right."
"Yes the venue we wanted from before I asked was booked for next year so we said to hell with it and go for it now. Got it for a steal because it was last minute."
"Well for everything that you do for me I want to help."
"The help I need is a best man. If you would be mine that would be great."
"I'm honored. Yes I will accept and stand up with you. Angela will be happy."
"She will be now however she has headed back to be with Bella. Jared her husband never came home last night."
I couldn't say anything. It was an FBI case. He knew I had hired some new people but how much Ben knew I was not sure. The hires never crossed his desk. It only stayed with me. He knew some but not all.
He took the paperwork and headed back to the office. Mike sent an email that Tanya and her legal team wanted to sit down and meet in a few days time. I had totally forgotten that he had told me that when I was in UK. I shot an email back saying okay but it would not be for demands and the judge had better be present and up to date on what had been found.
I didn't get a reply so I knew he was working on it. I swear he doesn't sleep like me. I dressed and took Jace out for a walk. I need some fresh air and he needed a walk. I knew I wouldn't find her here so I just walked.
.~.
Over the course of the week it was discovered that Tanya's boy toy's father worked at the shipping company before I had taken it over. Mikos did not agree with how he had run his department and found money was being skimmed then. So he had fired him. The money was never returned and it was chalked up to be a loss. He had done jail time but that left his son there working to take over the father's work and when I took over he was still there until Mikos had fired him too. The file I had found was working in the background and it was the last one. The boy toy had made the mistake of putting it in her name and the money go to Tanya since we had been married. It was a convoluted mess. He was doing his father's bidding. How the bitch got involved I had no idea. I didn't care. She was going to be raked through the coals come Friday now that the judge had confirmed to be there.
Ben was in an out of the office for the whole week. He was with Angela at Bella's. She was told and from what Ben had told me she was a wreck. I tried not asking when he did come in how she was doing. I still felt like it was my fault.
My pieces of Art that I had purchased arrived and the jewelry from the auction. I had someone from the art gallery come in and hang the new pieces up in the penthouse. If everything went my way tomorrow when I went for dinner I would give the jewelry to Alice and my mother.
I sat back down at my piano and tinkered with the piece of music I had started weeks ago. It only brought daydreams of her. Not the daydream I had had of the earth shattering sex but the first day I had met her. She petted him like she knew all his favorite places to be petted. She had chocolate brown hair that was long and down her back. She had some of it tied back from her face and I could see she had brown eyes. She was dressed in jeans and boots and a jacket. She had a twinkle in her eye like she knew what Jace needed. She smiled at Jace and started talking to him as I walked up. Jace had found her. He always knew who was best for me. True to form he always knew when I was thinking of him as well. I had not thought of Bella like that since her husband had died. It had not felt right. My heart ached for her still just thinking about it.
.~.
"I'm right outside the courthouse Mike. I will be inside in just a moment."
"You better hurry."
"What happened?"
"You'll see."
I picked up my pace and took the courthouse stairs 2 at a time. I entered courtroom 3 to find a police officer handcuffing Tanya's play thing. He was resisting arrest. The judge entered the courtroom and called the room for quiet due to the commotion that was going on. Everyone that was now present needed to be here. So the officer cuffed him and sat him down. If he could have been gagged I am pretty sure the officer would have.
"Since we are all here I will call this courtroom to order." He banged the gavel and I waited for him to speak again. He was watching both parties. "We were supposed to have been in a meeting room until I looked over this case. I took the liberty of moving it forward as I had some time today." He paused. "I received some unsettling documentation from the Greece police department. All for money." He stopped talking for a moment and then continued again. "This case already had embezzlement and adultery scandals with in it. I received everything and more from Mr. Cullen's lawyer. The paperwork that Mrs. Cullen's lawyer had produced is lack luster at best. I will hear opening statements but I have made up my mind on a final decision. I am willing to change it but you have to change it for me."
Since Mike put forward the divorce papers for me and she was served instead of vice versa she was the defendant. Mike went to the bench and handed over the last of the documents that would have been filed today anyhow. He told of the cheating done by Tanya and the fact that it was found out that it had never stopped even through the marriage had taken place. He quoted the documents of embezzlement and how much she had taken from the company and the pre-nuptial that was signed by both parties without duress like she had claimed. Mike had been present for the signing the first time around and there was no duress.
While Mike was talking I looked around the room quickly. There was no one really here out side of us to deal with this. There was no press so she had no one to impress but the judge. This should be easy. Her faults spoke louder than her words. She had been caught and now she was trying to get out of this with out jail time.
When Mike finally sat he had a pad of paper in his hand and was trying to take some notes. They may not have a leg to stand on but since Mike was such good lawyer to me he had some counter questions as I was sure they had some too.
"I have heard both opening statements. I will open the floor for questions from the plaintiff and then I will hear from the defendant. I will not tolerate language in my court room. Please keep this in mind."
"Yes your honor." Mike said as he rose. He had questions and from his note pad that I had seen that countered almost half of the opening statement they had.
By time lunchtime had come and gone we had taken a break and the final statements made. The judge had excused himself for a 10 minute counsel with both lawyers. The video of the admission from Elina was played in private to both lawyers. When Mike returned he had a grin on his face.
"I have heard enough for today. My decision still stands as it had this morning. Nothing has changed but a few comments. The divorce has been granted to Mr. Cullen on the grounds of adultery. The pre-nuptial agreement that had been signed was not broken as the defendants have claimed it had been by Mr. Cullen while in Greece. There will be no spousal assistance. Just a full termination of marriage. As for the Embezzlement charges I will get to the remainder of that in a moment. The money that has been embezzled from Mr. Cullen will be paid back in the amount of 5 million dollars. I am sure going forward Mr. Cullen you will be very wary of all that you do business with. Mrs. Cullen you have 1 year from today to return all monies to Mr. Cullen or serve an extension on the sentence that I will be handing down in a moment. "
"Yes your honor." I said standing straight up and nodding in admission. I didn't dare interrupt him so I spoke when he paused. I am glad I did because he continued further.
"As for the remainder of this case. Embezzlement is very serious. Though it had been present in the relationship you had with one another it is a separate case altogether. The embezzlement of Mrs. Tanya Cullen and James Skorpi will result both in jail time. I feel it is necessary to say that money not be taken for granted. Money is earned and not just granted to you for frivolous use. Mr. Cullen works hard at what he does. Mrs. Cullen you should be ashamed of yourself. Now as for the hired attempt to make Mr. Cullen cheat to break the pre-nuptial agreement. I wanted to separate this from the adultery and divorce case. This was a blatant attempt to cover up the broken agreement by Mrs. Cullen and James Skorpi. Mrs. Cullen had broken the agreement even before she had signed it. The intent to break it was there before and also well after. The admission and evidence from the Greek police and statement from the defendant's hired assistance had a great deal in this decision. With the intent to harm by drugs I find that James Skorpi be reprimanded to the New York county Jail for a minimum of 2 years on top of the embezzlement charge of 4 years. Tanya Cullen you will revert back to your maiden name immediately and release all holdings with in Cullen Shipping international back to Mr. Cullen today. You will serve a minimum of 2 years for embezzlement and for endangering the life of Mr. Cullen through a third party."
Tanya cried out and started to swear that she had no idea about the drugs. The judge looked right at her and banged his gavel on the desk. "Quiet in this courtroom. I have not finished. If I have to remove you Mrs. Cullen I will add 2 more years to your sentence."
She was quiet after that. I, like Mike was standing as still as could be. I watched out of the corner of my eye that she wanted to object but her lawyer was trying to keep her under control.
"Now one last thing for both of you going forward. Since the Denali shipping company is part of the Denali family and the Cullen shipping international had put up the money to save the international division the Denali family have no more claims on the international division. It is now Cullen Shipping International. This claim is in no way part of the amount paid back to Mr. Cullen and his company. If the Denali family wish to sell their company to the Cullen family in the future and should surpass the amount still owing it will be called even and no further repayment is required. This is final." He banged the gavel and rose from behind his bench and disappeared through to his chambers.
I stayed quiet before I turned to Mike. I was grinning like a school boy. It was done. I was rid of her. The bitch was going to jail for at least 2 years for embezzlement. I could get my life back. I could move on. Mike was smiling.
"Well it went as I expected it to. You're happy I take it Edward?"
"Very. Thank you. I couldn't thank you enough for this."
"We will go celebrate next week when the final paper work comes in from the judge."
"That we can do."
I watched as Tanya was reprimanded into hand cuffs. Her lawyer apologizing profusely for not doing better. I walked past her without a backwards glance as Mike and I left the courtroom.
"Mike what happened in the chamber?"
"He played the admission from Elina and the bartender. The chain of evidence was shown and it contradicted what her lawyer had said happened. He was caught red handed lying for her. The judge nearly took his license away right there for lying. I wouldn't put it past her if she had slept with him too. But that is hearsay."
"You're starting to think like me Mike."
"I'll call you when I get the paper work."
"Thanks again Mike you did an awesome job as usual. You should just come work for me full time but I know you have other clients as well."
"I do but I will always stop to help. I may take you up on the offer in the future."
"I hope you do."
I left him and headed back to the penthouse. I had a grin on my face that seemed larger than life. I entered the building and Henry saw the grin and waved.
"Mr. Cullen you are in a very good mood today."
"Yes Henry I am. The former Mrs. Cullen will not be returning ever to this building."
"Your divorce went through."
"It did. Earlier than I expected it to."
I headed up the elevator put my key in and went straight to change. I got Jace and we headed out for a walk. I tossed a stick around and he ran to catch it. I had my phone with me just in case something else had happened after I left the courthouse but Mike never called. Ben did however as I had thrown the stick again for him to chase.
"Ben how is everything?"
"Okay I guess we had moved the wedding up and now Angela is thinking about moving it again because of what happened. Angela is looking after Bella. She went back home today. Funeral is tomorrow."
"I would like to pay my respects."
"Edward was Jared one of the undercover agents that you hired?"
I didn't say anything at first. "Why do you ask?"
"Mr. Crenshaw called me while you were in court. He was looking for the hire papers."
"Yes he was. I didn't realize it till after it had happened that night. When I saw him at your table at Jasper's I figured out who he was." I paused. "Mr. Crenshaw had said to keep it between him and myself and Jacob. I should have told you everything. Sorry Ben."
"No I know your hands were tied. If I had known I would have been compromised as well sitting at dinner that night."
"Have you told Angela?"
"No not yet. She will be crushed." He paused. "This is a shit show isn't?"
"Sort of. But on the bright side I am no longer married as of 45 minutes ago."
"The judge granted your divorce that quick?"
"He sure did. After Elina sung like a song bird and the evidence came here the judge handed down two years to her and 6 to him."
"I'm happy for you Edward. I'll give the hire forms to Mr. Crenshaw when he comes which should be shortly."
"Thanks. If he needs to speak with me tell him to call me. I will be at dinner tonight."
I let Jace run a bit more as I sat down on the bench. My mind wandered a bit with what I would do now that the sham of a marriage was over.
.~.
I headed to the house after I came back from walking with Jace. I brought the jewelry and gave them both to my mother and Alice. Then we got a call. Emmett was at the hospital with Rosalie. Baby was on the way. So we headed into the city to the hospital and waited like a family should.
Baby William was born at 8pm and mother and child were doing great. While Alice and mom where in with Rosalie I stayed outside with Dad.
"So how was the courthouse today?"
"Perfect actually dad. She is in jail for at least 2 years and James the boy toy was sentenced to 6 years minimum. All the research in Greece and the UK paid off. I had one indiscretion in Greece that forced her hand thankfully."
"Nothing that will come to bite you back son I hope."
"No I don't think so. Mikos daughter was a surprise. I have known her since she was small. She helped me at the gallery and auction."
"Sounds like you had a good trip."
"I did but when I came home it certainly didn't feel like it had."
"How come?"
"A new friend's husband passed away. I am not sure how to handle it. I am working on it though."
"Let me know if I can help."
"Thanks dad. The funeral is tomorrow. I am going in to see Rosie and then head home to get some rest now that this is finally over."
"Okay son."
I popped in to see William and Rosie. Emmett was gushing over his newborn son. I explained that I had to head out and congratulated them both. I said with birth there is death and explained I had a funeral to go to tomorrow.
.~.
Having a quick dinner and shower I found myself at my piano again. The piece of music flowing through my fingers as if it was a concert I was playing. From note to note the sounds played in my head and through my fingers. I found while I was playing I saw her. I saw Bella standing beside the piano listening and smiling. I was playing it for her. Her beautiful eyes shinning in the moonlight. She came around and sat on the other side of the piano bench and stopped my hands. I turned to her and she kissed me.
"You haven't fucked me in your dreams for a while now. I miss you."
"You're hurting."
"I'm not right now. I am here with you."
"You just lost him."
"This is your dream not mine. I can control you or you can control me."
"You shouldn't be this way. You're in mourning."
"That is the real world me. I am a dream. I am different."
She kissed me and moved to hover above me. The clink of the keys as she brushed them with her ass. I noticed at that point her clothes were gone as were mine. She had straddled me as she had in my other daydreams.
"We shouldn't Bella."
"You're not stopping. I am a dream. I am your dream."
She impaled herself on my hardness and moved with ease. She arched as far back as she could just to get a deeper connection between us. I thrust up and met her demand of me. It was wrong to dream this but it felt so right. I took her breasts in my mouth and sucked on them as she rode me. I felt her skin was on fire. Her sex was dripping and waiting for that pure bliss orgasmic moment that I could only give her. She moved up and down and I felt her tighten as she cried out. Her arched back brought her forward as she put her hands around my head and kissed me. I followed her as I brought her down around me and spilled everything I had pent up inside of her.
I kissed her as she buried my head in her breasts. She sat down further over me not releasing me as she had in the past. She continued to arch as her elbows hit the keys making a plunking noise. The keys vibrating under her touch.
"What do you want Edward? Do you want me like this or like this?" She had moved to on top of the piano. She was playing with me. This dream was different. She was different. Before she took control. Now she was half in control but asking me what I wanted.
"I want the real you but you are hurting."
"Then go get the real me. I am just a dream." I looked at the keys and then back up and she was gone.
The last note played from my finger brought me back to the here and now. It was a dream. She was not really here. I knew she was hurting. She was in mourning. Yet something in me kept seeing the dream her. I stood from the piano and felt the bulge in my pants. Looked like I was having another shower.
By time morning had come I had slept some but it was broken. I kept remembering the dream Bella and how different she was. I knew she was hurting and I still thought of her like that. What the fuck was wrong with me? I stood in front of the mirror after yet another shower that had me releasing everything that had been pent up as I had slept. I dressed in a black suit and tie. I would see her today but keep my distance. I knew my place. One day I would explain to her he was undercover at my company. She deserved to know that much.
I took Jace to the roof to run for a few minutes before I had to leave. I would stay in the back. Stay hidden. I didn't want to cause an uproar. Ben would be here and I knew he would see me. I would explain if anyone asked that I was supporting them.
I left shortly after and headed into the streets of New York. The church was not far from the penthouse and I needed the walk. I was half way there when I saw the officers heading to the church as well. I stopped and let them go before me. It was then that I saw her and her family. She was surrounded by her loved ones greeting the people that had come to pay their respects. By time I had reached the family she had gone to sit inside.
"Sam I am very sorry. I somehow feel it was my fault."
"No Mr. Cullen it was part of the work we do. It was not your fault. We knew the risks going in."
"You are very calm."
"I am being strong for my brother and his widow."
"Please send my condolences to her as well. If there is anything you need please let me know."
"Thank you Mr. Cullen that is very kind of you."
I moved on and stood in the back of the church. The service started and I watched her try to stand only to stop. Sam her brother in law stood in her place and spoke about Jared. I watched her stand and place her hands on the coffin and cry. My heart ached for her. I am so sorry Bella.
Sam had said it was not my fault. It was part of what they do. I in no way could ever be a police officer. I was pretty good at the detective part when I knew what I was looking for but still I couldn't do what they do. Gun battles, drugs and undercover work. I looked at Bella as she walked by behind the coffin and waited to enter a car with Sam and Emily.
I didn't go to the lunch they had planned. I matched the amount that they had collected for Bella and tripled it. I know they would have given it to her then. I was an anonymous contributor. I paid my respects and I decided to wander around the park. I was so close to the park I had Jace here all the time I never really just sat for me. I looked around. There were a few others around. It was Saturday and there were some walking dogs. I smiled. This is almost the spot where Jace had run into Bella.
I wasn't sure how long I had been there for but when I rose the sun was settling behind the trees. I moved along the park walkway and returned home. Things would be different and I was sure I wouldn't get to see Bella again. Well not right now anyhow.
.~.
Since Ben's wedding was only two days away, Angela had everything planned to a T she had a dinner for all the wedding party planned. With everything that had happened at the shipping yard and the death of Bella's husband she didn't want to do a lot of partying before hand. Just a dinner for all of us. She had booked Jasper's private room with my help of course. I was happy to do it. Jasper was happy to have guests and a packed restaurant every night. Angela and Ben were the last to arrive and once they had glasses of wine they spoke.
"We are missing two people tonight. One of our dear friends passed away a few weeks ago and the other will be returning in a days time so please let's have a moment for them and we can continue."
Ben had said they were missing two. I looked around there was two missing chairs. I assumed one was for Jared. I got that part and the other for Bella? I didn't have to guess any longer because she appeared in the doorway behind them.
"You're only missing one now." She said quietly as Angela spun around. "I wasn't sure I was going to make my flight here and be here but I am."
"Bella you made it. I am so happy."
"I almost missed the flight. I am famished."
"Come sit please."
"I am fine. I am still going through phases of mourning as I will for awhile."
Listening to them talk from across it was like she hadn't been here in the city the whole time. I watched their exchange as she sat and when she fell quiet and looked around the room she had made eye contact with me. I saw her eyes and the sadness that they still held for her deceased husband. I smiled a small smile for her and she returned it. At that moment Ben had come up and sat down with a few others. I turned my attention to their conversation but I still kept the corner of my eye on Bella.
"Edward, earth to Edward you okay man?"
"Yes sorry. Just thinking of work." Not really but it was a good thing to say instead of I'm watching Bella.
"No work today or tomorrow. Monday only."
"Yes agreed." I turned my full attention to Ben and the talk of the honeymoon he had planned for Angela. I gave him two weeks in Greece as their wedding gift. The vacation home I had won on Santorini was theirs for two weeks. He accepted with my pushing all he needed to do was get the flights to and from. Everything else was taken care of. I had called Mikos and he had set everything up for them to arrive and have food and the hospitality that would have come with staying at a resort. I joined the conversation but my eyes wandered every so often to Bella and Angela. They were hugging and I smiled.
Jasper came in and brought the food that I ordered for everyone to enjoy.
"Edward how are things?"
"Good. Life is good. Ben is getting married. He is using the vacation house I won in an auction. It is a surprise for his soon to be wife. Things are good."
"You have been quiet. Missed the family dinner last Friday."
"Yes I know. I had to tie up some loose ends at the shipping yard. I am sure everyone was dotting over William though."
"Alice certainly was and your mom."
"I can totally see that. I will head over tomorrow to see them before I settle into Best Man duties tomorrow."
"Good take Alice with you if you go. She has some new layouts she is going over if I put up another restaurant."
"Are you?"
"I am thinking about it. It won't be for a while yet. I still have time to take you up on your offer."
"Good it still stands."
"Now that your divorce went through how has going out been?"
"I don't really go out right now. I just walk Jace and spend time in the park."
"Well your free go have fun."
"I will eventually."
After food and drinks had come and gone it was time to head out for the night. I hadn't stopped to talk to Bella all night. I watched her from afar until this moment. Ben and Angela had gone and Bella and I were standing outside waiting for cab.
"Bella."
"How are you Edward?"
"Well. I'm sorry to hear about your husband."
"Thank you. It is hard being back here. This is the last spot I saw him."
That is right. He wasn't at the table until after I had brought the drinks. "You haven't been in the city?"
"No I went back to Forks. I live in Seattle now."
"I didn't know that. I was still hoping to show you around the city."
"I'm sorry I didn't take you up on your offer. Everything happened all at once. Angela moved up the wedding which was beside the point. Sorry I am babbling."
"That is okay. I was hoping to run into you at the park one day."
"You seem to be where I am so I am sure we will run into each other again."
"That scares you a little I can see it."
"A little and it shouldn't. I am a police chief's daughter I can handle myself. Plus I always feel guilty." What did that mean? Guilty.
"Guilty?"
"I…" The cab pulled up as I opened the door for her.
"Where are you staying tonight Bella?"
"Hotel. I didn't want to bug Sam and Emily this late. I will see them tomorrow."
"Share a cab with me then and we can talk." I asked her my eyes pleading for just a few more moments with her so I can explain.
"I don't know if I should."
"I'm not going to bite. I will make sure you get to your hotel."
"Okay."
I followed her into the cab and realized her hotel was not far from my apartment. We rode in silence and both got out. She didn't move from the curb as the cab left us there.
"Thank you Edward. I have spent a lot of time alone in the last few weeks. It was nice to be in car with someone other than my mind. Even if we didn't talk."
"I know it is late but do you have a few moments?"
"I usually stay up late. You look like you have something to say."
"I do but I don't want it to scare you."
"You scared me a little a month or two ago. Things changed I can see it."
"It did. Divorced finally."
"Congratulations. But that is not it. There is something else."
"There is but I don't know if I should tell you now."
"Well I am standing right here."
"Walk with me and I'll tell you." If she didn't see me remembering her from my dreams the better off I was telling her about her husband.
"Okay." She looked at me as we started to walk side by side.
I started off by telling her how I had felt about her. Not the dreams I think I would have scared her for life. How I felt like I had known her for years from just the little bit of conversation I had had before. It slipped out that I had been watching her that night at Jasper's and I had seen her husband there and leave her. I explained how I had undercover agents working in my shipping yard and I had not put two and two together until I had seen him. She had stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. Tears falling again like I had seen her do at the funeral. Not sobbing, not uncontrollable tears, just simple tears.
"Why did you tell me this?" She asked wiping the tears away.
"It was wrong to want you. You were married and I somehow felt responsible when Jared died on my shipping yard."
"It wasn't your fault. He was undercover." She said which surprised me. I looked at her brown eyes. They were sad but tough. She had been through a lot in the last few months and it was showing.
"It certainly feels like it is." I wanted to reach out and touch her and pull her into a hug. She deserved the world for being so strong and now I was not helping when I thought I would.
"I am a police chief's daughter. I know it is part of the job. It was not your fault Edward." She paused. "I feel guilty all the time right now. When I saw you the first day your green eyes drew me in. I felt guilty even noticing because Jared was gone all the time. I felt that because my eye was wandering this was my fault. He was not at his best because we had been out at my request. He wasn't doing his undercover job." She paused and wiped more tears from her soaked cheeks. "We can't do this right now. I can't. It is too soon. I am sorry." She turned on her heel and ran back to the hotel that we just walked from. I knew she was crying and I went to follow her but I stopped myself. She didn't blame me but she felt guilty.
"Bella wait." I picked up the pace and finally ran after her but by time I had caught up she was inside her hotel and I watched from outside as she entered the elevator.
