Innocent Until Proven Guilty Chapter 36

I didn't want to trust my eyes at this moment.

I wanted this to be some sort of a sick dream.

But then everything happened so quickly.

I simply pulled the trigger.

But there were two gunshots that rang out.

I watched in a trance as Hunter's body slumped down to the ground and Edward stumbled back. I automatically moved towards him but froze as I saw blood seeping through his white shirt.

In the distance, I could hear a scream coming from somewhere and it took me a second to realize it was coming from me. I felt my body surge forward as I ran towards him. My hand instantly reached out to where I could see the blood was coming from to apply pressure on it.

It was like they showed in movies, it felt like I had watched and moved in slow motion, and then suddenly, the ringing in my ears had stopped and everything felt clear again.

"Baby?" I finally spoke and he turned to look at me. For a second his eyes looked vacant and I worried he was going into shock. I put my hand to his face and he seemed to have focus back on me before his legs started to buckle under him.

"Come on baby, let's get you back in the car. You're going to be fine…yup, you're going to be just fine. We'll get you stitched up in no time and you'll be back to bossing people around. You'll see." I tried to stay calm but the panic in my voice was evident.

I moved to position myself under his arm to help support his weight on me so we could walk back to the car. He helped me as much as he could and I felt stronger than usual but that was probably from the adrenaline.

Thank god our car was still on top of Hunter's and we didn't have to go far as my arms were starting to shake. I maneuvered us around to the passenger side and helped ease him inside the car. He grunted in pain as he turned his body so he was facing the front and I felt tears beginning to sting my eyes.

"I'm ok baby, it just hurts like a motherfucker. It's not my first time," he rasped as he grimaced in pain again.

"It's the second time you've been hurt because of me," I said and wiped harshly at my face as the tears began to spill.

"And I would take a hundred more for you," he panted out as his eyes began to close.

"No no no baby come on, keep your eyes open for me ok?" I said frantically as I moved to the side door and opened it so I could grab the shawl I used on my arm. I folded it a few times to thicken it and moved back to Edward who had slumped a little in the seat. His breathing was coming out short and fast as I tried to find a way I could wrap the shawl around his waist and try not to move him too much in the process.

"Try to focus on something ok, I need to wrap this around you so we can stop the bleeding a little. Come on baby, grab on to me," I spoke calmly whether it was for my benefit or his, I wasn't sure but he slowly leaned forward and rested against me. I took off his jacket and his shoulder harness and threw it behind his seat, I then quickly reached down and pulled the ankle strap off too. We didn't need any more questions at the hospital if he rocks up looking like he was carrying.

As quickly as I could, I wrapped the fabric around him and he cried out in pain as I tied it and tightened it slightly.

"I'm sorry baby. I promise we'll get you to the hospital as soon as possible," I quickly rushed out.

I stepped back and shut the door. When I turned to walk around the car, it was then I noticed Hunter's body still slumped against his car.

Newfound rage coursed through me as I walked back over to his body. I picked up the gun I had dropped in my rush to Edward and fired a few more rounds into him. Just to make sure he was really dead. The execution shot to his head did the job instantly but you can never be sure about these things. At least that's what I learned from watching old crime movies with Charlie.

I had the urge to punch him but he wouldn't feel it. I leaned in closer to him and grabbed the top of his slimy hair, wrenching his head back so I could look into his face one more time. His beady little eyes were unfocused as I etched his face into memory.

"Rot in hell asshole," I spat out and let go of his head with a shove. He fell to the ground completely and I hoped that whatever wildlife was out here would take care of the rest. We were quite far out from the main road and unless someone were to randomly drive out here, no one would know about this. The bugs can have him for all I care.

I turned back to look at Edward and found him watching me. I felt no remorse for what I had done tonight and I would do it again. The only thing eating up at me is the fact that Edward got hurt.

I looked around to see if there was anything else of ours that may have dropped and picked up Edward's discarded gun before I moved around the car and walked back over to our one. I got in and started the car up again. It rumbled to life and I shifted into reverse. With one more glance towards Edward, who had turned his head towards me now, I kicked my heels off and slammed my foot down on the accelerator.

The cars detached and I did a quick reverse 180, put it back into 5th, and sped back towards the main road.

I kept shooting glances at Edward who was still looking at me, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched me drive.

"I'm just going to rest my eyes for a bit," he mumbled but I reached out towards him and grabbed his hand in mine, giving it a hard squeeze.

"No baby you need to stay awake. You can't go to sleep Edward. Talk to me please!" My voice rose as his eyes looked heavy and he blinked slowly.

"Come on baby, tell me something," I said as I moved my hand to his leg and gave it a squeeze, removing it only to change gears.

He didn't say anything for a while and I turned to look at him to check if he was still awake. He looked pale but he was still looking at me. I saw him lick his lips before he spoke.

"You did amazingly well tonight Isabella," he praised me and my vision went blurry as more tears pooled in my eyes.

I swiped at them again and let out a small sigh as we finally hit the main road. I accelerated and felt the car fly forward.

"It's going to be ok. Trust me," he rasped out and I glanced over at him and saw that he had closed his eyes. The fabric wrapped around him was coated in blood and had completely changed color. His face was ashen white. I cried out and reached out to shake him but he didn't answer me nor did he open his eyes.

I screamed and hit the steering wheel as I sped down the long road. I was desperate to see the flashing lights or even a car pass me but still, nothing.

I continued to call out his name but I was met with silence. I reached around, trying to locate a pulse or anything to tell me he was still alive and I panicked at how weak his pulse felt under my fingertips.

I held on to his hand and didn't dare let go.

The further I drove the more my tears spilled. I was angry with myself for feeling so weak. He needed me now more than ever. Right now, I needed to be strong for the both of us.

It was the first time I prayed.

I prayed for Edward to be ok. I prayed to be able to see his emerald eyes again, to have him hold me and tell me he loves me.

I vowed to myself I will take us away from here and we can finally relax, maybe even go on a mini-moon. There was even a small part of me that was glad he dropped his phone back at the casino. There will be nothing disturbing us.

I wasn't going to let him out of my sigh.

And I sure as hell wasn't going to lose him.

"Don't you dare make me a widow Edward Anthony! Do you hear me? Don't even think about it! You're stuck with me, I'm not going anywhere," I said out loud and cried out again when I saw lights up ahead.

I was grateful more than ever that Vegas never sleeps.

It took me a further 15 minutes to finally get back into the city limits and I weaved my way through traffic which was thankfully light for this time in the early morning. I punched in the directions to the closest hospital into the car's navigation system and was told I was 0.5 miles away.

I must have broken hundreds of driving laws but I didn't give a fuck. They can destroy my license for all I care. I just needed to get Edward to the hospital.

I quickly pulled up outside UMC, tires screeching as I came to an abrupt stop.

I was glad to see there were paramedics lingering outside as they turned towards us once I stopped the car.

"Please! You have to help him!" I screamed out, my voice was already hoarse.

"Ma'am? What happened?" they rushed over to us and opened the passenger door.

"He was shot," I cried out and watched as they lifted him out of the car and placed him on top of the stretcher. I ran in after them after I snatched my phone from the dashboard.

They asked me questions and I told them as much as I knew I could and begged them to help him. They started compressions as they wheeled him towards the surgical unit. The was a nurse trying to ask me what my relationship was to him.

"I'm his wife," I mumbled as I watched them take him beyond a set of double doors I was restricted from entering.

"I need you to fill out some paperwork. Come, you can sit here. He's in good hands now," she wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I hissed as she pressed into my injured arm. She jumped back and looked at me before her eyes darted to my arm.

"Are you bleeding from anywhere else Mrs…" she trailed off

"Cullen," I mumbled.

"Mrs. Cullen, have you got any other injuries?" the nurse rushed out.

"No, not my blood," I mumbled again as I watched the double doors they took him through.

"Let's have a look shall we?" she gently led me over to the plastic-covered seats and helped me sit down. My legs felt like concrete as all the adrenaline started leaving my body. I sat stock-still as she moved around me. She luckily didn't ask me any questions and I was thankful for the peace and quiet, well as quiet as a hospital could be.

I felt like I was running out of air as the realization of what has happened finally sunk in.

"Mrs. Cullen?"

"Bella," I gently said.

"Bella, is there someone you can call?" she softly asked and waited patiently as it finally registered what she had said.

"Erm, yes…yeah," I stammered out and turned my phone over in my hand. There was blood smeared into it and it was the first time I noticed the blood on my hands. A new round of tears started streaking down my face at the sight of Edward's blood on my hands. She gently took my phone out of and cleaned it. Once she was done with it, she set it beside me and took hold of my hands and proceeded to wipe them clean too.

I was so lost in my own head I didn't realize she had left me alone. I stood up and grabbed the phone next to me and dialed the one number I knew would pick up.

"Isa?" he said

"Carlisle," I cried out.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong? Where are you? Are you ok? Where's Edward?" he sounded more awake now and I cried louder.

"Please, I need you," I cried into the phone and slumped down against the wall.

"Isabella where are you?" he sounded calm which was what I needed. I needed his calm right now.

"University Medical Centre," I said and hiccupped as another sob escaped me.

"We're coming." Was all he said before the line went dead.

I wasn't sure how they were going to get here or how long it will take them to get here but I didn't care. I will wait as long as I have to. It wasn't like I was going anywhere.

My next call was to Emmett.

"Bella? What's wrong?" he answered instantly.

"I'm at the hospital, Edward…he was shot…Hunter," I managed to somehow get my words out and I heard him rustling in the background and I could also hear Rose ask what's going on.

"Where are you?" he asked and I told him the hospital we were at. He promised to be there in no time.

I don't know how long I sat on the hospital floor. Every part of my body was aching and I felt like I couldn't breathe without Edward beside me. Every time someone stepped through the double doors, the only thing they could tell me was he was still in surgery.

I didn't even realize Rose and Emmett got here until Rose crouched down in front of me and gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

I was surprised I could still produce any more tears as I started crying as soon as she wrapped her arms around me.

She stood up again and held her hand out to me. I held on to her for dear life and hoisted myself off the floor. My legs felt weak as she walked us over to the chairs and helped me sit down.

Emmett walked over and crouched in front of me. He took hold of my hands.

"What happened?" he asked and so I told him.

I told them about the phone calls Edward received earlier today with updates of Hunter's whereabouts. I told them that it was my idea not to tell the rest of them about what we had planned for tonight. I told them about Hunter being at our hotel. I told them about the car chase and I told them about the shooting.

They had thankfully stayed quiet throughout my retelling of the story.

But once I had finished, Emmett let me have it.

"Fuck Bella! Do you realize how stupid that was? Hunter was a fucking unpredictable maniac! I don't even think he remembers what it feels like to not have drugs in his system! Fuck Bella! This could have ended so much worse! What were you thinking?" he continued to say.

I couldn't even look at him as he continued to rant. It wasn't until Rose asked him to calm down that he finally stopped. He grabbed hold of my hands and pulled me up, wrapping his beefy arms around me and hugging me to him.

"He's going to be ok, trust me," more tears spilled as he said pretty much the same thing Edward told me before he passed out.

I don't know how long I sobbed in his arms before I felt a different set of arms engulf me. I was sandwiched between Rose and Emmett and it felt good to have someone around me.

"What happened to your arm?" Rose asked as we sat back down.

"One of Hunter's bullet's grazed me," I said and heard her gasp.

"You're one badass chick, Isabella Cullen," she joked trying to lighten the mood and managed to coax a smile out of me.

"Little Bean will have the coolest godmother that's ever been!" Emmett bellowed and I turned to gape at him.

"Godmother?" I asked in shock.

"Hell yeah, we want you and Ed to be godparents to our little one. And then Jasper and Alice for the next one," he simply said like it was no big deal.

I turned to look at Rose who was crying along with me and slowly nodding in confirmation.

"Oh my god, you guys I can't believe this!" I exclaimed and turned to hug both of them.

"Isa?" I suddenly heard.

I shot off that chair instantly and flew into Carlisle's open arms.

"Dad," I cried out and felt him run his hand down my hair as he tried to calm me.

He was definitely another father figure in my life and seeing as he saw me as a daughter, it felt right to call him that. He has been watching over me my whole life it seems.

"What happened?" he asked but I shook my head, I couldn't tell the story all over again and I was glad when Emmett stepped in.

Carlisle continued to hold me as I breathed him in. He and Edward wore the same cologne, even though it was breaking my heart all over again smelling it, it also calmed me.

He didn't shout at me or tell me off which I was grateful for. I felt him kiss the top of my head and reassure me everything will be ok. I held on to that hope every time someone would say it, but until the doctor tells me I can go in and see him, I won't know for sure.

I moved back a little and noticed that Esme was standing by the entrance, tears were streaming down her beautiful face as she looked at us. That of course set mine off and she instantly moved towards us. Her motherly presence was like a calming blanket as she fretted over me. She asked me if I was ok and if the blood on my dress was mine. She asked what happened to my arm. She asked if anyone has told me what's going on and she asked if I wanted a change of clothes.

"I'm ok as I can be, it feels like there's a hole in my heart though. Some of it may be mine I don't know but I think most of it is…is erm…most of it is Ed-Edward's," I could hardly say his name without wanting to crumble to the floor.

"My arm is fine and I haven't heard from anyone since Rose and Em got here, not like they told me much before that anyway, just that he was still in surgery. And yes, I'd love to get out of this dress," I finally said as she lovingly held my face in her hands.

"Where are your shoes sweetheart?" she asked. I looked down and only now realized I was barefoot.

"They're back inside the car, I couldn't drive in the heels I was wearing," I simply said.

She was about to say something else but the double doors opened and a man in bloody scrubs stepped through.

"Mrs. Cullen?" both Esme and I stepped forward.

"Yes?" I said quietly.

"Surgery went well, luckily the bullet only grazed his liver and hasn't caused any other damage. He did however lose a lot of blood so it took as a while to fill him back up so to speak. He's stable and you can go see him." He nodded at all of us and moved back to the double doors, holding them open for me.

I turned to look at his parents who were nodding at me encouragingly.

"Go ahead Isa, we'll be in there shortly," Carlisle said and then gave me another nod.

I quickly followed the doctor and he led me towards a post-surgery unit. We walked up to a door with a small round window on it and he motioned for me to go ahead.

With a shaky breath, I opened the door and gasped at the sight before me. Edward lay on a white hospital bed, his skin still looking ashy white and there were tubes going in and round his body. Machines surrounded him and there was a rhythmic beeping sound coming from one of them.

I turned back towards the doctor.

"He's on heavy medication at the moment so he won't wake for another couple of hours. We've hooked him up to check his BP and also giving him extra oxygen so his body doesn't have to work so much whilst he recovers. I can assure you he isn't in any pain. Take as long as you need, there's a remote by the bed in case you need to buzz for anything," he gave me a reassuring smile and stepped out of the room, leaving me with Edward.

I softly padded over to him on the cold linoleum floor. I took another shaky breath as I neared closer to him, he looked so peaceful as his long lashes rested along with his defined cheekbones. A wrenching sob escaped me and I gently ran my hand through his hair and down his sculpted face.

I quickly looked around and spotted a chair by the window, I walked over to it and moved it beside his bed. I gingerly sat down and took his hand in mine, resting my forehead on the edge of the hospital bed. The rhythmic beeping coming from the machine was calming. It let me know that he was still alive and still breathing.

Everything was ok.

I don't know how long I sat in the same position but I jumped when I heard the room door open. I looked up and found both Carlisle and Esme at the door, asking if it was ok to come in.

"Of course," my voice was hoarse as I responded.

Esme walked over to my side whilst Carlisle took the other, both of them placing a hand on their son. I noticed how red both of their eyes were and I wanted to ask but there was no need. I knew they had cried for their son.

It felt like I have been going over today in my head for hours. Thinking about things I could have done differently. Thinking about how it was a mistake to not get at least Emmett involved. We should have traveled out here with security in tow. If we had done any of these things, he probably wouldn't be lying here, in a hospital bed, plugged into machines.

I jumped once more as Esme placed her hand on my back and gently stroked it.

"I brought you a change of clothes," she whispered and it was only then that I realized she had a bag with her.

"Thank you," I croaked out as I brought Edward's hand up to my lips and just held it there. His skin smelled clinical and I just couldn't wait for him to get out of here.

"Why don't you use the bathroom and get changed, sweetie? We'll be right here with him," she encouraged. I simply nodded at her and winced as I got up. The position I've been in made my back sore.

I gently took the bag from her and walked into the built-in bathroom, quietly shutting the door behind me. I let out a huge breath and proceeded to get changed. I have no idea how or where she got these clothes from but I was glad to peel the blood-stained dress off me.

I slowly slipped on the pair of black legging and pulled an oversized sweatshirt over my body. I gasped as Edward's scent assaulted me and brought it up to my face so I could lose myself in his smell. My eyes watered but didn't spill over. I finally took a look at myself in the mirror and noticed I had a few spots of blood on my face. I ran the tap and slowly cleaned myself up, scrubbing my hands under the hot tap until they were red.

I tried to tame my hair as best as I could and eventually gave up on it. I slipped on a pair of sneakers and walked back out into the room.

Esme and Carlisle were holding each other as they looked over their son, both of them smiled warmly at me as I made my way back to my spot. I placed the bag down beside me and took Edward's hand in mine again.

I let out another sigh and quickly turned to one of the monitors as it began beeping faster. At the same time, I felt Edward's hand gently squeeze mine. I quickly shot off the chair and leaned in closer to him. I watched as his eyes fluttered open slightly before they closed again. I let out a small cry as he finally opened his eyes and turned to me.

They were so bright, he searched my face and groaned slightly before one of his famous smirks graced his lips.

"Baby?" I said quietly and he smiled in return.

"Didn't think I'd go to heaven with the amount of shit I've done in my life, but you're as beautiful as ever. I fucking told you you were an angel," he slurred slightly and huffed out a small laugh.

I actually laughed a little and heard his parents laugh along with me. Edward whipped his head in their direction and scoffed.

"Now I definitely know it's bullshit. Dad, they would never let you up here," he teased them and closed his eyes again, sighing in contentment.

I couldn't even describe what I was feeling right now.

"Baby, you're not in heaven, you're at the hospital," I said softly, stroking his face gently as he nuzzled into my hand.

"I'm going to need my sponge bath, Nurse Swan," that smirk was back and Carlisle let out a loud laugh.

"Shut up old man and get out. Things are about to get frisky up in here," I stifled my laugh as he gyrated his hips slightly which only made Carlisle laugh more.

"Ow it hurts," he gasped out and then groaned.

"This isn't what it's supposed to be like!" he whined and I quickly pressed on the call button to get the nurse in.

A male nurse poked his head through before stepping in.

"Mr. Cullen, glad to see you're awake. Let me page Dr. Maddison for you. Your sister hasn't left your side, you're lucky to have such a supportive family," the nurse said and I quirked my eyebrow up at him.

"If she was my sister then the thing I do to her body would be illegal," Edward scoffed and my cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

"Edward!" Esme gasped but Edward just laughed and then groaned again.

"I'm his wife," I clarified to the shocked nurse.

"Damn right you are baby! I can't tell, but if that fucker is checking you out, you better tell him I'll gauge his eyes out once I can see clearly," Edward threatened.

I didn't hold back my laughter as the nurse turned his gaze away from me and mumbled something about paging the doctor before quickly stepping out of the room.

I turned back to Edward and found him watching me.

"How do you feel?" I asked as I couldn't look at him enough.

"I feel fine, although the pain in my side hurts like a motherfucker. The fact that I can see 2 of you doesn't help either but I'm finding it hard to not think about a threesome with you and the other you," he grumped.

My god what have they drugged him with? It was like he had no filter.

"Baby, your parents are still here," I said between laughing and willing my blush away. Esme stepped closer and leaned down to kiss Edward's forehead whilst Carlisle placed a hand on his leg.

"Mom, you're killing my boner, I'm trying to get a little somethin' somethin' here," he whined. Esme luckily just laughed it off and continued to pepper kisses on his forehead like he was a little boy.

"Hey, Romeo, it might take a while before you can actually get a boner son," Carlisle piped in and I nearly chocked as I gasped in surprise.

"Well shit. I'm sorry baby, I guess you'll just have to sit on my face," Edward said and tried to wiggle his eyebrows suggestively. I laughed again and reached up to kiss him.

It felt like I had waited so long to do this, I didn't want to move away. But I sat back down once the doctor came in.

He checked Edward's vitals and told us everything looks great and everything is going in the right direction. He informed Edward that if the pain reaches an unbearable point, to press on a button and it will automatically administer more pain medication. The doctor laughed along as Edward continued to have no verbal filter and confirmed that it is forbidden to have intercourse whilst at the hospital. Edward then informed him that he was pretty sure the doctors and nurses at this hospital were more than likely playing...Doctors and Nurses, in the supply closets. Dr. Maddison didn't confirm or deny it which made the rest of us laugh along with Edward.

He told Edward his vision will clear up soon and that it was just a side effect from the medication they have put him on and the anesthetic for when he went under. Edward told us he felt very sleepy and his words slurred even more before he gently closed his eyes and his breathing evened out.

"Is he going to be ok?" I had finally asked before the doctor left us again.

"He's going to be absolutely fine. Shortly, we'll take him into one of our private suits as requested by Mr. Cullen here, as we'd like him to stay with us for a couple more days, just for monitoring purposes," he gave me a reassuring smile and left us alone with Edward once again.

"Thank you for sorting that out Carlisle, I didn't even think about any of that, I was so focused on him getting out of surgery…I just," I trailed off, not really knowing what else to say.

"No need to thank me, sweetheart. You've done amazingly well getting him here. If it wasn't for the shot you had to take, we don't know what could have happened. I'm sure everyone has already told you how…unstable James was," he was probably the only person to call him by his first name.

"Yeah, I'm well aware. He was all strung up on god knows what tonight," I mumbled as I rested my head on Edward's chest, half laying on him and half perched up on the chair.

"You look exhausted, why don't you come back to the hotel with us? Edward will be knocked out most of the night," Esme asked but I was already shaking my head.

"I'm not leaving him," I said and she was about to say something else but I spoke again "I can't," I sobbed out as what I assume was the last of my tears ran down my face.

"Oh baby girl," she gushed and walked around the bed towards me, engulfing me in her arms.

I cried on her shoulder as she held me, needing that motherly support now more than ever. It made me miss my own mom but knowing my parents, all I'd get is grief for putting myself in danger for the man I love.

It was only half an hour later when the porters came in followed by the same male nurse and wheeled Edward out of the post-op room and into the private suite they had on their top floor.

The three of us quietly followed behind them, with both of his parent's arms wrapped around me, helping me, supporting me.

The private suite was lavish and the whole east wall was just window. The blinds were drawn shut and the light inside the room was dimmed low. It had warm creamy tones, nothing compared to the harsh white that was in the room he was in before.

The nurse checked on his vitals and made sure he was hooked up once again and then informed me there was a pull-out bed in this room as requested. When I turned to look at Carlisle, he just winked at me and didn't say anything else.

I stood by Edward's head and gently stroked his hair, glad to see the color in his face was coming back.

"We'll be back in the morning ok? Try and get some sleep and just a warning, Edward is a terrible patient so try not to smother him with his pillow and call me if you'll need a break," Esme said with a teasing smile on her face.

I thanked them both once again and we said our goodbyes.

I breathed another sigh of relief and proceeded to pull the two-seater closer to Edward. I wanted to be able to reach him from where I was. I took out a pillow and a blanket from a small dresser that was in the room and got comfortable.

I kissed Edward goodnight and took hold of his hand before closing my eyes and letting sleep overtake me.