Chapter 40
Edward
I had never been so angry as I was now. That fucking bitch is going to get what's coming to her. Not straight away, I'm not that stupid.
"Jenks, what the fuck!" I yell. "What are we paying you for? Gloria has not only been taking the profits from the businesses that belong to us. She is suing me for the cost of her sister's funeral. You need to get off your ass, get the money back from her, and put a stop to her bullshit."
"Edward, don't worry, I've already got that in hand. You have all the deeds back. The judge has told her she isn't entitled to any of the money, and she is to pay it all back, plus interest," Jenks reassures. "Just concentrate on opening your music space and leave me to do my job."
"You fuck this up, and you're fired!" I snarl, hanging up the phone.
"Edward, we have to get into that club and search Jasper's room," Emmett says.
"Yes, I realize that Emmett. I can use this to my advantage. The way to do that is to get the Feds to do it for me," I smirk.
Pulling my cell from my pocket, I dial a person I know I can use.
"Hi, Agent Crowley, this is Edward Cullen. Could you help us with something," I ask?
"Hi Edward, what can I help you with?" Agent Crowley replies.
"You said to come to you if we needed anything. I know that was when I was a teenager, and we have the deeds to our dad's businesses. We have just found out that the Gentleman's club he owns is a brothel. I don't want to own that kind of place, but according to our dads' lawyer, many influential people are members, so closing it won't be an option. I'm not sure what to do. Is there anyone you know who could help us?" I smirk at my innocence.
"Edward, I'll come over with a colleague that might be able to help you. I'll see you in half an hour," Agent Crowley replies.
"I'll see you then and thank you, bye," I offer.
"It's my pleasure. See you soon. Bye, Edward," Agent Crowley answers.
"That Emmett, is how you play people. They are going to love us so much they won't even look at us for mob business," I chuckle.
~TTS~
"They'll be here soon. You all know what you must do. Don't overact though, Emmett," I ask.
"Yes, we all know what we have to do, Edward, but just so you know, I'm not a good actress," Rose states.
The door intercom buzzes.
"Yes," I answer.
"Mr. Cullen, there are three FBI agents here to see you."
"Yes, I'm expecting them. Could you send them up?"
"Yes, Mr. Cullen."
"They will be here in three minutes," I advise.
"Hi Edward, this is Agent Ashley Dowling and Agent Beth Crowley, who is also my wife," Agent Crowley introduces. "They work in vice."
"Please come in and take a seat, would you like anything to drink?" I ask.
"Water would be great," Beth answers.
"Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my brother Emmett and his wife Doctor Rose Cullen, and this is my wife, Bella," I host.
"Here's your water," Bella offers. Then she takes a seat next to me.
"Edward, Tyler says that you have inherited the Gentleman's club from your father, is that right?" Beth asks.
"Yes, it is. I explained that to Agent Crowley," I begin.
"Edward, call me Tyler; we have known each other since you were a kid. That goes for all of you," Tyler explains.
"Okay. Neither Emmett nor I want to own the gentlemen's club. My father spent a great deal of time there when we were kids. Now we find out it's a high-end brothel. Neither of us wants anything to do with it. I'm going to be honest with you; I don't know what to do to close it down. Our lawyer said that many prominent people are members. I don't want to get on the wrong side of them, but Em and I are not like my dad. Unlike him, we are faithful to our wives. We would never raise our hands to them. We love and respect them too much. How can people use other people like that?" I ask innocently.
"We have been trying to get into that club for years. The DA's office is interested in getting his hands on the guest register and member's log. We can get a search warrant; with your permission, we can get in more quickly," Ashley advises.
"Whatever you need. As Edward says, we don't want to own or run a brothel. We want to have a business that the family can attend," Emmett counters.
"Can I ask what you're going to do with it once we close it down," Tyler asks.
"We have plans for all our father's businesses. To begin with, we are registering everything under the name of Cullen entertainment," I begin.
"We want to make that space into a place for kids and teenagers for laser tag. A soft play area for little ones, and a sensory room for babies," Rose offers.
"I have a friend who lives in the UK. She told me about a place she takes her kids to called Play Avenue. It's a place where kids can role-play such as a doctor's office, post office, fire station, and café. Kids dress up in the rooms and become a doctor and patient. Can you imagine how great it will be?" Bella enthuses.
"I purchased a plot of land from Masen's industries. I want to build a Vegas style casino. There are four strip clubs. We are closing two of them down. We want to open an Escape Room business. Also, we are going to renovate the other club into a function room for events like wedding receptions and conferences. The other two strip clubs are going to be refurbished," I tell them.
"That is going to clear out a lot of problem places. I'll share that information with the local precincts," Tyler says with a smile.
"We thought once we get inside the Gentleman's club, we can rip everything out. We are going to auction off anything we don't want to keep," Bella explains.
"We want to start a free drop-in clinic," Rose counters.
"Your mother would be so proud of you both. I know you are both doing so much good for the community. We heard about what you did for those students who had gotten hooked on drugs. It hasn't gone unnoticed by the commissioner. He will be pleased when he reads what you both are planning," Beth says.
"I think my dad had a room at the club as sometimes he never came home. I wouldn't be surprised if Jasper did as well. If you come across the missing jewelry, can we have it back?" I ask.
"Of course, you can. We have paperwork to sign. Either you or Emmett can do it," Ashley says as she pulls a file from her bag.
"Bella, we were wondering if we can speak to you about the dance studio," Tyler questions.
"Sure, what can I help you with?" Bella replies.
"We have a granddaughter who has cystic fibrosis. She wants to study ballet; we don't know if she will be able to sign up for lessons," Beth explains.
"She would have to take it slowly. It's good for children with CF to exercise. I would advise that she might start with the small children until she manages to build up her stamina," Rose offers
"Come take a look around, but I will give her private lessons with Rose sitting in until she can cope with the exercise. Just to make sure she has help if she needs it. Look online for baby ballet; that's how I advise we start. We have viewing rooms where parents can watch their children dance, so your daughter or yourselves can watch her," Bella advises.
"That would be great thank you so much; you don't know what this means to us both," Tyler says. "Jenny, our daughter, will be happy. She hates that she misses out, her brothers are in Little League, and she doesn't have any extracurricular activities."
"It's my pleasure," Bella replies.
"Thank you for all your help," I say as I show them to the door.
"It's not a problem, Edward. Just call any of us if you need our help," Beth offers as she squeezes my hand like mom used to when she reassured me.
Once I watch them close the elevator door. I walk back into our apartment.
"That my dear family is giving us free rein of the city," I smirk.
~TTS~
Bella
It's been a week since Edward has been trying to sort everything out, which has left me to sort out the academy opening tonight on my own. I'm grateful for the help Rose has given me. Rose interviewed for all the music teachers' jobs. All our teachers were students from Julliard.
As Edward was sorting through the people Jasper had recruited, he came across a kid who was at school studying finance and bookkeeping. Edward offered him a job as our bookkeeper for the academy. It was better than him running drugs.
He's known to everyone as 'Books,' and any free time he has he spends at the academy.
"Hi, everyone. The academy will open at seven tonight. I want to remind all the dancing staff to not let people into the dance studios. Especially if they have heels on as you know they will damage the floor. There are sandwiches, drinks, and fruit in the staff room; help yourself," I instruct.
I feel my phone vibrates in my pocket; I'm hoping it is Edward. But I see it is Uncle Harry. I make my way to my office, followed by Rose.
I answer my phone, putting it on speaker.
"Hi, Uncle Harry. I take it you're not in New York.
"I'm sorry, Bella, but I've not been able to get there. I must catch up on paperwork. I can't get away."
"That's okay. I'll take some pictures and send them to you."
"One of the reasons why I'm calling you is about Alice."
"Do I have to appear in court already?"
"No, darling, you don't. Do you remember Emily Young from school?"
"Yes, she lived in a small house on the outskirts of town. Emily believed there were vampires and werewolves in the forest. When we were in our sophomore year, Emily came to school with a scar down her face. She claimed a werewolf did it. Why do you ask?"
"She was in county lockup waiting for a psychiatric evaluation. She tried to kill a guy who was rock climbing; Emily said he was a vampire. They have charged her with attempted murder. Once Alice saw her, she decided to bully Emily the same as she did at school. Alice lived too much in the past. Well, Emily stabbed Alice."
"Is Alice, okay?"
"She's dead. Anna has taken it badly, and she has pleaded guilty to all charges. She said she doesn't have anything to live for now that she has lost her family. Her husband filed for a divorce. Anna has been sentenced to twenty-five years to life. She can't put in for parole until she has served twenty years."
"Uncle Harry, I don't know what to say. I don't understand why Alice turned out like that. It's unbelievable."
"Don't feel sorry for her she brought everything on herself."
"Yes, I suppose. Do you know how Heidi is doing? I've been meaning to call her, but it's been crazy here."
"She went to Italy to recuperate. Your birth father sent a plane for her. Your family seems to have a lot of money."
"That's the wine trade for you. It's a product that will always sell, local and worldwide. Even Edward and I are earning money, and we are not even there."
"I know you are busy today, so I'll speak to you again in a few days, take care and have a good night, bye, Bells."
"I'll speak to you again, love you, Uncle Harry, bye."
It is a short time later that Edward finds me crying in my office.
"Bella, what's happened? Has someone hurt you," Edward panics.
"Alice was stabbed in jail. She's dead. Alice used to bully a girl at school. Emily was in jail for attempted murder; I suppose she'd had enough of Alice bulling her. Why did Alice turn into such a horrible person Edward? She used to be so sweet and loving," I sob into Edward's chest.
"I think she was always a horrible person, you sweetheart, just see the best in everyone," Edward replies.
~TTS~
Bella ~ Two months later.
"See you guys next week. Have a great weekend," I say as the last student leaves.
Taking off my fairy wings, I'm too tired to change my dress. I've taught three lessons today, and my leg is sore. I just want to sit down.
Edward and Emmett have gone out of town on business. Rose is out with some friends from the hospital. That just leaves me here with Books finishing up for the weekend.
I hear the studio door slam open. I get up and walk to the door of my office. An FBI agent I know as April pushes her way in, followed by a mass of police and other FBI agents.
"Isabella Cullen, we have a warrant to look for guns and the remains of Jasper Whitlock," April states.
"What the hell! Books," I shout.
"Every team should know where you have been assigned to search, pull up the floors if you must, and don't forget the basement," April continues.
"You can't take the dance floors up; do you know how much they cost? There aren't any remains buried anywhere. I would have thought you would know he's on the run. He's murdered at least three people," I state.
"Isabella put your hands behind your back. You are coming in with me," April demands.
"Let me get changed first," I ask.
"Just fucking move. I know all about you, so do yourself a favor and tell me where Jasper is?" April growls.
"Books. I need you to call Rose and Edward, tell them what's happened. Get Jenks down to wherever the hell they are taking me. The cuffs are too tight, they're hurting. Books get the warrant off her." I yell.
April slams me into the wall.
"Stop resisting." She growls in my ear. "Tell them I have a warrant for all of them. Tell them to do themselves a favor and hand themselves in."
"Hey, you can't do that; you're hurting her. Where the fuck is this warrant? No judge would sign a warrant to let you smash up a floor," Books shouts as he grabs the warrant.
"The building's clear boss no kids or teachers," A young FBI agent shouts.
"This place needs pulling apart," April growls. "Fucking move bitch."
I still have my dance shoes on; being pushed, I lost my footing. I fall forward, hitting my head.
~TTS~
Books.
"What the fuck! Just stop; you don't need to go through these books or any paperwork. The warrant just says guns and a body. Books can't hold guns, you fucking moron," I snap.
Making sure that everyone is out of Bella's office. I pick up her cell and call Jenks.
"Mr. Jenks, I'm calling on behalf of Bella Cullen. The Feds are here pulling the place apart, they've taken Bella in, and she needs you to go down to help her," I state.
"Does Edward know your calling, or has he asked you to call me?" Jenks snaps.
"No, he's out of town. I called you first as Edward should be in the air," I reply.
"Look, kid, I don't know you, and I don't take instructions from Isabella. If Edward wants me to help her, he would have instructed me to," Jenks snarls as he puts down the phone.
"Fuck!"
I pick up my cell and call a guy I know from my old neighborhood; he's been a lawyer for a while. He did a lot of work with kids like me. I must do something to get help for Bella.
I dial his number and pray he will help.
"Carlo Rodriguez, how can I help you?" a voice on the line asks.
"Carlo, its books, I need your help," I say.
"Hey Books, I haven't heard from you in a while. I heard you had gone back to school. I'm proud of you," Carlo says. "What do you need help with?"
"I work for Edward and Bella Cullen at their music Academy. The feds have turned up with a search warrant, they're smashing up the place, and they've taken Bella in. Edward and Emmett are out of town on business, something to do with tenement buildings. Their lawyer won't help her. Man, I can't leave her there on her own. She still has her dancing clothes on," I rant.
"I know Edward, and he helped me out once. I'll go down to help Mrs. Cullen. Leave a message for Edward. Keep an eye on those agents," Carlo instructs.
"Thanks, Carlo, I owe you. Every room has CCTV installed. They won't be able to do anything. I'm calling Edward now. Bye," I reply.
"It's not a problem, bye books," Carlo replies.
I picked up the phone, dial Edward and left a message on his cell.
"Edward, its Books. Man, the feds are here. The Fed in charge of it all is that bitch who Jasper was screwing. She's given us a warrant and they're smashing the place up looking for guns and Jasper's body. They've taken Bella in; she's still in her dancing clothes. That bitch wouldn't let her get changed. Yours, Emmett, and Rose's name are on the warrant, but Rose wasn't here. Jenks wouldn't go, so my friend Carlo Rodriguez has gone to help her. He said you helped him once. Call me when you get this message, please."
~TTS~
Bella
To say I was scared was an understatement. So much for Edward saying the feds would leave us alone.
I was pushed into the car, hitting my head on the door frame, catching the netting of my dress ripping it. When they shut the door on it.
I turn my face to look out of the window, so they can't see how scared I am. I try not to listen to them making fun of me.
I am pulled from the car by a guy that makes Emmett look like a small teddy bear.
"Put her in a room and make sure you cuff her to the table," April instructs.
I sit for what feels like hours; no one had come in to see me. If this is April's way of making me nervous, she has another thing coming. All she is doing is pissing me off. Why the hell hasn't Jenks come? Edward seems to think he would drop anything for us. I can't help but be worried about the academy. What if Edward has left anything incriminating in the basement. He has moved his business to one of his clubs, so I hope not.
"Right Isabella, where does Edward have Jasper?" April asks as she sits opposite me, drinking a coffee.
I chose not to speak to the bitch. I remember that Edward said to say nothing until Jenks comes.
"I heard that your Edward is just like his daddy, and has a bit on the side. Why do you think he didn't want to take you with him," April smirks.
I just look down at my wrists, seeing that they have begun to bruise.
"Okay, I'll leave you to think about things. I need to check with my team to see if they have found Jasper," April says.
As I look at her, I notice she has a wristwatch that looks like my momma's. I also know that Lizzy had the same watch.
Once again, I am on my own in the room. I hear the door open, and a young man walks in.
"Hello, Mrs. Cullen. I'm a friend of Books, and I'm your lawyer, Carlo Rodriguez. If you're not going to charge Mrs. Cullen, I suggest you take off those handcuffs. Did you get that head injury looked at because it looks like that's a fresh wound?" he says.
~TTS~
Edward.
We had managed to negotiate the new arms deal with some people from Russia. I had undercut another family from Florida who once had an alliance with my dad.
"I'm just calling Bella to see if she's home. I thought we could all go out and eat," I call to Emmett.
Turning on my cell, I see I have a message thinking it is Bella. I listen. A cold shiver runs down my spine as I listen.
"Emmett call Rose and make sure she's at home and okay. The feds have taken Bella in, and they are searching the academy," I yell.
With shaking hands, I call Tyler.
"Hello Edward, how are you?" Tyler inquires.
"Tyler, Emmett, and I have been nothing but cooperative with you and the FBI. You have all the paperwork from the club. You've been able to see prostitution and illegal voting, and I don't know what else. Bella teaches all the kids with CF, and your daughter and the other mothers have their support meetings in the viewing room. How much more can Em and I do for you?" I ask.
"Edward, I don't know what you mean. You have helped you know how grateful we are," Tyler puzzles.
"So why has my wife been arrested on a warrant and the academy has been vandalized," I answer.
"I don't know anything about a warrant, and it has to come through me. Who has done this?" Tyler growls.
"Jasper's girlfriend, April Gerandy. You did know they were dating? She attended Emmett and Rose's wedding," I reply.
"No, I didn't know any of this. I'll meet you downtown," Tyler answers, and the phone goes dead.
~TTS~
Tyler
What the fuck. I rush to the office so I can get this sorted out straight away. Those kids have helped with so many things innocently. They are only trying to make entertainment for all the communities in the poverty areas. Not to mention all the work they do with the CF kids.
I bust through the door to my boss.
"Boss, what do you know about a warrant Gerandy has for the Cullen's arrest and to smash up everything at their academy?" I demand.
"I haven't authorized any search warrant. I know nothing about a warrant for those kids either. Why the fuck would we do that after everything, they have done. I don't know if they realize just by trusting us, they have given us access to places we have tried to get in for years," Agent Clapp replies.
"Those kids trusted me. I've known them since they were small kids, and I had just started in serious crimes." I growl. "I'm going down to see if Bella's okay. She had just finished teaching my granddaughter when the FBI showed up."
I rush down to the main floor, where the interrogation rooms are.
"Where is Bella Cullen?" I demand.
"She's in interview room eight, with her lawyer," Jane, the desk clerk, say.
Rushing to room eight, I push the door open.
"Bella, are you okay? None of us know anything about this. God, tell me that she didn't do that to your head and wrists," I groan.
"Yes, she did. Agent Gerandy is dating Jasper Whitlock, and she is wearing one of the pieces of jewelry that is missing from the Cullen house or it could be Bella's mother that has also gone missing," Carlo informs.
"Let's get you out of here," I say as I help her up.
Once I leave the room, I see Edward talking to Clapp.
"Sir, I think we need to bring in Gerandy. We need a warrant to search her apartment. It seems we have found our leak," I declare.
~TTS~
Bella
I had never been so glad to see Edward.
"Edward," I sob as I run into his arms.
"Are you okay, sweetheart. Your freezing," Edward replies as he takes his jacket off, wrapping it around me.
I bury my face into his chest while I inhale his scent, making me feel safe.
"Edward, I will be registering a complaint and demand compensation for the injuries Bella has received while in custody. Then there is the vandalism to your studios that we need to include in the reparation," Carlo adds.
"Carlo, I can't tell you how grateful I am that you came to help Bella. I remember you from way back," Edward says as he shakes his hand. "I want to get Bella home. I'll call you later."
I never let go of Edward. We go to the academy to see how bad it is.
It broke both of us at the way it was left.
"I'm making a claim against the Feds for this," I say.
"You bet your pretty face we are. I think with a bit of work this weekend. We can at least get the top floor workable. Then, the music classes can carry on as usual. Let's get home. Get you into the bath. I want Rose to look at your head. We'll call for food," Edward offers.
"That sounds great. I have a headache," I reply as I take Edward's hand.
~TTS~
Edward
"Let's get over there so we can see how we can fix the damage. Are you sure you are going to be okay, sweetheart?" I ask again.
"Edward, I'm going to be okay, let's just get this fixed before Monday," Bella sighs.
No one speaks in the car; Emmett has calmed down after Rose told him that the cut on Bella's head just needed a steri-strip to close the cut.
The parking lot owned by us is full of cars.
"Where have all these cars come from?" Emmett puzzles.
"I've no idea, but if this is to save people parking fees I'm going to have all of them towed," I growl.
"Where's that music coming from?" Rose questions. "Someone is in the school,"
"I think we might have some help," Bella says, smiling.
I am stunned when we walk in to see our staff, with friends, and a few of our pupil's families. I also see a couple of my men who work in construction. They are all going to the reception where Books has a tick list.
"Books, what's going on?" I ask.
"Hi Boss, we are just doing a bit of housekeeping. Go check out upstairs they have almost finished up there," Books offers.
"Edward, Emmett, I'm glad you're here. We've arrested Gerandy, and we've searched her apartment. There was jewelry found inside. I know some of it is your mom's. I remember the necklace she always wore. Also, some share certificates in your names," Tyler says. "I'm ashamed that we also have evidence that she was in bed with Jasper and his human trafficking business. When you have a chance, can you come to the office to look at the jewelry so you can have it back."
"Yes, thank you, Tyler, we'll be there after we get some work done here," I answer.
"We thought you might need a little help," Tyler says.
We watch as feds and police officers enter the school, wearing work clothes.
I smiled, trying to imagine what the great Carlisle Cullen would think of the feds helping the Cullen's.
I want to thank Klcivinski for pre-reading through this chapter.
Also, to EdwardsFirstKiss, my beta. For excellent editing skills.
Any mistakes are mine.
