AN: I'm not a lawyer…so I relied on my trusty friend, Google. :)
CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT
BELLA'S POV:
Day two in Chicago, I never left my room. I napped on and off, letting my body replenish after the strain of traveling. Esme was a godsend; taking care of Tony and keeping him entertained. She helped set up a picnic lunch in my bed so I could spend some time with my boy. He filled me in on how he surprised Grandpa at dinner, hiding under the kitchen table, and jumping out when Esme gave him the signal. I could only imagine what Carlisle's face must have looked like; I wish someone got it on film. Esme's beaming face while Tony recounted the story, as well as Edward's reaction yesterday, made this minor recovery setback worth it.
By Day three, I was determined to get back on schedule. Esme thankfully helped me with my morning routine, and in no time, I was in my chair, and headed for the kitchen. I manned the coffee machine, while Esme got started on our morning meal.
"By now, word has gotten out that you guys are here. Are you feeling up for a family dinner tonight, or would you rather wait for the weekend?" she asked, as she flipped over the omelet she was preparing.
"Your house. What works. Best for you," I replied. Tony and I were guests after all. They shouldn't have to restructure their lives just because we were staying here.
"That's not what I asked Bella." I could hear the mom voice coming out.
"Up to Tony," I tried again to deflect making decisions.
"Bella, its up to you. You only are just getting back into the swing of things. Would another day be helpful? Don't worry about Tony and what he wants. I'm sure that Emmett would have no problems swinging by and stealing him for a couple of hours if you are not up to a big gathering."
"Don't want. To disrupt. Everything."
"Nonsense Bella. We're all just so happy that you're even here. We will graciously follow your lead. And since you are refusing to make a decision, I will just have to pull the mom card, and do it for you. Dinner will be this Saturday with Alice and Emmett and family. That will give you another day to rest up."
"Works for me," I said, while doctoring up my coffee just the way I liked it. I was slightly overwhelmed by the idea of a big family dinner. While in Forks, I had reconnected with all the Cullens/Whitlocks, but in small doses, and in pairs, thanks to the hospital visitation schedule. Here at Esme's home, we would be a party of ten. It was daunting, but it was something I would have to get used to. This was Tony's family, and it would be the first of many family dinners; both while we were staying here, and as we shared holidays in the future.
"Edward will be here tonight, just like he will be every night. I imagine that is okay with you?" Esme turned, and gave me the classic Cullen smirk. I always thought Edward had inherited it from Carlisle, but Esme could certainly give them both a run for their money.
I decided not to justify that with a response, which only caused Esme to chuckle at me. She quickly switched to practical matters. Today, she was going to help me call and set up appointments so I could continue on my road towards recovery. Carlisle had left me a list of doctors he deemed worthy, so what it came down to now was availability. I just wanted to get started on my physical therapy. I hated this wheelchair, and would love to graduate to a walking cast sometime soon. Unfortunately, I probably had another month or so before that could happen. At least I could be working on strengthening muscles so I'm ready for when that day comes.
Tony came downstairs just as we were plating up breakfast, and was pleased to see me out of my room. "Mommy, you're up! Are we going to play today? Can we go to a park? I wanna go on the swings? Can we see more of your favorite places?"
"Not today. Mommy has. Phone calls. To make today. Boring day. Sorry" I explained, crushed to see the disappointment on his face.
Esme quickly stepped in, and said, "That does sound boring. Tony, if you'd like, Alice offered to swing by and pick you up so you could have a playdate with Sophia today if you want. I'm sure if Mommy gets all her business calls done today, she can start to take you exploring tomorrow!"
"Can I Mommy? Sophia and I have important stuff to talk about. And I didn't get to see her at all yesterday. And then the house will be quiet and you can make all your calls and I won't bother you at all."
"Sounds like fun." Though I paused, before addressing Esme, "Isn't she. Working?"
"Alice's schedule is the most flexible, so her hours tend to be a little random. She mentioned that the shipment she was waiting on got delayed, so she isn't needed in the shop until tomorrow to do inventory. I will just let her know you are onboard with the plan, then I'm yours for the day Bella."
Tony dug into his pancakes with such enthusiasm, pleased he was getting a chance to leave the house today. I was curious what him and Sophia were up to. Did this have to do with their secret mission that they were working on back in Forks?
"What are. You planning. With Sophia?" I asked him.
Tony froze momentarily, but then tried to act natural. He simply said, "It's a secret," and continued eating his breakfast. That certainly piqued my interest. Why did he freeze? Are they doing something naughty? I would have to have Alice keep a close eye on them so we could figure out what was going on.
The day flew by, and I was proud that Esme and I was able to get so much accomplished. Since my dialogue was still a little wonky, she assisted me on the calls, stepping in when an answer required more than a few words. I had appointments set up for next week with both a surgeon, a physical therapist, and a speech therapist. And, I was able to contact Dr. Denali to let him know where to forward my records. Esme and I spent time in between calls catching up, as well as planning on how we were going to navigate things while we lived here. I wasn't sure if she was going to look into hiring a nurse out here like we had back in Forks. Esme said for now, she thought she could handle the level of care, but would tell me if the schedule got to be too much for her.
I hadn't realized how late it had gotten until I heard, "Honey, I'm home" come from the front door. At first, I thought it was Carlisle being silly, but the giggles that followed, as well as the rebuttal, "But you don't live here Daddy," quickly clued me in that it was Edward. He must have picked Tony up from his play date on his way home from work. Esme just offered me a smug smile, before busying herself in the kitchen. I followed the sound of my boys' voices to the living room.
Edward was the first to notice my arrival, and quickly came over and gave me a brief peck on the cheek. His actions made Tony giggle more. Tony mimicked him, planting a slobbery kiss on my other cheek.
"Mommy, Daddy is being silly," he said between his chuckles.
"Is he?" I asked, smiling at the joy on my son's face. I spared a glance to Edward to see he was beaming at the two of us.
"What can I say? I'm a happy man. And who am I to deny sharing that happiness with others?" Edward rationalized.
Rolling my eyes, I turned my attention back to my son. "Have fun. With Sophia?"
"It was the bestest. We ran around with Shadow, and played on the swing set. And Uncle Emmett came over after lunch and took us out for ice cream. He said he was missing me a whole lots."
"That's nice." I noticed that Tony was glancing between Edward and I, and was about to question him on it, but then he said he had to go find Grandma. He quickly left, leaving just the two of us in the living room.
"I don't think he's worked off all that sugar yet," Edward joked, before settling on the couch. Looking him over, I noticed that he appeared to be more refreshed today.
"Too much. Energy. Not enough hours. In day. To work off." Edward guffawed, making me go over what I just said. Of course, he made it seem dirty, even if I was talking about our son. Not wanting to dignify his reaction, I moved on to safer topics. "How was work? Home early?" I asked, noticing it was only 4PM.
"It wasn't too bad today—slow even, which is why I got to cut out early. Everyone commented on the pep in my step though. Apparently, I'm like a changed man?" he said.
"Look rested," I added, figuring that is what his colleagues must have been referring to.
"I sleep better knowing you are near. Though you could be nearer," he added, with a smile. "Anyways, I'm off the next two days, so I'm excited to wind down, and just catch up with you guys. Tony mentioned if you got your boring calls done today, we might be able to go out and show him more of your Chicago."
"Calls all done. New doctors set. Ready to get. Started," I stated, figuring that was the information he was looking for.
"Does that mean you're free the next two days?" he pressed again.
"Just family dinner. Saturday. Calendar pretty open."
"Not if I can help it," he replied, that damn smirk on his face. "I plan to keep you guys pretty busy. Particularly you."
He warned me he was going to be stepping up his game, and he certainly was. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond to his declaration. I felt safer hiding behind the screen of my phone. This in person interaction felt way more vulnerable. Thankfully, the ringing of my cell brought our conversation to a halt. Looking down, I noticed it was Charlie's old work number, the Forks Police Station. My eyebrows furrowed together as I considered why they would be calling me.
"Hello?" I got out, shooting a look at Edward. I could see that the smirk was still on his face, so he must have known I was in avoidance mode. Why does he have to know me so well?
"Ms. Swan? It's Mark Amato."
"Chief Amato. Hi." Calling him Chief was weird. Growing up, I always knew him as Deputy Mark—but I was pleased that I remembered to address him correctly now that he had been promoted.
"While I hoped to reconnect with you on better terms, we seem to have a bit of an issue here on our hands. I need you to verify a few things for me."
"Sure. What's up?"
"At 2PM today, we received a call from Mrs. O'Connell, your neighbor on the left. She said that she saw two gentlemen enter your home. She said that you and your son were out of state, and that the only visit the house should have been receiving was from Mrs. Cheney. Is this correct?"
Two men? In my house? Was it a burglary? Did they take something? It must be bad if the police were calling me. I was completely frozen in place. I heard the muffled voice coming out of the phone, but it was no longer at my ear, so I couldn't make out what was being said.
Edward came forward, and took the phone out of my hand. He turned on the speaker phone. "Chief Amato, this is Edward Cullen. I'm here with Ms. Swan. She seems to be in some sort of shock. May I ask what is going on?"
"Hello Mr. Cullen. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset Ms. Swan."
Hearing my name, I quickly shook off my daze, and said, "Sorry. Continue, please."
"As I was saying, we received a call from your neighbor about the men that entered your home. She said you were out of state. Is this correct?"
"Yes. In Chicago."
"And Mrs. O'Connell said that you had Mrs. Cheney looking after the house in your absence. Is that also correct?"
"Yes. She okay?" I asked, worried that maybe those two men did something to harm her while inside my home. I would never forgive myself if I put Angie in harm's way.
"Mrs. Cheney is fine. We sent an officer to her work for questioning. I'm sure you'll be hearing from her soon."
Edward jumped in to the conversation. "Chief, you mentioned men in the home? Were they apprehended?"
"After we received the call about the probably invasion, we sent a patrol car around. This is where things get a tad bit confusing. One of the men has a key, and said he had permission to be there."
A key? But the only people that have a key to my house are Angela, and Ja…Oh!
"Mr. Black?" I asked, even though I had already figured it out myself. Edward's eyes widened when he realized just who had helped themselves to my empty home.
"Yes. I understand he is a friend of yours. We are just calling to verify that he was indeed allowed to be in the house, and not breaking and entering like your neighbor is claiming."
"Jacob. He's suing me. Not talking. Right now. Shouldn't be there," I tried to get out, frustrated my mind and my mouth weren't working together.
Thankfully, Edward clarified for me. "Chief, after Bella's accident, her and Jacob got into a big tiff regarding care for Tony. He isn't pleased with my involvement, and is trying to prove that Bella is not fit for custody. They haven't spoken in weeks. Each side have their own lawyers, and are preparing their cases. I can confirm that he was not welcome in the home."
"I see. Well, this changes things. Unfortunately, it still isn't breaking and entering since he did in fact have a key," voiced Mark.
"Why was he there?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around this situation.
"I'm going to have to reinterview him now that I am aware of more information. I can see now that he wasn't welcome there."
"Who is other man?" I asked, wondering who he roped into taking with him. Maybe Embry, or Quil; though Jessica made it seem like he had no supporters down in La Push.
"He said his name was James Hunter. Is he an acquaintance of yours as well?" Mark queried.
"Don't know him." Edward held up his finger to indicate that he wanted me to wait. "Hold Mark." He ran and grabbed the memory stick that Jessica had given us, and inserted it into his mother's lap top that was sitting in the corner. Pulling up the emails, we saw mention that Laurent's private investigator's first name was also James. "Sorry. Checking notes. May be. Investigator."
"Chief, Jacob's lawyer hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on both myself, my family, and Bella. I do not know his last name, but his first name is James. That may be who you have in your custody," Edward explained.
We heard Mark sigh through the phone. "He introduced himself as a family friend, which means he lied. If he is who you say he is, then I suspect that he used Jacob to get into your house to collect evidence against you Ms. Swan."
I knew that Jacob was not thinking straight, but had he really stooped that low? He truly was on a path where he was toeing the line of what was right and wrong; I couldn't help but lament over the fact that I may have lost him for good. Seeing I was lost in thought, Edward answered for me.
"Chief, until you reinterview them, we can only speculate. Will you call us back once you have more answers? We have no plans for the rest of the evening, so we will be awaiting your call."
"Of course, I'm sorry to have disturbed you, but I'm glad that I got this information. I will call you back as soon as I learn anything new." I was preparing to end the call when he continued, "Ms. Swan, you will have to consider if you want to press charges. While Mr. Black didn't break in, he still didn't have permission to be there, meaning he was trespassing."
"Even if. He had a key?" I asked. While I knew morally, Jacob should have known better than to enter my house, I wasn't sure what exactly the law would have to say about it.
"Yes. His permission to enter your house was revoked, therefore he had no right to be there, even if he had the means to get inside. It's a lesser offense, obviously, but as the homeowner who was wronged here, you have a right to press the issue."
"Will think. On it," I responded, before offering my farewell. I ended the call, tossed away the phone, and just sat there in silence. That only lasted so long, before I broke down in tears.
Edward rushed forward, and picked me up out of my chair, and plopped me down on his lap. He wrapped his arms around me. "Oh Bella. It's okay."
"It's not. How? He…why?" I sobbed, clutching onto him. I felt like I was losing my grasp on reality, and therefore held onto Edward tighter. I didn't want to lose anything else. As if he could read my mind, he squeezed me tighter as well. I'm sure my ribs will hate me for this later, but this was what I needed now.
"I don't understand either Bella. With the way your relationship with him is changing, common sense dictates he shouldn't have been there. But he doesn't seem to be using common sense these days."
"Keeps. Hurting me," I muffled into his shoulder.
"I know baby, and I'm sorry. I know he was your best friend, and that his behavior is hurting you. I thought maybe things would turn around after Jessica left him, but it seems it only made him dive deeper into this insanity."
"Why was. He there?" I questioned, still not wanting to believe he was acting nefariously.
"We won't know until the Chief calls us back, but it seems pretty clear that he was helping James get dirt on you Bella. They were in your house. Your house! Thank God you weren't there. Could you imagine?" I hadn't thought of that. We were still meant to have been there. Our surprise for Edward landed us in Chicago four days early. Would this James person still have come snooping if we were at home? I didn't have time to think too much on it for Edward continued his line of thought. "I don't know who this James is, but he obviously is lacking morals. Who knows what he would have done to get into the house with you guys still there? At least you were safe, here with me."
Seems we both were treading down dangerous paths. Trying to not think the worse, I simply said, "Can't think. What ifs. Too much."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to upset you more. I'm just thinking as I go. I just got you back—I can't lose you Bella."
No other words were exchanged. I don't know how long we sat there, wrapped around each other. I could hear Tony in the distance, his occasional squeals of delight from the movie he was watching with Esme. How I wish I could be carefree and oblivious to this horror as well. We were startled out of our bubble when my phone rang again. Edward loosened his hold on me, so I could answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Swan. Chief Amato again. I'm sorry it took so long. Not all parties were willing to cooperate."
I checked the time on the phone, and saw that almost two hours had indeed passed while we waited. Had I really sat in Edward's lap for that long? His legs must be asleep from the extra weight. Why didn't he move me? I started to blush, but quickly shook off that thought. Now was not the time to get lost in Edward and his strong, comforting arms.
"Bella, please. What. Did you. Learn?" I asked, desperate for answers.
"Mr. Hunter is being difficult, and talking us around in circles. The story he's sticking with is that Jacob asked him over to the house. I thought we weren't going to get anywhere, but we were able to get a break with Jacob. After he realized the severity of the trouble he was facing, he finally owned up that James asked him to take him there. If he didn't, James planned to get in by any means necessary. Seems James thought that with Jacob having a key, it would eliminate the fact they were still pretty much breaking and entering."
"What else did Jacob say?" Edward asked coldly. I knew those two never liked each other, but from Jacob's actions now, I doubt they ever would get along.
"He let James in to search the house for evidence to use against Bella. Jacob seems to believe there wouldn't be anything to find, which is why he okayed it. But we looked through James' phone, and he seemed to take pictures of a lot of things inside the house pertaining to your finances, and things that could possibly explain that you're a neglectful mother."
"Like what?" I asked, confused by what they possibly could have found that would incriminate me.
"Considering James isn't owning up, we can only speculate what the pictures could mean. But it looks like along with your financials, he took pictures of all the paperwork you had regarding Tony and doctor visits. I would assume its to try and paint a picture of physical abuse."
"Clumsy boy. Like me," I defended.
"Again, Bella, I don't know if that is the case, but considering he took pictures of your spending habits, as well as was looking into Tony's medical records, that is the angle I would assume he is going for. It also appears that he gathered up all the alcohol in the house to make it look like you might be abusing the stuff."
I thought over what I had in the house, and could only think of two bottles of wine. How is that a lot? So, I told him, "Only have. Two bottles of. Wine."
"The picture showcases a lot more than that. Looks like he found some of Charlie's hard liquor, because the bottles look rather dusty and untouched." This bothered me—that alcohol was buried deep within Charlie's belongings in the basement. Just how long had these men spent in my house before the police interrupted them? I shivered, getting more uncomfortable just thinking about what else James had seen and taken pictures of.
"Sounds like he's trying to fabricate a story here to bolster Jake's case. Regardless, James shouldn't have been able to get access to Bella's financials or the medical records. Can he be charged on that?" Edward asked.
"We can definitely charge him for intrusion," answered Mark.
"How is intrusion different than trespassing?" I was glad Edward asked since I was starting to get confused myself.
"Intrusion is when someone intentionally intrudes physically or through electronic surveillance, upon the solitude or seclusion of another. Generally, it is known to come into play as a form of invasion of privacy for the First Amendment with paparazzi. In addition to unauthorized physical entry and taking photos of private material, one could also make a claim that lying or misrepresenting circumstances in order to obtain entry is another example of intrusion, which is what Mr. Hunter did."
"The pictures…" I started, trying to figure out how to best explain what I wanted to ask. Edward saw I was struggling, and interceded.
"And what of the pictures that Mr. Hunter took? Does he have a right to keep those, or can they be disposed of?" Edward should have considered a career in law—he seemed to know just what to ask.
"If Mr. Hunter found these documents in the garbage outside of the home and took pictures, it would be fair game. However, the pictures he took could not have been achieved without trespassing, and therefore, he has no rights to them, as your privacy Bella was invaded. We will be keeping them as evidence so we can justify the charges; however, the ones on Mr. Hunter's phone will be deleted."
"Thank you. Chief Amato," I said, happy that not only were the men caught, but that they wouldn't benefit afterwards from this fact-finding mission. Even if the supposed facts were false.
"Only doing my job, Bella. Now, I figure I can go forward and charge Mr. Hunter. Have you decided what you want to do about Jacob? As I said, he was cooperative with us, but he still is at fault here."
Edward looked like he wanted to interject, but he was biting his tongue. He knew that this was my decision. While I hated to hurt Jacob, I didn't see any other choice. He was no longer the man I knew, and adored, and respected.
"Press charges. Actions Have. Conse-quences." I softly said.
"Alright. We will proceed on our end then. I would suggest having the locks changed. Maybe coordinate with Mrs. Cheney and have that overseen while you are out of town. I wouldn't want to give Jacob another opportunity at your privacy."
"Will. Set that up."
"Hopefully this will be the last you'll be hearing from me, but if anything new comes to my attention, I will certainly give you a call. I understand you will be away for a while?"
"Bella is rehabbing here in Chicago since doctors aren't as easily accessible in Forks. I'd say they'd be here at least a month or two," Edward hedged. We really hadn't settled on a time frame. All I knew was that I wanted to be back for Angela's baby, but that gave me three months. I figured we would reexamine things after a month's time, and go from there.
"I know Mrs. Cheney is keeping an eye on the house, but I will send my men around every so often to keep an eye on things as well. Good luck with your recovery Bella. And, maybe when you return, we could catch up? The deputies and I haven't seen you since, well…it's been too long." I was glad he hadn't mentioned that it has been since the funeral, but I knew what he was implying there.
"Definitely. Thank you."
"Good night folks." And with that, the call was ended.
Edward was watching me, as if he was waiting for me to break down again. But I was all out of tears. I didn't want to cry over Jacob Black and the horrible position he had put me in. I didn't want to think about what his punishment would be. I'm sure it wouldn't be severe, probably just a slap on the wrist—or at least I hoped it wouldn't. He was responsible for caring for Billy, and he couldn't do that if he wasn't on the reservation. But this wasn't my problem to worry about. Why should I be concerned for him when he couldn't return the favor? He didn't worry about me and what I would think about him entering into my home unwarranted.
"I'm sorry for intruding, but I heard you were finished with your call, and I just wanted to let you know that dinner is ready, if you're up for it," Esme explained from the doorway. I turned and saw the pitying look she was giving me. I guess she must have recognized the seriousness of the situation. That would explain why she took it upon herself to distract Tony and keep him away. I know I said it earlier, but Esme truly was a godsend.
Not liking the extra attention and sympathy I was being given, I replied, "Starving. Let's go." Turning back to Edward, I said, "Chair please." I was slightly embarrassed to have been caught sitting on his lap by his mother, but all I wanted to do now was flee this living room, and forget the last few hours had happened. Edward easily lifted me back into my chair. He offered to get my next dose of medicine for me, while I wheeled my way into the kitchen.
"Are you alright sweetheart," I heard Esme ask when it was just the two of us.
"Need time. To Process," was what I offered her. She nodded, understanding that I am a thinker, and I needed time to ruminate, and go over what has happened.
Knowing I needed things to go back to normal, she asked, "Can you bring the salad to the table? I just need to finish plating the side dishes—I was trying to keep it warm by leaving them in their pots."
"Sorry dinner. Is late."
"No apologies necessary. I was also holding off hoping Carlisle would make it home, but he had a last-minute case presented to him that delayed him. It's always something with that man."
"Living with doctor. Never boring," I joked, trying to lighten the mood in the kitchen.
"Something I'm sure you will learn for yourself going forward," she jested back. I knew sitting on Edward's lap was going to open a can of worms. I just shook my head, grabbed the salad, and wheeled my way over to the table. Tony was already sitting in the dining room.
"Wash hands. Before dinner?" I asked, a force of habit.
"Yep. With soap and everything. Do you want to smell?"
"I believe you," I chuckled, happy to once again be surrounded by normalcy.
"I got your pills Bella. What would you like to drink?" Edward reappeared at my side.
"Water. Is fine." He quickly retreated to the kitchen to fetch me my drink, as well as probably fill Esme in on what had transpired the last few hours.
"Mommy, now that you finished all your calls, can you show me some of your places tomorrow? Daddy said he has the day off, and he could take us out. Family fun day!"
"I think. That's possible."
"I can't wait! I want to see it all." Tony exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.
"Here for. Awhile. Have time. So not all. Tomorrow."
Coming back into the room, Edward addressed Tony, "Where do you want to go to first? We already went to see the Magic Bean. What else is on your list?"
I listened as Tony rattled off all the places he wanted to see. I wasn't sure what was open which days and hours, or how to schedule things, so I figured I would defer to Edward and let him plan it out. He seemed very excited to share his town with his son. While still answering Tony's questions, Edward reached over, and grasped my hand, giving it a squeeze. That little gesture showed me that he supported me, and that he would be there for me. I squeezed his hand back to show him my thanks. It may take me awhile to accept the fact that I no longer have to worry and solve things on my own. Because I wasn't alone anymore. Together, we could move forward and appreciate all the good this town had to offer. I was just hoping for a calm day tomorrow, where the horrors of today would be behind us. What's the saying? 'Head up. Shoulder's back. Tomorrow is a new day.' I think that might just become my new motto.
