Chapter 2 has been written since last October. I was working on it and got bitten by a Harry Potter plot bunny. Happy to say, I have finished that story and now will try to update chapter 2 3. I am currently staring at Chapter 4. Originally the story was supposed to be five chapters long with an epilogue but my wonderful husband suggested finishing it completely. It now has 5 additional chapters that need to be spruced up before I write it.
I currently have too much going on in RL and it makes it incredibly difficult to write. Hope you enjoy chapter 2!
Edward slowed his Aston Martin outside La Notte for a late lunch with his mother. It had been three days since he put a bullet in Yao Kim's skull, and it was time to tell his mother that her late husband's murderer was dead. At least one of them was dead. The rest he would have to deal with later. Maybe once he told her, then the darkness that lingered in her eyes would lessen. He knew his mother never fully recovered from the death of her husband.
He sat in his car after turning off the ignition. The sun glared in the late May afternoon as he leaned back into the supple leather. Edward sighed, rubbing his hands down his face as he shoved his hand in his pocket for his cigarettes. He tapped the cigarette on the box, thinking. He hadn't told Bella what happened, nor would he unless she asked. The city teemed around him as he sat there contemplating what to tell his mother. She would want to know everything. He wouldn't tell her what his plans were for Aro Volturi, though. There were some things that the women didn't need to know.
Looking at his diamond gold Rolex, Edward noted that his mother should have arrived ten minutes ago. Parked behind him in a black SUV were two of his guys keeping an eye out on the restaurant. Edward had pissed no one off lately, but it still required them to follow him. He glanced at his watch again as the blue dial with the tiny diamonds stared at him. It was a Christmas gift from Bella last year. He swore to her he would always wear it.
A few minutes later, a white Audi A7 pulled up and parallel parked in front of him. He watched and waited as his mother climbed out of her car. It pained him to see the sadness that never left her eyes. Before they killed his father, she was bright and vibrant. After his death, she became a former shell of herself. The only time he saw her sparkle was when she spent time with her grandchildren.
Edward leaned back into the supple leather and watched as she scanned the area first. Her emerald eyes landed on his car. A slender eyebrow rose above her Gucci sunglasses as she stared at her son. He sighed, knowing she caught him waiting on her. Edward pulled the keys from the ignition and shoved them in his pocket as he stepped out of his car. He flicked the still burning cigarette toward the empty street as he strode toward her. The sunlight beamed down on him and he reached for his sunglasses in the inner pocket of his jacket. Behind him, he heard doors opening and slamming shut as the bodyguards stepped out. One would come inside with them and the other would stay outside, keeping guard.
"Mother," Edward said, coming up to her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Edward," she gave him a sad smile, "are you ready to eat?"
He nodded his head, and he let her step in front of him. Edward followed his mother into La Notte, where they were seated immediately. The silence was thick, yet comforting as they sat there staring at the menu. He casually flicked his eyes over his menu to see her reading over the wine list. It was after one pm and she was already wanting wine. He said nothing but ordered himself a beer. The server returned a few minutes later to write their orders. His mother ordered seafood. Ordering a skirt steak with brussel sprouts, he handed his menu back to their server.
"It's been a long time Edward since we've had lunch together," his mother began, fingering the napkin on the table. "I know this isn't a social visit."
"It's not," he answered, reaching for the water glass. Taking a sip, he never moved his eyes away from his mother. "It's family business that needs to be discussed."
Elizabeth looked around quickly, scanning the room before turning back to her son. "Why bring me here if that's what it is," she asked, lowering her voice.
"I was hungry," he stated, leaning back into the chair as their server brought their drinks. Edward reached for the bottle and shivered as the coldness froze the tips of his fingers. He paused, pressing the bottle to his lips before taking a drink. He took a long draw of the cold beer before setting it down. Like the dutiful son he was, he waited until she set her own drink down.
"Doesn't Bella feed you?" she inquired, giving him a small smile.
"She does. Though, she doesn't pack my lunch if that's what you're asking. She always serves dinner around six. She's either in the kitchen or with Eddie during the day."
"Unless I have Eddie for a few hours…" Elizabeth said.
Snatching the napkin off the table, he placed it on his lap before his mother smacked him on the back of the head for improper manners. Edward rubbed his chin, still contemplating on how to tell his mother about Yao.
They sat in contemplative silence after that and waited patiently for their food to arrive. Once the food was brought to them, all conversations ceased. The silence was pleasant, but it still felt suffocating while he had this on his mind.
Setting his fork down, Edward wiped his mouth before tossing it on his plate, much to his mother's displeasure. A black eyebrow raised at him as he chugged the last bit of his beer.
"What do you want to tell me son," Elizabeth asked, setting her fork down delicately.
Edward swallowed heavily. It wasn't the norm for him to be nervous delivering news, but this was his mother. "We found the man who killed dad."
Elizabeth closed her eyes, her lips whispering a silent prayer. His heart broke seeing her say with relief. Maybe now that Yao was dead, she would slowly move on.
"What was his name?"
"Ma, it's not….," he began.
"What was his name?" She interrupted forcefully.
Edward sighed, twisting the lower part of his tie around. "Yao Kim."
"Is he dead?"
"Yes, Ma. Three days ago. It's over, Ma," he assured her, placing a large hand on her shaking arm.
He could see that she was trying to keep her composure in the restaurant. After this he would suggest she get away for a week. Maybe later around in the sun would do her good.
"Thank you, son," she whispered, gripping his hand tightly.
"No, thanks needed Ma. It needed to be done. I just wish we could have gotten him sooner."
Elizabeth nodded her head and ordered another glass of wine. Edward would return to the office and finish out the day before wrapping his arms tightly around Bella. At the moment after he told his mother about Yao, years seemed to lift from her face.
Maybe she would be fine after all.
That night after exhausting Bella, Edward laid in bed unable to sleep. His lovely wife was sleeping on her stomach, snoring softly beside him. To this day he found himself incredibly lucky that she was with him despite a longtime love affair with someone else.
Rolling over onto his side, Edward saw the red glow from the alarm clock on the side table reading half-past two. Rolling his eyes, he pulled himself out of bed. Reaching for his boxers on the floor, he slipped them on before sneaking out of the room.
Quietly walking down the hall, he stopped in front of his son's door. Pushing it open, he peered into the lavish nursery. In a white crib across the room against the wall laid his sleeping son. Peering down into the crib, he shook with nerves still after two years.
He never expected to marry or have kids, but Bella showed up in his life and refused to leave. Then he married her, and she gave him a child. Now he was going to convince her to give him another one. Behind her back, he made a doctor's appointment. They would do this together.
Pushing the hair from his son's face, Edward leaned down and pressed a kiss on the small forehead. He smiled, seeing his son roll over in his sleep. Letting him go back to sleep, Edward snuck from the nursery, leaving the door partially open.
Crossing the hallway, he punched in the code to unlock his office. A quiet beep resounded in the hallway as the door clicked open. The room was dark with only a bit of light filtering into the room from the outside lights. Crossing the room, he flicked on the table lamp, illuminating the room.
Mussing his hair with his hands, he wasn't sure why he was awake. Opening a fresh bottle at the wet bar, Edward poured a drink, watching the amber liquid fill the glass. Taking a seat on the leather sofa, he brought the glass to his thick lips and sipped the spirit.
A slight burn cascaded down his throat as he sat there. He needed to plan his next step. Aro never traveled outside New York unless it was to visit the Old Country. Rising quickly to his feet, he crossed the room, taking a seat in the black leather desk chair. His laptop sat to the side, pushing the on button, he waited as it loaded up.
It wasn't hard to find people like him or Aro. Well-known names contributing to charities and such made the papers often. Pulling up Aro's name, he waited patiently for images to load up. As he waited, he became fidgety. It wasn't like him to fidget, but he was eager to finish this.
Aro Volturi ran a prostitution ring in Queens. He wasn't into drugs except pushing marijuana, but since New York decided last year to legalize marijuana, Aro lost much of his business. Edward took this into consideration. If Illinois legalized marijuana, he would invest in dispensaries.
Edward didn't know that Aro invested his money with marijuana legally with dispensaries. It was quite profitable. Reading over what information he had, Edward found out nothing more than the usual. Aro kept his family business private, much like Edward did. All bosses kept things as private as possible when needed.
He sighed when he realized he was chasing smoke. Aro was elusive, and it pissed him off. Rising from the chair, he reached for his cigarettes he left in his office. Lighting one, he inhaled the nicotine, calming slowly. A quiet knock on the door interrupted him.
The door opened revealing Bella, who stood there half asleep but with an air of agitation. Plucking the cigarette from his lips, he placed it in the crystal ashtray. Taking a sip of his drink, he watched as she moseyed her way in.
"You should be asleep," he muttered, taking another sip of his drink.
"I should say the same about you," she said, coming across the room to stand in front of him. Placing her hands on his naked chest, he looked down at her large doe eyes and realized she was right.
"I know."
"What's got you awake, baby? Can I help?"
"Business."
"What kind of business?" She probed a little. Either he would tell her or he wouldn't.
"That kind of business," he mumbled.
"Oh," she whispered, wishing he would tell her more. It wasn't as if he kept her in the dark, but he didn't tell her everything.
"Will you come back to bed?"
"Do you want to make a weekend trip to New York?" he asked suddenly, catching her off guard.
He could see the excitement in her eyes, "Who will watch Eddie?"
"My ma will. You know she can watch him for a couple of days. We need to get out of Chicago," he pressed, hoping she would say yes. "You can always buy him something."
Bella pursed her lips for a second before nodding. "I'd love to go. When?"
"Probably this weekend."
"That's so soon….."
"It's three days away. I think you can pack for a three-day trip," he countered.
"Fine," she muttered, slightly annoyed. Leaning on her toes, she pressed a kiss to his mouth, hoping to entice him.
Picking her up, her legs wrapped around him as he took her back to the desk. Peeling her robe off her, she pushed his boxers down. It would be another half an hour before they would take it back to bed.
"What's this I hear about you going to New York this weekend?" Emmett asked, walking into Edward's office later that day.
Edward paused his typing and stared at his brother. Reaching for his cup of coffee, Edward took a sip of the hot java, savoring the caffeine jolt. He watched as Emmett walked around the room and flopped into the leather chair across the desk. Taking his time and forcing his brother to wait, Edward imagined what he was going to tell Emmett. He realized that Em would have a problem with Edward going to New York at such brief notice.
"Well? You gonna tell me? I had to hear it from Rosie, who heard it from Bella that you decided to go to New York this weekend."
"I decided that last night," Edward said slowly, lowering his coffee cup.
Anger filtered over Em's face, "When did you decide this?"
"Around 2am."
"Normal people sleep at that time of night," Emmett snapped.
"I have never been normal and you know it," Edward replied, pushing the laptop to the side to glare at his older brother.
"Were you even going to tell Jasper or myself before you left? I mean, come on, Edward. You're doing this because of Aro, aren't you?"
"I might be…."
"The fuck, Edward? He's part of the New York Crime Syndicate. How in the fuck are you going to get close to him?" Emmett rose to his feet, anger pulsing through him.
"Don't know. Maybe find out what his favorite restaurant is," Edward shrugged, reaching for his pack of cigarettes. Tapping the new pack, he ripped the gold cellophane.
Pulling a random cigarette out, he placed it between his lips and fumbled for his lighter. Taking his time, he eyed his brother who was getting antsy sitting there.
"Do you have any intel on him?" Emmett finally asked, sounding defeated.
"He runs a prostitution ring in Queens. Has a house in the Hamptons and prefers to eat at Il Mare," Edward answered. "Bella and I will go there and see who he spends his time with. It's just gonna be a look."
"A look? You don't think he will recognize you?"
"Doubtful. Last time he saw me, I was a skinny runt with big glasses and no hunger for violence."
Emmett snorted, remembering his younger brother at that age. "Have you told Jasper? You know you can't leave the city without protection."
"I'm sure…,"
The door opened again. This time it was Jasper, who stormed in angrier than fuck. He closed the door as politely as he could, not to cause alarm to the ladies downstairs. Turning his anger toward his cousin, he opened his mouth to speak but was cut off.
"If this is about me going to New York, Emmett has already bitched at me," Edward said, glaring at his cousin.
"Good. Someone needs too," Jasper said, taking a seat beside Emmett. "What are you planning?"
"Well, I'm not gonna off Aro if that's what you're asking," Edward drawled. "I am going to do a look-see. I want to know who he spends time with. Then have a list and pictures of all his known associates."
"How?"
"I will wear a camera. Someone will record everything at the restaurant, and we can comb through the pictures with names. Everyone of us has been finger-printed so they will be in the system," Edward replied, finishing his coffee.
"All figured out. Who are you gonna push to do the work?" Jasper asked, pulling out a notepad.
"Lorenzo will do it. He owes me a favor and I am cashing in."
"He is discreet, at least," Emmett muttered, agreeing
"See...so far so good," Edward smirked.
"Fine. Whatever, but you will be packing," Jasper warned, closing his notepad.
"I'm good with that. Besides, it will be good to get away for a few days. Bella is thrilled," Edward said, pushing his chair back and rising to his feet. "I'm off to the office."
Placing his hand on Emmett's shoulder, he exited the room, leaving his brother and cousin alone to bitch this out. By Friday morning they will have pounded out all the details for him. Passing the kitchen, he stopped seeing Bella with Rose and Alice.
Stepping into the kitchen, he smelled the aroma of leftover breakfast. Passing the ladies, he stopped in front of the coffee maker. Opening the cabinet above him, he pulled out a small thermos. Pouring the rest of the coffee in the thermos, he fixed it how he liked it.
Twisting the cap on, he passed Bella. Stopping behind her, he leaned down, kissing her shoulder before placing his lips on her cheek. She twisted her head to kiss him softly on the lips.
"Have a good day, baby," she said quietly. "I love you."
"I love you too. I will see you tonight," Edward said, giving her shoulder a squeeze before leaving.
Sliding into his Aston Martin, he turned the vehicle over and backed out of the garage. Almost an hour later, he arrived at the office. Parking the car in front of the building, he gave the keys to the valet.
Time was ticking for him. He would find out who did this, and he would make sure the asshole died before the end of the next month.
"Bella, are you ready? We leave in ten minutes," Edward called out from the sitting room of their suite.
They arrived in New York yesterday afternoon. While Bella slipped out to shop, he sat down with Lorenzo to discuss security for Saturday night. He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. Normally he sent others to do this kind of work, but none of them could get into the places that he could.
Adjusting his tie, Edward reached to mess with his unmanageable hair. The bronze highlights he inherited from his mother accentuated the brown hair color from his father. Since his youth, his hair has been unmanageable. Sliding his jacket on, he walked away from the large mirror.
Taking a seat, he leaned down to put his black Italian loafers on. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he fingered the pack of cigarettes nestled closely to him. He wanted a smoke badly but promised Bella he would refrain for tonight.
A drink he could have. He would never commit to being sober for any function if he could help it. Rising to his feet, he sunk a little into the plush carpet. Making his way to the minibar, he surveyed the choices of alcohol. Frowning, he wished he'd ask for something he preferred.
Grabbing a bottle of Jameson, he sneered at the bottle, but poured a glass anyway. Twisting the cap back on, he grabbed his glass. Bringing it to his lips, he grimaced but continued to sip on it, anyway. Sometimes alcohol was alcohol.
Hearing the clacking noise of heels, Edward turned around to see Bella emerging from the bedroom suite. She was wearing a light pink off the shoulder knee length dress. Her heels were six inch gold strappy heels.
"You look fucking beautiful," Edward said, eyeing his wife. He couldn't wait for this to be over. Maybe he would ask her to leave the heels on while he fucked her later.
"Thank you," she smiled brightly, coming over to him and kissing him softly.
"You ready to go?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I'm famished," she replied, easing out of his embrace and finding her handbag.
As they exited the hotel, a car was waiting for them to take them to Il Mare. He was sure that Aro would be there tonight. Aro enjoyed fine seafood mixed with homemade Italian pasta. That much Edward gleaned from the intel given to him yesterday. Neither Jasper nor Emmett were pleased with this, but there wasn't anything they could do about it.
Aro would recognize him and they might sit close to him, if not at the table. Taking a seat in the rented car, Edward adjusted his jacket. The miniature camera was on the lapel closest to his heart. A black van would be parked down the street, keeping an eye out. Their job was to capture faded and line them up with names.
Then they would comb through Aro's people to find out who told Yao Kim to kill Edward Sr. Once that was done, Edward would implement the next phase. One would think his goal was to take out the asshole who gave Yao the money, but Edward was far more ambitious and cruel than he let on. He wanted Aro dead. He didn't care who took over after that, as long as they didn't make a fuss or want retribution.
Stepping into the luxurious restaurant, Edward scanned the large room filled with people, hoping to see Aro. Hiding a scowl, they followed the hostess to their table. Pulling out Bella's chair, she shot him a grateful look. He was a gentleman, thanks to his parents forcing him to learn how to properly behave in public and toward a lady. Taking his own seat, he rearranged the wine glass and water glass.
He wouldn't know if the guys were picking up anything until the dinner was over and Bella was safely tucked back at the hotel. He would meet his guys afterward. Taking the menu offered by the hostess, he ignored her, much to her displeasure. He knew she was eyeing Bella and wondering how she could get a rich man to fuck her.
Raising an eyebrow at seeing octopus on the menu, he briefly wondered what it would taste like, but decided against it. The low lights from the ceiling made it difficult to read the menu. It was crowded with far too many people for his taste. He would have rather dined in an empty restaurant. He didn't blink when Bella ordered a Mulberry Manhattan. She normally didn't drink, but this was a special occasion for them. Getting away from Chicago for the weekend proved to be difficult with Bella's emotional state of leaving their son alone with his mother.
It helped that his mother and son would be watched like hawks while they were gone. Ordering an Italian-based beer, he sat back with the menu as their server left disappointed. Finding what he wanted a minute later, he snapped the menu closed and discreetly looked around the room. Like in Chicago, he felt fidgety. He wanted a smoke, but the restaurant would have his ass if he lit up in here.
Halfway through dinner, Aro finally showed. Edward paused mid bite of his roasted duck, watching as Aro passed by their table. By his side was a lovely woman, who Edward knew was Aro's wife, Sulpicia. Bella was too concerned with her dinner to not notice that Aro turned his head to see Edward sitting there. Placing his fork to the side, he wiped his mouth with the white linen cloth. Reaching for his drink, he kept his imposing, yet causal stare at Aro.
He was taking note of all the people that Aro surrounded himself with. He hoped the camera pinned to the lapel of his jacket caught every single face. There were three large men with him, all packing regardless of restaurant policy. When Aro sat down, he tipped his head at Edward in recognition.
It was game time.
Tipping his head back to Aro, Edward turned back to his dinner. He half listened to Bella talk about redecorating one of the guest rooms and wanting to add another row of books to her ever-growing library. His main thoughts were on Aro and what they might say, if they said anything in his presence.
Ordering another drink, he sat back and sipped on it slowly when their server sat it on the table. Bella frowned at his excessive drinks for the evening, but said nothing. At least not in public. Five minutes after his drink arrived, Edward turned in his chair to let the camera record the faces that he could see. Tonight wasn't a night to talk to Aro. If he did, he might kill him in the restaurant.
Satisfied with his accomplishment, the server brought the check. Setting his card in the folder, he waited for her to return. Signing it, he pulled out a small stack of cash and left her a tip. He caught Aro several times staring at Bella. It pissed him off that his own wife was being scoped by his enemy. Taking her gently by the arm, she protested but saw the look on his face and quieted down.
Leaving the restaurant as calmly as he could, Edward felt that familiar rush of volcanic anger begging to steam roll over him. Viciously, he pushed it down and refrained from grabbing his gun and taking care of the problem. Remembering his manners, he let Bella take her time getting into the rented car before he climbed in, slamming the door in his wake. He ignored her look of anger and protest of his 'caveman' attitude, as she put it. Leaning back in the soft leather, he pulled out his phone to message Emmett, letting him know Aro was at the restaurant and he got enough footage to hopefully pin down whoever gave Yao the money.
Once Bella was securely placed in the hotel room, he stood on the outside terrace with a cigarette in his hand and a stiff drink in the other. As soon as she went to bed, he would sneak out to speak to the IT guys. He knew it could probably wait till tomorrow after breakfast, but he didn't want to hear Bella bitch about him doing work while they were on their vacation.
Kissing her goodnight, his plans of fucking her in the gold heels died as soon as she took them off. He would have to rectify that once they got back home, where he felt safe. There was something about New York that always made his skin crawl. Like someone was always watching him until he left the state. Stepping out of the elevator, the rented car was waiting on him when he stepped out of the hotel.
Lighting a cigarette, he looked around at the bustling city and understood how people called this city home. It was bright like a summer day with all the artificial lights from the buildings. Sliding into the rented car, he told the driver where to take him. The man turned to look at him oddly, but said nothing. Half an hour later, they pulled up to Pier 92. The black van sat underneath a street lamp, trying to stay incognito.
Getting out, he told the driver to wait on him. The air was cool and wet from the Hudson River. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of piss and vomit. The famous New York smell. It was another reason he refused to spend time in the city unless he had to.
A street light flickered above him, catching his attention as he walked across the pier to the black van that was waiting on him. Knocking on the black double doors, he stepped back as it opened, letting him climb inside.
Inside, three guys sat cramped in the small space. They placed tv monitors on one side of the van. Edward was pleased to see the video from earlier being scanned. When he saw himself, he frowned, realizing he was still wearing the camera pin. Unpinning the camera from his jacket lapel, Edward handed it over to one of the IT guys, who opened a small box and placed it inside before closing it.
"Do we have enough feed to pick out who he was with?" Edward asked, pulling the cigarette from his mouth and peering at the tv screen.
"We do boss. You did a good job catching faces. It's gonna take a few days to match faces with names, but we'll get that to you," Jerry said,looking up over his shoulder to see Edward standing there, watching.
"Good," Edward said, smashing the cigarette out in a nearby ashtray. "I'll be back in Chicago tomorrow. I want those results by no later than Friday."
Jerry nodded, "I can do that."
"See you boys later," Edward said, turning and climbing out of the van.
Walking back toward the rented car, the driver sat patiently waiting for him. Opening the door, he shivered from a breeze. Maybe it was his paranoia, but he wasn't taking chances. First flight out, they would leave.
It was Wednesday when there was a knock on Edward's office door. He was sitting in a weekly briefing with Emmett, when his secretary opened the door and poked her head in. Her strawberry blonde hair bounced with a touch of nervousness. Waving them in, Emmett rose from his chair and walked over to the minibar.
"Gentleman," Edward said, rising to his feet. "Follow me."
He led them to a large conference room. Inside, the long table could seat up to thirty people. Taking his usual seat at the head of the table, Edward reclined, making himself comfortable. The three men that followed him took their seats close to Edward.
"What do you have for me?" He asked.
"We've identified all the faces from the video feed," Jerry said, sliding a thick folder to him.
Gingerly he picked it up and opened it. Inside was a goldmine of most of Aro's men. Even his wife, Sulpicia. There were pictures of each man and a bio of each. A couple of them had a copied file from the police.
Handing the folder over to Emmett, who flipped it over and began reading, Edward turned back to Jerry.
"Is there anything else?"
Another folder emerged from under the table, "Yeah, boss. This is an address of his home in the Hamptons and for a penthouse in downtown Manhattan. He also has a daughter that's your age now."
Edward raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Does he?"
"He does," Jerry nodded. "Last time there was a photo of her, she was in college at NYC."
Edward would have to look into that angle. Maybe she knew something. No harm in asking. He would send someone to do the investigating. Maybe chat the girl up and find what she knows about her father's dealings.
"Is everything accurate?" Emmett asked, closing the file. He gave a quiet whistle seeing Aro's daughter.
"As accurate as we can be," Jerry said, twisting his fingers nervously
Edward caught this, "Nervous Jerry?"
"No boss," Jerry replied, shaking his head.
Edward knew that Jerry, while being the best at what he does, was always nervous working with crime families. Especially his. He was caught hacking into the FBI database five years ago and they gave him eight years and a ten thousand dollars fine.
A year ago, the FBI needed someone with excellent computer skills, so they pulled Jerry from prison and offered him a deal. If he helped them, they would have him released early. He took the offer and his record disappeared.
"If that's all?" Edward asked, looking from Jerry to his associate.
"That's all," Jerry stood up quickly and moved to leave the conference room.
There was something about this that didn't seem right. Cutting his eyes discreetly to Emmett, who nodded his head perceptively. Edward trusted his brother to follow Jerry and make sure that the IT man would not fuck him over.
Sitting alone in his seat a few minutes later, Emmett having already left, he picked at the files, letting his mind race. There was a connection somewhere, he knew it. He could feel it. It was like looking at a puzzle and not seeing the image yet.
Later that evening, upstairs in his office, Edward was reading over the files again. When Bella pressed the issue, he claimed it was family business, which angered her. She claimed she was family and had a right to know. Glaring at his wife, he stamped out her desire, reminding her she was his wife, his lover, but she wasn't part of that side of the family.
He could still hear the ringing in his ears from her slamming the door. Shifting in his leather chair, he plucked the cigarette from his lips, placing it in the ashtray. Reading over the list of Aro's caporegimes, Edward read over each of them in detail. Before the end of the night, he was determined to find out who was the leader. A quiet knock on the door interrupted his reading. He waited for a moment before the door opened, revealing Jasper and Emmett.
He waited as they took a seat, making themselves comfortable in his office. Closing the file, he reached over and tapped the keypad to unlock the top drawer. The drawer popped open, and he retrieved two thick files. Setting them on his desk, he closed the top drawer. Handing one file each to Jasper and Emmett, he waited as they read through them.
"Have you figured out who is the top capo?" Jasper asked, thumbing through the file.
"Right now it seems it's Marcus Saint," Edward said, picking up his cigarette again. The flame had died out while waiting on him. Picking up the gold lighter, he rolled the spark wheel down and watched as the flame erupted from the hood. He stared at it for a second before raising the lighter to his lips where the cigarette hung and relit it.
"He's been with Aro's family for almost two decades. He's connected, and he's dangerous," Edward said, reading over Marcus' file. "Our boy Mark spent three out of five years for burglary with a firearm. Apparently, it was the wrong place, wrong time."
"Do you think it was him?" Emmett said, not looking up from reading.
"It has to be. From what I gather, he wasn't in jail when father was murdered. Something happened to Aro or someone close to Aro and Volturi sent his mean ass lapdog to murder our father."
"What happens if we find him?" Jasper asked, lowering the file and stretching.
Edward mushed the dying cigarette in the ashtray, "Then he's a dead man."
"You can't just fucking walk up to him and shoot him, Edward," Emmett said, snapping the file closed.
"No, but accidents happen, don't they?" Edward smirked, leaning further back into his seat.
His brother and cousin looked at him, trying to understand where he was going with this. It started out as revenge, but turned into something more. That much they understood. Edward didn't want to take over the Volturi Crime family or the businesses, but he wanted Aro dead. His successor seemed a better fit to cooperate if Edward ever wanted to expand.
"How do you want to do this?" Emmett asked, resigned. Edward knew better than to fall for his brother's melancholy nature. Emmett wanted revenge just as much as Edward.
"Car accident would be the easiest," Edward said, thinking quickly. "Someone would have to be sacrificed to do it though."
"Do we have a low-level guy or something similar to do the job?" Emmett asked, looking at Jasper.
Jasper shrugged, "Not sure, but I can give it a look."
"Do that. Offer them an incentive or something. Maybe if they survive, we'll do something for them," Edward instructed.
Jasper nodded and rose to his feet, the file clasped tightly in his hands. Emmett followed his cousin out. As the door closed quietly behind them, Edward sighed and ran his hands over his face. He was getting closer to the end, but closer to the end of what? Aro was still going to be alive after this.
He would find out the connection between Aro and his father. He would learn why his father was killed. If, and that is if, Edward found out that someone unnecessarily killed his father, he would destroy Aro and his entire family. Whether he took over Queens was another matter altogether. The Masen family held enough power in Chicago and good standing in Italy, Los Angeles, and Miami to move forward with New York. If only he wanted it.
Three days later, he was awoken by the ring of a phone. Rolling over in bed, he cracked an eye open and reached for the chain on the bedside lamp. Flicking it on, he squinted against the brightness. Picking up his phone, he cursed softly at whoever was calling at 3am.
"Hello?"
Marcus Saint is dead. Died twenty minutes ago from a severe car crash. Scene of the accident was the Holland Tunnel. Saint died at Christ Hospital in Jersey. Your boy Bobby T is in critical condition. Doctors aren't sure if he's gonna make it."
"Thank you," Edward said, ending the call.
Laying the phone down, Edward pulled the cord on the Tiffany lamp, extinguishing the glaring light and bathing him in darkness. Laying on his back, Edward looked up at the ceiling and a rare smile formed on his face. Now that Saint was dead, Edward could move onto the next phase of his plan.
Killing Aro Volturi.