Moonlight
Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to SM.
A/N-thank you very much to everyone who kindly read and reviewed the last chapter.
Chapter Forty-Eight-Anne and Charlie
Port Angeles was a pretty little tourist trap, much more polished, and quainter than Forks. It was here that they decided to spring a trap of their own. Charlie had arranged to meet the mysterious 'Anne' along the picturesque boardwalk by the bay. Initially she had been very reluctant to meet him in person, citing she had a thousand and one things to do, but Charlie was nothing if not persistent.
Bella was impressed by how calm her father sounded on the phone. She didn't think she would have been able to keep her voice so steady if she was in his place. She would have blown her cover right away. His many years in law enforcement had taught him to remain cool under pressure.
The pack were placed at strategic points along the bay-separate, but close enough to be able to come together at a moment's notice if anything kicked off. They weren't expecting any trouble, the bay was filled with tourists, it was hardly likely that Anne would do anything untoward with so many witnesses around. They made sure to remain downwind so their scent wouldn't blow in the direction of the boardwalk.
And that's where Charlie waited, his hands dug deep into his pockets, facing the ocean. Jacob and Bella waited a short distance away, close enough so they still had a good view of Charlie, but far enough that they wouldn't easily be detected.
The boardwalk stretched out alongside the water, the ocean the gentlest hue of grey and green, almost earthen and muted. Charlie remained motionless, only his eyes moving as he discreetly scoured the immediate area. The gulls floated lazily in the hazy sky, bringing their highest notes to the percussion of pebbles at the shoreline. Anne was already thirty minutes late; Charlie was beginning to think their ruse had been rumbled and she wasn't coming at all.
He cast his gaze to the sky, feeling a sense of uneasiness prickle his skin. To his dismay he could see rain clouds rolling in. The wind had picked up, ruffling his hair. He rolled his shoulders to ease the tension in his cramped muscles. He prayed that the rain would hold off. The last thing he needed was bad weather to obscure the view. He allowed himself one quick glance to the right-he could just make out Jacob and Bella in the distance. They had a blanket spread out, Bella was lying on her front, a book held in her hand. Big sunglasses covered her face. Jacob was kneeling beside her, pretending to read over her shoulder as his keen gaze constantly scanned the bay. They looked like any other young couple enjoying a day out.
The sky darkened suddenly as the heavens broke to release a torrent of rain. The downpour was so heavy that to be caught unawares meant being drenched to the skin. Surprised yells came from the many tourists dotted about the boardwalk as they quickly gathered their things together and sought immediate shelter.
Water washed over Charlie's skin so strongly that it felt as if he was in the flow of a river rather than a rain shower. The rain had become a living fabric, making it difficult for him to see anything. It was time to abort. He didn't expect Anne to show up now. Running his fingers through his slick hair in order to stop the saturated strands dripping into his eyes, he slowly moved in Jacob and Bella's direction.
Charlie had only taken two steps before a slim figure stepped in his path, stopping him in his tracks. By the shapely outline, Charlie knew it was a female. A large sunhat and dark sunglasses obscured her face and hair.
"I'm disappointed in you, Charlie. I really thought we were friends."
Anne's low, sultry tones were easily recognisable.
Charlie felt his breath hitch as he stared at her slim silhouette through the driving rain. "You're late." He found himself saying.
"Actually, I'm early. I've been watching you for the last forty-five minutes."
"Then why are you only showing yourself now?"
"I don't like being lied to, Charlie. I know about the escort you've brought with you." Anne said scathingly. "After going out of my way to gain your trust, you then go and try to lure me into a trap."
Even though her anger was clear in her tone, Anne's voice remained the sweetest song to Charlie's ears. "You lied to me, too." He said thickly.
"Out of necessity." Anne adjusted her ridiculously large sunglasses on the bridge of her nose as she considered him thoughtfully. "I don't know why I'm risking everything to speak to you now…." She paused, scowling suddenly. "Tell your handlers to back off!" She warned him.
Several tall figures emerged out of the gloom. Charlie instantly recognised Jacob, Sam and Embry. He was relieved that Bella was not with them. At least she was out of harm's way. He indicated with a shake of his head for Jacob and the others to keep their distance. He was worried Anne would bolt if they got too close. He needed to get as much information out of her as possible.
"They won't intervene unless they deem it necessary." He told Anne.
"They stink!" Anne snarled, her nostrils flaring. "They smell like wet dog!"
Charlie stood in front of her, the dense water running down his skin. He admired her tenacity. Even surrounded by her mortal enemy, she was as cool as a cucumber. She said Jacob and the others smelled like wet dog-to him she smelled like the sweetest rose. Her aroma was so sweet it let the calmness within him feel so secure, even as the wind blustered of its own accord all around him, tousling his wet hair in its dancing ways. There was something about her demeanour that made her appear trustworthy. He had felt that way ever since he had first met her.
"Who are you, really?" Charlie asked hoarsely. "I take it Anne isn't your real name."
"It most definitely is!" Anne sounded insulted.
Charlie felt confusion flicker through him. "I thought it was a pseudonym."
"You thought wrong." Anne retorted haughtily. "I would never abandon the name my birth mother bestowed upon me."
"Okay." Charlie said cautiously. He could almost feel the laser like stare she was giving him from beneath her ridiculously large sunglasses. "You can't get angry because I'm questioning your sincerity. I know nothing about you…. other than…" He shook his head slightly, unable to say the word vampire out loud.
Anne was quiet for a minute. In the ensuing silence that followed the sound of the ocean became more apparent. The waves were an ever-changing mosaic of the blue made so glorious by the watery-crown splashes coming from the sky as the rain continued to fall in sheets around them.
"Everything I have told you has been the truth." Anne said as she eventually resumed speaking. "I have been researching my family history. It has taken me to many places over the years. I am looking for one member in particular."
"Who?"
"My sister."
"Your sister?" Charlie echoed her.
"Yes. My younger sister in fact." Anne confirmed with a wistful smile. "I have been searching for her for many years." Her smile quickly faded to be replaced with a threatening scowl. "We were always together until one day she fell under the influence of a particularly cunning, sadistic and ruthless individual."
"What happened to her?"
"He wanted my sister-not because he loved her-but because he found her particular set of skills useful. Unfortunately, she was too naïve to see his faults and fell for his charms. I did my best to protect her from his undesirable influence. But he was a tracker. He pursued us for months and eventually he caught up with us. Knowing I was the only thing standing in his way from completely owning my sister-it was only her affection and loyalty toward me that kept her from him. So, one night, he decided to get rid of me." Anne explained darkly. "He failed. I survived. She thinks I'm dead. I've been pursuing them ever since. I reached out to some old acquaintances, and after decades of no leads, one of them contacted me, telling me she had been spotted here."
Charlie listened as if Anne's words were golden, like some elixir he'd been waiting all his days to hear. It was her gift; she radiated an aura that made those she chose to interact with trust her implicitly. "Where do I fit into all this?" He asked huskily.
"I admit when I first met you, my only intention was to use you. But as I got to know you better, you showed a kindness, a concern that is so quick, and was so natural. This attentiveness is a part of who you are and that is, if I'm honest, the most attractive feature I've seen in a man for quite some time. And, the more we spoke with one another, I found the time passing by so quickly, our conversations are the best I've ever had, it flows, you listen and give such intelligent responses. I guess that's what happens when two people meet and connect." Anne explained honestly.
Charlie was thunderstruck by her confession. "Is that why you…?"
Anne's lips quirked upwards. "Got rid of your little problem." She finished for him. "Of course. Edward Cullen sounded as manipulative and devious as James. The way you spoke about him, it was like hearing about my sister all over again. I had to act. Now they are both dead." She laughed darkly. "Don't worry, it wasn't hard to track him down. My old acquaintance gave up his location without a second thought. You're welcome by the way."
It took a minute for Charlie to absorb this information. He tried to ignore the anxious thoughts as if they were some distant radios and get on with doing what he needed to do. Then something Anne had let slip sent alarm bells ringing off in his head. "You said James?" He asked sharply.
"Yes." Anne frowned, not liking his harsh tone.
"Exactly who is your sister?" Charlie demanded.
The rain had finally stopped. Rainbow colours arced into the bold sky, stretching as open hands reaching for the sun-kissed rain. Anne studied Charlie critically as she slowly removed the large, floppy sunhat covering her head. The red hues of her hair ignited under the blossoming sun. It tumbled around her shoulders in a glossy wave.
"It seems you already know."
"Victoria." Charlie breathed.
"Yes." Anne smiled, showing off a perfect set of pearly white teeth. "My sister has a gift for evasion, which has made it a little tricky trying to pin her down and show her that I am still alive. And that's where you and your handlers come in."
"What do you mean?" Charlie felt his heart rate pick up as he became dazzled by her stunning beauty.
"You owe me. I solved your problem. Now you can solve mine. I want us to work together to track Vicky down." Anne reached out with one hand and used the tips of her fingers to caress Charlie's cheek affectionately. "Now, Charlie Swan, do we have a deal?"
A/N-thanks for reading! Please review.