92
Before the words are out of her mouth, I've stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Bella protectively. As if I could fight off the three vampires and two humans who are here to detain her.
Here to take her away from me. I'll die trying to stop them.
"No," I snarl, glaring at the men in suits.
"Edward, it's fine," Bella whispers and shows me the summons. "There's nothing we can do. I have to go, but I'm hoping they can hold off so I can stay for the party."
The men shuffle off to the side, one of them whispering into a phone while the rest watch us closely as if we're going to run when their backs are turned. The idea sounds good, and Bella is fast. Maybe we could.
"We're coming with you," I tell her defiantly.
Bella shakes her head. "You know that's not an option. The girls can't cross state lines during the trial, and we can't give Gianna any excuse. It'll be okay."
The vampire in charge breaks off from the group. "We can spare an hour, but then we really must go, Miss Swan."
I open my mouth to argue, but Bella squeezes my hand.
"That should give me enough time to say my goodbyes and ensure that Allie and Rabbit are having the time of their lives. Thank you and please thank your superiors for making this exception for me."
"Bella," I croak, and she takes my face in her hands.
"It's going to be okay. They'll ask their questions and realize that we haven't done anything wrong. I'll be home before you know it."
I've never been more than a thirty-minute drive from her, and the thought of her going all the way to Washington is physically painful.
She's right. If we're going to prove that Gianna is full of shit, we have to go by the book.
"Okay."
I've said it before and I'll say it a million times. I hate my ex-wife.