Chapter Eleven - Loyalty And It's Disadvantages
The last few weeks had been... strange, to say the least.
On the one hand, the ballroom thieves and their subsequent murders had dredged up a bunch of unpleasant memories I'd been trying hard to repress. The bartender I'd murdered at the beginning of this madness was now haunting my dreams even more than he had before, only before, I'd been able to suppress it, bury it down and focus on work. But seeing that mans dead, dirty eyes glaring up at me as though I were to blame for his death, had shocked it all back to the surface. This and the crushing guilt that I hadn't been able to protect Bella had led to a dramatic increase in motivation to train. I'd spent more time than ever in the gym and gun range, learning to not only better control my body, but also my mind. How terrified I had been under that small amount of pressure was inexcusable. I had to get tougher. For Bella's sake and mine.
On the other hand, my relationship with Bella had improved... drastically.
To someone on the outside, it wouldn't look like much. We weren't holding each other's hands and skipping through the halls or gossiping about our lives when we were alone. The changes were more... subtle, but for me, they made all the difference.
For one, while she was in the library, she insisted I sit and read a book of my own, instead of standing rigidly for hours keeping my eyes on her. This wasn't something I could do before we made our truce, because I'd always be paranoid she'd run the second my attention strayed, or else rat me out for doing something I honestly didn't know if I was allowed to do. Being able to sit and read had relieved a lot of stress, and it also opened the doors to easy conversation. We'd talk about the novels we read and discuss the themes and lessons, as well as debate the authors' meanings and interpretations. It was a welcome change from the sullen silence I'd been enduring for weeks.
Another thing was that the awkwardness between us seemed to have dissipated tremendously. As I said, we weren't skipping like schoolgirls, but we were a lot more civil towards one another. Well, she was more civil to me. As for me, I was becoming far more relaxed in my role as her guard. I knew deep down I shouldn't be, but there wasn't really anything to guard her from while she was in the manor. I'd only really been guarding her against herself, keeping her from running away or getting into trouble.
It seemed that she also appreciated the change. She still didn't view me as a friend, and I doubted she ever would, but she seemed to enjoy having someone to talk too outside the tyrant who somehow cared for the girl, yet refused to give her the one thing that would make her truly happy.
Mr Black's reaction to Bella nearly being killed... had baffled me. I knew, on some level, he cared for her. When he spoke to her, it was almost always playful and affectionate, nothing like the way he seemed to handle everyone else. I didn't know what happened between them behind closed doors, but he hardly treated her like one would expect a notorious killer to treat his captive. There was so much tenderness in his eyes as he'd gazed at her trembling form, that I couldn't help but think... maybe he really did love her. It was a selfish love, obviously, as she clearly did not feel the same, while he forced her to stay by his side anyway, but thinking about the types of men that were in this business and what they did to young girls like her, I just couldn't help but think... Bella had it easy.
I wasn't saying she didn't suffer, but how many captives had free reign of their prison? How many could eat whatever they wanted, go wherever they wanted, do whatever they wanted? Sure, she had restrictions but as far as being a prisoner went... she was pretty damn lucky. This wasn't something I'd ever say to her face, of course.
Overall, yes, it had been a very strange few weeks, but as the dullness of May slowly faded into June, I couldn't help but feel just a little bit lighter. Despite the continued nightmares and guilt, my improved relationship with Bella was evening everything out, and thus making me more excited to go to work then I was to come home and sleep. Whether that was healthy or not, I didn't really care, I was happy things were changing for the better, and happiness had been rare since my father passed. I'd take what I could get.
It was five on a Saturday morning, and I'd just popped the kettle on when I heard footsteps clomping down the hallway. Surprised, I looked up to see a very sleepy Seth, shuffling slowly in wrinkled pyjamas, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Hey, what are you doing up so early? You don't even have school today." I wondered aloud, as he slipped into a dining chair and rested his head against the table.
"It's open adoption day at the shelter. Mrs Weber asked me to come in early. They need all the hands they can get," He explained, yawning loudly.
I smiled, putting a cup of tea in front of him. He was still too young for coffee.
"You know Seth, I'm proud of you for seeing this volunteering thing through. At first, I thought you were only doing it to spite mum, but I'm glad you've kept going back." I told him honestly, slipping in a chair opposite him. The tips of his ears turned pink as he looked down at the table with a shy smile.
"Yeah well, all those animals, you know? Got a find 'em a home somehow." He said, his tone somewhat evasive as he quickly sipped his tea. I cocked my head to the side, confused by his rather unusual demeanour. I was about to ask him about it when his head shot up excitedly.
"Hey, are you free today? They've got a lot to do and it's only the Webers and I working today, we could always use an extra set of hands?"
I chuckled at his optimism. "Sorry, bud, I've got work today. But hey, another time huh?" I laughed, fully expecting to never fulfil that promise. Ever.
Just as he was about to speak, my phone rang. A little early, I thought, but quickly pulled it from my pocket. My brother made the face he always did when seeing my antique, but I waved my hand to keep him quiet before answering the call without looking at the sender.
"Hello?"
"Edward, it's Emmett."
My forehead scrunched in confusion. Why would he be calling so early?
"Hey Emmett, what's up?"
"You don't have to come into work today." He told me without preamble. I frowned.
"Why?" I asked with barely concealed disappointment. I was sure Emmett caught it. He sighed.
"Bella did something to piss the boss off, and she's been confined to his room. You won't be needed today." He said flatly.
A low wave of sadness overcame me, before I looked up and noticed Seth was staring. Standing, I moved over to the sink so I could mutter into the phone, "What happened?"
"Look, Edward, that's none of my concern, or yours for that matter. Be grateful for the day off and don't ask too many questions. I'll call you tomorrow if you have work on Monday."
I cringed at the harshness of his tone, knowing full well I'd overstepped the line with him. He was the one who insisted I keep my relationship with Bella purely professional, he would not be impressed with how our 'relationship' was improving.
He seemed to sense how dejected his news had made me, because his next words were far gentler.
"Hey, as long as you're free tonight, why don't you come out to dinner with me and Rosalie. She just got back from visiting her mum and she's actually been asking to meet you. Are you up for it?"
I was taken aback by the sudden invitation, but couldn't deny my curiosity. I had wanted to meet Emmett's wife from the moment I learned he had one, and if she wanted to meet me too, that meant he must have mentioned me. I was flattered, honestly, but I didn't know whether to be excited or afraid of the proposition. Finally, I hoarsely replied, "Sure, I'd love to."
"Great, I'll text you the details later, just don't dress to fancy, she hates it when people do that." He simpered like it was one of the quirks he found most endearing. That forced a smile.
"You got it. See you later then."
"Bye Edward."
"Bye."
After hanging up, the disappointment came flooding back. What could Bella have done, to end up in 'confinement'? Had she tried to run again? I sincerely hoped not. She was smarter than to attempt an escape on a simple whim, so what had happened?
I couldn't stand the idea of spending the day at home, wringing my hands and being anxious. I also didn't fancy just waiting around for Emmett's text. Turning back to Seth, I was met with his interested gaze piercing right through me. Obviously, he wanted to know what was going on, so I thought fast a way to distract him. Reclaiming my seat, I met his vibrant green eyes and asked glumly, "Still need a volunteer?"
AAA
This place was a madhouse. There were people everywhere, holding puppies and kittens, playing with strays and gaping at cages of reptiles and fish. Mrs Weber seemed very pleased to see me at first, but as the 'open day' progressed, it became blindingly obvious just how frazzled she was with the crowd. Apparently, she hadn't anticipated the event to be so popular, especially since she'd only instructed Seth to put up a few fliers here and there. I suspected the little bugger had something to do with the payout, but in any case, it was proving to be a little too overwhelming for Mrs Weber.
Her husband and my father were good friends through high school, and dad even dated Mrs Weber for a short time in his teens before they both decided they were meant for other people. It was always a funny little story to tell at Christmas parties, but we sadly hadn't attended an event in quite a while. I was glad mum made the effort to reach out to the couple again, but how mum's gesture turned into me being up to my ears in hyperactive children all bounding over each other to stroke the litter of orphaned kittens I was guarding, was completely beyond me.
"Alright, everyone, form a line, please! You don't want to scare them, do you?" I questioned loudly, causing most of the kids to shake their heads and rush to form a queue. I embraced my new power as a child drill sergeant to direct them how to carefully handle the little critters. Seeing the first few children in line gently stroking the kittens while the rest waited impatiently, but quietly for their turn, caused Mrs Weber to beam at me.
"Thank you so much, Edward, for joining Seth and I. Collin had an emergency call for a wounded animal, and my daughter got held up at a friends house. She should be here any minute to take over the section." She told me worriedly. I smiled compassionately.
"It's really no problem Mrs Weber, I understand how it goes. I'm proud of Seth for doing this so I thought the best way to show that would be to come here and support him personally."
"Oh, please dear, call me Julie. And yes, I'm very proud of your brother as well. He and Angela have actually become really good friends these past few weeks. And she's normally so shy. I'm glad she has someone to talk to while she's helping out around here." She explained sweetly.
Huh, now that was news to me. For all the times Seth had enthused about the shelter, he'd never mentioned making friends with Angela. I remembered her as a timid eleven-year-old with glasses and pigtails. She and Seth used to play together all the time during parties and functions, but we hadn't spent time with the family for a good few years, and as far as I knew, she went to a different high school to Seth.
Casting suspicious eyes towards my little brother, I watched as he play-wrestled a bunch of very eager stray dogs - much to the amusement of some observing families - wondering why he'd never spoken of her before. I got my answer when I saw Seth's smile brighten, and followed his gaze to find a completely different girl to the one I remembered.
She still wore glasses, and looked like the gentle, shy type, but far from the chubby, acne-ridden child I recalled to memory, she now presented herself as a slender, pretty young thing with short dark hair tucked behind her ears and a smile that brightened her whole face as her amber eyes met my brothers.
Seth, you sneaky little shit.
A little while later, when the crowd had dispersed to only a few guests and several adoptions were being successfully processed, I found the time to sneak up behind little bro, who was coincidentally staring at the Weber girl while she chatted with her mother across the room, not paying any attention at all to the lizard cage he was supposed to be polishing.
"So, this is the reason you kept coming back, huh?"
He jumped, spinning to face me with a cloth in one hand and a bottle of glass cleaner in the other, looking like a deer in headlights. He stammered, "Wh-what do you mean?"
I stared in Angela's direction pointedly, before letting a cunning smirk twist my features.
"Angela Weber huh? Well, good for you Seth. Just don't go getting too serious, yeah? Remember, you are both only fourteen."
His eyes bulged like I'd caught him committing a murder, and he hurriedly jumped in front of me as I turned to walk away.
"Please don't tell mum about this! We're only friends, I swear!"
I couldn't help but laugh at his panicked pleading.
"Seth, why wouldn't you want me to tell mum?" I asked amused.
"Because if she knows the real reason I've been coming here, she won't let me come back!" He explained desperately, eyes wide and beseeching as he gazed imploringly up at me. I chuckled.
"Seth, mum isn't going to stop you from volunteering for an animal shelter just because you like a girl here. In fact, I reckon she'd be thrilled you've made friends with Angela again. You know how guilty she felt when she stopped being able to bring us to parties after she got sick, and you always used to talk about missing Angela. She'd love to hear you two have reconciled."
My tone went from mocking to gentle as I spoke about mum, knowing I was right, and how guilty she had felt. She hated how her illness restricted everything we did. No more fun family vacations or nights on the town for her and dad, instead dad was working tirelessly to pay off her medical bills and she was suffering as silently as possible, so as not to worry Seth or me. I was older, obviously, and saw the seriousness of what was going on, but Seth was just a kid, who was forced into a lifestyle dramatically different from the one he'd always known, and had to grow up way to fast. Knowing that your mother is dying, and then having your father be killed so suddenly, was a hit in the gut to anyone, much less a teenager. Yet Seth had never complained and had tried his hardest to put on a brave face even when we were facing homelessness. He'd never really had a chance to be a regular teenager, worrying about regular teenage things. Now, he was so much happier, and I wanted his happiness more than anything. I'd fight anyone so he could keep it.
"Still, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell her. Angela's really shy, and I'd like some more time to get to know her better before I let mum meet her again. As friends, of course." He added hastily, giving me puppy dog eyes that I only raised my brow to.
"Fine, I won't say anything. I'll leave that to you. C'mon now, I could use some lunch, how about you?"
After letting Mrs Weber know we'd be back in an hour, Seth took me to a little deli he'd been eating at whenever he'd come to work up here. It was a hole in the wall, and the only two tables were occupied, so Seth and I chose to eat while taking the long route back to the shelter. As I was biting down on a delicious meatball and cheese baguette, Seth froze beside me.
"Seth? Wha-?" My question trailed as I followed his gaze to a young, blond-haired teenage boy in a sports jacket with a curly red-headed girl beside him, both glaring daggers at Seth while leaning on a park fence across the street. I turned to Seth, who'd gone a little pale, and asked, "Is that James?"
He nodded silently, before urging me to continue. I considered crossing the street and demanding to know what the little shits problem was, but didn't want to be seen as less mature than my fourteen-year-old brother. It was obvious he wanted to avoid further conflict with this kid, so I swallowed my pride and just kept walking.
"Why was he looking at you like that?" I asked him quietly, as he took a tiny absent bite of his ham and swiss sandwich.
"Remember when I told you he got expelled for three days?" I nodded, "Well, turns out after mum and I left the principles office, James and his dad blew up at the headteacher, and his dad pretty much threatened to kick his ass if he didn't retract James's suspension. Obviously, the principle ended up calling the cops, and his dad was taken out of school in handcuffs. He hasn't been seen in the best light since. According to the one friend I have on the basketball team, all this is apparently my fault. I don't even know how he came to that conclusion. If he'd just left me alone, none of this would have happened. He even got his girlfriend and her senior buddies to start rumours about me, so everyone would think I was the bad guy. His girlfriends the redhead, by the way, Victoria. If you hear any stories about me attacking her, just know, they're all fake." He joked half-heartedly.
My lips pursed in concern, not knowing what to think of all this. This boy was causing more issues for my little brother than I'd originally assumed. Maybe... a little visit from me and a few of my colleagues would convince him to stop causing trouble. But no, I couldn't do that. He was just a shitty high school kid. He'd learn to stop blaming everyone else for his problems eventually, and I was pretty sure Seth wouldn't appreciate me getting involved. This was his fight, after all, a fight that could determine how he handled every guy like James for the rest of his life. I resolved that I would stay out of it, for now at least. But I'd keep my eye on the situation. I knew a bunch of ways to get this kid to back off without actually touching him, and if he pushed Seth to far, he was going to learn exactly what it felt like to be pushed by someone older, stronger and meaner.
We returned to the shelter in a much more sombre mood, but Seth quickly cheered up as he bottle-fed kittens with Angela by his side. I, on the other hand, couldn't stop thinking about today. First Bella, then Seth, and I had the dinner with Emmett and his wife later tonight. I just hoped I made a good first impression.
At five o'clock, I got a text to meet Emmett at a Mexican restaurant somewhere not far from my house. I drove Seth home and hopped in the shower. Remembering Emmett's advice not to wear anything 'to fancy' I went for a long-sleeved salmon dress shirt and dark grey slacks. Driving up to a parking lot close to the row of restaurants, I paid my ticket and headed inside. The place was nice, brightly coloured, and smelled delicious. My eyes hunted around for my large mentor, and I found him pretty quickly, but made no move to join him. Because I was absolutely astonished by who I was seeing beside him.
I was looking at a goddess. So stunning the woman looked like she'd walked right off the set of a movie about angels. She had crystal clear skin, lightly tanned with no blemishes or spots anywhere, brilliant blue eyes shining so brightly I could see them even from this distance. Light pink lips, a striking nose, gentle cheekbones and a sparkling pearly white smile.
But while all of that was indeed something to marvel over, it wasn't why I was staring, oh no. The reason I was staring was because this beautiful, otherworldly woman, was smiling and cooing at a little baby. A dark-haired, fair-skinned baby; dressed in pink, sitting in a high chair, mumbling gibberish and making grabby hands at Emmett.
That fuck face.
He had a fucking baby?!
"Edward!" I heard the traitor call out to me, and I ripped my eyes away from the toddler to its rat father, who was gesturing me over with a big ass grin on his stupid face. I snapped out of my shocked state and made an effort to plaster on a smile as Emmett and his wife stood to greet me.
"Edward, this is my lovely wife, Rosalie, and our beautiful daughter, Leah. Rose, this is Edward," Emmett introduced us. I shook Rosalie's hand, trying my hardest not to stray my eyes to the tiny person, or to full-on glare at her husband. Why had he never told me he had a kid? She looked about a year old, so he'd definitely had her before I met him. All those late-night talks on jobs and it never crossed his mind, not once? I knew he was private about his home life, especially around the guys at work, but seriously..?
"It's so nice to finally meet you, Edward. Emmett's told me so much about you." Rosalie greeted me pleasantly, but there was something guarded in her eyes, something that told me she might not have been as enthusiastic to make my acquaintance as I was hers. Nonetheless, I remained friendly and replied with a polite, "You too, I'm glad to meet you too. And your... baby." I couldn't help but throw accusatory eyes at Emmett, who caught my betrayal and only shrugged.
As we settled and ordered, we made civil conversation. Outside of being a stunningly gorgeous woman who looked like a goddess, I learned Rosalie also owned several salons around the city, which was quite successful in and of itself, but she'd also recently started a child-friendly fashion brand out of 'boredom' which seemed to be gaining success as she now sold her clothing in multiple stores around the city and even outside it. I was impressed with how intelligent and ambitious this woman was, but just couldn't help but sense a smidge of hostility every time she spoke to me. It was like she was testing me, scrutinising my every word and movement while we talked and ate our food. Emmett didn't seem to notice the passive-aggression, and simply stared the entire time like she was something he'd never grow bored of.
It was only halfway through our meal that I started to smell something a little less appealing then the nachos I'd been chowing down on.
"Oh, I think someone needs a nappy change," Rosalie sang, looking at her baby girl with adoration and a scrunched nose before going to get up.
"I'll do it, it's fine," Emmett volunteered, already out of his seat, and pulling a colourful diaper bag from beneath the table. "Are you sure?" Rosalie asked. "Yeah, you've had her for the past few weeks while you were visiting your mum, I think it's my turn. Come on little Leahbug, let's get you all nice and clean."
It was something of a hilarious sight, seeing a man as muscular and masculine as Emmett with a unicorn strewn diaper bag over one arm and a ketchup covered baby girl in the other. I wasn't the only one giving him strange looks as he talked gibberish to his excited daughter while walking to the changing area and out of sight.
"So, he didn't tell you about her, huh?"
My gaze immediately locked to the goddess whose smile had transformed from pleasant to cunning the moment Emmett had vanished. My brow furrowed in confusion.
"I saw your expression when you first walked in. Don't feel bad. Emmett's pretty protective, especially when it comes to family."
How strange, that her words sounded remarkably like a threat.
"I know that, I was just... taken a little off guard. How old is she?" I asked, trying desperately to shake the hostility I was getting from this gorgeous girl. I didn't know if I'd said or done anything to make her think I was untrustworthy, but I practically worshipped Emmett. I wanted to prove my worth to his wife.
"She's eighteen months. I took her to see my mother for a few weeks, just got back a day ago, which is why I'm guessing Emmett is so eager to spend time on diaper duty. I have to tell you, Edward, I was quite intrigued when Emmett told me he'd invited you to dinner. I've wanted to meet you for a long time."
My eyes widened as she said these words while munching on a taco. If she really wanted to meet me as Emmett has insisted, why was she coming off so hostile?
"Why?" I couldn't help but ask. She smiled coldly.
"Emmett talks about you all the time. And he's a very private man. He doesn't normally like discussing work, let alone a guy in his workplace. From what I understand, he recruited you into the organisation himself?"
I nearly choked on my cola. I had already suspected this woman knew what her husband did for a living - she didn't appear at all absent-minded after all - but for her to say it so casually... I shook my head, ridding my mind of awkward questions and deciding to put them on the back-burner for later.
"Uh... yeah. Emmett's been a great help. My family was way down on our luck, and we needed money really badly. I was looking everywhere for a job, but no one wanted someone with no work experience. He actually found me outside the seventh place that turned me down. I was... taking my frustrations out on a dumpster. He asked if I was alright and I don't know why, but... I ended up just spilling my entire life story to him then and there, even though he was a complete stranger. So he offered to get me a job, and... here I am. Great guy."
Her sapphire eyes seemed to twinkle upon hearing her husband's selfless deeds before retreating back to suspicion.
"And how are you finding it? The work? He told me you're now a guard for Mr Black himself. I have to say, that is fast progression if I've ever seen it. From what I know of Mr Black, he doesn't trust easily."
Her words... there was something slightly... off... about them. She knew what her husband did, and the type of man he worked for but... it didn't sound like Emmett had told her exactly what I did. Treading cautiously, I replied, "Yeah, um, it's... it's been challenging. I've had to... pretty much forget all the values I was raised on and just... work for the paycheck I'm given. But it's... better then grunt work, I suppose."
She cocked her head slightly to the side, perfectly trimmed eyebrows drawing together as though sensing I was holding something back, "Forget your values? What does that mean?"
I shrugged half-heartedly, not really thinking this an ideal setting to delve into my deep dark past. She didn't seem to appreciate my secrecy, because her perfect face twisted into the irritated scowl I believed she'd been masking since the moment she met me.
"Look, Edward, my apologies if I'm coming off as... intrusive, but I am... curious. You're the first person from Emmett's work I've met in a long time, and if Emmett trusted you enough to bring you around, not only me, but his daughter as well, there must be something about you that's worth knowing. I really wanted to meet you myself, to... take your measure, I suppose. You must understand, in this business, one can never be too careful. Especially when it comes to family."
"No, of course not-" I interrupted, eager to shut down any insecurities she had about me, and not wanting her to feel I was as untrustworthy as she clearly believed others in this organisation to be. "I owe Emmett my life, Rosalie. He saved me, and my family. I have a lot of respect for the man. So if you're worried about me... doing something that would cause him harm, you don't have to be."
And just like that with those few simple words, the aversion she'd been projecting seemed to promptly disappear. She visibly relaxed, like the possibility of my hurting Emmett was what she'd been worrying about all along. I didn't know why, I had only been with the organisation for half a year, and Emmett... he was second in command. There wasn't really much I could do to him, even if I did have malicious intentions.
"I'm sorry Edward, I really didn't mean to think badly of you, it's just... there was another guy who worked in the organisation that Emmett once trusted as much as he seems to trust you. And the man ended up... not being as great as Emmett believed him to be. I just wanted to make sure that I got the right vibe off of you. Emmett's no fool, but he can be reckless at times. You seem like a good person at heart and Emmett would never say so but... its the kind of trait he looks for when training new recruits. It's not about corrupting them with the kind of work he does, its about having guys with him he can trust. Guys he knows won't stab him in the back at the first sight of trouble. I think... he must have seen in you what Mr Black saw in him when he was first recruited."
"Which was what?" I asked eagerly.
She looked at me unendingly.
"Loyalty."
Ah, yes, the infamous loyalty. It must have been important to Emmett given how much he loved throwing the word around. It was a big deal for him, being loyal, and for the umpteenth time, I just couldn't help but wonder... how did Mr Black gain such loyalty from him?
Staring precariously in the direction Emmett had retreated I wondered... would his wife know the answer to that question? Would I be overstepping boundaries if I asked? Honestly, I was desperate to know. Emmett had always seemed like such a kind, genuine guy. He had a vicious side, there was no denying, but it didn't overshadow how much more eager he was to help people than hurt them. He helped me. He'd helped other guys like me. He tried to help Eric. I was just so curious... it was practically eating me alive.
But before I could decide whether or not to act on the conflicting impulse, she made the decision for me.
"Has Emmett ever told you how he was recruited into the organisation, Edward?" She asked as though seeing right through me, straight to my inner turmoil. I flushed a deep red at being so transparent. My eyes focusing on a brightly coloured waiter animatedly chatting to a couple a few tables down before turning back to the expectant woman.
"No. He hasn't. I've always wondered how a guy like him... but he hasn't," I admitted, tripping over my words. Her expression contorted into a rather sad, yet understanding, smile.
"That's... not surprising. He most likely wouldn't tell you, or anyone for that matter. Out of respect for me."
My emerald green met her sapphires, only to see a darkness lingering behind them like she was recalling an awful memory. It was rather odd, because her face stayed stuck in a placid smile, but her eyes... her eyes told a story of sadness and brutality.
What did Emmett joining the organisation have to do with her? Had they known each other before he was recruited? Emmett told me he had been in this business for seven years, and he was twenty-five, so...
Gah! I had so many questions! So many questions about everything and no one was ever willing to answer! They say curiosity killed the cat, but a cat had nine lives. That was more than enough time to be curious.
Honestly, this conversation was making me frustrated. As charming as Rosalie was, I sensed she was just another mystery that I'd never get to the bottom of, and that irritated me because I had enough mysterious people casting tricks around me already. Bella being one of them.
I was stewing in my misfortune. Cursing my luck that I'd walk away from this dinner with yet more questions about my mentor and personal saviour, when her next words stunned me silly.
"But that's no reason why I can't tell you."
AAA
Later that night, I once again found myself completely unable to sleep, only this time, I was plagued with an entirely new set of tortures.
What Rosalie told me, honestly, had shocked a part of my innocence right out of me, innocence I hadn't even known I still possessed. I knew there was evil in this world. Heck, I worked for evil six days a week, but to sit at a food-ladened table, opposite a beautiful, sophisticated woman, hearing all the horrors she'd endured to make her the person she was today, it was... maddening.
And Emmett, god Emmett, I felt like I was seeing him in a whole new light. When he'd returned to the table after Rosalie recited her story, baby cradled in his arms and a massive smile plastered on his face, I honestly didn't know whether I wanted to hug him or punch him. I was so conflicted. It baffled me how the pair of them, Rosalie in particular, could have gone through all that, yet stayed so strong. Stayed together while everyone was trying to rip them apart. Loyalty. Isn't that what Mr Black had told me he valued the most? Well, now I understood exactly what loyalty looked like, in the pair of them, and knew exactly why Emmett would be loyal to the boss right to his very end.
I looked at Rosalie, shocked. Did she mean it? Would she really tell me the secret I'd been dying to know since day one? I knew it had to be something major, because Emmett had gotten so angry the first time I'd asked. He'd basically snapped at me to mind my own business, and warned me never to pester him on the subject again. I never had, fearing his wrath as well as the loss of his friendship, but if his wife was willing to tell me then... who was I to refuse?
"Would you like to know Edward?" She asked with a sombre expression. I could only nod.
"Emmett and I have been together since high school. We both came from a tiny little town on the edge of Alabama, the kind of town that has ten churches but no malls. Real conservative place. If you weren't a bible loving bookworm you were an anarchist, and that's exactly what Emmett was. He was two years older than me, but on my first day of high school, he was all over me. He begged me to go on a date with him but... I didn't really trust men. I had a... shall we say... dysfunctional relationship with my father. He was a very strict man who ruled the house, and I'd grown up watching my mother be beaten down by him. Never physically, at least not that I saw but... he was in charge. Of everything. And I knew... even back then... that I didn't want a relationship like that. So I resolved I wouldn't date anyone until I left that town for college. This, however, was not good enough for Emmett."
She grinned at the memory, a light in her eyes that almost overshadowed the darkness brewing there. Almost.
"He was relentless in his pursuit of me. He'd ask me out in classes, over the loudspeaker, even in front of the entire cafeteria. I always turned him down, but he never gave up. It wasn't that I didn't like him, it was that I didn't really believe he liked me. Emmett was a rebel. He lived on his own, didn't go to church, rode a motorcycle, all that jazz. I just couldn't fathom why he'd want such a conservative Christian girl who sang in a choir and made cookies for bake sales every Sunday. I thought he only wanted me as a trophy, so he could say he took my virginity then move on to the next girl, but I was so, so wrong."
The affection in her voice was potent, and I couldn't help but smile at the image of a shorter, younger, less muscled, less tattooed Emmett, chasing the good girl around their school like a lovesick puppy. It was an amusing visual, I had to admit.
"Well, eventually, he broke me down, and I agreed to a date. And it was the best date I'd ever had. There hadn't exactly been many but... he was just so... full of life. He represented freedom and spirit and all the things I'd been conditioned to think were wrong of me to want. I was always told I'd be a housewife and nothing more, but since the age of six, I knew I wanted more than that. I wanted to go to college, and build a career. I wanted kids and marriage to, but... the idea of living for nothing but that, wasn't appealing to me, at all. I wanted so much more than everyone expected of me, and Emmett, he saw that. He craved more to. He wanted to get out of that teapot town, explore the world, make a name for himself, and be more than the dirty black sheep everyone had labelled him. On our very first night, he made me a promise, that if he ever left that town, he would take me with him, and he melted my heart right there.
"So, we started dating and we got a lot of attention as a couple. I was never one to get looks in the hallways, but when I was hanging off Emmett's giant arm it was kind of hard to ignore me. I honestly didn't think there was any harm in getting a little attention. But... I was wrong."
Her smile faded. Light happy memories twisting into wretched black ones. I stayed as still as possible, practically tipping the edge of my seat. What had happened to this woman?
"One day, after school, I was studying late in the library, as usual, when a member of the football team came and told me Emmett was waiting for me outside beneath the bleachers. I have no idea why, but I didn't question him. I followed him blindly, but when we got to the bleachers, Emmett wasn't there. But two other members of the football team were. I didn't even have time to ask what was going on. They pushed me to the ground. Stuffed something in my mouth. Held me down, ripped off my clothing and... and..."
She didn't need to finish her painful sentence. I gaped at her, appalled.
"Well... I don't know how, but Emmett found us. And when he saw... what those boys were doing to me... something inside him just... snapped."
Her eyes were ice cold.
"He beat the shit out of them. Literally within an inch of their lives. Then he picked me up and rushed me to the hospital, and we filed a police report that night. The boys were found right where he'd left them, and they were arrested. And I wish I could say that it all ended rather easily... but that wasn't to be our fate."
Rosalie leaned back in her chair, her voice gravelly and sombre, gaze distant as though recalling the terror that night had inflicted upon her, but not as though she were still traumatized. Her lips were pursed and her nose scrunched up as though she were recounting a mere annoyance. I couldn't fathom how anyone could go through something so horrible and not be completely catatonic. My horror must have been glaringly obvious because her strict expression relaxed into a gentle smile.
"It's okay, Edward. It was a long time ago. I've made my peace with it now. I'm just... not really used to talking about it out loud."
"We can stop," I offered, wanting to hear the rest of her story, but not wishing my curiosity to cause her mental harm. In any case, she shook her head.
"No. I'm alright. Really. Just... let me get it out, okay?"
I nodded silently. She continued as though she were uninterrupted.
"It should have been an open and shut case. There was... clear evidence of what those boys had done to me. I was still underage, and I was... traumatized by what they did. Emmett couldn't even leave the room while the cops were taking my statement. I needed him there, or I'd be hysterical. He spent every day with me in the hospital as I recovered, missed so much school and work. But that was the least of our worries.
"As I said, it should have been an easy case, but those... boys... clearly didn't want to face the consequences of what they'd done. They claimed I was making it all up, denied every allegation of rape, and so the case went to trial.
"Now I didn't really think there was a chance they'd get off, but one of the boys, he was actually quite wealthy, at least by that towns' standards, and his father hired some... sleaze bag lawyer to represent him and his friends. And the first thing this lawyer did was sit with us in a room and make us an offer. He told me I should retract my claim that the boys had attacked me, and admit our encounter had been consensual, and in return, he'd convince the boys not to press charges against Emmett for nearly killing them. Emmett almost punched the guy, and we both pretty much screamed him out of the room. The asshole apparently didn't like that very much, because when we eventually did go to trial, his opening statement was to tell the judge and jury that I had actually been the one to seduce them. That I'd lured them behind the bleachers, that I'd given my body to all three of them willingly, and that when Emmett found us, he went mad with jealous rage, and tried to murder them. Then threatened me and forced me to tell the cops it was rape.
"It was bullshit. Utter bullshit. But that town... they worshipped athletes, anything to bring attention to their pitiful school. And the church... they were not forgiving of women who had intercourse before marriage, never mind the circumstances behind it. Add to all of this the fact that my own father believed the lies that lawyer spread, and kicked me out of the house... and well... the town was rather split on who to believe. I was... shocked at just how many people thought we were the ones to blame. People who had known me since I was a baby, had seen me in church every Sunday, eaten cookies I'd baked for the community and praised me on what I 'good girl' I was, glared at me on the street and even claimed I was a whore.
"It was like, because I was with Emmett, my reputation was so tainted they genuinely believed I would willingly give my virginity to three boys behind the bleachers of our school, and of course, the lawyer was painting the boys as simple naive victims. Seduced by an evil woman and beaten by a cad.
"We were helpless, Edward. We had a court-appointed attorney who couldn't give a shit about us and only did the bare minimum so he could get paid. Meanwhile, the boys' lawyer was twisting the accounts of everyone who'd seen me that night, and he was getting away with it. They were getting away with it. They were going to get away with it, Edward. Those little shits were going to walk away from what they'd done, and Emmett was going to go to jail for attempted murder. We were both terrified. He wasn't afraid of prison, he was afraid of leaving me behind. Because he was all I had left and he knew... on some level, he knew, that if he was gone, by the time he got back, I would be too."
Her last words were said in a tortured whisper, no doubt reliving all those dark, lonely desperate thoughts. I resisted the urge to urge her on, and only sat in tense silence until she began to speak again.
"Well, suffice to say, the trial wasn't exactly going our way. I was so ashamed by what happened I could barely leave the house, just shut myself inside for days at a time; in pain, in the dark, with only my fear of how I'd go on if Emmett wasn't with me. He was frightened too, but he was trying not to show it. He wanted to be brave, for me. He always wanted to be exactly what I needed. I loved him so much, still do. The only person I think I've ever loved more is our daughter, and even then, he's a pretty close second," She said with a droplet of humour, before sinking back into her memories.
"Most of the town was against us. Emmett was being shunned at work and at school, since he was single-handedly responsible for crippling the football team and that was all those fuckers cared about. We were drowning, we had no one to turn to, and we thought it was only a matter of days before those boys were cleared of all charges and Emmett would go on trial for attempted homicide. If I'm being honest, Edward, more then once I actually considered taking that lawyers deal and dropping all charges so Emmett wouldn't go to jail. It was only Emmett that kept me from doing so. Despite the way things were going, he still had hope. Hope that a miracle would happen. And it's funny, because he was never the religious one, that was always me, but I felt like my faith had deserted me that night under those bleachers. I felt like he was foolish for having hope. But I should have known... my Emmett was no fool."
I held my breath as her face twisted. Not quite a smile but... I listened.
"One day, we got a phone call. It was from a guy neither of us had ever heard of. He called himself Jason Jenks, claimed to be a lawyer who worked in a city a few states over. He said he'd... come upon our case, and was interested. He offered to represent us, and told us he'd be coming to our home to discuss things. We were... gobsmacked, to say the least. We honestly didn't know what to think. When he came, Emmett questioned everything about him, thinking he might have been a trap that boy's father had organised, but he showed us all his credentials. He got his degree from Harvard, graduated with honours, had been a successful attorney for over fourteen years. Edward, I'm talking a pro. This man's hourly rate was more than the pair of us could scrounge together in a year. But he offered to represent us for free. When we asked him why, he said our case had touched him. That he believed me. And he was impressed with the pair of us. By our loyalty to one another.
"That was really the first time we'd heard the word; loyalty. But he was right. I was a mess after what happened to me. Screaming in my sleep, afraid to leave the house, breaking down in fits of tears without a moments notice. I couldn't work, wasn't contributing to the rent, and all the responsibility just fell on Emmett's shoulders. I felt like ...any other man would have given up on me by then, but Emmett... he stayed with me. He was loyal to me. And that was what this mysterious man claimed to value over everything. So we took a chance, and retained him as our attorney. And Edward... what this man did..."
Her speech trailed off, and I was suddenly horrified that perhaps he really had been a fraud, and she was going to tell me those three boys did get away with what they did to her, but something in her expression made me pause. She'd been calm and emotional while recounting her tale, but now, the corners of her mouth seemed to quirk as her eyes brimmed with liquid wonder. She pinned me to my seat with that unwavering stare. She let out an abrupt laugh.
"I don't know how he did it. How he managed to... He subpoenaed the boys' phone records. And what he found...
"Text messages. Dozens of them. They planned it, Edward. Planned it for months before it happened. They discussed where they'd do it, how they'd lure me there, how they'd keep me quiet, who would get a turn on me first, everything. And the moment... the moment these messages were exposed to the jury, it was like the whole world tipped in our favour. Their lawyer tried to argue that the texts didn't mean anything. Just speculation from a bunch of bored teenage boys, but no one was buying his bullshit anymore. Those boys were sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Fifteen years, Edward. That was the maximum anyone had ever been sentenced for that crime in my county. I was... shocked. But nothing shocked me more than the looks on those boys faces when they finally realised they'd actually have to pay for what they'd done. They were screaming for their mothers as they were dragged out of the courtroom, and I swear, at that moment, it was like... a revelation.
"They weren't strong. They weren't powerful. They were pitiful. Just three pitiful little boys who thought they could hide behind their parents and their money for the rest of their lives while shamelessly hurting other people. And they were punished. Jenks stayed in town to wrap up the case, including Emmett's assault charge dismissal, and then he just... disappeared. Vanished as suddenly as he came. And that day... it was like a huge weight had been lifted. But as life goes, things are never perfect.
"The families of those boys still shot us death glares every time they saw us, even knowing what was done to me, it was still all my fault in their eyes. I decided I couldn't go back to school, because by then, Emmett had barely graduated, and I couldn't stand the thought of being around all those people alone. My father didn't want me back in the house, even with my proven innocence, and my mother... well... she was a mouse. She'd never stand up to him, no matter what he did. We had proven our innocence, but we were still being shunned, and by that point, I knew it wasn't my fault. It was them. They were the problem. We both wanted out. But we had nowhere to go. No relatives to stay with outside of town. No person to turn to. We were barely scraping rent, there's no way we had enough to move away on our own dime, but we knew we couldn't stay. And then, just like last time, our miracle came with a phone call.
"It was Mr Jenks. We hadn't heard from him in months, not since the trial ended, but now he was calling us again. Calling us with a confession. He told us he'd actually been hired by a third party to take our case. A man he worked for regularly, and he was the one who'd been interested in us. He told us this man wanted to meet us, and gave us directions to the restaurant we were supposed to go that night without even waiting for our acceptance. We were both weary, we didn't know what to expect, but this man had saved us, so there was no way we weren't going. We drove out of town, walked into a little french restaurant hand in hand and there he was. Jacob Black."
I knew it. I just... knew it.
"He wasn't that much older then us, I think that was what surprised us the most. But from the way he dressed, the way he carried himself, it was clear he had money, and power. That dinner, sitting opposite him, even with Emmett by my side... I've never felt so intimidated in all my life. But he wasn't trying to be intimidating. He didn't need to try. We were kids from nowhere Alabama, and he was obviously miles out of our league, but what shocked me the most was that... he didn't talk down to us, or treat us like a couple of kids who owed him something. He talked to us with respect, and when we eventually built up the guts to ask why he helped us, two strangers he'd never met, he said that word again. Loyalty. He said it was something he valued over everything else. He told Emmett that if he had been in his position, watching someone defile the one he loved, he would have done the exact same thing to those boys he did. No one had ever told Emmett that beating those boys within an inch of there lives was okay, much less a self-made millionaire in a suit, and I was ashamed of myself for not realising how much he needed to hear it. I think... I think it was that moment, Emmett grew unlimited respect for the man.
"Mr Black told us that he knew how badly we must have wanted to get out of our town, so he made us an offer. He said he wanted Emmett to come and work for him in his city of residence, and in return, he would provide a house, cars, a handsome salary and most importantly, protection, for us and our future family. We had no idea what to say. We didn't even know what this man did for a living, but his offer... If it meant leaving that town in the dust and making something of ourselves, I was all for it. And Emmett, well, he was looking at the man who saved both of our lives. Who was responsible for getting justice for what they did to me. I think... even if I hadn't been on board, Emmett still would have taken it. I could already see the admiration in his eyes, the respect. The loyalty. And I think Mr Black saw it too. He knew that no matter what happened, Emmett would always be loyal to him, and he has been, ever since.
"So, there you go. We moved down here, he moved up the ranks and now he's second in command. We've got a beautiful home, plenty of income, a gorgeous baby girl and... we're happy. I moved on from the trauma of what happened in that town, so much so I even made the choice to bring my baby girl back there to visit her grandmother. Emmett wasn't too fond of the idea, but... I'm strong enough now to face my demons... alone. And I'm not the only one. I know you're wondering how a guy as genuinely good as Emmett can have such an aptitude for his job but Emmett...he's always had a dark side, and I think Mr Black feeds it. But I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. He's a good man, and I'll never hear anyone say anything different, but I think... that day... seeing what those boys were doing to me... it snapped something inside him. And I truly feel like... if he didn't have the work he did... to battle all those demons, they would have festered, and changed him into something I might not have been able to keep loving.
"So you see? Jacob Black didn't just save our lives, he saved our souls. I know how it sounds, and believe me, I know he's no saint but we owe him everything. And that's why Emmett will never betray him. Because he is loyal. He's the most loyal man I know." She finished with a smile.
My mind was a mess when Emmett returned, processing everything his wife had divulged. Her story was horrible, there was no denying, and I respected Rosalie immensely. Anyone who could go through something like that and come out the other side stronger, confident, and willing to face the world with a smile deserved the utmost admiration. And as for Emmett, well, mystery solved. He served the boss unwaveringly because he not only saved his life, but he saved his wife. It was clear how much he loved her, how much they both loved each other, and I honestly did believe, just as Rosalie did, that without Mr Black, they wouldn't be together right now. But there was just one final question.
With everything Rosalie had gone through at the hands of those three evil boys, did she know about Bella?
So... what do you think? Are you enjoying the story so far? How do you like how the story is progressing and what would you like to see happen in the future? Please take the time to leave a review, as it always means a lot. Until the next chapter, see you guys.
