Chapter Fourteen - Unexpected News And Uninvited Guests
Sam? What Sam?
Oh... unless it was that Sam.
I heard the former second in command went by the name of Sam Uley, but had never learned why Emmett had replaced him. Emmett had never mentioned it, and I'd only ever caught whispers of his name from other men.
"Um... yeah. I mean, she didn't name anyone directly, only mentioned there was someone else from the organisation you trusted and they turned out not to be the person you... thought they were?" I stuttered like a question.
"She meant Sam," He confirmed, grunting before raising an expectant eyebrow, "I'm assuming you want to know more?"
He knew me all too well. I gave him a sheepish grin and hunched my shoulders, unable to deny my curiosity. He sighed and shook his head, leaning back against the ghastly wallpaper and sinking slowly to the floor, gesturing me to do the same.
"I've told you I was recruited by the boss personally before, haven't I?" I nodded, not mentioning the fact I'd been given a far more detailed account from his wife.
"Well, Sam was the former second in command, and boss put me on his team right away. Now, Sam, he didn't like this very much. He was kind of like me in the way he preferred to handpick his own men, but boss forced him to take me on, so he had no choice. He pretty much ignored me at first, refused to train me, even encouraged his men to haze me. I think so I'd drop out or ask to be reassigned, but I refused to quit. I had something to prove, not just to him, or the boss, but to myself. I wanted to be more than some lost kid from a backwards town no one had ever heard of. It wasn't exactly a new struggle, I've had to prove my worth all my life. But I just knew this job would be my greatest test, so I kept fighting.
"Eventually, Sam saw my dedication, and actually started paying attention. He taught me a lot about this world, and how to survive in it. Got to the point where we were actually pretty close. I trusted him more then I've ever trusted anyone who wasn't my wife. But I was stupid."
His voice was monotone, like whatever woes regaled him no longer mattered and he was simply recounting facts, but I was almost, almost certain, that was not the case. Emmett liked to be seen as strong and untouchable, but I liked to believe I knew him better than that by now. Well enough to see through his impenetrable armour.
"I believed that despite the job we did, all the people we hurt and even killed, he was a good man at heart. And then I met his girlfriend.
"It was during a dinner with all four of us; me, him, Rosalie and her. She seemed really sweet, hit it off with Rosy right away. But during that dinner, it became quite clear, that Sam wasn't exactly the best boyfriend. While he talked to my wife with charm and respect, he talked to this girl like a piece of shit. He belittled her and put her down, and she said nothing to defend herself, just acted like she was used to it and tried to keep the conversation civil. I could tell it was getting under Rosalie's skin and by the end of the night, she was barely keeping it together, but I was a coward and didn't want her saying anything. I was afraid of insulting him and ruining the bond I'd foolishly come to depend on, so I just convinced myself what happened between them was none of our business.
"Time went on, and I forgot about it, then one day, Sam just... vanished. He wasn't picking up his phone, or answering any of the boss's messages. Eventually, boss got tired and ordered his team to find out what was going on. So we went to his house, all of us, and what we saw..."
His whole form seemed to crumple, morphing in disgust so potent it could paralyse a person. I almost didn't recognise him. The scars of his muscular face seemed to burn from the fever of his skin. His anger like heat from a raging fire.
"He wasn't there. But his girlfriend was. And what he did to her..."
He pinched his forehead as if desperate to banish the vulgar memories.
"I think he used acid. There were parts of her face that were literally melted off. I swear Edward, I've never seen anything like it. And the smell...
"One of the guys called it in, another checked to make sure she was alive, and I went to the kitchen to hurl into the sink. Not my proudest moment. As soon as I cleaned myself up, I spotted a note on the table. It was from him.
"It said that he was leaving, and not to bother looking for him. Nothing else. No explanations. No excuses. Just a warning not to come after him. At first, I refused to believe it was Sam. I convinced myself it had to be a rival, someone against the boss who targeted Sam because of his position. But it soon became clear just how wrong I was. Boss had someone review the CCTV outside his house, and it showed Sam, clear as day, leaving in an angry rage, then returning with a bottle in his hand. And a few minutes later, he was walking to his car and driving off, calm as anything. I don't know what pushed him to that point, but he did that to her, and then he wrote a note, and ran. I was devastated. I realised how foolish I had been to trust him as much as I did. Trust him around my wife."
He sighed.
"Boss sent out an alert to his people all over the world, but Sam was never found. He was good at what he did, and knew how to hide from the same system he helped build. He just vanished, and no one's seen him since."
He had a distant look in his eye, like he was right back there in that moment instead of here, with me. Then he shook his head, leaning back against the wall as though physically weakened.
"The girl survived, but never recovered. Last I heard, she was under psychiatric watch, and had to undergo dozens of corrective surgeries. All because of him." He spat with hatred.
The silence that followed felt... insincere. Maybe I should have said something, but I was in shock. I felt so sorry for that poor girl. No one deserved that. And Emmett, it was no wonder he kept everyone at arm's length. I couldn't help but be flattered that even after all of that, he trusted me enough to be in the same room with his wife and child. What made me so special?
"Do you think Sam will ever come back?" I asked hesitantly. Dark shadows descended on his face as he glared at the ugly wallpaper.
"If he does, he's as good as dead. Abandonment is as bad as betrayal in this business. If he ever comes back, boss will put a bullet in his head before hearing any explanation. And that is, if I don't get to him first."
AAA
After hearing Emmett's story I made my way home, and was tense and on edge for the whole damn ride. I wondered how long it took Emmett to become second in command after Sam disappeared. What he did to earn it, when clearly, there were men who had served Mr Black for far longer. He must have proven his loyalty, as boss himself had said, he trusted him with his life. But trust, in this profession, was rather a fragile thing. It wasn't just something you passed around like a toy or a borrowed tool, it took time and clear actions to earn. How did Emmett trust me, after only knowing me a few months? How did Mr Black trust me with Bella? How was I suppose to trust either of them, anyone, when deceit and deception were bred in this world?
Life used to be so much easier. How did it get so out of control?
I was anticipating jumping in a nice hot shower, eating dinner and just relaxing for the rest of the evening. That plan was promptly dashed when my mother came speeding out of the living room as fast as her wheelchair could move, and met my friendly greeting with an antsy glare.
"Why didn't you tell me Seth had a girlfriend?" Was the first thing out of her mouth.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Seth exclaimed from the living room. Mum turned to scowl in his direction before recoiling back to me like an evil rubber band.
"Huh?" Was my intelligent reply.
"I got a phone call from Julia today, asking if Seth wouldn't mind working a few hours over the weekend. As I was taking the phone to him, she couldn't stop praising his work and telling me how proud a mother I should be, having raised such a helpful young man. Obviously, I was proud. And then she started telling me how close Seth and Angela have become, and that's when I realised that not once, not once, has Seth mentioned Angela. I didn't even know she was volunteering there! And the only reason I can think of that little scamp not saying anything is because he likes her. So, Edward, I'm going to give you one chance to tell me the truth. Did you know about those two?"
I couldn't help but chuckle. For a minute there, I actually feared she was genuinely angry, but I could tell now it was all posturing. Her glare was more of a pout as she seethed over the injustice of Seth's silence. Amused, I held up my hands in surrender.
"Hey, I'm innocent. He said they were only friends."
"We are only friends!" Came another indignant cry. Mum hushed him.
"Well, in any case, I've invited her for dinner with us Saturday night, so I can get to know her better. Can I expect you to be here as well?" She asked as she followed me towards the living room where Seth was playing Mario Kart on the big screen TV. I sat beside him as mum wheeled herself in front of me.
"Sure, I'll be here. Wouldn't want to miss this," I joked, elbowing Seth teasingly. He humphed but ignored me.
"And will you be inviting someone? You're more than welcome to," She asked, inadvertently knocking my good mood. I felt the smile slip right off my face.
"Oh... I don't think so, mum. I don't really... I mean... there isn't really anyone I can invite."
Disappointment marred her tender features as she seemed to sense my sudden sadness. I immediately felt guilty. It wasn't her fault I didn't have any friends.
"Really, Edward? You haven't met anyone new at work or anything?"
Her question, though innocent, depressed me. I had to keep busy to distract myself from how lonely I was, but it was hard sometimes. I had my family, and that was honestly enough, but I did miss having friends. People I could play with and have fun with and confide in the way I couldn't, with them. I had no one like that anymore, especially from work. Emmett was the only one who came remotely close, and he had a family to care for. There was no way in hell I'd let any of those other bastards anywhere near my sick mother.
"Sure I have. It's just... a lot of them have families and... it being the weekend, and such short notice and all..."
"Oh," she noted, smiling gently as though buying my bullshit excuse. "Of course. Well, I'll make extra, just in case. Angela is a vegetarian, so I have quite a lot of practice cooking to do to find the perfect recipes."
I laughed, some humour returning at how genuinely excited she sounded. She used to love playing hostess, but hadn't had the chance to do so in a while. I knew she wanted to have friends over since we'd gotten the new house, but her poor health had always prevented it. I guessed she saw this dinner as something of a dry run, to see how much she could handle. I wasn't worried. She knew her limits. I just wanted her to be happy.
"Just try not to exert yourself too much, all right mum?"
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Of course not. And Seth will be here to help me for most of Saturday afternoon anyway. We'll be just fine."
I nudged Seth's arm.
"You alright with this?"
He grunted.
"Not like either of us were given a choice."
And mum went right back to glaring at him.
AAA
The weekend rolled around, and Bella and I were helping Jared and Embry clean the hall while Quil packed away any leftovers. I was thinking about asking Bella if it would be alright to drop her off early so I could get home and help with dinner, when my phone suddenly rang.
Knowing it could be but a small handful of people, I quickly fished it from my pocket only to see 'Mr Black' flashing on the screen. I straightened as though shot with an electric taser, and hurriedly accepted the call.
"Evening Boss," I greeted professionally. Bella shot up from the table she'd been sweeping, looking me over with wide-eyed surprise.
"Is Bella with you?" He asked without pleasantry, his soul-piercing voice echoing menacingly through my eardrums. I instinctively squirmed.
"Of course sir, would you like me to put her on?"
"If you wouldn't mind." His voice was dry, as though patronising a child. I scolded my stupidity and gestured her over. She promptly scurried towards me, taking the phone with a look of panic, much to the confusion of the spectating brothers.
I tried not to eavesdrop, but it was difficult to curb my curiosity. Bella moved to a secluded part of the room, and I watched her change from nervous to annoyed to concerned as the phone call progressed. I attempted to act casual by stacking trays at the end of the tables, but couldn't help wishing to know what was going on. Finally, after two full minutes that felt like hours, she walked back towards me, "Yes, he's here. Alright, I'll tell him. Yes, I remember. Black Incorporated, 6th Street Guardian Avenue, top floor," A brief pause, "I'll see you soon." He must have said something else, because her face pulled down in a frown of distaste, then she closed her eyes and reluctantly whispered, "I... I love you too."
My eyes widened to the size of saucers as she hastily ended the call. She flushed beet red, a mixture of annoyance and humiliation as she stared daggers at the floor.
"We've got to go. Jacob wants us to meet him at his office in the city. We don't have much time."
"Oh," I said articulately, a little stunned by the sudden demand. "Alright then. You know where the building is?"
We left after some gentle ribbing, and Embry's jokes about eventually wanting to meet her 'man toy'. Bella was clearly embarrassed, and I tried my hardest not to stare as she hid behind her hair the whole drive there.
I was astounded at just how impressive Black Incorporated really was. The lobby looked like the entrance to a five-star hotel, complete with glass walls, chandeliers and a bunch of people in suits rushing around, talking on headsets and power walking to there destinations. I couldn't help but fidget as we made our way to the large fancy reception desk, feeling multiple pairs of eyes on us as we went.
"Why is everyone staring?" I whispered uneasily.
"We don't fit the decor," she muttered back. It was true. While I was wearing a suit, I was a little sweaty from the day's activities and didn't exactly look my best. And Bella, well, I was guessing jeans and a casual t-shirt weren't standard attire for such an empire. As we beelined towards the male receptionist, I noticed his youthful skinny face was red and flushed as he spoke flustered into the homeline phone. The moment he caught sight of us, he immediately ceased his conversation. I stared awkwardly as he blinked a few times, before saying, "One moment please, I have someone at the desk," and pressing the 'hold' button before greeting us with a tight smile.
"Can I help you?" He asked respectfully, voice quivering as he rested his skinny arms on the polished marble, rubbing at them nervously as though afraid of our reply.
"We're here to see Mr Black," I told him in what I hoped was a confident tone. His anxious eyes widened in disbelief.
"Do you have an appointment?" He sounded almost confrontational, though his voice was cracking. He looked like a frightened rabbit. I shifted uncomfortably. "He's expecting us."
He didn't believe me, I could tell. His eyes were shifty and he couldn't sit still. He was massaging his wrists incessantly as well, like it was a tick or bad unbroken habit.
"Um, can I get your names, please?" His pitch screeched as he made his request, and even though it was horrible, I couldn't help but think if there was one guy in this place who could make me look professional, it was him. He was completely lost, with no idea what he was doing. Perhaps he was new, and inexperienced, but then why would he be all alone? I looked over to Bella, for some kind of confirmation, only to see her huffing with her arms crossed, clearly peeved. It startled me, since she was usually so patient, especially with strangers, but she seemed almost angry as the receptionist visibly shook.
"Edward Cullen. And this is Bella," I told him, trying my hardest to be friendly since Bella wasn't helping me. His fingers flashed across his keyboard with the speed of a demon, and then his whole body tensed. A frown creased his brow as he stared at whatever secret information lightened his computer screen.
"I am sorry, but neither of you are on the approved guest list. I'm going to have to ask you to leave." He said.
My mouth dropped open incredulously. What's going on?
"Look, just call Mr Black. He told us to come, I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding-"
"I'm afraid I can not contact Mr Black directly, about anything. In any case, no one not on the approved guest list is permitted anywhere in this building. Please leave, or I will be forced to have security escort you out," He stammered, feigning confidence while gesturing to several well dressed big burly men scattered around the fancy lobby. I didn't understand and was just about to protest, when a chilling voice behind us coldly inquired,
"What's happening here?"
We immediately turned to face an unfamiliar woman. And the moment I made eye contact, I felt an unexplainable fear.
She was almost sickly pale, prim and proper in a skirt suit and cream coloured blouse with heels. She had white-blonde hair slicked back in a tight bun, and simple glass spectacles resting on her razor-sharp nose. Everything about her screamed sophistication and poise. Not one single microfibre was out of place. Yet despite her polished appearance, I couldn't help but suddenly feel like a misbehaving child put in front of a terrifying headteacher. She projected an aura of a powerful woman not to be messed with, and while there was certainly nothing wrong with powerful women, I sensed unexplainable malice, just beneath the perfect surface.
She looked right past us, glaring down her nose at the nervous receptionist. She tapped her foot impatiently.
"Miss Malory, these two were trying to gain access to Mr Black, but neither are on the approved guest list I was told about, I was just about to-"
Miss Malory held up her hand to cease the receptionist's agitated babbling. She stared sternly at the younger male, who practically sunk in his seat as though fearful of her wrath.
"This is Mr Black's girlfriend, Isabella, and her guard, Mr Cullen. I suggest that if they are not on the guest list, you add them. And next time, I would advise you call me when someone requests to speak to Mr Black. Do not try to overstretch your non-existent authority again, or your time in this company will be extremely short-lived, understood?" She scolded the poor man like a disobedient pet. I instantly felt bad as his eyes filled with a soft layer of tears.
"Yes mam," He said defeatedly, staring shamed down at his shoes. The scary woman then turned her attention to us.
"A pleasure to see you again, Isabella. And you must be Mr Cullen, so nice to meet you. I'm Lauren Mallory, Mr Black's personal assistant. If you'll both please follow me, he is expecting you." I had to do a double-take at how drastically her tone had changed. From the man to us, her personality had done a complete 180. She was now civil and respectful as she gestured towards a golden rimmed elevator with a plaque reading 'PRIVATE' above it. Bella didn't move.
"Why wasn't I on the guest list?" She asked confrontationally. I was taken aback by her sudden hostility. Lauren's eyes widened minutely before favouring her with a rigid smile.
"An oversight, I'm sure. One I guarantee will be fixed right away. Now if you'll please-"
"He did this on purpose, didn't he? This man better not be fired, he was only doing his job!"
"Miss Bella," Lauren replied, suddenly aloof as she stared Bella down. "Please refrain from raising your voice in the lobby. If you have a grievance with the way Mr Black conducts his business, might I suggest you address it with him personally, in his office?" She said sickly sweet, once again gesturing the private elevator. Bella glared.
"You know what, I think I'll do just that," She spat, storming past the well-presented woman and across the lobby. Shooting one last look of sympathy towards the miserable receptionist, I followed.
The air was tense on the long ride up. Bella's outburst was completely unexpected, and I wanted to ask her about it, but wouldn't dare with Mr Black's 'personal' assistant standing right beside us. The woman seemed almost robotic in a way, her mannerisms creepy like she was hiding a world of darkness behind that default smile. I didn't know why I felt this way, I'd never met her, but the fact she'd been so willing to shame that poor receptionist, then turn around and speak so us with courtesy and respect, gave me the distinct impression she was fake all over. Her whole demeanour was unpleasant and I squirmed uncomfortably until the doors finally chimed open.
Lauren led us down a very clean hallway before coming to a halt in front of posh double doors. She politely knocked.
"Enter," Came the boss's stoic response.
Lauren gestured the pair of us inside before closing the door behind us, leaving me with an uneasy sensation like I was a lamb being led to slaughter. Mr Black stood with his back to us, staring out at his (rather impressive) city view through large impeccably polished windows. He was dressed in a full black suit that fit his muscular form like a glove. As soon as the door shut, he turned, and dark eyes practically ignited as he laid gaze to Bella.
"Well, don't you look gorgeous."
Bella huffed.
"You didn't tell the receptionist to be expecting us. I'm guessing he's only just been hired. Was that suppose to be a test? You let Lauren humiliate him." She angrily accused. Mr Black merely grinned.
"My dear, being the head receptionist is an incredibly stressful job, requiring a lot of focus, and an ability to work under pressure. A simple test is necessary to ensure my HR department are choosing the correct staff. How did you find him?"
"He was polite. And only doing his job, as he was trained. Don't fire him for this, please." She implored impatiently. I was rather relieved that her irritation had been for the situation, not the poor guy who was probably in tears by now. Mr Black nodded, an amused smirk stretching his masculine face as he eyed her with affection.
"Very well. I shall keep him, on your recommendation. Though Lauren insisted he was far too timid to maintain the position, I trust your judgement."
"Thank you," came Bella's strained reply. Mr Black chuckled.
"Well, now that that's out of the way, on to the reason I called you. My bid for a profitable construction company in Rome has just been accepted. I am flying out there in a weeks time to overview the company before passing on the reigns to my branch overseas. And I'm bringing you with me."
I was immediately envious. I'd always wanted to see Rome, but for obvious reasons, had never been able to. Despite my jealousy, I was genuinely happy for her, which was why it caught me so off guard when she didn't look excited, at all.
"You're taking me to... Rome?" She asked hesitantly. He nodded. "For how long?"
Mr Black ran his hand over his neatly trimmed stubble.
"To sign all official paperwork, overview the companies records, meet with the clients and the team I will be intrusting the project with? Shouldn't take longer than a week."
"Do I have to go?"
Instantly, I knew she had said the wrong thing. Mr Black went visibly stiff, tense and cold as he always was when angered. The russet skin surrounding his intense eyes tightened, and his bones audibly crunched as he clenched his jaw. Even the temperature in the room seemed to abruptly drop, as though even it were a slave to the masterful man's will.
"Yes." Was all he said.
Bella fought back.
"But... can't I just stay here? I don't have anything to do with your business. I... I won't have anything to do. Please, can't I just stay?"
"Bella," Mr Black warned, unexpectedly serious as he took a threatening step toward her, "This is not open for negotiation. I want you with me, so you are coming. Do you understand?" He demanded. The ice in his voice made me quiver.
Just say you understand!
"I don't want to." She bit through clenched teeth.
He snarled. "What you want does not matter. What I want is law here. Now tell me you understand."
"But I just-"
"Come here." He ordered.
She glared, practically shaking with defiance.
"Now!"
In that one single moment, I was absolutely terrified. I hated watching them fight, if only because I knew exactly who was going to lose. It was like David vs Goliath, only David had no hope of beating this powerful monster of a man.
Why was Bella so against going to Rome? It was like the idea was abhorrent to her, enough that she would risk making him this angry. But why was he this angry? Surely it wasn't just because she didn't want to go. I couldn't help but feel there was something I was missing. A layer to the sudden hostility I simply didn't understand. They were at a stalemate, two strong wills both battling for dominance. In previous situations, Bella had been cowed rather easily, but today, she seemed ready for a fight. A fight I most definitely did not want to watch.
And then she twitched.
No! No, please don't!
All my thoughts flashed lightning-fast, and even though I could no longer see her face, I saw her intention clear as day. Her body angled towards the door, and I was standing right beside it. If she tried to flee, I knew I'd have to intervene.
Please don't run! If you do, I'll have to stop you, and you'll hate me even more! Please Bella, please just go to him!
As if hearing my silent distress, all her defiance immediately deflated. Her body sagged, she sighed heavily and kicking her foot against the immaculate wooden flooring, did she finally, reluctantly, march into his arms. The moment she was within reach, he grabbed her, smashing her against his chest in a crushing, brutal hold. His eyes seemed glazed with rage as he bent his head to the brim of her ear. He growled.
"Why must you always provoke me? Over such pointless, petty things. Do you enjoy making me angry? Do you want me to punish you?"
His voice was so deadly I was surprised Bella didn't collapse to her knees. She shook her head weakly. He barked another order.
"Words!"
"No. I don't want to provoke you."
"Oh but I think you do. I wasn't asking if you wished to join me in Rome, I was telling you you are coming with me. Therefore leaving absolutely no room for discussion yet you insist on arguing with me anyway. I so often admire how mature you are for your age, my Bella, but I will not tolerate bratty behaviour. Especially not in the presence of others. Am I making myself clear?"
It was at this point, I think, Bella realised she was outmatched. Squashed against his muscular chest and captive in his arms she nodded, sniffling tearfully, for fear or for pain, I simply couldn't tell. Mr Black seemed to take pity upon her, relaxing his merciless hold, though made no move to release her. She took a deep unsteady breath like he had damaged her diaphragm, and kept her face buried in his shirt as she softly sobbed. He took a moment to calm, staring daggers at her the whole time, before finally acknowledging me.
"You will be joining us. Ensure you have everything packed and ready for an early flight on Wednesday morning. I'll have Jasper message you the details."
Wait... what?
He... he wanted me to come? With them? To Rome?
Despite the unpleasantry I'd just been witness to, a surge of excitement sparked inside me. And then I remembered...
Oh shit.
"Um... sir?" I stammered, shitting bricks at what I was about to say. He looked me over with sharp biting eyes, like it was a burden to force his gaze away from the small defeated girl. I shuffled uncomfortably, sweating up a storm. When I could tell he was getting impatient, I fearfully muttered, "I... I'm afraid I... I don't think I can make it. My... My mother has her chemotherapy in a week and-"
"Edward," He interrupted, voice as stern as steel. "I wasn't asking."
AAA
Fuck.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
What was I going to do? How could I possibly explain to my poor sick mother that I wasn't going to be by her side at the hospital, like I always promised, and instead would be jetting off overseas while she was receiving her treatment? What could I say, to justify this? Just 'oh hey, sorry mum, but my boss is going on a trip and taking his kind-of not really girlfriend, who is a constant flight risk and needs to be watched 24/7 to make sure she doesn't escape, so I have to go with him because that's the job I've been doing behind your back for months. Oh, and by the way she pissed him off today so I was too afraid to argue and don't even have a choice.'
Yeah, I could see that going down just splendidly.
All the lights were on at the front of the house when I pulled into the driveway, and I spent another ten minutes bashing my head against the steering wheel, desperately trying to collect myself before I had to face them.
Letting out a hopeless sigh, I desparingly staggered from my car, footsteps slow and cumbersome as I trudged towards my doom.
I didn't think this day could get any worse, I really really didn't, then just as I was fishing for my keys, my front door opened, and my eyes bulged at who stood there to greet me.
"Welcome home handsome."
Hey guys! So, after much deliberation, I have decided I will not be adding a Bella POV. I think I will be keeping it strictly Edward the whole way through, and maybe after the story is finished, I'll write some outtakes or maybe even re-write the story in Bella perspective. Let me know if that's something you wouldn't mind reading. Until next time. Laters!
