A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I didn't get the chance to thank you personally.

Izzy has gone on the show American Most Wanted and speaks about her treatment and injuries. In a disguise of course.

Some of you may find it disturbing or maybe a trigger. I will try and mark it when it gets a little graphic, then advise when it's safe to read again. But I don't want you to miss the story. So maybe just read the beginning of the chapter, but you must read the last bit of the chapter. Thank you.

Chapter20

Narrated by Shelly Cope.

Izzy

Things in New York became busy for the FBI. With Izzy's help, they had enough information to persuade Fox to dedicate the entire episode of America's Most Wanted to catch people from the commune.

Fox producer had persuaded Izzy to go on the show. They promised to distort her voice and all the viewers could see was a black shadow. In return, they agreed to fund the surgery on her feet. They said they found that when someone talked about their experience, more people would help. Helen had already gotten a surgeon who had agreed to perform the surgery. Everyone knew it was going to be a long and complicated surgery.

Everyone knew this could go badly and hoped it would have a positive outcome for Izzy. Helen would be in the studio with her. Everyone was there if she could not cope with talking about her time at the hands of these animals.

Helen argued that Izzy had been through so much trauma, and she deserved to live again. She believed, as her doctor, that the first occurrence should be the operation on her feet, so at least she could wear shoes again. Also, she could keep Bobby with her even during the interview.

Edward

Edward had been working extra hard at school to get the grades he wanted. He wanted to go to school but still hadn't worked out how he could do it.

He had taken Rebecca's advice and had told Rachel he was looking at California for college. Rebecca told Edward that Rachel had sent applications to every school in California that offered teaching majors. This suited both Edward and Rebecca. Rebecca, so she no longer lived in her twin sister's shadow, and Edward, so she would at least leave him alone from her unwanted advances for four years.

He had been to see and speak to Emmett and Rose. They thought his best fit would be to major in science. He had computers as a backup. It was always best to have two majors, as it was an advantage in finding a job after graduation. They even spoke about the possibility of Edward learning another instrument, so he would always have music. That idea was brushed under the carpet by Edward. They also thought it might be a clever idea to take a couple of courses through the summer so he wouldn't have to stay on campus.

Edward had only received a little of the funding he had applied for, as his parents both had good jobs. He was going to have some severe budgeting to do.

~T&I~

Izzy

"NO! I'M GOING TO DO IT. I HATE HIDING. THEY HAVE WON BY MY HIDING, AND THEY STILL HAVE THAT POWER OVER ME." Izzy yelled.

"Honey, I don't like you being in hiding either, but going on national television isn't the answer," Charlie tried to reason.

"Dad, I will be blocked out. No one will recognize me; my voice will be distorted. They said if I do this, they will fix my feet. I'll be able to walk to the park instead of riding on Seth's back. I'll be able to ride a bike because my feet will be able to fit onto the peddles. I'll be able to drive. I have some money. I can buy a car. But for the first time in years, I'll be able to wear a pair of shoes," Izzy said.

"I know that honey, and I can't even imagine your pain. I worry," Charlie replied.

"Dad, I'm not doing this for just me. I'm doing it for all my friends who are hiding. Some of them need medical help as well. We've always wondered if Looping one of the smaller kids could be helped or if it's too late. What if a family takes her in? She needs a family," Izzy tried to explain. "Dad, have you seen my back, legs, and arms? I must stop this from happening to any other person. I'm that person who was abandoned by everyone and was snatched. I deserve my life back."

"Izzy, that's not fair to say that" Charlie groaned.

"Really, dad. I say it as it is. I was left unprotected and alone by Teddy, the Cullen's, and well, everyone. I'm doing this, dad. This is to free me. I'm doing this so I can look Teddy Cullen in the eye and tell him that he abandoned me and that I don't need him or his friendship. As she left the room, she said "I'm strong enough to come back from this without him."

~T&I~

Edward

"Mom, dad, Ben told me there will be a special of America's Most Wanted on TV tonight. They are featuring people they are looking for from that place Izzy was at. They might know something about Izzy," Edward called into the house.

"Ben and Angie are coming over to watch it with me. I hope that's okay?"

"I'll call Emmett and Rose. They will want to see it too," Esme said as she rushed to the phone.

The time seemed to drag as Edward sat in front of the television, waiting for the show to start.

"Mom, it's about to start," Edward shouted.

"This is America's Most Wanted, and I'm John Walsh. Tonight, we are featuring the group that calls themselves, Freedom. I will warn you that these stories may upset some viewers. Many of you may have seen that the group leaders have already been captured and have appeared in court. Many have received long prison sentences others are on death row.

Tonight, we want to feature people the FBI wants in connection with the abandoned children called the foundlings. The FBI has described the people who oversaw them as pure evil. We will feature several people who have evaded being captured and could live among you, just waiting to make their move. We also believe that some children and young adults are hiding, fearful that these people will find them. These foundlings have been injured or used as a sport for these people's amusement. They are known as foundlings, as their parents have abandoned them. The FBI has found evidence of children as young as two years old among these foundlings abandoned by their parents, who should have been protecting them. Some had the added horror of being kidnapped and enduring abuse while trying to escape to get home to their parents. But tonight, we will learn how once girls reach the age of fourteen, they were subjected to even more despicable abuse."

"Mom, do you think they hurt Izzy, Edward asked.

"We can only hope they didn't. Are you sure you want to watch this, Edward?" Esme enquired.

"Mom, I have to know what they could have done to Izzy, so when I find her, I won't have to ask her what happened and make her relive it over again," Edward replied.

Trigger warning. Read with caution.

"We want to start tonight by asking you to help us find three people. First, this man is known as the broker. These two women help him. One posed as his secretary, and the other woman posed as a nurse. At ages as young as twelve, the girls are removed from the foundling compound to a place described as pure hell. These girls are given no choice over what happens to them. They are forced to have babies even though some are mentally unprepared for this. They were given no respite between pregnancies. Once they had given birth, the babies were immediately taken away. These babies were then sold to couples who would be charged excessive amounts of money. This money would be used to fund the group. If anyone has seen these people or if you bought a baby from them, please call the usual number, 1-800-crime-88," John Walsh offered.

Story continues.

Edward and his family sat and listened in horror as a picture was shown of a man and two women who were named baby brokers.

"No one who has dealings with them will come forward. They have bought a baby illegally," Esme said in disgust. "I know some people are desperate, but they should at least do some homework on these people."

"They wouldn't have done that to Izzy, would they?" Edward asked, choking.

"Let's hope not, son," Carlisle replied, rubbing his shoulder.

"After the break, we will bring more stories and people that the FBI wants your help to find. We also have a new insight into this group as one foundling has come out of hiding to help capture the people who abused her daily," John Walsh announced.

"Do you think it will be Izzy?" Angie asked, hoping.

"No, if they had found Izzy, Charlie would have told us," Carlisle replied.

"Shush, it's coming back on," Esme instructed.

"Before the break, we featured the baby brokers. We are pleased with the information we have received. Several people have called the number, and things look promising for locating them," John smiled.

"We are now looking for a man and a woman who are responsible for kidnapping at least twelve children. They will travel, or they may have settled with their son, who is seventeen years old or thereabout. He will most likely not have attended school as he has had no education. It's unknown if they still look like the pictures, as they have changed their appearance several times. These three usually go by Vera, John, and Harry. Again, if you recognize these people, call the usual number 1-800-crime-88. The calls can be anonymous."

"I wonder if they are the ones who came here and took Izzy," Ben wondered.

"If they are, we might remember seeing them around," Angie replied.

"Carlisle, that's that family who moved here over a year ago. They live on the edge of town. They instruct their son at home. He's weird. Doesn't she work at the drug store on a night shift? The husband works at the mill. They have a Rottweiler. The dam thing bites. I had to advise them to keep it muzzled," Esme asked.

"Their son has been caught watching people through their windows," Angie said, shuddering.

"I'm going to kill them. How dare they come here when it was, they who took my Izzy," Edward screamed as he ran to get his car keys.

"Edward, no, don't. You can't get into trouble. Let the police do their job," Esme begged.

"They hurt my Izzy. They came back here after they took my Izzy," Edward snarled.

"Don't make me say it, Edward, but if you weren't so cruel to Izzy, she wouldn't have been on her own," Angie all but whispered.

"Thanks, Angie, and I thought you were my friend," Edward replied.

"I am your friend. That's why I don't want you out there with the rest of the town. It's going to be like vigilantes out there. You can't help her by getting in the way. The town will be angry with them for coming to live here knowing they have kidnapped one child from our community. This is the town where Izzy could have come home to. Then what would have happened?" Angie growled.

No one noticed Ben on his cell phone. "Dad said they have sent deputies to their house, and they have called the FBI in Seattle," Ben informed.

"I told you they will not let them just leave," Carlisle said.

"Next, we will hear from a person who escaped with the help of the people who had tortured her for years. As no one had realized, these two people had played most of the law enforcement using the child as a bargaining tool. We ask for viewers' discretion during this segment as our guest will discuss abuse. Some of it is upsetting," John began.

"Can it get any worse?" Esme whispered.

"Thank you for coming and helping us understand what these people have done to you and many other foundlings. We will call you B so your identity can be protected," John introduced. "Thank you for helping us to understand your life these past ten years."

"Thank you for having me. All we want is our lives back and to live a normal life, not having to hide for the rest of our lives," B's distorted voice said.

"Do you think that's a girl or boy?" Edward asked.

"I don't know. Let's listen and see what they say," Carlisle replied.

Trigger warning. Read with caution.

"We know they had five people, three men and two women, known as catchers. Could you explain what they did as their job in the community?" John asked.

"The name is explanatory. Their job was to catch any of us who escaped. They would set the dogs out and shoot if we tried to run. They would instruct the dogs to retrieve us. That was when the dogs would bite us," B replied.

"What was it like being chased over fields or through a town?" John asked.

"They were never frightened about people seeing them with guns and the dogs barking. I once climbed into the back of a dumpster that was going to the pig farm. With the smell, I thought they wouldn't find me, but I was wrong. That's when I got my first dog bite," B answered.

"Can we see the scar?" John asked.

"Sure," B replied as she held out her leg. You could see a big, puckered scar and a dip in the muscle.

"Now, tell me more about these people with the dogs. I was told they enjoyed playing games. How did that work?" John probed.

"There was a thick forest that surrounded the foundling compound. The other part of the main compound extended into the desert. The catchers loved to play a game they called catch. We didn't get a choice if we wanted to play. We ran or the dogs would just attack us where we stood. We usually went into the forest so we could try and hide. But they would let the dogs go, and they hunted us down. They would place bets as to which one of us would get caught first. Many times, the dogs wouldn't drop our limbs when told to. We became good at stitching each other's wounds up. They had, to my knowledge, killed four people. Their bodies were sent to the pig farm to be disposed of," B explained while showing the camera more scars.

"Those poor children, those dogs need destroying it's such a waste," Esme wept.

"I wonder what that is the person keeps touching?" Ben asked.

"They must be some kind of a security blanket," Carlisle replied as he comforted Esme.

"Is it correct to say that if a kid tried to run away on a regular basis, they would break their ankles and feet to stop them? I saw this in a movie some years ago, but I thought no one would do this to another person," John continued questioning.

"Yes, I had both my feet and ankles broken. It was done with a plank of wood and a hammer. We couldn't go to the hospital and get them fixed. Two of the older foundlings worked in the infirmary. They were trustees. During the night, we were taken, and they x-rayed our feet and ankles and tried to line up as many bones as possible. They pulled and twisted them until we could walk. I had ace bandages put on my feet. We went outside and wrapped them in clay mud to get them to heal enough to walk on. I haven't worn shoes for over seven years, if not longer," B answered.

Story continues

"The FBI is asking you to look at these pictures of these two men and this woman who are responsible for this abuse. See if you recognize them or know their whereabouts. They may have changed their appearance, but again, call the number 1-800-crime-88. You can leave an anonymous name, but any lead is better than having these people on the street. After the break, we will discuss two of the key people that are America's Most Wanted," John said.

"They're sick fuckers who chase people down with dogs for sport," Edward growled.

"Dog bites are horrendous things to treat," Carlisle added.

Their pictures were put on the screen.

"You must be joking," Ben said.

"That guy is the assistant janitor at school. He's a pervert. The cheerleaders have been saying he spies on them when they get changed. A few younger kids have reported him for tripping them in the hallway. He was around when that junior who can't walk properly got pushed over and broke his leg, falling down some steps."

"Should we call the station?" Angie asked.

"I think they might already have had several calls," Esme added.

"Why have they come here off all the places? Why here?" Edward puzzled.

"I don't have the answer for you," Carlisle comforted him.

"I'm here tonight with B, hoping to find the people responsible for many of the injuries they have on their body, from dog bites to broken bones, burns, and scars from being whipped. We will start with the man you called the overseer. Why did you call him that?" John continued.

"Because that is what he did. You know how enslaved Black people were treated all those years ago. Well, we were also put to work in the fields. There were no combine harvesters or tractors. We planted the old fashion way by hand. We plowed the fields with yokes on our backs, pulling a tiller to till the land. If we didn't do enough work, we were punished. We stole food because we were hungry. We would be tied over a board and whipped. The only food we were given was what was left from the main population, which sometimes was nothing. His little sidekick was worse than him. He liked to put us in solitary confinement, with only a chain around our necks. If we were lucky, we would get fed," B answered. "We worked from sunup to sundown, and questioned nothing."

"On your screen are the pictures of the overseer and his helper. Again, call us at 1-800-crime-88 if you know of their whereabouts. After the break, we will feature the last person the FBI wants your help to locate. We will see you after the break," John said.

"Welcome back. I'm here with one foundling in hiding we call B. Now, this next person is what you called the jailer. Why is that, and why were you all so fearful of her?" John asked.

"She was a lovely lady when you first met her. She showed you around the dorms and explained the dining room. Then the next day, you found out what she was really like. It was she who instructed our punishment. She decided who had their limbs broken. Who got help? She had total control over us. She would make us hold our breath until we fainted, then throw dirty water all over us. We couldn't put fresh dry clothes on as punishment. We would sneak into the river to bathe, as she never let us bathe or brush our teeth until she said we could. Her favorite thing to do was to throw us into tiny rooms with no lights on. She loved to put us in the cold storm shelter. We would sneak blankets down there to keep warm whenever we could. But she put me in a small room, chained to the floor by my ankle, and left me to die. I'm only here today because two catchers wanted a bargaining chip. I was the answer to their freedom. They took me to a place I thought was a place to stay until they could get me to my parent. But they made a deal at the last minute they told my parent where they hid me. I was then reunited with my parent," B answered.

"Thank you for coming in and talking to us, B. I hope you will feel comfortable enough to come out of hiding and get your feet taken care of," John offered. "These are the last three people the FBI has asked us to show you. This is the overseer, and his accomplice. This is the woman most of the foundlings are afraid of. Until she is caught, I doubt the foundlings will come out of hiding."

Carlisle shot out of his seat and rushed to the phone.

"George, is that new nurse Kim and the porter, Tom, at work tonight?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes, they are. Why?" George asked.

"They are on America's Most Wanted. They are dangerous. I think they might be responsible for Izzy's death. I'm going to call Mark now," Carlisle informed. "Try to get them in an office and lock the door until I can get help."

"I'll call my dad," Ben yelled through.

As Carlisle called the station, he could hear yelling and phones ringing.

"Mark, it's Carlisle. Those people on America's Most Wanted are working at the hospital tonight," Carlisle rushed to say. "I'm going to the hospital to ensure they don't leave."

"Be careful; we have gotten leads on another three of them to find as well," Mark informed as the phone went dead.

"Why would they be here?" Angie was puzzled.

"The only reason I can think of is that they are looking for Izzy," Esme replied.

"If they are looking for Izzy, she could still be alive and hiding somewhere. But where would she hide?" Edward questioned. "Do you think that might have been her tonight? You know that person he was interviewing, B?"

"That would be nice if it were her, Edward, but I think Charlie would have told us if he had found her," Esme replied.

The show finished as the front door opened.

A very tied Rose carried Bella on her shoulder and Casey in his car seat.

"How bad is it out there?" Esme asked as she took Bella from her.

"It's bat shit crazy. Emmett and Aaron have gone around to that perve Chet's house. The jockeys are already smashing windows. Mark said they are waiting for help from Port Angeles," Rose said. "But someone said they have found someone in Port Angeles as well. So much is being said it's like Chinese whispers."

"My goodness, I'm shocked by all this. Why is Izzy so important that they came looking for her? I hope things don't get out of hand in town," Esme worried.

"Mark has people helping him to keep people from taking the law into their own hands. They have contacted the FBI in Seattle. I never thought this would ever happen here. Why have they come here?" Rose replied.

"It must have something to do with Izzy. I'm so glad she never came home," Ben added.

The hospital wasn't much better. George had Kim and Tom locked in an office for their safety. Not only staff had seen the program but so had some of the patients. Many of them had known Izzy since she was a small child on her little pink bike, riding around with Teddy not too far behind her. They were after their blood.

Mark was happy once the FBI took all six fugitives with them. Now he was on alert in case others came to their small town. He had their pictures displayed in the office, so people wouldn't forget what they looked like. He would only take down the pictures once they had been captured.

~T&I~

Izzy

"Ladies and Gentlemen, can you come to order, please? I have an unusual case to share with you. Only two of you can scrub in with me, but the rest will sit in the viewing area," Doctor Young said.

"He will pick me as I've been sucking up. I heard rumors this case was coming up after that program aired on America's Most Wanted," Doctor Jenny Price said.

"Don't be so sure; golden boy only needs two more surgeries to get his time ready to graduate," Doctor Brent Roche replied.

"This subject is a young eighteen-year-old girl called Marie. She was a rescue from that cult you may have seen on television or read about in the newspaper. This young lady was referred to as a foundling runner. Or, as we would say, trying to escape to get help. She had tried to escape several times. These people decided they would stop these kids from running away by smashing their ankles and feet with a bit of wood and a hammer. They received no medical treatment for these injuries. But other kids tried to fix them by taking an x-ray and pulling the bones into place. Then they would wrap them in ace bandages, and make temporary casts made from clay so they could continue to work. Questions?" Doctor Young asked.

"How has she walked? Surely, she is disabled. Can that even be fixed?" Doctor Gale Brant asked.

"She has been struggling to walk. She doesn't wear shoes and is in constant pain. But she's had to manage these past seven years," Doctor Young advised.

"Does she have any other injuries? I wouldn't have thought they would have stopped at breaking her feet," asked Doctor Nicole Casey. "I saw the program. The abuse was a little excessive."

"Yes, as you can see from these scans that she has had no less than thirty-six breaks and fractures that have gone untreated. Two ribs on her back will have to be repaired as it causes her to be breathless. That's if we can find a space that isn't scarred on her back to use," Doctor Young growled.

"As there are still people out there from this cult, there are also reporters wanting to talk to any of the children. We have extra security. Marie was the brave foundling that went on the FBI show. She increased the chances of these kids getting help. Because of her bravery, most of the key players that abused these children are now under arrest. It's been decided to put her on the pediatrics floor as it's an extra secure floor. She is in a private room. Also, she has a dog with her. It never leaves her side. This young lady is nervous around strangers. We ask that if you ever see her, never turn off the light in her room. If you saw the program, these kids were left for days in a dark small room as punishment."

"Can we discuss the case with anyone, another doctor?" Doctor Sam Anderson asked.

"No, not another doctor, and especially people who don't work here like partners, husbands, or wives," Doctor Young pressed the importance.

Everyone left the conference room, going down to Marie's room.

"Good morning, Marie. How are you today?" Doctor Young asked as all the doctors followed him in.

"Chief, what are you doing here?" Jasper asked.

Looking towards the bed, he stood as though he had seen a ghost.

Jasper whispered, "Izzy."

A big smile no one had seen since she had been home come across Izzy's face.

"Jazzy?" Izzy asked.

"Oh, Izzy, I can't believe it's you," Jasper said as he rushed forward, pulling her in for a hug.

He didn't notice Charlie grabbing the dog's collar until he heard barking.

Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for pre-reading through the chapter and pointing out where it could be improved.

Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for all her hard work editing the chapter and making my words pretty.

Any mistakes are all mine.