Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed Chapter 1! So, I guess I didn't make it totally clear in Chapter 1, but James is definitely dead. He will not be coming back, no worries. There are a couple paragraphs in this chapter that are not fun, some violent descriptions, but it doesn't last long, I promise. Just hang in there, yeah? Let's see how poor Bella is doing.

The doorbell rang in the distance, causing me to look up from my laptop. Since being released from the hospital the previous afternoon and moving into one of the guest bedrooms in Emmett's townhouse in Hyde Park, I'd been trying to catch up on my emails and some work-related details, despite my brother's protests. He wanted me to rest, but I wasn't tired. I needed to keep my mind occupied or else it wandered. And, I didn't like the places it was visiting. I didn't like seeing James' face when I closed my eyes, or feeling his phantom hand around my throat, or hearing the echo of his hateful words. None of these were enough to send me into a full blown panic attack or anything, but I really didn't want to dwell on them.

So, today I'd closed myself away in the bedroom and concentrated on going through both my work and personal emails. Emmett had already checked on me half a dozen times in the last couple of hours, and even though I knew he couldn't help it, that he was worried about me, it was driving me nuts. I understood that I wasn't in danger anymore - that James was dead - and I wished Emmett understood that as well.

I had a feeling that maybe he was waiting for me to have another episode, like I'd done in the hospital. I didn't feel like I was going to. Yes, what happened had been scary and ugly and traumatic, but it was over, and I just wanted to move on. I don't know if that was an unhealthy way of dealing with it what I'd been through, or not. I wasn't actively trying to forget it or erase it from my mind, but thinking about it all the time wasn't going to help either. Hell, maybe I needed to talk to a therapist or something. Was there a right or wrong way to deal with a situation like this?

Nothing in my work email was cause for worry. My staff was incredible and were certainly capable of keeping things running smoothly in my absence. And it's not like I was the owner of a gigantic, fifty floor, mega resort.

Luxe was what people referred to as a "boutique" hotel. Eight floors that contained forty-six guest rooms, eight suites, and my penthouse. The Lab - a cocktail lounge that also served appetizers and desserts - was located on the main floor, as well as a cozy gift shop that offered guests necessities they may have forgotten, plus snacks and drinks. My office was on the second floor, as was a spacious multipurpose room for parties and events. My apartment took up most of the eighth floor, the rest occupied by my private rooftop terrace.

So, Luxe was small by industry standards, yes, but I loved it with my whole heart. It was my baby, my dream that I'd somehow managed to make a reality, and I was proud of her stellar reputation. We were often booked to capacity - a great deal of them returning guests - and I knew that my staff had a lot to do with that. I had twenty-eight employees and I adored every one of them. In fact, a huge bouquet of multicolored roses had been delivered earlier, with a card signed by everyone at the hotel. It meant a lot to me, and I really couldn't wait to get back there.

After talking it over with me and deciding the best course to take, Emmett and Alice had issued a statement to the press. They didn't go into tons of details, but covered the basics. I was well known in Tampa, thanks to my last name as well as the reputation of my hotel. People were curious. I was actually tempted to Google myself and see what was being said, but hadn't yet. Ali had my phone and was fielding calls left and right. My staff had been instructed not to talk to any members of the press. So far there had been three requests for interviews; I wasn't planning on giving any. Likewise, the reporters who had taken it upon themselves to enter my hotel with the express purpose of trying to catch a glimpse of me were firmly evicted by my head of security, Tyler. The press wasn't sure where I actually was at the moment, and that's the way I liked it.

My Uncle Marcus had stopped by the hospital yesterday morning before I was released, apologizing profusely for not coming sooner, but he had been in Germany on a business trip and only just got back; in fact he came straight to the hospital from the airport. I'd waved away his concerns, knowing he had came as soon as he could. Emmett had called him when everything first happened and kept him updated. I was just happy to see my father's older brother, he'd always been kind and helpful to both Emmett and myself and I loved him. He promised to visit again soon.

My personal email held some very heartwarming notes of comfort and encouragement from friends and extended family, and while I appreciated all of them, I just couldn't find it in me to respond yet.

A knock sounded on my closed bedroom door and I sighed heavily.

"I'm fine, Emmett! I promise," I called. The next thing I knew, my door opened and two furry felines streaked into the room.

"Oh, there's my beauties!" I crooned as Ginger and Mary Ann climbed all over me, meowing belligerently. I guessed I was getting my ass handed to me in cat-speak for abandoning them.

Ginger, who was indeed a true ginger, headbutted me a few times and I had to turn my head so she wouldn't get me in my swollen eye or stitched cheek. Meanwhile, Mary Ann - fluffy white except for her face and the tip of her tail, which were dove gray - rolled over in my lap and demanded a belly scratch. I'd adopted both of them as little kittens when I first moved into my penthouse, and they were spoiled rotten.

"My three favorite ladies, together again."

My head lifted at the sound of Jake's voice; the smile he was sporting immediately fled when he saw my face.

"Oh, honey," he sighed, walking over and sitting beside me on the king-sized bed. He wrapped a mammoth arm around me and pulled me against his six and a half foot frame. I snuggled into him, cats and all. Jake was a good friend, and I'd often availed myself of his broad shoulder.

"I'm okay, Jakey," I sighed. "Thanks for taking care of the girls."

"No worries, Bells. Jesus, I can't believe this happened."

"Join the club," I replied with a snort.

"That piece of shit. If he wasn't already dead. . ."

"You sound like Emmett," I said with a weak laugh.

"How are you really doing, baby girl?" he asked, his dark brown eyes filled with concern.

"Physically, I'm doing okay. I still have a headache and my throat and eye are sore, but I'm coping. Mentally, on the other hand? I'm . . . dealing." I sighed. Jake squeezed me closer. "What I do know is that my brother's driving me insane. I love him, but if I hear 'is everything okay, do you need anything?' one more time, I'm gonna scream."

"He's just worried about you, Bells."

"I know he is, and I really do appreciate how he always takes care of me, but I'm a big girl. And nothing Emmett does is going to stop what's going on in my head. I'm trying to stay busy, but every time he asks me if I'm okay it just brings it all to the front of my mind again. But, you know what's bothering me the most, Jake? Out of everything?"

"What?"

"That James had me so fucking fooled. That I had absolutely no clue he would ever be capable of something like this. I mean, how did I not know? How did he completely hide that side of himself? The police found drugs at his apartment, Jake. Meth, heroin, pot. And I knew nothing about it! I feel so fucking stupid! I trusted him, I slept with him, and then he turns around and does this? He was only ever interested in my money. What kind of person is that?"

"Sweetie, he fooled all of us. I mean, I wouldn't say he was my most favorite person in the world, but he could be pretty charming motherfucker at times. I never dreamed he'd turn out to be such a monster. He must have been completely strung out."

"Yeah, the detectives I talked to last night said that the toxicology report was sure to show a bunch of crap," I said with a sigh.

Ginger burrowed her way in between Jake and I, rubbing her face all over both of us, causing me to giggle a little bit. Mary Ann, not to be ignored, started kneading my legs and purring loudly.

"You're cats are so weird," Jake said with a slight laugh. "They act more like dogs. They did miss you, though. Seth ended up giving them that sweater you left at our place last week and they've both been sleeping on top of it."

"I missed them, too. And, I really can't wait to go home."

"You're not. . . hesitant? To go back there, I mean?"

"No," I said firmly. "He invaded my space. My home. I refuse to allow his memory to have any control over my feelings. Sure, I might get a little freaked out when I return, I might even have some nightmares, but I've never been a scaredy-cat and I'm not going to start now. I need to get on with my life and put this behind me."

"Have you thought about talking to anyone? Like a therapist, I mean? After going through something so traumatic, it might be a good idea."

I sighed.

"The thought has crossed my mind, yes. But, I honestly think I'm doing okay, Jake, all things considered. He didn't rape me, he didn't inflict any permanent damage. He was an asshole who hurt me, but he can't any more. He's gone and he's never coming back."

"Just promise that if there comes a time when you can't deal, then you'll talk to someone, okay?"

"I will, I promise."

"Okay."

"Have the cops questioned everyone? They said they were gonna interview all the employees and find out how James managed to access my floor. Do you have any clue how he might have done it?"

"Honestly, baby girl, I don't. And, yes, all of us have been questioned. Billy says James never came through the lobby doors, Alec was working the front desk and he never saw James at all that night. None of the housekeepers saw him, and neither did any of the valets. No one spotted him in The Lab, or the shop, either. I think the cops are still following up on a few things, though."

I nodded.

Jake stayed a little while longer and we talked about a few things concerning the hotel before he left. He was my right hand at Luxe; his official title was manager, but he did so much more than that. Jake was anal about details and always made sure everything was running smoothly, whether I was there or not. His boyfriend Seth was head bartender at The Lab and both of them had become very close friends in the years since they started working for me.

Later that evening, Alice came by with dinner and my phone.

"There's been another interview request," she told me as we slurped lo mein noodles from white take-out cartons. "News Channel Eight this time. I told them the same as everyone else, that you weren't interested. I don't think it will take very long for all of this to settle down. People will lose interest when they realize that you're not going to give them anything, ya know?"

I nodded, popping a piece of sesame chicken in my mouth, so thankful for her steady presence these last few days. Alice was one of my very best friends, the sister I never had. We met at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration and had hit it off right away. When I'd actually started the process of buying the hotel and turning it into my vision, she helped me immensely. She was 'officially' my events planner and hotel spokesperson, but, like Jake, she was so very much more to me. Personal assistant, sounding board, travel agent. Basically, Alice was a downright miracle worker and I'd be simply lost without her.

"Oh, but one important thing. Detective Cullen called while I was on my way over and asked if he could meet with you. He said something about the toxicology report and also that he might know how James got to your door. But, he wouldn't tell me, he wants to talk to you directly."

"I'll call him when we're finished eating," I decided.

"So, the cops have officially cleared your place, it's not a crime scene anymore and Emmett scheduled the cleaning and restoration crew for first thing tomorrow morning. I know you're anxious to be home."

"You know me so well, Ali," I said with a small laugh. "Yes, I want to go home. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Emmett, but you know he's driving me nuts. I'm happy to stay here, but it's not mine. It's not the place that I worked so hard to make my own."

"Soon," she said, squeezing my hand before getting up to throw away our empty containers.

I took a deep breath and dialed Detective Cullen's number, which Alice had saved in my phone.

"Cullen," a deep voice barked.

"Detective Cullen, this is Bella Swan."

"Ms. Swan, I'm glad you called so quickly. We got the toxicology report back and we also have a lead on how James showed up on your floor. Do you have time to meet?"

I glanced at the clock. It was quarter to seven, still early.

"Yes, Detective, I can meet you."

"Great, should I come to you?"

"Actually, no. I'm at my brother's place in Hyde Park, but I'd love to get out of here for a while." I didn't really want to meet the detective somewhere crowded, seeing as my face still looked like it had been through the meat grinder. I thought quickly."Do you know where Anderson Park is? On Rome?"

"Yes."

"Give me about twenty minutes and I'll meet you by the lion fountain."

Alice asked if I wanted her to come with me when I told her where I was going.

"No, that's okay, Ali. I'll be fine."

"Fine with what?" Emmett asked as he entered the room.

"Fine with going to meet Detective Cullen." I stated, bracing myself for what I knew was coming.

"You shouldn't go by yourself, Bells. I'll drive you. Or Felix can take both of us. We can-"

"Emmett, please," I interrupted. "I need to get out of here, just for a little while, okay? I love you, but I'm feeling a little bit smothered. I need some room to breathe."

His determined expression turned into one of hurt and I immediately felt bad. He always took such good care of me. I walked over and framed his face between my hands, looking up into his blue eyes.

"You know I appreciate everything you've done for me, have always done for me. You're the best big brother in the world. But, please just let me do this, okay? I can handle it."

He looked for a moment like he was going to argue, but resignation filled his features.

"Will you at least let Felix take you? You shouldn't be driving with your eye still like that. And you never know when the press is lurking around."

"I will. Thank you, Em." I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before heading to my room to get changed.

Fifteen minutes later I was being ushered into the backseat of Emmett's silver town car by Felix, who worked for our family as far back as I could remember. It didn't look to me like anyone was watching us or following us, so the fact that I was staying with my brother might still be on the down-low. It's not as though I was usually hounded by paparazzi like an actual celebrity, but there were times over the years that I did get bothered by them.

The drive didn't take more than five minutes and I asked Felix to wait for me while I went to meet Detective Cullen. He was already there when I arrived, sitting on one of the benches surrounding the circular fountains that boasted beautifully carved lion statues. It sort of shocked me to see him not wearing a business suit like the day before. He was in jeans and a lightweight blue hoodie, Converse sneakers on his feet. His hair, which had apparently been tamed the day we met, was a bit wild and windblown; in the fading daylight I could see that it was actually a mix of colors ranging from brown to auburn to copper. Very unique. He stood as I approached and I realized that he wasn't quite as tall as I'd thought the first time we met. I judged him to be just under six feet – still towering over my five foot three frame - but I guess from my hospital bed he had appeared quite imposing, lending the illusion of height.

"Is this Casual Friday?" I asked, gesturing to his appearance.

He smiled widely at my query and it completely changed his face. He looked younger for sure, and the sight of his straight white teeth, not to mention the crinkles at the corners of his green eyes made me almost do a double take. Wow, Detective Edward Cullen was actually very handsome. Of course, I'd noticed his looks when I was being interviewed. But, now. . . well there was just no way around it. He was quite striking.

"Technically, I'm off duty," he explained. "But, when the toxicology report came back I figured you'd want to know as soon as possible."

"Absolutely, thank you for calling me," I assured him, taking a seat on the bench and waiting until he did the same.

"How's your eye?" he asked, gesturing to it. I slid off my sunglasses so he could see.

"The swelling is going down," I said. "I have to go back to the doctor tomorrow to have it checked again, but they've assured me there's no permanent damage. I'll have a bit of a scar once the stitches come out next week."

Detective Cullen nodded. "It'll barely be noticeable when it's healed," he said with conviction.

"You sound quite sure of that."

"Got a lot of experience with stitches," he stated with a shrug. "Occupational hazard."

"Ahh, I see."

He picked up a manila envelope that was resting on the bench beside him and pulled out a sheet of paper from inside.

"This is the toxicology report on James Chaser. It shows that alcohol, methamphetamine, and oxycodone were all found in his system." He pointed out the various paragraphs on the report. "I think that backs up your claim that he seemed as if he had 'checked out'. The cause of death is listed as a gunshot wound to the head, fired by Officer Wilcox who was acting in self defense since Chaser opened fire on the officers who responded to the nine one one call. His partner, Officer Jensen, as well as the nine one one audio backs up everything."

I looked over the paper, still a bit dazed by the information in front of me. They had very literally saved my life and I was so grateful to them. I made a mental note to thank them properly. I owed them so much.

I felt the weight of Detective Cullen's gaze, and looked up to meet the startling green as he studied me without speaking. I finally had to look away.

"Uh, you mentioned you might have a lead on how James gained access to my floor?"

He seemed to shake himself a bit before reaching into the envelope once more and pulling out another piece of paper. Upon closer inspection I saw it wasn't a paper, but a photograph. It showed a little black box with numbers on it, sort of like a key pad or calculator.

"We found this hooked up to the elevator's main computer. Whoever put it there programmed it to override the system. This is how Chaser got to you."

"But where did he get it from?"

"There were no prints found on the device, but now that we're fully aware of his background, I'm sure he had quite a few unsavory acquaintances willing to make some money. We're still reviewing the security tapes; hopefully we can manage to catch a glimpse of whomever installed that."

"To go to such lengths. . ." I broke off with a sigh. "I guess it was his last ditch effort to try and convince me. I mean, I'd told him 'no' so many times before and I knew that I was going to end things with him. Actually, when he showed up at my door - before things got crazy – I thought to myself that it was a perfect opportunity to tell him once and for all that I didn't want to see him anymore, that I wanted a clean break. I mean, I'd been avoiding him for a while before that, I'm sure he knew it was coming."

"Desperate people do desperate things. He saw the money slipping away from him. Mix in some serious drugs with that? It's a very scary combination."

"Don't I know it," I said with a humorless laugh. "So, that's it then? I mean, obviously I want to know what you find out about whomever hacked my elevator, but there's really not much left that you need me for, right?"

"No, I don't think we'll need you to give any more statements or anything. It's pretty much an open and shut case with only this loose end to tie up," he said, gesturing to the photograph. "Can I ask you something, Ms. Swan?"

"Sure, but please call me Bella."

He nodded.

"Are you sleeping okay? Having nightmares or flashbacks? Panic attacks?"

"I haven't had any flashbacks or panic attacks, no. Well, besides the one you witnessed in my hospital room. I'm sleeping okay, I suppose. I've had a few dreams, but nothing horrific."

"I know a really great therapist, if you need to talk to someone."

"You know, you're the second person today that's asked me if I'm going to talk to a therapist," I told him with a frown, suddenly annoyed. Why did they think I was going to fall apart?

"It's completely normal, under the circumstances, to-"

"Detective Cullen," I interrupted him. "I do appreciate your concern, but I have to be honest with you. Between my brother, Jake, and you. . . I feel as though you guys are just waiting until I have some sort of nervous breakdown, like I'm on a watch list, or something. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told them. Yes, what happened to me was scary and traumatic, but I'm stronger than that. James didn't rape me, didn't cause me any irreparable damage. I won't allow the memories of him or what happened to have control over my life. I refuse to allow that," I finished.

He was silent as he looked at me, his green eyes intent as they traveled over my face. What he said next surprised the hell out of me.

"My mother is a rape survivor."

My eyes widened.

"I was seven," he said, gazing out over the park. "I didn't find out all the details until I was quite a bit older. We lived in Lakeland back then, and a man broke into our house. My father was out of town, attending a medical convention, and this guy knew that because he lived in the neighborhood. He forced his way inside in the middle of the night, while we were sleeping. He held my mother at gunpoint point while he raped her, and threatened to kill me if she put up a fight. I slept through the whole thing, in my bedroom across the hall."

He glanced down at his hands and took a deep breath, before continuing.

"He left when he was finished and she called the police. I still, to this day, don't know why he didn't kill her; he had to have known that she would report him since she knew who he was. He went on the run, and they didn't catch him for another five months. My mother lived in fear the whole time. They finally arrested him in Texas, brought him back here, and charged him with the assault and rape. Turns out he was a suspect in four other unsolved rape cases. Six weeks after he was taken into custody, he got into a fight with another inmate and ended up getting his throat slit open."

I was speechless, listening to his story. What a horrific tale, and to know that he was just a little boy at the time, sleeping peacefully in his bed while his mother was enduring such terror? It just broke my heart.

"I know first hand about the after-effects of a situation like this, Bella. My family lived it. My mother suffered from PTSD; she had nightmares and panic attacks for literally years. My father stood by her side through everything, even when she couldn't bear for him to even touch her, and even when she tried to overdose on sleeping pills when I was eight. He watched her have setback after setback, watched her struggle to come to terms with what happened, all the while dealing with his own guilt for having left us alone. But finally, with time and the help of therapy – for both of them- things began to get better, little by little. She healed, but it took her a long time."

"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered.

"Because I want you to know that if it gets to be too much, you have choices, Bella. I know you're a strong woman, given what you've been through in your life you'd have to be. But, even the strongest of people need help sometimes. I just don't want the ugliness to get locked up inside of you."

I considered his words, but then something else occurred to me.

"Is that why you became a cop, because of what happened to your mother?"

"Yes."

"I'm honored that you trust me enough to tell me all of this, Detective Cullen. It's a horrific thing that your mother had to endure. But, honestly, what I went through is so inconsequential compared to that. I wasn't violated."

"Everyone reacts differently to trauma, Bella. What might not seem like a huge deal to one person can feel like the absolute end of the world to another."

"I know, and I already told everyone that if I did feel like I wasn't dealing with things successfully, then I would talk to someone. But honestly, the thought of spilling my guts to a perfect stranger gives me as much anxiety than thinking back on what happened to me. I'm a very private person."

"I can definitely understand that, given the way your family has been in the spotlight over the years."

My phone beeped just then, with a text. It was from Emmett.

Everything ok?

I sighed and showed the text to Detective Cullen.

"How long have I been gone? Half an hour? I love him, but you can see why I wanted to get out of the house."

"He's just worried about you, I'm sure."

"Oh, I know he is. But, Emmett has always had this issue of never really seeing me as a grown woman. I think he still pictures me as the little girl in pig tails that followed him around everywhere."

I typed a quick reply to let him know I was fine and would be home soon, before standing up. Detective Cullen stood as well.

"I'll be in touch if we find out anything about the elevator device," he said.

"I'd really appreciate that, Detective."

"Bella?"

"Yes?"

"I feel like we know each other pretty well now. Do you think you could bring yourself to call me Edward?" This was said with a raised eyebrow and small smirk. Oh, that smirk was something else.

"I suppose I could," I told him, slipping my sunglasses back on. "Thank you for meeting with me, Edward." I liked the way my lips formed his name, puckering a little bit on the W.

He grinned, that wide smile that showed off his perfect teeth and made his eyes do the crinkle thing again.

"Take care, Bella."

That was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen.

TBC

Everyone still with me? :)