A/N: Hello, my loves! Sorry it's been forty forevers, but I have a new chapter today that I very much hope you enjoy. Now, I don't generally do warnings, but there are some descriptions of violence here, bit of blood and gore.
Where did we leave off? Edward spent the night, then off to work he went, Bella visited the vintage jewelry convention and found a lovely music box. Everyone caught up?

EPOV

Luis looked downright terrified, and I felt bad for the poor kid. He was visibly shaking, though trying hard not to show it. His father sat beside him and I shook the older man's hand.

"Mr. Villar, I'm Detective Cullen. Thank you for bringing Luis down today."

He nodded and nudged his son, who immediately offered me his hand, albeit a bit warily. I shook it firmly.

"Luis." I nodded. "I just want to remind you that you're not in any sort of trouble. We really just want to know the whole story. You might be able to help us catch this guy and close the case."

"I'll tell you everything," he said softly.

I escorted them to an interview room, and Jasper joined us just a minute later and closed the door.

"This is my partner, Detective Whitlock. Now Luis, even the smallest details could possibly help, so even if it's something you don't think is important, I still want you to tell us, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, start when you're ready." I clicked on the recorder.

And so, over the next forty-five minutes, Luis told us the same story that Carmen had tearfully confessed to Bella. He'd been wary, but the money was too much of an incentive; he wanted to get his mother a nice birthday gift and had been saving for her favorite perfume, Chanel No 5. The stranger was of a somewhat smaller stature, maybe around five foot five. Blond and pale, blue eyes. He'd spoke very quickly, was kind of hyper, and had some sort of tattoo on his neck, but it had been mostly covered by his shirt so all Luis saw of it was what looked like flames peeking out. He'd paid him with a fifty dollar bill. He'd been wearing an electrician's uniform and had an official looking name tag.

I was actually impressed by all the details that the teen remembered. After his initial fear subsided, he spoke quietly, but with intelligence, clarifying any questions we had. I sat back in my chair when he finished his story.

"Well, first of all I want to say thank you again for coming forward with this. I know you probably didn't want to, but you did the right thing. Would you be willing to sit down with one of our sketch artists and see if maybe you can come up with a composite of what this guy looked like?"

"Yes, sir."

"Great. Oh, by the way, did you buy your mom the perfume?"

"Yes, the very next day."

"I bet she loved it, huh?"

"Oh, yes sir, she even cried."

I smiled.

"You're a good guy, Luis."

I escorted them down to the third floor to meet with one of our sketch artists, then bid them farewell. A few minutes later, Jasper met me back at my desk in the small office we shared.

"Poor kid," he said shaking his head with a smile. "You could see how scared he was."

I nodded.

"So what's the next step, Jazz?"

"Cyber Crimes will put out some feelers. And when the sketch is done, that'll start circulating, too. I wish we could do more, but we have to let CC do their job. You can't get any more involved in this, man. You know all about conflict of interest. Captain even made the exception to let us do the interview, but it stops there."

"I know, I know. But man, I'd love to nail this guy and finally close the book on the whole thing. Bella's moved on, she's remarkable like that, doesn't dwell on shit. But, for my own satisfaction, I want this asshole found."

"I know you do. And, now there's a better chance of making that happen. Oh, Baxter told me that Bella's car has been released, if you want to let her know."

"I will. She doesn't want it anymore, I think she's just planning on sending someone to come and pick it up. I wish they'd been able to find something useful in it. I mean, the hair might answer some questions, but I was really hoping for prints. Fucking sicko. And now with these texts she's been getting? What reason could someone possibly want to do this to her?"

I could feel my temper rising. It infuriated me every time I thought of some freak out there, planning this shit, deliberately wanting to scare her. I shoved my fingers through my hair and dropped my elbows to the desktop with a frustrated sigh.

Jasper leaned against the edge of my desk and gave my shoulder a hard squeeze.

"Hey, we'll get to the bottom of this, man. Whoever it is has made a fucking mistake. and we'll find it."

I nodded.

"I talked to her at lunchtime. She's considering hiring some extra security and I told her it was absolutely a good idea. Extra detail at the hotel and Emmett is trying to talk her into a bodyguard for when she has to go somewhere alone. I gotta tell you, I'm not against it. Nothing about this sits well with me, and I'd feel a lot better knowing she was protected."

"I agree, it's a good idea. Emmett seems like a decent guy, yeah?"

I knew he was thinking about his sister getting involved with Bella's brother.

"I think he is," I told him. "Bella thinks the world of her brother, they're very close, and as far as I know he's never been in any trouble. When their parents died, he took care of her, came home and took his place in the family business. Yeah, he's a good guy, Jazz."

"Rosie sure thinks so. It's kinda funny to see my badass baby sister all sappy over someone."

"I can't wait to tease her," I said with a grin. "She was bitchin' about you being all sappy over Alice, told me to smack her across the face if she ever acted like that."

That cracked Jasper up, but our laughter was interrupted when his phone rang.

"Whitlock. . . Yes. . . yes, sir. . . We're on our way."

He hung up and I raised my eyebrow at him.

"Let's go. Body just got pulled from the river, gunshot wounds, captain wants us on it."

"Never a dull moment in VC," I sighed, standing up. I sent Bella a quick text.

Luis did good, he was really helpful. I'll fill you in later, headed out on a call.

Her reply came as Jasper and I climbed into an unmarked sedan.

Okay. Miss you xox

I smiled.

Miss you too, angel. Talk soon xx.

*EotN

Five hours later I was sitting in my Jeep outside of Luxe, weariness weighing down my very soul. Though I was still on call, and might have to leave her at a moment's notice, I couldn't stop myself from coming to Bella. I ached for her, needed to see her smile, wanted to feel her arms around me, to bask in the fresh scent of her skin. I needed something clean and beautiful after the utter ugliness I'd been dealing with all night.

I exited the Jeep and made my way to the lobby. I hadn't even called Bella first, my only thought just to get to her. Billy the doorman greeted me, and apparently my fatigue showed on my face. He offered a sympathetic smile.

"Evening, Detective. Rough night?"

"Yeah, you could say that, Billy," I murmured as I entered the lobby. I was surprised to see Jake at the front desk since he usually worked days.

"Jake," I greeted him with a nod. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."

"Oh, I've been home already, I'm just back to pick up Seth, but Alec had to take a phone call so I'm covering," he answered with a smile, which faded as he got a good look at me. "You okay, Edward? Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like shit, man."

I laughed humorlessly.

"I'm sure I do, no offense taken. It's been a hell of a night. Is she home? I didn't even call to tell her I was coming."

Jake nodded.

"She's home. Oh, hang on, there's something here for you."

He rummaged under the desk for a moment and then handed me a small paper sack. I tipped it into my hand and a silver key fell out in my palm.

"She said she was going to do this," I said softly, shaking my head a little. "Thanks, Jake."

"Bella also asked me to put your prints in the elevator. Wanna do it now? It'll only take a minute."

"Sure."

In the elevator Jake entered numbers on the touch screen and then it prompted me to place my hand there while it got scanned. He entered another code, typed in my name, and it was done. He told me the new code and I nodded.

"Go see your girl," Jake said, stepping back. "I have a feeling she'll make it all better."

"She always does," I murmured to him, and he smiled as the doors closed. I added Bella's key to my key chain.

It felt a little weird just showing up without her knowing first, but she had encouraged me to come whenever I could and, God, I needed to see her. So, I eagerly fitted the new key to her lock and opened the door, quickly turning off the alarm and locking everything back up. I put my keys and holster on the little foyer table. This was the first time I'd ever actually worn my gun to Bella's place, but I was on call for the next twenty-four hours so I had no choice. The penthouse was silent as I slipped off my shoes, and when I entered the living room I found out why.

She was fast asleep on one of the couches, a nearby lamp the only light in the room. There was an open book on her chest, and a half full glass of wine on the end table beside her. She looked adorable, and very young, in little striped cotton shorts and a t-shirt, her face free of makeup, hair tangled around her head. She'd fallen asleep reading. Ginger and Mary Ann were curled up on the other sofa together, neither of them paying me any mind.

I gently picked up the book and set it aside. Kneeling down beside the couch, I brushed Bella's hair back from her face, the feel of her soft skin a balm to my soul as I ran my fingers down her temple and jaw. No matter what horrors the day had brought, everything was always better when I was with her.

She stirred and blinked her eyes open, regarding me sleepily, and then smiled and raised her hand to touch my cheek.

"I see you got your key," she whispered.

I took her hand in mine and pressed my lips to it.

"I did. And, I'm all set with the elevator, too."

She opened her mouth to say something else and then frowned.

"Baby, what's wrong? You're sad." She sat up and looked closer at me in the lamplight, her hands now cupping my face. "Tell me."

"I don't even know where to start," I sighed, leaning forward until our foreheads touched. "Jazz and I got sent out on a call this afternoon. Remember, I texted you?"

"Yes." Her fingers moved to stroke soothingly through my hair, and I closed my eyes.

"It was. . . a bad one," I mumbled

"Oh, Edward," she said, pulling me closer and pressing her lips to my forehead and my cheek. I breathed in her essence, wanting to drown in it, for it to wash away any other smells I had encountered recently.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.

"Yes and no; right now I just want to be here with you."

"Tell me what you need, Edward."

"What I actually need is a shower," I said apologetically. It was true; I was suddenly desperate to wash the day away. "I should have went home first, but I just wanted to see you and-"

She pressed her fingers to my mouth to stop my words, then kissed me softly.

"Come," she whispered against my lips, standing up and tugging me to my feet.

I followed Bella to her bathroom and she started the water while I tiredly stripped out of my clothes, setting my phone and wallet on the counter top. She undressed as well and led me into the big, glass-tiled shower enclosure. She fiddled with a few dials and then I was nudged to stand under the spray. It hit my aching body in rhythmic bursts and I groaned in pleasure, realizing she had adjusted the settings to engage the water massage. It felt fucking amazing, and I dropped my head down so it could reach the back of my neck. I always tended to hold tension in my neck.

After a few moments of just enjoying the water, I felt her fingers slide up over my shoulders and I opened my eyes to find her in front of me. Her gaze searched my face, worried and questioning. I settled my hands at her waist and kissed her gently, so grateful for her presence. She reached past me and flipped a switch. The spray turned to a different setting, this one more like a waterfall. I fucking loved her shower.

"I know we talked about me being pretty good about 'not bringing my work home with me', but sometimes that's just not possible," I admitted. "This is one of those times, I'm afraid."

"I'm glad you came to me."

Bella massaged shampoo through my hair, and stroked soapy hands over my whole body, calming me by just being there. We didn't talk, there was no need; I was content to just soak up the comfort she offered.

Apparently my dick wasn't as content, though. He, predictably, reacted to her touch, and I groaned when she smoothed her hands up and down the stiffening length, then cupped my balls, spreading bubbly lather before rinsing it all away. She looked at me, biting her lip, and then both of her hands returned to my rock-hard erection, sliding and rubbing, stroking the head and squeezing my shaft. I jerked under her touch, suddenly aching for her to erase everything but the two of us, just she and I in the heat and steam. There were too many images in my head and I wanted them gone, even if it was only for a little while.

"Let me make it better, baby," she whispered against my lips. "Let me do this for you."

I nodded.

Bella pulled me a few steps forward so the water was hitting my back, and then she sank to her knees and slipped my cock into her mouth, slowly taking as much as she could until I nudged the back of her throat. She moaned softly, bobbing her head and taking me deep, sucking long and slow and hard. It felt phenomenal, and all I could do was just stand there and take it. I gave free reign to the blistering pleasure, letting it push everything else from my mind.

Our eyes locked and my fingers slid into her wet hair, flexing against her scalp as my hips moved to slowly fuck her mouth. Her soft lips were plump and firm around my dick, and her tongue pressed and flicked the underside until I was losing my mind. I felt my orgasm barreling towards me, and she must have felt it too, because she sucked harder, faster, and jacked me with her hand. It was impossible to stop the rush of scorching heat and I groaned loudly, the utter bliss of release building and building, then spilling over in pulsing waves. Bella pulled me from her mouth at the last second, her hand squeezing just so fucking perfectly, and I watched as the hot spurts of my come splashed across her tits, dripped from her nipples. My knees almost buckled at the undeniably erotic sight, and I found myself barely able to breathe

When we finally stepped from the shower, my legs were still a bit weak. Bella dried me with a big fluffy towel and then took me by surprise when she led me to her closet and gestured to a section she'd apparently re-organized.

"I want you to feel comfortable here, to come and go as you please. So, I did some shopping this afternoon," was all she said.

Shopping indeed. She'd cleared a section of her closet and now there were several pairs of men's jeans, t-shirts, underwear, and socks, as well as sleep pants and shorts. I also saw a few button-down shirts, and I knew without looking that everything would be in my size. I raised my eyebrow at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Please don't give me any bullshit about not being able to accept this. I'm rich, and if I want to buy things for my boyfriend then I will. Enjoy the perks of dating a millionaire," she said with a wink. "You can bring some of your own stuff if you want, but I just thought it would be a good idea to have a few items for when you stay over."

I smiled and shook my head. That was what she called 'a few items'?

"You're too much, you know that? Far be it for me to spoil your fun, Sugar Mama."

She gasped in mock outrage, and I kissed her sweet mouth.

"Seriously, thank you, angel. This does make things easier for when I come over. I'm not sure I'll be able to stay the whole night. But, you have me until I'm called away."

"I'll take what I can get," she said softly, stepping closer. "Are you okay, baby?"

I nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Getting there. You always make things better."

"I'll always try," she promised. "Are you hungry?"

"Starving, actually. I haven't eaten since lunch." My stomach had rebelled at the thought of food when dinner time rolled around earlier.

"Well, why don't you get dressed and I'll make you something to eat," she offered, and I nodded, watching as she slipped underwear and a short nightgown on, then left me to dress. After a moment she stuck her head back around the corner.

"Also, as your Sugar Mama, I need to inform you that the cabinet on the left in my bathroom is now yours as well. Please feel free to make use of what's inside." She winked, and I had to smile because bossy Bella was just too adorable.

I dropped the towel around my waist and slid on some flannel sleep pants and a soft blue t-shirt; I wasn't sure I'd be able to stay all night with her, but I could at least be comfortable until I needed to leave. Opening the cabinet she'd mentioned in the bathroom revealed an extra toothbrush, deodorant, some hair products, a razor, shaving cream, and a bottle of my favorite cologne. Thinking back on it, I realized the shower had been stocked with masculine shower gel and shampoo as well. She really had thought of everything. I brushed my teeth and used the deodorant, definitely feeling more refreshed, and much less weary. After folding up my discarded clothes, I slipped my phone into the deep pocket of the sleep pants and went to find Bella.

She was in the kitchen, plating up a couple of sandwiches, and my stomach growled loudly at the sight of the food. Bella laughed.

"Take a seat, handsome."

We sat at the kitchen bar and I demolished the delicious sandwiches she made me, the soft wheat bread piled high with shaved pastrami, Gouda cheese, and tangy mustard. I couldn't have any alcohol, but Bella poured me a tall glass of peach-flavored tea and added some chips to my plate. She let me just relax and eat, not asking any questions, simply sitting beside me. I used the opportunity to gather all my thoughts, wondering what to share with her. I hated this part of my job, the ugliness that got inside you no matter how hard you tried to keep it out. I didn't want that ugliness anywhere near Bella.

She took my dishes to the sink when I was done, and I slid from the bar stool. Tangling her fingers with mine, I pulled her with me to the doors leading to the terrace, wanting the fresh air. We settled on the love seat and I held her against me, loving how she fit so perfectly. I was coming to think of the loveseat as 'our spot'.

The night breeze was warm, and it ruffled through my damp hair.

"Before I forget, your car is ready to be picked up," I told her.

"Okay, I'll send someone tomorrow."

We were quiet for a few minutes, while I tried to put some order to the thoughts and images in my head.

"The call this afternoon," I eventually said. "It was for a body that was pulled from the river. We didn't know any more details until we arrived on the scene. Turned out to be a young woman. She'd been shot in the head."

"Oh, that's terrible," Bella whispered, rubbing her hand over my chest.

"Yeah. Looked like she'd been dead about twenty four hours. CSI started processing the scene, but there wasn't much to find; being in the water that long isn't really conducive to useful evidence retrieval. She was identified pretty quickly, though, because she had a wallet still zipped in her jacket pocket. So, while her body was being transported to the coroners office, Jasper and I went to the address listed on her drivers license. We needed to notify any family that was there, and to see if anyone knew anything about who might want her dead."

I swallowed hard, suddenly not wanting to tell her what happened next, but knowing I had to attempt to somehow purge it from my system. I needed to put a voice to it, and then try to let it go.

"No one answered the door when we knocked, but I could hear noise inside. It sounded like a baby crying."

Bella tensed against me.

"We tried knocking again and still no one came. The crying continued, so Jazz broke the door down."

My mind filled with images from the inside of that dilapidated little house. Piles of trash, cockroaches, the stench of rotting garbage and human body odor so strong it burned my nostrils. But, underneath all of that, was a worse smell, one that's pretty recognizable to those in law enforcement. The unmistakable scent of blood.

"It looked like something out of that show Hoarders," I whispered. "Garbage and shit everywhere, cockroaches, and the smell was like nothing I've ever encountered. I'll spare you the finer details, but I have no idea how anyone could live in those conditions."

I took a deep, cleansing breath before continuing.

"I could still hear the baby crying. We cleared each room of the house and then finally found them in a back bedroom. Babies, Bella. Two of them. Twins. Not more than a couple of months old. There were in a crib together, screaming their little heads off, wearing nothing but diapers. The skinniest little babies I've ever seen. And, in the chair next to them, was a dead body."

Bella gasped and lifted her head to meet my gaze.

"Oh, my God, what?"

I nodded. In my mind I could still see that guy's body, head slumped to the side, half of his face blown away, shotgun down by his feet. Blood and brain splattered all over the wall behind him.

"Suicide. He left a note confessing to the murder of his girlfriend the day before. He shot her and dumped her body in the river, then came home and shot himself in the head. He'd been dead for about eight hours, according to the coroner, which means the babies had been left alone for that long. Truthfully, it looked like they'd been neglected since the day they were born, they were so small. A boy and a girl."

The image of those tiny things, crying and squirming, their malnourished little arms and legs kicking and flailing, was something I knew I'd never be able to completely forget.

"Their diapers were so dirty and gross that they were leaking. Jasper and I immediately cleaned them up and wrapped them in blankets while we waited for the ambulance. Poor little things were covered in diaper rash. We held them and rocked them, trying to sooth them as best we could, but oh my God, Bella, I've never felt more fucking helpless in my life. At first they just cried and cried, and then I guess maybe because they were so exhausted from crying, or perhaps they were just so starved for human contact, but then they fell asleep, right there in our arms."

My voice cracked and I cleared my throat, my arms still feeling an echo of that frail weight. I'd never really been around very many babies before, but I couldn't deny the way my heart pretty much melted when the tiny girl I'd been holding had finally stopped crying and fell asleep snuggled against my shoulder.

"They were taken to the hospital while the scene was processed," I continued. "The good news is they seem to be in decent health, aside from being underweight, somewhat dehydrated, and the diaper rash. We found out the parents were both major drug users, father had a history of mental illness. Already been investigated by child services once."

"What will happen to them? The babies?" Bella asked softly.

"They'll probably spend a few days in the hospital. Then, if any family members are located, they could be placed with them if they meet the criteria, or they could go for fostering or adoption."

"Will they keep them together?"

"Sometimes. Sometimes not."

"What a terribly sad situation," Bella said, nestling into me once more. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Edward. I can't even imagine."

"It all comes with the territory, but it doesn't really get any easier. Not when it's something like this," I admitted with a deep sigh.

"Well, despite the circumstances, thanks to you and Jasper going to that house those babies are finally being well taken care of. I hope they're placed with someone who spoils them rotten."

"Me, too, angel."

We were silent for a long while and then Bella's voice broke the stillness.

"Do you feel better after talking about it?"

I thought a long time about my answer.

"Yes," I finally said. "But, at the same time, I hate that now you have those images in your head. I never want to burden you with all the bad shit that I sometimes have to deal with."

She pulled back so our eyes could meet.

"I'm a big girl, Detective. And, believe me, I know that the world isn't all sunshine and roses. So, whenever you feel like the load is getting too heavy, if you need to lighten it by getting some things out, I'm your girl."

"Yes," I said, bending my head and pressing a kiss to her lips. "You are."

E/N: Whew. Sorry for getting all heavy there, but thus the life of a detective. The babies are safe and being well cared for now. And I think Luis did very well, he's a good kid and was quite helpful. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.