Chapter Forty Seven

Carlisle

Once inside the house, Peter resumed his interrogation of Gabriel.

"Start talking and you'd better hope what you tell me helps to find the Major or your wife is gonna find herself a widow."

Gabriel hunched his shoulders thoroughly cowed now.

"I was picked up by a recruiting team straight after that bitch Sasha bit me. I had no idea what was going on and spent three years in a hell hole in Guatemala fighting for Carlos."

Peter's eyes narrowed at that, "Are you telling me that Carlos snatched the Major?"

Gabriel shook his head, "He wouldn't dare. He's too scared of the Major. Most people are. He's the bogeyman as far as most vampires are concerned."

"Now that's what I call fucking sensible. Go on."

"I escaped from the compound and moved north into the USA. Eventually, I ran into Alice, just like she said. I knew she was the one for me and I was tired of being alone. We…"

Peter cut him off, "I don't give a fuck about your romance. Just get to the point."

"Somehow Carlos got to hear that I was with Alice Cullen and when he was given the job of trapping the Major he contacted me. He said he'd send some of his soldiers to kill Alice if I didn't help out. I wasn't involved in the kidnap. All I had to do was to make sure none of your gifts would work so they could get their hands on him."

"You fucking snake! You were guests here and you stabbed your host in the back. You and that little witch deserve each other. What else?"

"I don't know much more. I didn't need to know. All Carlos said was that they had a gift who could overpower the Major long enough for them to deliver him to the customer."

"Who? Where?"

Gabriel shook his head, "I don't know. I didn't ask and Carlos didn't offer the information. Look, Alice is innocent. You have to let her go. She didn't even know I'd heard of the Major. I only agreed to help Carlos to keep Alice safe."

"When he gets back you're gonna wish you hadn't either. For now, you can sit over there and keep your mouth shut. If you so much as twitch I'll rip your fucking head off and stuff it down your wife's throat. Got it?"

He nodded and collapsed into the chair, his head in his hands.

I waited as Peter stood deep in thought.

"So, what next, Peter?"

He glanced at me, "The girls are on their way back. As soon as they get here Charlotte and I will leave for Mexico. If Carlos is involved in this then that's probably where they'll take him. We need to know who's behind it all."

"If he's still alive you mean."

His reply was controlled but his eyes flashed dangerously, "He's still alive until I see otherwise. You keep thoughts like that to yourself, Cullen."

I nodded, Peter was becoming more dangerous by the second and I suspected no one would be safe until he found Jasper.

"Do you need any help?"

He snorted derisively, "Yeah, but not from you. No offence, Cullen but I need people I can trust to watch my back."

Saying that he walked to the door, "See that he stays put. If I find he's escaped you'll answer for it."

I nodded and sat guard opposite Gabriel although whether I could stop him if he decided to make a run for it was the question. I didn't want to be the reason Alice lost her husband to flight or Peter's wrath. As for the outcome of all this? If Jasper escaped and returned here Gabriel's chances of survival didn't bear thinking about.

I glanced at my watch. It was four in the morning. Only eight hours to go before the wedding. I wasn't prepared to bet that it would be going ahead. I felt sorry for Bella. None of this was her fault but she would be the one to pay if Jasper's disappearance became permanent. All I could do was to pray Peter would have a streak of good luck and track down whoever was responsible.

Peter

I glanced at the track and saw a car stirring up the dust. I wasn't looking forward to facing Bella but I could promise her that I would find out what had happened and bring the Major back. I just hoped I could keep both promises but things weren't looking hopeful. He'd been missing for more than a day now. Long enough for any enemy to kill him if he couldn't shake off the effect of the gift and escape.

Bella was the first out of the car and came storming over to me shouting that I'd had no right to keep the kidnapping from her. As she faced me, her eyes blazing, I felt an enormous pressure in my head. It was like someone had forced a hose up my ass and was forcing air through my body to fill my skull.

Before I had time to say anything in my defense Esme grabbed her by the arms and turned her away.

"Bella, Peter isn't the enemy. He's your best bet of getting Jasper back, Now calm down before you do something you're going to regret.

The sound of my phone stopped her in her tracks. I'd received a message and I knew both women were hoping it would be good news.

As soon as I glanced at the text I let out a sigh of relief, it was from the Major.

I held it up for Bella to see, "Look, he's OK. he'll be back soon. Stop worrying. I told you everything would be fine."

She snatched the phone from my grasp and stared at the message. It wasn't until I saw the tears rolling down her cheeks that I understood just how worried she had been.

Her fingers flew over the screen as she typed a reply and then waited but there was no reply.

Her eyebrows knitted in confusion, "He's not answering. Are you sure it was from Jasper? It could be a trick."

I shook my head, "Nope. he's the only person I know who calls me Captain and signs himself M. It was from him."

I studied the message once more then understanding dawned, "This message was sent over an hour ago. It must have got caught in that messaging scrapyard in the sky. Drives me fucking crazy when it happens."

She grabbed my arm, "Are you sure?"

"Positive. There could be several reasons why he didn't answer you. Your message could have gotten lost too, he could be on the move or even hunting. You saw what he wrote. He'll be here. Stop worrying."

I wasn't quite as sure as I made out. It was odd that he hadn't answered Bella's text. He must know she'd be frantic. Still, all we could do was act as if he would be back in time.

"Esme, why don't you take Bella inside and try to repair the mess she is in. I take it you don't want to appear looking like the Bride of Frankenstein, Bella."

She shook her head, "I want to see Gabriel first."

"I'm sure you do but it's not gonna happen. He's safely in custody and I know the Major is going to want words with him when he gets back. You're just gonna have to wait in line. Now scoot."

I thought for a moment she would object but Esme and Rose took her gently by the arms and led her towards the house. I just hoped Carlisle had the sense to keep Gabriel out of sight.

As Alice attempted to follow her Charlotte restrained her.

"I think under the circumstances you should probably stay well away from Bella. She might not feel as mellow as Sasha."

Alice scowled, "I want to see Gabriel."

"I don't give a fuck what you want, madam. This clusterfuck is partly your fault so you do as you're told. Stay away from Bella and everyone else. Charlotte, why don't you remove Alice to the barn and make sure she stays there. I'll send one of the guys to keep you company."

"No need, Peter."

Emmett had joined us, "I have the perfect guard right here."

He motioned to Hugo who stood at his side.

"Hugo, guard."

The dog followed the direction of Emmett's outstretched hand and moved to stand beside Alice growling low in his throat.

"Hugo can sense a threat. He'll keep Alice away from the house."

I glanced at him skeptically, "Yeah well. You won't mind if I set my own watch too, now will you?"

Charlotte took Alice's arm and led her away from the house followed by Hugo who never took his eyes from her.

"By the way. If I whistle, start removing limbs. It'll mean Gabriel decided to play hardball. The same goes for you, missy. You give Charlotte any grief and I'll start a little dismemberment of my own."

Jasper

I had finally come across a couple of deer after half an hour which quenched my thirst for now although I would try to hunt again before the wedding if I got back quickly enough.

As I began my run back to the ranch I grabbed the phone from my pocket hoping to find a reply to my text and was relieved to see there was one new message. I just hoped it was for me and not the owner of the phone.

When I realized it was from Bella I stopped, cursing Peter for allowing her to worry. It had been received a while back and I knew she would be panicking when I hadn't replied immediately. Stopping to call her would mean cutting it fine but I had to hear her voice and reassure her that I was OK.

Peter answered and I heard the relief in his tone, "Major? About fucking time. Where are you?"

"On my way back."

"Good. Are you gonna make it in time? Or should I put everything on hold?"

"I'll be there. How's Bella? Why the hell did you tell her?"

"Don't blame me. I've been trying to juggle a hundred fucking balls in the air. It's not my fault you decide to play the invisible man the day before your wedding. What do you want me to do with Gabriel and your ex-wife?"

I could hear the longing in his voice and knew he was hoping I would tell him to deal with them but they weren't the ones responsible and until I knew the whole story I was content to wait.

"Just keep them on ice. How's Bella holding up? Let me talk to her."

"Hang on…"

Before I could speak to her the phone died. The battery was empty. I would have to wait until I got back but at least Peter could tell her that he had spoken to me and I was fine.

Peter

As I got to the top of the stairs something made me hesitate and looking down at the phone I saw I'd lost the connection with the Major. Cursing I tried calling him but his phone was either switched off or the battery had died.

"Just fucking great."

I wasn't sure if I should tell Bella about the call or not but decided that if she found out later I'd kept it from her my balls would be in the blender!

When I walked in Bella jumped up and ran to me, "What is it? Is there something wrong?"

I shook my head, "Nope, you'll get your wedding. The Major sends his apologies. He was otherwise detained when you sent your text. He called to speak to you but his battery died. He'll be here for the wedding."

"I don't care about the wedding, as long as Jasper's OK. Let's just forget it for now. I really can't get all dressed up when I don't know where he is. Esme, I'm sorry. I just want to be alone for a while."

The girls were disappointed but I could see where she was coming from. I mean what did the wedding matter? She was so wrapped up in concern for her mate she couldn't think about fucking dresses and flowers right now.

When they hesitated I motioned for them to leave then shut the door and sat beside Bella on the bed.

"He's OK. You know that don't you? If there was any danger at all I wouldn't be sitting here I guarantee you that."

"But Gabriel's still here. How would you know?"

"He may be but remember, the Major called me and he's not under the influence of anyone now. He'll be here soon."

She turned to look at me, "Do you think I'm crazy calling off the wedding?"

I laughed, "Hell no. I think you're crazy wanting to marry into the Whitlock clan."

She smiled, "Thanks, Peter. For everything. For being a good friend to Jasper and me."

"Yeah well, I never got a choice with him but I'm glad he found you. I admit I thought he was batshit crazy when he told me but you've kinda grown on me. A bit like poison ivy."

She laughed and slapped my arm, "Are you ever sensible?"

I thought about that for a minute then shook my head, "Where's the fun in that? Now come on down and join the party. Just because there's not going to be a wedding today doesn't mean we can't have some fun. Sitting up here alone worrying until you see his ugly face won't do you any good."

I took her arm and pulled her to her feet, "Let's go."

I thought that she might resist me but with a sigh, she looked around and nodded.

"Whatever you say, Captain Whitlock."

I grinned, "Brother Peter will do."

She groaned, "Brother?"

"Yeah, don't you see the resemblance? The Major and I are like twins. Mind you, I'm the good looking one."

I opened the door and led her downstairs hoping there wouldn't be any delays. I wouldn't be easy in my mind until I saw the major in the flesh.