SECRETS AND SPIES
Chapter Nine
I'm late getting to The Yard but not the last to arrive. Mitzi is bouncing on her seat anticipating her morning treat from Emmett so I let her out before parking in my spot. Jasper and Alice's Jeep and Emmett and Rosalie's Chevy are already here. Jake's bike and Bella's rust-bucket are absent. It isn't eight-thirty yet so I listen out for the sound of Bella's truck which I swear I can hear a quarter of a mile away.
Staying in the car to finish my cigarette gives me a moment to look objectively at my business. To say I'm gutted that someone who works for me is passing on information to whoever is involved in dad's death is an understatement. I'm physically nauseous thinking about what can only be described as a betrayal and can't yet get my head around how to discover who would do this. More importantly though, when I do find out, how the hell am I going to deal with the fallout?
The 'spy' might know by now that my house has been looted again, so he or she will be waiting for me to say something. I'm not going to give him or her that satisfaction today but will carry on as though nothing's happened overnight. Whoever's passed on the information might give the game away as curiosity about why I haven't mentioned the break-in might get the better of them. I hope it does. Until then I'll hang onto the chance that what happened last night was a coincidence.
At least I have the supreme satisfaction of knowing these 'fuckers', as Sue so eloquently described them, would only have found a cleared desk, bare shelves, and empty filing cabinets, plus the shell of a wrecked computer with a smashed hard-drive. I'm wishing now I'd set up a secret camera in the dungeon so I could witness their disappointed faces when they realized they'd been out-witted by dad and me again. Shame.
On the day before I returned to Colorado, I ensured that every scrap of paper from the dungeon had been deposited in a secure lock-up facility about five miles from the house. I'd been tempted to burn everything, but when faced with the first box full of dad's writing pads, and mum's as well, I realized there may be items in the boxes and drawers I'd want to keep. One day I'll go through everything, probably when a few years have passed. I'm too emotional to deal with memories right now.
I lost count of how many times I ran up and down those concrete steps. Two trips in a rental truck and more muscle power than I'd used in years resulted in a cleared dungeon. Even before I thought of laying this trap for my colleagues, I'd anticipated the house may be targeted again as the original 'fuckers' would have been frustrated after the first raid. My suspicions had been justified.
I guess I was left alone last night because they thought they'd be able to get what they wanted from the basement. No doubt they'd be back again tonight, as they're probably seriously pissed they've been led on a wild goose chase and ended up empty-handed.
"Ha fucking ha!" I say out loud as I stub my cigarette out and walk into the building.
Jake has turned up on his bike and follows me through the doors. He grunts a welcome before disappearing into the kitchen to get coffee. I smell alcohol on him as he walks past which gives me a reason to suspect he'd got drunk last night to soothe a guilty conscience. I'm not ready to believe this until I have absolute proof of his treachery, and that goes for everyone else as well.
I put my head around the main office door to say good morning and also to test the mood of the others. No-one gives any sort of hint they're expecting me to say anything about last night. They're pleased to hear I didn't have any unwelcome visitors at the cabin and a good night's sleep. They're all busy so I don't hang around and leave them to get on with their work.
Bella shows up just after nine. It's immediately obvious why she's late and I can't help smirking as she walks through the office door and slings her purse on the chair.
"So Rusty gave up on you at last?" I say, knowing my face reads 'smug'.
"Shut-it. I'm not in the mood for you sniggering. Everyone has bad days, including trucks."
"What happened?"
"Flat battery. I didn't have time to charge it so I walked."
"Nothing too bad then?"
"Don't know. Could be the alternator I suppose. If I can get it going tonight I'll get Emmett to put it up on a ramp."
My eyes widen involuntarily. "How the hell do you know what an alternator is?"
Bella's mouth drops open and she goes for me.
"Why shouldn't I know what an alternator is? And if you say, 'because you're a girl,' I'll thump you in the part of your anatomy that differentiates you and me."
"I just thought you wouldn't …."
"Well don't think. I'm pissed as it is. I need coffee."
Bella stalks out the room leaving me grinning from ear to ear. I love seeing her wound-up as her beautiful hazel eyes flash with anger. I can't help comparing her to docile Laura and all my previous girlfriends. Bella is in a different league altogether and I oh so want her.
I turn back to the computer but about twenty seconds later I hear a commotion coming from the kitchen. Bella is shouting, and without having to think, it's clear what's going down.
"How many times do I have to say this, Jake? No no no no no. Why would I want to date an alcoholic loser like you?"
I jump to my feet and run out into the corridor in time to see Jake staggering backward out of the kitchen and almost losing his balance. I get hold of his arm and drag him outside, shoving him against the wall. His eyes are red, his pupils dilated, which makes me suspicious that he's been taking drugs as well as alcohol.
"What the fuck, Jake? You're drunk, which means either you've been in a bar all night or you've been drinking this morning? What's going on, and don't you dare blame Bella."
"Fuck off," Jake spits and pushes me away. "You've got no fuckin' idea. I'm gettin' outta here."
He staggers away from the wall and heads for his bike, pulling the keys from his pocket with some difficulty.
"Oh no you don't," I shout after him and snatch the keys from his hand. Jake spins round and lurches towards me. For a split second, I expect him to hit me.
By now Emmett and Jasper have come outside to see what's going on and rush forward to stop Jake from falling.
"I'll drive him home," Emmett offers as he hauls Jake upright. "He needs to sleep this off."
I nod my head in agreement and turn to go back to the office.
"Fucking bastard," Jake hisses as Emmett drags him towards the Chevy.
"What did you call me?" I say as I spin on my heel.
"You're a fucking bastard," Jake slurs again. "You always get the girl. Good looking, fancy school, college-educated, business owner, and all-round good guy. You're a male version of Jo-fucking-lene."
"What the hell's he talking about?" I ask Jasper.
"Jolene – you know? The Dolly Parton song about the girl who can have any guy she wants."
I can't help pulling a 'he's crazy' face which Jasper returns.
"Take him home, Emmett," I sigh. "Make sure there's someone with him. If there isn't, stay put until he's asleep."
"Okay Boss," Emmett replies as he bundles Jake the last few yards and manhandles him into the passenger seat.
As Jasper and I walk into the building Bella comes out of the kitchen. Alice has her arm around her.
"I'm sorry," she sighs. "I shouldn't have physically pushed him or called him a loser. It's my bad. He didn't lay a finger on me. He was preventing me from escaping and I felt trapped."
"Don't apologize," I reply. "I know you don't want to get him in trouble but he was out of order, again, and he's drunk, so this is not okay."
Bella looks deflated as she wanders into our office. She sinks into her chair and covers her face with her hands.
"If you want me to go I'll understand. You guys had a tight-knit thing going on until I showed up. I'm sorry if I've made a mess of things. Jake's been with you a long time and I don't want to be the cause of any upset or resentment."
"You're not," I reply in the calmest voice I can manage. "There's something else going on with Jake. I'm not sure what his problem is. He definitely resents me for some reason and this hasn't got anything to do with you."
"I still think I should go."
"Do you want to go?"
"Of course I don't. Of all the jobs I've had I love being here the most. I like working with you. I like the others. I even like Jake when he's not being an asshole. But I hate conflict, and since you got back life's been different here."
"In what way?"
Bella takes her hands away from her face and turns towards me. She's genuinely distressed. Not crying but close. I want to put my arms around her only this is not the right place or time. She rubs her face, wiping away tears that aren't there, and takes a deep breath.
"I've got the feeling the others are suspicious of me, Edward. They've done nothing to make me feel unwelcome, but I'm the newbie, and your dad told you not to trust anyone."
"Yes, he did, but Jake could've been bought and so could any of the others. There's obviously a deep-seated resentment towards me in Jake's messed-up head but I don't think his beef has anything to do with my dad. Anyway, why would my dad's murderers want to plant anyone here? There's absolutely no point."
While I'm speaking I'm aware that my anxiety levels are rising. Bella threatening to leave has thrown me which makes me realize how much I rely on her now. I know I'll have to be frank with her about how I feel about my situation and how much I want her to stay. My words pour out faster than I usually speak which is as good an indication as anything of the state of my mind.
"I know I'm being paranoid asking you guys to check for bugs and trackers. If this has created an atmosphere here which you've picked up on then I'm really sorry. My only excuse is I'm still in a state of shock. My world has been turned on its head in the last two weeks, Bella. I don't know which way is up at the moment. I'm seeing enemies in every shop doorway and inside every car that follows me. If my dad's murder doesn't get resolved soon, I'll end up as a patient at the spa hotel, not the fu…, not the landscaper."
Bella smiles at me, nodding her head in agreement.
"You don't want me to go then?" she asks.
"No, I don't. You're a brilliant designer and I like you. In fact, I like you a lot. I'd be gutted if you left, professionally and personally."
Bella's eyes widen at my admission. I spot the corners of her mouth turning up in a smile. She goes to say something in response but changes her mind. Instead, she nudges her computer back to life and picks up her pen.
"Okay, I'll stay, Edward. But don't you dare diss my truck again or call him a 'rust bucket' either."
I can't help laughing out loud, in jest but also in relief. "Rusty's a 'him' is he? I bet you've given 'him' a name."
"Yep, but I'm not telling you what it is. You'll never guess either."
I grin at her and Bella grins back.
I'm aware, and I'm sure she's aware too, that our relationship has changed in the last half-minute. I've admitted to liking her, a lot, and Bella hasn't challenged me. In fact, she smiled at me warmly and I'm certain her face has turned slightly pink, which is why she's staring intently at her computer screen so I won't notice. I turn my attention back to my own computer because I can feel my face heating up as well. For the next half hour, we sit in awkward silence pretending to work. I can't concentrate on what's in front of me and Bella doesn't seem to be making much progress either.
Emmett returns and sticks his head around the door.
"Is he okay," I ask as I'm genuinely concerned for Jake's condition.
"He is now. He threw-up as soon as I got him in his apartment, which is a tip. He collapsed asleep in the bathroom but I got him on his bed and put him in the recovery position in case he vomited again."
"Jesus! Did he say anything, like why he was in this state?"
"Oh yeah! I asked him what the fuck he was playing at before he passed out. Sorry, Bella. I managed to make out through all the ranting and raving that he'd gone to his local bar last night and some guys he hadn't seen before bought him a drink. One of them said he knew him from High School, which he said was bullshit, but he played along. A free drink is a free drink he said. Anyway, the last thing he remembers is them asking questions about you and he can't remember anything after that."
"Sounds like he was drugged," Bella comments. "He couldn't focus his eyes when I saw him so Christ knows how he got here on his bike."
"Okay," I sigh. "Thanks for stepping in, Em. Jake and I need to have a long talk when he comes round."
"I doubt if you'll see him today but I'll call in after work to check up on him."
Emmett heads for Rosie's office leaving Bella and me to digest what he'd just said.
"You think he was drugged," I ask.
"Sounds like that's what happened. One drink and then he can't remember much. Seems like they were after info on you."
"Worrying."
"What could Jake tell them though? You're his boss. You're a landscape gardener. Big deal."
"I'm not bothered what he told them about me, because there's nothing to tell. He may have spilled about me being paranoid about bugs and the break-ins at my house …"
"Sorry, did you say break-ins?" Bella interrupts.
"My dad's house was raided again last night. They got into the basement."
"So they've cleaned that out too?"
"Nope. I'd already emptied it last week. Dad's papers are somewhere they'll never find in a million years. There's nothing in them about his current project though. I destroyed all that before I came back here. Everything's gone."
"That's a relief then. I bet they're pissed."
"Bet they are too. Bastards. Anyway, how are you getting on with the planting schedule for the hotel?"
"Come over and take a look." Bella offers.
She moves her chair to the right so I can sit next to her while she goes through her ideas. As I settle in my chair I can feel my heart rate increasing. Her body seems to be radiating an electric charge which covers the side nearest to her. The sensation is like a warm blanket touching my arm. Bella smiles at me curiously and I'm wondering whether she's feeling something too, only now isn't the time to ask.
I try to concentrate on what she's saying, only fantasy after fantasy of me and Bella together are commandeering my thoughts. I imagine taking her to the mountains and making passionate love to her under a starlit sky, or splashing around in the lake then running back to the cabin to dry off but ending up in bed where we'd stay for hours and hours. As I'm playing out one particular fantasy involving a picnic blanket and a meadow full of wild flowers, I feel a sharp pain in my ribs.
"Are you listening to me?" Bella asks forcefully.
"Yeah yeah, sure," I respond trying to sound enthusiastic.
"What did I just say?"
I glance at the picture on the screen and her notes and take a wild guess.
"You're talking about rhododendrons."
"You weren't listening then."
"Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind. Could we take a break?"
"Sure. I'm hungry. We could walk to the Deli?"
"Great idea; I'm starving. I'll go get Mitzi and see you outside."
I find Mitzi in the main office sitting with Rosalie and whistle for her to come. Holding up her leash means she knows she's going for a walk only Mitzi doesn't like the leash as she's used to running freely at home. She suffers to have it put on, ensuring I receive a withering look of displeasure and a distinct lack of tail-wagging. Once we're outside she perks up.
Bella's talking on her cell when I appear. She ends the call immediately and slips her cell into her jacket pocket. I'm surprised she's wearing her jacket as the sun is blazing by now. I'm wearing cut-off chino's with a loose cotton t-shirt and already I'm sweating.
"Aren't you hot?" I question.
"I'm fine," she replies. "I've got fair skin so the jacket stops me getting burnt by the sun."
"Nuts," I respond drily. "We'll walk on the shady side then to stop you from turning into a Maine Lobster."
"Har har," Bella responds with a grin.
We cross the street to get the benefit of shade from the buildings which helps but not much. The sun really is blisteringly hot today and Mitzi's tongue is lolling from her mouth. I hadn't realized the temperature had risen probably into the nineties because the office has great air conditioning. Now I wish I'd driven to the Deli. After only going a couple of hundred yards, I pick Mitzi up as I'm sure the sidewalk is uncomfortably hot on her feet.
As we're walking, Bella seems tense. She's chatting about the hotel project and turning her head towards me when she speaks. From her eye movements, I'm positive she's checking out who's behind us. Maybe I'm being paranoid again but she's definitely not acting normally.
When we get to the Deli Bella offers to wait outside with Mitzi and lights a cigarette.
"What do you want?" I ask before going in.
"Anything vegetarian," Bella replies. "And a cold drink, preferably low-sugar."
I'm relishing the cool aircon while Bella stands under the red, white. and green striped canopy with her back against the window. I grab some chilled water from the fridge for Mitzi and hold the bottle up so Carlo can see what I'm buying before taking it outside. Bella crouches down and pours some into her cupped hand. She does this several times and Mitzi laps every drop then settles by her feet, still panting though.
While I'm in the queue I keep one eye on Bella who's leaned against the window as far out of the sun as possible. She's definitely looking up and down the street and checking the vehicles going past. Maybe she's nervous that someone could have followed us, which is understandable when I consider what's happened over the past two days.
I'm next in line and about to place our order when a slow-moving black SUV on the opposite side of the road is reflected in the etched mirror hanging on the wall behind Carlo. I spin around to see Bella pull herself away from the windows and stand up straight. The SUV turns in the street and slows to a crawl, and as it comes level with Bella, the tinted front passenger window opens and an arm appears. For a split second, I see the shape of a weapon, only the guy is making his gloved fingers look like the barrel of a gun, like kids do when they play cops and robbers.
The vehicle stops completely and the fingers pretended to fire several times at either Bella or the shop. I'm about to rush towards the door when I spot Bella reaching inside her jacket as though she has a gun concealed in there. The SUV accelerates away heading in the direction of The Yard and Bella falls back against the glass.
My dilemma now is whether to admit to Bella what I've witnessed. If she has a gun hidden in her jacket then all bets are off that she's the spy in the camp. My heart is pounding in my chest again and I feel dizzy. If I keep having shocks like this I'll have to get my heart checked by a doctor very soon.
Carlo, oblivious to the drama outside his shop, places my double-size order in a bag with carry-handles and throws in a couple of broken biscuits for Mitzi. Taking a deep breath for courage, I head for the door.
Bella pulls herself away from the window and Mitzi jumps to her feet. I start to walk back the way we came as though nothing unusual has happened but Bella hisses, "Stop!" forcefully.
"Why?" I ask.
"We've been spotted. Two guys in a huge SUV drove past. One of them pretended to shoot at me so I pretended I had a firearm in my jacket. They've headed off, but they could be waiting for us by The Yard."
Bella could be an actress as well as 'allegedly' being a crack-shot and a Kung Fu Grand Master, but if she is a plant, she's doing an Oscar-worthy impression of someone who looks genuinely worried. I've no option but to call Emmett.
"Em. Bella and I are at Carlo's. Can you pick us up?"
"Too hot for you?"
"Something like that. Could you get us … like now?"
"Sure thing," he chuckles and disconnects.
We both keep watch for the black SUV, poised ready to dive into the Deli if we spot it returning. After a few minutes of nervous waiting, we see Emmett's Chevy coming towards us. He performs a skillful turn in the street, pulls up in front of us, and opens the passenger door. I grab Mitzi and throw her in behind Emmett while Bella slides in the front and I dive in the back.
"Everything okay?" Emmett queries as he's definitely spotted the anxious expressions on our faces.
"No. The watchers are about. Just get us back to The Yard as fast as possible."
Emmett puts his foot down and races along the street. Without slowing, he turns across the traffic and roars through the open gates into the yard, forcing vehicles traveling in the opposite direction to take avoiding action.
I throw Mitzi's leash to Bella, jump out and run back to the gates to close them, padlocking them from the inside.
"I'm calling 911," I growl as I stride into the building. "This has gone way too far. I'm not having you guys being threatened by these assholes."
Bella follows me in and sits at her desk with Mitzi and listens to my one-sided conversation with the local station.
"I'm being threatened …
"No, I don't know who by …
"Because my father was murdered two weeks ago; that's why you should take me seriously.
"No, in San Francisco …
"Carlisle Cullen, but what difference does that make who ….
"I expect you to look after your citizens that's why.
"I'm not raising my voice. This is what scared sounds like …
"Thank you. My address is …"
I give The Yard's address and slam the phone down. Mitzi is whimpering again so I go over to where she's cowering under Bella's desk. Crouching down so I can look her in the eye, I stroke her head and give her a hug then pick her up and carry her over to my chair.
"What do you want the police to do?" Bella asks.
"I don't really know. I'm guessing they'll check out what happened to my dad before coming over. Look, I just want these fuckers to see patrol cars outside the Yard so they know I mean business. I didn't want to involve the Colorado police, or show these assholes they're bothering me, but I'm not having you guys threatened because of something my family's done."
"Is that how you see it?" Bella responds sounding surprised. "Are you saying your father was reckless in some way?"
"Yes … No … I don't know," I sigh. "This whole situation has become a shit-show of epic proportions."
Bella doesn't respond so I blurt out my frustrations.
"Look, my dad stated in the note he was in danger. He implied he was caught up in a battle between Titans. But there was absolutely nothing in that note to indicate he thought I could be in danger as well. He would never have left me in a vulnerable situation, which means I don't believe for one minute he had any idea I'd be threatened by these people. He knew I'd be no use to them so he must've presumed they knew that too."
Bella goes to say something but changes her mind, shaking her head.
"What are you thinking," I ask.
"No … I shouldn't say."
"If it's an idea I want to hear."
Bella contemplates for a few seconds then gets up from her chair and pulls out her cigarettes. "Outside," she orders assertively and walks out the door.
I put Mitzi down who still has her leash on and follow Bella into the yard. She hands me a lit cigarette then lights one for herself.
"I'm going to say something that might upset you … so humor me, okay?"
"Okay," I reply, wondering where the hell this is leading.
"What proof do you have that your father's dead?"
"What!" I exclaim.
"Did you see his body?"
"No … he was too badly burned. The police advised me not to."
"How did the police identify him?"
"Dental records and dad's personal effects including his phone and wallet, and jewelry, which they returned to me."
"Were his effects burnt?"
"No, they said dad had placed them in the glove compartment. They smelled of smoke though."
"I presume you checked with his dentist that the police actually asked for his records."
"No, I…"
"Did they ask you who his dentist was?"
"No."
"Then how did they know?"
"I didn't really think about it at the time. I suppose I presumed he had an appointment card in his wallet. To be honest, unless he had the same dentist he and I had the last time I lived with him, which was about eleven years ago, I wouldn't know who his dentist was. Holy Shit!"
"So, there could have been another man's body in your dad's car."
"Yes, but why? That would mean …"
"That would mean the police could for some unknown reason be covering up your father's abduction. This could also explain why these guys are stalking you. If they're trying to force your dad into giving up information, they could be taunting him with pictures of you. Saying something like, 'we know where he is; we're following him; if you don't co-operate, then BOOM, we kill him'."
I can feel the blood draining from my face as the logic behind Bella's argument hits me like a punch to the gut.
"I need to sit down," I choke before stumbling over to a heap of slabs piled up against the building. My hands are visibly shaking as I put the cigarette to my lips. I pull hard and then throw it away in disgust.
"It's only a theory, Edward," Bella says.
She's watching me carefully, possibly because my face must be as white as a sheet. Maybe she's worried that I'll pass out.
"You need to find out who your dad's dentist is, was I mean, and start your investigation from there."
I can only nod my head as I can't speak for the moment. The possibility dad could still be alive is too much to take in. My stomach heaves and my head swims. How much more of this can I take? I've only just begun to come to terms with his death, and now Bella's logical bombshell will set me off on an 'is he / isn't he' rollercoaster of emotions.
While I'm contemplating the possibility of dad being held against his will by one of these 'Titans', we hear the distinctive 'whoop whoop' of a patrol car as it pulls up outside the gates.
Bella crouches down in front of me, takes hold of Mitzi's leash, and looks directly into my eyes.
"Be careful what you say to them, Edward. Remember what your dad said to you. Don't trust anyone, and that includes the police."
Well, that's set a cat among the pigeons (is that an international cliche?)
A lot of you have suggested that Carlisle could still be alive. Is he or isn't he? Hmmm. The top half of his body was badly burned and DNA definitely wasn't tested or Edward would've been asked for a hairbrush or something like that. Dental records, the Mustang and personal effects had obviously been enough to convince the police it was Carlisle in the car. Edward at least has something to investigate now.
And what the hell has got into Jake?
Next chapter - no, I'm not going to say, even though some of you have guessed. Dammit. You guys know how my brain works now.
Joan x