SECRETS AND SPIES

Chapter Thirty

September 2019

Edward

Three months have passed since dad's rescue, but it's only in the last week I've begun to believe that I will be able to put what happened behind me one day. I still have panic attacks and nightmares, and my anger towards the Colonel and the other agencies involved in the Sting operation continues to fester in me, but I'm having treatment, and it also helps to have Bella with me all day and sleeping beside me at night.

PTSD is a strange affliction. First, there's denial that you're suffering from it, followed by an acceptance that maybe you've got it but you can deal with it without professional help. Finally, the full-on breakdown, where you find yourself crawling on hands and knees to a therapist who slowly coaxes you to talk about your ordeal. She's taught me strategies on how to handle my deep-seated feelings of helplessness and fear, and anger. From being a guy who'd only dealt with one serious trauma in his life - the death of my mother at age fourteen - to someone who was bombarded by traumas during an intense period of eighteen days, it's no wonder I eventually imploded.

My breakdown didn't happen until I returned to Colorado. I'd been at The Yard a week pretending to be 'old Edward' who breezed through life, and whose only worries were whether a client was happy with a finished project, when Bella found me in a catatonic state by the lake. Mitzi had run back to the cabin on her own and had led Bella to where I was sitting cross-legged by the water, staring into space. It apparently took her over an hour to coax me back to the cabin, where she called her mom's psychotherapist for advice. I've been having intense sessions with a more local therapist ever since and they've helped massively but I still have a way to go, especially over my anger issues.

Dad practically pushed Bella and me out of the house two weeks after he was rescued. He wanted to be on his own and I had to respect his wishes, even though I didn't think he was ready to be left. The drive to Colorado across Nevada, through the top of Utah and the bottom of Wyoming, and then south towards Denver, took over a week as Bella and I, and Mitzi took in some sightseeing along the way. I'd hoped getting away from San Francisco would help me mentally, only the panic attacks followed me to the mountains and gradually got worse, until the day I finally flipped.

Bella told me afterward about the incident that caused her own breakdown and talked me through the different stages she experienced on her road to recovery. She said she felt ashamed at the time because, despite her training, she hadn't been able to cope with what she witnessed. The human mind can only take so much stress and each person reacts differently. Knowing what I know now about PTSD, it's a credit to our armed services and first responders that they now recognize the symptoms and are more sympathetic to sufferers than in the bad old days, where it was looked on as a sign of weakness.

Dad has also been having help from a therapist although he insists he's almost back to normal. While I stayed with him, I noticed his right hand would constantly be grasping his and mom's wedding rings and occasionally he would space out for a while. What has helped him move on is his determination to alert the world to the dangers of rapid progress in the technology world. This has given him something to focus on rather than dwelling on the eighteen days he spent in James Hunter's basement.

When I returned the rings to him in the hospital he wept tears of joy, which was a shock for me. I'd never seen him really cry before, even after mom died, or when we were reunited when we were sobbing with relief. Everything that James took from him he got back, including his Rolex. The police found it in the villa the day after James' arrest and traced it back to dad through the serial number.

Bella and I had one quiet night at the house before the street outside was besieged by reporters and TV stations from all over the world. Word had got out, probably through a neighbor, that I'd returned home and was not in a secure location which is what they'd been led to believe.

Jenks was great. He handled the media for me, producing an expertly worded letter that he taped to the gate for reporters to read. It stated in legal terms that because there were criminal charges being brought against Carlisle's abductors, no member of the family or any of the legal team were prepared to make any statements or give interviews that could compromise the trial. Thankfully this did the trick. By the time dad was ready to come home after three days in the hospital, the street was almost back to normal.

Dad was unusually subdued when I picked him up and didn't say anything on the journey home, other than one-word answers. He made no comment about the cop on guard outside the house or the absence of the Mustang when I parked the rental car in the drive. He knew the Mustang had been burned but I was expecting him to say something about it not being there. When I opened the front door and allowed him to go in first, he walked straight through the house to the kitchen and out into the yard. I thought he would head for one of the Adirondacks, but he didn't stop walking until he was in front of the wind sculpture, where he crouched down so he could touch the earth.

"I'm home, darling Esme," he said in a voice wavering with emotion. "I'm sorry I left you for so long. I'll never leave you alone like that again."

The solemn moment was broken by a shriek, followed by Sue's head appearing over the garden fence. Typical Sue, she didn't hold back.

"Carlisle fucking Cullen, it's about time you retired. The world doesn't need any more examples of your wizardry, so for fuck-sake stop!"

Dad shook his head before standing and smiled as Sue's words sunk in. He walked over to the fence where he took hold of Sue's hands that were hanging over the edge, kissed them both, and then looked up at her.

"I've decided that's what I'm going to do, dear friend. The rest of my life will be devoted to warning the world that technology can go too far. Whether the world listens, I don't know, but I'll do my very best to explain the dangers we're facing if we carry on pushing the boundaries before we're ready to handle the consequences. Before I make a start on my mission though, I'm going to spend time with my son, and talk about everything, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I'm going to eat cheese and get very very drunk. You're welcome to join us."

Sue laughed and shook her head.

"Not today, Carlisle. We'll have plenty of time to talk when Edward goes back to Colorado. Your son has been to hell and back. Devote time to him first. The rest of the world can fucking wait."

Sue disappeared then and dad turned to face me. It's only when I saw him in a familiar setting that I noticed the subtle changes in his face and posture. He'd aged and looked tired, only it was deeper than that. He'd attempted suicide, which must have had a profound effect on him over and above the trauma of being incarcerated for eighteen days. I began to say something but he held up his hand to stop me.

"Edward, I've been a fool. I'm so sorry. I should've been honest with you from the start. My letter to you was inconsiderate and selfish. I should never have told you not to trust anyone. The burden of handling what happened and knowing what I told you must have been dreadful. I don't know what I was thinking. And showing you what was on my computer; that was wrong too. There was no need for me to burden you with that either. I can only think it was vanity on my part. Even though I knew this device was a step too far, I still wanted to show my son what a clever father he had."

"No, dad .." I tried to interrupt but dad shook his head and put his hand up again to stop me from talking.

"I've learned a valuable lesson in the last few weeks, Edward. Just because we can do something, it doesn't mean we should. I'm frightened for the world now as I'm sure there's someone out there who is much cleverer than me who will take this idea to its ultimate conclusion. This is the beginning of a battle between technology and reason. I've got to make sure reason wins."

I took dad's arm then and led him over to the Adirondacks. I could tell he was becoming distressed and I needed to calm him.

"Halting progress in technology is not your responsibility, dad. Governments are the only ones who can prevent unchecked progress from happening. When you're fully recovered, because of what's happened you'll be in a unique position to lobby politicians and Titans like Bill Gates. But you're not Captain America. You can't do this on your own."

"I feel responsible though, Edward. Technology has progressed too far and too fast for the world to cope with and that's due to people like me who threw out inventions before the world was ready. Technology is wrecking people's lives. Kids would rather stay indoors staring at a screen or a cell phone, instead of doing all the things kids are supposed to do. Entertainment, politics, education, communications, relationships - everything is on the computer now. At the beginning of the last century, people said the phone would kill human interaction when it was invented. We don't even pick up the phone now to talk to our friends - we email or message or Whatsapp. It's got to stop, Edward."

"Dad, don't distress yourself. If you hadn't done it, somebody else would."

"True, and I'm not blaming the people who are behind social media and the technology explosion. We can all name them. How were they to know when they invented all this what effect it would have on society. I can name other inventions that have had a catastrophic effect, like the car. We all want one, even though we know what they're doing to the planet and our health by using up valuable resources and polluting the atmosphere. We want everyone else to curtail their use, but whatever you do, don't take my car. What happened to the Mustang by the way?"

"Don't you remember me telling you in the hospital?"

"Yes. I know a body was burned in it. What's happened to whatever survived?"

"It's going to be returned to us but I don't know what condition it's going to be in."

"Really? If the people behind what happened to me don't return it in mint condition, there'll be hell to pay. I don't care how much it costs, or how long it takes, it's their responsibility and the least they can do after what they've done to me."

Dad tried to get up but he wobbled and sat back down and put his head in his hands. "Can you deal with this, son? I don't think I can cope with any more conflict for a while."

"I'll sort it, dad. Leave it with me. One thing I have learned over the past three weeks is how to stand up for myself. Like you, I don't like conflict, but when something is wrong and needs sorting, I'm your man."

"Thank you, Edward. You see that was my problem when I wrote that letter. To me, you were still fourteen-year-old Edward who'd just lost his mom. Even though you'd got a degree, left home, left the city, and you'd built a successful business, you were still my little boy. You're a man now, and I should have remembered that when I put pen to paper. What a mess I've made of everything."

"No, dad. What a mess we've been unwittingly dragged into. It's all behind us now."

"Yes, it's behind us and we're safe, but it's not over, Edward. It's definitely not over.

Bella had made herself scarce before dad came home, saying she needed to go away for about a week. When I drove her to the airport, I asked where exactly she was going. She replied 'army business'. I presumed she had to go through an official rigmarole to be released from duty so I hoped the next time I saw her she'd be a civilian.

We'd called the guys in Colorado from the hotel after dad was settled in hospital. They'd heard on TV that he'd had been found alive so they'd been waiting up to hear that Bella and I were okay. They were also able to give us some great news. Jake had been released from the hospital and was at the ranch with the others, being fussed over by Rosalie's mom. I didn't speak to him as he was asleep, but since Jasper picked him up he couldn't stop talking about a cute nurse who'd been looking after him. He'd gotten her number so I presumed from that Bella was old news now which was a relief for both of us.

Emmett had collected the Shogun from the police after they'd finished dusting it for prints, so that was at the ranch now. I told them to stay there for a few more days until the police confirmed all of Li's people had been arrested. I said I'd be staying with dad for a while until I considered he'd recovered enough to be either left on his own, or I could convince him to come back to Colorado with me for a break.

While Bella was away, I made a mental list of all the questions that still needed answering, like who were the guys in the trees at the hotel? Who threatened Bella outside the Deli? Who chased us into the hideout? Was the woman at the dentist another special agent? Were the police tracking me with a drone on the Headlands? Looking back on all the crazy things that began happening to me after dad's 'funeral', I asked myself does any of this really matter now? What mattered more was whether I could come to terms with dad and I being used as bait by the CIA and the Military, and our lives being put at risk for the greater good of the country.

Yorkie came to visit me and dad to check we were okay. I asked him whether he still had a job and he assured me he had, even though his boss had torn him a new one when he got back to the precinct. I thanked him for what he'd done for us and encouraged him to stay in touch. Yorkie's job security was now one less thing I had to feel guilty about.

I missed having Bella around as I'd got used to her being in the house. There was still a lot to talk about, including our declaration of mutual affection we made in the forest when we were both in a highly emotional state. I do love her I know, but I'm not kidding myself. We're at the start of a long journey of getting to know one another properly. From the moment Bella walked into my office with her dubious resume she'd been playing a part. I've got to get to know the real Bella which hopefully will be easy, as soon as she's not answerable to the military.

Five days after dad came home from the hospital, we're sharing a bottle of red in the garden after dinner while talking about how we're going to deal with the future, when we hear the doorbell. Presuming it's another reporter, I wander through the kitchen preparing myself to shout that we're not giving interviews when I hear a dog bark. I know for certain who's outside and break into a run.

Mitzi jumps into my arms as soon as the door is opened wide enough for her to burst through. On the doorstep is a grinning Bella who pushes me back in and closes the door behind her.

"Don't I get a kiss too?" she asks.

"I'm covered with slobber!" I reply laughing. "How did you get here?"

"After I saw the Brigadier and filled out my discharge papers, I flew to Denver where Emmett met me. I spent the night at the ranch and then I drove your Shogun here with Mitzi for company."

"Twelve hundred and fifty miles?"

"We stayed in a motel in Utah overnight. The three of us can take our time driving back."

I put Mitzi down and pull Bella into my arms. "Thank you," I say as I hug her tightly. I don't kiss her properly though as my mouth really is covered in slobber.

Taking Bella's hand I lead her through the kitchen and into the yard. Dad is struggling to get out of the Adirondack but Bella rushes over to stop him.

"Don't get up, Carlisle. You don't mind me calling you Carlisle do you?"

"Of course not, Bella. Come and sit next to me. I'm sure Edward can find another chair and a glass."

"No alcohol for me, Carlisle. Maybe later. I'd like a coffee though." Bella smiles up at me so I retreat to the kitchen leaving them to talk. After making the coffee and putting some water down for Mitzi, I take one of the kitchen chairs outside and sit opposite Bella so I can look at her.

"So what happened when you got back to the base?" I ask.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this now?" she replies.

"Definitely. I've brought dad up to speed on what happened, or what I think happened. There are still some gaps though."

"There are, but nothing too serious. The Brigadier confirmed that everything you said about Jacques was correct, which isn't surprising as you'd spoken to Jacques directly. He told me the whole Sting operation took well over a year to plan and come to fruition, and that Carlisle and two other information technology experts had been lined up as bait candidates because of Jacques' articles about his work. The CIA rightly guessed Hunter would be tempted to exploit Jacques, and when Hunter found himself in a desperate financial situation he would turn to Li to bail him out."

Bella faces my dad and speaks to him directly, which I'm pleased about. He is the most important person here.

"Before they chose to use you for the Sting, Carlisle, the CIA did a thorough background check on you and Edward. The reason they used you over the other two experts was that you only had one close relative, so fewer people to protect. Edward having a landscaping business was also a plus point in their eyes as the Colonel suggested I would be a perfect fit as his bodyguard. The CIA knew how dangerous Li was and if things had gone seriously wrong, the Colonel had been ordered to come clean with me immediately and I would've got Edward away from Colorado and in hiding immediately.

"The Colonel reactivated me and I went to work for Hunter almost a year before I was needed in order to make my presence in his company look believable. I'd worked solidly for Hunter during that year but a few weeks before the call about your job, the Colonel gave me permission to take a break and spend time with my mom. I know now he wanted me to be available when Jacques called Hunter. I believe the Brigadier is telling the truth about this."

"Okay," I interrupt, but I want to know who harassed me and attacked Jake. Dad said he had to listen to Laurent and Drew making the anonymous calls so I presume it was Hunter's men in the SUV that visited the first night."

"Yes, but they were just thugs for hire - not employees of Hunter. The same guys were at the hotel the next day taking photos because your dad had demanded evidence that you were okay. The three SUVs that chased us into the woods were Li's men. They were also responsible for abducting Jake. What the Brigadier hasn't discovered yet is who the guys were in the SUV by the Deli and in the bar drugging Jake. He genuinely believes now that there was another interested party who were after Carlisle's work."

"That doesn't surprise me as no matter how long I've thought about what happened, I haven't been able to fit those events into the equation. But why did Li send his men to abduct me at the cabin? He must've known Hunter was holding dad."

"We believe Li wanted to have you as a hostage, to ensure Carlisle didn't pass details of the device to anyone else before whoever he'd sold it to had patented it. Hunter hadn't given Li any indication of what he was going to do with Carlisle to silence him after he'd sent him the device. Given Li's history, we doubt whether he'd ever have let you go."

"Shit! I never thought of that."

I glance over at my dad who is looking shocked. "Will this all come out in Hunter's trial?"

"I doubt it," Bella says. "Hunter is pleading guilty to abducting you and also being part of the missile plans theft, even though he's insisting he didn't realize what he'd done at the time. He's going away for a long time whether he's believed or not."

"And Li?"

"The Brigadier wouldn't talk about him. I didn't push it either. Li's a foreign national so it's complicated."

"So are you still with Special Forces?" I ask.

"Technically yes. I'm on leave now until the end of the month. I'll be a civilian again at midnight on 30th June although I can always be called back."

Dad takes hold of Bella's hand and kisses it. "Thank you, dear girl, for looking after Edward. I'm so sorry you got dragged into all this."

"Nothing to apologize for, Carlisle. This is the job I was trained to do. I'm still furious though that the Army and the Secret Services used civilians to get Li and Hunter. I have heard that the CIA will turn up here soon to talk to you about how this is going to be reported to the public. The media are clamoring for information and I can guarantee that a story is being concocted that will bear no resemblance to reality. You may be asked to sign the Defense Secrets Act."

"In return for what?" my dad growls.

"That's up to you, Carlisle. Financially I'd demand compensation for the Mustang, the funeral costs, legal costs - past and future, air travel, damage to the Shogun, damage to this house, compensation for Jake, emotional trauma, and any therapists you're both going to need to help you get your heads around all this."

"That can be calculated," dad replied and leaned forward to look us both in the eye. "But I won't sign anything until I get a public apology from the Head of the CIA, from the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and the Chief of the San Francisco police."

That was three months ago. Dad did get all three apologies, but only after he refused at first to sign the Defense Secrets Act and threatened to tell his story on NBC or ABC or CNN or Fox, I can't remember which one. Maybe it was all four. The bigwigs moved like lightning and all three signed a statement which was made public stating that the Cullen family had been put at unnecessary and unacceptable risk in order to apprehend a dangerous criminal. Lessons had been learned, blah blah blah.

Financial compensation is still being assessed but dad had been assured that the restoration of the Mustang will be fully covered. I'm truly not bothered about receiving money from the government for emotional distress. No amount of cash can restore me to my previous carefree setting. I've changed, I know, and even though my 'mild' case of PTSD according to my therapist is under control, the recurring image that still haunts me day and night is Laurent's face turning into mine. Nobody has owned up to shooting him but Bella suspects it was Drew, who is still missing. She now suspects Drew joined Hunter's organization on his own volition purely to ensure that Hunter and Laurent burned one day.

Living on the mountain surrounded by so much beauty has also aided my recovery. Whether Bella and I make the cabin our permanent home I guess will be up for debate when the weather turns. She loves living there with me and Mitzi but I know she prefers to be close to people so some sort of compromise will have to be found if we stay together forever. Using the cabin for weekends and mid-summer is one option I'd be happy to consider. We'll have to make our mind up fairly quickly as the weather will begin to deteriorate in about six weeks from now.

Work has been a great distraction from the memories of what Bella and I went through. I'm lucky that my job is creative and gives people pleasure, which in turn gives me a sense of well-being. The hotel project is almost complete so today, which is a Sunday, all seven of us, plus Jake's girlfriend, Vanessa, and Mitzi of course, have come out to see the finished result. The hotel has supplied a picnic for us which I've asked to be set up at the bottom of the slope so we can eat lunch and look up at the garden. I also want to explain to the guys my plans for the only part of the site that hasn't yet been renovated.

While I was in San Francisco and during the week when I was traveling back to Colorado with Bella, earth-movers had terraced the slope and had done a great job. Retaining stone walls had been built on each terrace and a meandering flagstone path that gently zig-zagged from top to bottom had been laid to give guests a not-too-strenuous journey getting from the foot of the slope back to the top. Flower beds were marked out and lawn areas prepared for new turf. Planting of trees and shrubs had commenced when I'd been back for a few weeks and now everything I hoped would be bedded in before winter was in place. The structure of the garden is how I first imagined it could be back in February when I won the commission and after I confirmed it was possible during my first full inspection of the site when the snows had melted.

From the hotel windows and the patio, the garden already looks incredible even though it won't be at its best for another two years when the trees, shrubs and perennial plants have become established. The only area left to landscape is the flat piece of ground that lies at the bottom of the slope which is bordered on three sides by the forest. I've spoken to the owners of the hotel and put my ideas to them about how to develop the area. They haven't said yes yet but I'm confident they'll bite. When I tell the others today, I hope it will trigger at least two of my colleagues to get their act together.

Bella doesn't know this yet but I've asked the owners to credit her alongside my name on the publicity literature. The design is ninety-five percent mine, but the five percent she added has given so much to the finished result. My previous landscaping projects have all been good, and that's not being boastful. When I compare what we've done here to my past efforts though, it's like comparing generic pictures you find for sale in a local store to a Monet in an art gallery.

My therapist asked me recently whether there were any positives that had come from what happened to offset the negatives. I didn't have to think hard about that. Bella coming into my life and my business purely because of the Sting operation had enhanced my life immeasurably. She literally saved me from being eaten up by anger which at the moment is under control. This dormant rage won't be fully extinguished until after this whole reprehensible episode is closed which won't be until after the trials.

I know I've grown as a person as well. I don't take anything at face value anymore, which has probably made me a better businessman. I'm sure I knew this before but I've also been reminded that life is precious and that there's no point putting something off until tomorrow. Tomorrow might never come.

Jake is standing next to me on the patio with his arm draped over Vanessa's shoulders. The September weather is warm and sunny. The air, clear and full of summer scents. A blue haze lingers over the forest that stretches as far as the eye can see. On the horizon, I can just make out the tallest buildings in Denver glinting in the afternoon sun. Behind the hotel are the mountains, the summits still topped by stubborn snow. Admiring all this beauty reminds me of the day Jake and his friends literally dragged me away from my parents and introduced me to the magic that inhabits Colorado.

It was July 1997. I was eleven and already besotted with mountains and lakes, the trees and wildlife, and the famous views and well-trodden paths. Jake and his friends took me away from those beaten tracks to places where you wouldn't see another soul for hours. Here I felt freedom for the very first time. A young boy let loose in a massive landscape with new friends, a bag of sandwiches, and a compass. We'd wander for miles on our bikes or on foot, and regularly experienced the terrifying thrill of getting totally lost. We ran and climbed. We'd sit for hours and just watch the landscape changing shape as the sun crossed the sky before it dropped behind the mountains. Most memorable of all, Jake introduced me to the sound of absolute silence - something I'd never experienced before. To me this was heaven, and an experience I would crave when I returned to San Francisco. My favorite moments though were lying on my back listening to nothing but the breeze rushing through the tall grasses. Occasionally the peace would be broken by the cry of a bird or the grunt of an animal; proof that we were never truly alone. That summer and the following summers convinced me I would never ever be content living in a city, so thinking back to the conversation Jake and I had in my office the day after he was drugged, I had to ask him the question again.

"Jake, I could ask my dad now whether he paid you to toughen me up that summer, but I'd like you to tell me. I've had enough with secrets for the rest of my life."

Jake laughs before replying. "No, your dad didn't pay me. Edward. It was your mom, and she asked me. I said to you that your mom was an angel and I'd have done anything for her, so money was never part of the deal. She told me you were too dependent on her and your dad and asked me to teach you stuff you couldn't learn in school. After she passed I had the feeling your mom knew she wasn't long for this world and it was her way of preparing you to be a man."

I'm so choked I can't speak. Instead, I lean across Vanessa and shake Jake's hand. His friendship through those summers before and after mom died has shaped my life, and for that, I'll be eternally grateful.

Emmett slaps me on the back then which knocks me out of my reminiscences. "I'm starving," he announces as he grabs Rosalie's hand and heads down the path to where coolers containing the picnic have been placed on blankets by the hotel staff.

The rest of us follow, and when we reach the piece of uncultivated flat ground at the bottom of the slope we turn to look up at the garden.

"It's beautiful," Alice sighs. "This is definitely the best design you've ever done."

"It reminds me of Lombard Street in San Francisco," Rosalie comments. "Not so steep and the zig-zags are wider and gentler."

Emmett is already eyeing the coolers and finds the one with the beer. He flips the top off one and takes a long drink. "So what are your plans for this bit of scrub? It's big enough for football," he says after almost finishing the bottle.

"Are sports all you ever think about?" Rosalie huffs as she pours herself a glass of wine. Emmett chuckles and chugs the rest of the bottle before he grabs a second.

I get everyone to sit on the blankets and stand in front of them like I'm giving a lesson to kids in Kindergarten. When everyone is settled and has a drink of some description in their hand, I launch into my pitch.

"Okay, I've put an idea to the owners and they're thinking about it. I want to turn this area over to nature but I'll be giving it a helping hand. In the spring I'll spread wildflower seeds all over this central area and leave them to grow. While the seeds are germinating, I plan to erect raised wooden walkways and wide covered platforms on either side with a dais in the center that can be used for summer wedding ceremonies. The gardens are a perfect backdrop for photographs and the woods on the other side would look great in pictures as well. What do you think?

Emmett looks at me like I'm nuts. "Are you sure it was your dad that was hit over the head, not you?"

Rosalie nudges him in the ribs and says, "It's a brilliant idea, Edward."

"Oh my god, that's so romantic," Alice cries. "I'd love to get married in a meadow of wildflowers. It's completely awesome. You must do it."

Jasper looks up at me. "So it would be ready in Spring or Summer, 2021?"

"Hopefully."

"I don't suppose you could you hurry it up at all. I was really hoping to get married in 2020 ... if Alice agrees of course."

The collective sound of jaws dropping could probably be heard up at the hotel. Alice's brain takes about three seconds to register what Jasper has said and then she flings herself at him knocking him flat on his back. Rosalie gets up from her blanket and stands in front of Emmett with her hands on her hips giving him the death-stare. It takes more than three seconds for Emmett to realize what is required of him, and when the penny finally drops he takes a long drink from his second bottle before smiling up at her.

"Okay, you'd better organize a double-wedding, or my life won't be worth living."

A chorus of whoops and cheers follow. Mitzi joins in and barks and bounces all over us. Bella pulls me down on the ground next to her and kisses me.

"Was this your original plan, or did Alice and Rosalie put you up to it?"

"It genuinely was my original plan," I answer. "I suppose I'm a romantic at heart."

"Another side to your character that surprises me."

"What! You didn't think I'd be romantic?"

"I hoped, but neither of us has had the opportunity to be romantic yet. You don't need to convince me now. I think your idea is wonderful."

I pull her down so we're lying flat on the ground looking up at the sky. I'd propose to her now but we're still getting to really know one another. I've seen so many versions of the girl lying beside me. Feisty Bella who stands her ground. Funny Bella with the stupid truck. Fascinating Bella who likes video games and who wanted to be a Stunt Girl. Special Ops Bella who scared the shit out of me, and Loving Bella who has gently guided me through the darkest period of my life.

Mentioning Funny Bella reminds me of something I still haven't worked out.

"Norris! I still don't get it, Bella. Why the f... hell do you call the rust-bucket Norris?"

Bella sits up and looks down at me and smiles. She doesn't answer me directly. Instead, she calls out to the others.

"Edward wants to know why I call the rust-bucket Norris. Can anyone tell him?"

There's silence while brain cells get to work until Emmett howls with laughter. "Good one, Bella. Truck Norris."

"Truck Norris?" I question, and then I realize why once I say it out loud. "Oh God, Chuck Norris. I'm an idiot."

"No you're not, you're amazing."

I pull her down again so her head is on my chest. Today is a good day. In fact, it's a perfect day, and I know how lucky I am to have such good friends and be with the girl I'll probably spend the rest of my life with. Dad and I, and Bella, still have to face the trauma of James Hunter's trial, and possibly Li's trial, where we'll have to re-live what happened and face the people who turned our lives inside out and upside down. Once those events are behind us I'll come back to my beloved Colorado and finally heal.

If anybody is observing us from the hotel, all they'd see are four ordinary young couples and a dog having a summer picnic. There'd be nothing to indicate that only a few months previously all of them, except for Nessie, had been caught up in a deadly conspiracy involving international criminals, the military, the police, and the CIA. One of them had been shot, and two of them had survived a series of life-threatening situations.

If I told anyone the story the chances are they wouldn't believe me.

Whatever life throws at us in the future I doubt whether anything will ever be able to top what happened. I can't guarantee this of course, but I sincerely hope not.

The End

I hope not too!

I am hoping though that you've enjoyed the final chapter and that all the important questions have been answered. Thank you to everyone who has favorited or reviewed, and for all your guesses as to where this was going. I've loved every guess - some of you have great imaginations. It was a complicated plot (sorry), but I love mysteries and intrigue. It seems as though you guys do too.

I've already begun writing my next story to keep me sane during the lockdown. Because some of you have told me that vampire stories are thin on the ground now, it's going to be a vampire tale set mainly in New York. If you click on chapter thirty-one, I've uploaded the first thousand or so words. I'll keep it there just for a couple of months. The finished story won't be ready for a while, but there definitely won't be a two-year gap like the one between this and Mysterious Graffiti!

I dedicated MG to the lovely JudyBlue95 who passed away while I was uploading. I would like to dedicate this story to a reviewer (no names - you know who you are), who volunteered to be a vaccine guinea pig. I would like to publicly thank her for doing such a brave and wonderful thing to benefit society. I stand and applaud you.

I wish all of you a happy and healthy 2021. Look after yourselves and your loved ones. Until next time ...

Stay Safe and love one another.

Joan xx