A/N: Thank you all for reading! Thank you itsmereading for your amazing betaing skills and friendship! And twi nana, thank you for your reviews and messages! jessa76 thank you for your review of future reading! As always any questions or review are always appreciated! Now, I hope everyone enjoys! Brier

Chapter 15

Paul

I can't believe that last night happened. I really agree with Bella that I wish our outing was an actual date because I asked her not because she was kicked out of her house. But I was happy with the results. She was so tired that she fell asleep shortly after we finished dinner. I enjoyed holding her close to me. She feels like my missing piece like she fits perfectly. We stayed until just before my body fell asleep. I didn't want to move her but had to. It was getting colder and it felt like it was going to rain soon. Not sure how I did it but I managed to get Bella up and in the car without waking her. She must be tired. I started the car and cleaned up our dinner date. She was still passed out when I got back to the car. We go back to my house and she must be tired since she doesn't wake up when I bring her inside and put her in bed. Taking only her shoes off then tucking her in, I smile.

Seeing Bella sleep in my bed was a true dream come true that until recently I didn't know I had. This quiet girl has truly stolen my heart. She looks so peaceful while taking over the entire bed like she owns the place. I went to the bathroom and got ready for bed. Grabbing the pillow off my bed that she is not stealing and a blanket from the closet, I went to the couch to sleep. While not the most comfortable place, I was happy. The woman I love is in my bed. Even though I am not with her, knowing that I am able to keep her safe makes me feel like I found my life's purpose. She is my world. Her happiness is my happiness. Her peace is my peace. If she were to want to stay here for the rest of her life, I would gladly sleep on the couch.

Maybe I should put a bed and dresser in the office? Then she could have her own room. That is not a bad idea. That way she can have her own space! We can take care of that tomorrow since she won't be going to school. She has missed a lot of school, I just hope she will be able to graduate. I am never going to sleep at this point.

I send Sam a message that Bella is with me and that I would like him to stop by with Emily at some point. He responds they will and to leave him alone. I chuckle. Baby making is serious business!

I finally fall asleep when I hear someone knock on the door. Bella's phone is also ringing. This can't be good. I get my service weapon, turn on the lights on my way to the door including the front porch and answer the door. My Chief is there with a union rep. This can't be good.

"Come in Chief. What do I owe this visit for?" I hear Bella in my room moving around. God I hope this is not about her case.

"Sorry for coming without calling you first Paul. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important. Are you in the dog house tonight? I didn't realize there was a woman to put you there." He laughs. It can't be that bad.

"No Chief. Bella Swan is here. Chief Black's house is still a crime scene and he asked me to watch over her. The conversation happened at the Black's house. I hope that is okay. She sounds like she is awake if you want me to get her." Figure honesty is the policy. Good thing I didn't have a second bed tonight.

As if on cue Bella comes out of my room. "Paul? Everything alright?"

"Come on out Bells. It's okay. You are safe. Excuse me gentlemen." I get up and watch her slowly walk to the kitchen. She is scared. "Come on sweet girl. I will introduce you to Chief Randall Cameron. Officer Jared Cameron's Dad from Forks Police Department. And Union Rep Arnold Goodwin." She nods and walks with me.

I grab a blanket and wrap it around Bella as she shakes. I say a prayer to anyone who will listen that this ends well. We walk to the kitchen where the Chief and rep are and I pull Bella a chair out so she can sit. I take the chair next to her. Thankfully, Bella is wearing one of Jake's shirts and a pair of sweatpants. I think Randall notices that it's Jake's shirt.

"Sorry to barge in on you like this Paul, but we received some odd photos and videos that we want you to explain to us."

"Sure Chief. Show them to us please. I am sure we can get Chief Black and Jacob here if needed."

Randall nods and starts showing pictures. The first one is us at the Forks Police Department after her birthday. I was talking to her. Jasper, Billy and Jake were there in the picture.

"Bella, Billy, and Jake were with me at the Forks Police Dept. This was after her birthday. That's Jasper Whitlock, Billy and Jake Black" This is weird. Wasn't Emmett there that day?

The second picture is while at Bella's house in Forks. We were with Billy and Forks Officer Cameron getting some things for her.

"I was getting stuff from my old house sir. Your son and Billy were with me and Paul. I am staying with The Blacks you know, normally." Randall smiles.

"I am aware of that. Someone complained that you are spending too much time with them and were worried about a relationship between you and Jacob." I was pissed.

"Sir? Bella and Jacob? They are like siblings!" I was livid.

"They also think that you are quite the pair. Apparently you are sleeping your way through the ranks. Anyone that is male that is near you, you are in a relationship with. Officer Clearwater and my son Jared included, which is how I know it's not true. This is the worst I have seen, honestly, it looks like a hug". He shows us a picture of us on the beach earlier. We are both speechless.

"Sir, that was earlier today. Paul was holding me while I was crying. I am sorry if that was not appropriate. I was having a hard time with things after the day I had. If you will follow me I will show you the clothes I wore earlier." She gets up and goes to my room where the clothes are in a pile on the bed looking worn. Randall nods.

"It was a different outfit than what you were wearing during the crime but I figured you changed as you had to give the clothes to us as evidence. Is there anything going on between you two I should know about? I would rather know now than in court." He looks serious.

"Sir, I am honestly not in any place for a real relationship. Unless that is a relationship only giving and receiving hugs. Anything more than that I can not handle. If Paul and I were to be in a real relationship, I don't see it being for a long while. And I am told there are a few guys who want a relationship with me. But after what Edward did to me, I can't do it. I need to heal first." She softy says.

"Who are the other guys that want to date you?"

"Emmett McCarty and maybe Mike Newton or Tyler Crowley sir. I don't want any relationship." She hangs her head on the ground. Who could have done this? Newton was only around once when she was at school. Must be Emmett, or is there someone else that "loves" her? Or that "loves someone else"?

"Edward Cullen has been in jail since he did not post bail. But he should still be looked into because something is not right about the man. I almost wonder if we should check on his Mother and Sister." I cringe as I say this.

"We will do a wellness check tomorrow on them. Makes sense since Edward was using Alice and Esme to help cover his crimes. Especially Alice. What does Carlisle do again?" Really? Randall how do you not know he is the head of the hospital in Forks!

""He is the head of Forks Hospital." Thankfully the union rep, Arnold knows cause Bella and I are dumbfounded.

"Right. Was he treating you after you got hurt Bella?" Randall asked.

"Sometimes he did. I gave Paul my journals with pictures dates and who did what. It should be at the station."

"Chief the DA has them now if you want to see them. Don't look at them with a uneasy stomach," Arnold whispers. How does he know about this? I shot Arnold a look. "I heard too many want to go after that kid for what he did to Bella. Many are in counseling, which might be a good idea for you, Paul. Bella you as well." Arnold is straight and to the point, I like that about him.

"Not today Sir. If that is all, may I go to bed? I am tired." She looks like she is about to pass out.

"Of course. If we need anything we will get ahold of you, Bella. Sleep well and thank you for your help."

"Excuse me gentlemen I want to make sure she makes it to bed."

Randall laughs and sends me away. Nice of you to let me leave my kitchen. Bella and I walk to my room and I tuck her into bed.

"Goodnight Bella. Sleep tight. Call me if you need me." She smiles.

"Goodnight Paul. Don't let anything but me bite!" Now I am laughing.

"See you in the morning, dear." I watch her as she falls asleep. I close the door quietly behind me and go back to the kitchen with Arnold and Randall.

"Gentlemen, as much as I love the idea of you both in my kitchen at two am, what are you really doing here?"

"Honestly, we knew she was here. We had to be sure everything was going by the book. I forget that you are close to Billy and Sam Uley, which means you would be protective of the Goddaughter of Chief Black. I haven't seen the journals. Are they that bad?"

I walk to my binder of case notes and get the clean photo of some of the abuse Bella went through and one of the journal entries. I pass them to Arnold and Randall. They both look sick.

"This is a rated hard G to PG Chief. Some are close to rated R. Technically it could be child porn since she was under 18. We won't be charging the two who took the pictures as they weren't for that purpose. This is why I am protective of Bella. This is why I need to be on this case. This is why we need to figure out if drugs were involved and if he did this to her himself or because he was drugged. It makes me sick thinking about it. Maybe I am too close, but I am getting results."

"And that is why you have yet to be pulled from the case, Paul. Go to bed and take tomorrow off. She needs you. I assume no school for a while?"

"Her, Jacob, Quil and Embry are going to be homeschooling. A couple of her Forks friends might join in the fun as well. But no, no school tomorrow. Maybe in a few days. It's up to her and Jake and Billy."

"Well, let me know if you need anything. Good night Trooper Lahote," Randall says as he walks to the door.

"Night Chief and Mr. Goodwin." I watch them leave and lock the door. I am on edge. I get my gun ready in case something happens.

I group text Sam, Jared, and Seth and let them know what just happened. Jared is on patrol and will keep an eye out around Forks and my house. Seth agrees something is up and is coming to help watch after he checks his Mom's house where Jacob and Billy are. Sam is dumbfounded and is coming over with Emily. Jared and I suggest that Seth stay at his Mom's since everyone will be asleep. He agrees.

Keeping an eye on Bella's sleeping form, I hear something. I look outside and see someone in dark clothing. Calling 911, I let them know my address and that I request any and all backup. I let the dispatcher named Nettie know I am an off duty State Trooper with a weapon and will use it if needed. I tell her Bella is here and most likely the reason behind this. She tells me that several officers are on the way. She lets me know that Randall is still here and going to investigate. Jared texts me that he's on the way and to get Bella up and give her a knife or firearm. Sam says he is keeping Emily home and coming. I am praying the intruder did not see me and that we all stay safe. Ensuring all doors are locked, I grab my second firearm and make my way to my room. I wake Bella up and tell her to keep quiet while handing her the loaded gun.

"Stay behind me but keep quiet, shoot if you have to. Police are coming. Someone is outside." She nods in understanding and gets up.

We go to the living room where I see flashlights. I hear shouting and screaming. A gun going off. Then I hear silence and panic.