Howdy ya'll! I hope that this weekend finds you in good spirits! I am doing well! Thank you all for your reading my story! As always, itsmereading is amazing! I love all my comments! ttcub, thanks for your comment! I hope you continue this story! Nana...I can't wait to read your comments! As always even if I don't write it I don't own Twilight. SM does. Enjoy! -Brier

Chapter 17

Arnold Goodwin

I was called into work after midnight. What the hell is so important? When I asked who it was for and they said Trooper Lahote, my interest was peaked. My little Lauren was in need of me to help her with her problem. When I agreed to this, I didn't realize that Miss Swan was a likable young woman, or what Lauren was doing.

There is word that Lauren admitted to drugging Mr. Edward Cullen so she can have him. Which is not what I would want. I was under the impression that Bella was the one who was creating the issues. Lauren promised that in a few months after all this all died down she would be mine. She was amazing in bed. She was not the best cook, but she liked to take care of me. Which is not what my wife has been doing lately. Looking back, I regret my affair with Lauren. She used me.

Sadly, as I leave Trooper Lahote's house I am worried. I am worried because I know what is coming. Damien Marcus is coming to rough up the girl. He is supposed to leave whoever else is with her alone but with him being a trooper, I don't see that happening. Randall and I are chatting before we leave. I am trying to not let my emotions get to the best of me but Randall is a smart guy.

"Is there something that you think we should be worried about there, Aro? Paul and Bella seem like a good pair. He seems to want to take care of her. If they get married I want an invite!" Randall jokes.

"There is something, but I think she is right about her not being ready for a relationship. She seems smart. I have heard that most of Forks and La Push boys want her as theirs. If what they say is true about her ex, he might not have been fully guilty. I am not sure that girl that they are accusing did it, but we will see."

Randall is watching me. "Well, Aro is there something you know that I don't?"

"I know a lot about everything, don't you know Randy?" I try to laugh. Out of the corner of my eyes, I think I see Paul looking out his window. This worries me. He is a smart guy. He would probably die protecting Bella. Hell half of La Push probably would too. Over Randall's radio, I hear a call over the radio. It's Paul's house. Fuck. This won't end well for me or Damien. I just hope that we can get rid of Damien so he doesn't get me involved. Randall responds to the call and says he is at the residence asking what the deal is. Apparently, Paul saw a man in his yard in dark clothing. This is not good. Randall asks the 911 operator to let Paul know that he is here and going to investigate, she says she will.

I watch as Randall goes and looks for the perp. I grab a gun myself and look for Damien. He is not smart, he should have waited. This was too close! I find Damien first. Idiot is hiding behind the neighbor's car. He sees me and smiles, thinking he is good to leave. I call out to Randall and Damien freaks out. I see his knife and gun and call out, weapon. We both get our weapons and shoot each other.

I am hit. I am in pain in my chest. I fall to the ground and hope my secret is safe and that I make it.

Sirens are coming closer and I hear Randall and other officers come running towards me.

"Get the medics! Officer down!" I hear one yell.

"Stay with me, Arnold! Keep your damn eyes open!" Randall says.

"God...help...me….Lauren…." As I close my eyes.