Thirty-Eight

Sam woke up on a late September Sunday.

And Leah, despite everything that had happened during the past several months, couldn't be more relieved.

Although still disorientated, Sam looked better than he had in weeks. The color returned to his face. He was aware of his surroundings, though he was pointedly avoiding Leah's gaze. Leah could have been offended, but then again, this avoidance could be a sign that some normalcy had returned. He had been avoiding her since February.

Leah forced a smile as she handed Sam a cup of water; his throat needed it. "How are you feeling?"

"I don't know…" Sam quietly replied; his voice was raspy due to the lack of use. He ran a hand down his face. "What happened?"

"You've been in a coma for the past three weeks."

Sam froze, and then declared, "You're fucking with me. No, I don't believe you. Show me proof."

Leah pulled out her phone to show the date.

Sam's eyes widened as he drew in a sharp breath. He looked around the hospital run and then brought a hand to his mouth. "Why?"

"You don't remember last night?" Leah asked. When she received the negative, she informed her husband that, "You were shot. Caught a bullet to the head."

"I dreamed about it…" Sam said under his breath, so low that if Leah were still a human, she wouldn't have caught the words. "Shit."

"You're alive now. That's what matters," Leah said. Despite the understandable memory lapse, Sam behaved and spoke as if he'd never had a bullet in his head; that boded well for his recovery. "What can you remember?"

"I was working, making my rounds…" Sam whispered, trying to sit up on his bed, but couldn't push himself up. Leah assisted, and after giving his thanks, he carried on, "The past couple of weeks, or month, have been insane with everything…The raid complicated everything." He locked eyes with Leah. "I assume you know about my assignment."

Leah bit her lip and turned her gaze to the right. She technically wasn't supposed to know, but then again, Sam knew she and Aisha were close. He couldn't be that surprised that Leah knew something. "Aisha didn't tell me the gritty details," she assured the man. "Everything I've learned came from the investigation into your attempted murder."

"Attempted murder…" Sam shook his head, seemingly still in shock. "How is that going? I know the case isn't over. It couldn't be. Nothing in this damn investigation is easily settled."

"Aisha and Martinez will be stopping by sometime after lunch for some questioning," Leah said. "We already have people in custody."

Sam titled his head, confused. "But the Deal?"

"According to our captain: The Deal can go fuck itself."

"He said it to their faces."

"And he still has a job?"

Leah gave her husband a proud smile. To this day, Paul's colorful speech the most badass move Leah had ever witnessed from a subordinate to his higher-ups. "They need him more than he needs them," she said. "Now, don't get me wrong, the Deal hasn't been completely scrapped. It's just been put on the back burner until the brass figure out what they want to do."

"He's one lucky man," the doctor would remark later that night as Leah quietly exited her husband's room; her husband was asleep. "Head wounds are serious. A bullet to the head is almost always fatal, but even when it's not… we never know how much the injury truly affects the patient until long after the fact."

Leah eyed the doctor. She didn't like those words. "What are you saying?"

"I believe he will be fine," the doctor said. Nothing in his voice told Leah he thought otherwise. "We're going to have to keep him here for tests and physical therapy, but he will be fine."

Leah glanced at her husband through the large, de-curtained window. "When can he return to work."

"It depends entirely on him. Like I said, injuries to the head can be tricky. He can return to fighting crime by the winter or never again."

"Yo, so does this mean Sam's gonna be put on disability?" Embry after Leah told him and Jacob the newest update. He downed the rest of his bag of chips as he waited for an answer.

It was around ten o'clock at night; the trio was out and about on surveillance during the last days of the wire trap. Despite the Cook County Judge's generosity, the tap couldn't last forever. Not with the state attorney and court, breathing down his neck for a reason, Leah didn't want to think about. In short, bureaucracy won again.

"Most likely not," Leah said before thanking Jacob for a much-needed cup of tea. She would have gotten coffee, but she was trying to limit her intake to two cups a day, not four. So far, the withdrawal had not been too kind. "He seems to be doing well considering."

"I have to admit, Sam's not my favorite person, but I'm glad to hear he's alright."

Leah smiled at Jacob's words. "Yeah," she remarked before taking a sip of her drink and sliding on her pair of headphones.

Hours before, the trip had received a tip from Aisha that Edward had arranged a meeting with his unofficial counsel, Rosalie Hale. The details of the reason were murky, but it most likely concerned the news from even earlier that the Northern District Federal Court judge had issued a warrant for Edward's arrest—the team was curious about the interim boss' response.

"Are you sure he's agreed to turn himself in?" Embry asked, understandably skeptical, as he adjusted the frequency on the recording device. "I'm in no mood to play US Marshals."

Leah and Jacob chuckled.

"That's what he promised," Leah said. "And if he's as smart as we think, he won't put up a fight…" she trailed off as she picked up the voices from the speakers around her eyes. The conversation between Edward and Rosalie (featuring Jasper) had commenced, and as expected, Rosalie went for the jugular.

"The charges are relatively minor."

"Relatively?" Edward said. He wasn't impressed by his unofficial counsel's words. "Rosalie, what charges do you speak of?"

"Bribery charges connected to Calvin Sorio's case," Rosalie said. "He didn't talk, but the feds have found evidence in his home office. With your name on it. Apparently, they received a tip from an anonymous source."

"Who is?"

"It anonymous, Edward."

"Fuck. How many years are we looking at, Rosalie?"

"Generally, we're looking at ten to fifteen, max—"

"Shit."

"But that's the worst-case scenario," Rosalie insisted. "That's what will happen if you don't turn yourself in—"

"Damn it, Rosalie, do you want the entire family doing time?"

Jasper remained silent.

"Of course not," Rosalie insisted. "Edward, come on, you know me. if I wanted you to rot in prison, I would have made that happen years ago."

"Then why are you—" Edward stopped. "You know why Barba wants me to do time, right?"

"Of course, she wants to destabilize the Cullen's," Rosalie said. "She must know that you're in charge now. With you and Jasper in prison, Emmett being transferred to Alcatraz and Tanya being… Tanya, she assumes the family will collapse."

"And you still want me to give her what she wants?"

Rosalie let out a frustrated sigh. "You're giving her what she wants now, not what she ultimately wants. Find someone to run things while you and Jasper serve your meager sentences. You know, it's possible to give orders from a prison cell."

"So, what happens after I get out?"

"We— You go after Barba," Rosalie suggested. "You can wait until the others get out, but you may not need to."

"You expect me to wait for all of those years?"

"If you listen to me, I can get you out in a couple of years, which in vampire-years is essentially nothing," Rosalie promised. "Listen, I'm not speaking to you as if you're my unofficial client. I'm speaking to you as a friend with an extensive legal background. I know how this works."

Jasper finally spoke up. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Rosalie's right. There's nothing wrong with giving Barba what she wants for now… she's not going to be successful. If she wants to bring down the Cullen's, she will have to take out the whole family. It does not matter how many people the feds arrest. It doesn't matter how many people she and the feds send away—we can replace them."

There was a pause.

"Rosalie, I would like you to represent me in this case."

Rosalie had to scoff. "I'm honored, but I must decline. I'm technically still Carlisle's legal counsel."

"Who's dead."

"But his estate isn't," Rosalie countered. "Plus, as I've told you previously, my tenure as being the Cullen's lawyer will be coming to a close by the end of this month. You won't be done with your legal matters then. I'm doing you a service by turning down your offer."

"Then can you at least point me to some competent defense lawyers?"

"I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you. Now, I just realized that we have another huge problem: the family can't hold up with both of us gone, even if I can run things from prison."

"Have someone run things on the outside with your approval," Jasper suggested.

"If you're going to have someone take your place, perhaps we should rethink the idea of a merger. I wouldn't do a complete merger," Rosalie advised. "You guys are strong, no doubt, but with the two of you heading to prison, the family wouldn't be able to handle a civil war. Plus, there is also Esme's safety to worry about."

"Do you have a better idea?" Edward asked. "The Denali family needs a leader."

"Who's not Tanya," Jasper tossed in.

"Who's not Tanya," Edward repeated.

"How about a tributary agreement?" Rosalie suggested. "Instead of absorbing the Denali coven and subjecting yourself to a possible insurrection, make the Denali's pay you tribute for protection and whatever. Since, you know, Irina's dead and Tanya's not exactly of sound mind, that family needs all the protection they can get."

"But Tanya would still be in charge," Jasper contended. "We don't want that."

"Yes, she would still be in charge, but her power would be diminished—you would call the shots. If the Denali's don't pay tribute, they'll be left out in the cold. And with Victoria ready to strike at any time, despite her being in federal custody, that wouldn't be in their best interests."

"Jasper, what do you think?"

"It's a reasonable middle ground," Jasper agreed. "But will this agreement be sustainable?"

Rosalie didn't respond.

"I got it!" Edward declared, delivering a hard slap to his desk. "We'll have a tributary agreement wile someone from our family, who's not currently under investigation, run things. Once Jasper and I get out of prison, we'll completely take it over. A couple of years will give me more than enough time to do a merger without much blood being spilled."

"Don't you mean without any blood?" Rosalie corrected.

"That would be ideal," Edward said. "But it's not realistic. Tanya is currently not my biggest fan."

"Speaking of Tanya, how are we going to tell her about this?" Jasper asked.

"I think it would be wise to ask Carmen to persuade Tanya," Rosalie said. "Carmen seems to be the type to choose peace over civil war. Remember, you still have leverage over Tanya because of Irina."

"Who do you think would be suitable for the job?" Jasper asked Edward.

There was a pause, and then, "Esme…"

Jasper raised both eyebrows.

"Esme?"

"Esme," Edward confirmed. "No one would expect that. Plus, she's always wanted to conduct business using legal means. Legal means that the cops and the feds can finally get out of our asses. This may be a blessing in disguise."

"Nothing's official until Esme agrees with the plan," Jacob declared.

For Edward's sake, Leah hoped he knew what he was doing.

"Emily's due soon," Leah told her husband during a hospital visit. If it were a different situation, Leah would have laughed at the comical sight in front of her—a speechless, deer-caught-in-headlights Sam, who had clearly forgotten he had a child on the way. "What are you going to do about her?"

Leah didn't know why she was even doing to this herself, talking to her husband about plans with his goddamn mistress. Maybe, it was the analytical side of her, the part that made her a good detective, rearing its ugly head. The overwhelming need to get information no much how much it hurt.

Sam was taken aback by his wife's question. The way he looked at her, it was apparent that he didn't want to talk about Emily or the baby situation. But he accepted his fate and decided not to chicken out, "A baby."

Leah did not immediately respond. She didn't think she could come up with the right words—Sam was clearly in shock, but she couldn't find a sympathetic bone in her body. If her husband had been smart, if he had been so against having children, then he should have invested in a condom or, better yet, a vasectomy.

"I fucked up," Sam confessed after a few moments of silence. "I shouldn't have—I'm sorry isn't enough. It's far from enough." He let out a defeated sigh. "I didn't deserve you then, and I sure as hell don't deserve you now."

"Your work buddies work believe otherwise," Leah retorted, flashing back to the incident involving Moran and the others. The chatter had quieted down during the past couple of weeks, but she doubted it would last, especially with Sam now being awake.

To Leah's pleasant surprise, Sam was remorseful. "They're idiots," he whispered.

"What are you going to do about Emily?" Leah asked again.

"I guess I should make it work," Sam replied. He didn't sound too thrilled about the prospect; more resigned, more upset at himself. He refused to meet Leah's eyes. "Screwed so much shit for it."

Leah cleared her throat. Regret was a cruel bitch, and it seemed for the first time in three years, Sam fully understood the gravity of his actions, the error in his ways. It all came too late.

"If you're going to use her to make you feel better about your ill-advised decisions, then it's not worth it," she advised, and then added with a bite that her husband deserved, "Co-parenting is a thing, you know. Consider that."

"This is the last week we're allowed to be on the wire," Jacob announced to Leah and Embry Friday night. "Let's make it count."

"It's not like we can arrest anyone with it," Embry complained. "At least, not now. Not until they figure out what they're doing with the Deal. Despite what our fearless leader wants to believe."

"It'll work out," Leah vowed. "This is Paul, we're talking about. Because of him, we have some of the vampires in custody. They're not the big fish, but it's something."

Jacob nodded in agreement. "Plus, Embry, Benjamin—"

"Yusuf."

"Yusuf said that there was going to be a major shift of power in the Olympic coven and with Edward allegedly turning himself in, that's huge. We just need more evidence to reel everyone in. It's not going to happen overnight. We need to see if Esme accepts the offer."

Leah put on her headphones and adjusted the volume to her liking.

The trio was about to eavesdrop on a meeting being held inside the Cullen home; the attendees were Edward, Rosalie, Jacob, and to everyone's surprise, Esme—Esme, the woman who wasn't officially involved in the coven's dealings. But she would make an appearance and would listen to every word about the events from the past couple of months and how they would affect the Cullen family business.

"And that is where we are at," Edward finished.

"I'm glad you've chosen to turn yourself in," Esme said. "I know it's not the most ideal course of action, but I don't want our home to be raided by the Marshals because you decided to out-run an arrest warrant. Not for some measly bribery charges."

"My sentiments exactly," Edward said. "Speaking of my upcoming incarceration, I wanted to talk to you about the future of this family."

"Future?"

"Despite all intentions, I know I cannot be an effective leader of this coven while behind bars. I'd like you to be the interim. Now, of course, the decision is yours. I'd never force you to do anything against your will."

Edward's words were met with silence.

"Are you serious?"

"Never been more," Edward said. "The coven respects you. I respect you." He took a deep breath. "What do you say, Miss Platt?"

There was another pause, but then Esme said, "This family is my life, and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure my life stays afloat. If that means take your place during your and Jasper's incarceration but then so be it."

"You think the coven can prosper under her?" Embry wondered, writing down some notes into his notepad. "She's only been operating behind the scenes. Running a family is the complete opposite of operating behind the scenes."

"Sometimes, that can be the best way to learn," Leah mused. "You can observe the workings of the business without any expectations." She turned to Jacob. "Anything we do with this information?"

"Not official, but it's useful," Jacob said. He checked his notes. "Hold on tight, Edward's scheduled a meeting with his ex and ex-soon-to-be-sister-in-law in a few hours. That oughta be interesting."

A few hours later, the trio put on their headphones once again in preparation for the upcoming meeting. The first few minutes between Edward, Carmen, and Tanya were filled with unnerving silence. But just when the trio was about to give up, Edward spoke.

"It has come to my attention that perhaps the Denali clan needs, I suppose, restructuring. These are dangerous times, ladies, and we need someone to ensure that we all out alive and well. Whatever happens to the Denalis will directly impact the Cullens. Because of this, it has been decided that the two families will merge as—"

Tanya cut her fiancé off. "That's what our future marriage is for," she reminded the man, voice full of confusion. "To merge our families. To make the Olympic coven legitimate in the eyes of our peers, here and abroad."

"Due to recent events, we should embark in another direction," Edward said. "A buyout, of some sort."

Tanya gasped at the idea. "Excuse me? Nem! I won't accept!"

"It's not exactly an offer," Edward pointed out. "It's a fact. Destiny, you may call. Now, how it happens depends entirely on you, Tanya."

"You son of a—"

Carmen wisely interjected. "There's no other choice?"

"Of course, there is," Edward said in a calm and collected voice. A stark contrast to his former lover's. "We can do this one of two ways: you can either allow the Cullens to absorb the Denali can and thus officially form the Olympic cove and ensure Irina's death is ruled as an accidental suicide. Or you can give us a hard time and let be charged for murdering a federal informant—Irina planned to receive a shorter sentence for her cooperation."

"What?"

"Tanya, please…"

"I would listen to Carmen, Tanya."

Tanya noisily shot out of her chair, letting it fall onto the marble tiling. "You, rohadék!" she cursed. She grunted, sounding like she was forcibly being held back by someone, most likely Carmen. "You, motherfucking bastard! Carlisle should've let you die on that hospital bed!"

"Tanya!"

"Carmen, control her," Edward said, voice void of emotion, then continued, "It's your choice, Tanya. Irina's death can be ruled as a homicide with you as the prime suspect or can be ruled as accidental. It's your choice."

"Edward, we've known each other for decades. Through thick and thin," Carmen cried. "Don't you think you're being a bit harsh? Yes, Irina's death wasn't ideal, but this? You're going overboard. Tanya is the head of the Denali clan. She has been for centuries…"

"Not unless she calms down," Edward said. Leah could imagine him pointing at the aggrieved matriarch. "When she decides to do so, then I'll think about it. But at this moment, my decision is the best course of action."

"You don't get to tell me what to do, Edward Masen!"

"Tanya."

"Do you know what I had to do to keep the goddamn family afloat?" Tanya shouted, still struggling to get out of Carmen's grasped; based on Carmen's heavy breathing, she was having a tough time keeping her loved one at bay. Do you how much blood I sacrificed for this family, and now you want to take it from me?"

"Make a choice, Tanya," Edward implored in an unrecognizable voice. He was generally the soft-spoken, but stern kind. Not like this. Not sounding like an authoritative, dispassionate boss. "I do not have all day."

"I refuse to—"

"The Denalis will become one with the Cullens," Carmen decided, talking over her sister's pained groan. On all accounts, she didn't have the authority to make such decisions, but Edward didn't question it.

"Terrific. Also, as you both know, due to events beyond my control, I will likely be heading to prison for a couple of years. During that time, the Olympic coven will be managed by Esme Platt, with my authority, of course. Sounds good?"

With Tanya stunned into silence, Carmen spoke in her place, "Unfortunately, it seems that we do not have any choice in the matter. From now on until further decided, the members of the Denali clan will answer to Esme Platt."

"I am glad that we were able to discuss this pressing issue as adults," Edward said. "You both may leave."

"Is this what you wanted, Barba?" Jenks asked the US attorney, tone none too kindly. It was the following morning and yet another meeting featuring himself, Paul, Barba and the team. "To have Denali family collapse and forcibly be absorbed into the Cullen family?"

Jenks wasn't entirely upset about the Denalis. Everyone knew that the family had been one of many thorns on the ASA's side for years; he was just tired of the dropping bodies. Everyone was.

Except for Carolina, it seemed. "The ends justified the means," was her cool response. She turned to the cops: Leah, Jacob, and Embry. "You all have done excellent work," she said with sincerity. "Your superiors should be very proud of you."

"Of course, I am," Paul said, thrumming his fingers along his desk. "I'm proud of everyone on this task force, especially after all we've endured. So, Counselor, why can't we arrest any of those fuckers?"

Carolina sat up tall her seat. "Captain, good things come with patience," she said with a wry smile. "Irina's death was unfortunate, but perhaps a blessing in disguise for our joint investigation."

"What do you mean?" Leah asked out of turn. Jenks had wanted to make another comment. "We could've stopped Irina from being killed. We knew it would happen the moment we got hold of Alistair's photos."

"Tanya would have found it either way," Carolina maintained. "Allister didn't produce the photos. They had been mailed to him by an anonymous sender. Photocopies. I assume someone with the real photos sent them to Tanya."

"And how do you know this?" Paul asked.

"The feds have been tapping Alistair's phones for quite some time," Carolina said. "Ever since we received your tip that Jessica Stanley was a recruit of his so-called talent agency."

"Is there an arrest warrant for him?" Embry wondered.

Carolina shook her head. "Alistair is admittedly questionable, but on the federal level, he technically hasn't done anything blatantly illegal. Plus, he's been very cooperative when provided an incentive," she explained. She turned to Jenks. "What about on the municipal level?"

Jenks crossed his arms and frowned. "Sad to say, we are in the same boat. We can't exactly bring a matchmaker into court. I'd be a waste of time, no matter now sleazy Alistair is."

"Then what can we do about Irina?" Jacob asked. "We all know Tanya killed her. Unfortunately, her cronies have been making a concerted effort to hide the evidence, but we do know it happened on Chicago soil."

"I am not here to dish out orders," Carolina said, giving Paul a pointed look. "This city isn't under my jurisdiction, but as a word of advice, I'd hold off arresting Tanya. The only reason why we know about Irina is because of the taps. Why mess up a good thing and bring bureaucracy into this mess?"

Leah saw her from a distance.

She should've let it go, just turn around and walk in the other direction. She was off the clock and alone. Jacob and Embry (and Paul) would kill her if they found out she was face to face with the one and only Esme Cullen without back up.

She should've, but Leah didn't. Esme was standing about fifty feet away, walking along the shore of Lake Michigan, surrounded by bodyguards. With no Amun Husseini (or Edward Masen) in front. This was a prime opportunity; one Leah couldn't bring herself to throw away.

With her badge ready, Leah called out, "Mrs. Cullen!"

She immediately regretted her decision.

What the hell was she doing? Did she not understand the risk she was taking? It wasn't as if hordes of people surrounded her; they were a few still hanging around, but no one was in earshot.

What a dumbass—

Esme (and her guards) stopped in her tracks and looked straight away. She recognized the detective almost immediately and continued walking in Leah's direction. There was no rush. None of the guards pulled out their weapons.

"You've come here to arrest me?"

"Unfortunately, I don't have enough to justify an arrest warrant," Leah replied when she reached Esme's side, flashing her badge. They ended up standing a few feet apart. Technically, Leah could arrest the woman, but there was no point in bringing in Esme only for her to be released hours later. "I guess you've lucked out for now."

Esme tried to hide her smile, but the detective was still able to catch it. Her body loosened up a bit, folding her hands in front of her and letting out a sigh as she looked out at Lake Michigan. It was near sundown, a beautiful sight to see as several planes came flew over the vast body of water to land at O'Hare far behind the two women. "Then why are you here?"

"For the truth."

Esme's eyebrows drew together. "I thought you weren't here to arrest me?"

"I'm not. Only want a peace of mind," Leah assured the other woman, and adding a snort, "Maybe I'll make my sleep better at night."

"I wouldn't be so hard on yourself," Esme insisted. There was sincerity behind her words. "You and your team have done a fine job, even at the expense of my family. And now with the Volturi confined to the borders of Moldova...A fine job, indeed."

"And yet, your family still runs free," Leah said. She didn't sound as bitter as she had expected. Maybe it was the resignation and fatigue, finally settling in. "For the most part."

Esme gave Leah a look of disappointment. "Oh, seriously, Detective, haven't you been raised in this city your whole life? Don't you know how Chicago operates?"

Of course, Leah did. "I wouldn't last this long if I didn't," she said. "So, the truth?"

Esme looked up at the detective and then motioned her guards to back off. "What would you like to know?" she asked.

"I don't think I'd have to explain."

"Ah, I see. You're here for him."

"Him?"

Esme scoffed. "Oh, come on, Detective. His death was ruled as an accident. Move on."

If only it were that easy.

"Like I said, I just want to have a piece of mind. I know he's dead. Just wanted to cover all of our bases. And as I said earlier, this conversation is off the books."

"Nothing you do is off the books."

"You'd be surprised."

Esme sighed and looked into the distance. This wasn't a conversation she wanted to have, that was obvious, but she didn't take any steps towards leaving or allowing her guards to act.

"I loved my husband. He was a good man. He just made unfortunate decisions… I'll have you know that I've never lied about my involvement in that girl's death. I didn't kill her, but I made no efforts to stop it. Perhaps, I should have. But then again, what good would that have done? Sometimes, you just have to let people figure out their mistakes for themselves."

Leah cleared her throat. "I see."

"Honestly, she was in over her head. If she had been wiser, she would have just stayed in school and live an honest life. Instead, she chose him. And Demetri."

Leah raised an eyebrow. She wasn't expecting to hear that man's name. "How did you know about him, Demetri?"

"Because those not cognizant of the workings of this business do not know how and when to keep their mouths and their legs closed," Esme said. "Foolish little girl, she really thought her physical attributes would be enough to become one of us."

"What about your husband?"

Esme's eyes widened slightly. She nodded, fully understanding. "Ah, you're here for him," she said. "I highly suggest you let that one death go."

"You know I can't do that," Leah said, stealing a glance at the guards. They all stared down at her, menacing. Leah's only solace was that they wouldn't make a move unless Esme said otherwise. "I made an oath."

"This goes beyond your oath, Detective," Esme said. "You're one of us now. The rules change. The circumstances are different. You're still a detective, a fine one at that."

"Thank you," Leah said. "I get what you're saying about your husband. I know what it feels to be betrayed by the one you love. It's a horrible feeling. All the effort you put into your relationship just to be… I don't know, turn into dust."

Esme looked at Leah from the corners of her eyes. "Then why didn't you end him?"

"It wouldn't have been worth it."

"Yes, that's what I've told myself over the years. He was my husband, and I was supposed to by his side through valleys and peaks." Esme swallowed, once again turning her gaze to the darkness that was Lake Michigan. "I'd give him my life. I thought he'd do the same."

"What happened."

Esme sighed. "Life." She faced Leah. "Are you going to arrest me then?"

"Not for Jessica Stanley."

"But for my husband."

If Esme were just another person, Leah would've without a second thought. But no, she was Esme, a woman who had a lot more to herself than she presented. "I want to make you a deal," Leah said.

Esme was surprised, but then she wasn't. "Of course." Her laugh was self-deprecating. "It seems that I've fallen into your trip. Damn, it must be the hunger talking. You see, I haven't fed in a while… But I'll have you know that I have no intentions on turning on my family."

Leah nodded. Esme didn't have to remind her. "This has nothing to do with you ratting on your family," she insisted. "This has everything to do with Jessica Stanley."

"I said I had nothing to do with it."

"Yes, but you also said you didn't stop it. So, that has to mean that you know something."

Esme crossed her arms. She gave the detective a once again, and then with a huff, asked, "So, what does this deal entail?"

Leah suppressed her grin. "I have to admit; I'm a bit surprised by your response." She took a step forward. "I wasn't expecting you to be so…"

"Open?" Esme tried, and then let out a chuckle. "Oh, I'm not open. Far from it, Detective, but I suppose what I see is the writing on the wall. Sometimes, it's better to cooperate with the other side... We have to pick and choose our battles. Or else, how would we survive?"

"She's cooperating because she's taking over the Cullen family," Leah told Jacob later that night. "It wouldn't do the family any good if both she and Edward are in prison. It'll create a power vacuum, which will lead to yet another war."

Which Chicago didn't need.

"I can't believe you ran into Esme," Jacob said, voice full of awe and concern, the usual combination when Leah was around. "I can't believe she actually talked. Not that I'm complaining, but damn… I guess that makes sense. Carolina's gunning for Edward. He must have seen the writing on the wall."

Leah nodded. "She didn't take responsibility for Carlisle's death. I know she had something to do with it, but we don't exactly have the evidence to convince Jenks to take the case without everyone and their mom having a conniption."

"No, we do not," Jacob said with a sigh. It was an unfortunate reality. "But at least we have something relating to Jessica's demise. Esme thinks she had it coming, and now to put the blame on the victim, but the leech isn't wrong."