STRUGGLES

Disclaimer: The Cullen's, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.

The awesome and talented dowlingnana searched out my errors and corrected them. She also makes the banners for each of my stories.

He entered, but, as he did he was struck beyond words by the sight that he beheld. Never in his life had he seen such natural beauty he that he could see shining through all of the bruising, bandages and tubing appearing, covering or attached to her. Then one thought entered his mind, "Alice was right!"

CHAPTER 7: I PROMISE

Even though Edward had the thought of "Alice was right!" he was unaware of two things happening. The first being that he had said it out loud and the second was the quiet sound made as the door behind him had opened and closed. It wasn't until a small hand tucked itself inside of his larger one that Edward became aware of someone else being in the semi-silent room with him. The only noise that could be heard at the moment was that of the machines that were hooked up to the unconscious woman in the bed.

The beeping and whooshing kept up a constant uninterrupted rhythm as Edward continued to watch the lady that held his attention. Neither he nor the person that had entered the room made a move to advance further into the room; at least, not for a few minutes and not one word was spoken during that whole time.

Finally, in a very hushed, almost whispered like voice the question was asked, "So, you believe now that I was right?"

But the only response the questioner received was a simple nod of the head before Edward made the move to get closer to the bed and the woman in it. There he stood looking down at her and then quietly made the promise, "I will make things right; I promise. You will know peace."

He was having a hard time taking his eyes off of the unconscious woman, but, he finally managed it. Looking at the little annoyance that had entered, he softly said, "Yes, Alice, I do believe you now. The problem being that she needs to be protected and cleared of the charges that are about to be put on her.

"I've got a lot a work to do and very little to go on to make sure that I keep my promise to her. But, make no mistake, keep it I will."

"Don't you mean 'we'? Do you really think that I'm going to let you do this alone with no help at all? Think again, brother dear. Besides that you have a wealth of available help just beyond that door that would do whatever was necessary to help you clear her." Alice reminded him.

"I know." Was all he said in a very quiet, hushed tone. It was almost as if he was afraid to speak any louder for fear of disturbing her, or, startling her in any way. He knew from what his dad had told him and from what he could see that she had already been through hell, but, he was determined to bring her back to the peace and tranquility of those that loved her and will be loving her.

"Edward, I know you don't love her yet, but, that you do recognize her as being your soul mate. You will know more about her than she will about you, but, that won't stop what is truly intended and that is for the two of you to be together at the end of things.

"So, with that said, I'm going to tell you to work on things and have faith. That is what will sustain you in the long run when things are at the darkest."

"Alice, are you trying to tell me that things are going to get a whole hell of a lot worse before the light at the end of the tunnel?"

"Count on it, brother, but, remember that you have a small army behind you aiding in any and all ways that we can to get you two through this."

"Keep reminding me of that from time to time, will you?"

"With annoying pleasure; annoying for you, but, definite pleasure for me."

"Little witch, I love you, sis, and thanks for everything."

"You bet'cha."

After that both brother and sister left the room to return to the waiting room and the rest of the families. Edward realized that the whole time they had been in Bella Harrison's room neither he nor Alice had referred to her reaction to Jasper Whitlock. That was something he was going to question her about in a quieter moment. Right now he needed to start concentrating on the matters at hand concerning the case that involved his client and her dead husband.

As he and Alice reentered the waiting room Edward noticed that Det. Asher had left, but, he had left behind a very tense air amongst the people that were closest and dearest to Bella. He knew from what the detective had said earlier that he didn't have much lead way time wise to getting the defense established so he'd be able to protect his client.

"Chief Swan, can you give me the information as to how I can get a hold of this private investigator you recommended?" Edward asked.

"Of course, that's not a problem. In fact, I should have called Emmett and Rosalie to let them know about what has happened, but, it wasn't a high priority on my list of things to do. He's going to be absolutely pissed, well, I guess you could say they both are going to be pissed, because of what has happened.

"Then there's Bella's other friends, Angela Weber and Ben Cheney, who will need to be told as well. Those two should be able to help with what information you might need, if any, concerning my Bella." Charlie told Edward.

"Good, the more people we can talk with that might be able to give me an idea of what Norma Harrison might have against her sister in law would be extremely helpful at this point."

"Aren't you planning to talk with Norma, yourself?" Charlie asked sounding a bit aggravated that he had to ask Edward that question.

"Of course, I am, but, I would like to know more about her, her brother and my client first before I meet with the woman." Edward explained. "It makes it easier to have a picture of sorts created of the accusing sides so I can be prepared to know what questions to ask and to know what answers I'm seeking." Edward patiently explained. "It'll help me to get to know the person better and to be able to know when they're lying and when they aren't."

"Okay, I can understand that." Charlie told him then pulled a notepad along with a pen out of his pocket to write down the information of how to get a hold of Emmett, Rosalie, Angela and Ben. He gave all of the addresses and phone numbers for Edward to be able to call them as the need arose. "Before you contact any of them, though, I do need to call them to alert them to the current situation."

"That's not a problem with me. In fact, I think that sort of information should definitely come from you since they don't know who I am and it might make them a bit hesitant about answering any questions from a stranger."

"Give me a few moments to call and inform them of what has happened with Bella and I'll let them know about your representing her through all of this mess.

"It's quite possible that they will make a trip up here straight away because of my call. That way it would be easier to introduce you and they would know to help you any way they can without any hesitation from them."

"That would be great, Chief Swan, if you could make that happen."

"Son, it's just Charlie to you. You're my friend's son and secondly, you're helping my Bella. So, consider it already done."

Without further conversation between the two men Charlie turned away as he was pulling his phone out of his pocket to begin dialing and Edward turned towards his parents who were standing off to one side carrying on a quiet conversation between the two of them and he saw that Alice was involved in her own conversation with one Jasper Whitlock. And it was as he observed the continuing action between Alice and the man she was talking to Edward knew that he would need to do further checking into this man.

Oh, he was very much aware of what his father had told him about the connection between this Whitlock fellow and his client, but, there was a lot more information that he wanted to know to make sure he was worthy to be with his sister. She maybe claiming that he was her soul mate as she knew that Bella Harrison was his, but, he still wanted to make sure that she wasn't going to be hurt by some player that wouldn't have any serious intentions of treating her right.

It was his job as her brother to make sure she would be safe with this man. He just wouldn't feel like he was doing his duty towards his beloved sister if he didn't look into this man's background. All he could do was hope that Jasper Whitlock checked out to be okay and was indeed the upstanding person that everyone seems to think he is.

It was at that moment that the conversation Charlie Swan was having with someone on his phone that pulled Edward's attention back from his thoughts and planning surrounding what actions he would be taking concerning his sister. He heard Charlie saying, "Yes, I know how it can go. That's why-", but, it seems that the person on the other end interrupted what Charlie was saying as the caller had something that he felt needed to be said.

Then Charlie continued, "I know, Emmett. We have one of the best attorneys that could be had and he's here now. And, he's interested in having your help in clearing Bella of being charged with any possible crime." Charlie paused once more to listen to more of what was being said.

After a few moments of listening Charlie concluded with saying, "Yes, I know you will. He'll be available to meet with you when you and Rosalie get here. Don't worry, Emmett, I'll tell him and I have all the confidence in both you and him in keeping my baby girl safe." Charlie hung up and turned to Edward, but, before he could say anything Edward informed him that he had heard most of the ending conversation and would definitely be wanting to work with Emmett.

"I've called Angela and she's getting in touch with Ben. Once she's done that she said they would be on their way up to the hospital and would be happy to talk with you and to contribute whatever help they could in helping you clear Bella of any possible charges.

"Emmett, as you know, is eager to help and work with you, but, Rosalie is a bit hardnosed and very sharp tongued until she gets to know you, however, when it comes to helping Bella she'll be at the head of the line to begin working to clear Bella of any wrong doing before a person has a chance to even form the thought of her committing a crime."

"Then it seems we've got a team formed to start getting all of this cleared up. Don't worry, Charlie, Bella will come out of this just fine and she'll be cleared of any accusations of wrong doing or murder.

"I made a promise to that little lady in there and I'm going to make sure it's one promise that is kept."

A/N: Edward admits to Alice that she was right about him finding his one and only. He makes a promise to Bella. Will he be able to keep that promise? Is Bella going to be charged with murder? What all did Norma have to say against Bella?

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