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.

As Asher was mentioning Alma's death, Norma didn't realize that her composure had slipped for a moment and a look of confusion along with fear had flashed across her face and appeared in her eyes. But, no matter how long Asher continued the interview, not another word was spoken by Norma. Finally, he gave up and motioned for her to be returned to her cell.

It was his intention to return to the hospital and interview Isabella Harrison.

CHAPTER 42: TYING UP LOOSE ENDS

Asher caught up with Det. Martin before heading to the hospital, he told Martin about his interview with Norma Harrison. "She didn't react, or, make any comment most of the time, sticking with her view that Isabella Harrison was the guilty party. Norma Harrison still feels that we shouldn't have arrested her.

"However, I do think that you might want to interview her rather quickly before she has a chance to get things settled in her mind." And, Asher didn't hesitate to explain why he was encouraging such action as he told Martin about Norma's reaction to the mention of Alma's death and that it was believed that Alma Johnson had been murdered.

"Thanks, I think I'll benefit from your advice considering everything you've just told me."

The two detectives parted, each heading to get the statements from each of the people they are wanting to talk with. But, before Asher can get out of the station, Capt. Jenkins calls down and requests for Asher to see him before leaving to do anything else.

So, Asher heads to Capt. Jenkins's office as he was wondering what the problem of why the Captain needed to speak with him now. 'Why does that man always pick the moment that I'm wanting to get done with the Harrison wife to call me to his office?' Asher was wondering to himself as he made his way to Jenkins's office.

Once arriving, he knocks on the door and waits for permission to enter. It didn't take long before Jenkins yelled for the detective to enter. After entering and being motioned to take a seat, Jenkins didn't waste any time in getting right to the point. He explained about the call he just received from Charlie Swan and then asked what Asher's intentions were in regards to any charges being filed against Isabella Harrison.

"Captain, to be honest with you, I still have yet to receive a statement about what happened that night from Mrs. Harrison. But, from all of the evidence that has been gathered, I'm still going to charge her with attempted murder, however, I'm going to recommend that this is to be handled as self-defense.

"I'm sure that from what has been discovered and from all of the medical records, considering those particular records are far and few in-between that I've been able to obtain, this poor lady was physically abused for quite some time. And, it appears that she was having to endure the same treatment the night that Frank Harrison was killed. So, to me, this says self-defense.

"But, I have to follow procedure and charge her with attempted murder and then make my recommendation to the District Attorney about self-defense. I did also tell her attorney what I would be doing and advised him to have all of his evidence ready to back up what I'd be presenting."

"Wouldn't the same abusive facts and the same self-defense theory hold true for Norma Harrison also?"

"No. I can only say that she was abused by her brother and more than likely, her father as well. That's probably where Frank Harrison was taught the abusive treatment of the women in his life. And, I think it would be safe to say that Frank Harrison witnessed his mother receiving the same abuse from his father that Frank was delivering to Norma and Isabella Harrison.

"But, the difference between Norma Harrison and Isabella Harrison is the fact that Norma committed murder, not once, but twice, and then attempted to murder Isabella Harrison. However, in the case of Isabella Harrison all she did was to try to defend herself from more abuse and greater harm.

"From all of the evidence that is being and has been gathered in the cases concerning both women, Norma Harrison is the guilty party."

"You say both cases, which other case are you talking about?"

"It appears that Norma Harrison is responsible for murdering her cousin, Alma Johnson."

"That's the nurse at the hospital that created problems that threw Isabella Harrison into her catatonic state. Right?"

"Correct. The detective handling that case is Joshua Martin."

"I must say that you've improved in hardly any time after our talk. I'm glad to see that. Continue on with the way you plan to go. I believe that you have a good grasp of what needs to be done."

"Thanks, Captain, I appreciate the confidence. And, I have to say that with or without Mrs. Harrison's statement, I do believe that I have enough evidence to back up my conclusions and recommendations. It would just make everything more complete to have her statement."

"I have to tell you, Detective, that I've spoken to Charlie Swan at some length about the very subject that you've just mentioned. And, all I can say since the details of what was discussed is off the record and talked about just between old friends, is that all of your conclusions are spot on."

Asher was silent for a minute or two as he considered asking the captain to enlarge upon his comments. However, he knew, in the long run, that it would be a request made in vain. Jenkins had said the conversation was off the record and spoken between old friends. That meant that no matter how much he tried to get the captain to give him some of the details, he would be wasting both of their time. So, without further ado, Asher thanked Jenkins once more and left; he was now heading to the hospital.

Once he could get this statement from Isabella Harrison and receive the DNA test results, he would have everything he needed to close this case.

XXXXXX

Family and the new friends he has made since coming to Seattle this time, have been stopping in to visit and update Edward on and off all throughout the day. He was now finally getting some quiet time which would allow him time to go over Bella's case mentally. In his mind he went over everything that had been learnt and made a mental list of everything that still needed to be done to get Bella cleared of the pending murder charge. He still maintained the words, murder charge, in his mind since he wasn't sure if Asher was going to truly do as he had said regarding his intentions and recommendations to the D. A.

Edward knew that she would still have to be charged with attempted murder, but, once again, he felt that he could prove self-defense. And, after what Asher had told him, he was skeptically hopeful that the detective was going to co-operate to help achieve the same purpose. However, he still didn't want Bella to give any sort of statement about the whole situation unless he was there. There was a chance that she might innocently say something that could change the whole outcome of things.

He had been assured that Bella had stated her refusal to say anything unless her father or Edward was present, but, he was still nervous about Charlie Swan being there and he wasn't. True, Charlie would be able to guide her, from a cop's point of view, but, Charlie would still be seeing things from a policeman's angle, not that of a defense attorney's view.

Edward knew that he needed to get the hell down to stay with Bella. Time was running out of putting Asher off and Edward needed to be available for that unforeseen incident for when it happened. So, it was with that realization in mind that Edward decided to test the waters by getting up out of bed.

If he could make it to a chair, then he felt that he would be able to make his way down, slowly for sure, to Bella's room and that he would be able to stay there. That way he ran no risk of Asher getting to Bella without him being present.

XXXXXX

Charlie was refusing to leave Bella alone despite the fact that one of the women were always at Bella's side. He was determined that Asher wasn't going to show up without either he or Edward being present. And, since Edward wasn't in any condition at the moment to be present, Charlie felt that he had to take the position to be by his daughter. No chance was going to be taken that might present Asher with an opportunity to entrap his daughter into saying something that could be twisted around to be used against her. It just wasn't going to happen on his watch.

He had gone to check on Edward, out of respect for his friendship with Carlisle and Esme Cullen, but, also because Bella was concerned and wanted an update as to Edward's condition. She felt guilty because he had gotten injured by saving her from Norma's ire when the crazy woman had grabbed the officer's gun and tried to shoot Bella.

"Dad, can I ask you a question or two?"

"Sure, baby girl. What is it that you're wanting to know?"

"From what all of you have told me about this whole situation with Norma and adding in the factors of what happened earlier, what would be the charges against Norma if you had been the arresting officer?"

"That's easy to answer: two charges of murder and two charges of attempted murder."

"So, it's true that she possibly murdered the nurse that used to attend to my case when I first was brought in?"

"From all that has been discovered thus far. However, positive proof hasn't been found as yet, but, they're looking, and it's believed that they will find what they need before too much longer."

"Why is Norma doing this? I know that she has never liked me, but, she never attempted to do me any harm. At least, not that I know anything about.

"In fact, she and Frank always seemed to be close to one another. I never saw him raise a hand towards her, or, she raise her voice against him. They always seemed to be on the same wavelength. So, I'm having a very hard time understanding what has happened to her."

"It's apparent, that although it wasn't done in front of you, that Norma suffered the same fate as what you did. The only difference being is that she was being abused by her father and then later by her brother. So, she had years more of suffering than what you did.

"In some ways, it messed with her mind and when the chance presented itself, she took it. However, she carried things too far and will now pay the price for doing so, if I have anything to say about it."

"But, Dad, I never did anything to her and tried to stay away from her because of the way she felt about me. I felt that way it kept trouble to a minimum, so, I still have a hard time understanding her thinking."

"The best I can tell you is don't worry about it. Everything is nearly over and she's going to be put in a place where she'll never be able to hurt anyone ever again."

It was as Charlie finished speaking that the door to Bella's room opened and in walked Det. Asher. He walked over to greet Charlie and then turned to speak to Bella, but, before he could utter a single word to her, he was interrupted by the door being opened by someone else.

Assuming that it might be one of the nursing staff, Asher turned back to Bella and told her, "Mrs. Harrison, since you're now able to answer a few questions, I'd like to get your statement concerning the night your husband was killed."

But, before he was able to say anything else, or, Charlie was able to intervene, the person that had entered the room spoke, "It all will depend on what you're wanting her to say before she will utter one word to you. In fact, I'm even sure that a statement from my client isn't necessary since you pretty much have all of the evidence needed to be able to charge the correct person for the murder of Frank Harrison." Edward told the detective.

The two men faced each other, taking their time to size one another up to see who would give first: the detective determined to get some answers or the man in a wheelchair that was Bella's attorney. And, it was Asher who surrendered first by asking, "If you won't let her make a complete statement, then would you allow her to answer my questions?"

"It will all depend on the question before I will allow my client to furnish an answer."

"You know, Mr. Cullen, I'm a bit surprised to see you moving around after what happened earlier today."

"No reason to be since it was only a flesh wound. It hasn't stopped me from getting around, and, I do have a duty to my client."

At that moment, Bella decided that she had had enough and asked them if they were through with their pissing contest to which Charlie responses, "Bella!" in surprise at what his daughter had just said.

"I will allow my client to answer any question that seems to be reasonable, otherwise, she won't be saying anything." Edward answered Asher's earlier question about what Edward would allow his client to do.

After that the questioning began with general questions about what Bella had done during the day and then that evening leading up to her going home. And, Edward allowed her to answer only in short sentences with just the information needed and nothing more to be added.

Next, Asher asked what had caused the argument between Frank and herself. Bella answered him by saying that he had been upset with what she had worn at the beach earlier in the day. From that point on Edward did the questioning and didn't allow Asher to ask anything else. And, the way Edward asked his questions, Bella only had to give the shortest answers.

When it came to the gun being fired and Frank stubbing her, Edward asked the final question of how the police had been notified and Bella answered that she had called her dad.

Everyone was silent for the moment, then Asher commented, "Mrs. Harrison, I am satisfied with all that you've told me. Your answers back up all of the evidence we have and fills in some of the holes that we needed to know.

"From what I know I do believe that instead of being charged with attempted murder I'm going to tell the District Attorney that your case is nothing more than self-defense. However, with Norma Harrison that is a different case altogether."

With that being said Asher said his goodbyes and left. Everyone else breathed a sigh of relief, but, still wondered if it was truly over with.

A/N: Edward to the rescue and Bella gave a statement of sorts to Asher. But, despite all that Asher said he was going to recommend to the D. A. do you believe that he will follow through with his word? What's going to happen to Norma? Will enough evidence be found to prove that she did kill Alma?

Thanks for reading and looking forward to your reviews and thoughts.