Silent City

by comekitty

Caught in a world where the lines of good and evil blur, Bella finds herself in the heart of a war. There is a struggle for power and control of the streets of Chicago...but will underboss Edward find himself fighting for more than he bargained for? A/H

22. 22 - The King's Jester

Chapter 22

The King's Jester

B-POV

I had been in the living room coloring with Arianna and watching Peppa Pig when I sauntered into the kitchen to see Edward.

I was restless.

Leaning over the granite counter, I let out a sigh then chewed my bottom lip and looked at the clock. I watched the second hand come full circle before letting out another sigh.

Edward furrowed his brows and looked over at me. I took that as an invitation, "Do you think it'd be cool if I just ran over there? I mean is it too early?" I wondered what Edward thought. I had been dying to know how Jessica's night was. The anticipation was slowly killing me.

Edward looked at me from the corner of his eye and waved his phone at me. "Ever hear of phoning first?"

He thought I misunderstood or misread the whole situation.

Nope.

Not a chance.

I was right on the money and now I needed details.

Lots of details.

Detailed details.

I grabbed my phone. "Yeah – maybe." I begrudgingly agreed to his voice of reason. "Still – is it too early to call?" I don't know why I even asked.

Edward looked up from his phone. "Give it a bit."

I mentally rolled my eyes.

Edward was no help here.

"I've given it a whole night!" I blew out a frustrated breath. "Aren't you even the slightest bit curious?" I couldn't understand how he was so 'whatever' about it all. "I mean – Jake is your friend, right?"

I tapped my foot feeling seriously annoyed. "Can you just –" Frusterated at Edward's lack of enthusiasim, I blew at the hair hanging across my left eye. "What if I'm right?" He could at least try to entertain that notion.

He set his phone down and turned to face me. "Okay – what if you are?"

"Edward…" I groaned. "…you just don't get it."

He chuckled. "No, I get it and I can say wait a bit because if it were us…" He left that hang there and wagged his brows suggestively. "Now how would you like it if someone came banging on the door?"

I nodded, thinking that over, I paced over to look out the window briefly.

"Can you sit down?" Edward gestured to an empty kitchen chair. "You're making me dizzy with all your pacing around."

I sat; my butt had barely grazed the seat when I jumped up quick. "I'm gonna get dressed." I announced all at once.

"Bella – ," Edward warned.

I made my eyes big at him. "I didn't say I was going over there." Edward knew me too well. I was absolutely going over there. "I have an errand and I figured by the time I'm done with that, I'd stop over."

Edward shook his head and chuckled. "Don't say I didn't try to tell you."

"Nope. Sure won't. This is all me." Wild horses couldn't keep me from Jessica today.

I tore upstairs and grabbed the closest clothes. I had worn this yesterday – they smelled clean enough. They'd be fine. Plus, I'd be changing when I got back. Edward had asked me to the Halloween party at his club later so Esme offered to have a weekend slumber party with Adrianna.

I wasn't sure if it was meant to be a costume party. I mean I figured probably so - it is Halloween weekend after all but I asked nonetheless. Edward said the girls usually dress up and either way I'd be fine.

I spent many long hours shopping with Jessica for just the right thing.

She had me try on dozens of costumes.

I really wanted it to be perfect.

And by perfect – I mean give Edward a stroke.

Ahhh! No, not really – but you know what I'm saying.

I put all that on the backburner for now.

That was later. For now, I was a very impatient girl on a mission.

I flew back downstairs and sailed right back to the kitchen.

"Maybe I'll bring Jessica cookies." I grabbed a plate from the cabinet. "You know – for Halloween." I smiled big and bright at Edward.

That seemed like a good reason to stop by.

Who doesn't like treats?

He frowned and complained. "Not all of 'em. Save me some."

I waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, yeah – I can make more." I grabbed saran wrap, then carefully set two cookies on a napkin for Edward and wrapped up the rest, plate and all.

I blew out a puff of breath. "Okay – "
Edward looked over with an all too amused smirk. "You out?" He got up and moved towards me.

"Just one minute." I scurried over to the living room to Adrianna. "I'm going to run over to help Jessica with something." She looked up from her coloring book. "When I get back I'll take you Trick-or-Treating." I kissed the top of her head and she leaned her head towards me and patted my arm with her small hand.

She could be so sweet at times.

"Will Skippy color?" She asked.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear. "If you ask real nice, I bet he will." Edward had gotten really good with Adrianna. "You make sure you're a good girl for Edward." Really I don't know why I said that – she listens to Edward waaay better than me.

Adrianna followed me into the kitchen and leaned against Edward's leg. He ruffled her hair. "Looks like it's just you and me, kid." Edward picked her up and carried her over towards me.

"Okay – I'm gone." I confirmed.
He nodded and the corners of his mouth tilted upward. "We'll be here. Let me know what she says." He wagged his eyebrows and waved his phone. "I'll have my phone on."

I burst out giggling. "For sure." I twirled my index finger in Edward's direction. "And – if you happen to talk to Jake….." I licked my lips. "you'll let me know what he says?" I bit the corner of my mouth to rein in my big dopey smile.

"If he mentions it…." Edward poked my nose.

My whole face fell. "You mean – you won't ask?" I snapped my hanging mouth closed and frowned at him. "Really?"

Edward laughed. "I'm not gonna ask him, but if he brings it up – you'll be the first to hear."

I guess that was fair. "Deal." I agreed. That was more than I thought I'd get anyway.

"I'll see you two in a little bit." I kissed Edward's cheek and Adrianna's once more then scurried out the door.

I was quick getting to Jessica's.

I parked and headed towards her apartment – cookies in hand.

Following the path around to the stairs, I got my confirmation.

Jake.

He nodded in my direction. "What's up, Shortcakes?"

I swallowed.

Yeah – I wouldn't be asking Jake either.

"Just um…." I remembered the plate in my hand then. "…bringing Jessica something." I shrugged and added a little more. "Thought maybe she'd wanna go shopping today." I waved bye and scooted along, hoping he didn't notice my cheeks turning pink.

"Stay out of trouble." Jake called over his shoulder.

With my hand raised over my head, I gave him one last wave and just kept walking until I reached Jessica's door on the second floor. No time for shootin' the breeze with Jake today.

My fist was frozen in the air, mid-knock when she whipped the door open. She used so much force opening the door, I could feel the air breeze past my face. "Bella!" She squealed. "Oh, my God – get in here!" She grabbed my arm, yanked me right in and set the cookies I had in my hand aside. "This is so crazy - I was just thinking about you!" She stood an arm's distance with an ear-to-ear grin. "I have so much to tell you." Her big smile and wild hair said it all.

Her happiness and excitement were contagious and I broke out in a giddy smile of my own and hugged her so tight. "Oh, my God – Jess! I'm so happy for you!"

"Okay – but are you cool with it?" She studied my face. "Yesterday, you didn't seem so thrilled. Maybe…I don't know. Is it gonna be weird for you?" She thoughtfully wondered.

I shook my head. "No, zero weirdness. I think it's so great." I meant that, too. Yesterday – I don't know what my problem was. I have no claim to Jake and I was truly happy for Jessica. She needed a good guy.

Jess rolled her eyes way up in her head and let a soft moan rumble deep in her throat. "It. Is."

I giggled. "All right – spill it. Every little thing." I couldn't wait anymore.

Jessica was a good story teller.

She didn't just gloss over highlights.

I got a minute-by-minute account of their evening.

She left nothing out.

By the end, I needed some air to cool off. "Damn – " I fanned myself. "….that's really hot."

She squealed again and hugged me tight bouncing from foot to foot with excitement. "And I get to see him again tonight!" She happily sang.

That meant….

I pulled back to see her face. "Wait – are you coming to Edward's thing?"

"Yes!" She practically bubbled over with glee.

"That's so awesome!" I loved the idea of Jessica being there, too. I miss Jess a lot. I missed our late-night chats with snacks. I hoped this meant I got to see her more often.

"I know!" Jessica was just as excited. "And - I miss you, too."

"So….are you guys-" I wondered if this was an exclusive thing.

"I think…" She didn't finish that statement. "I don't know." Jessica licked her upper lip. "I mean do I want it to be? Oh, my God – yes. For sure." Her eyes were twinkling with excitement. "I guess time will tell."

"Well – I think you two are cute together and Jake….well, you know - he's a great guy." I didn't want to give false hope so I left it at that.

"Listen – I'm starving." She made her way back to the small kitchen.

"Yeah, well you really worked up an appetite." I giggled.

Jess just beamed. "You want some cereal?"

I shrugged. "Yeah – sure. I could eat something." I moseyed over to the kitchen then too and watched Jessica fill two bowls with Cocoa Puffs. I could at least be helpful – I opened the fridge to grab the milk. There were two bottles of cherry flavored water and four lemons and that was it. "Um….you're out of milk."

"Oh, yeah – I know. I was busy and didn't have time to shop." She held up a carton of caramel coffee creamer. "This is pretty good, though – especially with Cocoa Puffs. Chocolate and caramel. Yummy-yum." Her smile was exaggerated as she rubbed her tummy then poured the last of the creamer over all the cereal. "You know – I mean in a pinch it works."

"Yeah?" I stabbed my puffs with a spoon and smashed them down in the creamer before giving it a go. "Yeah – it's pretty good." I agreed as I crunched a mouthful of chocolately puffs.

Jessica set her spoon down and nibbled the tip of her thumb. "So, we're going to need to shop." I gave her a look as she stuffed another spoonful in her mouth. "Before you say anything –" She wagged her finger at me. "…it'll be quick. I promise."

"Come on, Jessica – I got a lot to do today." I complained back.

"Super quick. Plus, give a girl a break. I'm starting my day with Cocoa Puffs soaked in coffee creamer."

I pushed her shoulder. "Girl, don't even – you started your day molesting Jake. That sounds like a damn good wake up to me."

"Please – " Jessica pled and I caved. I always end up caving. "Yeah – fine but it has to be later. I have to take Adrianna Trick-or-Treating this afternoon. She's home with Edward waiting – very impatiently I might add."

Jessica beamed. "Trick-or-Treating….Hmm – I did that this morning, too." Jessica batted her eyelashes. "It was boo-tiful."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay – you can stop now." I pushed my bowl off to the side – way too sweet. It was like diabeties in a bowl. "What are we going out for?"

"Halloween – but I already know what I'm getting." She got up and put her bowl in the sink then disappeared into her bedroom.

While I had a minute, I texted Edward.

B: told you so

He just sent a thumbs up back.

Not a very satisfying response.

I wondered how he'd respond if I texted that I was naked.

I was pretty sure that response would be way more engaging.

My thoughts wre interrupted when Jessica came back holding a pair of very tall, and very red lace-up leather boots. "You like?"

She handed a boot to me and I let it unfold to it's full length. They were so soft and you could still smell the new leather. "Oh, my gosh! Yeah, I love them!"

"They were totally on sale. I couldn't say no." She tried her boots on for me. "Soooo….I thought they'd be cool Little Red Riding Hood boots. I just need the Little Red costume. And that's where you come in."

Her boots fit like a second skin and just came over the knee and she was now at least four inches taller than me. "Yeah, they will." I agreed whole heartedly. "Ok – we'll go. Trick-or-Treating starts early – so I can be back early enough to make a run with you." After all, Jessica spent an entire day costume shopping for me.

She hugged me tight. "Thank you!" She grabbed my purse and ushered me towards the door. "Okay – now go, go." She pushed me right out. "Get back here as soon as you can." She shouted out before shutting the door in my face.

When I got back to Edward's – or home. I mean when I got back home – he was in the kitchen and Adrianna was at the table eating. "Before I clean-up over here, you want a sandwich without crusts, too?" He sweetly offered before taking a bite out of his own sandwich.

I shook my head as I giggled. "Look at you." I teased.

Edward was putting the lunch spread away as I walked over to Adrianna and there was her favorite sandwich – peanut butter and jelly with no crusts. "Is that a yummy lunch?"

She looked up at me nodding as she chewed – her mouth sticky with the jelly.

My insides were goo.

I couldn't possibly love him anymore than I did right at this moment.

It was a totally simple thing to do but it meant the world.

I also couldn't possibly think about eating after my bowl of Cocoa Puffs and creamer. I wrapped my arms around his middle and he tilted his head so I could put a kiss on his cheek. "You know what?"

"Hmm?" He asked.

"I love you."

He winked. "Back at ya."

I had to move quick. I ran to the closet and pulled out the bags of candy and started dumping them into a huge black bowl. I wasn't sure how many kids Edward got for Halloween – and he was no help so I just bought a whole bunch.

"That's where you been hiding the stash." Edward came up behind me and grabbed a couple of candy bars. "And you got the good stuff."

I poked his ribs with my pointer finger. "Between Adrianna and you – I had to hide it otherwise we wouldn't have any to give out."

"Trick-or-Treat –" Edward grabbed another and wrapped his arms around me letting me go only when the doorbell rang.

"And it begins – " I handed the bowl of candy to Edward and pushed him towards the door. "You're on deck."

I took Adrianna upstairs to get ready so Edward was on his own with the door. Once she was dressed, I sat her up on the sink in the bathroom – the lighting was better in here. I got to work painting on a little pink nose and little black whiskers then I stepped back to admire my work. I tweaked her little chin. "Cutest little black cat I ever did see."

"Mommy – " She whined back. "I'm a scary black cat."

I made my eyes big. "Absolutely terrifying!" I appeased.

I put my witch costume back on for now, I had something else picked out for later, then I set the bowl of candy on the porch.

"You know – they're just gonna take it bowl and all." Edward pointed out.

"That's why I put the plastic bowl out." I took Adrianna's hand and Edward closed the door behind us.

The weather was really nice for being almost November. Halloween you never know what you're gonna get. Most times it's cold and rains, a few times it even snowed.

Living in Chicago, there's no escaping the snow but snow on Halloween – the cold and wet….blech! It's just too early.

Even though we just walked Edward's street, which was plenty long for Adrianna, her Trick-or-Treating pail was over flowing by the time we headed back.

Adrianna ran to the kitchen with her haul and dumped the pail all over the table.

"Whoa, whoa –" I started putting the candy back in the bucket. "You can pick out three."

Adrianna was quick to object. "Three…" she whined. "Why only three?" Always with the 'whys' – it drives me crazy.

Edward answered sternly for me. "Oh – what'd your mother say?"

He doesn't scream or yell, he doesn't even snap. It's just something about his tone – there's no choice but to comply.

"Okay –" She replied disgruntled as she picked out M&M's, Snickers, and Twizzlers. She didn't need any more sugar – especially since she'd be over at Esme's which was like a confectionary dream. Edward looked over her candy then he tried talking her into letting him have a Snickers, too.

"Can I snag one of those?" Edward gestured to her pile of candy and she slid over a bag of Skittles.

He surveyed her lesser offering and frowned. "I was thinking something with a little more street value." He joked.

With great amusement, I stopped and leaned against the fridge to watch the negociations take place.

Adrianna looked back at her pail. "You can either have two Skittles or one Milky Way." She hustled back.

"I thought we were partners here?" Edward gestured to the candies on the table. "This is an unequitable cut."

"Take it or leave it, Skippy."

"Gimme the Milky Way." He reached for the candy bar then looked curiously behind her and pointed. "What's that behind you?"

Adrianna naievely turned to look as two Snickers disappeared.

When she turned back, she noticed right away. "Hey! That's not fair." Adrianna protested.

"It's your first lesson in business – never trust a partner you shook down." He ruffled her hair and she giggled.

"Here, Mommy – " She handed me a bag of Whoopers. "these are for you, too." I knew Adrianna too well to think that she was being generous. She was just ridding her stash of all the gross candy. Whoopers are disgusting. They taste like crunchy Kaopectate - even kids don't like them.

"Alright you two –" Sometimes it feels like I have two kids. "I'm putting these away for now." I stashed Adrianna's candy away then I took her upstairs to get cleaned up and change out of our costumes.

Esme came a short while later. She had special baking plans with Adrianna and was in a hurry to get her going. I kissed and hugged Adrianna and told her 'I loved her' - Esme carried her overnight bag and then she was off.

I turned to Edward. "Hey – I was just going to run back over to Jessica's. Last minute shopping trip."

Edward checked his phone. "I gotta run out for a bit, too. I won't be too long, though."

I kissed Edward and ran out the door to head back to Jessica's.

We piled in my car and we were off.

"I see we're still counting sippies." Jessica noted as I sat at the red light waiting to turn right.

I shook my head. "Sippies is too short – it's Mississippi. You know – Mis-sis-sip-pi." I slowly dragged out all the syllables as my eyes darted to the rearview mirror to see who was laying on their horn just then. I frowned. "What's with this guy – " I jerked my thumb over my shoulder. "If I get a ticket – is he paying for it?" I looked over at Jessica. "No!" I answered myself and bug-eyed the rearview mirror. "He can just sit tight."

I had recently gotten a ticket for making a right turn on a red at a photo enforced traffic light.

They claim I didn't stop.

Technically, I rolled through it. So, there was a pause at least but that didn't count.

I paid it and vowed to be more careful.

Now, when I need to turn right and the light's red, I count to five Mississippi's – sometimes six or seven before I make my turn.

We got to the costume shop and true to Jessica's word she was speedy quick. She grabbed the costume and we were out the door.

Our feet had barely stepped off the curb when out of no where a black car with tinted windows flew right passed us. It was so close when it blew by the wind it created whipped our hair around and we jumped back to the curb to avoid becoming road pizza.

Jessica stood with one hand on her hip and the other hand flipping the bird. "Hey – asshole!" She belted out. All of the sudden the car came to a screeching stop right in the middle of the street and Jessica and I both looked at eachother. She turned her attention back to the car. "You drive like shit!" She hollered at the driver. The car stayed in place for what seemed like an eternity before finally peeling off.

"Do you think that was the same car that honked at me?" I wondered.

Jessica looked in the direction the car went but it was already gone. "I don't know. I didn't really get a close enough look."

I shrugged. "Hmm – I guess there's a lot of dark cars." I decided to put it out of my mind. My tummy was starting to rumble anyway. "You wanna stop for food? Lou's talkin' – he needs to eat." I joked.

Jessica shook her head. "I only brought enough cash for the costume. I'm broke as shit at the moment and squeezing pennies til Lincoln fuckin' screams." She chuckled.

"No worries – if I have tacos, you have tacos." There's been many times Jessica has spotted me. "That's how we roll."

"When have you ever known me to say no to Taco Bell?"

I nodded knowing full well she'd never turn down tacos – we're two peas in a pod. "With Mountain Dew?"
"Yessss!" She approved.

When we got to Taco Bell, I rolled up to the order box and got our usual. "Can I get two large Mountain Dews and six hard shell tacos?"

I reached for my purse and pulled out my debit card only to have the window guy hand it back to me. "Sorry, Miss – it's expired."

"What?" I started but then, "Oh – oh, crap." I had totally forgotten to activate the new card. "Hang on-" I hollered while I rummaged around my purse. I found a five-dollar bill floating around and a big handful of change. "That's like nine bucks." I said to Jessica.

She shrugged. "Ok, so change of plans - we split a Mountain Dew and use the rest for tacos." Jessica logically proposed.

"Ok –" I started back at the window guy. "Can you just cancel that order? I have nine bucks - can I get one large Mountain Dew and the balance in hard shell tacos?"

He gave me a funny look. "Uh, yeah – okay." He said with absolute annoyance as Jessica snickered.

I handed over my five and dumped the handfuls of change on his little window platform. "Sorry." I cringed when he looked at all the coins. He counted every last one, too before handing over the goods.

Finally, we grabbed our sack of tacos, pulled out of the drive thru and came around the corner. "Hey – " I stopped the car and gestured with my eyes. "…is that the same car? The one that honked and nearly ran us over?" I was mostly positive they were one in the same now.

Jessica looked over at the side mirror. "Mmm – I can't tell." She giggled. "If it is – maybe that's why he was honking. He was hungry and headed to the boarder."

"Yeah – I get crabby when I'm hungry, too." I pulled into an empty parking spot.

Jessica opened the straw and took a sip and handed me the drink. "No, you get hangry. There's a difference."

We were busy with our tacos, listening to Eminem, I didn't even see the guy approach my vehicle. He was already at my front end when I spotted him, my eyes were immediately drawn to his thick, tattooed hand tapping my hood.

His heavily marked hand trailed from one end of my hood to the other - a large black compass was stamped across the top and at the center was the all seeing eye glaring back at me.

I held my breath as he continued to walk through the lot. We both watched him until he was no longer in our sights.

"Fucking weirdo." Jessica mumbled.

I tried to shrug off the creepy feeling. "I think Halloween is getting to me." I felt silly for being so jumpy.

"I know – you're starting to creep me out, too." She jested.

The sun was close to setting by the time we were finished eating and pulling out of the lot.

As I made my way out into traffic, so did the car. "Ah…..not to be an alarmist but I think that same car is behind us again." What the hell is with this guy?

Jessica glanced in her mirror. "Mmmmm….maybe just lock us in."

I guess I wasn't sounding so crazy anymore. I tapped the power lock button and did just that - like that's going to do anything, though.

There was no way I was gonna home with this car tailing me – so I just aimlessly drove.

I turned left – he turned left.

I went straight – he stayed close behind.

I went right – he went right.

If I wasn't sure we were being followed before, I was positive now.

Jessica glanced over at me. "What?" I snapped at her.

She peeked in her mirror again. "Look – I need to get out. I've had to piss for forever now."

I scoffed. "Well, you'd better grow a dick and have perfect fucking aim because this car isn't stopping!" I meant it too. I had no idea where the fuck I had landed us or where I was going but we weren't stopping – of that I was sure. My tank was three quarters full – that could buy a lot of driving time.

"Maybe it's just Edward's goones." Jessica suggested as she crossed her leg over and scrunched her face.

Gaping at the run down neighborhood we were approaching, I shook my head. "It's not Edward." I said with absolute conviction as my eyes scanned the filthy narrow street populated by scantily dressed hookers and stray dogs. "He'd be calling by now."

Of that I was sure.

I turned my attention back to the grimy neighborhood – the rusty chain link fences didn't exactly scream, 'welcome'. I could feel Jessica's eyes on me. "You have any idea where we're at?" She wondered out loud.

"The expressway should be this way." I made a face. "I don't know – it shouldn't be this far down." I squinted trying to see the street names and the tag-along car just kept creeping along with us.

Just fucking perfect.

The panic setting in made it hard to think straight.

My focus had been on the car and not the rapidly changing neighborhood.

Chicago is tricky – if you blink your eye you could end up in a very dangerous part of town and with all the one way streets it's like a fucking labyrinth making it out alive.

Muffled pops ripped through the night air and we both turned to look at each other with eyes so big our foreheads wrinkled. "I'm pretty sure that sounds legit." Jessica said while choking on her own spit.

Jessica was right – there was no way those were firecrackers.

I felt a small wave of panic taking in the sights. The buildings were dingy - tagged with spray paint, broken windows either papered over, some boarded up. I glanced in my rearview mirror - the dark car that I had picked up was still there.

"I see you – what the fuck do you want?" I thought out loud.

Jessica turned the radio down the uneasiness evident in her voice. "Bella – just turn around."

Fuck.

I turned off the main street and into more of a neighborhood.

The dark car had turned too.

The narrow side streets were darker than the main street and littered with blowing papers and broken glass and other random crap just strewn about.

I was breaking out into a cold sweat now.

"Turn the car around, Bella!" Jessica pleaded.

"Where?" I snapped back. I gestured out beyond the windshield as I rolled through yet another stop sign. "There's no place to do it at. All these's fucking one way streets-" I was watching in my rearview mirror as the dark car also ignored the stop signs and continued to creep along behind me.

With my eyes trained on my rearview mirror, I slowly turned down an alley hoping to make it back to the main street when Jessica screamed out. "Oh, my God! Bella, watch out!" Jessica's hand came out to brace against the impact.

Even though I was going slow, I had to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the man standing in the middle of the fucking street with his arms spread out like an eagle.

"What the fuck is this?" I said to myself.

I quick looked in my mirror again. The dark car hadn't turned down the alley but had come to a stop effectively blocking my path to freedom.

The car was motionless behind me – just sitting.

They could be a potential witness.

They could also be an accomplice.

"Around 600,000 people go missing every year. Every year – right here. In the U.S. Poof! Just gone. How do you feel about becoming a statistic?" Jessica squeezed my thigh and whispered under her breath, "Jesus – just run him down."

The dark man was tall and tattooed – with his arms stretched wide, you could easily see the gun he had tucked in his waistband. His eyes should have been dark but they looked almost all white. I thought maybe from the glare of the headlights.

Alright – enough.

I was fucking terrified.

I glanced in my mirror again only to see the car's red tail lights disappearing as it passed the alley.

Jessica squeezed my thigh again, her nails digging into my skin. "What are you waiting for? Just go." She spat through gritted teeth.

My eyes never left the figure blocking my path. "What are you – crazy?" I hissed back. "We can't do that!" I scolded and for the first time glanced over at her. I probably looked just as pale as she did at that moment.

"We can't die either." She quietly but very reasonably pointed out.

While she does make a good point here – I continue to make no move. However, one false move from this guy and….. I glanced back out the windshield – the guy stood there grinning like a leering jack-o-lantern. Something metallic in his mouth flashed against my headlights. My armpits were sweating and my lips were dry. I licked them but come to think of it my whole mouth and even my whole throat were dry.

"Let's just – " Jessica started but I was distracted by something I heard and interrupted. "Will you shut up for a minute. Listen." I tuned my ears in to the dark figure.

"Bella-" There it was - I heard my name again loud and clear. It came out like a sing-song taunt.

I wasn't crazy.

That tattooed man had called out my name, his red gym shoes stepping closer. My foot rocked on the brake as I contemplated just flooring it.

"Daaaaamn girl – I know you hear me hollerin' atchu." He shouted louder with a little irritation ringing through. He spread his arms wide again and gestured around him. "Da whole neighborhood hear me hollerin' atchu."

I swallowed hard my mind racing through a dozen thoughts all at once.

"Do you know him?" Jessica asked sharply.

I waved her off and cracked my window just a tiny bit so he could hear me. I shouted through the crack. "I…" I was totally confused. "I'm sorry – do I know you?" That was a fair question because he obviously knows me.

He chuckled and hollered back. "Every playa in the city know you."

Oookay - not what I expected.

"What's he talking about?" Jessica whispered.

I shook my head. "I don't know." I was bad with faces and names. "I got nothing here. Maybe someone that knows me from work?" I was reaching for anything now.

Jessica shook her head. "Mmm, I don't think so."

I really didn't think so either.

That's a face I wouldn't forget.

"They call me Six. These here are my streets." He gestured around him. "Ain't nothin going on 'round here I on't know 'bout."

My knuckles hurt from gripping the steering wheel so hard. "Great – could you tell me where the hell I am?"

His head tipped back as a loud laugh exploded through the darkness. "Ain't you hear - Hell's empty, girl." He gestured wide. "All the devils is here. So the question yo' lookin' fo' is - 'why the hell you be here'?"

I was scared and desperate. "I got really turned around. I'm just lost." I confessed – mostly honestly.

He slowly closed the gap between us and my heartbeat kicked up. "If a little birdie tol' me correctly, Miss Bella s'posed to be on her way to the ball yet here you be slidin' on my streets."

"Well he seems great. Real legit." Jesscia flipped her hand in the air. "Stranger fucking danger, Bella. Ever hear of it?"

Six clucked his tongue and cautioned, "Careful wit the words you thrown' round. Once they hit my ears, you gotta stand on dat!"

I have no idea how this guy knows me much less where I was supposed to be tonight. I was starting to think my accomplice theory was correct. However, I wasn't dead and this guy has made no aggressive moves – and in all truth I wasn't in any position to burn a possible bridge and quite possibly my only bridge.

"How do you know where I'm supposed to be?" I demanded with confidence that I didn't really have. I really wanted some answers. Now that he was standing right next to my door – I had to do a double take. His eyes weren't white, they were a lavender color.

"Cuz I know who yo' king be." He casually stated in a tone that implied I was ridiculous for wondering.

"Wait – you know Edward?" I frowned not sure if this was a good or bad thing - or if I even believed this line.

He leaned low, looking me square in the eyes. "Which is why I'm standin here, offering you a ticket outta here. No disrespect, but you ain't belong here."

"Yeah – none taken." Just then I had an idea. I held up my index finger. "I just need a minute." I pulled out my phone and called Jake. I didn't call Edward. I wasn't naieve enough to think he wouldn't find out about this. Oh, I knew full well he'd get an earful maybe even two earfuls. I just figured I'd postpone it a little. Plus, Edward would just call Jake himself and have him deal with it – so I'm saving time by cutting out the middle man. That was my rationale anyway.

Thankfully, Jake answered and before he could even say 'Hey,' my mouth was in motion. "Jake – Hi. It's Bella." My words came out so fast – I left no room for Jake to respond. "I think Jessica and I are in a little bit of trouble." I let out a breath – it felt so good to hear Jake's voice.

"What do you mean – 'you're in trouble?' Be more specific." Jake didn't sound too amused.

I spit it out like word vomit. "Jake we're lost. We're so fucking lost right now. We just took so many wrong turns – over and over and over again and now I'm in some dirty alley with a crazed tattooed lunatic with a gold tooth who wants me to follow him out of here to the club which he some how knows I'm supposed to be at. Oh, and he has purple eyes." I couldn't get passed the fact that his eyes were straight up purple. Wild.

"Bella, who's with you?" Jake's tone grew serious as he tried to take in everything I just blathered out.

I gave a nervous glance towards Jess then glanced over at my window – head on a swivel at all times. "Jessica, and this guy with no name – just the number six and according to him all of hell's missing devils."

Jake groaned under his breath. "You're okay. Put him on the phone."

"Jake!" I turned away from my window and faced Jessica for, at least, the illusion of some privacy. "Did you hear me?" I scream whispered. "He has no name!"

"He has a name – put him on." Jake said calmly.

I rolled down my window a bit more so my hand could just fit and handed off my phone.

"Hey – J, man! What's in the news, brotha – this here the lost n' found."

I couldn't hear Jake's end but Six let out some hearty laughs and I couldn't help but feel they were at my expense.

"I hear you, I hear you….they clowning down here."

I scowled wishing I could hear Jake.

Six handed me back my phone. "You gotta line."

With a whole lotta annoyance, I grabbed my phone back. "Hey – it's me." I replied flatly.

"Hey, you. You better?" Jake's tone had softened.

"Yeah-" I really wouldn't be better until I was home.

"You're gonna follow Six back to the club. I gotta see him anyway."

"Thanks, Jake."

"Yup."

I hung up with Jake and turned to Jessica. "We're gonna follow him back."

Jessica, looking more relaxed, nodded. "I heard."

Six chimed in. "I'mma pull up. I'll flash my lights, get behind me. We gone cut traffic back to the club."

"Thank you." That felt like a lame response.

"Yeah - we coo'." He smiled wide as he turned to walk back to his car.

I stayed right behind Six's shiny black Cadillac with the very extra large shiny rims and let my heart beat return to a more normal range. "Ok – so while it's just us, let's get our story straight."

"Story?" She didn't get it. "Why do we need a story?"

"Um…..hello." I looked over at her. "Edward does not need to know about the car following us around." That's all I need. I'd be assigned babysitters from now until the end of time – and all because some Halloween nutjob is out there messing with people.

"So….." Jessica waited for more.

"So – we're gonna keep it real simple." I couldn't flat out lie to Edward. This would just be a shorter version of our tale. "We were excited about the party. We were talking and just missed a turn." I looked over at Jessica. "Got it?"

"Yeah – ok. Got it." She agreed. Jessica is always a good sport.

We pulled up to the club still tailing Six to find Jake waiting outside. He moved towards my car and I rolled down the window to see what he had to say. "You girls okay?" Jake's eyes scanned over us.

I nodded forcing my eyes to look as bright and cheery as possible. "We're good." Jessica leaned over. "Yup."

"Hey – " He nodded and greeted a now smiley Jess. "I thought we were staying out of trouble today?" Jake teased.

I scrunched my nose at him. "I'm gonna take Jessica home now then I'm heading home, too. Cool?" I checked with Jake wondering if he was gonna interrogate some more.

Jake patted the car. "Yeah – you're good." He leaned over me and spoke to Jess . "I'll see ya later."

"Later." Jessica confirmed still smiley.

I didn't add any more. I was anxious to get going.

I took Jessica home and the whole way home I nervously watched my rearview mirror.

Nothing.

The more I thought about it the more I decided it was some nut running around and freaking people out for Halloween. I wondered if this could be the same goofy clown from Tori's Halloween scare – just out roaming around waiting for some poor unsuspecting victim to terrorize. I thought about poor Tori then – all balled up and crying in the porno section all alone while some maniac stalked her.

What a bastard.

I turned down my street and I decided I really didn't care anymore.

I was finally home and it felt so good.

Edward wasn't back yet and, even though I had put it out of my mind – mostly, I found myself rushing to get inside and then quick locked the door behind me.

I took a shower and let the warm water finish washing the crazies from earlier out of my mind.

Still in a towel, I flopped on the bed and just laid there for a few staring at the ceiling. It wasn't long before I heard Edward opening the door.

He was quick to find me upstairs. "You okay?" He laid his jacket over the chair. "Heard you got a little turned around?"

Of course he did.

Rolling on my side and propping my chin up with my fist, so I could see him better, I sorta chuckled – trying making light of it all. "Yup – we sure took in some sights." Then I added, "It's a good thing we happened to run into your buddy, Six." I thought for a minute and decided I was too nosy about this to let it go. "By the way, he knew who I was – was I sleeping during the introduction?"

Edward chuckled unphased by my revelation. "Of course he knows who you are." He kissed my forehead. "You're mine."

I sat up and scooted myself over by Edward so I could wrap my arms around him. I kissed his cheek, too then took another hug. "I love you."

Edward hugged me back. "And I love you." His hands slid down to my butt and squeezed firmly as he pulled me in closer. "I also love what's under that towel."

I squirmed outta his grasp and swatted at his hands. "Hey - I gotta finish getting ready." I wagged my eyebrows feeling excited again.

Edward ran his hand through his hair in frustration and adjusted himself. "Fine. I'll be down stairs. Let me know if you need a hand." He suggestively offered with that sexy smirk.

"Get going." I laid my hand flat against his hard chest and pushed him right out of the bedroom then quickly closed the door.

There wasn't much to the costume but it took long to get into it. The bright green corset was a real pain in the ass. I had to put it on backwards to fasten the small hooks, then twist it back around into place. It was tight – skin tight and I worked up a slight sweat yanking and twisting it back around.

It was a full body effort – even my eyebrows were a little dewy.

"Oh – you ready soon?" Edward called up the stairs.

I quick wiped the beads of sweat that formed on my forehead. "Gimme ten more minutes." I called back totally out of breath from the corset battle.

I blew out what breath I had left and with the corset in place, my hands smoothed down the sides and I stopped to look in the mirror.

I'm not the bustiest girl in this city but I tell ya' – Wowzah!

This corset worked some serious magic here. With my hands on my hips, I smiled down with great satisfaction at the twins, 'Well - hello, there.'

My boobies looked amazing and perfectly perky.

I was glad I went with the size small – it was perfect. There would have been serious wardrobe malfunctions if I went with the medium. The first time I raised an arm there would've been a whole lotta show.

The skirt was a lighter shade of the bright green corset and thank God it was elastic and just slid right on over the matching spankies. The skirt was very mini and made from jagged layers of glittery tulle and the best part was it made my legs look long and sleek.

I slipped into the clear stilettos then and sauntered down the stairs to find Edward. I was glad I had the foresight to practice walking in these crazy high bad boys cause right now I was feeling good.

Even with the practice, I wasn't a graceful gazelle but I wasn't like a floppy flamingo on ice either.

I left my hair in a loose pony with even looser curls and made up some quick smokey eyes – and that was a wrap.

The TV was on so I made my way to the living room. I stopped just at the corner – still out of Edward's sight and took a deep breath. I'd wipe my sweaty palms but there really wasn't enough material to this costume for that to work.

Eh – fuck it.

Let's go.

I walked in – by force of habit my teeth held on to my bottom lip for dear life.

I had caught Edward's attention just as he had pressed his perfect lips to his glass. Then all at once he lunged forward, his eyes grew big and he simultaneously choked and sprayed his drink everywhere.

He looked from the tips of my shoes and scanned all the way up to my bare thighs and frowned. "You forget we going out tonight?"

"This is it." I said ignoring his tone and twirling around. "This is my costume. Tinkerbell." I wasn't really sure if Edward knew who that was, so I added. "She's like a pixie from Peter Pan."

Edward cleared his throat. "That's a great start." Edward gestured to my bare thighs. "Where's the rest of it?"

Of course, Edward was going to be Edward. "I have wings, too but I didn't put them on yet."

Edward tilted his head and cracked his neck. "Wings." He chuckled sternly. "The whole world can see Never Land and you're worried about wings." He raked his hand through the top of his sexy hair. "Did it happen to come with pants?"

He knew that it didn't. I'm sure.

He wants to be a dick. I can be a smart ass.

I pressed out a stiff smile and turned around, bending slightly to stick out my butt as I lifted the green scrap of tutu. "It's good." My butt wiggled a 'hello' at him. "I got spankies."

Edward shook his head unamused. "Like I said – it's a good start. What else you got?"

I twitched my nose in annoyance. "A green button-down shirt for you." I shrugged. "I mean I know you said you weren't dressing but I thought we could match." I looked down at my costume and lifted a piece of tulle for reference. "Your green isn't as bright as this green, though. It's a nice green – like your eyes…." My lips curved up into a playful smile and my eyes narrowed. "your eyes…when you're not crabby anyways."

He grunted out a low chuckle and held out his arms so I stepped closer to him.

His hands rested on my waist as his thumbs worked their way under my corset and finally finding purchase on my bare skin.

He smelled so good.

I felt dizzy stupid as I moved closer to him and I thought there was a great possibility that the floppy flamingo inside of me may make an appearance after all.

"Let's make a deal." He pressed his face against my stomach and inhaled deeply. "You promise I can get into your costume later – I'll wear whatever the fuck you want me to."

As if he had to actually negotiate for a romp in his bed. I was always all in.

I giggled knowing that was a complete phony-baloney promise. "I'm gonna remember that." He took my extended hand and I gave him a yank to get him moving. He didn't budge and it took me by surprise when he tugged back. The quick force propelled me forward and my hands automatically grabbed his shoulders to steady myself. His arms snaked around my waist and pulled me closer, until I was straddling his lap.

He kissed me long and deep, leaning back on the couch and taking me with him. His hands gripped my hips and hiked me forward until my middle was snug up against his very hard member. He rocked my hips forward and my breath hitched from the friction – the thin scrap of material I was wearing only worked to enhance the sensation.

He slowly kissed along my collar bone and when he again rocked my hips against him my eyes rolled up and a soft moan escaped my lips. "Oh, Sweet Mother of Jesus," I whispered against his neck and found myself rocking my hips against him faster now. Breathless, and with some serious effort, I forced myself to be still – he had way too many clothes on. My clumsy fingers furiously worked at the buttons on his shirt, while he slipped off my shoes. When I unfastened the last button, I let my hands run up and down his bare chest before he pulled me down for another deep kiss. His fingers slipped underneath my spankies and moaned when he realized I was all ready for him.

He hooked his thumbs in the elastic of my skirt and gently pulled; I made it easier by getting up on my knees so my skirt could slide down. While I untangled my skirt and spankies from my foot, he undid his pants and without delay I scrambled into position and slid straight down.

One hand was perched on my hip while the other rested on the nape of my neck, he was still, as he pulled me closer – pressing his forehead against mine. "This is going to have to be fast."

"I don't care." And I didn't. All I wanted was for him to fuck me.

He bounced me up and down – hitting that magic spot each and every time. It was hard and fast and when I came it was fucking glorious. He grunted out my name with his own quick release and squeezed me tight. My head rested against his chest as I listened to the fast beats of his heart. His hand was gentle as he palmed my cheek and angled my head to look at him. "I'll make it up to you tonight." He kissed the corner of my mouth, then peppered little kissed down my jawline and then finally my nose.

Edward looked down where we were still joined then met my eyes with his impish smile. "We better get cleaned up."

I ran off to the bathroom first and when I came out Edward was wearing the light green shirt I had picked out for him. "You look amazingly sexy." I told him.

He wagged his eyebrows. "Sexy enough to jump me later?"

I stepped closer as I slowly kissed his neck and nibbled at his earlobe. "You better believe it." I whispered in his ear, letting my fingers trail up his chest.

He groaned and grabbed my hand. "Come on – let's get this over with."

When we arrived at Edward's club it was electricfying and thrilling. The long line of people waited like sheep to get in; corralled by red velevet ropes that screamed luxury. Our experience was a bit different. As we climbed out of the Escalade, Edward was greeted by a bunch of faces that I'm quite positive he couldn't put a name to. After shaking a couple hands mid-stride we made our way to the door where the bouncers stepped aside for our entrance.

My God – I felt like I was walking a red carpet. The only thing missing were the papparazi cameras. At this moment, I felt insanely special and had to wonder how many girls felt special before me. I can honestly say – I don't even care right now. I'm with him – he's mine.

Holding my hand, he gently placed his free hand on the small of my back and ushered me in the door before him. The status this simple gesture symbolized made me so giddy inside, I could barely contain the corners of my mouth. As we entered the door, light danced off the disco balls and the fragmented beams occasionally blinded me. The scene was literally vibrating with excitement.

Placed strategically around the club were single dancer platforms. Each platform boasted a very agile piece of eye candy – wearing little more than a rhinestone bathing suit. The lights from the club played off of every rhinestone to the point where these girls looked like they were on fire. I couldn't help but marvel at the way they slink up and down their sleek poles. It was truly very impressive.

We approached the bar and before we were close enough to touch a chair, Edward's drink was already poured, iced and waiting for him on the counter and over the head of those who have been waiting for a full glass, the bartender asked Edward what I'd be having.

I thought for a minute repeating in my head some words of Emmett wisdom. The one time Emmett gave some sage adivice – 'beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear.'

Edward leaned down to hear me over the pulsing music. "Captain and coke." I requested.

While I waited, I looked around. The bar was buzzing with a variety of thirsty patrons all decked out for Halloween. I noted that most guys weren't dressed but a lot were. There was a Joker chatting up the bartender, the Scream guy winding through the crowd, a sexy nurse pilfering free drinks from random guys. But the best was the devil slumped over the bar who clearly wasn't 'bad' enough to hold his liquour.

Note to self – I don't want to be that person.

Remembering that Jack was a rough ride, I was feeling pretty confident about my drink choice – just like drinking vanilla coke. Yum.

It was hard to move through the crowd. We'd take a few steps and then more people would stop us for their face-time with Edward. While Edward swapped short greetings with various people, I'd glance around and people watch. We were making our way to a small table in the far corner – it stood out from the other tables because it had a thin veil surrounding the space. Loud jeers erupted near the door as I took my seat and I looked over to see who had come in. A stocky older man had entered with a beautiful red head and just like with Edward, people fell all over themselves to shake hands and what not. I leaned closer to Edward and asked, "Who is that guy?"

Without even glancing, Edward leaned towards me and answered, "That's Sonny Andretti." I nodded like that meant something to me. Edward added, "He's the Alderman of the First Ward."

"Oh." Given all the things I know about Edward, I'm surprised that this surprises me.

"He's an important man." Edward took a sip and explained some more. "Anything brought to the table that gets voted on…." Edward tipped his glass in Sonny's direction. "That man gets first vote."

I nodded along – interested in what Edward was saying. "He gets first vote and the way he votes is the way the rest of the Alderman will vote." Edward winked and reiterated. "He's an important man."

I nodded and watched the Alderman stop and make polite small talk with person after person. His sly smile never disappearing – just like any Cook County politician.

Crook county is more like it.

Just then the tall red head caught my attention. She was dressed as an angel – which was really shimmery white lingerie with a golden halo. She looked amazing – her toned legs went on for miles and her tiny waist had no trouble supporting her large chest. I glanced back at Sonny, he screamed of money - no doubt that rack was paid off. She smiled at the men who shook hands with the Alderman – her date. They didn't shake her hand – they wouldn't but they did smile and nod an acknowledgment.

The tall red head had her own warm reception. She had sauntered over and claimed a seat in a spot reserved for high profile patrons. One by one the dancers enthusiastically trotted over to greet her – adorning her with hugs and kisses. They stood around her – laughing and giggling like old friends.

My thoughts were interrupted when Edward stood up to shake hands with the Alderman. I was surprised when Edward said, "This is Bella." He hadn't introduced me to anyone else – so I wasn't really expecting it. "Bella, this is Alderman Andretti."

"Oh, hello" I moved to get up but the Alderman put his hand out. "Don't get up, Sweetheart." He smiled at me and rested his hand on Edward's shoulder. "I'm gonna borrow this guy for a minute, Sweetheart." I just nodded dumbly and watched Edward walk off with the Alderman.

Edward and the Alderman disappeared through the office door.

It was then that I noticed Jessica and Jake at the bar -so I moseyed over there.

I tapped Jess's shoulder because I doubt she'd hear me over the music. When she turned I got a big hug. Jake handed her a drink then turned to me. "Where's Edward."

I shrugged. "He's in his office with the Alderman."

Jake nodded – apparently he was in the know. "You girls stay out of trouble – I gotta go check something." He took his own drink from the bartender. "I won't be long."

We waved Jake off then I turned to Jess and gestured to her ensemble. "You look so awesome." Jessica rocked Little Red Riding Hood. "Red is so your color."

"Me?" She held my hands and lifted my arms out. "Look at you. You're lookin' hot, mama." She wagged her finger at me. "I gotta say it - I told you." She sang back at me. Then, Jessica smiled big and bright. "Wanna dance?" She asked.

"Let's do it." I followed Jessica.

I felt a hard bump from behind – almost like a shove. The dance floor was so crowded. "Excuse me." The Joker said over his shoulder.

"You're good." I said but he was already disappearing through the crowd.

We danced a few songs then we had to go cool off. It was really hot in there, so I went outside with Jessica mostly for some air but also Jessica had a smoke. "So – is this the club that Edward owns?"

I nodded.

"It's not quite how I pictured it – you know a strip club." She confessed.

I understood – it wasn't what I expected either. In fact it looked a lot different than the last time I was here. The stage had been taken down and replaced with maybe eight single platforms so the dancers were scattered about. Edward had opened the back room up, too – making it way bigger.

"Are you having fun?" I asked her.

Her eyes sparkled. "So much. Jake is really cool."

I nodded in agreement.

She tilted her head towards the door. "I'm kinda glad the strippers in there aren't totally naked, though."

I giggled. "I know - me too." I took the drink out of her hand and took a sip. "Edward said tonight brings in more of a mixed crowd – so they'd have something on." I shrugged. "But – yeah. I know."

"Their costumes are really hot ." Jessica pointed out.

I tried peeking through the window but you really couldn't see anything. "Yeah -I think it looks cool that they're all in the same outfit."

"You ready?" She asked as she flicked her smoke out to the street.

"Yup." Except just then my attention was drawn to a car parked in the lot. It looked identical to the car that had been following us earlier. "Do you see that?" I didn't want to point, so I nodded in the direction of the car.

Jessica turned back to me. "Yes – yes, I do."

"I think it's the same car. You think?" I wondered if Jessica thought so, too.

She took only a few steps towards the parking lot and craned her neck. "I kind of think yes." She looked back at me. "What do you wanna do?"

"Come on let's just go back in for now." I had to mull this new development over.

We made our way back inside and I scanned the room for Edward. Still no sign of him, so we headed back to the table. It wasn't long before Jake emerged followed by Edward and the Alderman.

Jake headed our way while Edward and the Alderman had been intercepted by yet another person wanting face time. Jessica yanked Jake out to the dance floor. I glanced over at Edward, who was still talking, when another figure caught my attention.

The red head.

And she was moving in my direction and now sitting right here with me.

Of course this would happen to me.

"Hi, I'm Tanya." She offered with a sort of half smile, half smirk.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Bella." I returned pleasantly.

I set my phone down and Tanya peered over looking at my screensaver. "Cute kid."

I smiled. "Thanks. That's Adrianna, my daughter." I explained.

Tanya nodded her head. "I was almost a mother once." She shrugged. "The father and I weren't on the same page." She tilted her head, her overly made eyes falling to her drink, watching her finger swirl the edge of her glass. "In the end it wasn't meant to be."

It wouldn't have been polite to ask her to elaborate. "I'm sorry to hear that." I genuinely meant that, too.

"After a baby, nothing is the same." She looked me over with a perfectly arched brow. "I mean – you would know." She pursed her lips still looking at me then took a sip of her drink.

I couldn't tell if she was calling me fat or boring.

Either way I knew I looked hot tonight. I was rocking this costume.

Tanya crossed her long legs and looked over her shoulder at the Alderman and Edward. "How'd you meet Edward?" She asked.

"At my work." I smiled thinking back.

"I just ask because you don't seem like the type of girl he usually keeps company with. What is it you do?"

What the ….. Who in the hell is this bitch?

I cleared my throat. "I work at a coffee shop."

"Oh - how nice for you." She straightened out her halo just then. "I used to work here. I was a dancer …. among other things. I was the best he had-" She took a sip of her drink and again looked over her shoulder. "Now – I manage the costumes for the girls."

"Wow – that's great." My tone noticeably flat as I then proceeded to down two large gulps of my drink.

I glanced around looking for Jessica – it'd be nice to have a little back up here.

Tanya's smirk reappeared as she batted her eyelashes. "Yeah. Yeah, it really is."

I took another really large gulp, sucked in my bottom lip and let out a secret hiss.

I have never wanted to punch someone in the face so bad.

Again, who in the hell is this bitch?

Fuck it.

I downed the rest of my drink and glared at Tanya through the bottom. Her perfect face distorted into some fun factory cartoon character and my insides laughed with glee. I kept that comical imagery in my head as I set my glass down – a bit harder than I had intended.

"What is it your drinking?" She looked over at my glass. "We can get you another – it looks like you need it."

"I'm good." I stated. I wouldn't take a damned thing from this bitch. I glared over at Edward wondering when he'd return when that red mouth started up again.

"It's always like this." She schooled.

"Excuse me." My patience was wearing thin.

"Edward – I mean. He's always busy. Always has distractions. 'Cheata's' don't change their spots. I know - I have history with him."

I cleared my throat. "Leopards. The saying is - 'leopards don't change their spots'."

Not cheetahs, Dipshit.

That condescending half smile- half smirk showed itself again . "Yeah – I know."

Her three little words were like a shock to the system.

Her perfectly manicured hand may as well have flown up and cracked me across the cheek.

I was reeling from that one.

Is she implying what I think she's implying?

I was dangerously close to drowning her in her own drink. "How nice for you." What else am I gonna say? "If you'll excuse me…." I didn't finish. I just got up and headed to the bar.

While I waited for another drink, I looked around at the girls there at the club. The girl currently hanging off Emmett's arm – the girl that isn't Rosalie. Edward's world is so foreign. He comes from a life where girl's get boobs for Christmas from their married boyfriends no less.

I marched over to Edward and tapped on his shoulder. When he turned to face me, I forced out a tight smile and gave a little wave. "Hi, remember me?" I rested my pointed finger on his chest. "You think I can see you for a minute?" I glanced over the loud crowd, then clarified. "Privately."

I followed him to the more secluded space and he shut the door behind us.

"What's up?" He asked seemingly confused.

"Can I ask you something?" I had cut right to the chase and asked point blank.

This time I wasn't settling for half assed explanations.

Edward chuckled. "You don't usually ask permission."

I cleared my throat. "That time we spent…." I wasn't sure what to label that miserable length. "Well - you mentioned something about using – I think the word you used was distractions." Actually, I didn't just think that was the word – I was absolutely certain. I'd never forget.

He seemed thrown. "Yeah – so?"

"What does that mean?" To avoid more vague explanations, I added, "Exactly." Before he could answer, I figured I'd just ask the precise question I had. "Exactly this – did you-"

He cut me off quick. "Did I fuck someone else?" He easily finished for me.

I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to continue.

"First – I'm fucking hurt you'd need to ask. Secondly, no." He answered with great irritation.

I wanted to put this behind me – it has always been there nagging at the back of my mind. He was gonna need to spell it out.

I waited.

"No, I didn't stick my dick in someone else."

I thought about his words for a minute. Dissecting them – trying to find a loop hole for a half-truth or a lie by omission.

"You're quiet." He observed.

"Just listening." I responded expectantly.

He nodded his head, peeved that he had to offer more. "I drank myself fucking stupid and crashed out at Emmett's." He quirked his eyebrow back at me and added, "Alone."

Now he was pissed. "Is that clear enough for you?"

"Hmmm…" I was noncommittal.

"What's really fucking eating you?" He pressed.

I turned on a glare of my own and spat out my next words. "One guess, Edward."

He nodded his head, the tension in his jaw evident as he spoke. "Tanya."

I gestured my hand toward Edward. "And we have a winner…" I sarcastically spat out.

Tanya.

I hated the sound of that name.

I hated it even more so coming out of his mouth.

"Don't be fucking childish." He scolded.

"What's childish, Edward?" I crossed my arms. "What?" I sounded slightly hysterical. "The fact that you got mad and blew me off? Or – let's see…going out of your way to be a fake customer? Or – here's one, having your spies follow me around all the time? Shall I keep going?" My voice sounded unfamiliar to my ears.

"Careful, Bella." He warned through clenched teeth.

"I think I've earned the right to a few answers, Edward."

"You wanna talk – so talk. Sit down like an adult and talk. You don't have to have a fucking tantrum." His eyes darted toward the door.

I narrowed my eyes. "Always so worried about making scenes. I don't fucking care!" My arms waved wildly. "Let them listen!" My chest was heaving with rage. "My life is an open book to half the people who fuckin work for you – and you're so concerned with privacy."

He grabbed my jacket and reached for his keys and I stepped back. "Where are we going?"

"You're going home before we say something we'll regret. You're gonna go cool off and go to bed."

"Why?" I demanded. "Worried I might hit a bullseye?"

"Jesus Christ – what the fuck are you talking about? You asked me a fair question and I answered honestly. So, what is it you think you know?"

I spat her name. "Tanya."

"So what? What about her?"

He really has to ask?

"What is she to you?" I asked while studying his expression for any sign that would betray his words.

He laughed under his breath. "Nothing. She's nothing to me. But that's not really what you want to know is it?" He sneered. "You want me to say it?" He asked. "We used to fuck. Plain and simple. She was my employee and we used to fuck. And before you ask – this was before you."

"That was fucking humiliating! Did you know she'd be here?" I practically screamed at him.
Edward didn't answer.

My teeth clenched down as I crossed my arms and waited in silence. He was gonna answer.

The muscle in Edward's jaw flexed as he clenched his teeth over his bottom lip. "Why is it every time we do this song and dance shit, you've got to resuurect some kind of dirt to throw at me?"

My eyes grew big. "You knew and you didn't say anything? I felt like an asshole in there!"

"Are you done?" He was eerily calm and that calmness only fanned my flames.
"Aren't you gonna say something? Anything?" I pushed.

"What do you want me to say? You're doing enough talking for the both of us." He tapped his index finger on his desk. The ticking sound reverberated from every corner of the room – like a loud fucking clock. Then all at once the ticking stopped. "You want me to talk? This is a two-way street. Now it's my turn." He finally turned to look at me. "Did you fuck him?"

I was completely thrown off guard.

Him?

Him who? I wondered. My mind raced to figure out what the hell he was talking about and pissed that the tables got turned around. So very Edward.

Then it dawned on me which him he was talking about.

"Riley?" I asked to confirm but I was only met with silence.

His words weren't necessarily loud but tore through the thick air like a razor and came down on me in a thundering crash. I was stunned into more silence and at this point I think my mouth might have been hanging open. There was a loud ringing in my ears as I just stood there gaping at his stone expression and reeling from the bite of his accusation.

"What? How could you even ask me that?" I knew he already had the answer to this. Not only did he over hear me tell everyone sitting at the table that day but also, I was certain he would have already inquired with Riley. I answered honestly anyway. "Riley has always been just a friend!"

"A friend?" Edward chuckled with zero humor behind it. "Right." He kept his eyes to the window, not even looking at me when he spoke. Then he glanced down to his glass as he swirled his drink. "That icing is spread pretty thick, don't you think?"

Edward has his own way of saying things – like his own kind of language. I don't always understand what he's actually saying but this time I'm pretty sure he's calling me a liar.

I had now been called fat, boring, and a liar tonight.

Anger flared up and I closed my eyes to squelch it back down. My eyes were squeezed tight, I tried breathing deeply, tried to rationalize but my brain was stuck on him calling me a liar. That's the only thing that got through - it couldn't process anything else.

"You suddenly got awful quiet, Bells." His steely eyes bore right into mine.

I frowned at his use of my nickname and snapped out. "Stop calling me that!" I bellowed back.

"That how it is now?" He continued to look straight ahead but I could still feel the weight of his eyes and see that signature smirk.

"Is that how what is?" I snapped and crossed my arms refusing to give him a chance to answer. "He used to live a few houses down from me, we went to school together –" Again, all of this he already knew.

Edward cut off my explanation, grabbing a fist full of hair to pull me closer. He whipped me around so fast, I stumbled in my heels. My back was now flush to his chest with his mouth on my ear and his hundred proof breath as he whispered, "Does he know what you look like down there?" His hand squeezed my bare thigh as his thumb grazed my more sensitive part.

If Edward was the match – waiting to erupt into flames, I was the gasoline willing to oblige.

A searing heat rose up my chest, my checks reddened with equal parts of embarrassment and sheer anger. I snapped. "Fuck you, Edward." I smacked his hand away and he let me break free from his hold. I was livid and without a second thought my hand came up and cracked his cheek. "Shut your filthy mouth!"

Edward laughed sounding half maniacal. "Fuck me?" He took my words - his cold eyes were as hard as his jawline. "We've already had that dance, babe." He tossed my jacket at me. "Cover up. You're going home." He made no move to stop the first one, so I hauled off and smacked him again. His eyes glowered. I met his glare straight on - challenging him, daring those electric eyes to burn right through me.

I flung my jacket to the floor and went to smack him a third time just for sheer satisfaction but this time he grabbed my arm in mid strike and squeezed my forearm hard, holding it there – frozen in place. "I gave you two. That's enough."

With his other hand, he forced my chin up to look at him – his eyes dark as sin.

"Let me rephrase, have you fucked him?" His words were sharp and crystal fucking clear and I was quick to answer. "NO, Edward! No! Christ, he's like my brother!" I hissed back.

I didn't have any more fight left in me and the first tear welled up blurring my vision.

Edward released my arm and stood back. "You're teary eyed?" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You got tears – how the fuck do you think I feel?"

Just then a knock at the door interrupted. "Hey, E – you gotta get on out here." Jake's voice cut through the tension.

"I'll be right there." Edward casually called towards the door, never taking his burning stare off me.

I didn't answer him. I couldn't. There was nothing more left to say.

Of course, Edward never has that problem. There's always something more.

"Jesus, first you give me mouth, then you give me tears." Edward shook his head. "Clean off your face before you come back out." With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

I slumped down on his couch and with the privacy his office afforded, I let the tears come.

Then I wondered if he and Tanya…had been on this couch and the anger came back all over again. I swatted the tears off my cheek and growled.

Fine.

Fucking fantastic.

I thought about just going home. I could take the subway or an uber.

Then I came to my senses. Why the fuck do I need to leave?

I swatted the remaining tears off my cheeks and stood tall – shoulders back and chin up. I situated my costume and marched right back out that door.

With tunnel vision, I approached the bar, eyeing the empty stool next to where Jess was sitting. "Hey-" I called out to her.

Her eyes grew large, "Hey – back at you." She smiled mischievously. "You're wearing happy hour right there on your sleeve. Let's go fix your hair."

My fingers quickly tried to tame the mane but I knew it was a lost cause – so I nodded and followed her to the bathroom absolutely not correcting her false assumption. If she wanted to think this was sex hair – that made this whole thing that much easier.

When she finished preening my rat's nest, I looked in the mirror. I was in sad shape. I turned to face Jess. "Maybe makeup, too?"

Jessica quirked her freshly threaded eyebrow. "Oh, absolutely make-up too."

She finished and I hugged her then we made our way back to the bar to order more drinks. Just as the drinks arrived Jake approached and shoulder bumped me. "You good?" Jake asked.

Of course Jake would know – he's got some kind of crazy sixth sense just like a wolf. I scrunched up my nose and pushed out a nod. "All good."

Jake gave me a nod, finalizing the discussion and then Jessica dragged him out to the dance floor.

I did a casual scan of the club searching for Edward's whereabouts. He was easy to spot. He was still discussing something with the Alderman - and Tanya seemed to have disappeared for the time being.

That was fine.

I sat and people watched.

"You having a good time, Sweetheart?" The bartender kindly asked. "That dance floor looks like it could use a couple extra feet." He suggested.

"Eh – I'm not ready yet." My voice sounded as deflated as I felt.

"Then I haven't been doing my job " He grabbed my drink. "I better fill that glass."

Before the glass could make it to the counter Emmett had popped out of thin air like some magic trick. "Hey, Tink – what's the drink?" He joked.

I chuckled and tipped my glass in his direction. "Sticking to Captain and Coke these days."

"Whoa, ho – we might have to rename you Drinker-Bell. Does Peter Pan know you're drinking with the Captain?"

I laughed and chanced a quick glance at Edward who happened to be looking right back at me.

I got busted sneaking peeks and turned my attention back to Emmett. Thankfully the lighting was dim enough to hide my red cheeks.

I wondered where Emmett's little friend went. I wouldn't be asking – it's not my business.

Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil.

Just then Jessica came tumbling off the dance floor in a wild blur and grabbed my arm. "This is our song…." She yanked me to my feet. Jake breezed past me – back from dancing with Jessica. "I'm tagging you in, Shortcake. I gotta get a break." He signaled the bartender.

I giggled and shook my head. "Jake – you have no idea."

Jessica tugged my arm again. "Come on – I need my bestie out there." Popping through the speakers was the Cinderella remix version of Umbrella by Rihanna.

Yeah – I loved this song.

This truly was our jam.

Jess and I had been through thick and thin together and this song said it all.

Hand in hand we hurried on to the dance floor.

You know that saying where you're supposed to dance like no one's watching?

Well, we did – pretend microphones and all.

The music washed over me and yeah I was all in.

We were two stupid silly girls having a blast and didn't care who wanted to watch.

I couldn't help but laugh with Jessica as she twirled me and as I came around full circle, we simultaneously pointed at eachother, letting our shoulders dip to the beat. Whenever this song was on Jessica always sang Chris Brown's part and I sang Rihanna's.

I twirled out again and my eyes flashed to the sides of the dance floor. Even with the strobing lights in my eyes, there's no mistaking those sexy eyes and that crooked grin.

Knowing that he was watching me fueled my fire and I put a little extra flair into each dance move.

As the song ended, Jess and I fell into eachother and hugged so tight. "Love you, Jess."

She squeezed me tighter still and kissed my cheek. "Love you, too – " She grabbed my hand and yanked again. "Now let's go drink!"

Sidled up and bouncing into eachother, we giggled all the way back to the bar where Emmett gave us a boisterous standing ovation – whistles and all. "Do you girls practice that at home?" He joked with a shot of seriousness.

Jessica frowned. "No, puh-lease! We do our best dance moves in the car."

"Seems like a lot goes on in the car with you two." Jake chuckled. "How are those road ponies, Little Red?"

The music took a shift and transitioned to Madonna's Like A Prayer. Jessica abruptly whipped out her index finger effectively haulting the conversation so she could belt out the opening line, "Life is a mystery…."

Emmett took his turn at abruptly jumping in to announce, "Hey – life is no mystery. Let me solve the case for you, this song is about a blow job." He nodded at Jessica's basket. "I'm more interested in these road ponies you were talking about."

Jake laughed and filled Emmett in on the secret. "Little Red's got a basket of booze. Believe this, I come to pick her up and she's got her basket full of shooters – calls them road ponies." Jake winked at Jess. "That's my kind of girl."

The lighting was dim but not dim enough to hide Jessica's blushing cheeks. I couldn't help but feel so happy for her. I actually smiled.

"Lemme tell you about your girl." Riley butted in. "It's hotter than the third layer of hell and this crazy chick sets up Slip and Slide in her backyard."

I knew where Riley was going with this and I was already laughing.

"Oh – look who's laughing over there?" Riley got distracted. "You got a snorkel in your pixie bag over there?"

"Oh, my God –" I remembered and I was laughing so hard now, I thought my sides would split.

"How about letting the rest of us in on the joke." Emmett looked from Riley to me then to Jess. "Inquiring minds want to know."

"It's all you Riley." I gave him the floor.

Riley hikes his thumb in Jessica's direction. "Alright – its hot, Jessica's parents are out of town – so these two master minds manage to scrape enough change to buy a slip and slide."

Oh, I was rolling.

These were fun times.

Riley continued. "They get it set up and everybody's coming over – BYOB style. These two get everyone to dump their beer in the pool part and we all take turns sailing down the run way into a pool of beer." Riley looks over at me now. "Then this smartie manages to dig out a snorkel from somewhere in Jess's house and dives under - drinking beer and breathing at the same time."

Emmett laughed as usual. "Like some kind of alcoholic fucking mermaid or something."

I wagged my eyebrows at Emmett. "It's a talent. Don't hate."

Just then a familiar smooth, velvety voice from behind me crooned in my ear. "Hey, there. I'm Edward – you got a name?"

I was taken back for a minute then I turned to face him before answering. "Bella." I answered simply playing along with him.

I watched the corner of his mouth turn up. "You've got a cute smile, Bella – can I buy you a drink?"

Damn that Edward for looking so sexy. "You've got a red hand print on your face – did you try that line already?" I teased.

Edward chuckled and shook his head. "No – just on you." As he leaned in closer, his nose barely grazing my shoulder, the scent of alcohol weaved in with his Armani cologne was intoxicating. "Still waiting to see how that part turns out for me."

My eyes surveyed Edward's perfect body and as we locked eyes, I licked my lips in preparation, grabbed a fist full of collar and yanked him to me – pressing my mouth hard to his. Make up kisses are the best and I wanted him so bad.

Emmett's whistle was so loud it cut through the air. "Get a room!" He yelled.

My hand waved Emmett off as I broke the kiss and licked my lips again, savoring the taste of Edward. My eyes met his again. "If my memory serves me correctly, you were going to be making something up to me later?" I reminded.

Edward kissed my shoulder then spoke into my ear. "I think you got a little making up to do yourself, little girl."
I wagged my eyebrows at him. "Oh, it's on."

Edward looked to his watch. "Give me another half hour to wrap a few things up and we're out."

I was almost giddy inside as the energy rushed through me and pushed me up to my tiptoes. My teeth found my bottom lip and tried to contain the chesire cat grin erupting. I pressed my lips against his cheek and whispered, "Try to hurry."

He groaned against my shoulder and went to finish whatever so I turned back to the group at the bar.

Just as I was about to object to anymore Bella stories, a force from behind made me lurch forward. I looked over my shoulder just then to see who had bumped into me.

I recognized the dirty green hair – it was the joker from earlier. "Excuse me ….." He leaned low to speak, his dark eyes like two black holes, trained on mine. "I see our paths keep crossing." He leaned in a little closer, the corners of his mouth almost extended to his ears, excentuating the realistic looking razor cut scars carved into his cheeks. "I'll be more careful next time."

"It's fine." I replied and turned back to the group and as I did my eyes met Jessica's. Her eyes looked glazed over with fright and her face had turned ghostly white. Before I could ask her what was wrong, she was out of her seat. "Hey – I need a smoke. Wanna come?" She didn't even wait for me to answer – she had already grabbed my hand and started tugging me along.

We stepped out into the cooloer air – Jessica was shivering all over as she lit her smoke.

"What is it?" I asked starting to feel freaked out, too.

"In there - the guy…" She took another drag. "the one like the joker?"

I nodded not understanding what she was trying to say and waiting for more.

"He…." She stuttered out and tapped her hand. "…the tattoo, it was the same."

She wasn't making any sense. I shook my head trying to clear the fog. "The same as wh….." Then the dawning came. "The same as the guy at Taco Bell." I finished for her. My thoughts were coming fast – like pieces of a puzzle coming into place like small snipets. "And also the driver of the dark car."

Speaking of…

"Hey – " I nodded in the direction of the parking lot. "…that dark car that was over there – its gone now."

Jessica's round eyes turned back to me. "How many coincidences until its mathematically impossible?"

I nodded in agreement. There was no way there could be that many coincidences.

"I think we have to tell Edward." There was no way I couldn't not tell him now.

Jessica flicked her smoke. "You want me to come with you?"

I thought about the reaction Edward will likely have to all of this. "Eh – no, it's okay. Just…."

"Hey – you ready?" Edward's voice came from behind me and my stomach literally dropped. He was not going to like this at all.

"Hey…" I replied back then turned to Jess. "Why don't you go hang out with Jake." I smiled nervously.

She nodded and scurried along and I turned to face Edward. I shook my head. "Not quite yet…"

"What's going on?" He motioned to where Jessica was standing and me. He knew something was off.

"Could we maybe…" I really didn't want to go back to his office but I couldn't think of another place. "…maybe – could we stop in your office?"

He raised a brow and nodded.

He didn't take my hand but followed closely behind me.

His office was quiet.

"You gonna tell me what's going on?"

"Yes." I really didn't want to.

"Well…" He grew impatient.

I took a shakey breath. "So earlier today, I got lost."

Edward nodded. "Yeah."

"The reason I got lost was because I thought there was a car following us. I kept making turns to see if it really was following us and I kept turning and turning and that's how I ended up lost."

"You're just telling me this now?" Edward probed.

"Well…..I wasn't absolutely sure and then the car disappeared so I thought I was just being paranoid but now there's more."

He leaned against his desk with his arms folded loosely across his chest waiting.

"Tonight – here…." I pointed to the ground to indicate here at his club. "I thought I saw that same car in the lot." I rested my hand on his chest to keep him from exploding. "So – when the car showed up here, I thought maybe it was one of your guys following me, like they sometimes do." I pointed out.

"Continue." Edward prodded.

I swallowed hard and took a breath. "Then I was at the bar and this guy bumped into me and Jessica happened to see his hand – which had this big black tattoo and it was the same guy that tapped his fingers along my hood at Taco Bell." I realized that I had not mentioned Taco Bell before so I added, " – when we were there earlier." I paused for a second, trying to gage Edward's reaction. "Now – at the time, I didn't connect tattoo man to the car. I really didn't connect it all until just a little bit ago."

Edward took out his phone and texted somebody.

"You ever see this guy before?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No."

Edward looked back at his phone as he spoke. "What'd he look like?"

I tried to think back – picturing it in my head. "I don't know. I couldn't see him in his car and here he was dressed up. When he walked by my car, I was distracted by his hand on my hood."

"What was he dressed as?" Edward's questions were coming fast.

"The Joker – scary, though, like Heath Ledger's version."

"You said he had a tattoo?" Edward reminded me.

"Yeah – it was black like a big circular compass and a large eyeball right in the center. Kind of like the all seeing eye." I explained as best I could.

There was a knock at the door and Edward moved to let Jake and Jessica in.

Edward caught Jake up to speed. Jessica – well, she already knew everything. It wasn't news to her.

Edward spent a few minutes grilling Jake and Jessica to see if he could glean any more information – but they didn't have anything new to add.

He turned on the cameras and rewound the footage from tonight.

I tried to be helpful. I thought maybe I could help Edward pinpoint the time. "He bumped me while I was waiting at the bar for you to finish your business so we could go."

Edward checked his watch and kept rewinding.

I moved closer scanning the monitors looking for the Joker. "There…" I pointed. "That's him there." Edward paused the screen and zoomed in closer.

"He look familiar to you?" He asked Jake.

Jake shook his head. "Who'd be stupid enough to come In here?" Jake leaned closer to the moniter, studying the screen. "Gotta lotta balls, I will say that."

"Let's check your tracks." Edward said to the screen as he moved the footage back more.

"Look, there he is there." Jake motioned at the top of the screen.

Edward kept rewinding. "And there – " Edward pointed out.

He continued to roll the video back until he found the time the Joker entered pointing him out at least a dozen more times along the way.

Edward cracked his neck then turned to me. "Bella – did you happen to notice this guy wasn't more than ten or fifteen feet from you the entire night?"

My blood ran cold. "No, just twice – he bumped into me. Once when Jess and I were dancing and again at the bar."

Edward turned back to the screen and sped through the video.

"Where'd you go?" Edward asked to no one as his eyes quickly followed the dark figure.

We all watched along but when he finally neared the end of the video, ice splintered through my veins.

There was the Joker.

Standing outside.

He had stopped with his back to the camera then slowly turned around.

He looked up – directly at the camera then cocked his head.

" – the fuck…" Jake commented.

It was like Edward was playing it in slow motion. The Joker moved closer to the camera, staring at it intently then the corners of his razor cut mouth turned up and he leered at the camera.

He looked like pure evil.

The tension in Edward's jaw was evident as he spoke to the screen. "Yeah – keep smiling you mother fucker."

Then just like that – the Joker turned around and sauntered off to his car. Just strolling – with one hand casually in his pocket and the other swinging – his fingers may even have been snapping.

He got in his car and rolled away.

Edward tried to zoom in on the car – specifically the plate but he couldn't get a clear shot.

"How you wanna play this?" Jake dutifully waited for instruction.

"We don't know – what we don't know. The only winning move is not to play. Yet." Edward ran his hand through his hair. "Silence can be deadly, too. For now we sit tight and force the dark to light."

Edward turned to me then – oddly calm for the situation. "You ready to get outta here?"
I happily nodded my head and accepted my jacket when he offered it to me.

Edward turned the moniters off and asked over his shoulder. "How 'bout you two? You gonna hang out more – or…."

"Nah – we're hittin' the bricks, too." Jake moved closer to Jessica.

I worried about Jessica. "Will you be okay?" I asked.

Jake beat Jessica to answering. "Yeah – she can crash at my place."

I nodded – knowing Jake wouldn't leave Jessica to the wolves but happy for the confirmation.

I hugged Jessica and we all walked out together leaving the loose ends for another day.