Whenever I pictured what my senior prom would be like, it had seemed very generic. But that was okay, because I wanted a generic milestone in my life. I can honestly say that I never imagined guns in that vision. I didn't factor in four dead bodies either.
But whatever. I could adjust.
When it looked like Elliot was going to pull the trigger on Edward. I grew furious. I was scared, but really, I was just downright pissed off. I had felt so betrayed that I could have pulled the trigger on him. Edward and I had both trusted Elliot.
Elliot fired his gun in our direction, and I ducked automatically. When you're being shot at, your body ducks whether you want it to or not. I spun after a second to see if Edward had ducked as well.
Turns out that Elliot hadn't even been aiming at us. He was aiming for another man who was trying to kill Edward. The guy had been hiding behind the dumpster and silently jumped Edward when Elliot appeared. Elliot hadn't been aiming for Edward; he had been trying to take out the man who was trying to kill Edward.
The man fell to the ground next to Edward and let out a load, strangled groan followed by a pained scream before he went quiet. Edward stepped away from him and stepped over to me. He wrapped his arms me and crushed my frantically against him. I latched my arms around him and held tightly. I felt his heart pounding against my head and allowed myself to believe that he was fine.
After a relieved moment Edward adjusted so that I was under his arm and we were facing Elliot. Elliot's gun was hanging at his side and he looked crest fallen. Edward gave him an appreciative nod. Elliot returned the nod, accepting Edward's acknowledgment. I felt awful that Elliot had just had to take someone's life; but really fucking grateful.
"You're really fucking lucky they decided to turn up the bass man," Elliot commented. He was now leaning against the brick wall, looking a little out of himself. Edward nodded. We had to get out of the alley soon. Someone had been bound to hear all the shots, if not the prom crowd.
"You should get out of here before this gets messy," Edward suggested. A very pale Elliot nodded. He moved away from the wall and gave both of us a nod before turning to go. "Wait, toss us your gun," he requested. Elliot raised an eyebrow but otherwise tossed the gun over to Edward who tucked it in his waistband.
"Thank you Elliot," I called sincerely as he started to walk back down the alley. He looked back and nodded at me, a microscopic smile on his lips. I tried to smile back before he turned again.
I would have to speak with him in depth later. What he had just done for me was so much more than handing me a sweatshirt if I was cold. I was in complete shock, really.
Edward didn't waste any time. He turned and let his arm fall off my shoulders and grabbed my hand. "We gotta get out of here babe," he said with soft urgency. I swallowed and nodded.
Getting out of that alley was like running through a disgusting bloodied obstacle course. There were five dead bodies that we were running past and their blood was pooled around them. I wasn't wearing shoes, so I had the extra motivation to run fast and light on my feet.
Edward kept glancing back to make sure that we weren't being followed. I kept glancing at him to make sure he was okay. As we were sprinting to where Esme had parked the motorcycle, I grew more and more worried about him. He seemed to be holding up because of the adrenaline, but I knew how much he hated killing. Personally I was having trouble grasping what had just gone down.
Finally we found where Esme had left the motorcycle. Edward swung his leg over the seat and revved the key in the engine. I was about to follow suit when I stopped. Then I raised an eyebrow and stared at the seat. I now had a bit of a dilemma. I was wearing a floor length dress…
"Dumbass plan Esme…" I muttered. Edward turned in his seat ready to get the hell out of there. Then he noticed the current problem and he fucking smirked.
"Just try it," Edward urged, amused by the situation. I narrowed my eyes at him and debated a decidedly sassy remark. I came up short and gave up. I bunched my very expensive dress up by the thigh and swung my leg over the seat. I was thankful I was one of those girls who valued underwear.
Edward let out a poorly stifled chuckle. I smacked him lightly in the head as I tucked the dress under me awkwardly. Once I was situated the best I could be, Edward revved the engine and we were off. He sped through the streets expertly. My hair that took two hours to style? Ha. Well that was ruined beyond recognition.
We arrived home in less than four minutes thanks to Edward's terrifying speeding. He pulled the vehicle into garage and helped me off of the seat. In silence we walked into the house through the mud room and landed in the kitchen. I sat down on a stool at the counter opposite of Edward and watched as he got a bottle of water out of the fridge.
"Start explaining," I demanded simply.
Edward sighed and closed the bottle of water. He closed his eyes for a second and when he reopened them, he looked worn and tired. He didn't look 22, he looked 30. I hated seeing him stressed out. But I was not going to go with my life until I knew why this was happening to us.
He leaned back against the island and crossed his arms regretfully. "Remember those guys back in October? And what the one man with the weird nose, Aaron said?"
I thought for a second. "The thing he said about the game?" I asked, trying to remember what else he had said. I knew the two events had been connected, I just didn't know how.
Edward nodded. Then he frowned, his gaze sturdy on the granite, looking blankly as he spoke. "I'm the game."
I frowned, not understanding. "What does that mean?"
Edward frowned too, still not meeting my gaze. "If one of those guys manages to kill me by the 4th of July, then they get the billion dollars my father's legacy built. And the title of king." As he spoke the words kill me, his steady gaze turned abruptly to meet my, the green eyes at full, serious force.
I blinked. Then I swallowed back the lump in my throat. "You're a mob prince?" I clarified. I frowned deeply and waited for him to answer.
To my surprise, his lips turned up in the tiniest of smirks. "What?" I snapped, annoyed that he seemed to be amused. I wanted a real fucking conversation.
Edward chuckled under his breath. "No, it's mafia. Not mob. Common misconception though," he corrected. I wasn't sure if he was teasing me or not. If he was, I was going to slap him.
I sighed loudly and gave him a pointed look, showing my lack of amusement. "Fine. A mafia prince?" He gave me a sheepish look.
"Well, technically, I'm a mafia king."
My hand slapped my forehead.
When I looked back up, Edward seemed warily amused by my reaction. "Of course you are," I mumbled dryly. Of course he is the king of mob. That's just great. Just great.
"And now," I continued, forcing Edward's face to grow serious again, "the mafia is all trying to kill your billion dollar ass." I wasn't asking a question. I was just stating the facts for him to correct. Unfortunately he nodded.
"Why did it start then?" I wondered.
"131, or January 31st, is a year after my father must have died. Part of the rules."
"Why until the 4th?" I asked.
"Because it's part of the fucking game. They need stakes to make it more exciting." My stomach knotted. Who the hell were these people?
My head was beginning to ache. "So…okay, explain this again. Why do they want to kill you?"
Edward sighed and shifted his jaw, grinding his teeth. I waited as he chose his words. "If I can survive the allotted time I'll have proven myself worthy as a king. If someone kills me, that guy would have proven themselves worthy of the title. It's all about power and money in their world."
"So the drugs, sex, and prostitutes are all myths about the mafia?" I asked with dry humor. I don't know why I felt the need to bring sarcasm into this deadly serious conversation.
Edward almost chuckled. "Hell no. Those are just things on the side. Mostly it's the money."
Hmm, made sense. Since Edward was clearly willing to clear the air, I decided to press on. "Okay, and, what about that guy Mark or whatever? The one who knew everything about me? How is he related to this?" I had not forgot about my strange encounter with the baby at Alice's appointment.
Edward looked uncomfortable. But he answered nevertheless. "You're probably not going to like this next part…" he mumbled. I waited. "My best guess? There has been some patient men in the town for the past couple of months watching. Mark was just braver than others."
"Why hasn't anyone attacked me then?" Edward always laid heavy information on me when I was tired. As a result, I had a bit of tendency to react slightly indifferently to the news.
Edward narrowed his eyes at my casual phrasing of the question. "If they harm anyone but me, including you or your family, or any of our friends, they loose half of it. It makes the game harder. They only get 500 million. The other half is sent to…charities."
My face scrunched up. I was so hopelessly confused. "Like…for the needy?" Edward nodded. "What the fuck?" I hadn't thought that philanthropy was high on the mob's priority.
"It's a punishment really. They have to see their money being shipped off to people who actually fucking need it. That's why people have actually been extra careful not to shoot you."
What a lovely sentiment.
"And what happens if they decide they can live with half a billion?" I asked pointlessly. What total bastards! What does one possibly do with that much money?
Edward grimaced. "Well then you, snicker doddle, are SOL."
I glared at him.
He rolled his eyes and moved towards me. He grabbed folded hands between his. With his gaze burning, he spoke sincerely, "I will never, ever let them hurt you Bella. I know you don't want to hear this, but I would do anything for you. I would kill for you, and I would die for you. I promise you I will keep you safe."
I shivered from the intensity of his promise. I nodded. "Promise me you'll do everything you can to stay safe. Without you…" I ran through different choices of words, but fell short of anything truly meaningful, "well without, I really don't have much in life going on. You're about it."
Edward's head fell back as he laughed. I grinned, glad to hear his laughter. He looked back at me, with a small smile on his face. "You need more of a life babe," he teased.
I rolled my eyes, playfully agreeing. "Tell me about it."
I was satisfied with the information I had been granted by Edward. All I needed at the time were the basics. I'm sure there were endless details that he could have elaborated. But honestly, it had just been too much of a crazy day for me to try and ask anymore questions.
I just wanted to put on my pajamas and curl up. So, after saying hi and then a quick good night to Alice who was reading in her bed, we showered. It took…awhile, for Edward to find all the bobby pins holding my hair out. We showered together, but it didn't lead to anything. Edward was absently playful. Normally he was more than flirty when we showered together. This time he was distracted.
I slipped into a pair of female boxer shorts and a tank top while Edward put on a form fitting gray t-shirt and black and white boxers. And his black, wire framed glasses that I adored.
I grabbed a fleece blanket off of the couch as Edward watched curiously. "Come on," I held out my free hand. With a shrug he closed the distance between us and took my hand in his. "Let's just sit outside," I suggested. Without waiting for his response I led us out to my balcony and plopped down on the cool ground with my back against the wall. Silently Edward followed suit. He helped me spread the blanket over our legs and once that was settled he wrapped one of his arms around me.
We sat in contemplative silence for more than a few moments. "I know you hate what you had to do today," I said quietly. I knew that's why he had been quiet and distracted. I remembered the letter he wrote that he didn't even mean to send. He was haunted having to kill two men that he knew were murderers. I was worried about how he was holding up after the four deaths.
Edward remained silent, gazing impassively out at the dark yard. I snuggled closer to him. "I'm sorry you had to. But I'm not sorry you did."
I didn't want to push. If he didn't want to talk about it, I could respect that. I just needed him to know that he was no less of a man for doing what he did.
After nearly five minutes of comfortable yet slightly tense silence Edward finally spoke. "I don't have the right. I don't have the right to decide whether people live or fucking die. I'm not God."
I blinked grimly and thought. "Edward," I said softly, "neither do those people. They were trying to kill you. They were trying to play God. You weren't. You have the right to live, just like they did. They threw that right out the window when they decided that money was more important than someone's life. It was a dumb risk. You haven't done anything to deserve to die."
Edward turned his gaze away from the trees and looked at me, his face full of bitterness and disgust. When I realized it was towards himself, I wanted to cry. "Haven't I? I murdered two men before this."
My heart sank further. "You know the definition of murder right? That's not what you did."
Edward chuckled humorlessly and without life. "The definition of murder? To kill intentionally and with premeditation. That's exactly what I fucking did. My intentions had been to kill them. It had been planned."
It bothered me that he knew that definition so perfectly. I couldn't help but think this had been weighing on his mind for way too long.
I frowned sadly. I hated seeing him in such self loathing. "The United States intended to kill those men. You were following orders and saving lives. That hardly condemns you to hell. It doesn't make you any less of a good person and it doesn't take away any of the love I have for you. You know that right?"
"It should," he mumbled bitterly.
"You saved my life Edward. Those men deserved to die. You deserve to live, and if that means taking out people who are trying to prevent that, then you know what. Screw it." I inwardly grimaced. I sucked at pep talks. I wished I was better at saying things in these situations. Edward was flawless at the skill of reassurance. Me? Well…I had my sarcasm.
"Someone loved them. Those were some people's sons. Some mothers brought them into the world with love. And they had siblings, girlfriends, wives and maybe even kids who will never see them again. I took them out of the world with a single shot."
"They threw away that love. This was their choice Edward. You know just as well as I do that by intentionally trying to murder someone for no reason but greed that they don't deserve love. They couldn't have possibly expected you to go without a fight. It's their fault that they won't see their families again; hardly yours," I said fiercely. By killing those people, it had taken a toll on him, and I worried that I was not the right person to help.
Edward looked back out at the yard and remained silent. My stomach churned and my heart sped on as I waited for him to respond. I hated this conversation. But I knew I would hate myself so much if I didn't have it.
Finally, Edward spoke, his eyes closed and his head back against the wall in quiet despair. When he spoke the words, my whole soul just sank. "When I do it…I feel like my father."
I closed my eyes too, saddened. I was unsure of what to say. I didn't know if saying anything would make it better. So instead, I slid my arm past him and the wall and held onto his side, rest my head against him. I hoped that it brought some comfort, because I knew words could not.
I don't know how long we sat in silence, the darkness around us. I wouldn't have been surprised if someone told me we didn't talk for an hour. For all I know though, it could have been five minutes. But finally, I felt guilty for the silence and decided to break it.
"You're not your father."
Edward didn't move from his spot, rest against the wall. His eyes didn't open. But he did give me the slightest tip of his jaw, acknowledging that he had heard me.
I sighed quietly. "Look, Edward, you're stubborn as hell. And I hate sounding redundant. I know I could go on and on with reassurance that you are a good person and I love you. But you don't need that, do you?" I asked sadly.
After a second Edward shook his head slightly and let out a shaky breath. Then, slowly his eyes opened again, and I could see his amazing green eyes through the glasses. "I just need…time."
I nodded against his chest as he wrapped his other arm around me. "I know." I mumbled.
-oOo-
I had a golf meet the next morning that Edward was going to come and walk along with. The course was only 20 minutes away, so I didn't have to meet everyone at the bus. Instead, I had an extra hour than what I normally would. So while I was changing into my skirt and shirt, Edward slipped down to Carlisle's office. Carlisle had run to the hospital to finish an hours worth of paperwork and was going to meet us at the course. Esme had a wedding scheduled that day, so she had been gone by 6 am.
I threw my hair into a messy bun on the top of my head, threw a couple bobby pins in it and put a stretchy headband on for the few stray hairs. I approved my appearance in the mirror before going off in search for Edward. He was where he said he would be, chilling out in Carlisle's desk with his cell phone against his ear.
I slipped in through the door. He looked up and gave me a small smile before looking back to the computer and speaking into the phone, "Yes I'm still here," he confirmed to the phone. It wasn't hard to miss his evident irritation. He sighed loudly. I raised an eyebrow at the display before walking quietly over to him.
"Who are you talking to?" I asked. Edward made a distasteful face which made me smirk. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and pulled me down onto his lap silently.
"I'm trying to get in contact with the fucking FBI," he informed me, moving the phone away from his mouth. I nodded, not needing to be told this was probably about the guys trying to murder him.
"And?"
Edward almost growled. "They're pretty fucking hard to contact!" I pressed my lips together, trying not to show my amusement. I was starting to accept that all insane things that had been happening in my life were just thrown out there for my personal amusement.
"Don't you mean damn?" I asked just to bug him.
"No! Because that didn't seem like a powerful enough profanity." Fair enough.
"How long have you been trying?" I asked curiously. I had never personally needed to chat with the FBI, so, I had no clue what he was up against.
"Twenty minutes!" he complained, pinching the bridge of his unfortunately, glasses-less nose.
"Well that's your problem!" I exclaimed sarcastically, "you need to try for at least forty before you can expect results!"
I got a glare in response.
Was Edward stressed? Yes. Was I amused? Yes.
I quieted down when he sat up straighter and started to speak into the phone. "Hello, yes, this is Sergeant Edward Masen, 37th Infantry Brigade."
It was quiet enough in the house for me to hear the response on the other side of the line. "Special agent Taylor. What can I do for you, Sergeant?"
"What do you know about the mafia gang located in central Chicago?" Edward asked, all professional now. I leaned back and watched, completely interested.
Agent Taylor's voice became guarded. "That information is classified. What does this call concern?"
"Um, the mafia located in central Chicago," Edward answered, almost with a question. He gave me an incredulous look. I had to agree with him on this one.
"Exactly how much do you know about that investigation?" The agent asked cautiously.
Edward rolled his eyes, just irritated with everything evidently. In his defense the man he was talking to didn't exactly seem the best. "I'm thinking a hell of a lot more than you do."
"What your relation to the case?"
Edward nodded to himself, pleased to be getting somewhere. "I'm the recognized prince of the organization. Currently, dozens of people are trying to murder me." I listened as a large scoff met Edward's ear from the agent.
I didn't want to tell anyone how to do their job…but, FBI; listen to mob prince.
The scoff irritated Edward. I continued to observe his growing frustration. "I'm serious. I'm on leave right now from my deployment in Iraq. And in the past two days, five different people have tried to kill me."
"This is wasting my time, and tax payer's money," Agent Taylor chastised, and before Edward could protest we were both listening to a dial tone. So I'm thinking the guy didn't really believe him.
I could see the agent's side…Edward could have phrased that a little better.
Edward tossed the phone onto the desk with a few…choice words…okay. Let's be honest, that boy was dropping the F bombs in some pretty creative ways.
I grinned as an idea popped into my head. "Well, I think it's pretty obvious who's going to be taking the lead in this investigation."
Edward's head fell back against the chair and he raised an exasperated eyebrow at me. "As long as she isn't 5'3, brown hair, excellent ass and brown eyes…I'm fine with it."
I rolled my eyes. "Excellent ass?" I looked down to where my butt was currently resting on his leg.
Edward looked at me like the answer was stupidly obvious, "Well," he gestured down at my ass and held his hands out in defense.
Eh. I could take a little ego stroking. I shrugged and continued with my original point, "Regardless. I'm just going to do a little poking around. See what the bastards are up to. Completely safe."
He stared at me, blinking once, probably judging how serious I was. "I-" he closed his mouth. "...I," he closed his mouth again and then he just gapped at me. "That's what you want to do in your spare time? Spy on some motherfuckers who love guns more than life and are currently trying to kill me? Jesus Bella! What all do you do when I'm gone?"
I sighed loudly and ignored his comments. "You realize I'm going to do it regardless?"
Edward closed his mouth and nodded in casual agreement before his face became resigned. "Fine, but if you get hurt I'm going to be so irrevocably pissed at you," he warned.
"And I can accept that," I gave him a half grin. He rolled his eyes. "So can I have a gun now?" I asked hopefully.
Edward's head fell back against the chair with an immediate groan. "Bella, sweet, sweet Bella."
"What?" I exclaimed, instantly exasperated with this argument.
"I love you to pieces, but you have an awful aim. It's a simple equation. Awful aim + gun = Edward getting shot," he explained with certainty.
I narrowed my eyes at his poor attempt at humor. "I do not have awful aim!" I protested stubbornly.
Edward smirked at me, "Babe, you couldn't hit water if you fell out of a boat."
I glared wildly at him. "If I had a gun right now, shooting you would not be accidental. "
"Which is precisely why you do not have a gun," Edward retorted smugly. I glared even narrower at him.
"You annoy me," I said simply.
"And just think, two months from now, I'll be home for good and you'll get this everyday," he teased. I could tell we were both thrilled at the thought, however irritating he was.
I was getting really tired of dealing with everything by myself. So if my life turned as fast paced as it been yesterday, when Edward got back, I could live with it. Might end up killing someone. But I could live with it nevertheless.
"Two months, and then you're home," I almost smiled, had I not been so damn irritated.
Edward did grin. "For good."
All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you
You and I, right or wrong, there's no other one
After this time I spent alone
It's hard to believe that a man with sight could be so blind
Thinkin' 'bout the better times, must've been outta
Life After You, Daughtry
-Today, we acknowledge the anniversary of a tragic day in American history. Our world has never been the same since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The loss was great...but the acts of heroism greater. I am honored to be part of this country, a country that stands together in the face of terror, united.
-Today is also a day to remember all those who have laid down their life fighting for this country, and all of those still fighting. Osama Bin Laden may be dead...but the war continues. And it will not truly be over until every last one of our troops are home safely.
-On a lighter note...I'm surprised that only one of you guessed that Elliot was really just helping. To elaborate when Bella said something like "don't do it for money" or whatever, and Elliot said something like "there are things more important." he meant more important than money, like saving a man's life. To clarify. That's about all I got.
