After Midnight

Chapter Five

"What was that all about?" Joe muttered as Frank slowed down, headed back toward Forks.

Frank laughed dryly. "Oh, I'm sorry, Joe, do you want me to bring you back so those giants can beat you to a pulp?"

Joe rolled his eyes, but didn't press the subject. Being in one piece was crucial to solving a mystery. "So what did you think of those guys, besides that they were great, hulking monsters?" Joe asked, grinning.

"I think they know way more than they're letting on," Frank said, and Joe agreed. "Did you see how defensive they got when we mentioned Jacob?"

"I think they're worried about him," Joe put in. "The way that Quil guy told us to find him ourselves. They don't know where he is either."

"But why has no one done anything about his disappearance?" Frank said, feeling exasperated. "I mean, Mike said his dad didn't seem to be worried. If someone had kept their mouth shut for a few minutes, we might have gotten to talk to the mysterious Billy Black."

Joe grinned sheepishly. "Guilty. Again. Maybe I do need to stop running my mouth, huh?"

Frank snorted. "Like it's possible. But, yeah, it would be great if you could. Starting…now!"

Joe glared at his brother, ignoring the jibe, and took another glance in the rearview mirror. A shiny silver Volvo was hot on their tail, gaining on them by the second. "Wow, nice car," he commented. "I dunno why they're in such a hurry, though." He paused. "Come to think of it, what is a car like that doing in a place like this?"

"Told you it wasn't possible for you to be quiet," Frank laughed. Then he shouted, "Hey!" as the silver car passed them and sped down the narrow street, going at least ninety-five miles per hour.

Joe grimaced. "Okay, people like that annoy the crap out of me."

"You're about to get even more annoyed," Frank said tensely, slamming on his brakes. The silver Volvo had stopped in the middle of the road, parked parallel across the entire street, and a tall figure stood in front of it, unnaturally still.

"So this was all a trap," Joe groaned. "I should have seen this coming. Trouble follows us everywhere. So what do we do?"

"Let's see what he wants," Frank said. "He's all alone and I don't see a weapon. If we have to, we can take him out."

Joe nodded and they got out of the car, walking slowly toward the unmoving figure in the middle of the road. Both boys took sharp breaths as they saw the young man waiting for them. He was lean and muscular, with a flawless face and blond hair. He seemed…perfect. But what really amazed the brothers were his eyes, which were a light gold color. They were narrowed and held pain and regret.

"Any reason you want to talk to us so bad you'll risk getting hit by a car?" Joe said sarcastically as they came face to face. "Or is this some sort of twisted fun you have on a daily basis?"

The man spoke in a voice that was melodious and calm. Suddenly, the brothers felt very at ease around this man. They felt calm, relaxed, and comfortable. Joe knew there was a reason they shouldn't be, and he struggled with his emotions until he was aware enough of the situation to notice the danger.

"Why are you looking for us?"

"Did you kidnap Isabella Swan?" Joe demanded. Frank looked at the man, trying to read his expression. He couldn't. In fact, why would he need to do that? This man was very nice, he had no reason to fear him…

Joe knew there was a reason, and he clung to that knowledge as he struggled to remain wary despite the crushing serenity that threatened to rain down on him.

The man's golden eyes widened for a second, then narrowed. "Is it not enough that my brother has had his heart broken? You now accuse us of kidnapping the greatest treasure he ever possessed?"

"Wait—what do you mean?" Joe asked, still clinging to reason.

"Bella…Bella is dead," the man cried out mournfully. "She died many days ago, in Edward's arms." Although he seemed distraught, there was no sign of a tear in his eyes. "We had no idea how to tell Charlie. I saw you two snooping around and figured it would be best to give you the news and let you know there is no need to meddle in our business anymore. Edward's true love, his life, is gone, and so we are going away, far away, to a place where he can mourn, away from so many memories. Please don't try to find us again. We have nothing more to tell you. When she died, she was cremated. Edward insisted on keeping her ashes though we told him to take them to her father. He refuses. Tell Charlie we are very sorry and we wish it could have ended better. Now go home. There is nothing more to do here." He paused. "For anyone."

He got in the Volvo and sped off, leaving Frank and Joe behind, contemplating his ominous words.

~Emachinescat ^..^