A/N... So you guys can't wait for Bethy's reaction, hmm? There's more than one person that reacts in this chapter. And I'll forewarn you that this does carry a CLIFFIE WARNING. So no excuses at the bottom, okay?
Oh...someone asked ages...so here we go... Edward just turned 32, which means Bella is right behind him at 31, because her b-day hasn't happened. Bethy is 5 and Sammy is 1 ½. That puts Caleb at an adorable 3. Most of the crew is about the same as Edward and Bella, except for Mack – she's now about 25 or 26. Kurt is pushing 22, and now the baby of the business. Kyra – not that you care – is 30. Alec is in his late 30's, Carlisle and Esme are pushing mid- to late 50's. Does that help?
Okay...on with it. See me at the bottom.
CHAPTER 5
BELLA
"You so fucking owe me," I hissed at my father-in-law, rolling my eyes at the smile he used as a weapon – just like his son.
They had all just arrived to mine and Edward's house, and they were piling out of Alec's SUV. Kyra's complaining could be heard as a constant drone – she was hungry, she didn't get enough sleep, she hated the woods. That last complaint was cut short when Gator reminded her just whose house she was looking at. Even Cassie rolled her eyes at that one, giving me an apologetic look.
"Oh, sweetheart," he crooned, stopping me from stalking away from him. "Walk with me," he commanded softly, draping a heavy arm across my shoulders and walking me toward the house, where his wife had arrived early to help us with a huge breakfast for everyone. "Trust me when I tell you that you have nothing to worry about with this woman and my son," he stated firmly, but softly in my ear.
"I know that," I scoffed, spinning in front of him just as we reached the porch steps. "And if she tries, she'll walk onto the stage with a limp for the rest of her career." I tried not to smirk at the laughter that burst out of him, but it was impossible. "Just wait," I told him, holding up a finger. "This is a complicated security case alone. The stalker problem is just the icing on the cake. She is huge! She'll be recognized everywhere. It's only a matter of time before the media starts to get wind of her being in hiding. And then she still has all these engagements we have to get her to."
His face sobered up as his gaze trailed out to the yard, where the boys were setting up the three long tables. Edward and I had thought a meeting of this size would go down better with food and plenty of outdoor room. Besides, it was a gorgeous summer morning.
Carlisle rubbed his bottom lip slowly, turning back to me. "You're right," he sighed, shaking his head. "It'll be hard, but I need you on this one, Bella. If it was just a breech in security, I would've used my staff at Twi Tech, but it's not. This is bigger, and because I've acquired her with Solstice Music, she's now my responsibility."
"Well, there's more to her than she's letting on," I whispered, pointing past him. "And I don't mean the fact that she looks like she wants to eat my husband...and Emmett...and Jasper, from the looks of it," I muttered, frowning at that new revelation. "There are things she's kept hidden – like marriages – and I think she knows more about these flowers than she's admitting."
"Really?" he asked, his eyebrows raising up high to his hairline.
"Yeah," I said with a nod. "She's lying about something. I'm not sure what, but I'm not stupid. I can tell when someone's eyes dilate, when their breathing changes. I've been reading that shit for years. Your son can get away with nothing."
Carlisle grinned, leaning forward to kiss my forehead. "Thatta girl." He pulled back, placing his hands on my shoulders. "We'll figure it out. I'm in on this one with you. I'm taking a place at Kyra's side for this. Jake can run the office just fine without me."
I let out a short breath, slightly placated, but asked, "How is he?"
"Good...really good," he answered. "He's dating a lovely young woman, who seems to adore JW."
"Oh, that's cool," I said, slightly shocked, because Jake hadn't dated in a long time.
"Now," he said with a grin, clapping his hands once. "Where are my grandkids?"
I giggled, jerking a thumb back toward the house. "Their grandmother is teaching them how to make waffles. It's been the lesson since she got here."
We walked into my house, and immediately, the calls of, "Poppy!" rang out, even from Caleb, who had adopted Carlisle and Esme as an extra set of grandparents. And they loved him right back, treating him with just as much love as they did Bethy and Sammy.
"Mommy!" Sammy chirped from his highchair at the kitchen counter. "Wook!" Beaming proudly at the happy face waffle he had in front of him, my son was all adorable morning goodness.
I chuckled, running my fingers through his unruly hair and kissing his sweet, puckered lips. "That's awesome, baby," I praised him. "Did Gamma help?"
"Yeah," he whispered in that slow way he always did as his crooked smile crept up his face. "Helped."
I kissed him again, simply because he looked so much like Edward when he did that. It didn't help that he was wearing a camo t-shirt that said "Daddy's Little Soldier," a pair of khaki cargo shorts, and sweet little brown hiking boots that just made his legs look all the shorter and chunkier. I wasn't sure who was more fun to dress, him or his sister, who was running into the kitchen like her hair was on fire.
"Mom! Mommy! Mom-my!" she chanted, and I swore I needed to cut her time with her Aunt Alice down a bit.
"What? What? What?" I laughed, scooping her up and setting her on a bar stool, because I could see what she wanted. She was holding out her box of "hair thingies," as Edward called them.
"Pwease?" she asked simply, holding out her brush.
She was wearing denim overalls – which she insisted on at least once a week, because she could store a billion things in the pockets – a baby blue shirt underneath, and matching baby blue Chucks. My girl was almost OCD when it came to matching shirt to shoes, to hair thingies. Something denim was just about a daily requirement, and it was a miracle if I could get her into something that even resembled a dress.
"Sure, pretty girl," I told her, taking the brush. "Which way?"
"Half up...two ponytails," she said, using her hands to gesture to her head. "Gamma and Aunt Sawah are taking us to the zoo!" she gushed, and I glanced up at Esme, who was trying to keep Caleb as clean as possible, but he was truly a hands-on type of kid – which meant he was covered in flour up to his elbows.
"I figured I'd give you the day. Rose said something about a few appointments in Seattle, so you can just get the kids from our house when you drop Kyra back off," Esme stated, setting Caleb down to the floor as Carlisle scooped up Samuel. "When you're finished, breakfast is ready."
"And we'll start the meeting as soon as you're out there," Carlisle added.
I nodded as I brushed my daughter's hair, pulling up half of it and securing it with a light blue band. I started to brush the other side, when Bethy reached up and rubbed at the wrinkle to my brow, just like her father always did.
"Are you angry?" she asked.
"No, baby," I told her, shaking my head. "Daddy and I have a big job to take on. I was just thinking. That's all."
Bethy peered around me, causing me to stop with her hair. "Which one?" she asked, pointing out the window.
"The pretty lady at the end of the table," I told her.
Bethy scowled, looking like her dad, and then sat back up straight so I could resume her hair. "You're prettier," she huffed, clearly unimpressed. "She looks like that lady from TV."
"She is the lady from TV," I chuckled, finishing the last little ponytail and scooping her up so I could kiss on her just for being Bethy.
Bethy's eyes widened, and she turned toward the window again. "Really?" she asked.
"Yup, come on," I said, walking out the screen door. "You can meet her."
I walked her across the yard, smiling when Edward met us.
"There are my girls," he crooned, kissing his daughter's puckered lips and taking her out of my arms. "I was wondering if you two had run away."
"No, Daddy! Never!" Bethy giggled at him, cupping his face and pulling his forehead to hers. "We can't leave wifout you," she vowed.
"Well, I should hope not," he snickered, kissing her neck.
"Hair emergency," I explained with a chuckle at the two of them.
"Well, you look beautiful...both of you," he told us quietly, taking Bethy by her overall straps and lifting her up, just to hear her squeal into laughter.
Once he set her down, she ran straight to Kyra, who was smiling down at her, because Bethy just did that to people. She was nowhere near shy, and her beaming smile was just fucking contagious.
The whole table came to a standstill as Bethy said, "I'm Bethy. I've seen you on TV."
"Well, hey, Bethy. I'm Kyra," she laughed, holding out her hand. My daughter shook it as she continued, "It's nice to meet you."
Not one to mince words, Bethy got straight to the tough question. "Why are you here?"
Edward chuckled low next to me as we took our seats, but the little boulder that was my son hit my leg at full force, so I scooped him up so he could watch his sister as I sat down next to Edward.
"I'm here for breakfast," Kyra replied, not realizing that Bethy didn't take to being talked to like a baby.
"No," Bethy scoffed, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "Why are you here? What's my family helping you for?"
"There is no crap on this planet that the Bambina can't see through," Alec chuckled softly from my side, shaking his head and holding out a fist for Sammy to bump it, which he did with a sweet smile.
"Just like her mother," Mickey added with a chuckle, but we all waited for Kyra's answer.
"Oh," Kyra said, her eyebrows shooting up. "They're supposed to keep me safe from a bad guy."
That answer seemed to fit with whatever Bethy needed to hear, and she nodded once. "Well, they can do it. They're the best!"
That earned my daughter cheers from her Uncles Alec, Emmett, and Jasper, but it was to her daddy that she ran to for confirmation.
"Wight, Daddy?" she huffed, her face completely serious.
"Yes, ma'am," he answered her, helping her sit down next to him and kissing the crown of her head.
"And who's this?" Kyra asked, pointing to Samuel, who was trying to burrow into me to avoid the attention from new people.
"This is Samuel," I said, trying to pull him back so he could say hello, but he just wouldn't budge. "You won't say hello, Sammy?" I whispered.
He shook his head and buried his face into my neck.
"He doesn't have to," Bethy stated, her brow furrowing as she looked from her brother to Kyra.
"Easy, little sweetness," Edward chuckled softly against her hair. "I'm going to rename you guard dog if you keep that up."
I giggled, but rubbed Sammy's back. "He's our shy one," I told her.
"No, he doesn't like her. Can't you tell?" Bethy grumbled, folding her arms across her chest.
"Elizabeth Renee, that's enough," Edward chided, but there was hardly any force behind it.
And just like his father, Caleb broke the tension around the table. "I'm Caleb Edward McCarty!" he said, giving her the award winning, dimply smile that won people over from the get go – just like Emmett.
"On that note," Carlisle chuckled, shaking his head. "Perhaps we should introduce everyone you haven't met and what they do, so you know what to expect, Kyra."
He stood up as everyone started to pass around food to load their plates. "Kyra, Gator, Cassie...your security team... Edward, Kurt, Emmett, Alec, Mickey, and Jasper," he said, pointing to each of them. "They are experts in weapons, defense, and tactical planning." He gestured to my girls. "The ladies of information and technology... Rose, who will be in charge of your schedule and getting you anything you may need. Alice and Makenna, the computer experts and communications. Nothing is secret with them around."
"Including hushed up marriages," Rose muttered, but it was just loud enough for Kyra to hear her, and her gasp was not missed.
"Enough, Rose," I said, turning Samuel around so he could eat some breakfast. "Here, handsome. Your smiley face is melting," I told him, and he grinned sweetly up at me as he reached for it.
"And what is it you do?" Kyra asked me, but my daughter's eyes narrowed on her, a fork halfway to her mouth.
"My mommy's the boss," she said, and suddenly, she raised an eyebrow at the woman, just like her father.
"My goodness, you're in rare form today, Bethy," I sighed, giving my daughter a chiding look. "Eat. Behave. Or the zoo is out...and that'll disappoint Caleb, Sammy, and Abby. Got me?"
Caleb kicked her leg. "Shut up, Beffy! I wanna go!"
Bethy sighed, shaking her head, but she shut up, despite her family's silent laughter around the table. "I'm just sayin'," she muttered, shoving a giant bite of waffles and syrup into her mouth.
"Maybe now is a good time to go over everything," I said, ignoring Kyra's belligerent looks aimed my way and the fact that my daughter was way too much like me sometimes. I gestured for Rose to pass out the new schedule so we could all go over it, bracing myself for the pop diva's reaction. However, I turned my attention to Gator, who was watching my daughter with an amused expression on his face as he chewed his breakfast slowly. "Gator, we had to remove some...engagements from the itinerary. We had no choice. The unknown was too big for us to take a chance with safety."
"Okay," he said with a nod, pulling the stack of pages closer so he could flip through it. "I see you left all the recording time, the TV spots, and the concert at the arena. What did you remove?"
"The making of the video," I stated, turning when Kyra started to protest, her language not so nice.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me," she scowled, flipping through the the calendar, most likely to see what else we'd messed with.
"I'm going to say this once," Edward started in a low, menacing tone, his face filled with a dark ire as he held up one finger. "When these guys are in your presence, you will watch what you say. Am I clear?" he commanded, gesturing to Caleb, Sammy, and Bethy. Kyra nodded and started to open her mouth, but he didn't let her say anything. "I realize these aren't the best of circumstances, but you will listen, you will pay attention, and you will do as these people tell you. You aren't the first life they've protected, and you won't be the last. Try to show some respect. We will do everything within our power to stop the threats and keep you safe, but you will have to learn to give and take."
The entire table froze, because very rarely did Edward lose it like that anymore. He usually maintained his temper a little better, especially in front of the kids, but he wasn't giving her much leeway. I grimaced, because I was pretty sure he was still pissed about her secret marriage.
Mickey held out her hand to Rose, who slapped a twenty dollar bill down on it. And I wanted to laugh, because they'd totally bet on how long it would take Edward to lose his shit. But I didn't.
I did, however, turn back to Kyra. "If you would've let me finish," I started, keeping my voice calm, "I would've explained that it was only removed until we could get a firm date from the record company, a list of who would be working on the video, and where it would be filmed."
"Oh," she murmured, her shoulders hunching a bit.
"Right...oh," I sighed, rubbing my temple and breathing in Sammy's hair to calm myself down. "And the next time that you curse in front of my kids, I will force you to pay the swear jar. The boys can give you a price list..." I stated, gesturing to Emmett, who was cracking the fuck up.
"That f-bomb?" he asked, grinning like a fool. "Hundred bucks, pop queen. Trust me," he sang. "Bethy can afford her first car on just what I've put into it. So watch out."
I chuckled silently into Sammy's hair, giving Edward a quick glance to see that he was grinning down at his plate, but he said nothing more on the subject. Some days, I could just squeeze Emmett to death.
"God, Kyra." Gator sighed, rubbing his face roughly. "Must everything be an argument with you? Really? I was hoping that a new city and new management with Solstice would help me find this guy," he said. Gesturing to my father-in-law, he continued, "Carlisle here offered us his help. These people are stopping everything else just for you. And you haven't exactly acted grateful."
That shut her up and seemed to have knocked her attitude down a notch or two, because she nodded, giving her plate more attention than the people speaking at the table. I was getting the impression that Gator rarely put her in her place, but she respected him enough to listen when he did so. I let my gaze drift to Cassie, who was always so fucking quiet. She shook her head once, giving Kyra a side glance, but she said nothing. I was beginning to think Cassie saw every-fucking-thing and planned to sit down with her – alone – very soon.
Turning back to Gator – since Kyra was pouting – I said, "This schedule isn't set in stone. We can change, add, or remove from it at any time. We just need plenty of time to do so. We stripped it down to the basics for right now, because not only do we need to be able to cover every minute with Kyra, but we have to be able to check out every person she comes in contact with and every building she's going to be stepping into. We have to keep her safe and find out who is making these threats against her. In order to do that, we have to minimize everything – contact with the public and media, unknown personnel, and buildings with poor security."
Gator nodded seriously, looking back down at the pages in his hand. "You've got a minimum of two people with her at all times...more in public. And I'm surprised that you left the concert at the arena. Why?" he asked, glancing around the table.
"Because that's one of the easiest places for us to cover, believe it or not," Edward answered him, and his voice was now calmer, not so abrupt. "We can cover every entrance, security camera, and she'll be flown in, not driven."
Cassie's and Kyra's heads snapped up at that last statement, so Edward continued to explain.
Pointing across the yard to his chopper underneath its tarp, he said, "I still fly. And the arena you happen to be going to has a helicopter landing pad. It's quicker and safer to land just before you go on and take off out of there just after you've finished. You'll have a team with you, including myself."
"How much time before I go on?" Kyra asked.
"Whatever you need, but if one of us tells you its time to go...it's time to go," he stated firmly, not leaving it up for argument.
"You've removed shopping, dinners out, and a record store meet and greet," Cassie noted softly, and we all glanced up at her, because damn, she never said anything.
"Again...not set in stone," I said, and she glanced up at me. "Restaurants and stores are security nightmares, so they need to be truly considered. I'd prefer them off the list. Anything you need can be picked up for you," I explained, gesturing around the table. "However, the meet and greet is up for debate if we have all the info on it."
Cassie nodded in acceptance, as did Gator, but Kyra frowned.
"And with this crew around, you won't starve. Trust me."
Sammy turned around in my arms, and I wiped a drop of whipped cream off his chin. "Daddy cooks," he whispered only to me, but Edward and Alec heard him just fine, causing them to laugh softly.
"Yes, he does, handsome," I whispered back, chuckling at my sweet boy's smile. "It's good, right?"
"Yeah," he whispered back slowly, grinning up at me.
"What's your favorite, kiddo?" Alec asked him.
"Dot dawgs," he drawled, and I kissed his forehead simply for how fucking cute that sounded. "Fwench fwies," he added with a firm nod of his head.
"I like those, too," I told him in his ear, which caused Sammy to giggle and fold in on himself when it tickled.
Edward chuckled, placing a hand flat to his son's head and dropping a kiss to both our temples. "Soon, buddy," he promised. "Dot dawgs and french fries soon."
"Guys," Rose piped up, looking at her phone. "You need to get on the road. Kyra's due at her first recording session soon. And after that, she's got a photo shoot."
I nodded, giving Esme a pleading look to come take Samuel from me. She smirked, giving a still pouting and quiet Kyra a side glance, before getting up from the table.
I turned back to Samuel. "Ready for the zoo with Gamma?" I asked him, and he nodded. "You'll be a good boy, right?"
"Yeah," he giggled, turning to his dad. "Wayter, Daddy?"
"Yup, later, buddy," he chuckled as he dropped a heavy kiss to his son's head, a stark contrast from his angry moment earlier. "Love you...be safe, okay, pal?"
"Love you," he chirped back, reaching for his Gamma, who scooped him up lovingly. "Safe," he added with a sweet opening and closing hand wave.
I stood up from the table, waving Bethy over to me. "Come here, pretty girl. I want to talk to you before you go off with Gamma for the day."
Bethy wrinkled her nose, but got up and came to me. I picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around me. Walking away from the table, I said, "I love you. Do you know that?" I chuckled a bit, because I couldn't help it. Her strong personality was an amazing blend of me and her dad.
She beamed and nodded. "Yeah, love you, too, Mommy."
"Good," I huffed dramatically. "Now, I know you like to protect everyone, and I know you don't like it when people pick on your family and friends, but there's a fine line between protective...and rude, Elizabeth." I raised an eyebrow at her until she nodded, her bright green eyes lowering just a bit.
"B-But M-Mommy, sh-she w-was l-looking a-at y-you m-mean," she countered, her face taking on a scowl that resembled her father's so fucking much that I couldn't help but kiss her cheek.
"Bethy, I know. Trust me. Miss Kyra doesn't mean it, okay?" I took a deep breath, because it wasn't a true lie I was telling my daughter, but she didn't need to know the details. "Look, she's nervous and upset, so she's just not really thinking...rationally. Does that make sense to you?"
Bethy frowned and nodded, but asked, "Like when Sammy doesn't feel good? He cries?"
I let out the breath I'd been holding. "Exactly, my smart girl. So just...ignore her for now, but use your manners, Miss Ma'am. Okay? I love that you want to take care of me...and Daddy, but we're grown ups. We can handle it," I chuckled, shaking my head.
"Sammy doesn't like her," she whispered conspiratorially to me.
"And he doesn't have to," I whispered back with a shrug. "He's entitled to his opinion. But you know your brother takes a bit to warm up to people."
She nodded, looking past me, a huge grin spreading over her face. "Daddy," she sang, holding out her arms for him.
"How much trouble are you in, little sweetness?" he asked her, taking her from me.
"I'm suh-posed to be nice," she told him, sneering adorably.
He grinned, kissing her cheek. "That's not a bad idea, Bethy," he whispered against her skin. "Are you still all-clear for the zoo?"
"Yes," she laughed and nodded.
"Good," he chuckled, "then you have fun with Gamma, and we'll see you later."
"Love you," she sang, grabbing either side of his face. "Be safe."
"Love you, too, baby," he told her, kissing her forehead before setting her down.
Before I would walk away toward the office, I was grabbed by strong, yet gentle hands and tugged back into Edward's arms.
"Armed and constant communication today. Got me?" he commanded, raising an eyebrow at me.
"Yes, sir," I purred, smirking up at his frustrated huffing breath.
"I mean it," he sighed. "Please?"
"Yeah," I agreed, standing up on my toes just to kiss him. "Let's get geared up. Okay?"
Edward sighed deeply, his sharp, no nonsense gaze landing somewhere behind me. "I'm sick to fucking death of her lack of respect, especially toward you."
I chuckled, forcing him to look at me. "Not that it justifies her attitude, but her freedom has been completely taken away, baby. It takes a bit to adjust. I hated it at first," I said with a grimace, because if anyone should know what it was like to be sequestered away from society, it was me. And she had it easy; she could at least continue to do her job. I hadn't been so lucky a few years ago, and it was probably the only thing that was keeping me calm with Kyra's attitude. "And since I'm who everyone is looking to, that makes me the bad guy."
His gaze softened, and then turned into something pained. "Are you going to mention that to her? Miller, I mean."
"Maybe." I shrugged, not knowing if Kyra needed to hear that part of my life or not. My time with Miller, how Edward saved me, and my scars were still a very sensitive, very personal part of me. "I don't know."
Edward frowned, pressing his forehead to mine. "That's totally your decision, sweetness – though it may help her understand why you're so...adamant about safety."
I smiled and nodded, because I'd thought the same thing. "Yeah. I know. But thank you," I said sincerely, because he always had been loyal to me concerning that time in my life. He told no one about it. Ever. "Now," I sighed, cupping his ever so handsome face, "are you going to ask her about that marriage?"
"She could've gotten me fucking Court Marshaled!" he hissed, a touch of a growl to his voice. "It's fucking against the rules for a member of the U.S. Military to have a sexual relationship with someone that's married. Fuck!" His hand shot to his hair, and he shook his head slowly.
Okay, so I wasn't expecting that little outburst. At all. I also wasn't expecting that to be the reason he was so pissed at her.
"Hey, hey, hey," I soothed him, making him look only at me. "She didn't. You weren't. It's all over. You hear me?"
He didn't budge, continuing to glare her way.
"Sweetheart, that marriage was buried so deep in the system that I don't think anyone would've known. Honestly. It took a hunch on Alice's part to find it...and that was only because of the financial side of it."
"'Kay," he grunted, finally meeting my gaze. He nodded once, licking his lips. "Okay," he said again, letting out a long, slow breath. "We should go, baby."
"Then let's do this," I stated, but squeaked when I suddenly found myself picked up and tossed onto his strong shoulders. "Edward!" I laughed, smacking at his back, but he only popped my bottom in retribution.
He carried me that way all the way to Gravity's office and inside, finally setting me on my feet. "Teamwork...together, sweetness," he said, reminding me of our talk the night before.
I nodded, kissing him quickly and reaching for the safe to grab our guns. "Yup. Together."
~oOo~
EDWARD
"Here you go, guys," Alice said, holding out a handful of earpieces. "I've patched you into the regular frequency. That should keep the media out of your hair for the time being, considering I've encrypted it." She passed them out to me, Bella, Mickey, and Emmett, but she pointed to me as I tucked mine into my ear. "I'm still working on Kyra's phone, so she can't have it back just yet."
"I'll let her know," I said with a nod, tugging on my jacket to cover up the shoulder holster I was wearing.
"Is Gator going?" Rose asked, looking up from her computer.
"I think so," I answered, "because he wants to introduce us, in case he isn't with us in the future. This recording thing will take several sessions."
She nodded in acceptance, but turned her wry smile and sharp gaze to Bella. "Oh, she hates you, Bellsy..." she sang, shaking her head. "You're right."
"Yeah, I know." Bella didn't look up from her gun as she checked it, popping the clip out and back in. "Not much I can do about that."
My wife's voice held no emotion to that statement, and I wasn't sure what bothered me the most about it – the acceptance she had of Kyra's disrespect, or maybe the thought that she didn't have a choice but to put up with it. Fuck that shit! Jealous or not, Bella didn't need to put up with bullshit, just because she was doing her damn job.
Mickey sighed, giving Bella a long gaze, and then shook her head. "This diva's mouth is writing checks her ass can't cash, pretty boy," she murmured to me. "Bells is staying cool and level-headed, but Kyra will push her too far. Mark my words."
"I know," I muttered back, "and that's when I'll go off like a motherfucker."
Mickey nodded. "I'm pretty sure Bella knows that, Ed, and that's why she's trying to maintain. But does Kyra?" Her wicked smile quirked up on her face, and I chuckled.
"Probably not," I snickered, walking away from her. "Let's get this show on the road, sweetness. You ready?" I asked her, kissing her forehead as she nodded.
"Yeah. So who's got who?" Emmett asked as we all walked out to the cars, because we knew that we needed to take two vehicles, especially if we were picking the kids up from Esme later that evening.
"I'd like to ride with Cassie," Bella said as we joined everyone outside. "I've got questions for her...and Gator, if I'm to be honest. So why don't we ride with them, and Mickey and Emmett can ride with your dad and Kyra?" she suggested.
I was just about to agree with her, but Kyra had to go and open her fucking rude ass mouth.
"Overbearing shrew," she muttered, but it was loud enough that everyone came to a complete stop, and that was all I could take.
I rounded on her, pointing to the closest SUV. "Get your ass in the car!" I growled, using all the restraint I had not to pick her up and put her in it my-damn-self. "Don't say another fucking word. It's time we had a chat," I told her, only to turn to everyone else. "She rides with me. We'll follow you."
"Edward, it's..." Bella started, but I held a hand up. I didn't give a fuck at that point that Kyra was jealous or hating the changes. I didn't care if the woman still had feelings for me or not. This shit was ending now.
"No, it's not okay," I grunted, rolling my eyes. "Just...go..." I pointed toward the Volvo that everyone else was silently climbing into.
"Son..." my dad started, but I wasn't reachable at that point, so I just shook my head and waved him toward the other car.
When I turned back around, Kyra was slowing climbing in, a petrified look on her face.
"Now, Kyra," I snapped through gritted teeth, getting in on the driver's side. She'd barely closed the door, before I cranked up and pulled out.
"Edward, I'm..." she started, her voice low and subdued.
"Let me stop you right there," I said, still fucking seething. "Kyra, one more foul fucking word aimed at my crew – especially at my wife – and I will personally make sure that we remove ourselves from this case. You'll be on your own, which is dangerous as shit, because you have a serious fucking problem."
"Edward, please..." she started again, reaching for my hand, which I yanked away from her.
"No." I shook my head, thinking my wife was right – hell, she usually was – but Kyra was still feeling something for me, and I needed to put an end to it. "What did you think would happen when you realized it was me walking into that room? I'm married. And I realize that the word means shit to you, but to me...there's nothing else."
"It was over with Roger," she stated, shrugging a shoulder. "By the time I met you, it was the lawyers battling it out. I'd stopped being feeling married about a year into it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Edward, but I swear it was over."
I pursed my lips, rolling my eyes, because I didn't care about apologies. She could have ruined my military career. "And when I showed up at my dad's office..." I prompted, raising an eyebrow at her, because I had pretty damn good idea that she was still lying to me.
She paled at that accusation, but turned her head to the window. "I knew," she sighed. "I knew Carlisle was your dad."
"Excuse me?" I gasped, my mouth hanging open.
"As soon as I heard that Solstice had been bought by Twi Tech...I knew," she said, finally turning to face me again. "You mentioned him back then...what he did...where he worked... Cullen isn't exactly an average name, and you were even harder to forget, Edward. I didn't know he'd call you, but I would've asked him about you eventually."
I grimaced, groaning and sighing in frustration at the same time. "And?"
"Jesus, Edward," she whined, tears filling her eyes. "I fucking waited for you to call me. I gave everyone the all clear to patch you through no matter where I was, but you didn't. I realize that it was just a...a...fuck to you, but I thought we... You just...never did."
She spat the word fuck at me, and I flinched, but it was the truth back then. And I was pretty damn sure that she was verbally smacking me in revenge, because I'd totally fucking said that when we ended things. I'd called her just a fuck, just a good time. I'd reminded her that it was only temporary and that it would never work between us.
I ran a hand through my hair, gripping it roughly. "I was twenty-fucking-three and in a goddamned war...you were even younger, Kyra, and about to start a million fucking projects. What did you expect?" I yelled, gripping the steering wheel. "I wasn't in any position for commitment." I tapped my temple, shaking my head and glancing over at her. "I told you that. I never lied about that. The way I did it wasn't right, but I never fucking lied," I reiterated.
"I know," she sighed, smiling sadly and swiping at her tears. "Neither was I, but I'd just hoped you'd change your mind. And when there was a chance to see you again..."
I huffed a breath roughly through my nose. "Stop right there. There is no chance, Kyra. You have no idea just how non-existentthat chance truly is. Bella...my family...they're everything to me."
"I see that," she muttered, looking back out the window. "I'm happy for you, Edward. Really." Her voice held no inflection, no emotion to it, so I knew it was bullshit. I didn't need the girls to tell me that.
I snorted, shutting my mouth for awhile. In fact, not a word was spoken until the buildings of Seattle loomed up and around us. As the recording studio got closer, I turned to look at her.
"You really need to tone down the attitude toward my wife, Kyra. I mean it. I won't stand for anyone disrespecting her. Ever. That includes you," I stated firmly, raising an eyebrow at her when her head snapped around to glare at me.
"She's so fucking bossy."
"You aren't exactly a dream to work with. You're fighting us at every turn. But she is the boss. My daughter wasn't kidding you," I chuckled humorlessly. "Gravity is Bella's business. I only joined her when we got married." I paused, grimacing at what I was about to say, because I knew it would get back to Bella. "If anyone understands what you're going through right now, it's my wife. She's been where you are. She's got the scars to prove it. And trust me when I fucking tell you that you have it a helluva lot better than she ever fucking did."
"When? How?" Kyra gasped.
I shook my head, waving a hand at her. "That's her story to tell. You can ask her, but if she tells you, maybe then you'll understand why she's so determined to keep you safe, why she takes her job so very fucking seriously, and why she's been so ever fucking patient with your shitty attitude. Okay?" I asked, my voice getting sharper, so I toned it down just a bit. "She really gets it."
With that said, I pulled into the parking garage of the building housing the recording studio and turned toward Kyra.
"Tone this shit down, Kyra. I don't want to have to tell you again. Got me?" I asked, not giving her a chance to answer, other than a nod. "Good." I was out and at her door, tugging it open. "Now, let's get this shit done."
Emmett took his place on Kyra's other side, his face solemn as he glanced my way, letting his gaze slide just past me. I turned to see Mickey grimacing and tapping her ear. Fuck, if they hadn't heard the whole damn conversation over our earpieces.
"Christ," I breathed, searching out Bella, finding her stepping out of the Volvo. "Sweetness?" I whispered over the radio, despite the fact that my crew was listening, because if she listened in, then she heard me practically give Kyra permission to ask her about Miller. I was in so much fucking trouble.
She swiped at her face, shaking her head and turning away from me. "Edward, not now," she sighed, but I could hear a slight chuckle in her voice. "Come anywhere near me right now, and this day will be shot to hell," she laughed softly, especially when Mickey giggled a bit. "Shut it, Mick."
I smirked, shaking my head as I watched a sweet, but fucking beautiful blush creep up over my wife's face. "Bella?"
"We need to get her inside," Bella stated, ignoring me and staying away from me. She was fighting the sexiest smile I'd ever seen on her.
"Fine," I said, giving a glance around. "Everyone...on me."
~oOo~
"Shit, shit, shit," Alice whispered over the radio. "Tell me I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing. Bella...I think we have a problem."
My wife's head snapped up from the conversation she'd been in with Gator. Kyra had been inside a soundproof room, working with musicians, sound technicians, and what seemed to be a vocal coach for hours now. Emmett, Gator, and I had done a complete and total security sweep of the floor we were working on, taking our places at different doors. I was just inside the control room, Emmett was down by the elevators, and Mickey was down the hall. Bella and Gator stayed pretty close to Kyra and Cassie, and Gator was kind enough to give my wife a little history behind some of the people that were in the room.
"Talk to me, Alice," Bella stated, standing up from the leather sofa and stepping away.
"I don't fucking get it," Alice sighed, and she could be heard typing furiously on the other end. "There's a crowd gathering outside the studio. Like fans and media type crowd. In fact, there's a blurb online about the fact that Kyra's now in Seattle. Who would fucking let that shit out?"
"No one," Bella and I answered her at the same time, because we'd kindly asked the people working with Kyra to keep her presence a secret. We'd even taken the stairs up in order not to be seen – a fact that had caused more than one complaint from the singer.
Bella walked to the closest window, groaning, "Damn it." She glanced up at me, pointing at the glass. "The sidewalk is packed."
I walked to her, looking down at what looked to be about a hundred people down below, waiting with signs and flowers. Fuck...flowers. "Alice...can you trace how the info was leaked?"
"Are you kidding?" she laughed. "There's no way to tell, but give me a few. I'll work on it. 'Kay?"
"Thank you, pixie," Bella murmured, shaking her head and meeting my gaze. "That will be a bitch to get through."
Grimacing, I turned from the window. "Emmett, Mickey...when Kyra's done, I need you to head downstairs and drive the cars around. Can we find a back door or a service entrance or some shit? We'll need to keep Kyra out of that crowd. Got me?"
"Sir," they both answered. "I'll check out the best way to get out of here," Mickey added.
"What's going on?" my dad asked, joining me and Bella.
"We have a leak," Bella told him softly, glancing around the room and stepping out of the way so that he could look out the window. "Alice is on it now, but I'm not sure if she'll come up with anything."
"If that's the case, they'll be at the photo shoot, too," he surmised, his brow furrowing as he rubbed his chin.
"That's just fucking great," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "We might as well just point a sign to her...hand out directions on how to get to her."
A heavy, sensual beat started from the other end of the room, and one of the techs pointed through the glass window at Kyra. The control panel shifted, moved on its own, adjusting the beat, adding in different instruments as a man inside the room played the piano. The entire room and the activity over my earpiece came to a standstill, because they'd asked us to try and keep quiet when she was actually "laying down a track."
I leaned against the window, gazing at the crowd down below. I'd forgotten how well Kyra could sing, though it wasn't really my kind of music. I preferred heavier, older...classic rock, probably stemming from my dad, but Kyra's voice was filled with deep, sad emotions. It was a song about losing love, giving everything, and still not getting what you want. I rolled my eyes as I still faced the window. I was truly losing my patience with her, with her delusions of what could've happened. I didn't understand how just a few weeks together could change someone. It didn't make sense to me that Kyra was still holding on, or hoping for something more, or even just wanting one last fling together.
My eyes drifted across the room to land on Bella, and I sighed. Who the fuck was I kidding? Just a few weeks in her presence, and I was fucking done for. Christ, she'd been so broken when I'd pulled her from Miller's dungeon, but looking at her now – my wife, the amazing mother to my kids, and my partner – she was just...fuck, flawless to me. I didn't give a shit that some magazine had said the woman in the recording room was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. As far as I was concerned, it was the woman currently sitting next to my father.
It was all I could do to stay standing right where I was and not pull her up from the sofa and press her into the window next to me. It didn't help that I had a funny feeling she was a touch upset with me over the conversation she'd overheard with Kyra. I groaned, my forehead thumping to the glass in front of me. My breath fogged up in front of me with every exhale as I tried to calm my worry down, tried to keep my want for Bella under control.
"Let's call it a day, Kyra," the tech said over the mic. "We'll pick back up in a few days. Rest those pipes, yeah?" he chuckled.
"Sure, Foster," she replied back.
"Thank fuck," I grumbled, causing my wife to giggle slightly, so I gave her wink and a small smile from where I was. "Sorry," I chuckled, shrugging a shoulder.
"Edward," Mickey called over the radio. "I've got us an out. It's through the loading dock of the little bakery on the far corner of this building. They said we could sneak out that way."
"Ten-four," I murmured, glancing up at Bella and Gator, who were both gathering up their stuff.
"Emmett, meet me downstairs. We'll pull the cars around," she told him.
"On it. Ed, you okay up here?" he asked, but I could hear the ding of the elevator.
"Yeah, we're good. Go," I ordered, taking my place by the door. "Let me know when you're in position."
When everyone had packed up and Kyra had listened to the last song one more time, I gathered everyone around me.
"We're taking a different exit," I explained, "because we've got a crowd down below – one I'd like to avoid at this point, okay?" Once Gator, Kyra, and Cassie had agreed, I said, "We're just waiting for Mickey and Emmett to pull the cars around."
"You're good, Ed," Emmett barked. "Head down. We'll be in position by the time you get there."
"Got it," I replied, opening the doors to the stairwell. "Let's go."
~oOo~
BELLA
"You're clear back here," Mickey stated over the radio. "You should be able to run straight to the cars."
"Thanks, Mick," Edward said, taking the lead down the stairs, with Gator and Kyra close behind.
Carlisle and I were taking the back, leaving Cassie in front of us. We came out into the lobby of the fairly large building, but instead of heading out the now blocked front doors, we made our way to the little coffee shop/bakery at the very end of the atrium. They must have been waiting for us, because one of the employees gave us a quick nod, waving us past the front counter and through the kitchen. But it was at the back door that I faltered just a bit.
"Shit," I hissed, shaking my head at the old fear of steps that led underground. I balled my hands into tight fists, squeezing my eyes closed as everyone paused at the top step.
"Down here, straight back. You'll see the bay door at the end. Your people are backed down inside already," the bakery employee explained, pointing down the stairs.
"Thank you," Edward said, but when his eyes scanned over us, he saw my face and what was most likely my trepidation written all over it. "Dad, take the lead," he ordered, his face taking on a look that only I knew – a cross between pure, unadulterated love and patience, as well as a touch of the old anger at what I'd been through.
Carlisle nodded once, darting down the steps with Cassie and Gator close behind him. A firm, warm hand met my shoulder, but it was the soft, soothing voice in my ear that helped me take that first step.
"You got this, sweetness. It's not even dark down there," he whispered, placing a kiss to the shell of my ear. "This is fucking nothing. I'm right here, baby."
I nodded fervently, swallowing nervously, but I took that first step, looking up to see Kyra watching us with pure curiosity written all over her face. I didn't even have it in me to tell her to go, but she seemed to catch on. With each step, Edward's touch soothed, caressing my neck, my shoulders, my back, finally linking our fingers together.
Damn, if I didn't want him after his temper had completely unraveled on Kyra, after he'd yelled at her that the kids and I were his everything. I was about to kiss him senseless by the time we finally reached the bay doors of that fucking bakery. Edward was loyal and brave. I always said he was my hero, but his unwavering faithfulness, his unending patience with me, and his unbelievable ability to shoulder the weight of the world – that made him abso-fucking-lutely irresistible at the moment.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" he snickered so very softly in my ear.
I smiled, leaning into him and sighing a breath of relief, but we both looked up when his dad called from the cars.
"Let's go! They've been tipped off!" he snapped, pointing at the crowd that was rushing our way.
"Kyra! Kyra!" they all screamed. "Over here! How's Seattle? What's with the new bodyguards?" All the questions seemed to fly at her at once. It was cameras, phones, banners, pictures, flowers, and stuffed animals all heading our way. It was a fairly large crowd, and the flashes were almost blinding, as were the screams deafening. "Kyra!"
"Oh shit," Edward breathed, taking Kyra by the arm and barking orders. "Em, Mick! Get those doors open. Dad, take Gator and Cassie. Bella, get Kyra in that car!"
It took all of Edward's and Emmett's strength to hold the crowd back just long enough for Kyra and me to climb into the Volvo. Fans pushed against them, reaching past their heads toward Kyra, but I kept her moving.
"Come on," I urged her gently. "This shit is dangerous. The mob mentality can get you hurt, even if your stalker isn't here."
"Yeah," she groaned, diving into the middle seat and plopping down wearily. "Gator's had his arm broken, his foot stepped on, and I've been gripped too hard..."
"Edward, we're in. Go!" I told him over the headset as I took the very back seat behind Kyra. "Carlisle, you okay?" I asked, as Edward barely got in with his jacket intact and Emmett practically slammed some poor boy's fingers in the driver's side door.
"We're good. Careful pulling out of here. You don't want to hit anyone," he commanded, as Emmett pulled up the ramp and onto the street, with Mickey following behind him with Carlisle, Gator, and Cassie.
A completely disheveled Edward fell down in the seat next to me, giving the crowd a dark, disgruntled look as he ran a hand through his hair.
"You okay?" I snickered, because sometimes, I adored that grumpy look. I reached out to straighten his coat collar, urging, "Edward..."
"Yeah, damn," he sighed, rolling his eyes and shifting uncomfortably in the seat. "Someone kneed my fucking balls, and then freaked the fuck out when they realized what was inside my jacket." He opened his coat, checking his weapon, but smirked when all of us – Kyra included – started chuckling.
"Sorry, Edward," Kyra tittered, shaking her head as she turned to look out the window.
I covered my mouth, trying to hold back, but just like always, Emmett had to say something.
"Well, hell... Who knew we had to wear a fucking cup?" he chuckled. "The boys okay, Eddie?"
"They will be," he sighed nonchalantly, but he grabbed my hand to place it over his crotch stealthily, giving me my favorite crooked, sexy ass smile and a raised eyebrow.
I jerked my hand away, punching his leg, but I couldn't help but laugh at him. "I'm sure you'll live. We'll get you some ice," I told him.
"Fuck no," he growled, but he chuckled with the rest of us. "Okay, so where's this photo shoot?" he asked, turning to me.
"It's in a building not far from here," I said, gesturing toward the window. "According to Cassie, they're going to use this garden in the atrium. They're supposed to have cleared it out and be set up and ready for her, because they knew this was a time factor today. I believe Rose called them and told them about the upping of security, as well."
Kyra nodded, but turned around to face us. "These don't take long," she said, her voice a little subdued. Actually, she sounded weary – just plain tired.
"You sound like that's a good thing," I noted to her, and even though it was a tight, not so kind smile, she still answered me.
"Pictures are...a requirement," she snorted, rolling her eyes. "If I could just sing on stage for the rest of my life, I'd be happy. But unfortunately, I have to be...seen."
"Fuck that," Edward muttered, gazing out the window. He shook his head slowly, a grimace on his face. "I'm not sure it would be worth it..."
"Some days...it's not," she answered him. "Like today," she sighed, jerking a thumb behind her.
Everyone in the car and on the radio were quiet the last few blocks, and we were lucky enough to have a clear way inside the building. They allowed us to park and leave the SUVs right up front, and we walked inside. We were greeted by a rather flamboyant man named Rodney, who gushed over Kyra, dragging her off toward a room along the side of the little garden.
"I don't think so," Edward stated darkly, slamming a hand to the wall and stopping the little man in his tracks. "She goes nowhere without security."
"Even the dressing room?" Rodney purred, eying my husband like he was sex on a stick, but so was Kyra, I mentally noted.
"Even the dressing room, little man," Mickey chortled, rolling her eyes and pulling her weapon from her back. "I got this," she volunteered, giving me a shit eating grin and mouthing, "and you so owe me."
I grinned, shaking my head and turning to Edward. "Where do you want me during this thing?" I asked him.
He smiled slowly, sensually, and wickedly, dragging his tongue across his bottom lip. "You really need me to answer that, sweetness?" he purred softly, stepping closer to me. "Because if you do..."
"Stop right there, mister," I laughed, placing my hand flat against his muscular chest. "I meant for security. Not whatever naughty shit is in that evil mind of yours."
He chuckled, kissing my forehead, and then gave the garden a quick glance. "With me at the front doors. Emmett and Mickey can take that back entrance. Gator can take the bay of elevators. Dad can stay by Cassie and Kyra while she's...posing?" he said, finishing with a question on the last word, causing all of us to chuckle and take the positions he'd commanded. "What-the-fuck-ever," he snickered, rolling his eyes. "I don't care what this shit is called."
I was still giggling at him by the time we took our places at the front doors of the garden and Kyra came out, ready to sit for the photographer. She looked amazing and sort of ethereal in a flowy, white dress. The photographer was going to use the flowers and greenery around her to give her a fairy-like look. My eyebrows shot up as the camera began constantly clicking.
"God, she really looks amazing," I muttered aloud without thinking and shrugged a shoulder, because I'd never watched someone get photographed like that before.
I jumped when a heavy fist landed against the wall I was leaning on right by my head.
"What did I tell you, Bella?" Edward said, reaching into his ear to jerk out his earpiece. He reached for mine, as well, tugging it out and balling it up in his fist. "What did I say about mentioning her looks?" he rumbled, stepping closer to me.
"Edward, I..." I gasped, looking up into his really dark, but unbelievably sexy glare. Gone was the sweet, calm green, and in its place was black and wanting. "It was just..."
"Mmhm," he huffed, rolling his eyes. "You have no fucking idea just how gorgeous you are, love," he whispered. "You outshine her any day," he stated, raising his eyebrow up dangerously. "Now... What did I tell you I'd do if you uttered anything about what she looked like?"
I whimpered, a sweat breaking out across my brow, because holy fucking hell, he meant it. "You'd hold me down in front of a mirror and show me..."
"Show you...what?"
"How perfect I am to you," I murmured, finding it hard to even speak, much less breathe when he was in front of me like this, when he was looming over me, radiating pure sexual prowess and carnal knowledge. Everything about me – stomach, girly parts, my hands – they all twitched in want of him.
"At home," he whispered, like he knew what I was thinking, his lip curling just a bit as he gave me a pointed look at the vow he'd just made. "I'm not fucking kidding..."
He stood up straight, his eyes still locked with mine as he handed me back my earpiece. Every muscle he had rolled beneath the surface of his skin and clothes as his hands opened and closed for just a moment. He said nothing more as he tucked his earpiece back into his ear, finally breaking my gaze and facing the garden.
"Someone tell me this shit is almost over," he commanded into the radio.
"Yeah, she's getting dressed, dude," Emmett stated, pointing toward the dressing room.
There was a crowd gathering again outside, but we were able to sneak into the cars without as big of an incident as back at the studio. The ride back to Forks was quiet. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Kyra fell asleep at one point, and I couldn't say as I blamed her, because she'd had a helluva day – getting an ass-chewing from Edward alone could wear a bitch out.
Edward drove, but didn't say anything or touch me again, until we pulled in the driveway. The lights were on at Carlisle's house, which meant Esme was there with our kids.
We all piled out of the SUVs, weary, a touch cranky, and myself...about to shake with the need to be alone with my husband, yet a touch in awe as to just what he had planned for me. At the top of the porch steps, Carlisle came to a complete halt, causing some of us to run into each other.
"Sorry," I muttered to Mickey, but she turned to me with wide eyes.
"You'd better call Wes," she said, pointing to the door. "Looks like the stalker found her."
"Shit," Edward snapped, pulling out his gun as the rest of us followed suit. "Alice," he barked over the radio. "I need Wes and Jasper here...like yesterday! Call Alec, too."
"On it, on it, on it," she immediately chanted in her three-time manner. "Flower again?"
"Yes," we all answered her.
"Dad, Emmett," Edward growled, pointing toward the house. "Get Esme and the kids out of the house, now! Bella, Mickey...once they're out here, get them, Kyra, and Cassie back to our house! When Jasper gets here, I'll run a sweep of the grounds."
"Got it," I answered him, looking down at the gift left in front of the door. "Oh, hell," I sighed, shaking my head and looking up at Kyra. "Well, this time...he left you a note."
"Oh yeah, and Bella?" Alice called.
"Go ahead," I stated as Edward leaped off of the porch, Emmett and Carlisle darted inside the house, and I guided a frightened Kyra and Cassie back to my Volvo.
"The leak? Yeah, someone's tweeting from Kyra's account," she stated, her voice sounding pissed, like she couldn't figure out who the hell was doing it.
I groaned, holding my hair away from my face as all the men listening cursed. "Well, that's just perfect," I spat, closing the doors. "Keep an eye on it. I'll see you back at the house in a few."
"Yuppers," she sighed.
I turned around, plastering a calm smile on my face when my children and Caleb came bounding out of the house. They were bright and intuitive, but they didn't need to see my concern. I gave all of them big hugs and kisses, loading them up into the car, even without car seats, because we didn't have time.
"Edward, we're leaving," I told him over the radio. "Be careful," I ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," he panted as he ran through his dad's backyard. "You, too, love."
Once a quiet Esme took the passenger seat and closed her door, I backed out to head to the safest place I'd ever been.
My home.
A/N... I told you cliffie, though it's not as bad as some I've left for you guys. So there are some leaks, a new flower and now a note. They're heading to Edward and Bella's house. And just how HAWT is a pissed off Mercward? Hmm? If Kyra isn't pissing him off, then Bella's self-blindness is... LOL Sigh...the mirror...
Anyway, so you gotta love Bethy. Seriously. She can read bullshit a mile away, I swear. Lol
I need to thank JenRar for beta'ing this one, because it was a mess. Thanks to GooberLou for pre-reading this one. And to MedusaInNY for my blog. All you ladies are the shit! :D
The next chapter is done and ready, so the next posting will be Sunday. Lots of info on that chapter. So let me hear you. Until next time, later! :)