Chapter Thirty Seven

Maggie

We were leaving in the morning and I had to see Daddy before then. I knew everyone was angry with him and he had scared me, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye. I was sure that if I asked my parents they would find an excuse for me not to go so I bribed Charlie to go with me.

At least, I told him I wanted to see the birds again knowing that he liked them and would readily agree to go with me and as Mom and Poppa were busy they let us go alone.

When I turned away from the corridor that led to the aviary, Charlie looked at me puzzled.

"We're going the wrong way, Maggie."

Then he stopped and frowned, "You were never going to see the birds, were you? Where are we going?"

"I need to see my Dad, Charlie, and I knew our parents would never let me wander around alone so I told you a fib. We can go see the birds afterward."

He scowled, "You lied to me. You knew I wouldn't go with you if you told me the truth. That's not very nice, Maggie. Besides, remember what happened last time we saw your Dad. We should go back."

"Please, Charlie. I just want to say goodbye. I don't know when I'll see him again and he's all alone now Angie has left."

I thought he was going to refuse but eventually, he sighed and continued walking on.

"OK. But if we get into trouble you'd better tell the truth. I'm not getting into trouble about this."

I was so relieved I instantly agreed.

As I thought Daddy was alone when we got there and looked pleased to see me until he noticed Charlie standing behind me.

"Oh, you'd better come in."

I had expected him to hug me or at least smile but he just motioned for us to sit down on the couch and took the chair opposite.

"I hoped I'd see you again soon, Maggie. I wanted to talk to you…Alone."

The last was emphasized but Charlie just ignored him.

"Mom doesn't know that we're here."

He smiled, "So, you escaped with your brother as a chaperone. Well done. I suppose I should apologize for pushing you, Charlie. I know you were only trying to protect your sister but there was no need. I would never hurt my daughter."

"Well, you did. Show him your arm, Maggie."

I shook my head, embarrassed now, and wishing I had tried to sneak off alone.

"That wasn't my fault. She pulled away. Now, I need to talk to her so you can leave, Charlie."

My brother shook his head decisively, "Nope. I'm staying."

Daddy's eyes flashed with anger, "Why is it that everyone is making me out to be a monster? All I ever wanted was my daughter and now I've lost Angie, everyone's trust and I hear that you're leaving tomorrow. I wanted to see you but Aro refuses to let me out of this suite. God knows what he thinks I will do."

I reached over and touched his hand, "I'm here now Daddy. Look what I got."

I pulled the cell phone out of my pocket and handed it to him.

"We can keep in touch. Put your number in my contacts then I can talk to you whenever I want. We can even video call."

Daddy took the phone and scrolled down my short list of contacts stopping when he reached one and scowled.

"Why do you have Angie's number? She's nothing to you. I forbid you from talking to her."

I felt suddenly angry and sad, why was he being so mean?

He put my phone in his pocket.

"You won't need that because you're not leaving. You can tell Aro that you want to stay here with me. At least that way I know you'll be safe and learn suitable topics."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I shook my head, "I'm not staying here. I want to go home."

"This is your home. It's where you belong. With me."

"No, she doesn't. Maggie belongs on the farm with me and our parents. Now give her back her phone. It's not yours."

Charlie stood up puffing out his chest and trying to look menacingly. At any other time, I would have found it funny but right now I was grateful.

Daddy laughed, "Or what little flea? Are you going to take it from me? Go away. Your sister is my daughter and she belongs with me. You aren't going to abandon me here alone. I won't allow it."

He made a grab for my arm but Charlie was quicker and put himself between us.

"Go, Maggie. Run."

I hesitated until I saw Daddy brush Charlie aside as if he was a bothersome fly and Charlie jumped back up off the floor and pushed me towards the door.

"Go Maggie. Get help."

I looked at Daddy's face and didn't recognize him. He was so angry I was scared for Charlie and ran to the door screaming for help. Someone would hear me and get here quickly.

I wrenched the door open and ran into someone standing there. It was Marcus and he looked grave.

"Maggie? What's going on? Why are you here?"

Marcus gently pushed me aside and walked in followed by two guards, Chelsea and Corin.

"Edward. I'll speak to you soon.," He turned to the guards, "Make sure Edward doesn't leave."

He beckoned Charlie to follow and stepped outside, shutting the door quietly.

"Corin, you and Chelsea wait here too. I won't be long."

Putting a hand on our shoulders he steered us away from Daddy's suite.

"You two shouldn't be here. Do your parents know where you are?"

I shook my head blushing, "No, but it was all my fault, Marcus."

"I see. Well, why don't you tell me what happened and why you were calling for help?"

He walked very slowly as I explained what had happened and then looked at Charlie.

"It was very brave of you to stick up for your sister again. Did you get hurt?"

Charlie shook his head, "No. I'm fine. Warriors don't feel pain."

Marcus smiled, "Oh yes, they do. Whether they choose to show it is another matter. We'll get Carlisle to check you over."

"What are you going to do to Daddy?"

Before Marcus could reply, Charlie butted in, "Put him in the deepest darkest dungeon and throw the key away. That's what he deserves."

"NO!"

I couldn't help raising my voice.

"It's alright, Maggie. You do understand that your father's actions are inexcusable? He cannot be allowed to go around hurting people. Especially not children."

I nodded reluctantly, "I know, but there must be something you can do. He's not all bad, and he's alone now."

Marcus sighed, "For your sake, we have come up with an alternative to him remaining here as a prisoner although Charlie has a point. What if your father chose to stay here as one of the Volturi?"

Charlie snorted, "He'd never agree to that."

"Oh, he might if he thought about the alternative. That way, you could visit whenever you wanted and you would know he was happy."

I thought about this, and suddenly understood, "You mean to use Corin to make him happy to stay?"

Marcus nodded, "Yes. Now, here we are. I should probably speak to your parents."

Jasper

Bella and I had said most of our goodbyes, and she was packed and ready to leave. I think if there had been the possibility of a flight out today she would have taken it. Edward had ruined the trip with his actions and I wondered what would happen.

The Volturi were very fond of the children and I was sure that if not for Maggie's feelings he would be cooling his heels in the catacombs or dead already. I was pretty sure Bella would be fine about either outcome. Human Bella might have thought about it for a minute or two but vampire Bella was happy if no one ever saw her ex again.

We were surprised when the children returned with Marcus, but maybe he had found them visiting the aviary and decided to spend a little more time with them. At least, that's what I thought until I felt their emotions. Something had happened, and I doubted it had anything to do with birds!

Mother's intuition told Bella this was not a social call.

"Marcus! What have they done? Are they in trouble? Kids, what have you been up to?"

Marcus smiled, "They aren't in trouble, Bella. Far from it. Charlie here has shown considerable bravery."

"Bravery? What happened? What happened, Charlie?"

I put an arm around her shoulder to calm her, "Let Marcus speak, Bella. I'm sure he'll

Clear things up for us."

"Thank you, Major."

Marcus related his tale and Maggie filled in the blanks. So, it had been Edward yet again!

"I know we should have told you where we were going, but I didn't want you to stop me. It's not Charlie's fault, he didn't know until we left. I just wanted to say goodbye to my Dad. I feel sorry for him. He's all alone now Angie's gone. I just thought he would feel better if he knew I could keep in touch."

"Yeah, but he snatched Maggie's cell phone. He wanted her to stay with him but I wouldn't let him grab her again."

Maggie smiled faintly, she was torn between loyalty to her dad and her brother.

"Charlie was really brave. He got between us and wouldn't let Daddy get a hold of me. Then Daddy got angry so Charlie told me to run for help. I ran into Marcus outside the door."

Bella pulled Maggie into her arms, "Did he hurt you?"

Maggie shook her head, but Bella wasn't willing to be placated, "Marcus, we have to do something about Edward before he causes any real harm. I don't know what's gotten into him."

"I said he should be locked up and throw away the key, then he can't hurt my sister ever again. But Marcus has another idea. It's not as good as mine."

Maggie scowled at her brother, "You can't do that to people, Charlie. Besides, it's not his fault. Daddy is lonely and miserable."

"Yeah? Well, he will be if he acts like that when people are trying to be nice to him. I said we shouldn't have gone."

"Enough, both of you. It's time you got your stuff packed, we're leaving early tomorrow and you still want to go out for pizza tonight I take it?"

Bella opened her mouth to veto that idea but I steered her to the door, "I think Marcus wants to speak to us without little ears flapping."

Maggie went into her room, closing the door a little too loudly while Charlie picked up the remote and turned on the TV flicking through the channels until he found some cartoons.

"Stay here until we get back. I mean it."

Charlie nodded at his Mom's command and we followed Marcus out into the corridor.

Once alone and out of earshot he stopped, "Please don't be too harsh on the children Bella. I understand why Maggie wanted to see her father and Charlie wasn't going to allow her to go alone.

He's quite the fighter, Major. You should have seen the way he stood up to Edward. I wouldn't be surprised to see him become one of the Volturi guards when he grows up.

As for Edward, Maggie knows what I plan to do. Much as I agree with Charlie, Edward is her father, and we must consider her feelings. Under any other circumstances, he would be put to death. However, we have discussed the situation and have decided to give Edward a choice. He can stay here unwillingly as a prisoner for an undetermined time, or he can stay willingly as one of the Volturi under Corin's influence. We are hoping he will choose the latter for Maggie's sake."

"Why don't you just do it? Why ask him to choose?" Bella was still angry with Edward.

"We could, but this way we can see how much he loves his daughter. Edward has changed since losing his arm. More so since Angie left. I want to be sure he is worth saving. Worth Maggie's love. If he chooses to remain a prisoner then he will not be allowed access to either of the children. It would not be safe. I was on my way to put his choices before him when I encountered the children. While I'm there I will recover Maggie's cell phone and make sure it is returned to her before you leave."

"Thank you, Marcus. He's getting a better deal than he deserves but I swear if he ever threatens either of my children again I'll kill him myself."

Marcus smiled and touched Bella's arm, "I believe you, Bella. Now, I should go. If I do not see you again before you leave, please remember, I am always here for you if needed."

As he walked away, I turned to Bella, "You're quite the little firebrand, Mrs. Whitlock. I like it. Very sexy."

She sighed, then managed a wan smile, "I can't wait to get away from here, Jasper. Edward is spoiling everything. I long to see the farmhouse again, and I need to see my Dad. We haven't heard anything from Peter for ages."

This was true, all we had was a line of emojis of grinning squinting faces interspersed with faces screaming in fear. Not exactly a message to make Bella feel better. Charlotte had sent one early on to say the Chief was struggling but they were making progress. Maybe she didn't want to worry Bella unduly, knowing how hard it could be for a newborn. Unfortunately, it just made her even more worried hence our visit to the Whitlock ranch on our way home now she was sure the children would be safe.

"If the Volturi who live on human blood don't feel thirst with the children around then Dad won't be any threat to them."

In theory, that was true, but it didn't mean the Chief as a newborn wouldn't try to rip our heads off. I just hoped Peter had him under control by now.

When we got back to our suite, Maggie had packed her things and changed, ready for our last-minute trip into town while Charlie was munching on chocolate chip cookies from the kitchen and watching cartoons.

"Are you packed, Charlie? Or will you be staying behind to do it while we're out?"

He sighed and turned off the TV, "I'll do it now."

As he disappeared into the bedroom, we heard him muttering how we should be nice to him because he was a hero. I wondered how long he would play that tune. It might get him special treatment from the rest of the family, but it cut no ice with me.

"He's going to be insufferable, Mom. Oh, did you ask Marcus to get my cell phone from Daddy?"

"Marcus said he would make sure you got it back but I'm not sure you deserve it, young lady. You lied to me."

"I didn't. I was going to see the birds with Charlie once we left Daddy."

Bella frowned, "That's the same thing. Lying by omission. Don't let it happen again or you are going to spend the next few months cleaning out the chicken coop."

Maggie made a face but knew better than to argue with her Mom while Bella was in this kind of a mood. This evening should be fun!

To be honest, I wouldn't be sorry to say goodbye to Italy. I was far happier on the farm and I knew the kids would settle once they got back home.

Luckily they both behaved impeccably in town and thoroughly enjoyed the pizza and then ice cream at the restaurant on the square. The evening was balmy and we sat outside people-watching while Bella and I pretended to eat our meals.

Rose and Emmett walked by and seeing us came to join us for a while. It seems the rumor mill had been running full tilt because they had heard that Charlie had knocked Edward over to allow Maggie to flee. He was over the moon with this story, adding to it in his childlike way, but his sister had become quiet.

Maggie was still trying to work out why Edward had changed so radically. She hadn't known the Edward that I had. He hadn't really changed. He'd just reverted to type. We would have to find a way to help her understand this, but I was relieved he would be out of her life for the foreseeable future.