Chapter 12: Planning

He saw Edward today when he left. He knew something was going down, and he wanted Bella out of there. He was nervous all day because Edward had been gone, planning something. He had Jake move him to the kitchen and he called Edward on his cell phone.

"What's going on, Cullen?"

Edward sighed. Of coursed Charlie knew something was up. "Chief, I've got a feeling that something is going down soon. I have tried to get some extra help, but they don't think we need help. I just have a feeling that this is going to be harder than we thought at first."

"Why is that?' Charlie knew about gut feelings, and he knew to trust him. He was scared. Adrenaline was pumping and making Charlie feel more alive than he has since he's been sick.

"Jasper called and said he saw a woman today who fit the description of Victoria Macleod. She was in the shop all day. Jasper was in front of the shop all day, and she stayed there for something like two hours. Then, a man fitting James's description came by and got her."

"Why didn't he get them, follow them, something."

"He got out to go after them, and they were gone." It was like they had vanished, jasper had said, flabbergasted.

"You've got to take her somewhere, Edward." And Charlie sounded tired and scared in that statement. And frustrated. He couldn't save his own daughter and he had to hand her over to someone else. "I trust that you will keep her safe because you love her." And that was the truth, Charlie truly believed that Edward loved his daughter, and he was the only hope for her.

"I've got one more idea, Charlie. I'll get this done. I'll be there to get her in an hour."

That took weight off his shoulders. He hung up right as he heard the truck door close in the drive way. Bella was home.

***

"What are you doing up?" Bella gasped at her father in the kitchen chair.

"I asked Jake to help me in here. I wanted a change of scenery. You don't know how hard it is, Bells."

She sighed. She didn't know what it was like. She was lucky. "You having a good day then, dad?"

"Yeah, Bells, I am feeling good today. I was restless on that couch. For the past week I have just been feeling like I am getting cabin fever or something. If I feel up to it I am going to have Jake help me out to the porch tomorrow, get some fresh air, you know?'

"Yeah, sounds good. Its supposed to be pretty tomorrow. We are supposed to have a break from the rain tomorrow."

Charlie knew that of course. He'd had nothing to do but watch TV for months. And he saw the weather today. And when he wasn't watching the news today, he was plotting to save his baby. "Edward called, said he'd be home within the hour or so. He has a surprise for you, he said. I called Jake and told him to come baby-sit me."

"Dad, its not babysitting."

"Bella, promise me you will go out and have fun with Edward tonight. Me and Jake have plans to watch gore movies all night and paint each other's toenails and give each other makeovers."

She laughed. He was joking, and he had color in his face. And he wasn't lying on the couch for the first time in weeks. She couldn't help but to be in a good mood. She wanted to go out and have fun. She wanted to get away from Forks and go to Seattle or even just Port Angeles and go see a movie. She couldn't remember the last movie she saw.

"I'm going to go take a shower and get ready for my date then." She leaned down and kissed Charlie's forehead.

He put a smile on his face and watched her walk out of the room. He looked up and talked to God for the first time since he had been sick. "Dear Lord, save my baby tonight."

***

"Do you understand?" He asked her for the third time. It was really starting to bug her.

"Yes, damn it. God, you have a hard on again."

He couldn't help it. He kept thinking about what would happen tonight. "Its got you going, too." He took her mouth with his. "I might even let you go first this time."

"Breaking tradition, my love?"

"Laurent isn't here, he won't have to know. Plus it will really get me hot watching you do her first. Then we will do it together." He was imagining it all.

"Focus on the plan, James." Victoria licked her lips at him knowing it would drive him even more crazy.

He moaned. "I need a cold shower before we leave." He got up and went into the grimy hotel bathroom.