Disclaimer: Twilight and all its associated characters are owned by Stephenie Meyer.

Authors Notes: A big, long chapter for you this week folks. The mystery (at least, I hope it's a mystery and that you guys won't figure it out) begins now. A quick story to amuse you before I begin; I had my University graduation yesterday (I have letters after my name now) and as I was going to collect my robes, all dressed up and pretty, in true Bella form I tripped and fell on my face in the car park in front of everyone and so, I had to go through graduation with a rather painful and bloody skinned knee. The irony of the situation was not lost on me. Just thought I'd share that with you.

Anyway, a big thank you to sakari-x and Abbie Susie Q. You have no idea how much you guys cheered my up last week. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Don't forget to feed the author folks. Reviews are like cookies to me.

Bella POV

Chapter 4: A Scream in the Silence

Forty five minutes after we had arrived at Alistair Cullen's house I was sitting on the rusted old porch swing with 'drop dead gorgeous guy'. Edward Masen was charming, funny as hell and, if I haven't mentioned it before, gorgeous. I was trying to play it cool and failing miserably. I laughed at nearly everything he said, forgot to speak once or twice and smiled until my face hurt, but I couldn't help it. I'm sure I was blushing furiously the whole time as well, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

Despite being a qualified psychologist, I found it hard to connect with new people. With Edward, it seemed effortless. After discussing how spooky the house was, topics of conversation had ranged from movies and music to politics and places we had travelled. I'd never been able to talk so easily with a guy before. I looked over at him from under lowered lashes. He was laughing at something I'd said, his eyes closed, running his hand through his already dishevelled hair. I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered slightly, gazing out over the drive. I wondered if Mr. Yorkie would ever show. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Are you cold?"

His green gaze warmed me almost instantly, but I nodded. "A little bit. It's this mist. The damp just sinks into you."

He nodded back. "Yeah. I noticed that. Hang on a second."

He rose and ran towards his car. He opened the door and exchanged a few words with his friend before grabbing something from the back seat and turning back towards the house. This time, his friend joined us. I smiled as he handed me a blanked. I threw it around my shoulders, leaving enough for him to use to if he wanted. I secretly hoped he would. I was never averse to sharing body heat with an attractive man. I smiled at Edward's friend apologetically.

"I'm sorry. What was your name again? I've got a memory like a sieve."

His friend, who was taller than Edward with shaggy blond hair and blue eyes, smiled and shrugged. "Jasper. Bella, right?" I was sure he was asking just to make me feel better. He had a slight southern edge to his accent and he offered up a small smile when I nodded.

"Yeah. So…" I looked between the two of them. "How long are you two staying in our delightful town?" Sarcasm laced my voice.

Jasper grinned at me. "Not a fan, huh?"

I grinned at him. "I grew up here and my family and friends are here, but if I could move them all to somewhere with some sun and a bit of heat, I'd do it in a flash."

They both laughed and Edward sat back down beside me. "We're not sure how long we're staying. A few days at the very least. We have to go through the house, get it valued, see if there are any repair jobs to be done before we put it on the market."

I smiled and they looked puzzled. "I think you boys may be spending a little more time in Forks than you thought."

"Why do you say that?"

"You'll see once we get inside." As I spoke we could hear the screech of tires on tarmac and the crunch of gravel as someone took the turn to the drive way too quickly. A black Ford screeched to a halt inches away from the bumper of Edwards Volvo and I could feel him flinch beside me. We both rose as a short, balding man in a crumpled brown suit emerged from the car looking stressed. I waved at him from the porch.

"Hi Mr. Yorkie." He looked up as my voice carried across to him.

"Is that the lovely Dr. Swan I hear?"

I rolled my eyes as the two guys gave me a curious look. "I thought I asked you to stop calling me that."

He puffed up to us and grasped my hand briefly before giving me what I'm sure he thought was a roguish smile. "I'll stop when you stop calling me Mr. Yorkie."

He turned to the two guys, rummaging in his pockets. "So Mr. Masen?" He looked between the two of them until Edward stepped forward. "Ah, yes. Mr. Masen, here are the keys," He pulled out a ring that held at least ten keys on it. Edwards's eyebrows shot up. "And I will be back on Monday to sort out the details of the will."

It was Jaspers turn to look shocked. "Monday? Why wait until Monday?"

I looked at the ground, trying not to laugh. Jasper sounded so panicked. Mr. Yorkie seemed oblivious to Jaspers agitated state and just chuckled.

"Got big plans this weekend. I'm heading off fishing."

I coughed, covering up a laugh that I couldn't suppress and looked at the balding lawyer. Edward shot me a look.

"I… ah…Are you going out with Billy and my dad?"

He nodded. "Yep. I think it's going to be a good haul this week. Are you gonna fry up some of the fish just like you used to? Damn, that was good."

Edward and Jasper chuckled lightly and I blushed. "We'll see."

"Well then." He smiled around at the three of us and handed Edward the key ring. "I'll see you gentlemen on Monday. I'll be seeing you Dr. Swan."

I laughed and waved him off. "Bye Mr. Yorkie. Say hi to Eric for me."

"So," I turned back to Jasper, who was smirking. "A doctor and she cooks. I'd hang on to this one Edward."

Edward rolled his eyes and elbowed his friend in the ribs. He looked down at the bunch of keys in his hands and then back at me.

"Um, Bella? Do you know which is the key to the front door?"

I shook my head. "Nope. Sorry. I guess this is going to take just a little longer."

Jasper groaned loudly and let his head bang against the door. I shot Edward a questioning look but he just laughed. After a few minutes we finally managed to get the front door open. Edward stepped back and waved his arm, gesturing for me to go in first. I smiled at him and walked inside. As I did, my foot caught on the bottom of the door frame. I groaned inwardly as I felt myself pitch forward, tensing as I anticipated my impact with the floor, but it never came. I felt a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist. I blushed profusely as Edward lifted my up and set me on my feet. Both he and Jasper were chuckling quietly. I turned to face him apologetically.

"Sorry about that. I'm a bit clumsy, or, as Alice likes to call me, jeopardy friendly."

He raised an eyebrow. "That happens a lot, does it?"

I nodded and he laughed again. "Well, I'll just have to keep an eye on you. Come on you can give us that tour."

"Right."

I walked forward into the hallway and heard small gasps from the two men behind me. I understood their reaction. I remembered the first time I'd seen the house. I was eleven, in Forks for the summer to visit my dad. At the time I had lived in Phoenix with my mother but travelled out to Forks every year for two months to spend time with my father. When I was fifteen my mother got remarried and I made the decision to move to Forks to give her some time with her new husband. Neither she nor I ever dreamed I would end up liking the dreary little town. The first time I'd seen this house, I'd been terrified of it. It looked like exactly the kind of place that might harbour ghosts or monsters. The hallway was huge, with big oak doors on both sides and a massive staircase in the centre. I walked over to the wall and flipped on the lights, which flickered a bit before coming to life. The place was as dusty as it had always been and looked like the set of a horror movie, but I was comfortable with the creepy feel of the place now.

I turned back to the guys and giggled at the looks on their faces. They both seemed to be stuck somewhere between shock, awe and horror. Jasper turned to Edward.

"I can't believe you volunteered us for this. It's going to take forever!"

Edward ran a hand through his bronze hair once before closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "… This is not what I was expecting."

I giggled again and they both glared at me. "It rarely is." I decided to offer an olive branch and give them a chance to relax. "Do you guys want some tea or coffee or something, to warm you up?"

The both nodded, a hopeful gleam in their eyes. "Ok, follow me boys." I led them down past the stair case, talking as I went.

"Alistair didn't use many of the rooms. Down here he only ever used his study and the kitchen really, but there's a reception room, living room and dining room. His study is over there." I pointed to a big oak door which was previously hidden in the shadow of the large staircase. A small door in the side of the stairs opened up to reveal a small set of stone steps which led down into the kitchen. A large wooden table, surrounded by mismatched chairs, sat beside the window which looked out on the over grown garden at the back of the house. There was a large fireplace and a big iron range which I was sure hadn't been used in decades. A small electric stove stood beside it, looking out of place as always. I walked over to the counter and filled the kettle before opening a cabinet.

"So, tea or coffee?"

"Coffee."

They both spoke at the same time. I pulled out the instant and a box of peppermint tea for myself. I turned and leant back against the counter, waiting for the kettle to boil.

"We might as well get your stuff in while we wait." I grinned. "Then I can give you a proper run down of the horrors that await you."

Jasper rolled his eyes. "It can't be that bad. Right?" He sounded hopeful.

I just chuckled. "You can keep hoping Jasper. Let's go get your stuff."

As the three of us walked back towards the hall my phone chirped. I fished it out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. I rolled my eyes and looked at the boys. "You go on, this is going to take a few minutes."

They looked at me curiously as I flipped my phone open but smirked when I spoke. "Hi mom."

"Bella, I was so worried. It's a Friday so I called the hospital and they said you weren't there and…"

I groaned. "Mom, I told you not to call me at work. Even if I was there how do you know I'd be available?"

I could practically hear her thinking, trying to make up a good excuse. I loved Renee dearly, but she could be a little flaky and immature and there was nothing she loved more that hearing my workplace gossip. Every time she called, she would try to find out what was going on in my life from which ever of my colleagues picked up the phone, never actually calling my office extention. She also liked to call Alice whenever she felt like checking up on me. Unfortunately for me, my best friend was as much of a plotter as my mother.

"You always have time for me. I'm your mother." Was her eventual reply. My eyes rolled so far back in my head, I could have sworn I saw the roots of my hair.

"It's a hospital mom, not a day spa. I can't just talk to you when ever you want."

I heard her let out a gust of air. "Well, why aren't you in work then?"

Trust her to turn the tables on me. "I was in this morning. I took the rest of the day off to attend a patients' funeral."

"One of your patients' killed themselves. Oh, I'm so sorry honey."

"They didn't kill themselves. Not all of my patients' are suicidal. In fact, nearly none of them are. He died of a heart attack."

"Are you sure, because I read once that if you take too much of some drug it looks like a heart attack but…"

"I'm hanging up now mother."

"Bella, don't you da…" I snapped the phone shut, cutting of my flighty mothers' threat before she could finish it. I would call her back later. I rubbed my temples slightly, attempting to ward off the headache I could feel coming on.

"Alistair was a patient?"

I jumped a spun around, stumbling slightly as I did. Edward was standing in the doorway, staring at me. His eyes were wary as he looked at me. Something was wrong but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It was like he was looking at me through new eyes, and, it appeared, his new view was not very flattering.

I shrugged slightly. "Kind of. It's complicated. I've known Alistair since I was eleven years old. When I moved back here about two years ago my dad asked me to go and talk to him. He was worried that his paranoia was getting worse. It started out as an attempt by me to treat him, but, we became friends. I would come over every week and we would just talk." I looked back at him, attempting to match the strength of his gaze. "He was my friend."

Edward nodded, but his eyes were still guarded. "So, you're a…"

"Psychologist."

"Right."

I turned and focussed on making the tea and coffee but I could still feel his gaze on my back. The silence was becoming uncomfortable. I handed him his coffee and sighed.

"Bad experience, huh?"

He frowned at me. "What?"

"With a psychologist. Did you have a bad experience?"

He stiffened and took a step away from me. "You could say that."

I offered him a small smile in the hopes that he wouldn't hold my profession against me. "Well, don't worry. I don't plan on trying to get inside your head."

He smiled back at me, but it didn't reach his eyes and his body was still tense. I was about to ask him if he had a problem with me staying when Jasper appeared.

"God, I need that coffee. Give it here."

I laughed and handed him the mug, as he settled himself in a chair by the scarred table.

"So, Bella, tell us about yourself."

A glanced nervously at Edward who was glowering in the corner before sitting down by Jasper. Despite his originally quiet demeanour, Jasper seemed to have a feeling of peace about him.

"Well, I'm a psychologist at the local hospital. In a place this quiet there isn't a lot of emergent psych cases so mostly I do trauma counselling with patients and their families. I have quite a few private patients too. I live in the centre of town with my best friend Alice. She owns a shop here. She's a bit, well, I suppose crazy is a bit strong. Energetic. Alice is energetic. What about you guys?"

I didn't fail to notice Jaspers eyes flick to Edward when I mentioned what I did for a living but he smiled when I asked my question.

"We share an apartment in Seattle. I'm a counsellor actually. I'm ex-military and I do a lot of work with men who have PTSD and their families. I also do some work with families who've lost loved ones overseas. Edward here is a music teacher in a private academy."

I looked over at him. "What do you play?"

He glanced at me and then returned to staring daggers out the window. "Piano."

"Oh. Do you write as well?"

He nodded shortly and continued to stare out into the growing darkness. I laughed uncomfortably.

"Well, then it's not going to be all bad for you. There's a piano in the living room. I'm not sure what kind of shape it's in though."

We sat in silence for a few minutes, finishing our drinks. My headache had come on in full force now. I rubbed the base of my skull and sighed.

"I should go but…" I dug around in purse and came up with my card and a pen. I scribbled on the back of it. "Here's my cell if you guys need anything. If you're looking for a place to eat tonight there's a diner in town or a bar on the main street; Smiths. Me and Alice go there every Friday. Come and join us if you feel like it."

I handed the card to Jasper who took it and then grabbed my hand, smiling. A wave of calm washed over me and I couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks for all your help Bella."

"No problem." I got up and headed for the door before remembering something. "Oh, I just remembered. I left some books with Alistair the last time I was here. He probably left them in his study. Do you mind if I grab them before I leave?"

I looked over at Edward who just shrugged. "Sure."

I looked at the floor. "… Thanks. Well, bye."

I turned and practically ran out the door, tripping slightly on the top step in my haste to leave. I closed the door to the kitchen behind me but not before I heard Jasper begin to talk angrily. I shook my head and headed towards the study. It was dark outside now, the short evenings made even worse by Forks perpetually gloomy weather. I stepped inside and flipped on the light. I looked around and forced back a few tears. There were two large arm chairs beside the fireplace which still held ashes. An empty brandy glass and a book were sitting on a table beside one of the chairs, unmoved since the owner had passed on. I had spent many hours in this room, listening to Alistair's often insane conspiracy theories, debating with him over various topics or just telling him about my week. Despite his issues, he had been a good man and a good friend. I walked over to the giant mahogany desk and began searching for my books when I began to notice that something was off. Alistair had been paranoid but he also had a touch of OCD. Despite the fact that he had left much of the house fall into disrepair, in the rooms that he used, everything had to be just so. His books, papers and other items were always perfectly arranged. He put them that way without even thinking about it. I looked at the surface of the desk. There were papers messily stacked in one corner and a book had fallen to the floor beneath the leather chair. I looked around the room more closely, examining the book shelves and cabinets. Nothing was where it should have been. It was if someone had searched through everything and then gone to great lengths to make it seem as if the room hadn't been touched. Only someone who had been there often would notice, and asides from myself, my father and Alistair himself, I could think of no one else who would be familiar with the room. I felt something tugging at the back of my mind, as if there was something important that I just wasn't seeing. The last time I had seen Alistair, a little over a week ago he had seemed fine. Paranoid and nervous, but no more than usual. When I was leaving he had gripped my hand fiercely between his and urged me to be careful. I shook my head but the feeling refused to leave. As I turned to leave, I spotted my books on top of a tall cabinet. Frowning, I grabbed a step ladder and climbed up to reach them, wondering why he would have put them there. As I rescued my books from their high perch the lights flickered and suddenly I was surrounded by darkness. I heard a shout and muffled laughter from the kitchen. I froze atop the ladder and stared around the room. I couldn't see a thing.

"… Shit it!"

My clumsy nature was not exactly suited to dismounting ladder in pitch blackness. Tucking my books under my arm I carefully began my decent, pausing before every step to make sure by footing was secure. I sighed in relief as I took my last step, landing safely on solid ground. I laughed at myself and turned to leave the room. As I did, my heel caught in the rug at my feet and I went down. I cried out as my arm connected painfully with the step ladder. I rolled over and stared at the dark ceiling.

"Damn it! Ow!"

I heard running and then the door was flung open and a faint light shone in my direction.

"Bella?"

I was surprised to hear Edwards' velvety voice laced with concern. I sat up and looked at them. Jasper held a silver lighter in his hand and Edward was using his phone for light. Edward darted forward and knelt beside me.

"Are you ok?"

I examined my arm in the dim light. There was already a red mark from where I'd hit it but I knew it was nothing serious. I looked up to be met with breathtaking green eyes that were full of concern.

"I'm fine. Just a bruise. Sorry if I scared you."

I watched sadly as his gaze became closed off once more and he stood, offering me a hand to pull me up. I took it and it felt like electricity flowed between us. I gasped softly, wondering how I'd not noticed that earlier when we'd shook hands. Once I was standing he dropped my hand and took a step back as if I had burned him. My arm ached and I cradled it between my other arm and my body.

"The… um… the circuit box is in the cellar. The door directly on your left when you go into the kitchen."

Edward nodded and nearly sprinted out of the room. I gave Jasper a weak smile and bent to pick up my books but he got there before me. He smiled at me sadly.

"I'll walk you out."

We walked to my truck in silence and he put the books on the passenger seat before speaking to me again. He scratched the back of his head and looked at me sheepishly.

"Look, I'm sorry about him. He's…"

I shook my head, holding up a hand to stop him. "It's fine Jasper. Seriously. I understand."

He raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"

I shrugged. "I think I do. Edward doesn't want someone trying to analyse him. I can sympathise with that." I hopped up into the cab of my truck. "I meant what I said earlier. Call if you need anything and feel free to join us tonight in Smiths if you like."

He nodded. "Thanks."

I started the engine and Jasper jumped as the engine roared to life. I grinned at him and waved as I headed back towards town.

~:~

When I got home, I avoided going through the front of the store, which Alice had already closed up for the evening. Instead I used the back entrance, which was located down an ally way beside the building and led directly into the store room. I slammed the apartment door and threw my purse on the floor. Alice looked up from the couch and frowned.

"Bella, what's wrong?"

I didn't answer, but I groaned as I threw myself down on the couch beside her, putting my head in her lap. She sighed, exasperated and started to play with my hair.

"Headache?"

I nodded. "But I think I need to get drunk."

She squealed and jumped up and down slightly, jostling my head in her lap as she did. "Ooh, I love drunk Bella. She's way more fun than regular Bella."

I couldn't help but laugh, pinching her arm in retaliation as I did. "Shut up!"

She grabbed my arm and examined the darken bruise there, her eyes narrowed. "What happed this time?"

"My heel got caught in a rug."

"Ahh, I see. But what else has got my bestest of best friends down this evening?"

I rolled over so that I was looking up at her. "That guy…"

"Drop dead gorgeous guy?"

"Yeah, that guy, well, he was the nephew."

"That's great Bella."

I shook my head and closed my eyes. "Yeah, I thought so too. We were getting on really well until he found what I do and suddenly he was drop dead gorgeous asshole. It was like a magic trick. Now you see him, now you don't."

"Really?"

"Yup. Completely shut down. I think he has had bad shrink experiences in the past. His friend was nice enough though."

Alice looked at me for a moment and then nodded to herself. I knew her well enough to know that this meant she had just decided on a plan of action.

"Ok then. Operation Forget About Gorgeous Guy is a go. We can call it Fag for short."

I snorted. "Operation Fag?"

"Yup. Now, get your butt off the couch and in to the shower. I'm going to go get you something to wear that makes you look so hot, if he does show up, he'll fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness right there."

I laughed and stood, making my way to my room. "Ok, but don't go too over board. It's only Smiths after all."

I grabbed my books from the counter top and brought them with me. Tossing them on the bed, I didn't notice until I'd tugged my sweater off that a piece of thick paper had fluttered from between the pages. When I unfolded it I was unable to contain my gasp. I sat down heavily on the bed, unable to wrap my mind around what was written in front of me.

My Dearest Isabella,

I know you think I am just some crazy old man, but trust me when I tell you; you are in danger! If you have found this note, then I am dead. I cannot tell you how or why, but you probably know more about it then me if you are reading this. Don't tell Charlie anything yet. I don't want you to end up like those other girls. Please, Isabella, heed this warning.

Your devoted friend,

Alistair