AN: So, this chapter will look at how Bella and Edward begin to deal with this new threat in their lives. You also get to meet the private investigator, Bella has her first ultrasound, and our favorite couple gets citrusy. I hope you enjoy!

*I don't own them.

Investigations

BPOV

The next morning, the day I was supposed to start classes, I was withdrawing my registration from Northwestern. I investigated taking some online courses, but because I had completed most of my prerequisites for my major already, the only classes I needed to graduate were upper level literature courses and they weren't available online. Although I was saddened that it would take longer to finish my degree, I knew I was doing the right thing for my family. Edward was already a basketcase. I was sure he hadn't slept a wink all night, before rising at six to go to the hospital. His body had remained curled around mine throughout the night, and I woke up periodically, feeling his strong arms locked around me and his hand rubbing my belly.

Edward texted me around noon, letting me know the private investigator Harry had recommended would be meeting with us that evening. Guilt was beginning to fester inside me, knowing that I was the target of some deviant and it was causing so much stress to those I loved. Worry was obviously rampant among the family members, since I couldn't even sit down to start working on my novel without the phone ringing again with someone pretending they just wanted to talk rather than check up on me. I finally gave up trying and closed my laptop, deciding to occupy myself by making a couple batches of cookies. At least I would have something to offer the guests that would undoubtedly be stopping by to babysit me. I laughed when Edward called for the tenth time since he left.

"Hello, darling." I answered.

"Hi, baby. Everything OK?" I wondered if my Panicward had actually seen any patients today or whether he had just brooded in between phone calls and texts to me.

"Everything's fine. The phone has been ringing off the hook with everyone calling me. I gave up trying to write and I am now making cookies." I told him, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice. I knew it was all just because they cared about me.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I know this sucks for you, especially giving up classes. I promise I will do anything I can to get this over with as soon as possible." Yes, I knew my beautiful man would move heaven and earth to keep me safe and make me happy.

"It's alright, Edward. I just hate that some person out there hates me so much to cause this level of trouble. I really hate that I know you are worried." I tried to explain to him. He sighed and I could practically picture him pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

I need to give him a backrub when he comes home. My inner bad girl was already selecting varieties of massage oils.

"We'll get it figured out. I should be home in about an hour and then the PI is coming over around seven. I have been talking with him today, also, so he has a lot of the information already. He said he wanted to meet with you and ask you a few things." He told me.

"What's his name?" I asked.

"Embry Call. Harry said he is the best, plus has different people working for him around the nation and has already started investigating Victoria through his guy in Seattle." I wondered if Victoria was really behind that package. I just couldn't fathom that I ever meant enough to her to go to so much trouble.

"Alright, well I guess I will see you soon. I am going to put dinner on now." I saw the timer was getting ready to go off for the cookies.

"OK, baby. I love you."

"I love you, too. Bye, Edward."

"Bye, love." I hung up just as the timer rang and took my cookies out. They were pretty damn good, even if I said so myself.

I started a tomato sauce, after hanging up the phone, deciding to make spaghetti for dinner. After taking the last batch of cookies from the oven and putting a lid on the sauce to simmer, I ran upstairs to wash up and change into something a little nicer. The carefree feeling of walking on the beach during our honeymoon had faded fast when Edward and I returned to the cold reality of Chicago. But, I could wear one of my sundresses and maybe bring a little sunshine into our bleak situation. Knowing Edward, he would not be able to keep his hands to himself, if I was showing my legs. I groaned thinking about his hands on my legs, exactly where I wanted them.

I love those magical, tantalizing hands.

Looking in the mirror, I admired my reflection wearing a light blue dress. The fitted bodice highlighted my pregnancy-induced, ever-increasing cup size, which Edward had no qualms telling me made him drool. The bouncy skirt swished nicely when I walked or turned around, and the short length complemented my legs. I brushed through my hair and added some strappy sandals before going back downstairs to finish preparing dinner. As I was about to put the water on to boil for the noodles, I heard Edward come in the front door. I turned around, feeling the familiar charge in the air when he was near. He stood in the doorway to the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe, a tired smile present on his beautiful, but weary, face. Rage bloomed inside me for the person that was targeting me, thus placing so much anxiety in the mind of my Edward. I set the pot of water aside and walked to him, caressing his face, complete with day-old stubble.

His eyes were intense as he looked down at me. My hands reached behind his neck, pulling him down to meet my lips. I poured all my love and desire into a searing kiss, leaving him no doubt how much I wanted him. Our tongues fought for dominance and my panties were drenched when he moaned into my mouth. I felt his hands reach around me, holding me close to him by the waist, before moving south to explore my thighs and rear. My desire for him overwhelmed me, making me tug him forward as I backed up, hitting the counter. My lips broke our kiss and moved to his neck, his scent driving me wild. The pure, raw energy between us sparked as if on fire.

"Put me on the counter, Edward." I breathed out, my attentions still locked on his neck. He picked me up by the waist and placed me on the counter, the action bringing my face level with his. I spread my legs, pulling him to me, as close as possible. His hands moved under my skirt and gripped my hips, positioning me at the edge of the counter and pressing himself flush with my center; a moan escaped my lips when I felt how hard he was. I made quick work of his belt, before unbuttoning and unzipping his slacks. As the pants pooled at his feet, my hand slid down inside his boxers, stroking his long, hard cock that was made just for me.

"Mmmm, Bella. Do you want me?" His question was echoing in my ear as he moaned in pleasure from my stroking. He moved from between my legs for only a moment, as his fingers quickly removed my panties. I watched as he slipped the panties into his pocket, before tearing off and throwing his jacket, tie, and shirt on the floor. His mouth was back on mine as he returned to grind against my dripping core, before sliding his hand to snake down between us.

"Ahhhhh." The sound emitted from my mouth, my head falling back, when those magical fingers stroked me. I was panting when his thumb found my throbbing clit. It felt so good, but I wanted him inside me. I looked at him. "I want you, Edward." I felt his hand leave my pussy and he hiked up my skirt so I was bare to our eyes. His hand gripped his cock and rubbed the tip over me, where his fingers had just been stroking. I followed the path of his eyes and looked down to see how my juices glistened on his length.

"Do you see how you are all over me?" He asked. It was the hottest thing I'd ever seen and I could only moan in response. My hands moved back around his neck and my hips thrusted involuntarily, as my body sought for him to slide into me. He leaned forward and licked my neck, his tongue leaving a wet trail from my collar bone up to my ear. "Tell me you want my cock, love." He whispered, gently blowing air on the wet path he left, making me shiver in delight and sending tingles throughout my body.

"I want your cock inside me now." I hadn't even finished the sentence before I felt him pushing himself in, filling me to the hilt. His forehead rested on my shoulder, moaning from the relief of our connection. He gripped my hips once more, as he pumped slowly, pulling almost all the way out before plunging in fully again. The fire was building inside me, feeling him trying to get deeper and deeper with every drive. "You feel so good, baby." He said, before sucking on my neck. My legs wrapped around him, the heels of my sandals digging into his backside, as his thrusts changed from long, slow strokes to hard pounding. I felt his thumb return to rub my clit and his fast breaths and grunts signaled to me that he was getting close. Knowing my Edward liked when I talked to him during sex, my hands went to grab his hair, bringing his ear close to my lips.

"Do you like fucking me on the counter? Did you know I have been wet all day thinking about you pounding me just like this?" I asked him seductively in his ear, his thrusting becoming almost feral in response.

"Fuck!" He cried out. "Baby, you've got to come for me." He groaned out, wanting me to find my release with him. His thumb rubbed feverishly on my clit and my body exploded, as I felt him plunge as deep as possible and spill his seed inside me. His incoherent babbling as he came down would have made me giggle if I hadn't been making unintelligible sounds of ecstatic fulfillment myself. I moaned lightly when he finally brought his lips to mine, kissing me deeply. I loved how affectionate and intimate he always was after sex.

"Welcome home." I said after his kissing had slowed to light pecks around my face. He smiled as he leaned back and looked at me.

"I think we need to implement this greeting every day." He suggested with a laugh, before nuzzling my neck. We likely would have worked ourselves up for round two, but I knew the investigator was coming and I needed to finish dinner. I put my hands on his cheeks and lifted his face to mine, placing one last chaste kiss on his lips.

"I'm going to finish dinner. Let's get cleaned up a little, so our company doesn't walk in to see you with your pants down." I bit my lip, seeing his grin erupt. It made me happy that I had been able to put a grin on his tired face. He hissed a little as he pulled out of me, the loss of connection always resulting in a tiny ache in my soul. Grabbing my waist, he lifted me gently off the counter and placed me back on my wobbly feet. He put his boxers back on and picked up the rest of his clothes to go change upstairs.

"Edward, I need my panties back." He turned around, grinning again while shaking his head.

"Nope, I'm keeping these for posterity." He claimed. Pervert. I chuckled a little, watching him bounce away. I did go to the bathroom to mop up. I didn't want him dripping down my thighs during dinner, although he would claim that was hot.

Edward and I were sitting at the dining room table enjoying our dinner when the doorbell rang. I had set an extra place for Mr. Call, in case he was hungry. Edward went to answer the door and I stood from my seat when he led Mr. Call into the dining room. He was a distinguished looking gentleman, not really what I was expecting. Perhaps I had seen too many murder mysteries where the private eyes always appeared somewhat greasy and underhanded. Yet, Mr. Call was handsome and had a trustworthy appeal to him. He approached me holding out his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cullen." I shook his hand, smiling as the butterflies in my stomach danced at hearing my newly acquired married name.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Call. Please, call me Bella." I answered. He nodded.

"You can call me Embry." He replied. I waved toward the table.

"Please have a seat and help yourself. Edward and I were having dinner and I made plenty. Can I get you something to drink? We have beer, wine, soda, or water."

I went to get him a beer at his request and joined them both back at the table, neither sitting down until I had taken my seat. We ate dinner companionably as he told us about his business and his relationship with Chief Madison. They seemed to have helped each other out several times over the years. This made Embry more honorable in my eyes, because I really liked and admired Harry. After eating, Edward cleared our dishes, as I went to make coffee for them and tea for me. Edward insisted on carrying it all into the dining room and I followed him with a large plate of my freshly baked cookies. Embry then looked at me and I knew the conversation was about to take a serious turn.

"Bella, I have been given all the pertinent information regarding the package that was delivered here and the people that you suspect may be involved. I'm sure Edward has already told you that we have started poking around in Seattle, trying to find this Victoria Johnson and any link she might have to James Monroe." Embry began. "Having seen the report you filed with the police, I do have a question for you." He paused as I nodded for him to continue. "Can you tell me exactly who you have told about your pregnancy?" I was a little stunned. We all had just jumped to the conclusion that Victoria must be behind this, yet how could she possibly know I was pregnant?

"The only people I have told or talked to about it are all in the family. Rose, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, plus Edward's parents and grandparents." I told him.

"You never mentioned anything at the wedding or did either of you have a conversation about it there that may have been overheard?" I thought hard about every detail of that perfect day. I knew I hadn't said anything to Angela, Jacob, Leah, Ben, or even Mitch. I was waiting to really start announcing to my friends about the pregnancy, until after my first trimester was over.

"I was feeling ill from morning sickness when I woke up, but only Alice and Esme were there. Carlisle pulled me aside when I went downstairs and there were workers and photographers around at the time, setting everything up, but he just asked me if I was feeling alright and it was a discreet conversation." I looked to Edward. "I don't think we were loud at the dinner table when I told you I was ill in the morning after you inquired about my lack of appetite." Edward shook his head in agreement that our conversation wasn't overheard. Embry turned toward Edward.

"Have you talked with anyone?" He asked.

"No, I've only discussed the pregnancy with my family." Embry nodded at Edward.

"Alright. I will need to contact all your family members to see if any of them may have let it slip to someone. I have already made contact with your OB's office to get in touch with me. I want to find out if someone has accessed their files illegally. It is possible that in the time since you found out you were pregnant, that someone with something against one of you noticed a gesture between you two, even as simple as a touch to her belly, and started investigating." He explained. The thought that it could be anybody made me shiver. At least with Victoria being our focus, it seemed like we had a real target instead of a wild goose chase.

Edward supplied Embry with contact information for all of our family and asked him about his thoughts regarding my security. He agreed with Harry's suggestion that I avoid being in public alone for the time being, until he had a better handle on who might be behind the threat. I shook my head listening to Edward explain the increased security measures he asked his building manager to put in place at his expense. I really didn't want any of our neighbors to be inconvenienced because of me. Embry promised to be in touch and made me promise to call him with any questions or concerns I might have going forward.

Edward wrapped me up in an embrace after showing Embry out. All the giddiness from our welcome home tryst had been sucked out by the revelation that finding the one responsible may be harder than we imagined. I didn't want this threat looming over me during my pregnancy, a time which Edward and I should be able to enjoy and revel in. He noticed my sullen mood and pulled me with him to his piano bench. I leaned into him, my arms around his waist and my head against his shoulder; he played song after beautiful song, trying to calm my nerves. The music soothed me, hearing the graceful notes flow from his talented hands. I was in such captivation that I barely noticed when he stopped playing and turned to envelope me, his face buried in my hair.

"It's going to be OK, Bella. I promise." He said softly.

I just hoped he was right.

EPOV

Two days following the meeting with Embry, Bella and I were visiting Dr. Young again for Bella's first ultrasound. Bella's mood had been somber since that Monday night conversation. Anger filled me because this time for Bella should be joyful instead of frightening. I tried to keep a strong and happy façade up in front of her, not wanting to compile her stress with my own anxieties. It was difficult though, knowing the threat was out there but not knowing where it was coming from.

As I drove to Dr. Young's office, I planned how I would need to pull her aside and discuss our situation with her, even plead with her if I had to. Embry had called me the day before, letting me know he had talked with Emily and that she was hesitant to allow him any access at all that may breach her clients' anonymity. I understood the need to maintain the privacy of patients, but I needed to make her recognize that somehow our records may have been accessed and we needed to find out by whom. Embry had assured me that his computer tech could get the needed information without accessing any other patient's files but that the doctor had not been mollified by his explanation.

I sat with Bella and held her hand as they checked her blood pressure and other vitals. I noticed that her blood pressure was a little high. The lump in my throat increased in size, thinking that this stress may be having negative side effects on her pregnancy. Emily came in to perform the ultrasound herself, instead of a technician, and I appreciated her making Bella feel more comfortable and even excited as she pointed out the bean shape of our fetus on the monitor. I sighed when Emily noted to Bella that her BP was slightly elevated compared to the appointment a couple weeks ago and asked us to make another appointment in a month, instead of waiting until the 20 week point. Bella assured her that she was taking her vitamins and would try to keep herself as calm as possible. I didn't miss Bella sneaking a glance at me when she talked about her stress level. Emily put our projected birth date at March 31 and I smiled to myself thinking it was likely we really did conceive on our first night together. I left Bella for a moment, as she was scheduling the next appointment, and went to talk to Emily in her office.

"Come in." She said after I knocked on her door. "Hey, Edward. Did you need something else?" I closed the door and sat down in one of her chairs.

"Emily, I know that the investigator I hired, Mr. Call, contacted you yesterday. I need you to reconsider your stance on allowing him access." She sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"Edward, you know that securing the privacy of our patients is of utmost importance." She pointed out. I nodded to her.

"Yes, I agree. That is why I need to know if anyone has accessed our file. Mr. Call did not give you all of the details surrounding our circumstances." I continued on to tell her about Bella and me returning from our honeymoon and finding the package. She frowned when she heard the steps we were taking; from extra security, to Bella not being able to go out alone, and even Bella deferring school to lessen her exposure. I emphasized the fact that us not knowing where the threat was coming from only increased Bella's stress levels. "I have been assured that only our private files will be accessed through the system and we would be willing to sign whatever documentation you need to prevent any liability on your part." I told her. She brought her elbows up on her desk and placed her chin on top of her clasped hands.

"Alright, Edward. I will allow it. But, not only do I want to be present, but I also want my own computer tech guy here to make sure nothing else is accessed. My office is normally closed on Saturday afternoon, would you be able to do this then?" She asked. I wanted to sigh in relief and tell her that anytime would be just fine for us.

"Yes, Emily. I can bring him here on Saturday, say 1:00?" She nodded to me. "I can't thank you enough. I appreciate it more than words can say." I stood up and shook her offered hand before leaving. I found my Bella waiting for me in the lobby and I immediately grabbed her hand and kissed it with a smile.

"Good news?" She asked.

"Yes, she is going to let us have access. I have to call Embry and let him know she will meet with us on Saturday." I told her. I called him as we walked out to the car and he agreed to the meeting time. I felt just a little lighter, as if we were making some progress.

I took Bella to lunch and rubbed her feet later as she rested on the couch watching a movie. We both grinned like idiots when we put our first baby picture up on the refrigerator. I had copies made for our family. Rose and Emmett came over that night with Thai food and we enjoyed their company during dinner. They told us about Embry contacting them and being very cordial as he asked questions relating to disclosure of Bella's pregnancy. They assured us that they had not told anybody else, although Emmett was eager to spread the news on the team that he was about to be an uncle. Emmett pulled me aside later in the evening when the girls were in the kitchen.

"Has Embry found anything about Victoria?" He asked me. I shook my head.

"No. Not yet. But, he seems to think that the information regarding the pregnancy happened here in Chicago. It almost must have, Emmett, since Bella didn't tell Jake or Leah about being pregnant." I paused. "I don't think it was Victoria." I told him. His hands rubbed his face, a quirk I know comes out when he is frustrated.

"Fuck. Who the hell could it be?" I didn't answer, knowing it was a rhetorical question. We both let out long sighs. "Make sure to tell me what you guys find out on Saturday." He said.

"I will call you as soon as we are done and they tell me what they find." I promised. I knew Emmett had his season opening home game on Sunday and it wouldn't be pleasant concentrating on football when there was so much drama surrounding us. I felt the same regarding work at the hospital. I didn't want to leave Bella's side until we knew who was behind the threat. It was difficult for me to remain professional at work when I was so worried about her at home.

The rest of the week was spent trying not to think of Bella while at work and trying not to think of the looming menace while at home. It was particularly hard at work, where I felt I needed to keep my guard up. Could it possible that one of my co-workers had seen me with Bella and my behavior led them to investigate whether she was pregnant? Who would gain from that? Was Bella the target or was I? I didn't notice any circumspect behavior from my colleagues. Even Tanya was keeping a professional distance from me.

Thank God.

Saturday morning finally came and I awoke to my angel nuzzling my neck with small kisses. My hands reached out for her naked body and pressed it to me. I was usually hard as granite in the mornings, waking up next to her hot curves, and that morning was no exception. I flipped her on her back and settled between her legs.

"Is my angel feisty this morning?" I asked, with my voice husky from just waking up; I looked down at her with a sly smile on her face. I ground into her, as she moaned, feeling her already wet and ready.

I love that she is always wet for me.

I leaned down and kissed her, my tongue granted entrance into her mouth. She was normally hesitant about open mouth kisses first thing in the morning because she thought her breath was bad. I usually laughed in response, because she always tasted great to me. That morning, she was all over it.

She must really be aroused.

My cock was very happy about that realization. Her hips bucked up as she moaned into my mouth and I moved a hand down to guide my cock inside her. Fuck. The feeling of her warm, tight walls sucking me in is like nothing else in this world. Her legs came up to wrap around me and I drove into her over and over. Her sexy grunts and moans erupted each time my cock hit her deep. She must have been pretty worked up already because it didn't take long before I felt her clamping down around me and crying out her orgasm. She's so fucking tight when she comes. I kept thrusting as she came down from her climax and then came hard, filling her up. I love coming inside her. Our breathing returned to normal as I held her close to me. She smelled so good, and I couldn't resist burying my face in her neck.

Bella and I enjoyed the rest of our lazy morning, taking a long shower together and having a late breakfast. Before long, Embry and his computer guy named Roger arrived, so I could take them to Dr. Young's office. Bella had acquiesced when I recommended just me going, because Emily was already antsy enough about people getting into her computer system.

I introduced Embry and Emily when we got to her office. The techs then started talking to each other in some foreign computer language and I no longer understood what was happening. Emily, Embry and I took backseats, as we watched them work together, investigating the system. I was close to nodding off in boredom when Roger suddenly shouted out.

"I think I found something!"

AN2: Don't hate me. I love you all.

So, how was this lemony chapter for you? What did Roger find? Who else knows Bella is pregnant?

Let me know what you think!

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