A/N: Nothing to add….except SM owns twilight, lucky gal.

Chapter 18 – Crime and Comfort

My jaw dropped. The shock allowed the word to register only after re-reading the damage numerous times. Edward remained by my side, a noticeable fact even in my state of awe. The colorful expletives rolling rampant from his tongue were hard to ignore.

Spent of options and combinations of curse words, he stopped. "Bella. Bella! Did you hear me? I'm going to kill him."

His hands gripped both sides of my face with his thumb stroking my chin in reassurance. I recognized his eyes directly in front of me, yet stared through him nonetheless. The gravity of the day's events finally weighed down on me, and my body sank into a dark comforting numbness.

Am I in shock?

You are verifiably the #1 Creepo magnet.

You're going to be fine. Just breathe, Bella…

"Just breathe, Bella." Edward's words caressed my soul, lifting me to the surface, to the air of reality. Someone had vandalized my car. It wasn't a great car by any measure, but the personal invasion of my property was more than unsettling.

I felt like an extension of me had been scarred. "I am."

"You are what?" Edward looked worried.

"I'm breathing," I clarified.

Edward laughed nervously. "Well thank God for that."

"Do you think he'll recognize your thanks since you just associated him with such foul utterances?" My words were just coming out without emotion.

"Who?" His confusion was evident.

"God," I countered.

"What?" Edward laughed more forcefully. "Bella, you must be in shock. You've been threatened, harassed, and had your car vandalized, but your concern is for my cursing proclivity?"

"Well I'm amazed myself. I never knew there were so many combinations before." I shrugged.

"It's an art," he said with a smile, "I'll teach you one day."

The tension eased as we both laughed at my naiveté.

"So, you think James actually did this?" I finally asked.

Edward's frowned returned with my question. He pulled his hair in the usual frustrated manner and began pacing in front of the car. "Of course he did. Who the hell else would do this?"

"I don't know... I just can't believe he would. He must really believe I had a part in his termination." My mind raced over every encounter with James.

"He's a sociopath!" Edward reached into his jacket. "Crap! I forgot that my phone is gone."

"Your phone?" Now I was the one confused.

"Yeah. I need to call my dad. And yours."

Charlie.

"Do we really need to call him? Can't we just use the Retreat's security?" I begged.

"He's the chief of police, and your dad. Of course we're calling him. Do you want to walk back inside with me or can I use your phone?" The tenor of his voice assured me he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Reaching inside my bag, I found my phone and handed it over. Edward started making calls immediately. His penchant for cursing returned each time he relayed the details.

I stood beside my car; my hands tracing the letters on the side of the door.

B…..I…..

I think I'm gonna be sick.

Carlisle arrived with security in tow, assessing the damage and gathering the details. They had only just begun investigating when Charlie's patrol car pulled in, lights flashing. Embarrassment was an understatement to the feeling I had when Charlie stepped out, frowning.

"Bella!" Charlie reached me before finishing the sentence. His concern was evident.

"Hey, Dad. I'm ok."

"Hmm." He sighed, looking over my shoulder. Charlie surveyed my car, then me. Squeezing my shoulders in a private exchange, he turned his attention towards Carlisle and the security detail. Our relationship had always been one of introverted comfort, and words were often accessory for us to communicate with each other.

He's disappointed.

He didn't want you to take this job, and now you've been attacked.

Steeling myself for the conversation with Charlie later, I remained at his side while he began his list of questions. "Dr. Cullen."

"Chief Swan. Please call me Carlisle, I'm sorry to see you under these circumstances."

"Yeah. Me too. So what do we know?" Charlie had his pad out taking notes.

"Unfortunately, Bella and I had the misfortune of witnessing two staff members' indiscretion, which led to their being terminated as of today. My guess is that one of them is blaming Bella," Carlisle explained.

"You know damn well which one!" Edward spoke up, ceasing his side conversation with a male security guard.

"And who are you?" My Dad's eyes were piercing.

Oh God.

"Edward, Edward Cullen, Mr. Swan." Blue Eyes held his hand out in greeting, only to let it drop, untaken.

"Uh-huh,"Charlie noted, matter-of-factly. "And how are you involved?"

Charlie's bluntness and immediate questioning of Edward made me ill. I knew from prior conversations that he had heard the rumors of Edward's past behavior. In fact, his paramount concern for me taking this job had centered on those rumors.

The accusatory glances he sent Edward provoked my own quick response. "Edward was walking out with me, Dad, and called your office when it happened. He's the music therapist here. We both worked with the staff members who were fired today."

And I love him.

My protective tone provided enough evidence to anyone listening that Edward was more than that.

Charlie raised an eyebrow in skepticism, but turned to face Edward toe to toe. "So, Edward. If you know damn well which one, I suggest you damn well tell me."

Carlisle interrupted, stepping forward to intervene in the liability of the situation. "Edward, you're not certain it was James. We can't make unjustified accusations."

"Fine. Let's go look at the security cameras then! What good is this state-of-the-art center if we don't utilize the technology you paid millions for?" Edward was running his fingers through his hair in irritation.

Dad and Carlisle paused, realizing they had overlooked this obvious solution until the moment it was mentioned.

"Of course. We can have security pull the footage immediately." Carlisle nodded.

"I want to see it." My voice cracked.

Everyone stared in disquiet, but I stood my ground. "I want to see it! It was my property, and my life that was intruded on."

"Okay," Carlisle acquiesced, leading the entire group back into the main hall. We waited in his office for security to retrieve the pertinent video footage which they would upload to Carlisle's computer.

I sat in the chair wringing my hands, my bottom lip wrought from the attack of my teeth. The palpable tension in the room was suffocating, but I knew vandalism was not the culprit. Edward paced methodically across the brocade carpet in front of Carlisle's desk, while Charlie stared unmoving in his direction, arms crossed, and frown in place.

This is not going well.

Carlisle tried various topics of conversation for distraction, to no avail. His praise of my work at the Retreat since arrival was met with nods of assent and appropriate answers of 'yes' or 'no' from Charlie.

So it was Carlisle who finally decided to address the elephant in the room. "I'm glad Edward was with you today, Bella. It frightens me to think what might have happened if you had been alone, especially if the culprit had been there."

"Me too." I let out a huge sigh of anxiety. "I'm glad he waited, since I was running late, of course. Edward and I are working together on Ms. Hiller's case, and we've made some progress which could prove remarkable if our theory is correct."

"That's wonderful," Carlisle added.

Charlie looked between us both, then back at Edward. I could tell from the change in his posture that he was reconsidering the direction of his anger. He unclenched his arms with the intent to speak, but the ringing phone from the security office startled us.

Carlisle answered, nodded, and clicked on his desktop. It instantly brought up the file which had been sent to his email. "Here is the footage from this morning…."

We stood around his desk with collaborative interest. My heart was beating madly from anticipation. Carlisle used fast forward to advance the video, stopping when he saw my arrival to work on screen.

It was clear I had been in a hurried angst, talking to myself while assessing my rumpled skirt in contempt.

Ugh. Edward's watching this.

The encounter with Ramona was brief, followed by James. Even without audio, the body language alone demonstrated the disturbing nature of the exchange. James inching closer to me on screen while I tried to step away made me cringe again in response. Edward placed his hand on my shoulder in comfort, recognizing the effect.

Charlie recognized it as well, in addition to Edward's response. But his questions and concern would have to wait. Edward was there for me, and I needed him.

The video showed James screaming at the front doors at my retreating figure, then skulking away to his car. Ramona had remained in the parking area, a fact which I had not realized this morning. We watched them have a heated discussion before she opened the passenger door of his car and slid in. He slammed his fist repeatedly on the hood before joining her. Gravel was thrown in all directions as he sped away.

Wait. So he left?

The confusion in my eyes was mirrored by all across the room, but we continued to watch expectantly. Most of the day was insignificant video of squirrels or birds who enjoyed foraging for food crumbs left behind. It wasn't until late afternoon, when most of the staff had gone, that we saw him return.

James pulled slowly up the drive and into the screen's view, revealing Ramona who exited quickly once the car had stopped. Her hair was a disheveled mess but her noticeably torn shirt was what made me gasp out loud. Before she reached her car, James stepped out and threw her bag towards her on the ground.

Did he attack her?

She grabbed it without looking back, finding her car keys and scurrying to leave. James watched her drive off, before staring at the other vehicles which remained in the lot. The glare on his face alternated between my car and Edward's silver Volvo. Unbridled anger and jealousy was blatant, even observed from a computer monitor.

I'm really gonna be sick.

"That's him?" Charlie asked without emotion.

"Yes," Edward and Carlisle answered together.

James spat on the ground, looking around the lot before walking over to my car. He leaned against the door as if waiting for me. And he did...wait. Nearly fifteen minutes passed while he stood there, lingering. He finally grabbed his head in frustration, kicking my front tire. I noticed him reaching into his jacket pocket, retrieving a set of keys. He began carving the letters into the enamel with shaking hands. Once finished, he unzipped his pants.

He started urinating on my car.

"Oh, God!" I ran into Carlisle's bathroom, quickly finding the sink. I splashed cold water on my face, attempting to prevent the dry heaves.

He pissed on my car.

I vomited profusely.

"Bella..." Edward's voice rang in my ears.

No, No, No! Don't watch me puke, please no!

"I've got her." Charlie's voice was like heaven.

Yes.

"Bella? Here, baby." Charlie handed me a towel. He patted me on the back as I shook violently; reminding me of the times he would care for me if I was sick with the stomach flu. Oh how I wished I had the flu at this moment.

The reality of James' behavior in action was more painful than any viral illness, and more frightening. "That's unstable, Dad. I barely knew the guy."

"Shh…It's gonna be ok. We have him on camera, we'll find him." Charlie led me back into the office with his arm around me.

I knew he would find Creepo, and wouldn't rest until he did. But my failure in assessing James' attachment to me was the most unsettling. Edward and Carlisle were still watching film footage when we returned.

"Did I miss anything else?" I asked tentatively.

Edward frowned at my question, clearly wanting to shield me from any further exposure. Carlisle also looked concern, but shook his head no in response.

"He left just after…" he paused, unable to complete the sentence.

I nodded in understanding, grateful that nothing more had occurred. Edward came over and grabbed my hands in his, bending down to meet me eye to eye. "You ok?"

"Not really." I answered honestly, unnerved by the entire situation.

"Edward," Charlie spoke as he stood beside me. His tone called for Edward's undivided attention.

Blue Eyes continued to look at me in apprehension, but eventually pulled his gaze to my dad. "Yes?"

"Thank you, for being there with Bella today." I looked at my dad and realized he was glancing back towards the computer screen as he spoke.

I could see Edward walking me to the car, our bodies silently dancing with each other in flirtation. The 'almost kiss' was an obvious observation before the recognition of James' actions occurred. How I could blush in spite of the other circumstances was perplexing, yet I did.

"You're welcome, Mr. Swan."

"You can call me Charlie."

"Ok. Charlie."

A few more minutes passed in discussion of James. His last known address and information were printed and Charlie called in the information immediately. Carlisle suggested I go home, and my sudden need of collapse made me agree.

"I'll take her, but I'd like to come back and speak with you further, Carlisle." Charlie was definitely in cop mode.

"I can take her," Edward interjected, his voice emanating with worry.

I nodded in agreement to Charlie, who approved in a much too accommodating manner. His conversation with Carlisle was obviously significant.

I hope he's not going to try and maneuver me not working!

"I'll be back at work tomorrow, Carlisle." I added to circumvent my fears.

Charlie's expression confirmed my assumption.

Unfortunately, Carlisle's response matched my dad's. "You need time, Bella."

"No! That's the last thing I need. Time will make me ruminate, and obsess over this. I need to stay busy. I need to work!" I exclaimed.

"Let's go, Bella," Edward spoke gently. "You shouldn't decide right now. See how you feel in the morning, okay?"

I sighed wearily, knowing he was right. "Ok."

We left the room with my arm linked around his, my head lying snug on his shoulder. The scent of his body and the leather jacket made me smile, even amidst the chaos. My frown quickly returned upon walking outside, the temperature having dropped significantly with the evening. I realized my car was gone.

I searched Edward's eyes for answers. "They towed it, Bella, but don't worry, I'm gonna take you home."

I didn't respond, only followed him silently to his car. Sitting back in the passenger's seat, I watched him close the door for me and walk around to get in.

Guys still do that? Hmm. Chivalry isn't dead.

Edward smiled while turning the ignition, but worried lines still graced his eyes. "It should warm up quickly."

I realized I was still shivering, but it wasn't from the cold. Edward sensed that too, but fiddled with the heat nonetheless.

He picked up his IPod and waved it in my direction. "Well, do you have any music requests for the three minute drive?"

I giggled lightly. Only he could make me laugh after a day like today. "No, Blue Eyes. Surprise me."

He scrolled through his playlists, smiling and frowning in equal measure. After a good measure of thought, he nodded to himself and pressed play. The car eased from the drive while the words and sound of 'Don't Shoot Me Santa' began filling the car.

"What is that?" I laughed out loud.

"It's the Killers. You never heard them?" he asked.

"Um…no." I laughed again. "But that's an interesting song choice."

Edward grinned. "I thought we needed to lighten the mood."

"I see." I shook my head in amusement. "And the group name…is the Killers?"

"Yes. Here, we have time for another." He changed the song as we rounded the lake. "This is 'Romeo and Juliet', same group."

"Ah…the all time tragedy. 'For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo'," I quoted.

"I guess that wasn't a very light hearted pick huh? Sorry." He looked disappointed.

"What? No…it's great actually. Their love was epic." I thought of the story.

"It was depressing," he argued.

"Sure, but it was true love. Both weren't willing to live without the other," I thought about my words as I spoke them.

"Sometimes it's not worth living if your true love is gone." Edward reached across the console, holding my hand gently as he traced imaginary lines in my palm. "Bella, I can't imagine not having you in my life. Not when I've just started living again."

I couldn't believe how quickly the mood in the car changed. Suddenly I felt on fire from his touch. "I can't imagine mine without you either. Thanks for being there today. You helped me more than you know."

The car had stopped and was idling. Edward walked me to the door, placing his hand on mine as I unlocked the door. "I'd like to come inside, if you don't mind."

Relief swept over me, not from the excitement I would normally have, if given the opportunity, but from the comfort of knowing I wouldn't be alone.

Rio greeted us with unbridled enthusiasm, ecstatic that Edward was with me. But it only took a moment for him to run to my side, whining. His uncanny ability to sense my mood was amazing. I walked slowly into the living room, removing my jacket. Rio stationed himself directly at my feet as I sat on the couch and placed his head on my knee.

Without asking, Edward walked through the cottage on a mission. His scrutiny fell upon every room. The painstaking inspection included opening the linen and closet doors, checking the cabinets and every lock.

His behavior caused my anxiety to rise exponentially. "Edward?"

"Yeah?" He asked, continuing the maneuvers.

"Can you please stop, and sit down? You're freaking me out."

"I'm sorry, baby. I just needed to check."

"I know. But I don't think he could hide in the trash bin. Besides, I need to let Rio out."

"I'll do it," he said.

"I can take him. I need some air anyway." I shrugged.

"Okay. You want to use the backyard?" Edward followed behind me. I tried to ignore his hovering, knowing he meant only to help.

We watched Rio make quick rounds of his duties, returning obediently to my side. Edward walked back into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water. He brought it to me as we sat down and his fingers began brushing the hair from my face.

I leaned into his caress, the tension slowly easing. "He waited for me, Edward. If you hadn't been there..."

Edward stopped me, "I was there. And I'm here now. It's going to be ok."

Ring.

"Ah!" I jumped, nearly throwing water all over Edward's lap.

"It's just the door, Bella."

My startle reflex was worse than Ms. Hiller's at the moment.

He answered the door for me, finding a solemn Chief Swan on the other side. "Edward."

"Charlie."

"Thanks for bringing her home. How ya doing, B?"

"I'm ok, dad, a little jumpy, but ok."

"Well I have a cruiser patrolling tonight, and Carlisle increased security and surveillance on the entire property. Bella, I'd like you to come and stay with me until we find him."

"No, Dad. I'm going to be fine. It was just a huge shock today. James is obviously angry and unbalanced. He took it out on my car. I don't think he'll be back."

God I hope not.

"I figured you would be stubborn. Which is why I made other arrangements." Charlie frowned.

"Hey, Bella!" Alice popped her head around the front door frame, a fashionable overnight bag in tow. "You know how much I love girls' nights anyway!"

"Uh huh." I rolled my eyes at Charlie and then looked at Edward to see if he was a conspirator.

"I had nothing to do with this." Edward shrugged. "But it is a good idea."

"Well, you're welcome anytime, chica." I smiled at Alice, grateful she was there.

Dad walked through the rooms, his meticulous detail mirroring Edwards just an hour before. Once he was satisfied, he hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear. "Call me at any hour, I'll be here."

"Okay, Dad."

He kissed my forehead, saying goodbye for the night. Blue Eyes lingered behind, but Charlie waited on him by the door.

Recognizing the gesture, Edward gave me a hesitant smile. He strode over and hugged me as well, also saying his goodbye. "I'll be right next door..."

"Thanks." I sighed.

Edward and Charlie walked out onto the front steps, closing the door behind them. Words weren't needed as Alice and I scrambled to the door, pressing our ears to the wood in order to eavesdrop.

"So, you live next door?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, sir." Edward's voice was low.

"Hmm." I could hear my Dad grunt. He was probably noting that I hadn't mentioned that to him.

"Your daughter is a very special woman, Chief Swan," Edward continued.

"I know. And I don't ever want to see her hurt, by anyone," Charlie's cop voice returned.

"Me either, sir."

"Glad to hear it. Are you going to explain your relationship with my daughter?" I could feel my heart in my throat as my Dad grilled Edward.

"Our relationship? I'm...not quite sure, yet," Edward rambled.

"Well that's something you need to be sure of, or leave her alone. Unless you didn't mean it...that you don't want her to be hurt."

"Go Charlie!" Alice whispered.

"Shh!" I held my hand over her mouth.

"I mean that. More than anything," Edward answered.

"You better." Charlie paused for a long moment. "And once you decide, I'd like to know."

Edward was quiet, but finally answered. "Okay."

"Good. Now, Bella and I have been invited to your dad's for thanksgiving. I expect to know a man's intentions for my daughter before I sit down to eat with him. You have until then."

That's four weeks!

A/N: The lemons are ripening…I PROMISE….