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Chapter 13
BPOV
I didn't waste any time after leaving the hotel. My first stop was to pay our rent for the next few months, hoping it would give me enough time to get my shit together and figure out a plan for getting us out of here before it was due again. The next thing I did was to drop my bags at the apartment and deposit most of the money in the safest place I knew of: the back of the toilet. No one was going to look there. Everyone knows that freezing your money is a rookie mistake. The first place a robber will look is in the freezer. Alice and I have had our apartment ransacked before; all of the contents of our freezer, which was two ice trays and a pint of Ben and Jerry's, had been on the floor of our kitchenette. I don't trust anybody, except Alice...and Edward.
Thinking about him makes my heart hurt. It's ridiculous that I've only been gone from the hotel for a few hours and I miss him already. I feel like he's gone. Something deep inside me feels like he's far away, not a few blocks or a few miles, but far, far away. Maybe it's the finality of our goodbye or knowing that he no longer has any reason to see me. Whatever it is, it hurts.
As I continue walking down the sidewalk to the nearest coffee shop, I realize I'm literally rubbing my chest over my heart as if that's going to help the pain go away, but it doesn't. I haven't been here in over a week, but it feels longer. Although I was only with Edward for a week, the time spent with him was life-changing, and that makes this life feel foreign. I'd known that was going to happen. It's why I didn't want to let myself go there, to experience his life and live in his world, because I knew it would make it hard to come back to this one. That life is a fantasy, what dreams are made of, not reality. This is reality. This is my life. Somehow, I'm going to have to get that through my head, sooner rather than later, because I see Jake and Garrett sitting at the corner table.
They see me and Garrett gives the normal signal of tapping his coffee cup on the table twice to let me know that they want to meet me at their van that's parked down the alley a couple of blocks away. As I stand in line waiting to order, I watch them out of the corner of my eye. They get up from the table and make their exit, never looking in my direction.
I order my coffee and take my time doctoring it up just right, then walk out the door toward the prearranged location. Except, I don't go down the alley immediately, I wait for the next sign to know that the coast is clear.
Sitting on the closest bench, looking down the alley, I wonder what's taking so long. They'd know that I'd be here by now. We've done this a dozen times. Then, I see someone walking out of the alley. It's not Jake or Garrett. The way the person walks tells me that it's a chick. Her legs are long and her hips sway. The hoodie and jeans can't hide that. When she gets to the cross-walk and looks up, I recognize her face. I'd know that face anywhere.
Tanya Fucking Denali.
What the hell was she doing down there? I want to walk up to her and ask her where she's been and what she's been doing, but I wouldn't be able to keep my emotions in check, so I sit and wait. Jake and Garrett have some explaining to do.
A few minutes later, the headlights on the van turn on and then back off. I walk to the crosswalk that Tanya just used and walk quickly across the street and down the alley, knocking once on the sliding door.
"What the fuck was Tanya Denali doing down here?"
"Nice to see you, too, Bella," Jake quips, a smirk firmly planted on his face.
"You didn't answer my question!" I demand.
"We really missed you," Garrett pipes up from the back of the van. "Get your ass in here before someone sees you and our cover gets blown your first day back on the job!"
"I never left the job!" I'm sure I sound like a petulant child, but Tanya? Really?
"Don't be so defensive." Jake rolls his eyes at me and I'd like to slap him. I don't know why this riles me up so much, but it does. It pisses me off.
"Look, Tanya is a backup, nothing more. We just need a Plan B if things go south."
"We don't need a Plan B! I've got this!"
"Bella, you're overreacting!" Garrett's voice is calm and I know that he's trying to get me to follow suit. I blow out a deep breath and try to get over it. I know it's not a bad idea, but couldn't they have found somebody besides Tanya?
"Would you rather we'd asked Alice or Jessica?" Jake asks, knowing that it's only going to piss me off even more.
"No! Alice is off limits! We've already discussed this!"
"Simmer down," Jake laughs. He loves to push my buttons. I don't think informants and agents are supposed to have this sort of relationship, but we always have. My instincts are good, and they've always told me that Jake and Garrett are good people. I feel like they genuinely want to help me, which is one of the reasons I want to help them.
"Look, we just want to cover all our bases. You've met James. I know you said that he was intoxicated, but there's a chance that he'd recognize you. You're still our girl, Bella, but if things are feeling off or you think, for one second, that James recognizes you from the restaurant, you're going to abort the mission."
"But..." I start.
"No 'buts'! That's how it's going to be or we won't use you. You could blow our cover and forfeit months of work."
"I would never do that! I've worked just as hard as you have! It's my neck on the line, too, you know?" I stand up, feeling the need to use some of the energy flowing through my body. The insinuation that I don't care about this case pisses me off more than the fact that they're now using Tanya as an informant.
"Bella, calm down. We know that you want James just as bad as we do, but the bottom line is that we don't want you getting hurt in the process. It may take longer with Tanya. She's not the brightest crayon in the box but, with some work, I think we could get what information we need. We'll only use her if we have to, or if the opportunity presents itself."
"Okay, I get it. It's fine." I sit back down, willing myself to relax. I refuse to let my time with Edward jeopardize months of hard work. I started this and I'm going to finish it.
"I'll wear a wig," I promise. "He'll never know it's me."
"We also want you to wear a wire," Garrett says, walking to the front of the van where Jake and I are sitting. "We're getting close enough that we're going to need proof when and if he confesses."
"I can do that," I tell them, but my heart's racing inside. Wearing a wire is what I've been afraid of from the beginning. It's dangerous. If James were to see it and know that I was working with the FBI, I wouldn't make it out alive.
"Here's the plan. We'll wire you and Tanya, and put you at opposite ends of the strip. James hasn't been around in a few days, so we're banking on him coming tonight. He's long overdue. We figure with two of you out there, we have a good chance of him picking one of you up and getting the information we need to nail him. It's time, Bella. We're being pressured from higher up to get him and end this. We can't lose this case. That would end badly for everyone involved." Jake looks at me, his eyes telling me what his words don't. "We've got to get in there, get the information, and get out."
Before I leave the van, they show me how to wear the wire. It's small, nothing like what you see in the old movies, which makes me a little less nervous. I hook it up a couple of times and they test it to make sure the mic works. After practicing with it, I feel better about wearing it tonight. I'm still nervous, but I'm ready. We've been working on this case so long. I'm ready to finish it and get on with the rest of my life, whatever that may entail.
"Be careful," Jake says, as I start to leave.
"Just remember what we told you, Bella, and everything'll be fine. Remember that we're listening and we won't be far away. Worst case scenario, just say the word and we'll be there," Garrett assures me.
I nod and give them what I hope is a confident smile, before closing the door and walking back quickly to the apartment. I just want to hang out with Alice and forget all this for a few hours.
~~~~~BD~~~~~
"My long-lost roommate has finally returned!" Alice squeals, throwing her arms around me as I walk in the door. "I knew you'd come back!"
Normally, I'd roll my eyes at Alice's dramatics, but I squeeze her back equally as tight. I missed her and worried about her so, for those reasons alone, it's good to be home.
"Of course I came back!" I laugh.
"I wasn't sure. I know you're awfully smitten with that Edward dude," she says, as she finally lets go of me and sits on the bed with her legs crossed.
"Smitten? Who says that?"
"Me. I like it. Isn't it a romantic word?" she asks, dreamily.
"I've missed you."
"Of course you did! How could you not?" she guffaws. "You look stressed or tired or maybe both." She tilts her head, examining me from her spot on the bed. "I figured coming from the lap of luxury, you'd look refreshed and renewed!"
This time, I do roll my eyes. She's so ridiculous that I have no choice but to laugh. Alice is exactly what I needed.
"I'm just tired, nothing to worry your pretty little head about," I say, ruffling her hair as I walk by.
"You know what you need?"
"No, but I have a feeling you're getting ready to tell me."
A couple of hours later, Alice and I are on our way to a restaurant that we've only drooled over until now. She suggested the corner diner that we usually eat at - if we're not eating ramen noodles or cereal in our apartment - but I decided that it wouldn't hurt to use a little of my money for a nice dinner. Besides, being with Edward for the past week has me a tiny bit spoiled...in more ways than one.
"We really don't have to eat here," Alice mentions for the fifth time.
"Alice, relax! We never get to have a nice meal. Besides, I've already done all the responsible things with the money I earned, I think we deserve this." More than anything, I want Alice to have a little taste of what I've experienced for the past week. I want her to see that there's more to life than turning tricks. I know she wants more for her herself, but she squashes dreams faster than she can dream them up. When you're raised on the streets, it's hard to break that cycle. I should know. But, I refuse to stay here and live this way, and I'm not leaving Alice behind. So, she's going to have to get on board.
"Bella!" Alice says loudly, snapping her fingers in front of my face.
"What?"
"What are you thinking about? You've been sitting there zoned out ever since we got here. I can tell something's on your mind, so spill it."
I wish I could tell her everything that's on my mind, but I can't. It's dangerous for her to know the things I know. If this sting were to crash and burn, I don't want Alice going down with it. The less she knows, the better.
"If I tell you something, you promise not to judge me or start prattling on about rules and giving me the stink eye?" Hopefully this will appease her.
"Whore's honor," she says, flipping me off.
"I miss Edward."
"And?"
"No, Alice," I say, turning in my seat to face her. "I mean, I miss him badly. Like, he's all I can think about, and I've only been gone from him for less than 24 hours. Is this normal?" My voice sounds whiny, but I can't help it. I feel whiny. I miss him and it's messing with my head. I've gotta get this out so that I can concentrate on what I have to do tonight.
"I don't know if it's normal, per se; but, honestly, what is normal? I don't think it's completely crazy to have feelings for someone you spend a whole week with, especially if they treated you nicely," she says, matter-of-factly. "And, Edward obviously did that, didn't he?" Her voice goes soft, and she cocks her head to look at me. "Did you kiss him?"
I take a long drink from my martini, avoiding the question and eye contact.
"You did, didn't you?" Alice gasps, covering her mouth.
"You promised, Alice!"
"I can't believe you kissed him!" she whispers, shaking her head. "You must really like him, because I know I've taught you better than that."
"I really like him." I feel a lump in my throat and a heavyweight in the pit of my stomach. I don't know if like is even the word for it - it's more than that. It's unrealistic and fantastical and completely absurd. I've only ever said the "L" word to two people. One of them's sitting right next to me and the other one's six feet under. The severity of this realization is almost too much for me to handle. I wanted this dinner to be a way for Alice and me to spend time together, and to clear my head before tonight, but this isn't helping.
"Well, well, well!" a smooth, sexy voice comes up behind me. "If it isn't Isabella Swan."
When I turn around, I'm greeted with blonde hair and blue eyes, and the same smirk he had on his face the last time I'd seen him. "Jasper Whitlock, what a nice surprise!"
"Where's Edward?" he asks, looking around the restaurant like he's going to appear out of thin air.
I wish.
"Uh, Edward isn't with me," I say, stumbling over my words, trying to think of what I'm supposed to tell him. "I mean, we're..."
"They're on a break," Alice pipes up, saving me from myself.
"Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that." His tone is sincere, but I didn't expect anything less. Jasper and I created a quick bond. There are people in this world that we're meant to meet for one reason or another, and Jasper is one of those people for me. "So, who's this stunning lady," he asks, looking straight at Alice, who's staring back at him with a look of awe.
"Alice Brandon," she says, holding out her hand.
Jasper takes it and puts it to his lips. "My pleasure, Miss Brandon."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," she moans.
I want to laugh at the whole scene. It's perfect, actually. The night I met Jasper, I knew I needed to get them together. I just wasn't sure how I was going to manage that, but it seems as though fate stepped in and lent a hand.
After they finish eye-fucking each other, Jasper sits back in his chair and claps his hands together, a wicked smile growing on his face.
"Listen, I'm supposed to make an appearance at this new club tonight. You two would make perfect arm candy and I can guarantee all the free drinks you'd want. And, of course, a good time, because you'll be with me. Whaddaya say?"
Alice looks at me and then back at Jasper. I can tell she wants to say yes, but she's torn between going with Jasper and working.
"I'd love to, but I can't. I've been, uh, off work for a while and I really need to be there tonight," I say, raising an eyebrow to Alice. "But, Alice should go! You two'll have a great time!"
"No, B! If you're not going, I'm not going."
"No, you should go!" I insist. Leaning forward, I quietly tell her that the rent is paid and I want her to go. Actually, Alice being off the streets tonight will help me relax a little. I have a bad feeling about tonight and I don't want her anywhere near this kind of danger.
"Are you sure?" Jasper asks, tilting his head to the side.
"Yeah, I'm positive. I really need to be at work tonight, but you two go and have fun!" I put enough money down onto the table for the tab and tip, and start to stand up.
"Bella," Alice whines. "Please just come! I feel bad partying when you're going to work!"
"Alice, do not feel bad! I've been living in the lap of luxury for a week. If anyone should feel bad, it's me." I peek over at Jasper. The smirk on his face tells me he's listening. "Go and have a good time. Please! I want you to. Do it for me!" I stand up and grasp her shoulders, practically pushing her away from the table. Before we go too much further, I turn around and point a finger into Jasper's chest.
"And, you, you better make sure my best friend makes it home safe and sound. Got it? I'm not bullshitting! I could kill you and no one would ever find your body!" My voice is menacing and I'm sure my look is even more so. Jasper continues to look me square in the eye, never cracking a smile or batting an eyelash. "You have my word," he says, and I believe him.
After saying goodbye and slipping a twenty into Alice's back pocket, I head to the bus stop while Alice and Jasper hop into his car and drive off. He said he could give me a ride, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all of that. Besides, if Alice wants Jasper to know what she does for a living, she can tell him. I don't want to ruin her chances before he even gets to know her. After that, I don't see how he won't be head-over-heels because, if you ask me, they're perfect for eachother.
I put 20 bucks in your back pocket, JIC. Take care of you. Love, B
I send off a quick text to Alice as I'm getting on the bus, then I slip my cell into my bag. I'm not worried about her. She's safe with Jasper.
I, on the other hand, need to get my head in the game.
When I get back to the apartment, I check the back of the toilet and make sure my money's still where it should be. It's not like anybody has been in here - at least not that I can tell - but I just needed to make sure it's still there, and it is. Putting the lid back on securely, I go about getting ready.
I can't help but feel like tonight's the night. All the stars seem to be aligned and, with two of us out to get James, I don't think he stands a chance. This has been my focus for so long now that I don't know what I'll do when it's over. The thought of ochre eyes and intentionally messy hair come into mind, but I can't go there. For me to think that there could be something more with him is foolish. We come from two completely different worlds and I can't imagine someone like him loving someone like me. It just doesn't make sense.
After tonight, I plan on working harder to be the kind of person Edward could love.
I'll forever be thankful for Edward coming into my life. He's given me a chance to help myself, and that's exactly what I plan on doing.
Before I leave the apartment for the night, I write Alice a note, just in case.
Alice,
If I don't come home tonight, for whatever reason, please know that I love you and I'll always be with you...and I regret nothing. I only have one request: go to the bathroom and get the money from the back of the toilet...and run like hell. Don't ever turn back. You're so much better than all of this and you deserve to be happy! Also, you can trust Jasper. I believe it was nothing short of fate that the two of you met today.
Take care of you,
Bella
I put the letter into an envelope and lay it under my red leather jacket on my bed. I know if something happens to me, she'll find it.
I have one last thing to do before I go to work. Grabbing the letter I wrote to Edward, I shove it down in my bag and head out the door. When the bus pulls up to the stop closest to the Four Seasons, I wrap my trench coat around me tightly before walking into the hotel.
"Ms. Isabella, so nice to see you!" His smile reaches his eyes, and I know that he means it.
"Mr. Newton," I say, greeting him in return. "I have a favor to ask."
"Anything."
"Could you please make sure that Mr. Cullen gets this letter, preferably in the morning?" I ask, hoping he'll comply.
"Certainly," he nods, taking the letter from my hand.
I can't stay any longer. The butterflies in my stomach are about to take flight so, I hug Mr. Newton and quickly walk toward the door.
A/Ns:
Jenny Kate: *bites nails*
Jiff: Sooooo...I feel a lot of things happened in this chapter. Maybe some things you weren't expecting?
Jenny Kate: These next few chapters are pretty pivotal in our story. More answers to your questions are coming!
JIff: For once, we're not very chatty tonight because we don't want to give anything away! It feels...weird.
Jenny Kate: But, as always, we would LOVE to hear what you guys have to say! Feel free to tell us your theories, ask questions, or let us know you think the chapter sucks. LOL. You can also come chat with us on Twitter or Facebook!
Jiff: We really love hearing from you! Thank you to Mauigirl60 for her grammar expertise! We changed a few things after she worked her magic so, any and all mistakes are ours!