Chapter 9

EPOV

I was surprised by Carlisle's call to meet him at Bella's house, this must be the odd location she was talking about. After her phone call I couldn't stay in my office knowing someone might be listening to me, so I took an early lunch. I returned 2 hours later when I finally felt calm enough to keep things under control, but did not get any work done, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched and it was starting to get to me. I decided to leave for the island early and wait at Bella's for my parents.

As I approached the gate to her estate I was surprised when the guard was expecting me.

"Good afternoon Mr. Cullen. They are expecting you, I'll just call up to the house so they can control the dogs for you sir."

"Thank you." I had forgotten she had dogs at all of her houses. I had never been to the Sinclair House before, it was beautiful a lot like my parents house but with more windows and a full balcony. As I parked in front of the house I saw a woman about my age come out of the house to stand on the porch, behind her were the 4 Rottweiler's I had been warned about.

"Good afternoon Mr. Cullen and welcome to Sinclair House. Please don't mind the dogs."

Easier said then done I thought right as she gave them a command and they walked slowly towards me.

"Girls, Cara." (friend) "They are just going to circle you to get your scent, they won't hurt you. I'm Mary, please come inside Mr. Cullen. Can I get you anything while we wait for your parents?"

"No thank you Mary. Where should I wait?"

She pointed to her left, "The living room is this way but feel free to explore this floor if you would like."

I walked into the living room and above the mantle was a painting of Bella and Edgar on their wedding day. She was beautiful, looking at that picture I realized that it may not have been love for her when they married but it was for him. I wondered if that was how I looked at her, it was obvious she was his world and I felt jealous that he had loved her first. I continued to explore, she loved pictures, every room held many photos. In the formal dining room was where the portraits of past Sinclair's were hanged, there was a library that looked as if it was frequently used, a ball room and a music room which held a grand piano and several violins.

I circled the music room looking at the pictures, some where of her and Edgar, her and the dogs, projects she had done through the Foundation and a few where of her alone. But there was one in black and white, she was on the beach and it must be cold because she was in a cable knit turtleneck sweater, her head on her knees facing the camera and her hair was blowing around her face. It was the look on her face that drew me in, she was happy, very happy and that happiness reached her eyes, like she didn't have a care in the world. I want her to look at me like that one day, I was drawn from my thoughts by the sound of a helicopter. I took a deep breath and tried to ready myself for the conversation to come.

I entered the living room as Mary was showing Carlisle and Esme in, "Mrs. Sinclair insists that you stay for dinner, it will be served at 7 and she also invites you to spend the night here if that would make you more comfortable. Please make yourself at home and call if you need anything."

I didn't like the look on my parents' faces, it was very troubling. They looked as if they had no idea what to say to me, this should be an interesting evening. They hugged me and we all sat down.

"I honestly have no idea where to start Edward. I know Bella feels guilty that she isn't telling you this herself but after hearing the story I agree with her, it would have been too risky. She must have told you something because you came here without an argument." Carlisle said.

"She sent me a secure phone, essentially told me my office is bugged, which freaked me out, said she wished she could tell me herself and then said if you called asking me to meet someplace out of the ordinary to just go with it. I am really trying but I need some answers."

"I think I should go first," Esme started. "I received a call from Bella last week asking me to do some last minute details for Hope House. She had sent an e-mail and was sending a fax to me, while I had her on the phone I opened the e-mail and it didn't make any sense, then the fax came through. It had 2 questions on it and the prompts she would use for the answers and then I was to destroy the fax. She asked about you and Tanya and was I sure you weren't interested in her and she asked if I could get Carlisle on the helicopter to Mill Creek, no questions asked. I answered her questions, burned the fax and waited for Tuesday."

"When I talked to her she mentioned contacting you and when I asked why she told me that you were the one least likely to be bugged or followed."

"She is probably right since Esme is the least involved in the business and she knows Bella through Hope House." Carlisle said. "We are meeting at her house because of the extensive security and surveillance she already has in place. She thinks our homes, cars and phones are bugged and she knows our offices are. She knew when to call during the board meeting because Richard was wearing a device that could tap into a listening device already planted."

"What the hell! All of our houses and offices are bugged? Who can do something like that? Why would they want to? How does she know her house is safe? Is she safe?"

"Calm down Edward, you do no one any good if you can not think rationally." Carlisle said placing a hand on my shoulder. "She has her houses and offices swept every week for bugs plus everything has jamming capabilities on it, even her helicopters. She also said her staff is 100% percent loyal and I believe her. She is fairly certain the Volturi Brothers are behind this, Edward."

"Why? I mean I know we have had our differences but this is insane. Is she safe? I need to talk to her." I was pacing and trying to call her when my mother took my hands in hers.

"Edward, she is safe. That is the reason things have been handled this way, to keep her safe. She told us that she can only point us in the right direction because everyone assumes she knew nothing of Edgar's business, if it gets out she helped us to this extent she will be in danger. She is keeping herself safe, trust me."

"I'm confused, what does Edgar's business have to do with this? I need answers! I have to know she is safe."

"Son, she is safe, now sit down and let me explain the rest to you." Carlisle said as he forced me to sit on the sofa. "You need to wait until I get through this before saying anything. Bella recognizes the tactics as Aro's because Edgar and Aro used to be business partners. Aro is a smuggler and uses the overseas contracts of companies he works with to move the goods and then his companies launder the money."

"What the fuck dad! He pulled her into a smuggling operation? He still has one of the best business reputations around, this is too much to believe." I couldn't believe what I was hearing, Edgar Sinclair's reputation was impeccable and he had been part of a smuggling ring, a ring he drew his wife into. I was ready to pull my hair out, Bella should never have been exposed to those kind of people.

"I know Edward, but I believe her and she wasn't willing to tell us much about it, just that he was sick longer than anyone knew and started cutting his ties with Aro at that point so Bella wouldn't have to deal with him. He made copies of files and hide them so that if anything ever happens to her it all becomes public. Bella was adamant that she would deny Edgar's involvement if anything became public, she will not allow his legacy to be tarnished."

"She is going to protect him?"

"Yes Edward, he was her husband. Her husband who saved her fathers company from Aro when it was in danger, who cut ties with Aro soon after they married and whose credibility is tied very closely to her own even now. She is extremely loyal Edward, you know this, and of course she is going to protect him. Rather than be jealous and upset that she is willing protect him think of the possible reasons she is willing to risk exposure to help us."

"Did she know it was our company Aro used after leaving Sinclair?"

"No," Carlisle emphasized, "she didn't suspect us until you became CEO and started having problems with Aro. She thinks Kevin Preston, the former CEO and lifelong friend of Marcus Volturi, was in it with him and she said we should look at Mr. Denali. She suggested we take a good luck at our own employees for others who are helping them."

"Edward" my mother called to me, "she mentioned something else. She said Tanya and Jacob Black are working together, she doesn't know why but thought you might. She doesn't know if Tanya's motive is business, personal or a combination but she is sure that with Jacob it is personal. Do you know of a reason why he would be out to get you on a personal level?"

"They are working together? Is she sure?"

"Yes, Bella said Tanya told Jacob about the board meeting and probably is the one who had Jacob following her while she was in San Diego. That is one reason Bella thinks Tanya may have a business interest in you also, because of what she is feeding to Jacob and her father." Esme was looking at me sadly, "I think she wanted to ask you this herself and not involve us because it is personal but she realized that we needed the information to figure this out. I also think this is something she would rather you told her when you are ready and not because she asked."

"If Tanya is doing this for business purposes it must be with the hope that she will have access to things because she has not asked me anything or shown any real interest in the business. She doesn't seem to have any business sense at all really."

"But have you ever discussed business around her or left her alone in your office?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes to both questions, I have never had a reason to question her loyalty until now. It would explain why she stepped up her campaign when I became CEO and since Bella has arrived she has stepped it up even more. She told me she had no idea who Isabella Sinclair was, can that be a lie, and do you think she did that at the fundraiser to make things worse for me?"

"It's possible Edward, you have always known she was more interested in becoming a Cullen than anything else. Be very careful around her now but you can't cut her out altogether, we need to know what she is doing. Can you do that Edward?" mom asked.

"I have never been very welcoming to her so it should not be that hard to keep up the appearance. The last time I talked to her is when I said I felt the need to make things right with Bella, she was furious and I just wrote it off as jealousy. Do you think she is capable of hurting Bella, I could never forgive myself if she was physically harmed because of me?"

"I don't know Edward, we all just have to be prepared for anything. I am sure Bella has thought of this and is prepared. Trust her to keep herself safe." my mother stated patting my hand. "Now, Jacob Black what does he have against you?"

"We have just never gotten along. He was a few years behind me in college and from our first meeting we rubbed each other the wrong way. I dated his sister in college for a few months but when I overheard a conversation between the two of them it became obvious she was just like all the other girls and I stopped seeing her. The times I have seen him since were mostly in a business setting but he has always treated me like I never had to work for anything, it was handed to me and he found me undeserving. Wait, what did you mean Tanya has him following Bella? He is stalking Bella? He was at her hotel on Sunday, I wonder if she knows that, is there something she can do to stop him?" I was up and pacing again, I had to keep her safe. I couldn't let something happen to her before I even got to know her. Keeping her safe had to be my top priority. My father grabbed my shoulders to stop my pacing.

"Stop this Edward, you do her no good if you can't calm down. She is safe, remember that right now she is safe. For what she said he has popped up several places she has been, her meeting with the city planner, the zoo and a few other places. She is dealing with it and him. I know your first instinct is to protect her but Edward look at the facts, she is on top of things and several steps ahead of us at the moment. She knows what she is doing and more than that she seems to understand things with Aro on a level we don't. It makes me very curious as to what her life with Edgar was like if this is her everyday life now."

"When I was in San Diego she told me she would discuss anything freely up until the time she got married. To discuss that would require a lot more trust, if what I have heard so far is any indication of her life with him then I can see why she would wait to talk about it. She just seems to be taking things with such ease, it makes me wonder..."

"Excuse me" Mary interrupted, "Mrs. Cullen, Mr.'s Cullen dinner is ready. Do you prefer the dining room or we have a large nook in the kitchen if you would like?"

"The nook sounds wonderful Mary, thank you."

"It is not a problem Mrs. Cullen, right this way."

After we were seated and eating Mary was cleaning the kitchen when mom started to talk to her. "Mary, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?"

"Yes Ma'am is there something I can get for you?"

"Oh no, I was actually hoping I could ask about something Mrs. Sinclair said."

Mary didn't look like she wanted to answer. "I will answer if I can but Miss Bella is a very private person and does not tolerate gossip at all."

"I understand and if you can't answer I accept that but when she offered her house she said that her staff was 100% percent loyal to her and we could trust everyone. She said it with such conviction that I couldn't doubt her. I suppose what I am asking is how she can feel so confident in everyone because she is so private." Esme asked.

"I can tell you about my experience with her and I know the others are from a some what similar background. She saved me, it is that simple. She was volunteering at a women's shelter the night I came in with my son after I had been beaten by my husband. She cleaned us up, feed me and Bobby and when my husband came looking for me that night she threw him out, literally. I later found out that Mr. Edgar insisted that she learn self defense if she insisted on volunteering in the shelters, but that night to see a girl who couldn't have been more than 21 and ten years younger than me pull out those karate moves and beat the crap out of my husband has always stuck with me. When people say Miss Bella doesn't back down ever, in general they have no idea how true that statement is but I do. I watched as two cops pulled her off my husband, who was 6 feet tall and went about 220 pounds, after she realized he had beat my 7 year old son when I had passed out. I never saw him again, she handled everything. I was divorced six months later with full custody of my son and I receive child support checks every month from his employer even though he has no visitation. We were one of the first ones to move into Hope House until my divorce was final and then she asked us to work and live here."

"I am glad she was there for you when you need it." Esme said. "I understand where the loyalty comes from now."

"She only asks three things of the people who work for her, trust, loyalty and honesty. The only thing she asks of us is to 'pay it forward', like the movie, we were lucky enough to have someone help us and when we see someone in need to help them, the smallest thing in a persons life can make a difference, even just listening can help someone. She has already discussed college with my Bobby, she will pay his tuition to any school he is accepted at for whatever he wants as long as when he graduates he does two years in pro bono of some type. It is my understanding that almost all of her homes are staffed that way."

After hearing that story I am surprised Bella is even willing to talk to me. She cares so much for people in general and the way I treated her before I knew her, no wonder she thought I was a total ass - I was. There was one question that had been floating around in my mind that I hoped she wouldn't ask me but now I knew she would and I still didn't have an answer, if I had never found out who she was would I have ever given her a chance? The truth was I didn't know, I would like to think so but the more honest answer is probably no, I wouldn't have, I dread her reaction and pray she never asks.

We decided to take Bella's offer and spend the night in her house, it felt odd to not feel comfortable going home. As I walked into the guest room I couldn't help but think that Bella thinks of everything, on the bed were pj's and a set of clothes for tomorrow. I couldn't wait to see her again.

BPOV

I felt bad for Carlisle as he and Esme boarded the helicopter, he was obviously shocked but as I mentioned Preston he looked betrayed and hurt, I knew the feeling. It felt like a betrayal of Edgar to tell Carlisle as much as I did, but he needed to know that I knew what I was talking about when it came to Aro. I was not looking forward to having this conversation with Edward, he would want much more information and I didn't know how much I was willing to share.

I spent the rest of the day on the ranch, riding and relaxing. I wanted to give the Cullen's the privacy they needed for the discussion I am sure they are having. Mary called to let me know they were going to stay the night and I reminded her to give Carlisle and Edward the list of companies I used for different services, to mention my name and ask for the same services I received. I wondered how Edward would take everything. He said he would call to let me know about our date tomorrow and when I didn't receive a call before I climbed into bed I clung to the fact the he surprised me in San Diego so he must like me a little.

If only my dreams had remembered that, I tossed and turned all night, one nightmare after another of the ways he would ignore me, belittle me for not telling me himself or just removed himself from my life entirely. By morning I had managed to really freak myself out. I took my time in the shower to calm down, he is just a man, he said he would let me explain, he said he cared for me, this became my mantra while traveling back to Sinclair House.

As the helicopter landed I noticed there were not any cars in the driveway, the Cullen's must have left already. I called out to the girls as they rounded the side of the house to see who had arrived and headed inside. I greeted Mary and she informed me the Cullen's had left about an hour before I arrived and Edward had left a note for me.

Isabella,

I understand why you handled things the way you did. My parents had to calm me down after hearing everything, I want you to be safe Bella, I don't think you realize what you mean to me. I know we have much to discuss but that is not what tonight was about when I asked you and it still isn't.

I want to take you out to dinner and if after that we decide to discuss things, fine, and if not then it can wait for another day. I'll pick you up at 6:30, dress casual, we are going to The Crab Pot near Waterfront Park.

Missing you -

Edward

Ok. This did a lot to settle my nerves, I ran to my room like a teenager and picked out what I would wear tonight and laid it on my bed. With that done I went to my office in hopes that working would make the time pass faster.

I called into the office and had a message from Emmett McCarty and several from Jacob Black. That man was relentless and starting to piss me off, I didn't want to have to turn the matter over to my security but he was getting close to not leaving me any choice. I decided to return his calls first.

"Jacob Black" he snapped as he answered his phone.

"Mr. Black, this is Isabella Sinclair returning your call."

"Yes Isabella, I have repeatedly asked you to call me Jacob, please."

"As you wish, what can I do for you today?"

"I am in Seattle on business for the next few days and I was hoping we could get together and discuss any questions you may still have about the proposal I submitted for The Foundation Project. I would love to take you to dinner and put any of your fears at ease."

I would never be at ease with this man, "I'm sorry Jacob but I have dinner plans tonight. I know Allan is still looking over some of the estimates and permits but feel free to call my office and set up an appointment to discuss things in a few days."

"Well, what about tomorrow night, I would like the chance to get to know you Isabella. I am just asking for a chance."

"Jacob, I don't think that is a good idea, call my office and we can discuss this more then. Have a nice afternoon. Goodbye."

I could hear him still talking as I hung up. Ugh! The man needed to get a clue. I looked at the clock and decided to call Mr. McCarty, I had no idea what he wanted to talk to me about.

"Emmett McCarty" it sounded like he was smiling.

"Mr. McCarty, this is Isabella Sinclair returning you call."

"Mrs. Sinclair thank you for getting back to me and please call me Emmett."

"Ok Emmett, call me Isabella and what can I do for you today?"

"I haven't set up an appointment yet because I wanted to see how open you are to the idea first. Cullen Construction wants to submit a bid for the Sinclair Project if San Diego is chosen."

"Oh, Emmett you must know it is our practice to use local contractors as much as possible."

"Yes I understand, however, what I am proposing will have Cullen as the general contractor overseeing the local contractors. I would love to do a presentation for you and discuss it in length."

"I have to admit it is not something we normally do, but I am willing to meet with you to discuss the idea. Please call my office and set up an appointment. So you know, Allan, my Controller, will be there also."

"That's fine and I appreciate the opportunity Isabella. I'll be in touch."

"Goodbye Emmett"

It was an interesting idea, we normally used a local general contractor but I was not happy with the bids that came in and I was convinced Black was low-balling their bid. Of the cities left Philadelphia was slightly better until you factored in the weather and then with the 'green' items we want San Diego was much better. San Diego's problem was The Black Trust, if not for them I would have already announced our decision. If Cullen Construction could pull this off I wondered how Jacob would react, even though I would be dealing with Emmett I knew he would hold this against Edward. I would deal with that later, this needed to be a strictly business decision.

I looked up at the clock and Edward would be here in an hour. I jumped up to go get ready. I was ready on time just coming down the stairs when I heard Mary letting him in, as I crossed the foyer I had to admit he looked good in his khaki pants and polo shirt, I had never seen him dressed so casual.

"Bella" he said taking my hands, "you look beautiful tonight." I was glad I had chosen the deep blue blouse with dark jeans.

"You look very handsome Edward, I don't think I have ever seen you so casual."

He kissed my cheek and took my hand, "Are you ready to go?"

"Lead the way sir." I would have tripped down the stairs if he hadn't been holding on to me when I saw his car.

"Wow Edward, I am impressed a Mercedes SLS AMG. I love these cars especially the doors." Just as I said it my door started to rise and he helped me into the car.

As he got in he said, "I actually have a Volvo I drive everyday but I am trying to put my best foot forward and impressed this girl I like. Do you think it will work?"

"Well, I don't know a lot about cars but this one is very nice, I think it would impress her." I said with a laugh.

We slipped into a comfortable silence and I listened to the classical music playing softly. We arrived at The Crab Pot and were seated outside on the water, we ordered the Seafood Feast for 2 and waited for the crab to start arriving. I looked out over the water, "This is really nice Edward. I love the water."

"I hoped you would like it and it is not all high society, which I know you don't like."

"No, I don't. High society is fine to visit but not where I want to live and given the homes I live in I know that is a strange thing to say. I don't think I know where you live Edward, are you on the island also?"

"Yes I have a home there but I also have condo in town that I use when I am working late."

"Do you have a preference of one over the other?"

"Actually I have always loved the house, even though it isn't on the water but it seems so big with just me there that I tend to spend more time at the condo." He looked sad as he was speaking, as if his house would never be a home.

"I know what you are saying, my house is big. That is one of the reasons I tend to close off certain parts of it, so I get the warm comfy feeling I crave. My sanctuary is actually my bedroom, it is huge and the one place I can 100% be myself with no one watching."

Our crab arrived and it was fun and messy and we laughed a lot. We talked more about our childhoods and college, about people we both knew and how rigid Seattle is. After dinner we went for a walk on the pier and ended up by the fountain. I was in Edward's arms as we watched the sunset over the water.

"Bella, I need to ask you something." I turned in his arms so I could see his face. "I agree with what you said about this being new and fragile but I have to know, where do you see this going with us?"

I placed my hands on his chest and looked into his eyes, he looked scared. "I don't know Edward, I know I want to see where this goes. You are the first man I have felt anything for since Edgar and while on some level that scares me it excites me more. I know that when I look down the road I see you there with me. Is that not what you want?" I leaned my head against his chest, now I was scared, what if we didn't want the same thing.

We put his hands on my cheeks and tilted my face up, "That is what I want Bella, I just needed reassurance that you did too. I need to know that even if you're in Chicago and I'm in Seattle that you want this and will work at it with me. These past weeks have been very special to me Bella, I can feel myself becoming the man I was when I believed that I would get my happily ever after and it is because of you. I like that man, I like who I am with you, I want that happily ever after Bella, I want it with you."

"So do I Edward, so do I." He leaned down, pressed his lips to mine and everything just felt right. I bit down on his bottom lip softly and he moaned as he deepened the kiss. He pulled me tighter to him as my hands ran through his hair. God - I loved his hair, so soft.

He pulled away slowly, "It is getting late and I should get you home." We walked back to the car hand in hand. As we pulled through the gates of the estate he took my hand.

"Bella, I want to take you out again on Friday. I want to take you to dinner at the Edgewater."

"Edward, I..." he cut me off as he parked in front of house.

"I know it would be more of a 'society' dinner and you are worried about the reaction, but I think that is why we need to do this and just get it over with. I want to date you Bella, I want to be able to say to everyone that you are mine and I don't care what they think. I know in the past I have cared but I want to show them and you the changes I am trying to make and ..."

I placed my finger on his lips, "Take a breath Edward. As I was saying, Edward I would love to."

He kissed my finger then got out and came around to open my door. As soon as it closed he gently pushed my back against the car and held me there with his body, "Thank you Bella, for having faith in me." Then he gently kissed me as if I was precious to him. He took my hand and led me to the door.

"Do you want to come in? We never actually talked about the current events."

"No, not tonight. I would like to this weekend if that is ok with you? I know we need to but I would like more time to process things and get some new information."

'This weekend is fine. I had a great time tonight Edward, thank you very much."

"Thank you Bella, I had a wonderful time as well. I'll call you tomorrow." Then he kissed me once more, got in his car and left. I walked into the house and leaned against the closed door, that man was damn near perfect tonight.

Jacob POV

Fucking Cullen. He gets everything. It was dumb luck that I came across them at the pier. She is being fooled by him. I have to show her how he really is, a player who will use her to get ahead and then cut her loose. Pompous prick never worked for anything in his life. Tanya is right they need to be separated, then she take Cullen and I get Bella.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters

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