A/N:

Big thanks to What The Fun and ViolaOphelia for helping with this chapter. A link to the updated timeline is on my profile (Chapt. 28 Outline).

Sorry that I've been MIA. I'm definitely finishing the story - it's just taking longer than I planned.

Last time we saw Edward in Chapter 25, he was going through the list of fired employees with Alec and Heidi. This moment picks up from there.

"Get in touch with everybody that ever worked for him, whoever loved him, whoever...hated his guts. I don't mean go through the city directory, of course."

- Rawlston

July 31, 2010

Edward

"Do you think we found any leads here?" Alec asks, drawing my attention away from Heidi's retreating form.

His hand rubs the dark, thinning hair near his forehead, showing his genuine investment in the answer.

My reply comes out flatter than I try for.

"I don't know."

None of these people really stand out, but it's possible. Nearly every theory is possible. That's the problem.

I slide my packet toward the edge of the desk, setting my elbows where the papers used to be. My hands support my forehead, holding hair away from my face.

Even though this tried-and-true posture should calm me down, I still worry about how quickly these employees will be checked out. Marcus isn't even home tonight; he's working on another case.

Not to mention that his recent encouragement might be a hoax - a way to keep me from completely losing it. Before the bar incident, he didn't seem too hopeful about finding Isabella. He's probably just worried about me.

I appreciate everything Marcus has done, but no matter what, it's time to seek additional help. I should have done that a long time ago.

It was wrong and selfish, but part of me must have been afraid of finding Isabella safely hidden and happy, perfectly content to be away from me. I didn't know how to approach my mistakes. I didn't know how to win her back.

I'm ready now. I just need to find her...even if she doesn't want anything to do with me.

Looking up, I realize that Alec is still in his seat, witnessing my reverie.

"Sorry," I apologize instinctively, confused and slightly embarrassed. "You can leave whenever you want. We've done all we can for now."

Honestly, I expected him to bolt as quickly as Heidi did.

"I know," he assures, not moving an inch.

At a loss of what to say, I hesitantly pick up Heidi's packet, starting to read the notes in the margins. A harsh breath escapes as I flip through the list, each name a fresh accusation.

Considering the number of people I've screwed over, maybe I deserve what's happening to me.

I return the papers to my desk with a little more strength than necessary, creating an unsatisfying slap. Alec startles at the sound, and I have the sudden need to talk. To explain.

"You know, I've never really believed in karma..." Before now.

Alec nods, hearing my unspoken words. His posture is stoic, but his entwined hands betray his unaffected facade.

"Me neither. Though sometimes, I think it's just confused with something else...like a more scientific cause and effect."

His eyes never deviate from mine, the contact delivering a specific, unknown message.

Despite our previous topic, I'm fairly certain that he's not referring to how I've created dozens of suspects with my callousness. He's talking about a much more devastating failure.

The question is hard to get out.

"Do you think I'm wasting my time, too?"

Like Heidi, maybe he thinks Isabella doesn't want to be found. That even if I track her down, it will be too late to fix anything.

Hearing this from Alec would be infinitely worse.

I've always considered him to be a role model of sorts, for both professionalism and family life. Even though he's only about fifteen years older than me, he has a lot of maturity to show for it.

Alec's hands still and separate, moving to rest on either side of his lap.

"No," he says resolutely, shaking his head. Even if it's just a well-demonstrated lie, I'm thankful.

"Even if you don't find what you're looking for, it never hurts to take inventory."

If not for his compassionate expression, I'd think he was talking about business instead of soul searching.

I manage a small smile in reply. While his encouragement wasn't very cheery, it was definitely genuine.

He finally stands, ready to leave.

"Thanks, Alec."

"No problem."

He moves to hand me his packet, and I set it on top of the others.

When he remains in front of the desk for a moment too long, I briefly worry that he has an uncharacteristic desire to hug.

Instead, I'm puzzled by the scrap of paper he sets in front of me. Scrawled across it is a single, familiar name.

I glance up for an explanation. Alec shrugs, curtailing any possible excitement.

"You should try your old assistant, Amy. I know she left on good terms, but she might be able to point out some more possibilities."

I nod and tuck it in my wallet, unsure of whether I actually will. With so many faint connections in Seattle, it's impossible to go after each one.

A frisson of guilt hits me before I can even close the tri-fold, as I realize how flippant I'm being.

What's one more interview?

"And Edward?"

Alec hovers by the door, seeming relieved by my immediate attention. His surprise worries me. Do I usually zone out for longer?

"Yes?"

"I'm taking you to dinner tonight," he announces pleasantly, not allowing any argument.

My lips twitch at his unexpected boldness. Maybe we're good friends after all.

"Okay."

"Okay?" he echoes, bemused by my easy compliance.

When I don't contradict him, a smile replaces the confusion on his face.

"Okay, then," he confirms quickly, backing out of the room before I can change my mind.

July 23, 2010

Bella

I curl up on a worn arm chair near the window as twilight approaches, trying to enjoy what little freedom I have. My ankles have silly, make-shift shackles on them, but I can at least walk around now. Slowly.

I absently note the soft sounds of wooden figurines being set up as I gaze through the glass, finding a peaceful yet discouraging view.

All I can see is green.

"Do you want to play?"

I glance at the chess board's owner with disbelief.

What are we, friends now?

"I'm sure you've noticed we don't have much in the way of entertainment," he points out, gesturing to the open layout of the common area. "The previous owners believed that evil came in through the cables, so that ruled out television. If we could even get a connection out here."

My forehead creases as unease makes its way into my stomach. Previous owners?

His tone is too bitter to be talking about strangers.

I bite the inside of my lip, trying to find a polite way to decline his invitation. I'm really not interested in playing anything with him.

But he might untie my hands for a bit, and that'd be such a nice change...

Greedy for any sense of normalcy, I get up from my chair, making my way over to the table.

I almost turn back once I get there, but I manage to lift my hands instead, needing to try.

"It might be kind of hard with this," I barter, reluctantly putting my wrists within his reach.

Despite my ulterior motives, this is true. I'd easily knock off all the pieces.

He studies me for an uncomfortable amount of time, letting me feel how dependent I am. I have to keep from squirming, not liking my vulnerable position at all.

Finally, he takes my offered hands in his, wasting no more time as he starts to unwind the fabric.

When he's finished, he holds on for a few extra seconds, his disconcertingly warm grip a clear warning to behave. I pull my arms back as soon as he lets go, feeling unsure of my decision.

Now would be the time to bust out some awesome self-defense moves, if I knew any.

Sure, I've heard little hints like, "Break the nose with the heel of your hand," or, "Shove your finger through the -"

I wince at the thought.

But these small tidbits add up to very little when you're surrounded by trees, with no one around to save you if you temporarily "get away."

My dad always wanted me to get more extensive training, but I told him I'd wait until I could earn college credit for my effort. Of course, that never happened. I'd been about to start community college when he died. I could barely function that winter, let alone study.

My abductor clears his throat impatiently, oblivious to my rebellious musings. Or maybe not.

"Do you want to play?" he repeats, frowning.

"I don't even know your name," I protest, as if this prevents me from playing a board game.

This suddenly feels too much like playing badminton with the devil.

"Come on," he scolds mildly, his tone the equivalent of an eye roll. "You've seen this movie enough times to know I can't give you that."

After some internal coaxing, I loosen my grip on the table's edge, warily sitting down in one of the wooden chairs. Building trust can't be a bad thing, right?

He visibly relaxes once I'm no longer standing over him. Knowing that he was nervous gives me a small amount of satisfaction.

"Well, what am I supposed to call you?" I ask, resigned to more interaction. My current nicknames are rather limited.

He twists his mouth, considering his options.

"Master... Almighty One... Zeus, perhaps."

I stare back with wide eyes, having no idea how to respond to that.

"I'm kidding," he deadpans, his tone holding just as much humor as his joke.

I swallow my sigh, relieved yet not at all comforted.

Just when I think he might be a tiny bit stable. Or sorry. Anything...

"You can call me whatever name you want," he adds seriously, leaving out the sarcasm.

I nod, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat. Now that I'm reminded of his unpredictable personality, what I call him doesn't seem so important anymore.

Needing a distraction, I motion to the chess board.

"So, I get to go first?"

"You know how to play?" he counters.

"Don't look so surprised."

A warm smile flashes across his face, disappearing just as quickly as it came.

In the name of despising him, I try to pretend I imagined it.