Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight that honor belongs to Stephanie Meyer but I'm the proud co-owner of a puppy name Whiskey.
Hey Party People!
I want to thank to PurpleBrina17 who gave me my 1000th review, so I decided to do an outtake of Edward and Bella's day in Port Angeles years before.
I have to thank my betas Lilkel who is about to pop with baby Mason (it's what I named the baby!), I so appreciate you helping me when you needed to be resting. (((HUGS)))
And thanks to the busiest woman in fandom Wearingwords aka ilsuocantante her patience is invaluable.
And Krysti is the newest person to the Awakening family! Seriously awesome woman!
I have to get some serious love to my TS girls Vanessa, Maria and ADD Cyn for just making me laugh.
And don't forget to check out the indiepimp's blog! Great rec's!
Enjoy!
xoxo
Tammy
Uprising – Muse
Interchanging mind control
Come let the revolution take its toll if you could
Flick the switch and open your third eye, you'd see that
We should never be afraid to die
(So come on!)
Rise up and take the power back, it's time that
The fat cats had a heart attack, you know that
Their time is coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious
I took a deep breath as I looked out my window, taking in the Seattle skyline. The morning was unbelievably clear. I was able to see the ferry cross the Puget Sound with passengers traveling to and from Bainsbridge Island. The sun shone so brightly over the building across the street, I could see the overzealous executive who usually arrived before sunrise typing away on his computer.
Even within my own offices, I knew the first year associates were already downstairs trying to get a handle on their new work load. The grueling pace of our profession made it difficult for most to last the first two years. Those who lasted would become the judicial sharks they were meant to be, while others would use their newfound work ethic wherever they ended up.
This view was what calmed me as I prepared for my day, standing there with my hands behind my back. I could see my dark hair slicked back and icy blue eyes in the reflection, as well as my assistant creeping through the door into my office. She knew better than to disturb me.
"Cora, I didn't ask for coffee," I said quietly.
"I know, but you're going to need it. Security called and said you had a visitor."
"I'm not scheduled to see anyone until after eight a.m.," I said as I continued to gaze out the window.
"Don't worry, I will hold her off, but I have a feeling she's going to be a pain and you're going to need more than a city view to help with this one," she said. I loved that Cora wasn't afraid to speak her mind with me and seemed to know what I needed before I did. "And I brought you breakfast, now eat!"
I hid my smile as she made her way out of the office. She was forever feeding me, stating I was too thin and it was her job to fatten me up. I'd always been lanky yet muscular.
Cora ignored my icy stares and definitely had never been afraid of my stature. I would have fired her years ago if she hadn't been so good at her job, and her loyalty was priceless. I turned to grab the egg white sandwich she knew I favored, along with a cup of Starbucks coffee.
Normally, I would welcome the chaotic day ahead of me. But today, I felt nothing but dread and savored the last minutes of peace before I heard someone trying to open my door. I stopped when I heard Cora raise her voice at someone and the female voice that fired back viciously. That made my blood boil. No one spoke to my assistant that way. Only I was allowed to dish out that type treatment, and that was because I paid her top dollar to take it. But if I took my tantrum too far, Cora had no problem telling me to get over myself.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mr. Cullen is not available at this moment," Cora said in her no nonsense voice.
"I know he's here, so do your job and get him out here, you incompetent baboon." The door knob was yanked on again. I usually kept the door unlocked, but Cora must have locked it after she dropped off my breakfast. I took one last look at the skyline, taking a deep breath, and walking over to open the door to my office.
"Jane. Why am I not surprised to see you here?"
"About damn time," she said, walking passed me into my office.
Cora pursed her lips shaking her head. "I was about to put her in a head lock," she muttered as she went back to her post behind her desk.
"I know, that's why I came out. I don't have time to bail you out of jail today. Please hold all calls."
I walked back into my office to a fuming Jane. I reluctantly had to admit that she was a beautiful woman. With her trim figure and blond hair she was the poster child of angelic innocence, but there was nothing innocent about her.
"I take it you've reviewed my petition?" I walked past her to my desk, listening to her pace. Instead of taking a seat, I leaned on the edge and watched her. Her agitation was apparent.
"What the fuck does my law firm have to do with Izzy and James's divorce?" she demanded.
"It has everything to do with it, and you know it."
"Listen, whatever happened between those two has nothing to do with my firm. I already have the State Attorney breathing down my back!"
"Well, that's what happens when you're accused of witness tampering," I said dryly. "Besides, if you're innocent then this would simply be a minor inconvenience. But, I find those who bark the loudest usually have something to hide."
"I don't like what you're insinuating." She stopped pacing and gave me a hard stare. She must have intimidated people with that look, but personally, I wanted to laugh. Even though Jane has been in the game for a while, she was still wet behind the ears.
"I'm not insinuating anything. I'm saying it out right. First, you threaten her friends, and then you stole from Isabella. And I plan to get every dime she deserves."
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said matter-of-factly. It was as if she believed her own lies.
"Jane, do I look like a man who'd make an accusation with only half the information?" I asked. She knew the State Attorney had evidence and if she cooperated she could walk away with a slap on the wrist. "Ok, it was your father who originally stole from Isabella, but you had the power to fix it and you didn't. You went along with it, you knew that girl was being beaten by your low life cousin and you did nothing! So yes, you're in the fucking line of fire," I explained in a low voice. "Besides, I hate people who steal from innocent children."
"I didn't steal from her," she practically yelled.
"But you sure as hell didn't help her get the money back. You knew the moment she said 'I do' she wouldn't see the remainder of that money. And you did nothing."
Jane remained silent, her mouth set in a hard line. "James gave Izzy a great life, she didn't have to work. Sh-"
"Bullshit!" I interrupted her babble. "I don't care if he draped her in diamonds. She didn't deserve to be beaten like that." I'd viewed the photos of Isabella battered and bruised that Carlisle had taken over the years, and I knew there wasn't even a rare moment of peace for her during that marriage.
"Aro, I didn't think you honestly gave a damn. Who knew you had a heart?"
Jane was right, this wasn't my usual case. If it had been a normal case I would have passed it to one of the top associates within the firm. The moment Esme called and told me Edward was in a coma, I'd made this case personal. No one fucks with my family, and I would love nothing more than to return the favor. Sadly, I had to do it legally. Otherwise, I could have called in some favors. You don't save a few of the world's worst criminals from jail time and not have favors owed.
"It doesn't matter why I took the case, but beware, I'm here," I reminded her quietly. "And another thing, tell your client if he so much as thinks about contacting my client again, I will sue him for harassment."
"And that wouldn't be very smart of you," she said quietly. "If James wants to contact his wife, I'm not getting in the way and neither should you. Take my advice and drop this."
"I don't know who you think you're speaking to, but don't come in here treating me like one of your lap dogs, because I'm not. You want to play with the big boys, then let's do it. I'm serious when I say you need balls of steel to deal with me. Are you fucking ready for it?" I asked in a cold and even voice. There was something about the Ramseys that could easily unleash my animalistic nature. My father once told me I would make the perfect killer since I had no real conscience. If it hadn't been for Carlisle, I would have been just that: a killer.
"Aro, you don't scare me. Your time has passed. Maybe it's time you….retired," Jane droned on.
"Jane… my dear little one… you won't make it through round one," I replied.
"Hmmph, maybe you are more senile than I originally thought. We're in round two gramps," she snickered. It was obvious she'd already started something that hadn't been brought to my attention yet. Jane clasped her hands behind her back, showing her sign of victory, but she was still running scared.
I didn't blink as I watched her. "Jane, let me teach you a quick lesson, because I have work to do. Don't enter the lion's den with a loaded gun unless you're ready to pull the fucking trigger. Right now, all you have is a stun gun and that doesn't eliminate the lion, it just aggravates him."
I wasn't aggravated. I was fucking pissed.
Her confident stance took a slight hit. It would have been unnoticeable to most, but it was something I looked for. She'd just revealed she was unnerved.
"I don't have time for games, I have a law firm to run. Now, get the fuck out." I turned my back on her to let her know the conversation was over. I grabbed my messages from the desk, pretending to read them as I watched her in the window's reflection. She lingered a little too long for my comfort as she gathered her belongings and slammed the door on her way out.
Picking up the phone, I placed a call.
"Jenks."
"I'm craving a pineapple soda."
"Really? It's not even 8:30 in the morning," Jenks whined.
"I have no control over these cravings and you might as well bring Cora one too. You know she hates to be left out of the party." I hung up the phone without saying good bye and turned back to the view of the city. I watched a plane fly in the distance as I went over the conversation with Jane in my head.
"Knock, knock," Jenks said as she entered the room. I turned to see the tall African American woman carrying a pineapple soda on a tray. "Your drink, Sir." She winked and sent an infectious smile in my direction, placing the tray on the table.
With her long legs and slender body, Jasleen Scott, Jenks as she preferred, could have been a runway model. Most men were enthralled with her light brown skin, the exotic whiskey brown eyes and naturally full lips. But beneath all that beauty was one of the best hackers known to date.
I watched as she pulled out a gadget, pressed a few buttons and scanned the room. I walked over to the table and grabbed the soda. I honestly had a weakness for pineapple soda and usually drank it when I was irritated and couldn't have the whiskey I preferred.
Jenks found the listening device Jane had planted in a vase on the table. I watched as Jenks dropped the tiny device into a glass tube filled with water.
"Only one," she said. "I doubt she had time to plant anything on Cora, but Felix is checking her area as well as her computer."
"Thanks, Jenks."
Today was going to be a long day.
oOo
"Mr. Cullen, your brother on line one."
I picked up the line immediately, knowing it was an emergency because Carlisle rarely called my office during the day. He usually left a message on my cell or house phone. And Cora called me Mr. Cullen, which meant she was worried.
"Carlisle?"
"Sorry to be calling, but I'm in utter shock right now," he said with a dazed voice.
"Is Esme ok? The kids weren't hurt again, were they?" I had nearly lost my mind when Edward was attacked. I loved those kids as if they were my own and I hated to watch my brother racked with guilt for something out of his control.
"Sorry, Es and the kids are fine but I'm being sued for malpractice," Carlisle said.
I frowned. "Who's suing you?" I asked.
"James Ramsey, for negligence during the fight. Aro, it's a fifty million dollar suit." Round one.
Fucking Jane.
"I'll be there in a few hours," I assured him.
"I don't have a few hours, I have to speak with the hospital attorneys in forty-five minutes." This could mean the hospital wanted to settle the suit. Even though Carlisle had malpractice insurance, I knew if he settled too quickly, it would be as if he had admitted wrong doing. I would bet my entire firm on Carlisle. He'd never neglect his patients.
"Carlisle, tell them you won't speak with them until your representation arrives."
"I don't—" he began.
I cut him off. "What's the hospital's attorney name?" I asked.
"Laura Western," he said tiredly.
"Ok, stay on the line," I commanded. I placed a call to the hospital asking for Western.
"Hello. I'm Aro Cullen and I'm the legal representation for Dr. Carlisle Cullen. I understand the hospital has been served with a malpractice suit regarding the care of James Ramsey."
"Yes, Mr. Cullen, but we have it under control," she said placidly.
"Let me make myself very clear, do not speak to Dr. Cullen until I arrive. Is that understood? I'll be there within the hour," I said firmly.
As I spoke, I sent an instant message to Cora to get the helicopter gassed and ready, then one to Jenks to meet me on the roof in five minutes. I quickly shut down my laptop as I grabbed my brief case.
"Mr. Cullen, we can hand-" she started.
"And we will handle it together, when I arrive," I said, hanging up the phone. I switched to the other line and informed Carlisle I would be there shortly. As I strode out the office with Cora, she easily kept up with my quick pace. She informed me that she was able to rearrange my meetings for the rest of the day and the senior litigator was already preparing to meet with one of my long time clients.
I could hear the swoosh of the helicopter propellers spinning behind the door. "Cora, thank you. You're a life saver."
"I know. And FYI, I'm going on a shopping spree at Chanel next month-on you, of course."
I sighed. "No wonder your husband loves me, I feed your designer addiction. Please keep it under fifty thousand this time."
"I can't make promises. Good Luck!" she yelled as I walked toward the helicopter. Jenks was already waiting in the copter. Once I was safely buckled in, my pilot, Jared, quickly flew us to Forks.
In less than an hour I was in Carlisle's office going over his recollection of the events leading up to altercation on his front lawn. Considering everything that was going on, he was outwardly calm, which was good for me. Due to the investigation, he was suspended from performing surgeries and working in the ER, and I knew he worried about his patients during his absence. Jenks has started conducting her own inquiry into the allegations and would have a full report in a few hours.
My meeting with Western didn't take long, and while I understood her job of protecting the hospital, I refused to settle. Insured or not, Carlisle's credibility shouldn't be questioned. Even though the board was pressuring for a settlement, she was willing to work together to protect Carlisle and the hospital.
A few hours later, we were back at Carlisle's house. I sat in the office the kids used for band meetings, discussing the pending suit with Jenks, Esme, Carlisle and my protégé, Avery, who flew out on the helicopter after a long court session.
"We're taking this to arbitration. It's ludicrous," I said as I reread Jenks' reports from the EMT crew on scene that evening. "There's no burden of proof. Carlisle, let's go over everything that happened that night."
Carlisle exhaled loudly as he grabbed the back of his neck. "I was on the phone with Edward. He saw James attack Bella. By the time I ran over to them, she was unconscious. I began CPR, she barely came to. Her pulse was so low and I was worried. One second later, Jasper said Edward knocked out James," he suddenly paused. "I remember I stood to go check on James. And even though I felt nothing but disgust for him, I'm a doctor and I took an oath to help those in need, but then… then I saw Jasper catch Edward. Emmett was going after Alec… Edward was bleeding. I was afraid he'd die from his injuries."
I watched Esme rub Carlisle's back as a way to silently offer comfort. "As I was checking Edward, one of the EMTs came over to assist me and the other went to James. Thankfully, there were two ambulances. But compared to Edward and Bella, James' injuries were minor," he continued. "And even if we were in the ER, Edward's injuries superseded both Bella's and James'."
I took notes for the upcoming deposition. "File a change of venue motion. I don't want this anywhere near Forks," I said.
"We really can't trust anyone here?" Esme asked.
"No, you really can't. I think there are maybe two judges who couldn't be swayed or threatened by Jane. I want this in either Seattle or Olympia."
"Aro, I want to counter-sue for defamation and slander," Carlisle said. "I'm so tired of this bullshit. Now that Bella isn't there for Jane and her cousin to knock around, they think I'm going to sit here and take it? Fuck them!"
"Damn, Carlisle who knew you had a little thug in you?" Jenks asked with a saucy grin. "Kinda sexy."
From the moment Jenks met Carlisle, she'd flirted with him, constantly making outrageous comments to make him blush. But at the moment, she wanted to distract him and lighten the mood in the room.
"Jenks, stop flirting with my husband," Esme playfully admonished.
Jenks winked at Esme. "You know I can't help it, Esme, your husband is hot!"
"Ladies, can we discuss my brother's apparent hotness at a later date and get back to the subject at hand?" I asked in a bored voice. "Carlisle, I'll file the countersuit tomorrow as well."
Carlisle nodded, his way of saying thank you.
"May I speak freely?" Avery asked suddenly.
"Of course, unless you think there's a bug in here," I said which caused Esme to blanch at the thought of someone intruding into her home.
"I did a sweep and no bugs," Jenks assured her.
"Maybe it's just me, but this feels like a distraction. We're missing something and while we're over here dealing with this she's probably making progress elsewhere to get what she really wants," Avery said.
Avery voiced what I'd been thinking since Jane visited the office the other day. She knew I wouldn't trust another attorney to handle my brother's situation, not even Avery. "Precisely why I want it out of Forks," I rebutted.
"Honestly, what could there be? No offense, but Isabella is from a small town, that's barely a blip on the map. Okay, she was worth over $500,000, but all this for cash they already have? It's not like Charlie was Donald Trump. He was a cop in a town with less than four thousand people," Jenks said.
I had committed the file on Charlie Swan to memory, and just as Avery and Jenks stated, Charlie Swan hadn't been Donald Trump, he was technically a small town cop who'd died too soon. He'd been a widower with a teenage daughter. His home paid off and at the time of his death, he'd driven a five year old Honda Accord. He'd put several hundred dollars away toward Isabella's college fund every month, gone fishing twice a month with Billy Black and Harry Clearwater, and had taken his summer vacations with his daughter.
On paper, he was your basic small town guy. But very few people know that after Charlie graduated from University of Washington, he was accepted into the FBI but quit only a few weeks before training was over and returned to Forks with a pregnant wife.
"Jenks, where's the file on Renee Swan?" I asked suddenly.
"Prior to her marriage to Charlie, there's nothing," she replied.
"Nothing?"
"Aro, it's like she appeared from thin air."
"Or used a fake name," Avery said.
I found Bella's birth certificate; her parents' names were listed. Father: Charles Swan, Mother: Renee Higgenbottom.
Higgenbottom?
"Jenks, dig deeper," I said, I could feel the knots forming in my stomach.
"How deep?"
"Just don't get caught by the FBI again," I said as I placed a call to my pilot. She grinned when I gave her the green light to let loose on the computer. "Jared, we-"
"Aro, just stay the night," Esme interrupted.
"Hold on," I said into the phone and covered the phone with my hand. "Esme, it's fine, we should have left hours ago."
"Please? I already have the rooms ready for everyone, including Jared," she reasoned, her blue eyes pleading. I tried to look away not wanting to get sucked into her trance. She knew it was hard for me to resist her requests.
"Fine," I muttered to her. She grinned and gave me a peck on the cheek. I informed Jared of the change in plans and that we'd all be spending the night. He was ecstatic to hear we were staying overnight, mainly because Esme spoiled him rotten.
I finally shut down my laptop a few hours later. Well, after three a.m., almost everyone in the house was already asleep. I went into the kitchen, grabbed two bottles of Heineken and walked to the patio, finding Carlisle smoking a cigarette. He handed me his pack, I lit one and took a long drag.
"What do you think she's up to?" Carlisle asked.
I frowned. "I wish I had an inkling. I just know she's making me dance," I replied.
"She reminds me of Dad," he said with a humorless chuckle.
"Yeah, it's as if Jane was under his tutelage," I said and took a swig of beer.
"He loved fucking mind games."
Our father was the complete opposite of loving and supportive. He'd encouraged my violent tendencies and constantly tried to pit Carlisle and me against each other. But the bond between us was solidified before we'd started grade school. I had taken it upon myself to protect him from neighborhood bullies and, at times, our father. Due to the constant fights, I had been suspended from school so often my grades suffered and I'd barely graduated high school.
Just as I had protected Carlisle from bullies, he'd protected me from myself when he had noticed I'd fallen in deeper with local criminals from our neighborhood. With his encouragement, I'd gone to college and then eventually law school.
"It's too late to take her out," I murmured.
Carlisle frowned. "As much as I want her gone, going that route won't solve anything."
"Don't worry Carlisle, the beast is safely tucked away," I said quietly.
He smirked. "For now."
oOo
I'd always hated the cliché, 'When it rains it pours', but today it felt as though I was walking through a fucking monsoon. The last couple of days, the press had surrounded the office and my home. The case was easily transferred to the Seattle courts, but within a week Jane had somehow caught me by the balls on my playground. As a rule of thumb, an attorney should always stay on the good side of a judge. Otherwise, he could make your life a living hell. That rule mocked me when we were assigned to Judge Alistair Brown for the malpractice suit.
We were fucked.
At the height of our career, Alistair and I went head to head several times when he was the District Attorney and my clientele mainly consisted of men well connected in the mob.
It was well known that Alistair and I were far from friends. If we were in the same room while at a social event, we stayed clear of each other. Since he'd become a judge, he'd made my life a living hell. I knew I had to be on top of my game when I stepped into his court room. And it didn't help I'd had a six month affair with his wife.
I arrived at the office before dawn and went over Carlisle's deposition, which I'd read so often I could have recited it from memory. Cora had made me breakfast nearly every day since I'd begun to work on my brother's case, along with an Americano from Starbucks. The Americanos alone was the reason she'd receive a fat bonus once this was over.
"Caius Wiley on line one," Cora said through the speaker.
I frowned. Caius Wiley was the lead District Attorney for the Seattle area. Over the years we'd worked on several trials, usually on opposing sides. He was actually good at what he did and completely legit.
I picked up the godforsaken ear piece I had placed on the sofa. "Good Morning, Caius. What can I do for you?"
"Morning, Aro. I just got off the phone with the State Attorney's office. They're moving The Ramsey's cases to Seattle."
"All three?"
"Yes. The State Attorney's office was notified that Jane Ramsey was trying to get a speedy trial in Forks. She's done this several times before and the ADA isn't prepared. She could easily win the case. But with the SA watching Ramsey's every move, the request became suspicious."
"The Forks DA claims he wasn't involved with the Ramseys."
"He hasn't been in it long but we were tipped off and found the paper trail to dispute that claim. He'll get a slap on the wrist, but there's going to be a serious overhaul in Forks," he said. "I heard you're the representation for Edward and Emmett."
I wanted to inquire more about the tip but I knew Caius wouldn't reveal anything.
"That's correct. They're in Los Angeles right now. When do you need them?"
"In two to three days. What about Isabella Ramsey? Do you know where to find her as well?" he asked. It was obvious he didn't read the gossip magazines, since photos of Isabella and Edward kissing at a recent concert had been popped on every news wire and blog known to man.
"She'll be here too."
"Good. I will have a trial date soon. SA is allowing them the quick date, but I'll be damned if I walk in there unprepared," he said. "Listen, I heard about your brother, how's that going?"
"It's a bullshit case, but I was able to change the venue to Seattle. We were assigned to Alistair Brown's court."
"Ouch," he muttered into the phone. Caius has witnessed several arguments between Alistair and myself in the judge's chambers. "I have faith you will convince him to throw this out. You know, it's funny, your brother operated on my sister years ago. She brought the suit to my attention and she said the lawsuit was utter shit –her words not mine- and felt he was one of the best doctors she'd ever had. She repeatedly stated he would never neglect a patient. I think he surprised her when he called to inquire about her health months after the treatment took place. So, if you need a character witness, she said she will be happy to come and testify."
I chuckled. "Tell your sister if we go past arbitration, I will give her a call."
"I will pass her the message. Ok, my team is ready to get started. Let me know when everyone arrives."
"Will do."
After Emmett called the other day when he'd learned about the lawsuit, I knew he was not in the right frame of mind to inform him about the upcoming criminal trial. Caius would have his hands full with unpredictable rage which always reminded me of my teenage years. It was Carlisle who talked me out of my wild fits when others were too afraid to come near me.
Instead, I made a quick call to Edward and explained they were needed back in Seattle to prepare for James and Alec's criminal trial. He said they'd be there within two days if not sooner, and would stay in my home along with Carlisle and Esme. My house was excessively large, I'd bought it when I'd been in a world where bigger was better, but how could a single man honestly use ten bedrooms?
oOo
For the third day in a row, I watched Caius question Isabella about her marriage and the night of the attack. It seemed as though they'd asked the same questions over and over, and after a while it became variations of the same question. When she grew tired and weary they treated her as though she was a hostile witness.
"Why are you treating me as if I did something wrong? I'm answering your stupid questions," Isabella snapped.
"Because this is what Jane is going to do to you on the stand," Caius explained. "She's going to try to trip you up, find ways to make you stumble. They want to make it seem as though you're too incompetent to answer simple questions. They want to make it as though you made this all up."
She closed her eyes as took in his words.
"Caius, give us a few minutes," I said when I noticed a tear slide down her cheek.
He nodded. "You have ten minutes."
When he left the room, Isabella covered her face in her hands, giving into the tears. Her shoulders shook as she silently wept. Tears were completely out of my realm. Even with Esme and Alice, I was always at a loss on what to do.
If Carlisle were here, he'd probably hug them.
I moved closer to the table and took the seat next to her. I awkwardly patted her head, which seemed to make her cry harder. Going against my instinct to run, I gently gathered her in my arms. I felt Isabella stiffen at first, but then she gripped the front of my jacket in her hands. Her small body continued to shake when Caius poked his head in a few minutes later.
"Get Edward," I silently mouthed to him. He nodded and left a moment later.
My Blackberry buzzed several times but I ignored the call and continued to hold Isabella.
"I don't know if I can do this," she choked out.
"Yes you can. You're doing great," I murmured. "I know it's hard but it's almost over."
Isabella shook her head. "No, I can't, I-I," she stammered.
"Yes you can. I know you can. By the time you take the stand you'll have this under control."
"That's just it! I won't! Jane has always known ho-"
I cut her off again. "Take your time and answer each question."
"Why is this so fucking hard? What if I say the wrong thing?" she asked.
"The only wrong answer is no answer. The jury needs to understand what it was like living with James. Make people understand that it wasn't a onetime incident. The photos are one thing, but your voice is so much stronger."
Edward walked into the room and I stepped back as he took her into his arms. My phone went off again and decided to answer while the couple spoke quietly with each other.
"Yes."
"Jesus! I've been trying to reach you, you're not answering text or phone calls," Cora complained into my ear.
"And you know I'm at the DA's office with Isabella," I countered.
"Judge Brown wants you and Jane Ramsey in his court room in one hour."
"Fuck," I muttered. Edward and Isabella looked at me with concern. "I'll be there." I hung up the phone abruptly.
"Is everything ok?" Edward asked.
"I hope so, but I'm needed in court. You think you two will be ok without me for a few hours?"
"Yeah, we can handle it."
I nodded, grabbing my briefcase and headed for the door. "Wait!" Isabella said suddenly. She met me at the door and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Thank you."
I winked and walked out the door.
An hour later, I watched Judge Brown look over the paperwork. Jane looked smug. I wanted to wipe that smile off her face.
"Ms. Ramsey, have you reviewed the testimonial from the emergency crew from the evening in question?"
"Yes, Your Honor, but my client feels as though he was at risk."
"And your client left the hospital when he was advised to stay overnight. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Then how did Dr. Cullen show negligence?" the judge asked. "Unless he has hospital equipment hidden in his front lawn or has the ability to teleport from place to place, his actions were within reason."
"But Your Honor -" Jane erupted.
"I'm not done," Brown cut her off. "One thing I absolutely hate is wasting time, and frivolous lawsuits such as this, are an utter waste of time and taxpayers' money."
"Your Honor my client w-" Jane tried to interrupt him again.
Judge Brown banged his gavel. "Ms. Ramsey, please stop interrupting me," he said, his voice raising an octave. "Because there's no proof of wrong doing, this case is dismissed."
I was stunned into silence. I no longer heard Jane's yapping. I let out an unexpected sigh of relief. I'd thought my history with the judge would do more harm than good to Carlisle case.
"This isn't over, Aro," Jane snarled as she walked out the court room.
I grinned. It was over for now. One down and several to go.
As I waited for my car at the court house garage, I saw Alistair Brown approach valet area. "I wanted to say thank you for throwing out the case," I said. "I knew you wouldn't go easy on me if it went to trial."
"You're welcome. And you're right, I would have made you actually work for a change, but I didn't do it for you," he replied dryly. "Unlike you, I believe in the judicial system. Besides, I actually like your brother. It's not his fault he's related to an asshole."
"So you're still not over the whole sleeping with the wife thing?" I asked sarcastically.
"Fuck you, Aro," he said as his car approached.
I silently chuckled.
oOo
The scent of chocolate chip cookies woke me up, something I hadn't eaten in over five years. I tried to go back to sleep, but the heavenly scent seemed to penetrate the walls. I looked at the clock and saw it was a little after six a.m. Since I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, I took a quick shower and put on sweats and tee shirt.
A few moments later I walked into my kitchen as Isabella placed the chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack. I ignored the cookies and took in her sloppy ponytail, the over-sized tee shirt splattered with brownie mix and her glazed over eyes. I doubted she'd slept since counter space held several plates of brownies, several different types of cookies, and a chocolate cake. I cocked my head when I saw the iced cupcakes on the tower-like stand. I have a cupcake stand?
I watched as she began breakfast preparations. She moved about the kitchen efficiently, but it was mechanical, her mind elsewhere.
"Good morning, Isabella."
She clutched her chest and took a deep breath. "Aro, you startled me. Um… good morning," she said. She handed me an oatmeal cookie from one of the cooling racks.
I shook my head. "Sorry, I try to stay away from sugary foods."
"Don't worry, it's made with Splenda."
"Just take the damn cookie," Edward mumbled as he walked in behind me and took a seat at the kitchen table.
"Thanks," I murmured. She went back to whatever she was making. I eyed the cookie as I sat at the table with Edward. He was resting his head in his hands with his eyes closed. I thought he went back to sleep at one point. The black hoodie was blocking his face. "Has she slept?"
"No, she may have gotten an hour and then she became too restless."
I nodded. "She'll be ok once the jury comes back."
The jury has been in deliberation for the past three days, and everyone was antsy. Once Carlisle's case had been dismissed, Isabella was revitalized and gave a strong testimony. Not to say it had been smooth sailing, she'd broken down several times during her four day testimony.
There were several moments I wanted to take her off the stand as she recounted her violent marriage and the night of the attack. Her tears and pain were real. Esme and Alice cried silent tears, and Rose left the court room at one point when it became too much for her.
Jasper and Leah had to remove Jake during the second day when his temper became too much. Jane tried to shake Edward, but everyone listened as he spoke about actually seeing James choke Bella, and how he felt if he hadn't intervened she would have died. Jane tried to insinuate an ongoing affair which drove James to attack her, but Edward firmly repeated they had no communication until his return to Forks.
Surprisingly, Emmett appeared to be eerily calm, which I'd been afraid was hurting the prosecution, but then he'd flashed his dimpled smile in the direction of the female jurors and one actually had to fan herself. They each held their own, not taking the bait when she antagonized them.
"Think they'll come back today?" he asked anxiously.
"Today or tomorrow," I speculated. Jury deliberation could be double edged sword, if it lasted less than a day the defense had better odds, but if it went longer than two days then a guilty verdict was guaranteed. For the first time I was on the side of the prosecution and worried they'd take more than a week and we'd have to deal with a hung jury. And testifying all over again wasn't something Isabella could take.
"I hope so, she was doing so great," he murmured. "Well, until she heard about Dad's lawsuit and then testifying. But at least that part is over."
Before I had a chance to respond, Isabella placed a plate with egg whites, wheat toast, pancakes and what I hoped to be turkey bacon in front of me. Edward's plate was similar to mine, minus the egg whites. She'd even provided sugar free syrup.
"Isabella…" I started when I felt Edward kick me under the table. "Thank you. I didn't know I had sugar free syrup."
"You didn't. I picked some up while I was at the all night market," she said as she cracked more eggs.
"Please tell me you didn't go out on your own." I'd had to beef up security since everyone arrived. Between reporters and paparazzi covering the trial and the fans for the band in general, it had been a mad house, especially after a girl was found hiding in the pool house.
Isabella rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, Edward and Felix went with me," she replied distractedly.
I followed Edward's lead and ate my breakfast in silence. I looked at my nephew as he kept an eye on his girlfriend. I never thought I would see Edward attached to someone in the same way his father was attached to Esme. The ability to willingly attach myself to someone is the one gene I hadn't received.
After we were done eating, I noticed Edward beginning to nod off. He reluctantly went back upstairs to get some rest when I promised to stay with Isabella until Esme or Alice arrived.
The counter was littered with broken egg shells, flour, chocolate and other ingredients. I grabbed a trash bag and began clearing off the counter space.
"Aro, I'm sorry about the mess. I'll get it."
"You just baked enough cookies and cupcakes to start your own bakery and still made breakfast for everyone. I think I can wipe up the counters to help out," I chided.
"You shouldn't have to. Sometimes I get sloppy while I cook."
"No need to apologize. One year while Esme prepared Thanksgiving dinner, she somehow got pumpkin on the ceiling. Ten years later we're still not sure how she did that," I said as I used a sponge to wipe the counters down. I heard her stomach growl. "Isabella, when was the last time you ate?"
"I tasted a cookie a few hours ago."
I grabbed a plate and filled it just as she did for me a few minutes ago. "Sit and eat," I ordered.
She grudgingly sat and I continued to put everything away. When I checked on her a few minutes later her plate seemed uneaten. "Isabella, please eat. A hospital visit for malnutrition is that last thing we need right now."
"Ok, ok. You're right," she murmured and began eating. I poured us both a cup of coffee and sat with her. She nibbled on a piece of toast when she asked "Do you think James and Alec will get out of this?"
I shook my head. "No," I said. "The prosecution has strong evidence against them. As long as there's no jury tampering, they'll go to prison for a couple of years."
"Caius mentioned jury tampering," she murmured.
"That's why he was so thorough during that time."
We both fell into a comfortable silence until she finished everything on her plate and even grabbed a cupcake. Emmett walked into the kitchen, still in his workout clothes. "Morning," he said, fixing a plate.
By the time he went for his second helping, everyone except for Edward was in the kitchen. I watched my brother interact with his kids and their friends, the familiar feeling of regret flowed through my body.
I could have easily married someone and had kids, but I'd refused to have children in a loveless relationship. Besides, the one woman I'd ever loved was already happily married.
The house phone rang, just as my Blackberry vibrated. "Cullen," I said as I answered my cell.
"Jury reached a verdict, they will be in court at noon," Avery reported.
I took a deep breath. "Thank you, Avery, we'll be there between eleven and eleven-thirty." I realized at that moment the once boisterous room was deathly silent. "They've reached a verdict."
oOo
The courtroom erupted when the guilty verdict came out. Sentencing would take place within a week. I felt as though a weight had been lifted, knowing the person who had hurt Edward and Isabella would be behind bars for at least two years. I looked over to see the young couple embrace. The happiness radiating off their faces reminded me of when Esme and Carlisle had first started dating. It was pure.
"Bells!" Jake yelled as he ran up the aisle. Isabella left Edward's arms and ran to Jake. They both tearfully clung to one another. James had repeatedly threatened to send Jake to prison in order to make her stay. He was her only family and she's done anything she could to protect him.
I understood that desire to protect your family, but I just wished she hadn't been beaten in the process. But the last few weeks she'd stepped up to the plate. Even through the setbacks she hadn't given up. Her quiet protective nature and strength made her a perfect match for Edward.
It was utter chaos when we tried to leave the court house as the press tried to get a sound bite and overzealous fans grabbed at the band members. When Edward tried to exit, it took the entire security team. I took Isabella to an empty office to wait in order to regroup with Felix.
Ten minutes later, Felix had Edward in the decoy car and I went to retrieve Isabella when I heard muffled voices down the hall. It was not uncommon for attorney and clients to have heated arguments, but these offices had been empty a moment ago.
When I walked into the room Jane had a death grip on Bella's arm who struggled to get away. "Jane, please remove your hands from Isabella."
"Stop being dramatic, we're just talking," Jane retorted.
"I don't care. Just leave her alone," I said. I was losing patience very quickly. "Or I'll have you charged with assault along with your cousin."
"Fuck you, Aro! I advise you not speak to me that way or I'll air all your dirty laundry."
"Isabella, Sam and Felix should be waiting by the elevator," I said as I eyed Jane. Isabella quickly left the room. "So, you think you have shit on me? I've been really open about who I am, unlike you and your people."
"Have you really been honest, Aro? Do Carlisle and Esme know you're the reason she nearly died and lost her baby? Do they, Aro? Do they know those precious mobsters you defended found out you were in love with her and to keep you in line they tried to kill her?" She flung the questions at me and I remained silent. "No, I bet they don't know. So stop walking around with that holier than thou attitude." She grabbed her bag and was about to walk out the room when I stopped her. She looked at me with eyes colder than my own, and that was a rare occurrence.
"You're right. Marcus Banca realized my Achilles heel was my family and went after them. And in an attempt to keep me in line while his son was being tried for murder, he threaten to hurt Esme and even tried to run her off the road. Is that what you planned to tell Carlisle? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but Carlisle knows everything. I wouldn't be able to face him unless he knew the truth," I admitted.
It was true, I'd been in love with Esme since the moment I'd met her. And out of respect for my brother, I'd never acted on those feelings, but I would kill someone in a New York heartbeat if they hurt her. Instead, I enjoyed the friendship Esme and I had been able to maintain.
Banca had caught on quickly about how much my family meant to me, but to this day, I didn't know how he'd figured out my real feelings for my brother's wife. Not even Carlisle had known I was in love with his wife until after Banca's men went after her. It was my fault she was in the accident which caused her to experience the pain of losing a child and worry about her injured daughter.
At that moment, all bets were off. Then and there, I vowed to keep my family safe.
I popped the trunk when the van came into view. I got out as I watched the two men carry the large, laundry-sized bag and dump it into my trunk. No words were exchanged as I handed each an attaché case, fifty thousand each.
"I'll call you in three hours," I said as I got in my car and drove off. I was surrounded by trees, the nearest human being twenty miles away. Perfect. I heard the muffled screams coming from the back, but I ignored him. I could see the car up ahead.
I could feel my blood soar with anger.
I sped up, leaving a dust cloud reminisce of a sand storm behind me. I watched as Marcus leaned on the hood of the car with his two soldiers flanking him. He looked like the cat that ate the canary, and I planned to wipe the smug look off his face. I exited the car and instead of making a move toward Marcus and his men, I went to the trunk and opened the laundry bag. A dazed and confused Antonio Banca stared at me before he could utter a word I punched him in the face. He didn't have a chance to defend himself as I dragged his one hundred and eighty pound, six-two frame from the trunk toward his father. I reached for my glock, tucked in the back of my jeans and pointed at Antonio.
"Aro, you don't want to do this," Marcus said as we came into view.
"You started this. You fucked with my family. I'll fuck with yours."
"You should have done your job!" Marcus roared.
"I did my job, you dumb fuck! I told you he would be convicted and I would get him off on a technicality in appeals."
"That's not what I wanted! I told you no convictions!"
"Pop, what did you do?" Antonio asked.
"Marcus, you didn't tell him you tried to kill my pregnant sister in law and her daughter?" I asked. "She lost the baby. Maybe you need to know how she feels." My rage increased as I remembered Esme sobbing into her husband's arms over losing their unborn child, worrying about Alice who laid unconscious in her bed with a broken arm as a result of this accident.
I pointed the gun at Antonio's head. "Aro, man, I would never approve of your family being harmed. Please, man, I swear," he continued to plead. Antonio had been in charge of the family business when he had been arrested for a robbery. His father, the former boss, had stepped in until Antonio could come back.
"Son, he's not stupid enough to do anything," Marcus said in a cocky voice. I could see the soldier on the right reach for his gun, I fired at him. He grabbed his throat and went down. The bald soldier on the left was able to get a round out. I didn't flinch as the bullet grazed my shoulder. I pulled the trigger and two shots rang as he went down, leaving Marcus unprotected.
I placed the gun on Antonio's temple. "Aro, I swear on my life, no one, and I mean no one, will ever touch a hair on any of the Cullens. My father had no right to react that way."
I stared at Antonio for a moment, pushed him aside and strode over to Marcus. With the butt of my gun I struck him across the face. It felt good to see the blood drip from his eye. He made a motion to crawl away. I pointed the gun at him. "I'm very disappointed in you today. After all, we go back a long way. I have protected members of your 'family' and put my reputation on the line. I never thought you would betray me this way."
I grabbed him by the collar, curled my fist and repeatedly punch him in the face. If it wasn't for Antonio pulling me off of him, I would have killed him. "Aro, please don't. I'll deal with him but I will keep my promise to you."
I was about to tuck the glock back into my pants when I stood over Marcus again and shot him in the knee. "Just so you'll know this wasn't a dream. Now you get to clean up this mess."
I numbly walked to the car, this was the easy part, but coming clean about how I felt for my brother's wife truly terrified me. "Antonio, let's get you back."
A few minutes later he was back in the car and we drove in silence. The prison guards, who brought him to me, were at the pickup spot as planned. "I'll be in touch. We still have to go back to court."
I stared at Jane and I took her face into my hands. "Jane, go ask Marcus Banca why he walks with a limp and is partially blind," I whispered in her ear. If anyone walked in they would have thought we were in an intimate embrace. "Ask him who did that to him."
Jane paled when I mentioned the attack on Marcus. He'd only stated he was ambushed and never got a good look at the people who tried to take him out. That meeting led me to cease all dealings with the family. As I predicted, Antonio was released on a technicality, and stayed true to his word; he never touched my family. He did ask me to join the family as a soldier, which I happily declined.
I threaded my fingers through her hair, if this was some other woman I would enjoy the silky mass as I slightly caressed her scalp, but this was not a moment of pleasure. She yelped when my fingers tightened as I pulled her hair, her fingers clawed at my hands as she tried to break free.
"Jane the difference between me and you is when I took something, I looked the fucker in the eye. I didn't care if they had a gun pointed at my head, because I knew I would still be standing. I believed it with every fiber. Did you know at the beginning of every mob boss' career he must do a lot of dirty work? He'd kill his own mother to prove he was fearless. It wouldn't even matter if it was his legacy or not. I know it's a world you wouldn't last in, do you know why? Because you're weak, so pathetically weak. While you stood in the background, you stole and stole while trying to keep your hands clean. If you don't get your hands dirty every so often, you become a weak sonofabitch, and Jane, I'm far from weak. Listen to my words very carefully, the next time you even think about coming after a Cullen, the law will not hold me back from making you pay. The law will not protect you, Jane. Your psycho cousin is nothing compared to me. This is your last warning," I growled in her ear.
Isabella hesitantly walked into the room and watched us with wide eyes. "And to clarify, this includes Isabella. You try to touch her, hell, if you even think of her, I will end you. And I'm not talking about your career, either. This shit ends now."
I released her abruptly and walked over to join Isabella. "And Jane, in regards to Isabella's divorce settlement, a check for seven million dollars should be sent to my office within the week."
I strode without a backwards glance. I meant what I'd said. This shit ends now.
Ok so what do you think of Aro? He's a loose cannon and works very hard not to snap but underneath it all he's really loving. I've had so much fun developing his character.
So its that time...review time...PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW!
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xoxo,
Tammy