Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight ... I own a blue fuzzy dice key charm.

Chapter 9 – The Sit Down

BPOV

Seth, Rose and I sat in the living room watching the 10 o'clock weather forecast section of the news; it was going to rain.

Edward had called earlier to say that he missed me and that he couldn't talk for long because he had an important meeting. He didn't give any specifics and I tried to ignore the fact that it bothered me that he couldn't tell me anything.I mean suppose something happened to him; I wouldn't know where he was, who he was with or what he was actually doing.

The protection detail that Edward had left here consisting of Emmett, Eric, Sam and Seth seemed slightly more relaxed now than when they arrived. Seth was goofy, carefree and great company. Sam, however, was always reserved and on his guard; I guessed that years of prison would do that to you. He wasn't jittery just very vigilant and aware of his surroundings. Eric was friendly and sometimes he played scrabble with me when he wasn't on parameter duty.

The more I got to know them, the more I realized that they were good people who just got mixed up in the wrong business.

Edward told me to trust no one completely except for him. I told him I thought he was paranoid and that it was impossible to live without trusting someone. He still warned me about getting too close.

I asked him if he trusted me. He didn't answer. I told him it was okay. I didn't tell him that the fact that he couldn't and didn't trust me hurt me severely.

I was pulled out of my reverie by Alice who stormed down the stairs.

"Emmett, Sam!" She shouted in the direction of the kitchen. "Y'all get in here, we have a huge problem."

"What's wrong Ms. Ali?" Seth asked curiously.

Sam and Emmett came in the room as I muted the television.

"They're here! The men looking for Bella," She wrung her hands together. "They found us!"

A feeling of dread washed over and it crippled me as I sat on the couch. James had found us and everyone could be dead because of me.

"How?" Rose asked fearfully.

Alice swallowed and whispered, "Him,"

Just then the front door burst open with a crash and a frantic Eric flew inside. Sam, Seth and Emmett pulled their guns and trained them on Eric.

"Four cars," Eric's breath was choppy, "coming up… the trail…outside…" he looked around, "... Why are you… pointing your… guns on me?"

Emmett gritted his teeth, "Because you're a rat!"

"Wh-what… ar-ar-are yo-you… t-t-talking about?" Eric stammered nervously.

"Snitches get stitches Eric," Seth growled.

"Fuck that, you're dead!" Emmett shouted, "Put your gun on the floor."

"We don't have a lot of time!" Alice reminded us before she stared off into space.

I assumed she was having another vision or premonition or whatever it was that she had. Eric reached under his jacket slowly and pulled out his semi-automatic pistol. He then placed it on the floor and stepped backwards towards the door.

"He's gonna run!" Alice predicted.

It happened so fast; Eric made a run for it as all the guys pulled the triggers. The smell of gunpowder mixed with the rustic scent of blood invaded my nostrils. I sat immobilized as he flipped over twice in a flurry of blood and sparks and landed on the porch groaning. I couldn't tear my eyes away. He started crawling and Emmett started to walk over to him to finish the job, however, Alice grabbed his arm.

"We don't have time!" She insisted and then she locked the front door. "They're coming."

"What are we going to do?" asked Rose.

"The boss said to run," Seth crossed his arms.

I wish Edward were here.

"Four cars of them versus three of us and three women," Sam shook his head, "There's no way we can make a stand; we have to leave or we're all dead."

"Honey," Alice protested, "I am very handy with a rifle."

Sam laughed quietly. It was very comical to envision little Alice wielding an automatic weapon half her size.

Okay I'm exaggerating.

"Seth, go get the bags," Emmett looked deep in thought. "If we're going to get out of here we need the cars."

Seth did as he was told as Rose paled, "They're all in the garage."

The garage was a good distance away from the house with a lot of empty space in-between.

"If all of us go out the back door and make a run for the garage…" started Alice.

"It's too far for everybody to run to," Sam interjected. "They'll see us before we even reach a quarter of the way."

"That's what I was thinking." Emmett groaned. "But, we have to get the cars,"

"Two of us could go," Rose suggested, "We need fast drivers, I could…"

"No!" Emmett roared. "You are not doing anything! That. Is. Final."

Rose sighed, "Look, we don't have any other choice. Sam and I could go, he'll protect me. We can drive to a pick up point and meet you guys there."

"The SVUs are bulletproof," Seth added quietly as he entered the room and placed three black bags on floor.

"Bullet-RESISTANT!" Emmett seethed, "If they pump it with enough lead the glass will break."

"These are low level thugs, Em" Alice reasoned, "How are they going to hit a moving vehicle in the same spot enough to break the strongest bullet resistant currently available. Not to mention it's Rosalie driving. She's the fastest driver out of all of us."

"I said 'NO!'" Emmett reiterated as he grabbed the one of the bags and placed it on the coffee table in front of Rose and me.

When it was opened four long black semi automatic rifles were inside. Sam grabbed the other bag and I saw that it was full long clips of ammunition. Emmett threw one of the rifles to Seth and one to Sam. They then loaded up on ammunition.

"Hello?" Alice stood akimbo and tapped her foot.

Emmett opened the other bag and it had smaller hand weapons and rounds. He told me they were SIG pistols. He handed two to Alice and she loaded her guns as well.

"Bella, Rose ever handled a gun?" Emmett asked.

"We have," Rose smiled. "Our dad taught us but, Bella never really took to it."

Great! Everybody but me can defend themselves.

"I can load it and whatever but my hand shakes." I groaned feeling completely worthless about not being able to assist in my own defence.

"That's good enough; just don't aim at anyone friendly." Emmett said quickly, "I'm not leaving you unarmed." He handed us our weapons and a few clips each.

I sat on the couch and held the gun in my right hand; it felt cool and heavy. I let out a shaky breath.

"What are we gonna do?" Seth asked as he peered out a window into the darkness. "Are we just waiting on them to come and start a gun fight we know we'll lose?"

"Why haven't they reached yet anyway?" Rose asked. "The trail is not that long and Eric said they were close."

"They stopped on the way." Alice's eyes widened in fear, "They're coming from the back." Alice whispered as she continued to stare into space. "They've just decided to park their cars and walk along the left side to the back of the house."

"Then we go out the front." Sam mumbled.

"What do we do for cars?" asked Seth, "We can't get to the garage if they're coming from the back."

"Then we'll just take theirs." Emmett cocked his rifle.

It was decided that Rose and Seth would hot-wire two cars and we would use them to get away. So we turned off all the lights and filed out of the house. Emmett and Alice led the pack, Rose and I were in the middle with Seth and Sam brought up the rear.

"Where's the rat?" Seth asked.

When I looked to the spot where we had last seen Eric there was only a small pool of blood that extended into a trail which led to the around the corner.

"We can't worry about him now," Emmett grumbled. "Shoulda, killed him when I had the chance."

As Sam closed the front door a single gunshot was heard in the distance to the rear of the farm.

I dropped my gun and it slid under one of the porch swings. Thankfully, it was on safety. I quickly retrieved it.

I was brought back to the night I witnessed the death of Pauly. It was then I decided that there was no way I would die here. I would fight to make it out and I planned on everyone making it out with me. I was determined to do anything to save us.

A distressed moo had followed the sound of the solitary gunshot.

"Bastards shot one of my cows." Alice hissed.

"It probably moved in the dark and they thought it was something else." Seth guessed.

"Come on!" Emmett growled.

We headed off the porch into the night. Other than the occasional distressed moo from Alice's injured cow it was quiet, eerie and dark.

"Why didn't they just end it?" Rose cursed under her breath, "Sadistic bastards."

The moon had disappeared under the light cloud coverage and so had the stars. Since we knew they were coming from the left side, where all the buildings were, we took the right side in hopes of getting out without any confrontation. The only problem was our side didn't have any cover until you reached the entrance to the dirt trail which was flanked by trees on either side.

We continued to move quickly and quietly towards the trail. Everyone was on high alert. Our guns were raised as we aimed in various directions in the darkness ready for whatever.

Lightening flashed and thunder rumbled overhead as soft drops pelted our heads. Suddenly a barrage of gunshots could be heard from inside the house. We looked in that direction and the house was alight with a blaze of gunfire.

"Oh," Alice raised her hand to her face, "My beautiful house,"

I felt so shitty inside. "I'm so sorry Alice,"

"Houses are replaceable, you aren't honey." Alice winked, "I was getting tired of that ol' house anyway. Now Emmett's gon' have to buy me a new one. Y'all can help me decorate. We have so much fun decorating, don't we Em?"

Emmett groaned as Seth and Sam snickered. Thankfully, the journey in the dark to the trail was uneventful.

Maybe we can get out of here unnoticed and unharmed after all.

"Over there!" A gruff voice penetrated our ears.

Spoke too soon!

"Girls get to the cars!" Emmett shouted as he positioned himself behind one of the trees.

"Go with them Seth!" Sam added.

We took off into the cover of the trees as the gun fight ensued. The quiet and stillness of the night had been murdered by an onslaught of gunfire, heavy footfalls and harsh breathing. I prayed that no harm would come to Sam or Emmett. I didn't think I could ever forgive myself if they were killed.

I ran in front of Seth on one side of the trail through the trees. Alice and Rose were a little ahead. I tried to focus so that I wouldn't trip over any tree roots or hit my head on any massive limbs or drop my gun as I was prone to do. The rain trickled more slowly down through the foliage. I didn't fall but, the branches and twigs scratched my skin.

After a while the bombardment of shots stopped. I feared the worst as we slowed down. However, every now and then I heard a short rapid burst of fire that kept my hopes up.

"It's somewhere around here." Alice rubbed her head as we came to a halt. "They're in a clearing."

We were surrounded by trees; suddenly our chances didn't look so good. I was bent over at the waist trying to catch my breath. Rose leaned against a trunk while Alice looked around scratching her head. Seth stood on guard; rifle in hand.

A deep exhale was heard in the near distance and we all stiffened. I saw some white smoke rise in between the trees.

"Smoke," I pointed.

"Stay here," Seth whispered as he moved towards the smoke.

"No way," I straightened, "I'm not letting you take them on by yourself."

"Let's do this," Rose affirmed. "I got to go rescue my man."

I swallowed and gripped my gun tightly. We walked to the thick foliage that separated us from the smoker. Seth peeked through and held up one finger. I assumed he meant that there was one man.

I looked for myself and saw that there was indeed only one man and he guarded the four cars. His back was turned to us. Seth went through the foliage and crept up on the man. I couldn't believe he didn't see it coming. By the time the man realized what was happening Seth had wrapped his hands around the man's neck and snapped it.

Seth lowered the man to the floor and went through his pockets. He pulled out the keys to the cars which were SVU's like the ones Edward's crew came in. Rose popped the hoods of two of the cars that we weren't going to use and messed with the engines. They would never start.

Just then we heard some shouting and more shooting coming from the direction of the ranch. We hurriedly got into the cars.

Rose drove in front with Seth. I was in the other car Alice with at the wheel. We started up the trail and I scanned the trees for a sign of Sam or Emmett. Just then a Gumbah wop ran out of the trees from the left side unto the path and fired shots across the trail aiming at something in the right. He was so caught up in shooting he never saw the cars until Rose ran right over him.

Fire was returned from the right side so we know that the guys were somewhere around here. But, since we saw one of James' gunmen that meant that they were close too. After a few quiet yet fruitless minutes of trying to find Emmett and Sam I saw two men running towards us waving their guns. One was supporting the other but they moved as fast as they could.

"There!" I screamed excitedly.

Just then gun fire could be heard from the opposite direction. Seth stuck his rifle out the window and provided cover fire for Sam and Emmett. As they got closer I could see Sam holding his leg and Emmett stumbled a bit as a gunshot zinged by his right arm.

I saw one of the gunmen creep to the edge of the trees to get a clear aim at Seth who was doing a great job keeping them off us. My heart took residence in my throat but I knew what I had to do. I pointed my SIG at him and fired off a couple rounds. It stopped him from shooting Seth.

"Good job Bella!" Alice whooped and made a U-turn.

Rose opened the back door and the men chucked in her SVU.

We sped down the trail away from the ranch and everyone had made it.

Thank you Lord.

EPOV

"Carlisle," Aro took a sip of his wine, "The rules laid down by the Mafia heads at the last meeting state…"

"I know what the rules say Aro." Pop took a bite of his pasta. "Good stuff," He waved his fork, "Try it."

Aro looked annoyed and James looked murderous. My father had been giving them the run-around for the last hour. The tension at the table was palpable.

We were at my mother's Italian restaurant having the sit-down over a late dinner. 'Esme's', which was the name of the restaurant, had been emptied of most of the staff and all other customers. Aro and James sat on one side of the table. On the other side Pop sat between my brother and me. Bodyguards for both sides stood at various points throughout the restaurant.

Before the meeting Jasper and my father had asked me to keep calm and not lose my head. I was jittery on the way over but as soon as I entered the restaurant I felt myself relax. I knew there was no way I was revealing Bella's whereabouts and I was sure that Pop and Jasper wouldn't say a word.

Aro took a small bite of pasta, "Exquisite." He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Please give my compliments to the chef."

"I will." Pop sipped his water. He looked very comfortable and seemed to be in no rush.

My mom was somewhere in the kitchen flitting about or cooking with the chef. She was waiting to hear the outcome.

James excused himself to the bathroom. I kept my face blank but I was curious about the real reason why he left the table.

"Let us be done with this." Aro stated royally as he put down his knife and fork.

Jasper and I locked eyes and scoffed. My dad gave a small chuckle.

"When James comes back," Carlisle continued to eat seemingly oblivious to the tension.

The kitchen door opened and my mom walked out. She smiled widely and was very gracious even though she hated Aro and his family.

"Hello Aro," Ma greeted the slimy bastard. "How's the food?"

"Absolutely divine," He smiled broadly.

"And your family? I hear you have a new addition on the way." She stopped beside my father and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"They are wonderful. Yes we do." Aro seemed genuinely happy about his little bastard grandchild.

Great, so either we'll have another James or Victoria to deal with. Just what the world needs.

"Sorry to disturb," Ma said apologetically. "But it's important."

"I know honey." Pop rose, "Please give me a minute."

Pop and Ma retreated to the kitchen as James came back. I tried to read his underlying expression however I was unable to. We ate in silence as we waited for my father. After a few moments my father emerged from the kitchen with a calm expression on his face.

"What is it you want Aro?" He asked as he took his seat.

"The girl," Aro stated plainly, "She has no status in our world and she has witnessed our crimes. Regardless of the fact that she is under your protection; the rules state that she must be turned over to us."

"And what do the rules say about the procedure to procure said witness?" Pop resumed eating.

"That we must request a sit-down, which we have, as to resolve the situation amicably." Aro said smugly.

"Then why have you sought to procure the witness," Pop cleared his throat, "… through other means?"

James' eyes widened in fear and he dropped his fork. It made a long clang in the quiet dimly lit space.

My heart sunk to the depths of my stomach as I realized what Pop meant.

Fuck, they found Bella! Why hadn't they called me?

I checked my phone and saw that I had 20 missed calls. It had been on silent since the beginning of the meeting. I locked my Jaw to keep from letting out a string of curses.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Aro maintained a cool demeanor.

I felt my heart take residence in my throat. On the outside I looked like Pop and Jasper did; cool, calm and unfazed. Inside the rage festered and I gripped my gun under the table tightly.

Was she hurt? I have to go and get her; to see her and hold her.

"James persisted until he found her and he sent men to get her," Pop stared him down. "You broke the rules which you so adamantly, just five minutes ago, sought to uphold. Not only that but, you ordered an attack on my son's fiancée."

What the fuck was Pop talking about?

Aro held up his hands. "The jig is up." He laughed manically and started ranting, "You caught me. It wasn't so much about the little bitch but just making you pay your dues, follow the rules and give respect like everyone else. You think you're so mighty and strong; bending the rules and everyone to your will." He paused "I deserve everything that you have; the money, the notoriety and the power. I want it all and I'll take it by force."

With that Aro declared war and stormed out of the restaurant. James and his goons followed suit.

I got up and ran to the kitchen. My mom had obviously given Pop the news; I wanted to know everything she knew.

"Out," I instructed the chef and servers. "Go home."

They just stopped cleaning up and stared.

"I said out!" I roared and banged my hand on the island in front of me.

"Please leave," Ma said quietly as she grabbed my hand to examine it. "I'll get some ice."

They all filed out nervously as Jasper and Pop walked in.

"How's Bella Ma?" I said weakly, my throat felt dry as I waited for her to respond.

Ma grabbed a napkin and filled it with ice. "She's fine, a few scratches; a little shaken up. But, she's alive and well. They all are."

Jasper was in the corner on his phone and Pop took a seat at the Island.

I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders but I still wanted to see her.

"Emmett was grazed by a bullet. Sam was shot in the leg. Seth is fine. The girls are fine." Ma plopped the ice filled napkin down on my hand. "They are headed back here."

"What?!" I shouted. "No! Aro declared war. I've got to get her far away from here."

"I told them to come." Ma admitted. "Aro did not declare war over Isabella. I'm tired of waiting and I want to meet her. She'll be safe at the house with me. So will all the other girls."

"It's going to get bad Esme," Pop started.

"Don't you even dare; I am not leaving Carlisle." Ma stood firm. "Didn't you see that Aro's declaration of war was a spur of the moment thing? He'll need some time to regroup."

"Nothing Aro does is spur of the moment Ma," Jasper joined us. "You should call Bella, Edward."

I am so stupid! Fucking Idiot!

I took out my phone and dialled Emmett. I put the phone to my ear.

"I know that," Ma said, "But it was obviously stupid to tell you that he was considering war. That couldn't have been in his plan. The element of surprise has way more tactical advantage than letting your opponent know that you're coming. I think he just went off on a tangent and revealed too much."

Ring, Ring, Ring…

Answer the phone ya big fuck!

"Yea Boss," Emmett's voice came over the line and I exhaled a long breath.

I heard Bella's voice in the background.

"Is that him? Gi' me the phone Emmett, please." She sounded distressed. "Please,"

"Lemme talk to her Em," I told him.

She came on the line, "Edward?"

"Hey," I moved away from my family. "How are ya?"

"Hear that?" Ma sighed, "His voice just completely changes when he talks to her."

"I'm okay." She paused, "Em says that a plane is coming to pick us up and that I'll see you soon… Is it true?"

"Yea, Ma ordered it." I sighed, "Ya mind staying with her for a while?"

"No I don't mind, I just need you Edward."

My heart soared; she needed me.

"I'm coming to get you babe, I'll be right there when you get off the plane."

"Promise?" She asks quietly.

"From the bottom of my heart,"

"I…" Bella paused, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," I responded quietly knowing that she wasn't saying what she really wanted to, "Lemme talk back to Em,"

"Alright,"

"Yea Boss?" Emmett grunted

"Thank you, man" I paused, "I owe you my life."

"Ain't no thang but a chicken wing." He laughed loudly.

I shook my head and chuckled.

"Seriously, man bring some chicken wings with ya cuz we hungry up in dis." He even had an accent. "All they probably got on the plane is pretzels."

"I got you." I laughed. "Get her here safe,"

"That's what I been doing fool."

"Alright, Mr. T,"

I hung up the phone and nodded to Jasper.

"Let's go." We started to head out.

"Meeting, later tonight." Pop stated.

Jasper, Ma and I looked at him incredulously.

"Tomorrow morning." He fanned us away. "Go get ya girls."

A/N: So what do you think?

Please review ... lots :)

Thank you to all who put 'Protection' on Story Alert or Favourites and that person that put me in their Fav Authors. And the messages I got. ;)

Wow; You guys are awesome. Nuff, nuff, love from Jamaica to you.

I don't know about you but after all this, I need to read about somebody getting laid.

Chapter 10 coming up :)