Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight ... I own a Purple KJV Bible.

I know it's been a while. I have no excuses. I'm terribly sorry though :( ... Well I'll let you get to it.

Chapter 14 – Retaliation

EPOV

I headed to Midnight Sun where I was having a drink with my crew before we would meet up with Pops and his men at a deserted spot on the banks of the Delaware River in Chester, Philadelphia.

The music was pumping loudly through the speakers, the drinks were flowing and the girls were working the room. One of Jasper's dancers commanded attention on the stage and the poor saps seated around it kept throwing their hard earned money at her.

The club was lit dimly enough to afford the broads and their johns a little privacy but, you could see where you were going. I went over the roped off V.I.P area where the crew was waiting on me. It was a standing tradition of ours that before we did any jobs we would get together at the club and have one last drink together.

Ya never know what could happen; after tonight some of us may not come back.

All the guys knew the morbid reason for the drink but, they knew what they were getting themselves into. No one had forced them. We might have been walking to our deaths in an hour or so but for now, the mood was celebratory and the guys were joking and laughing with each other.

Gianna, one of the strippers, touched my shoulder just as I unhooked one side of the rope to let myself through.

"It's done Boss man," She handed me the slip of paper I had given her earlier.

I gave her a small smile, took the paper and pocketed it. I was happy that the first part of my plan was almost complete.

"How did it go Gi?" I asked her.

"Alright," She popped her gum and stood akimbo, "Said they'd look into it. But, I could hear how excited the fucko on the line was." She snorted, "He sounded like he came when I told him the name of the ship and the time."

I chuckled when she said that; Gianna was a piece of work.

"I was vague but, I gave them enough for them to figure it out. If they fuck it up it wasn't my fault." She gently patted the hump on top her head and adjusted her boobs.

Gianna always rocked the 'Guidette' look. It worked for most johns and her client base was very impressive.

"I know that Gi. You always do a good job."

"I aim to please." She smirked giving me a little salute. "Locker?"

I nodded, "Ten." I paused feeling generous, "Take the night off with pay. Go home to ya kid."

"Grazie Boss man," Gianna looked around the club before snapping her head back to look at me. "Ten? That's way more than before; it was just a phone call."

"Eh," I shrugged, "I hear someone's having a birthday soon. How's the little man?"

"Bastard's just like his old man." Her face lit up, "Sweet talker, cute face, he'll break alotta hearts. I'm keeping a party." She loved that little boy with her life. "Now I can buy him that fancy remote controlled car he's been eyeing."

"Tell him it's on me." I re-hooked the rope and she headed to the back; probably to get the cash, change her clothes, and head home.

Jasper saw me and took up his glass off the table, "Finally man. Let's have our drink."

Emmett handed me a glass and we all stood around the table.

"Let's show those fuckers who the fuck they're fucking with." I raised my glass. "Salute."

They all knocked their glasses with mine before collectively responding, "Salute!"

Then everyone downed their drinks in one gulp.

Still EPOV

The water was eerily calm and the night was deadly silent. The only sounds in the night were the surprisingly low hums of the boats' engines. The boats made small, gentle ripples as we slowly made our way up the Delaware River. The moon was full and shone brightly in contrast to the dark blue sky.

I stood on the starboard side looking over at New Jersey; as usual Bella was on my mind. She was at the safe house sleeping soundly. At that exact moment, I would have preferred to be in bed either sleeping with her in my arms, or celebrating our engagement. However, I needed to see the hit on the ports through. I knew that as long as Rossi was alive, Bella would never be truly safe or free to live her life in peace.

Sometimes, I worried that I wouldn't be able to protect her fully. That somehow he would get to her and hurt her. Other times I worried that I would fuck up our relationship by doing or saying something stupid.

Or just by being just being yourself, The capo smirked.

She said that she never wanted to leave and we were going to make it official. I loved the way she grinned at that ring until her face looked like it was going to burst. I couldn't wait until she took my name.

Isabella Cullen … Fuck that sounds real good!

I couldn't help but smile and felt myself grow slightly hard at the thought. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Pop grinning at me like the Cheshire cat.

"Youse getting married?" He asked with a smug knowing look on his face.

"Shit, did I say that out loud?" I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath with my mouth.

"No," Pop smirked now, "We guessed when Esme saw Isabella hide her right hand when you two came home last night."

I sighed and turned back to look out towards New Jersey.

"I hope you were planning on telling us and not eloping." There was a hint of a warning, "I know you wouldn't do that to your poor mother."

"Bella wanted us to tell everyone together." I ran I hand through my hair. "That's all."

He nodded seemingly believing what I just said. "Did you tell her anything about the business?"

I contemplated lying but I knew my father would see right through it. Even as a child I couldn't get away with lying to them.

"I told her what I do for a living." I ran my hand through my copper mess, "I didn't want her to get married under a pretense or because of a lie."

I waited for him to chew me out about disclosing information about the Famiglia to an outsider. It was against the code and punishable by death.

"You're putting Isabella before La Famiglia." He noted quietly.

I didn't have to answer. My silence was confirmation.

"Ya know," He broke the silence quietly, "If your mother gave me an ultimatum; her or the business," He paused, "I'd chose her."

"I was going to tell you sometime later this week; so we could get your blessing."

"You have my blessing. I would love to have Isabella be a part of our family. Your mother would too."

His voice held nothing but the truth.

"Thanks Pop." I mumbled, "I ... We really appreciate it."

He patted my shoulder.

"How did you propose?" He asked after a moment.

"Actually," I cleared my throat uncomfortably. "Uh..."

"Isabella proposed?" Pop raised an eyebrow.

I nodded minutely.

"Carlisle,"

We turned to see Felix, one of Pop's crew, walking up to us. I disliked Felix: he was always yanking my balls but I was grateful for the distraction.

"Is that you Eddie?" Felix chuckled around his cigar. "Long time no see."

"Not fucking long enough." I stated dryly, annoyed at his use of the nickname 'Eddie'.

The smoke from the lit end of his cigar curled upwards in the early morning breeze. Pop and I watched as he made an 'O' shape with his mouth and blew grey ringlets.

"The expensive shit; Cuban," He smiled, self-satisfied, as he flicked the ash from the tip, "I sent you a box last week, remember Carlisle? When I shook down that fucking…"

"I remember." Pop assured Felix as he pocketed his hands, "I also remember Esme taking it up off my desk and well, ya know the rest."

Felix started laughing but ended up in hacking coughs.

"Fuck, I need me a woman like ya Esme; someone not afraid to keep my old ass in check." He looked at the cigar with disdain before chucking it into the murky Delaware water. "How's the Mrs.?"

"She's good." Pop's tone changed slightly at the mention of Ma; it was happier. "Ya should stop by for dinner one of these Sundays."

"Soon," Felix began to pat his coat down.

I knew he was looking for something to drink. Felix was a bit older than Pop and addicted to smoking, drinking and Italian prostitutes. He had been there when Pop made his bones.

"Ahh-ahh," Felix's right hand surfaced with a flask.

Felix went to take a swig but, Pop deftly snatched the flask out of Felix's hand.

"How about, we don't smoke or drink anything else 'til we're done with the job?"

It was posed as a suggestion but, it was an order.

"Si, Don." He mumbled quietly.

Felix however, was a jovial, old, perverted bastard and his bad mood left as quickly as it came.

"Or should I say soon-to-be retired Don?" He jabbed me in the side with his elbow while overtly winking, "You'll need a wife soon Eddie-boy."

I said nothing while he continued.

"I'm thinking of retiring myself." Felix sighed wistfully.

"Yes!" Demetri exclaimed, "Please, do us a favor. Pick out a pine box while you're at it. I'll personally pay for the plot and ceremony."

"Fuck you," Felix coughed again. "So whatcha say little Eddie? Ready to take over? Finally got hair on your balls now?"

"Leave the kid alone, Felix." Demetri patted Felix's back "Or when he's Don he'll put a hit you for always yanking his chain."

"Eddie wouldn't do that. Huh Eddie? Not to me, good ol' Felix." He laughed while pointing at his chest.

I shrugged noncommittally. "We'll see."

The blood drained out of his face as he muttered. "Fucking young bloods!"

He shook his head as he walked away from us over to where the rest of Pop's crew stood.

The other members were Alistair, Amun and Benjamin. Alistair was also known as 'the cleaner.' Whenever you had a crime scene that needed to be taken care of, he was your man. He also liked to torture people. Alistair didn't talk much and was sort of a loner but, I had great respect for him. Amun was a guns specialist and expert. He was also very good with a sniper's rifle. Benjamin was Pop's accountant but he had a penchant for slicing throats. He liked to get up close and personal. Demetri and Felix were in charge of security and were also enforcers.

It had been a while since my father has been on any hits but, sometimes he liked to be hands on. We referred to them as 'the old timers' out of respect but, whenever Pop called on them they were up for the action. They were fucking good at what they did too. They had to be to survive so long in the Mafia world while avoiding the cops.

"Land Ho Edward!" Emmett came up behind us with Jasper.

"Port Camden coming up on the right ye scurvy mongrels, Arrg!" Jasper sounded like a pirate.

I shook my head at them as Emmett handed me a semi.

"Let's hit it."

BPOV

I woke up in the morning to an empty, cold bed. I sighed, not even bothering to look for him because I knew Edward was gone. Probably off in another meeting, taking care of his businesses or doing something illegal. It looked as if he had been gone a very long time; the scent on his side of the bed was very faint. I buried my nose in his pillow and inhaled deeply. I wanted to drown myself in his smell; masculine, clean and fresh.

It would have been nice to wake up and have Edward sleeping beside me for once. I wanted to watch him sleep. It seemed that waking up alone was what I had to look forward to in the mornings when we got married.

I smiled involuntarily and lifted my hand to my face. I loved the ring that I had chosen. It had the classic ring setting which Charlotte assured me was timeless. She also told me the metal of the band was Platinum; it was hypoallergenic, it would never wear away and could become a Cullen family heirloom.

The shape of the diamond was round and I found out that it was the most popular and the most expensive shape. Charlotte also mentioned things like; the diamond was 2.09 carats, the cut was rated as Ideal, the color was F and the clarity was S12.

I had no idea what most of that meant but, I thought my ring was absolutely perfect and I loved it.

My musings were disrupted by some gentle knocking on my door. I rolled unto my back and groaned softly hoping whoever it was would go away. I felt like lazing around in bed and staring at my ring until Edward came home. The clock on the bedside table said Tuesday June 14, 7:47 am.

"Isabella," Esme's voice filtered through the door. "May I come in?"

"Uh…" I sat up in bed and buried my hands underneath the comforter, "Sure."

She opened the door slightly and poked her head in. "There's something I wanted to discuss with you." She carried the rest of her body inside the room and locked the door.

"I don't know if you remember with all the madness going on," She sat on the bed and patted my leg. "But, Edward's birthday is Monday and I wanted to throw a party."

Mentally, I did some calculations and figured out that Monday would be the 20th of June.

Fuck! I smacked my face with my hand.

I didn't even know his birthday. When I thought about it, I didn't know much about Edward. I knew I loved Edward with all my heart and that he loved me but, was that enough?

Everything had developed pretty quickly; including my feelings for him. We never had time to go on a date or act like a normal couple. Between hiding from James, dodging bullets and bombs, just trying to stay alive and always being surrounded by people, we never spent time just learning the little things about each other.

Were we compatible? Could we be happy together for the rest of our lives? Whirlwind romances in real life normally ended as quickly as they began. Would I grow to hate him? Would he get tired of me? Would he then turn to whores and stop coming home? Would I be stuck in a dead end marriage with screaming babies and a cheating mob husband?

Was I making a wise decision? I worried my lip with my teeth and stared down at the ring. Suddenly, I wasn't so sure anymore.

"So what if you didn't know his birthday?" Esme asked gently covering my hand with hers. "It's not important."

"Yes, it is." I whispered while pushing down the sob that threatened to escape.

"Trust me when I say Edward loves you and this is the proof." She tapped my ring. "It's gorgeous by the way."

"Thank you." I blushed lowering my gaze.

"And I know you love him too." Esme lifted my chin, "When you two are in the same room, it's like no one else exists."

I remained silent because it was true.

"I never knew anything about Carlisle when my father told me I was getting married."

"Your marriage was arranged?" I asked terribly shocked.

She simply nodded, "But, it turned out for the best. I can't see myself without Carlisle and I know he'd give his life for me. We're still in love after all these years. I know he's never cheated." She laughed, "God knows how many times I had him followed."

I nodded, starting to see the other side of things. There was a chance that it wouldn't go horribly wrong. There was the possibility that Edward and I would be happily married for the rest of our lives like Esme and Carlisle.

"Have you two set a date yet?" Esme's voice sounded distant and dreamy. I deduced that she had started planning our wedding already.

I Sighed.

"There's no rush Isabella. Take your time and get to know one another." Esme said encouragingly before breaking out into a broad smile. "Then hurry up and give me my nipoti belle so I can spoil them rotten. I need at least four from you and Edward."

We shared a laugh and she reached over to hug me. I relaxed into her embrace as she whispered in my ear.

"It'll work out Miele believe me."

I believed her.

EPOV

We stormed up the boardwalk that jutted out into murky Delaware water to meet the ships that harbored at Port Camden. I was in the lead, with Emmett and Jasper immediately behind me and the rest of my team covering our ass. We quickly made our way off the boardwalk and I slowed as the asphalt and dirt crunched under our feet. I listened for any sounds of a guard walking the port or some low level thug hanging around before leading my team to take cover behind a heavy duty crane that was parked nearby.

I gave the signal for us to split up into two teams. Jazz, Tiny and I were in one. Emmett, Quil and Embry were in the other. Everyone had orders to kill on sight and to look for the Blacks before they bombed any of the warehouses. Ben was waiting at the rendezvous point with the get-a-way cars.

Before we could move off we heard the sound of multiple boots crunching the loose asphalt and dirt. I guessed there were about four of them.

"The ship should have been here already." A voice I recognized as Laurent's hissed angrily. "Over a fucking hour late,"

"I've been calling the Captain," This voice was somewhat stressed and very unfamiliar.

I heard the distinct sound of something snapping closed, probably a flip phone.

"He's not picking up?" Laurent asked.

The second person must have shaken his head as there was no audible answer.

"Fuck," A new cracking voice exhaled a shaky breath; this voice was nervous, "James is gonna fucking kill us. It hasn't even been a week since …"

"Shut the fuck up Mikey." A voice I knew belonged to Riley sneered, "Keep trying the Captain."

The second person put the phone on speaker. It rang loudly in the quiet night as they waited expectantly.

I motioned for my team to take them while they were distracted. The adrenaline began to course through my veins and I reveled in it. I loved the rush that came with my fucking job.

"We're sorry; the person you are trying to call is currently unavailable." An automated lady told them as my team and I slowly made our way around the crane.

"Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice messaging system. Please leave your message at the tone. When you have finished recording your message please hang up."

We moved out into the open now. They had their backs turned to us as they were huddled around the phone.

"Where the fuck are you Collin?!" Laurent shouted into the phone, "I swear if you've run off with the shit, I will personally fuck you up. You'll be needing new kneecaps and feeding through a fucking straw when I'm done with you."

I cleared my throat, "Actually, I had som'n to do with your shipment. Let's just say it got held up." I smirked."I wouldn't wait on it if I were you."

They jumped around; frightened. Laurent reached for his weapon at the back of his waist.

"Careful Lau," I used James' nickname for him. "Slowly take it out and place it on the ground. You three too; I know youse all packing heat."

My crew slowly made their way around Laurent, Mike, Riley and the other man who was wearing a guard's uniform until we had them surrounded. I watched as they did as I asked. Tiny walked forward and picked up the guns which he then tossed in the Delaware River.

"Anyone who can tell me where the Blacks, the family that was kidnapped by James, are will live." I lied smoothly.

They were all going to die in a matter of minutes. Except maybe Laurent.

"Fuck you Cullen!" Laurent spat. "Nobody says shit!" He looked around at the guard, Mike and Riley. "He's gonna kill us anyway."

I knew I wouldn't have gotten anything out of Laurent at first. But, he was the one that most likely had the information. I just needed to push the right button.

"Any takers?" I looked at the guard, "How about you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

I shrugged, raising my gun, "Don't say I never gave you an out."

I knew that he probably didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. That didn't matter though. He worked for the Volturis and they were threatening everything I held dear; my family, my businesses, especially my Bella. He had to go.

I shot him in the head and he fell on his back motionless. He died instantly.

"I made that quick and relatively painless." I grinned at the remaining captives, "It won't be the same for you three."

I heard the distinct sound of trickling water and realized that someone was pissing themselves. It was Mike.

"Hey Mike!" Emmett boomed between laughs, "What you gonna shit on yourself next?"

"Please don't," Jasper grimaced looking at Mike.

"Fucking Pussy." Riley grumbled under his breath. "I knew you weren't Volturi material."

"Look Edward," Mike looked frantically between Me and Riley. "I don't know man." He started to beg, "Please man, just let me go."

I looked at him sideways. "Ya sure you know nothing about the Blacks?"

"I swear man," Mike started to cry, "I got a kid on the way man. You wouldn't leave a poor defenseless baby fatherless would ya?"

"Fuck," I laughed, "I'd be doing the poor kid a favor by taking you out."

"Edward," Jasper said softly, "Let's just fucking do this and get outta here. Time's running out."

"Alright," I shrugged looking bored before raising my gun in Mike's direction.

"Come on, man." Mike pleaded looking scared shit-less holding up his hands, "Okay, I'll tell you."

"It better be useful." I lowered my gun.

"I don't know where exactly where they are." Mike paused, "But, a couple times I ran food over to the guys near the deserted factories on O..."

Mike's face twisted in a grimace of pain. Riley had quickly pulled a knife and buried it in Mike's stomach. He then pulled it out and slashed open Mike's waist. His intestines peeked out as he doubled over in pain. Riley then charged at Quil who was closest to him. Quil didn't move. He just raised his gun and pumped Riley full of lead. Riley fell a couple paces in front of Quil gurgling blood.

"Grab Laurent." I told Embry, "He'll be staying with us for a while."

I walked over to where Mike was rolled over on his back. The blood oozing from the cut on his waist was so red and thick that it looked black.

"Where Mike?" I asked him urgently, "Where did you take the food?"

"Help... me" Mike's eyes bore into mine as he croaked. "Help..."

"Where Mike?" I grabbed his jacket lapels pulling off the ground slightly.

"O... Ot..." Blood ran out of the side of his mouth and he sighed peacefully before he went limp.

I deduced that he welcomed the release that death provided him from the pain that he was feeling. I let him fall back to the ground after seeing that his eyes were unfocused and lifeless.

Mikey was gone. I sighed, disappointed that I didn't get the information that I wanted ... yet.

BPOV

I sat on the couch in the living room of the safe house flipping through the channels on the Cullen's wide screen television. Somehow I landed on Channel Seven Eyewitness News and couldn't tear my eyes away.

"We interrupt our regular scheduled programming to bring you this breaking news. In the wee hours of this morning two ports were attacked simultaneously. While most New Jersey residents were peacefully asleep at about 3 am, criminals were wreaking havoc and laying siege to Port Camden and Port Pennsauken located just minutes apart from each other on the Delaware River. We now turn over to Katie who is on site at the Ports. Katie?"

"Thank you Chuck. The buildings, ships and containers located here at the Ports have been either burglarized or vandalized and destroyed by fire. Also most heavy duty equipment have been driven off the pier into the murky Delaware River.

"The body count is currently at 25 and it is climbing as every second more bodies are turning up. Most of them with either gunshot wounds or stab wounds. However, it seems some of the dead have been tortured for information as they are missing appendages or have burn marks of various sizes. A few have even been decapitated and others killed execution style.

"Alleged Mob Boss Aro Volturi, owner of both Port Camden and Port Pennsauken, has yet to arrive on the scene. Efforts made by our news crew to contact him have been fruitless however his lawyer has promised that Mr. Volturi will be giving press release soon.

"The attacks, which are being dubbed the Port Massacres, are thought, by the police, to be the start of a Mob War or retaliation for some past act committed by the Alleged Volturi crime family. The Alleged Cullen Crime Syndicate is rumored to be the masterminds behind the Port Massacres. Police are currently investigating and it is our hope that they can bring those responsible, Cullen Family or otherwise, to justice. I'm Katie Courts reporting for Channel Seven News. Back to you Chuck."

"Thank you Katie. We'll keep you posted..."

The television clicked off and I looked up to see Edward in front of me holding the remote. I hadn't even seen when he walked up. He was freshly showered and wearing a white tee and brown cargo shorts. His green orbs bore into my brown ones. Edward's stare was so intense and mesmerizing I couldn't look away. I didn't want to look away.

Just then his phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket and put it to his ear without breaking our "Eye-lock."

I couldn't hear the other person.

"Cullen," Edward's voice was gruff.

...

"Yes. I was just watching it on the news."

...

"It couldn't have been me Jenks," Edward pulled that sexy smirk. "I have an alibi. I was in bed all night with my fiancee."

My eyes widened as my mouth dropped to the floor.

"I know they'll want to talk to me."

...

"I'm going to head down there soon. I'll meet you in a couple hours."

...

"Yes. I'll bring her."

Fuck! He didn't expect me to lie for him did he? Especially to the police?

Well, I know I don't deserve it ... but Please Review.

Nuff love from Jamdom :)

I'll do better I promise.