Chapter Ninety
Esme
I went over what I'd said in my mind during the flight, had I let anything slip that Carlisle could grab on to? I hadn't I was sure of that but would he make the leap from all he had heard. I just had to hope not, they were still depending on me to keep them abreast of his research. I wondered if I would get a message to see my handler soon, I hated being in the same room with him but I had no choice, I could hardly ask Aro for a favour at the moment. When the plane landed I tried to pull myself together and took Carlisle's proffered hand as we went to collect the car.
"Esme, are you OK? If you need to talk you know I'm always here for you"
I laughed internally while smiling gently at his words,
"I know Carlisle and I thank you for that. I think I must have gone a little mad for a while there. I'm sorry I involved the Volturi, I wasn't thinking straight."
I couldn't talk any more so as he drove out of the car park I closed my eyes again knowing he wouldn't interrupt my thoughts.
Carlisle
When we got back she went through to her workroom shutting the door firmly at her back, indicating I wasn't to disturb her. Then my cell phone beeped and looking at the caller ID I saw it was Rose.
"Carlisle, I really need to speak to you. Can you get away so you can talk freely?"
"Yes. I'll be in as soon as I can"
I disconnected and went down, knocking on Esme's door
"That was the hospital, there's an emergency so I have to go in."
"OK"
That was obviously all she was going to say so I got the Mercedes out of the garage and drove away from the house, just far enough to be out of range of Esmes hearing then I rang Rose back,
"Thank you Carlisle. We've been talking among ourselves and I think I know what Esmes been doing"
"Yes. I know. Its our research isn't it?"
"I'm so sorry Carlisle but I think that's at least part of it. I think she's meeting someone from the Volturi and passing information over although what she's getting in return I have no idea."
"I was afraid it was something like that. She may not be getting anything in return but we cant chance her passing any more on"
"So what will you do Carlisle?"
"I honestly have no idea Rose but promise me something"
"Of course Carlisle"
"Promise me you'll keep up the research. I'll put all the files in my other safe, you know the combination."
"Carlisle why are you asking me this?"
"Just in case Rose. I have to try and sort out this trouble with Esme. Next time she goes out I'll follow her so we know who she's talking to. Then I can decide what to do."
"You'll let me know?"
"Yes Rose, I will. Please apologise to the others for me. I never wanted any of this"
"They know Carlisle."
"Goodbye Rose".
Esme
He was at the hospital so he'd be gone for hours no doubt. It would be a good time to search the files and ring my contact. Carlisle's study was unnaturally tidy but he'd put his latest file in the top drawer and hadn't locked it so I slipped out the pages and copied them down before putting the file back. I rang my contact who agreed to meet at the usual place so I got my little sports car out of the garage and drove to Port Angeles along rain drenched roads. At the out if the way motel I pulled up in my usual spot and walked to Room 10. The door was unlocked and I walked in shaking the rain from my hair. He sat in his usual spot by the bed with that horrible grin that made my skin crawl.
"Well, who made a real mess of things?"
"I never said anything about this"
"Just as well Esme or you wouldn't have left the meeting alive, none of you would. You really should learn to keep your mouth shut. Aro was in two minds whether to have me kill you for your stupidity. What made you open your mouth about Alice and The Major? Aro only went along with the whole charade because you stupidly spilled your guts to the others forcing his hand."
I handed over the written sheets and as he took the papers from me our hands touched and my skin crawled.
"This is the latest work. I don't know when he'll start again especially with Rose away."
"Your fault again Esme. I would be very careful what you do and say in future"
He stood, towering over me and stroked my cheek at which I shrank back and he laughed.
"Any time you want a real man let me know"
I left the room as quickly as I could, driving away at speed.
Carlisle
I watched as Esme drove away and when the figure emerged from the motel room I was waiting. I knew I only had one chance to put him down, if I failed it was all over. I swung as hard as I could and he went down, his neck temporarily broken and before he could start to heal I flicked my lighter, setting him alight, and ran. By the time anyone got to him there would just be a pile of ash. My next task would be harder but it too was necessary, there had been too much hurt caused already for failure to be an option. Rose especially could never know what had happened, it would destroy her and me in her eyes.