PLEASE READ. I am sorry for the delay in updates. First my laptop died leaving me without all my notes. It's sorted now and I have started to write again. It just might take a while to get myself back into the swing of things. Please be patient. I can assure you I have not abandoned this and hopefully once I get back into it I can update more frequently.

Second. My friend who helps me with my atrocious grammar has been sick and unable to do as much as she normally does (she helps other authors also) I really dont want to add to her load until she feels a little better.

I will be diving right back into this and hopefully I can get a few chapters down this week.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews I really appreciate them and thank you for your patience.

Big thank you to my beautiful Sherry amour. I love you hun.

Chapter 5.

You'd never know I was a sociopath. I'm quite well versed in human behavior, and when I apply myself, nobody can tell I'm faking it - except Carlisle. Maybe it's because he was the one who noticed my quirk when I was young, maybe it was because he was my father of sorts, I didn't know, I didn't really care. And at this very moment, I wasn't exactly trying to hide how I felt.

"Do you know how much trouble you will be in if the hospital were to find out you are dating a patient, Edward? You are a bright man so I cannot understand what was going through your head when you brought a patient over for a family dinner." His blue eyes looked at me with clear disapproval. I had been listening to him drone on about Isabella for at least 20 minutes now and he was getting aggravated with my lack of response.

I was getting bored with the conversation already, I also needed to remember to buy a shovel for my next project, I wanted to try something new. "We're not dating. We're friends."

His eyes rolled, "It doesn't matter, it is inappropriate to befriend one of your patients."

"She is no longer my patient." I wonder if I should borrow Esme's shovel. It would save me the hassle of going to the store.

"Edward, are you listening to me. You must end this friendship with Isabella."

"No." I guess I should purchase one and leave it at the cabin. You never know when you will need one.

"No? No, you weren't listening to me? Or no you will not end it?" I can't believe I don't own a shovel.

I looked into his eyes, making sure he could see how serious I was. "No, I will not be ending my friendship with Isabella." I wonder where Esme was, I thought she would be waiting to pounce when I arrived. "Where's Esme?"

"Your mother has gone to the store, and while she is happy you have made a new friend she is also concerned about the ramifications of your and Isabella's friendship. You could lose your job or worse. It is against the rules." Blah blah blah.

My smile is sarcastic "Yes, because I am so concerned about the rules of the world." I tried to figure out why I was feeling so wound up, it wasn't the first time Carlisle didn't approve of something I had done but this time felt different. "Isabella is my friend and that is something that I don't see changing in the foreseeable future."

"Edward."

"No." I stand to leave.

"Edward surely you have noticed that Isabella behaves a little strange. The girl has serious issues and that worries both your mother and me." I wasn't able to stop the laugh that escaped my mouth. Really Carlisle.

"You really want to talk about issues? Because we both know that whatever issues Isabella has are minuscule compared to mine." Did he really think that Isabella's behavior would be an issue for someone like me? "To be completely honest Carlisle. I firmly believe that Isabella will be the perfect friend for me."

"Oh, you do, do you? Okay, Edward, but have you considered that maybe you are not the perfect friend for her." I have considered this. How long will I be able to hide the monster within when I am around her. "She seems fragile. Do you really want to add to whatever problems she has?"

"Why don't you let me worry about Isabella's problems and how I will inadvertently add to them." I have no intention of ending my new friendship.

"Edward-"

"Do you think I should buy a shovel?" I was still debating on whether to purchase one for the cabin or borrow Esme's. "Maybe I should just take Esme's and leave the money for her to purchase a new one. Today isn't the day I planned to go to the store."

"Edward-" I'm getting tired of hearing his voice now.

"Never mind, I think I will go to the hardware store on my way home." Maybe I will find some inspiration for future projects.

Carlisle had gone quiet, I could feel his piercing stare bore into the side of my head. I knew what he wanted and he knew I was not going to give it to him. Don't monsters deserve friends too?

I heard Esme's heels before I saw her. "Edward!" Dropping the bags in her hands, she rounds the table and heads straight for me; pulling me into an uncomfortable hug. I still don't enjoy being touched. Something Esme knows and ignores. "How are you? Have you spoken to your father?"

I raise an eyebrow in Carlisle's direction. She knows he would have spoken to me as soon as I arrived. I guess Carlisle was right, Esme also had a problem with Isabella, I didn't know how to feel about that. "Yes, we have spoken and have agreed to disagree." I turned and headed to the door with a parting 'goodbye'.

~E~

Pushing the cart filled with an array of new tools and a new shovel I stop to add some plastic sheeting and coveralls. I don't need half of the things in the cart, but sometimes my mind gets away from me. The damage I could do with some of these things.

I am keenly aware of the sales assistant who has been following me from the saw aisle. She had asked if I had needed any help, which I didn't, but had continued to follow me around the store regardless.

"Decorating?" I turn to the blonde sales assistant who name tag read 'Tammy'. I will give her one thing she is persistent. I didn't think a hardware store worked on commission, but dear Tammy here is determined to help me and probably earn herself a little bonus.

Feeling uncomfortable with her constant following me, I send her a brisk 'no' and carry on down the aisle. Tape. Three different kinds. "Wow, that's a lot of tape, you must have a big project planned." Her voice behind me makes me cringe.

Why won't she leave me alone?

"Yes." Pulling a piece of tape from the roll I turn to face her. "Could you help me?"

"Of course." Her voice becomes deeper and she flutters her mascara covered eyelashes at me. Some women didn't understand that less is definitely more. I wonder if Isabella wore mascara? If she did, she didn't use so much it made her lashes clump together into an unattractive spider leg look.

Placing the tape over Tammy's mouth, I couldn't stop the smile that touched my lips when her eyes grew wide with shock. "Try to scream through the tape, please." She automatically takes a step back from me making my smile grow wider. Deciding to finally send her running I lean into the cart and grab the rope. "How do you feel about being tied up? I would like to see if these ropes could hold you." That was all it took, she turned on her heels and ran into the back of the store making me laugh.

Thank God she wasn't into anything kinky or that could have backfired on me.

~E~

Popcorn. Check. Beer. Check. Laptop. Check. Clad in only my boxer shorts Taking a bite of popcorn I press play on the video with today's News report. Aro Volturi. A career criminal with ties to the mob had been released without charge. He had been in custody for almost a year awaiting trial.

I guess you could say I was not happy.

The Asian reporter stands in front of the courthouse, microphone in hand, a polite smile on her face. "Breaking news. Aro Volturi was released today after spending 11 months in prison awaiting his trial. Mr. Volturi had been arrested for four counts of murder, two counts of assault, twelve counts of drug and sex trafficking and six counts of witness intimidation." The reporter's smile doesn't waver as she speaks. "The Seattle Police Department has yet to release a statement but a source close to the case has revealed that key evidence was tampered with. Judge Stevenson quashed the conviction and immediately ordered for Mr. Volturi's release."

Sitting back in my chair I listened to the reporter describe some of Aro Volturi's alleged crimes. Emmett had warned me that this was going to happen, he had also warned me to stay away from someone so high profile. That was not going to happen, unbeknownst to Emmett I had been hunting key players in Aro's criminal empire over the past 10 months. Mr. Volturi will soon realize that nine of his highly ranked men had gone missing without a trace, his brother Marcus was next.

From my research Marcus Volturi liked young teenage boys, often leaving their bloody corpses behind. The police had circumstantial evidence of his deplorable acts, but not enough to convict. That was where I came in. I had been watching him for weeks and while he had behaved like a model citizen recently, it was only a matter of time before he returned to his previous methods of gratification. This weekend he will meet with his brother Aro and this weekend he will also meet with me.

Now all I need to know is which home Aro will be staying at. I really hate to do this, but Emmett will have the information I need. Pulling out my cell I dial his number.

"Hey bro, what's up?" His cheery voice made me cringe. Always so damn cheerful.

"I wanted to know if you're available for a drink?"

"When?" His voice started to rise in excitement.

"Tonight?"

His voice drops to a whisper. "I don't have anyone lined up for you man."

I can't help the amusement that enters my voice, I guess I wasn't one for brotherly drinks. "I'm appalled, you think I have an ulterior motive in wanting to have a drink with my brother. I'm not expecting another target." Not yet anyway.

His booming laugh has me pulling the phone away from my ear. "Sorry bro. Where do you wanna meet?"

"Somewhere that is not crammed with bodies," I shudder at the thought of drinking at a bar packed with frat guys and drunken women. "Not too noisy either."

"Meet me at Finns, at say, 8?" Finns was a small sports bar not too far from the SPD, it would be quiet while there were no major sporting events happening.

"See you at 8."

Tonight was going to be predictable, after a few drinks Emmett becomes like a teenage girl, chatting and giggling about anything and everything. That will be when he slips up. Don't get me wrong, he isn't stupid enough to tell a complete stranger any delicate information, but I'm not a stranger, I'm his brother, therefore, he doesn't filter himself so much around me.

~E~

Emmett's booming laugh is loud and boisterous making the other patrons turn to look at him. No one was brave enough to tell him to shut up, even though I could see that many of them wanted to. I cringe when he leans over pulling me into a tight hug, kissing my cheek. The more he drank the louder and friendlier he got.

"I love you, man." I've heard this sentiment many times throughout the night. Emmett has never had any problems expressing his love for me.

I wipe the saliva off my face, "You too." That's as close as anyone has gotten to an 'I love you' from me. I cared. But Emmett knew I didn't love.

His laugh stops and he leans forward looking at me seriously. "It's okay to love someone you know?" I nod, placatingly. "What about Isabella?"

My back straightens. "What about her?"

"Whoa, calm down bro." He grabs my arm and shakes it making me grit my teeth. "You want to love her, right?"

No. I absolutely do not want to love her. Love is messy. I don't do messy. "Isabella and I are just friends." I can't help the small smile that touches my lips when I think of her. We had spoken briefly today and agreed to meet up for coffee tomorrow. Maybe I can crack some of that shell from around her. I have enjoyed our daily phone calls, but even I can admit that I am anxious to see her again.

"Look at that smile." Emmett's voice in my ear brings me back to the present. I had a task to complete and daydreaming was not going to get what I needed.

I fix my face, "I'm not smiling. Just exercising my face." His laugh makes me roll my eyes.

"Maybe you can change that? Ask her out. Maybe you and Isabella can double with me and Rosie." I don't know which was worse. Me on a date or me on a double date with Rosalie. Emmett has lost his mind.

"She has a boyfriend."

"So?"

"So it wouldn't be appropriate for us to date." I nod, happy with my answer.

Emmett is quiet and I watch him drink down the last of his beer. His eyes meet mine, "Rosie has some friends that would love to meet you. Maybe we could arrange something? I really want you and my wife to get along." His voice is small and for the briefest moment, I feel sorry for him. Emmett has always wanted Rosalie and me to get along.

Many times in life, I feel like I'm missing some essential piece of the human puzzle. This is one of them. What am I supposed to say? 'Sorry, Emmett I would rather slit my throat than date one of Rosalie's friends.' He knew how I felt about his wife but he never stopped trying.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm not interested in dating at the moment. If that changes, then you will be the first to know." I was immensely pleased with my answer. Now to get to the reason I was here. "How has work been this week with all this Aro Volturi business."

"Not good man." He rubs his face blowing out a heavy sigh. "No one is happy that he's free. We just can't figure out how the evidence was tampered with and why it took so long to come to light."

That was something that puzzled me too, why would someone tamper with evidence so late in the case. "What was tampered with?"

"What wasn't?" His face turns angry. "The gun that we proved had been used for two of the murders vanished right from the evidence room. Some of the gun ballistics: fingerprints, residue, have been wiped from our records." He slams his fist on the table. "One of our key witnesses, who was in protective custody, has gone missing. He has someone on the inside and it pisses me off that one of my colleagues is willing to help some low-life, drug dealing, murderer. So now, while our entire case falls to pieces around me, Aro Volturi living it up in his penthouse apartment drinking champagne and laughing because he got away with it. He'll lay low for a few weeks, then get right back down to business."

Thank you, Emmett.

So Aro was staying at the penthouse. That was perfect.

This is how Emmett releases his demons, he drinks, vents out his frustration, then probably goes home and fucks his wife. He's been doing it this way since high school, it's how he copes. While he was doing that Carlisle had started to take me hunting with him, we had a standing monthly hunting trip. None of the others were interested in joining us, Emmett was too busy with his friends and girls and Alice was too delicate to join us.

I remember the first time Carlisle took me hunting, I was fourteen and had been growing angrier and angrier over the past two years, I don't know whether it was intended or not but it was also the first time he saw me kill.

We had been walking for a while now, my patience was wearing thin. Pops had shot the deer, but it had still gotten away. Some hunter he was. Breaking through the trees we finally reach the fallen deer, bleeding in the hindquarters from where it was shot, but still breathing.

I was disappointed. "It's still alive."

Pops stared at me for ages. With his eyes still on mine, he unsheathes the large hunting knife from his belt and hands it to me. "Why don't you go ahead, son. Put the poor animal out of its misery."

I couldn't believe what he was saying. I had been good. No animals had gone missing over the last two years. "Really?" Maybe this was a trick. Pops told me not to hurt anything. That he would figure it out.

"For now, this is how we'll control the urges you feel. Channel them. This animal will die regardless."

I grab the knife and kneel in front of the deer barely believing this was happening. Then I did it. I ended the deer's life.

I don't know how long I'd knelt there, deer blood coating my hands, but Pop's voice made me flinch. "This deer will put meat on our table tonight. It serves a purpose. How do you feel?"

"I feel good Pop's." I turn to smile at him, but he doesn't smile back. I look at the blood on my hands. "Blood doesn't bother me."

"I know." His whispered reply reaches my ears, but I pay it no mind. I felt good. At peace, and nothing was taking this feeling away from me.

Each time had ended the same way. Carlisle would wound an animal and I would put it out of its misery. That had satisfied my urges for a while. I always wonder how different I would be if Carlisle had gotten help for me. Would I be locked up in some mental institution or would I be normal? Would I be married now? Kids? Happy with living a mundane life where people like Aro and Marcus Volturi go unpunished for their crimes? I guess I will never know. All I know is that the monster within me existed and he wasn't going anywhere.

Thank you in advance for any reviews. I hope you have a killer weekend.