Chapter Eighty One

Edward

I wasn't expecting to be allowed to stay in Italy long, Marcus had made that very clear, but still it came as a shock when Caius appeared with the news that the villa was required and I should have to leave its sanctuary.

"Where will I go? You are aware Carlisle will be looking for me?"

"Yes, it seems you have managed to upset everyone, quite a feat that Edward Cullen."

"Is there nowhere else you can offer me? Surely the information I gave you is worth something."

"True, how forgetful of me. Here, a going away present from us."

I took the small box suspiciously and found inside a medical alert bracelet.

"Quite useful little things, they can withstand the heat of a house fire and we thought once Carlisle has dealt with you he can bring back the bracelet and we can cross you off our list of least liked people. Of course if you should outlive Carlisle then it can be redeemed for sanctuary again here in Italy. You see we like to hedge our bets where possible. You have until mid afternoon to leave before the new guests arrive. Goodbye Edward Cullen it's been interesting knowing you."

Where should I go? I had money but I knew if I started to access it I stood a chance of being traced, especially if Carlisle contacted his good friend Darius which he was sure to do. How had I gotten myself into this mess? I blamed Bella Swan for it, she's the one who lured me in, made a fool of me and then walked away leaving me to look a fool in front of everyone.

I wanted to kill the bitch, she had turned me from a happy member of the Cullen family into an outcast, blamed for things that were out of my control. Well I may not be able to get my hands on her but I was pretty sure I could reach her precious mother and stepfather. Yes, that's what I'd do, an eye for an eye. If I got to Phoenix before Carlisle got a hold of me I could snatch the bitch and use her to force Carlisle to forgive me, or at least promise on oath that he wouldn't come after me any more, that I would be safe from his retribution.

Having sorted things out in my mind I understood that speed and surprise were all I had left to me so I grabbed my bags and started running back to the airport only slowing when it became too dangerous to continue at vampire speed. I was nervous in the airport looking around carefully and listening for any thoughts that might mean I was in danger but everyone there was either excited they were travelling or were bored and hoped for the clock's hands to move faster. I purchased a ticket to Los Angeles, lets not make it too easy for them to work out exactly what I had in mind.

It would be simple enough to reach Phoenix from there. I had no ideas where Carlisle was now but if he were in the states and Darius picked up my purchase then he could be waiting for me when I landed which is why after a few minutes thought I decided to change my plans. I purchased another ticket in another name for London England and a connecting flight on to Canada. Once there I could soon arrange a flight to Phoenix from there. Time wise it didn't stack up so well and I vacillated between the two finally leaving on the direct flight to L.A, I was too impatient to wait around for the flight to England but it might put Darius off the scent long enough for me to reach the Dwyer residence.

The flight was long and noisy and impatience made me short tempered so I reclined my seat closed my eyes and tried to decide what I would do with Renee and her loser of a husband once I had them in my clutches. Carlisle would agree to anything rather than see human blood spilt, it was his greatest weakness and I would take full advantage of it. I would find a remote spot where I could leave them bound and gagged and arrange a meeting well away from their hiding place. So long as neither had a cell phone Darius couldn't find them and Carlisle would have to agree to my demands. I was feeling better already, a superior brain with a superior plan won hands down every time.

Carlisle

So Edward was on his way to London using an assumed name? Ironic but when Darius told me something didn't feel quite right, why would he fly to London, there was nothing there for him and he had no friends, he wouldn't dare approach Alistair even if he could find him. Even Edward knew I was Alistair's only friend. So again why London? Mind the alternative, Los Angeles made no more sense, Edward hated L.A with a vengeance, he always complained that culture died at the state line so why go there?

Unless of course he wanted me to ask just these questions, where would he go? Was there a third booking that Darius hadn't picked up? Maybe a flight to Moscow or Tokyo, both cities Edward admired for their architecture and music. I contacted Darius again asking him to recheck those flights and let us know if he found anything.

"Already did and I'm checking airport surveillance footage, as soon as I see him I'll holler but my money is on the states, it's where he's most comfortable. Can you think of any reason for him to head to L.A?"

"No, that's what's so odd. He hates L.A."

"Could that be why he's chosen it."

I turned to Charlie as Darius promised to get back to me ASAP.

"I have no idea what Edward is up to but he can't elude us for long."

"He'd know that though wouldn't he?"

"Yes, he knows how good Darius is with computers and that we'd soon get on his trail. Choosing a city he hates wouldn't throw us off for long."

"Right so if he's going to survive he needs leverage of some kind. Is there anyone you value in L.A?"

"No, there's only the family and they're all here with me. Alice of course but she's safe in Volterra and Charlotte but I doubt he would go up against The Major whatever the danger to himself."

Charlie

I kept feeling we were missing something, Edward I was sure was headed for the States and my gut told me L.A but not why. Then Darius came back to us,

"Yep, he's on the flight to L.A so come on folks you'd best get airborne yourselves or you're gonna miss him."

"Can we get there before him?"

"No Charlie not unless Darius can do some magic."

"Consider me the wizard of Oz. There's a super fast jet waiting at the airport. It'll get you in just before, especially if I tweak his flight path just a little. Thunderstorms are so dangerous don't you know!"

Esme and Rose drove us to the airport and waved us off with the minimum of fuss, within the hour we were in the air and sitting in the body of the corporate jet talking, Emmett, Carlisle and me.

"You're very quiet Charlie, what's wrong?"

"I've been thinking, Edward needs leverage so he'd have to find a way to threaten you, make you agree not to harm him. Would you give your word if the stakes were high enough?"

"Its a possibility, he knows me better than anyone but what kind of leverage Charlie?"

It hit me then and I slapped my forehead in disgust,

"Of course, I should have realized. You would give your oath to save a life wouldn't you?"

"A life? I suppose so but are you saying he'll try to kill his way out of this?"

"Not indiscriminately no, he's already picked his target Carlisle, Renee, Bella's mother. You feel guilty at Bella's death so who better to threaten than her mom?"