Chapter 104

Edward

I kept my distance not that I thought the Volturi had any orders regarding myself if seen but I couldn't afford to take any chances right now. I did however stay close enough to listen in to both their conversation and their thoughts, all of which I found extremely interesting. They say that knowledge is power but in this case I thought knowledge might just be a way of saving my life.

I waited until they disappeared through to the private lounge and went back outside deciding the best way to approach this. Much as I hated the thought of contacting Carlisle I could see no alternative. If I handed over what I knew just like that I doubted it would make any difference to the decisions already made but just possibly it might. Of course I did have two alternatives but the second although it might save my life would leave me a traitor to the bitter end and that was something I just couldn't stomach when it came right down to it. I decided I should go with my heart whatever the consequences and as a result took out my cell phone and held it awkwardly in my bandaged left hand dialing the number I wanted with my shaking right and praying this just might help my plight.

"Carlisle? It's Edward."

"Edward? You've got a nerve ringing me after all you've done. What do you want? To beg for mercy? You should save your breath for running."

"No, I'm aware that would be futile but I just heard something I think you should know, you and Bella's father."

"Oh really? Playing both ends against the middle are we? I hadn't realized how low you could sink."

"Please Carlisle just listen to me for a moment, I think Bella is in danger."

"She's with The Major so I very much doubt that."

"I know so do the Volturi and they want him back. They're going to try luring him out using humans, they think if he attacks a human Bella's father will refuse to let Bella stay with him and he'll go back to Volterra. If not then they intend to try snatching Bella to force him to return with them. If they can't do that... then orders are to kill both of them."

"Where did you hear this Edward?"

I took a deep breath, now I was putting myself in more danger if that were possible.

"At the airport, I was about to fly to Portland when I almost bumped into two of the guard. They didn't see me but I could hear them. That's what they were talking about. I don't expect anything for telling you this, I forfeit any consideration or mercy I understand that. I just thought I would do one good deed before I die."

When he hung up on me all I could do was pray he wouldn't tell Darius or the Captain because they would hunt me down without mercy. I could have just sealed my fate but then I was already a dead man walking. I may have just hastened my end but that was about all. I knew where Bella and The Major were but I couldn't reach them in time to warn them myself or be of any help so all I could do was find somewhere to sit out the wait for death and hope when it came maybe they would make it quick.

Carlisle

I may have hated Edward but I had understood from his tone that this was not some kind of bizarre wind up, he meant every word and I got on to Darius straight away.

"Those two faced fuckers! OK Carlisle, I don't have time to hang around and wait for you to get here, I'm going up alone. If I can't stop the humans or the Volturi I can hopefully get Bella out safely. Tell Charlie I'll do my best and leave the Volturi to him. Aro has some serious explaining to do."

I wanted to argue but Darius was right, we had no idea how far advanced the Volturi plan was, it could already be too late but at least Darius would try. I explained the situation to the others, everyone as angry as me at Aro's duplicity and I knew for a fact he had made a dangerous enemy in Charlie Swan, especially if anything happened to Bella.

Charlie

I should have known better than to trust Aro Volturi but I'd given him the benefit of the doubt. With my shield there would have been nothing the Volturi could do but with time so short we had to rely on The Major and Darius to keep Bella safe. Of course that didn't stop me from ringing Italy and demanding to speak to Aro and surprisingly I was put through to him very quickly.

"Chief Swan, I thought I might hear from you but don't worry, everything is under control. How did you find out?"

"Find out what Aro? That you are a liar? Does it matter?"

"Harsh words indeed. I don't know what you have been told but we were watching the mountain, just to make sure your daughter and The major remained safe and I was alerted that humans had been sighted not far from them. I sent some of the guard to find and eliminate them. After all we would hate for The Major to succumb to temptation now wouldn't we? It could become dangerous for your daughter too."

Well it was a good lie and delivered with flair although I didn't believe a word of it.

"And you didn't think it worthwhile to notify me?"

"I didn't want to worry you, besides my guard will have taken care of the problem by now I would assume. I should hear momentarily."

There was no chance of my proving him a liar because if the guard didn't kill the humans then between them Darius and The Major would but I wouldn't forget this.

"Of course I will inform you as soon as I hear. I wouldn't want you to think there were secrets between us."

When I disconnected I found Carlisle at my side,

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Charlie?"

"That depends. If you're thinking Aro is a lying scumbag who deserves to be doused in gas and set alight then yes. What I want to know is how to get at him."

"You might need to hold that thought a while. Don't forget he has his own shield, Renata."

"I can wait, provided nothing happens to my daughter."

"And if it should?"

"Then Volterra isn't going to be safe for Aro because I will blast every rock and kill every guard until I can lay my hands on him."

"Then you'll have plenty of backing but for now I wanted to talk to you about Edward. We know where he is now and it wouldn't take long to find him if we leave straight away."

"You know for a minute there I thought you were going to beg for his life."

"No Charlie not after everything he did, the danger he put my mate, my coven, in."

"Well I can't do much to help Bella so I guess we might as well go and take care of outstanding business while we wait to hear."

Edward

I could have hidden or run but instead I took a motel room in my own name just outside Portland and waited. I had no idea whether Carlisle and Charlie would come straight away or go to help Bella first but it mattered little really, I wasn't going anywhere. I hunted only to stop the thirst from driving me mad but I had no wish to continue living as a fugitive, it wasn't worth the effort.

Instead I spent some of the time writing letters. One to Carlisle and Esme apologizing for the pain and distress I had put them through, one to Charlie apologizing for putting his daughter's life at risk and for his own misfortune in becoming a vampire as a direct result of my actions. The last was short, it was to Bella and I just said how sorry I was for ruining her life and wishing her all the best for her future with The Major. I left a list of my bank accounts, as if Carlisle didn't already know them, and asked that the money be split between Charlie, Bella, and my siblings. It was a token of my regret, and it was all I could do.