Twilight…not mine (sigh). ~ Graphic Violence…now over. Aren't you happy?

Chapter 149

EPOV

The ambulance drove to a local hospital, just outside of Portland. However, we needed more medical attention. Charlie and Bella were airlifted to Oregon Health and Science University. She had been sedated for a smoother transport. Carlisle picked me up at the hospital and we drove to the medical center in the Yukon Denali that was left at the warehouse. The agent in me demanded I stay with Charlie since after this ordeal, he was going directly to Club Fed. But, the man in me wanted to give Charlie his time with Bella since he was going to have to go into custody.

Yes, he had helped us get in with Aro, but he still dabbled in criminal activity. However, Carlisle couldn't get all of his 'charges' removed. Charlie agreed to a plea deal of spending two years in a federal prison. That was with a lot of finagling and pulling in a great deal of favors. The condition was as soon as the raid on Aro went down, Charlie was in custody.

The extent of Bella's injuries being an unknown factor. We prayed that the District Attorney would allow him time to stay with Bella.

Parking in the garage, we went into the ER at Oregon Health and Science University. We flashed our badges and were granted access quickly. Charlie was hovering outside of a trauma room, watching as the doctors and nurses worked on Bella feverishly. "How is she, Charlie?" Carlisle asked.

"It's not good. Her leg is shattered and she lost a lot of blood. It would have been worse had it not been for your quick thinking, Edward," Charlie murmured, shooting me a look. "The makeshift tourniquet probably saved her life."

"Did they?" I gulped. "R-r-rape her?"

"No. You managed to stop it," Charlie sighed gratefully. He turned to the trauma room. "Those monsters brutalized my baby girl, though." Tears fell from his eyes. "I can't be there to help her… I know the conditions of the deal, but she's so broken."

"We'll try and get an extension," Carlisle said, rubbing Charlie's shoulder. "I couldn't imagine if it were Edward on that table." Charlie gave me a grimace before turning back to the door. Carlisle looked at me before darting away to make a few phone calls.

"She's a fighter, Charlie," I whispered.

"I know. She gets that from her mother," Charlie replied. "Stubborn as a mule, too." He sighed, walking to a bench outside of the trauma room. Reaching into his pocket, he handed me something. "A few things for Bella, in case Carlisle can't get me that extension before I'm in custody."

I opened the paper and it appeared to be a will. "Charlie, you don't think…"

"Just covering my ass, son," Charlie snorted. "The house is paid in full with legit money. I've already transferred the deed into Bella's name. I have an account set up for the household expenses. Electricity, cable, phone and whatever else is automatically deducted. If she decides to sell the house, the money in that account will immediately accessible to her. Also, Emmett is taking over the club business, focusing our attention to here in Seattle. You know, as well as I do, that my clubs are on the up and up."

"And quite lucrative, too," I said, giving Charlie a crooked smile.

"I'm no dummy. I majored in business management," Charlie said. "I got my MBA from Stanford, thank you very much." He sighed, falling back against the wall. He had aged so much over the past week. "Edward, you promised me that you would watch out for my baby girl. Please keep that promise."

"I don't know if I can. Bella doesn't trust me," I muttered, leaning forward. My heart clenched as I reached for the pendant that lay between my collarbones. "Once she learned who I really was, she said she hated me."

"She doesn't. She was angry and felt betrayed," Charlie said quietly, putting his hand on my shoulder. "I knew from the moment you walked into our lives that you were the FBI agent sent to infiltrate our organization. You didn't act like a common street thug. You were too refined and polite. I'm glad it was you, though. I know my baby girl is in good hands. You're smart, dependable and…Please keep her safe."

"That's if she still wants me. Charlie, I'm not going to force myself on her if she doesn't want me in her life," I explained, my heart shattering as I said those words. "I love her very much and that will never change. If it's too painful for her to be around me, then I'll walk away. Protect her from a distance."

"Based on her reaction to you in the warehouse and in the ambulance, she loves you, too. She'll come around. Trust me," Charlie smiled.

"Mr. del Cigno?" called one of the doctors.

"Yes?" Charlie replied.

"Would come with me into the conference room?" he said.

"My future son-in-law is coming with me," Charlie replied, grabbing my shirt sleeve. My brows shot to my hairline. He just dragged me into the conference room, forcing me into the chair. I sat stiffly next to Charlie as the doctor went over the extent of Bella's injuries.

Shattered leg.

Several cracked ribs.

Collapsed lung.

Internal bleeding.

Broken jaw.

Lacerations and cuts along her torso and upper legs.

Stab wound to her upper thigh.

Moderate concussion.

Malnourished.

Dehydrated.

Bruised.

Broken.

"How long is the recovery?" Charlie asked, tears brimming his eyes.

"With physical therapy, her injuries will be healed within a year. She may have a limp in her leg, but hopefully that will be addressed once she starts doing her physical therapy. Her emotional well-being may take longer," the doctor explained. "I can give you the name of several counselors and therapists up in the Seattle area." Charlie nodded woodenly. "For now, we need your consent to operate on her leg and do an exploratory surgery in her abdomen to address the internal bleeding."

"Do whatever you need to do," Charlie said, signing the paperwork.

"Thank you, Mr. del Cigno. We'll transport her up to the surgical floor. It'll probably be a few hours or so before we know more."

Charlie nodded and the doctor left us in the conference room. We sat in the quiet for a few moments before Charlie spoke again. "Now, you know how I feel. I want to take off the future part of that son-in-law title, Edward. I know you were sent here to bring down my organization. But it was by my call. I never expected to find someone for my daughter who loves her as much, if not more, than I do. And I love you, too, Edward. Take care of my baby girl. Even while I can't, make sure she's safe."

"I promise," I whispered, staring at him.

A/N: I like Charlie in this one…he's so honorable for a crook. *Snorts* Leave me some lovin. Also, pictures of the hospital where Bella was taken are on my blog and tumblr. Check 'em out. (It's a cool looking campus!). Link for them are on my profile. Also, you can find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79.