Alright, guys. So, good news. I am way ahead on chapters, so I should be able to post a second update this week on Sunday :)

A few of you asked about the restaurant in the last chapter. I mixed a couple of restaurants together to create that one, so it doesn't actually exist. However, if anyone wants to start it up as a business venture, go for it! I think you'd have quite the crowd trying to get in!

There are a lot of predictions coming in that Tony/Edward isn't going to be able to stay away, and I think you all are one hundred percent right! Eventually, all the lies are going to catch up to him... Hopefully, Bella will be able to see reason and forgive him!

So, let's jump back in and find out what "Tony" thought about that date ;)

EPOV

Leaving Bella on her front porch all but killed me. Seeing her swollen lips and flushed cheeks made me want to say fuck it all, pin her against the wall, and dive in.

But I'm trying to be a gentleman.

I need her- in more ways than one. I'm not operating under the pretense that my interest in her is strictly professional, but she does have information about Jacob Black. I'll find a way to get it from her without damaging our burgeoning relationship.

A relationship with Tony Masen.

Shit.

I groan and sink into the seat of the agency's Porsche- a leftover seized at a drug bust in Philly last year. A perk of undercover work, I get to check out this baby for the night.

Unfortunately, I can't keep it. Mike arranged a meeting spot so I can hand the vehicle over and we can talk undetected. I'm careful to check for a tail, making extra turns and weaving through traffic, before I veer off toward the warehouse district and follow the GPS toward a nondescript brick building.

The chain link fence protecting the property rolls open for me, and I pull forward, parking around the corner, where I can't be seen.

"How'd it go?" Mike asks, stepping out of the warehouse and holding his hand up for the keys.

"It was a good night." I shrug as I climb from the driver's side and toss them over.

"I'm not asking if you got laid, Cullen. What did you find out?" I switch sides, taking the role of passenger while Mike takes over driving. "Jesus, this thing's a beauty," he compliments the Porsche as it roars to life.

"You want to go undercover? You can take it for a spin whenever you want."

"Yeah, right," he scoffs. "You're evading my question."

"The subject of Jacob Black didn't come up over dessert."

"You can't string this girl along. You need to find out what she knows and get out." He glances at me as we merge onto the street.

"Yeah, I know."

"Edward, you can't start something with this woman."

"I said, I know."

"Sure. And when's your next date?"

"Tuesday. We're going to breakfast."

"Jesus Christ."

"Look, I get it, okay? She thinks I'm someone I'm not- I can't start something under false pretenses."

"No, you know what you can't do? Slip up. I know you. There's no way in hell you'll let some nice girl think you're Tony Masen, the mafia associate."

"What, you think I'll blow my cover?"

"I know you'll blow your cover."

"I've been Tony Masen for four fucking years, and how many people know that? Huh? You, me, and maybe five other guys in the agency. My parents think I'm doing military reconnaissance in Iraq! No one knows who I am!"

"I'm sorry, calm down. But come on, man, you want to drag her into the middle of all this?"

I sigh and rub a palm over my face. "You're right. I know you're right. I'm just getting…."

"Lonely?"

"Yeah."

"They told you this was going to be tough, Ed."

"Mike, I'm starting to lose it. How much more do we need on these guys? Why aren't the O'Henrys behind bars? I gave you evidence on them months ago!"

"You ever heard of Senator O'Henry?"

"Shit."

"Yeah, turns out politics play a role in the justice system. Who knew?"

I chuckle halfheartedly. "What's the point then? Why am I doing any of this?"

"Because there's no Senator Volturi. I was going to wait to tell you this because I didn't want it hanging over your head, but the commissioner is involved in the case. He wants the whole Volturi organization to go down at once. Thinks it will be his legacy."

"His legacy?" I scoff.

"But think about it. If you succeed in putting these guys behind bars, who do you think will get the fame and glory? It's going to be you, Ed."

"I don't want fame and glory. I want my fucking life back."

Mike sighs, tapping his fingers against the wheel. "What you've turned in so far is good. But we need something bigger- something that implements everyone. Aro, Caius, all the capos, fuck, even the associates."

"And how the hell am I supposed to get that?"

"Keep getting closer to Volturi. He'll let something slip, and you'll be ready when he does. In the meantime, we'll keep working on Black. If we can bring him down, we might be able to get him to talk in return for a plea deal."

"Yeah, fine."

"You're doing great work. Don't give up now. You're too close," he says, pulling to the curb around the corner from my apartment.

"Hey, Mike. What happened to Jamie O'Henry?"

"You didn't do any major damage. He was in and out of surgery. The worst of his injuries were to his hand- he lost a couple of fingers. We put him and the girlfriend in witness protection. He's willing to take the stand when Volturi goes to trial."

I nod, relieved that I hadn't caused serious damage- even to a prick like O'Henry.

"Go home. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Mike unlocks the car, shooing me away.

I climb out and shut the door without responding. It's a pep talk I've heard too many times. "You're great, Ed! Not much longer!" I'm supposed to be working this case with a team, but how can I when I have no contact with the other agents?

Now I've got the pressure of the commissioner breathing down my neck. What the hell does he think I'm going to be able to provide? A videotape of each member of the Volturi organization admitting to their crimes? Fat chance.

I'm engulfed in warmth when I enter my apartment, and I'm grateful that the agency at least sprung for a place with central heat. I strip out of my jacket and drop my keys on the counter before slumping down on the couch.

How the fuck do I get myself out of this shit show?

oOo

"Are you sure I can't get you anything else?" My waitress asks, glancing dubiously at my single cup of black coffee.

"No, thank you. I'm going to wait a little while longer," I try to charm her with a crooked smile but the woman's too old to fall for my tricks. I get the feeling she's seen her fair share of schmucks trying to get their way with a promise and a smile.

"Sure." I can practically hear the eye roll as she walks away.

I recheck the time- eight twenty-three. Bella was supposed to meet me at the diner at seven forty-five, and the three texts I sent her are stuck on delivered. Either she's in some sort of serious trouble or…

"I was starting to think you stood me up," I say as she slides into the booth across from me.

"I am so sorry, Tony! We were understaffed last night, and one of my colleagues got pulled into a complicated case, so I stayed late with his patient. It was a long night."

"You still up for breakfast? We can reschedule if you need to go home and sleep?"

"No! Let's stay. I need to wind down. I'll probably sleep better if I get my mind off work." She smiles at me, and for a moment, I forget I'm here under false pretenses.

"What'll it be?" Our waitress is back, tapping her foot on the floor and popping her gum.

"Oh, um. Do you have a veggie omelet?" Bella asks, scanning the menu.

"Yeah, you want hash browns?"

"That sounds good. And orange juice, please."

"I'll have the sausage and egg plate. Over easy," I say when little miss sunshine turns my way.

"Got it."

Bella waits for her to walk away before giggling, "she's pleasant."

"Woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Ugh, don't talk about bed!"

"Sorry," I laugh. "You don't want coffee?"

"You don't know many people who work in hospitals, do you? I live off coffee. I probably had six cups last night. If I drink it now, I won't fall asleep until this afternoon, and I have to be back at the hospital at seven."

"How much longer do you have to work these crazy shifts?"

"I'm done with my residency in June. But I have to decide what comes next."

"You won't stay at Mercy?"

"Maybe? But I need normal hours. I'm considering going into pediatrics."

"Kids?"

"Yeah, you don't like kids?"

"Orange juice." Our waitress interrupts, slamming Bella's drink on the table.

"Uh, thanks." Bella grabs a napkin to wipe off the juice that's sloshed over the side.

"No, I like kids," I continue.

"You don't think I'd be good with them?"

"I think you'd be great with them."

"Oh."

"You'll be great at whatever you do. You're a wonderful doctor. I would know," I say, pointing to my forehead.

"You got your stitches out!"

"Yep, yesterday, before your shift."

"I have to say- I did a damn good job. There's barely a scar."

"I was impressed."

"Good." She grins and sips at her drink. I fight the urge to grab her free hand that's resting on top of the table. "How's work been for you?"

"Don't ask," I groan before I realize she's asking about my work as a construction consultant. "I was on the phone most of the night with a company in Singapore. Putting out fires, you know."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Bella's sympathy tugs at something inside me. I want to let her wrap me in her arms and tell me everything will be okay.

Shit. I'm so desperate for human interaction I'm becoming a huge pussy.

"Sausage plate and omelet." The waitress is back, placing our dishes in front of the wrong person.

"Oh, can I get some… ketchup?" Bella trails off as the waitress stalks back to the kitchen.

"Here," I say, reaching over to the table next to us and grabbing a bottle.

"Thanks. Um, switch?"

"Unless you've changed your mind about the omelet, but I gotta say I'm not big on having a salad inside my breakfast food."

"A salad?" She laughs, taking her plate. "It's vegetables, Tony."

"Right. And therefore should not be included in breakfast."

"Oh my God."

"Now, see. This is a breakfast." I hold up a speared sausage and take a large bite. "Delicious."

"Yeah, ask your arteries about that in thirty years."

"I live in the now."

My mediocre joke sets her off, and she's laughing too hard to eat. It's infectious, and before I know it, I'm joining in, cracking up while my food is left to go cold.

"Oh, I needed that," Bella says as she comes down from her high. "Thank you."

"I aim to please."

"I'm glad we decided to get breakfast today. It made my crazy night a lot more pleasurable."

"Yeah? You want to get together again this week?"

"I'd love to. What are you doing on Friday?"

"No plans that I know of." Because in my line of work, we don't get schedules a week out.

"Would you like to come over? I could cook dinner, and we could watch a movie or something."

"That sounds great," I say, stuck on the idea of "or something."

"Great." Bella blushes as she digs back into her omelet, and it's the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and the carefree atmosphere I'm enjoying disappears. It's my Volturi phone- Aro never calls this early.

"I've got to take this. I'm sorry," I say to Bella as I slide out of the booth. "It's work."

"Jeez, they never leave you alone, huh? Go, I'll be here."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart."

I step outside the diner before I check my missed call. It's from Caius. Fuck.

"Where the fuck are you that you can't answer our call?" He spits out after a single ring.

"Sorry. I'm at breakfast with… a friend. I had to step outside."

"I'm kidding you, Tony! Don't get your panties in a twist. Aro wants to see you. When can you get here?"

"Um, give me an hour?"

"See you soon." He hangs up before I have a chance to respond. I shove my phone back in my pocket and head back to Bella.

"Everything okay?" She asks. She's already finished half her meal.

"My boss needs me in a last-minute meeting this morning. It's no big deal." I smile, hoping she can't see through me.

"Oh, do you need to go?"

"Nah, we've got time to finish up,"

"I have to admit something," she says, wiping her face with a napkin.

"Oh?"

"I stole one of your sausages."

"What! You thief!"

"I don't regret my choice. It was delicious."

I chuckle before taking a bite of toast. I'm enjoying myself more than I should.

"Are you dressing up for Halloween tomorrow?" I ask.

"My co-worker is trying to get the staff to wear animal ears. She's bringing me some, so we'll see. The ER is always a shit show on Halloween. I don't know how festive of a mood I'll be in."

"Ready for your check?" Our waitress reappears, snapping away on her gum.

"Uh, sure." I shove another bite of egg in my mouth before pulling out my wallet and handing over a card.

"Thanks, Tony." Bella smiles.

"Anytime. I mean that. Whenever you want breakfast after work, you call me, okay? We'll meet here. Maybe we'll sit in a different section, though."

"Deal," she giggles.

I finish my meal while she sips the remainder of her juice, and our waitress drops my card off. She's drawn a smiley face on the top of the receipt. I scoff when I point it out to Bella. I give the woman a decent tip, anyway. She needs something positive in her life- and I don't want Bella to think I'm a jackass.

"So, until Friday, I guess?" Bella says, shoving her hands in her pockets when we get outside.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Bye, Tony. Thanks for breakfast."

"Hold on a second!" I grab her elbow and pull her in close, leaning forward to steal a kiss. "Okay, now you can go."

"Oh, okay," she laughs and waves. "Have a good morning. I hope your meeting goes well."

"Yeah, me too," I mutter as I turn away.

I jog over to the L station across the street, shooting off a text to Mike, letting him know I'm on my way to meet with Aro.

Half an hour after leaving the diner, I walk into the pool hall.

"Aro's in the back," Alec says from the bar. It's ten o'clock in the morning. He's drinking vodka straight up.

"Hair of the dog?" I ask.

"Huh?"

"Never mind. Thanks." I knock on the office door and wait until Caius swings it open.

"Masen! Come on in."

"Tony, wonderful! Good morning," Aro says from behind his desk.

"Good morning. So, not to be too forward, but what's this all about?" I settle into a chair in front of Aro while Caius hovers at our side.

Aro stares at me for a moment before a slow grin breaks across his face. "I gave you a task last week."

"A task?" Shit. I focus on my breathing, keeping it even.

"Yes. Putting an end to Jamie O'Henry."

Fuck.

There are two ways I can escape from the room- the door that goes back into the pool hall and a window that leads out to an ally. I'm a quick shot, but so is Caius. I'll have to take him out first and then go for Aro. My fingers twitch, ready to reach for my gun.

"We were pleasantly surprised by how well you handled the situation," Aro continues.

"Uh, thank you."

"We heard the cops found the car burnt to a crisp with two bodies stuffed in the trunk. Caius had his doubts about you, but I always knew you would be an asset to us."

"I'm happy to please." My heart is racing a mile a minute, and I'm working hard to keep my eggs and sausage down. I've dodged a bullet that had my fucking name engraved on it.

"I'm promoting you," Aro says, pushing his chair back. "Caius thinks we need to update the way we do things. Get with the times, he says."

"Our organization lives in the stone age," Caius explains.

"What does that entail?" I ask.

"We want to move our bookkeeping onto the computer," Aro says. "Use spreadsheets. Make everything easier to calculate."

Holy mother of God. Yes!

"And you want me to help?"

"You're good with technology and numbers," Caius says.

"If you are up for the job," Aro baits me.

"Yes, sir. I'd be honored to help." Help take this damn organization down once and for all.

"Wonderful. You'll report to Caius, and I'll give you a pay bump. You're officially our bookkeeper."

They mistake my giant grin as excitement about moving up in their organization. Aro just put the nail in the coffin for himself, and he has no idea.

"When do I start?"

"Tomorrow. Get here at eleven."

"Thank you for this opportunity. You won't regret it." I want to laugh at the irony. He will regret this decision for the rest of his life.

I'm out the door before anyone in the pool hall notices I'm there. As soon as I leave the neighborhood, I've got my agency phone in hand.

I know how we're bringing down the Volturi's- E

It's the text I've dreamed of sending since my life as Tony Masen started.

Now I've just got to find a way to get Volturi's books to the FBI.

A/N: What do we think? Has "Tony" found an out, or is it too good to be true? And what about Bella? Is this all just a recipe for disaster?

Guess we'll have to wait and see ;)

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Thank you all for reading!