So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?
We're going to explore New York City, namely Ground Zero, Times Square and Central Park. Also, someone this way lurks … who will it be?
What I own: A gnarly headache … thank you weather.
What I don't: Twilight
Chapter Forty-Three
"We're going outside and it's snowing. Why are we going outside while it's snowing, Edward?" Bella grumbled.
"Because it's pretty and you wanted to see the city, love," Edward answered, wrapping his scarf around his neck.
"Can't we come back in the spring or summer?" Bella pouted, tugging on a beanie, covering her mahogany curls. "I want to see the city, but not at the risk of losing my fingers due to frostbite."
"You're spoiled with the weather in Seattle, Bella," Edward deadpanned. "I grew up in the northern tundra of Chicago. This is nothing. When I was in middle school, we have about three feet of snow dumped on us. We were off of school for four days because of snowpacalypse." Tugging on his gloves, he gently turned her. "I'll keep you warm, angel. I promise."
"We can stay warm in bed," she quipped, kissing his jaw.
"First stop on our tour is Ground Zero, Bella. Let's go," he pressed, grabbing her hands.
It had been a couple days since the fight. Charlie and the rest of the Bull Dog family left after Alice issued their statement regarding the findings about Jacob and the Volturi. With that announcement, ESPN wanted to interview Edward, but he asked for time to process. They made tentative plans to meet up at Bull Dog within a week. It would give him an opportunity to pull his thoughts together and not lose his shit on camera.
Today was going to be a day for them to play. It was not about Edward training for a fight or Bella keeping Bull Dog afloat. It was about two people having fun, getting lost in New York City. Since Edward was still sore from his fight, he asked for a car to shuttle them from each location. They rode down to the lobby, getting into the waiting limo. The driver pulled away from the curb, weaving through traffic and arriving at Ground Zero.
Getting out of the car, Bella looped her arm through Edward's. They walked in silence, traveling around the memorial. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, everything around them felt muted, solemn. "So many lives were lost," she murmured.
"Yeah," Edward agreed. "My mom knew someone who worked in the Twin Towers."
"Did they make it?" Bella asked.
"She survived, but died from lung cancer from the dust particles," Edward frowned. "At least, that's what my mom said."
They stopped in front one of the many walls, memorializing the victims. Bella idly traced a name, frowning deeply at the loss of life. Tears welled in her eyes as Edward held her close. She sniffled, burying her face in his chest. He held her tightly, allowing his own emotions to come to the surface. A few tears fell down his cheeks, mourning the deaths of the innocent lives. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he asked, "You okay?"
"I'm fine," she answered. "It just breaks my heart that …"
"Mine, too," he whispered. "Do you want to stay or go somewhere a little less depressing?"
"Just a few more minutes," she replied.
They completely circled the memorial several times before leaving Ground Zero. The driver held open the door and verified their next location, which was Times Square. Driving there, they saw the aftermath of New Year's Eve. The city was taking down the ball and it was heavily congested. Seeing the congestion, Edward asked the driver to take them to the next location – Rockefeller Center.
"We're going ice skating," Edward smirked.
"Only if you want me to break my ankles," Bella snorted. "I have no grace."
"I beg to differ, angel. You're a skilled fighter, light on your feet. You can ice skate. Besides, I'll cushion your fall," he teased, opening the door, and tugging her to the counter for rental skates. They took off their shoes and tied the skates onto their feet. Putting their footwear into the lockers, Edward stepped on the ice first. He held out his hand. Bella eyed it dubiously. "Come on, gorgeous."
"If I fall and break your ribs, I do not want to hear you bitching about how much you hurt," she grumped.
"Have I bitched about my ribs or my head since that first day?" he asked.
"No, but I noticed you did take your headache meds yesterday," Bella chided.
"Then, trust me," he pressed. He wiggled his fingers, making Bella giggle. Taking his hand, she gingerly stepped onto the ice and wavered. Edward held her to his side, preventing her from falling. "See?"
"Okay, you're awesome," she said, gathering her balance and taking a tentative step. They slowly made their way around the rink, growing more confident with each stride. "So, have you done any more thinking about what you're going to do post-fighting?"
"As much as I love fighting and the idea of training the future of the sport, I want to put my college degree to use. I would love to be an agent, representing the fighters and other athletes. When you were in the shower last night, Alice called me and prattled on with a ton of ideas that we could do if I partnered with her and Jasper. And, if that doesn't work, then I'll go into coaching," he said, spinning to skate backwards in front of Bella.
"Show off," she teased.
"I could fall. Just watch," he laughed.
"You fall and then I fall," she countered. "I don't want to fall. My ass doesn't want to be frozen all day." She shifted her gaze skyward. "Oh, wait … my ass is already frozen."
"It's not that bad, Bella. We're right at freezing. It could be colder," Edward snorted, stumbling a bit on a divot in the ice. He caught himself, moving to skate forward again. "Better to keep my eyes forward and not on yours. Though, I could get lost in your eyes, angel."
"Smooth talker," she purred, rising on her toe picks to kiss his cheek. "Look …"
In the center of the ice, a skater was doing intricate footwork before going into a spin. She reached back, lifting her leg behind her, spinning faster until her skate was above her head. The spin slowed and she twisted out of it. She did a little skip before skating backwards, blending into the crowd.
"How can she do that with her leg?" Edward asked. "No one can bend that way. And, while spinning?"
"I have no clue, but I'm impressed," Bella giggled. "Makes me want to learn how to do that." She took a step, wanting to spin backwards like Edward did, but she stumbled. "Oh, shit!" Edward tried to catch her, but she fell the opposite direction. He got her waist, causing both of them to fall in heap.
"Are you okay?" Edward asked.
Bella's laughter was his response. "I'm fine … I think I'll stick to mixed martial arts, on the flat, padded ground," she laughed.
"Come on, stumbles," he sighed, standing up and pulling her to her feet. "No more triple axels, gorgeous. Let's just skate around the rink. Leave fancy stuff to our friend over there."
"That I can do," Bella nodded, looping her arm with Edward's and skating lazily around the rink until the both of them started shivering. Turning in their skates, Edward found a delicatessen and they went inside for a late lunch. They also used that to warm up since all of their activities were outside. "So, what's the next thing we're going to do?"
"Central Park," Edward replied. "I was hoping to get reservations at Tavern on the Green, but they're full up until May of 2025 or something. So, we're just going to walk around the park and then head back to the hotel." He blinked outside, smiling. "Perhaps take some pictures in the snow."
"Oh, wow. That's pretty," Bella cooed.
"You're pretty," Edward murmured, nuzzling her neck with his lips. She shivered, turning quickly to kiss his lips, smiling brightly at him. "Love you, angel."
"Love you, too, baby," she replied, trailing a finger down his scruffy cheek.
"You warm enough?"
"I think I'm ready to frolic in the snowflakes," she said. "Let's go."
They got back into the car, driving to Central Park. Edward said he'd text the driver for pick up. They walked into the park, which was stark without the leaves, but beautiful with the white snow and fluffy flakes, giving it almost a blurred appearance. Bella took pictures with her phone, periodically handing it to Edward to take selfies of the two of them, kissing and playing.
On one of the bridges, Bella heard approaching footsteps. Neither of them thought anything of them until a voice broke their reverie. "I've lost everything and you're out here, with your fight whore, taking pictures."
Edward turned, pushing Bella behind him and saw his former coach. "Caius …" he sneered "What are you doing here?"
"I've been trailing you all day. I paid the driver to keep me appraised of you whereabouts," Caius explained, his voice flat and emotionless. "I knew where you were staying …"
"Look, your beef is with me. Let Bella go," Edward begged. Her hand found his jacket, tightening on the fabric.
Caius laughed maniacally, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out. He released the safety, pointing a gun at Edward, who held up his hands in a sign of peace. "No, she stays, Masen. I lose everything. You lose everything."
"Caius, this isn't the way to handle this," Edward said softly. "I'll go with you. I'll pay you whatever …"
"You … YOU! Your accusations made us lose our accreditation. Jacob is banned from the sport and the rest of our fighters are leaving our gym because of your lies. You spread false information!" Caius screamed, spit spraying out of his mouth. "You lied! You fucking lied!"
"I didn't say anything," Edward argued, but in a calm, soft tone. "Please, let my girlfriend go. Please … she's an innocent."
"No! Her daddy was the one sent in the governing board," Caius mocked. "She needs to pay, too." Glaring at them, he held up his gun, aiming at Edward. "Both of you will pay the ultimate price. I lost everything. You lose everything …"
"DROP IT! DROP THE WEAPON!" called another voice.
Caius looked around, seeing four cops aiming their weapons at his chest. "NO! I will not! I didn't do anything! They need to pay!" he screamed, shifting his aim at the cop closest to him.
"SIR, THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING," yelled a different cop. "LOWER YOUR WEAPON!"
Caius refused, cocking the hammer of his gun and four gunshots went off. Edward crouched down, protecting Bella from the sound and from the gunfire. Bella was crying, gripping onto Edward's coat until the park was silent again. That's when he noticed Bella's phone was on, connected to 911. "Are you okay? Talk to me, gorgeous. Please?"
"I'm okay," she sniffled, throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm okay. Are you okay?"
"I've never more terrified in my life," he said, crushing her to his chest as he stood up. "I love you … I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault, Edward. Caius went cuckoo banana crackers," Bella whispered against his ear.
"What?" Edward snorted.
"Sorry … brain fart. I don't what the hell I just said," Bella explained.
"Sir, miss? Are you alright?" asked a female officer. They broke apart, looking at the woman. She was petite, but had a fierce look in her eyes. "We need to get your statement."
"Is he alive?" Edward asked, blinking to Caius's body on the far end of the bridge.
"Yes. EMS is on their way," she explained. "He was too volatile, and he would have shot you. We had no choice."
Bella started shivering uncontrollably, tears spilling down her cheeks. Edward enfolded her in his arms. "Is there someplace indoors where we can give our statements? My girlfriend's going into shock and …"
"We have our cars. Come with me," she nodded, leading them to one of the two cop cars.
They told the cop, Anna, about Caius's approach and his unhinged rant. Anna asked for context as to why Caius wanted Edward to pay. Edward explained his whole story and the reasoning became clear for why Caius lost his shit. Not that there was any justification for his actions.
After speaking to Anna and a detective, Bella and Edward were released. Anna, after she'd turned in her gun since it was used in a police shooting, was given permission to drive them back to the hotel. Caius's accomplice, the driver, was taken into custody and his limo was impounded. Back at the hotel, Edward changed their flights so they could head home the following day. Bella wanted to go back tonight, but there were no available flights.
They also called home, explaining what had happened. Charlie wanted to murder Caius, threatening to finish the job the police started. They weren't privy to Caius's injuries, but he had survived with three gunshot wounds. Two were in his leg and one passed through right shoulder.
Sleep did not come easily that night. Bella was plagued with nightmares and Edward held Bella as she slept, trying to keep the bad dreams at bay. He was also incredibly sore from the fall on the ice. Bella's vice grip didn't help much. He wanted to take another Vicodin, but his need to stay awake, protecting his girl overrode his need for pain relief.
As they were packing up to leave for JFK, Edward's cell phone rang. "Edward Masen," he answered.
"Mr. Masen, this is Detective Vincent Ford and I'm calling to see if you could come in to clarify a few things about your statement," Detective Ford said.
"Your partner, Detective Potts, said that we were free to go, to leave the state. My girlfriend and I are from Seattle. We're packing up to leave. Our flight departs in three hours, Detective Ford," Edward explained. "I can answer your questions over the phone."
"I just had questions about your previous relationship with Caius Volturi. Who was he to you?"
"He was my coach. I used to be a fighter for the Volterra Fighting Club. Caius coached me up until a year ago when I was injured. He was implicated, along with his older brother, for drugging me and getting me almost killed," Edward explained coldly. "What will happen to Caius?"
"Well, after he got out of surgery, he realized what he did. He's pleading guilty for all he did to you and to Ms. Swan," Detective Ford said. "You won't need to come out for a trial."
"If we have to, we will, but for now, we need to get the hell out of New York. What happened last night was traumatizing for both of us," Edward frowned.
"Understandable, Mr. Masen. If I need anything more, I can reach you on this number?"
"Yes, you can. Thank you, Detective Ford. I appreciate the update," Edward said cordially. He ended the call, leaning against the dresser in the bedroom.
Bella padded out of the bathroom, looking exhausted and drawn. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she wore one of Edward's hoodies with a pair of leggings. "Who was that?"
"One of the detectives. He had some questions," Edward yawned. "It sounds like Caius is pleading guilty. My guess was that he had a psychotic break, losing his mind when Volterra was essentially dismantled."
"That's good he's pleading guilty," Bella spat. "What an asshole."
"You won't get any argument from me," Edward huffed, checking his watch. "We should get going. I called a private car service since I don't trust the guys from the hotel."
"Yeah, I gave them grief and our stay has been comped," Bella said. "The inner bitch came out."
"You're not a bitch," Edward argued.
"I can be when I want to be. Because of their employee got some money waved in his face, Caius Volturi almost killed us," Bella explained. "A couple of free nights is the least they could do."
"So, that's who you were on the phone with when I got out of the shower last night," Edward surmised. He held open his arms, which Bella fell into. "Are you ready to go home?"
"Very ready. I'm also ready for you to move in with me, baby," she said. "You pay your rent for your apartment, but you're never there." Blinking up to him, she gave him a small smile. "I don't know how to sleep without you."
"Well, my lease is up at the end of the month. Are you sure you want to live with an unemployed fighter?"
"I'm sure about you, Edward. You're the one thing I'm absolutely certain of, baby," Bella breathed. "For now, though? Let's go home."
A/N: To quote Bella, Caius went cuckoo banana crackers. That's one of my favorite fake cuss words when I can't swear in school. Anyway, pictures of their date before it went to hell in a handbasket are on my blog. You can find a link for that on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, Spoutible and Hive, too: tufano79.
Up next will the last real chapter of the story …
Leave me your thoughts! Thank you for reading!