A/N… This is all Edward. I'll let you get to it. See me at the bottom, please.

~oOo~

Chapter 25

EDWARD

An alarm pulled me out of my sleep, and I couldn't remember what I needed to do so damn early. I rolled over to reach for the blasted thing but was met with skin and long, brunette hair.

"Sorry," Bella whispered, kissing my lips. "Go back to sleep, baby. I have to start getting my shop ready to open."

"I'll help you," I said, grabbing her before she could leave my bed. Her laugh was sweet and raspy, but naked Bella in my bed was hard to resist.

We'd been back home a week. While I'd healed and gotten a bit stronger, Bella had taken the time to get Alice and CJ settled. We'd both visited Jasper in the hospital, but he was now back at Hope Haven Retreat. I didn't think he'd be there much longer. He was getting stronger mentally and physically every time I saw him. According to Bella, he and Alice had issues to work on and trust to rebuild, but CJ seemed to be the glue for that situation.

Bella and I had slept at her apartment or mine almost every night. And there was a small part of me that didn't want separate places much longer, which probably seemed too fast to everyone else, but I didn't fucking care.

I'd never felt this way about anyone the way I felt about Bella.

We hadn't gone to my house yet. I was procrastinating, really, but I told myself I was waiting on Charlie or Emmett…or Officer Mitchell. The cop who'd been there the night I'd found my mother's body was still a cop, and I'd called her the day before and left a message for her to call me back. Charlie was still studying my mother's case file but hadn't mentioned anything yet.

"Someone's healing," Bella teased me as I loomed over her.

"Maybe," I whispered, my eyes raking over her. "You're so beautiful."

Her smile was sweet as her hands cupped my face, bringing me in for a kiss. "A girl could get used to this, you know."

"Yeah?"

She nodded with a grin, and we lost ourselves in kisses and skin, and when I slid deep inside her, I buried my face in her neck, whispering, "Christ, you feel so good."

My shoulder gave a dull twinge, so I sat up on my knees, which gave me a glorious view of her body as I moved inside her at a pounding rhythm. Breasts and curves, sweat and gasps for more had me barreling toward my own orgasm. With a swirl to where she was swollen, Bella shattered beneath me, dragging me right along with her.

I grimaced a little as I fell down beside her, but Bella rolled to me. I kissed her forehead, her lips, whispering, "I love you."

She sat up a bit, eyeing my shoulder, but then she met my gaze as she pushed my hair from my brow. "Love you too, but are you sure about helping?"

"Yes." I nodded, patting her bottom. "C'mon, I promised."

"Okay, but light duty only."

Smiling her way, I agreed, and we got out of bed. She dressed quickly, saying she was going to her apartment for a quick shower and to feed Sid while I got ready. I told her I'd meet her in the shop.

Once I was dressed, I checked my phone. I had a handful of texts I'd missed. Garrett had said he'd gotten his badge back and that Banner would like to see me when I felt up to it. Tanya was checking up on me, as well as Rose, Aunt Esme, and Uncle Carlisle. Emmett said he'd be free Saturday, if we wanted to go to my house.

The last message on my phone was a voicemail. I played it on speaker as I slowly put my shoes on.

"Edward, it's Lieutenant Mitchell," the woman's voice said. "I'm returning your call. Please call me back on my cell phone." She rattled off her number, and I glanced at my screen to make sure it was the same one she'd used.

While I locked up my apartment and made my way downstairs, I called her back.

"Mitchell," she answered.

"Lieutenant Mitchell, it's Edward Masen."

She chuckled a little. "Boy, you don't sound like that young man I met years ago."

I laughed. "No, hardly. It's Detective Masen now. Seattle PD."

"Well, holy Moses! Look at you. What can I do for you, Detective?" she asked, and she was clearly just as easygoing now as she was back then.

I walked out of the building to Common Ground's door, tapping lightly on the glass so Bella could let me in.

"This isn't… This is kind of a strange question, Mitchell," I said, and Bella's eyebrows shot up as she locked the door behind us. "I don't know if you remember my parents' case, but I was wondering if you had time to talk about it."

"I do remember it, Edward. And I can absolutely make time."

"Can you meet me Saturday afternoon at the house? Maybe around three or so?" I asked her nervously, meeting Bella's worried gaze as she pushed herself up onto the counter. Immediately, I stepped closer to her. "There are some things that have come up recently, and I'd pretty much blocked most of the shit all these years, so I'd like to see what you know."

"I didn't blame you for that. My own son was seven at the time, and I couldn't imagine him going through what you did. Yeah, I'll be there," she replied softly.

"Thank you."

I ended the call, and Bella's hands cupped either side of my face.

"You okay?" she asked, and I nodded. "You sure?"

"No." I smiled at her, shrugging a shoulder. "I'm not sure how I'll react at that house."

"Which is why you'll be bringing all of us with you," she countered, kissing my lips softly. "If you hate that house, Edward…"

"Sell it. I know." I sighed deeply, wrinkling my nose at the mere thought of going inside. "Believe me, I want to, but I know I need to go inside at least once, not just leave it to everyone else."

She studied my face, those warm, deep eyes filled with sadness and patience and love as they stared into mine. "No one blames you for any of it. You know that, right? Not your fears or your avoidance or anxiety or…or…any-damn-thing."

I huffed a humorless laugh at how she'd put that. "Maybe," I allowed, swallowing nervously. "My aunt and uncle want me to talk to someone."

"They love you, Edward. They love you as much as they love Rose. I could see that a mile away in their home," she stated firmly. "They only want you happy, healthy, loved."

"I… I said I'd think about it."

"Good. If you think that'll make me break up with you again, then you're sorely mistaken, Detective."

Grinning, I relaxed and wrapped my arms around her. "No more breaking up."

"That's right. Now… I made coffee, and we can walk this place so I can get to ordering supplies," she said in a commanding tone. "C'mon. Let's see if there's anything I can rummage up for breakfast."

Before she could get down, I cupped her face to kiss her. "Your wish is my command."

Bella poured the coffee, and she found some pastries in the freezer and popped those into the oven. We ate those as she put me to work making sure the dining room was back in order and clean as she tugged on an oversize hoodie to truly empty the walk-in fridge and freezer.

The news was on the TV in the dining room, but not much had been mentioned about James's death or Randall Powell's connection to him. I was beginning to think Powell had enough reach to silence the media. Last I checked, Inferno was closed permanently, which made me curious about its employees. Only one employee, really – Angela Weber. The rest didn't matter much to me.

As I wiped down the tables, my mind continued to wander. Aro concerned me, but only if he was connected to my father somehow. I thought about Felix, hoping he was building his case against those assholes.

Freezing cold hands wrapped around my arm, and I jumped.

"Motherfuck!" I hissed, practically falling down into a booth seat. "What the hell?"

Bella's giggles started, but she snorted into a big-ass laugh. "I'm sorry!" she barely got out, but she squealed when I wrapped her up and pulled her to me as I tickled her. "Stop, Edward! I'm sorry! I thought you heard me coming!"

"Christ, you're freezing," I told her, nuzzling her chilly cheek. "And yeah…no, I didn't hear you. I was lost in thought, I guess." I stood her up. "Coffee. Let's get you warm."

She pulled herself up to sit on the counter while I poured her a fresh cup of coffee, adding her cream and sugar to it. Once I'd poured myself one, I leaned next to her.

"Looks good in here. Want a job?" she teased, tapping her cup to mine.

Smirking her way, I shook my head. "No, I have one. In fact, Banner needs to see me. Garrett got his badge back, so I guess I'm good. Now, I just have to get medically cleared." I pointed to my shoulder.

"A couple weeks, right?"

I nodded. "Probably. I've earned vacation, so I'm okay."

Bella studied my face. "You don't have to work, do you?"

I sighed, shaking my head once. "No. Neither do you."

"Touché." She grinned, tapping her cup to mine again. "We could totally run away."

Raising an eyebrow her way, I said, "Don't tempt me, beautiful. Seriously."

Her smile was big and gorgeous and damned sexy. She leaned in to kiss me lightly. "I think you'd go stir crazy not working. I get the feeling your mind never stops putting puzzles together or solving mysteries."

"Which is how you just scared the shit outta me!"

She laughed again. "Sorry."

"But you're right. It doesn't stop." I tapped my temple. "It's helpful while working a case, but it's a pain in the ass when I can't seem to let shit go."

She nodded, glancing down at her coffee cup before bringing it up to her lips to take a sip. "You're still thinking about Powell and Aro, aren't you?"

Sighing deeply, I nodded. "Yeah. Felix, too."

The lock clicked on the front door, and the bell jingled. Charlie walked in, smiling at the two of us.

"Wow, this place is really getting back together. Good job, kids," he praised.

"Thank you, thank you," Bella said, taking a bow after hopping down from the counter. "I just need to put an order in, and we should be ready to go in a couple of days."

"Let me know. I'll help you," he offered.

"Me, too," I added.

She nodded. "And Carmen and Eleazar should be settled in by then."

Charlie looked to me, saying, "I've been going over that file. You have time to take a look?"

"Yes, sir," I answered, looking to Bella. "Break, boss?"

She cracked up. "Shut up. Let's go."

Grinning at Charlie's soft laugh, I nodded again, and we followed him out the door. Bella locked the shop behind us. He led us up to his apartment and into his office. My eyebrows shot up because he'd taken the file that Emmett had sent me and printed every last thing in it. And it was posted on a bare wall. It was not unlike how Garrett and I did things at our station, only bigger.

He had a picture of my mother on one side, my father on the other, and a few crime scene pictures in the center. He'd grouped my father's known associates under him, and my aunt, uncle, and me under my mother's picture. Under the crime scene photo, he had the autopsy report, the forensic report, and the fingerprint analysis.

"First," Charlie stated softly, holding up a finger. "I'm completely convinced that your father is responsible for the death of your mother. With the fingerprints, the timing, and the bruises, I don't think it was anyone else. I'm sorry, kiddo, if you were expecting something different."

"No, sir. I think you're right. And I'm aware that we won't get the why in all of this," I told him, gesturing to the amazing way he'd put this wall together.

Bella stayed quiet, but she sat down in her father's desk chair, those beautiful eyes sweeping over the wall.

"No, son. This is just the black and white of it."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know."

"I did find a few interesting things."

Charlie walked to the wall, to where he had strings attached from the list of my father's legal cases to pictures of who they were. Aro Volturi and his son, Caius, were under a Seattle label. Marcus Volturi and a few of his fucking goons were under the Chicago label. Then there was Jane, my dad's supposed fiancée – also under the Chicago label.

"This whole thing could've gone a helluva lot different," he started, shaking his head a little. "I swear, I'll never understand parents who don't appreciate what they've been given."

His eyes drifted to Bella for a moment, and I could see that he meant that sentiment. I envied their relationship, but it really just made me miss my mother. By the time I was six or seven, I had no delusions that my dad was a toss the football in the backyard kind of father. Hell, I rarely even saw him.

"We knew about Volturi in Forks," he continued, tapping the picture of Aro. "His reach is far, but little towns like Forks and Aberdeen and even La Push knew what he was, what he was capable of doing – drugs, prostitution, gun trafficking. He lures his people in with money. It's hard to make the kind of money he can pay while working at the grocery store or McDonald's. And it's easy money. That alone is hard to resist."

"Hmm, Inferno was the same way," Bella piped up softly.

"Right, exactly," he agreed immediately. "Your father started as a public defender in Chicago, which meant he probably worked with all of Marcus Volturi's men. Again, money probably lured him in, or maybe the more he did his job, the more he got sucked into that world. And really, he was good at it, but it was the average shit – tax evasion, some petty crimes, bar fights, even contract negotiations. Nothing all that damning, really."

Charlie tapped a background check on my dad. "When your mother decided she wanted to move home to Seattle, I'd be willing to bet that Marcus offered Aro your father's services. But Aro is different than his brother. Aro's been accused of human trafficking, underage prostitution, and some unsolved murders. Nothing sticks to him. Marcus is way more subtle, or he simply covers his tracks better."

"Okay, but I have a question," Bella said, getting up from Charlie's desk. "How on earth did Jane not know about Edward? Edward was four when they moved to Seattle. The birth of a child is on record, and if they went to his home… I'm just saying. How did they not know Ed Sr. had a son?"

"I don't know." Charlie walked to the other end of the wall and tapped on another piece of paper. "Ed Sr. is on the birth certificate as the father. And kiddo," he started with a sigh, looking to me, "they tested you after your mother's death. So you're his. But the one good thing he could've done in this whole mess is keep your existence a secret. He might've done it for your mother, or maybe she knew all about his work and insisted you remain an unknown factor."

Frowning, I nodded and scanned the wall again. "I think shit fell apart for my father when Caius Volturi was convicted," I stated, stepping down to the picture of the man in question. "He wasn't in prison forty-eight hours before he was killed. That would've pissed Aro off something fierce."

"Most likely," Charlie murmured in answer, his fingers smoothing that mustache of his. "Is that why you're looking into this after all this time, son? You want to connect Aro to something? Anything?"

Nodding, I turned his way. "Yes, sir. When Garrett and I went to talk to Randall Powell at the mayor's office, Aro was there. He knew me. I never thought that he'd give a shit, but he knew who I was, and he gave that information to Powell. It was how Felix showed up at my aunt and uncle's home."

"He's the fed, right?" he asked, and I answered affirmatively. "And he not only gave him that information, but he knew where you'd gone after your parents died."

"Oh, hell," Bella gasped. "You think Aro has been monitoring Edward all this time? Like Edward fucking knows something?"

My eyebrows shot up, and I glanced between them. "But… I don't know anything!"

"You sure, kid?" Charlie asked, holding up a hand and then setting it gently on my good shoulder. "Listen, I've talked to Carlisle, and I've gone over this whole case. You were fourteen, fifteen, and way more stressed out than a kid needs to be. But the loss of your mother could've caused you to block some shit. Finding her would've been traumatic enough alone, but add in that it was your own flesh and blood who killed her? I don't know, Edward. Maybe there's something you don't quite remember."

My brow furrowed, and I swallowed nervously. "Maybe," I allowed, because he may have had a point. "I'm… Would you be willing to go with us Saturday to my parents' home? I'm going to meet with the officer who was there the night I found my mother. And Bella seems to think maybe my mom left some answers behind."

"Of course, son."

"Thanks," I said, turning to Bella. "I need to get to the station to see Banner. Are you okay for a bit?"

"Definitely. Thanks for your help this morning, though," she said softly.

"I'll help some more before you reopen, Bella."

She smiled and kissed me. "Fair enough. I'm going to steal Dad this time, and we'll put in the food supply order."

He nodded her way, saying, "I've got you, kiddo." He glanced my way. "Getting your badge back?"

"Probably. Garrett got his." I walked toward the door, pulling out my truck keys. "I'll be back in a few hours."

~oOo~

"Masen!" I heard from several people once I stepped into the station.

Grinning, I shook my head as several officers came to greet me. The first to me was Garrett.

"There's my boy!" he sang, giving me a one-arm hug. "How you feelin'?"

"Better. Still sore, but better."

The girls from the CSU were next – Jessica and Lauren. I shook hands and received more hugs, and I told everyone I was fine.

"How's my gorgeous coffee girl?" Garrett teased with a giant smile as everyone went back to work. "Has she junk-punched you yet?"

A laugh barked out of me, but I shook my head. "No, she's getting the shop ready to reopen. And she's just…perfect."

"Good." He patted my good shoulder. "C'mon. Banner's waiting for you."

Banner glanced up from his desk when Garrett and I stepped into his office. "Masen, it's good to see you up and about. Shut the door, Garrett. Both of you have a seat."

Banner opened a desk drawer as we sat in the chairs in front of his desk, and he pulled out my gun and badge, sliding them toward me. "You're clear. Not that there was an issue. Just protocol. When you're medically cleared, you and Garrett can get your asses back to work."

Chuckling, I picked up my things. "Thanks, sir."

"Cold case is a bitch," Garrett muttered and looked to me. "But don't rush or nothin'."

Chuckling at his sarcasm, I nodded. "Aren't you due for leave soon, Garrett?"

He smiled in pride. "Actually, yeah. They're inducing Katie next week – Monday."

Banner smirked. "Take your time. Both of you. You'll probably both be ready to come back at the same time. You did a helluva job on this last case. You cracked open a place I never thought we could. Inferno was a cesspool."

I looked to Garrett. "Any word from Felix?"

"No, but he's been seen with Powell, who has been seen with Aro Volturi," Garrett answered. "I talked to Emmett. He says you're looking into your father. Find anything?"

"No, not yet." I stood. "I'm still working on it. I'll let you know if I do."

Banner sighed, glancing between us. "No matter what, I want you two to be careful with Volturi." He met my gaze. "I was still a freshly promoted detective – Vice – when your dad was brought into the station for questioning. What a pompous asshole he was."

I snorted. "You're not telling me anything I don't know, Chief."

He smiled sadly. "I know, Masen. He was cold and emotionless throughout the whole process. I think he assumed he'd never get caught."

"Yeah, that sounds like him. I read that as soon as he saw that they'd found…her…he just…lawyered up."

Banner nodded. "That's true. All that defiance and ego just shut down."

"Hmm," I hummed as I considered that for a moment. "Is that interview on file? Was it on video?"

"Yes, and you have access," he told me.

Nodding, I held up my badge. "Thanks for having my back."

Both men scoffed, but Banner stood and walked around his desk to stand in front of me. "You're a good cop, Masen, and you did the best you could in that warehouse. We all saw it. Now, go. Get out of my face, and let me know when you're medically cleared."

Smirking, I left his office. Once I was in my truck, my phone rang. And I smiled that it was my uncle.

"Hey, son. How's the shoulder?"

"Getting there. I can go without the sling now, and the stitches are looser," I told him. "Where are you?"

"Actually, we're all meeting at Waterfront for lunch. Want to join us? Bring Bella. Esme's missed her," he said with a bit of a chuckle.

"Yeah, sure. Let me call her. If she can't come, then I'll still meet you there."

We ended the call, and I called Bella.

"Hey, how'd it go at the station?" she answered immediately.

"Hey, beautiful. It's fine. I got my badge back," I told her, starting the truck.

"Good for you!" she sang.

"Thanks."

Suddenly, the reality of what I was about to ask her hit me full force, which was a ridiculous fucking thought, because she and I were already a comfortable thing. Why the hell was I nervous about asking her to lunch with my family, whom she already knew?

"Bella, my family is meeting for lunch. They want us to go. Can I… Do you…"

"Yeah, sounds good. Where? I'll have to meet you there. I was out running some errands. After Dad and I did the order for the shop, I realized Sid needed litter, and apparently we lost his precious fish toy somewhere."

I chuckled at that but answered her. "Um, Waterfront. Know it?"

"Yup. See you there."

We ended the call, and I made my way across town. I parked my truck and got out, hearing pure sarcasm and playful derision.

"Look at you bein' all social and shit," Tanya drawled, coming to lean on my truck.

When Bella's little Nissan pulled in next to us, I pointed with a grin. "Any other smartass remarks you want to say?"

Tanya cracked up, nudging me on her way by. "Good for you, bestie," she muttered as she practically pulled Bella out of her car and into a hug. "Has he tested your patience yet, Bella?"

My girl chuckled, giving me a sweet smile. "No. Not yet."

"Call me if he does."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, slowly pulling Bella to me. "C'mon, both of you can plot my demise later. I need to talk to all of you."

Tanya's gaze shot to mine, her brow furrowed, but I didn't say anything. This was going to be a shock for them, but I was pretty sure they'd want to know.

We were in the same room that we'd occupied the last time we'd come to Waterfront. That was when Emmett and Rose had announced their engagement. My guess was that Uncle Carlisle had kept my coming a secret, because the rest were surprised. Even better was the warmth and love that Bella received.

Everyone seemed to be talking at once. How was the baby? How were Alice and Charlie? Was I feeling better? Was Common Ground open yet?

All those things were answered as we sat around the table, eating lunch and catching up. Rose was talking to my aunt, Bella, and Tanya about wedding plans. All three offered help, but Bella offered up Common Ground for the bridal shower.

Uncle Carlisle leaned closer to me. "You okay, son?"

"Yeah, I'm… I'm kinda glad you're all here." The conversation came to a stop, and they looked my way. "I don't know if Emmett told you, but we're going to my parents' house on Saturday. I'm… hoping that I can find some answers, maybe a connection to Aro Volturi. I'm meeting the officer that came the night…that night."

Bella's small, warm hand reached for mine, linking our fingers together. "My dad's been going over that case file," she explained, looking to Emmett. "He's willing to come walk through to see everything."

Everyone was still uncomfortably quiet, but I huffed a humorless laugh. "My reasons for going are two-fold. I need to go. I just…do. I need to see if there is anything left that maybe would explain some things. And… I think it's time to sell it."

My aunt's eyes filled with tears, and they spilled over. "I want to help you, sweet boy."

"I think it's time, you know?" I asked nervously, because truly I wasn't sure how I'd react to stepping inside that house after almost sixteen years.

Bella gazed up at me, reaching to push my hair from my forehead. "You want to pack up some stuff?"

"Yes."

"And you want to see if your mom left anything?"

"Yes."

"Okay," Emmett said firmly. "If that's what you want, then we'll all help you."

Bella pulled me closer, whispering, "No matter what happens in that house… No matter what we find out, baby… You'll be fine."

I wrinkled my nose, but I nodded, because when she said, it sounded true.

"Promise not to break up with me if I lose my shit?" I asked her, meaning it but not really.

Her giggle was sweet yet short-lived. "I promise."

~oOo~

A/N… Okay, first… Common Ground won Third Place in WIP of the Year in the Golden Onion Awards, so I'd like to thank everyone for that. Judas also won a few things – First Place for Best Leech Fic and Third Place for Masterpiece of the Year. I also came in second for Author of the Year. I was in some amazing company with all of those categories, so congrats to everyone, and thank you again.

This fic will be taking another week break. So no update next Monday. It's a RL work thing and a plot thing, so I need to give myself some space. So that being said, until next time… Mooches, Deb ;)