A/N:Hope everyone is doing well! Enjoy!

Chapter 7

Encounter

BELLA POV

Walking into Cullen Inc. felt like déjà vu, probably because we were literally here two days ago. The bimbo who sat at the information desk from the other day wasn't here but it didn't matter. I remembered which floor Whitlock was on. I had called ahead this time, asking where I could reach Mr. Whitlock. Imagine my surprise when I found out he arrived back in town this morning.

Pressing the thirteenth button, the elevator slowly made its way up. I was hoping to find answers this time. Jasper Whitlock had a connection with both Carmen and Bree. However, I already knew after looking at the flight schedule that Whitlock didn't kill Bree. He was in Chicago, as was Mr. Cullen.

Ugh! Why did I think about him? It had to be this place and being so close to him. I really needed to stop. I was starting to feel like a lovesick fool. Some silly school girl who dreams about being with the popular kid.

Once the doors opened, I was in awe. This floor was busy. People were running back and forth but at the end of the room, I could see Mr. Whitlock's office. I quickly made my way towards it, Jacob right behind me. As I approached the desk, I stopped short when I saw another one. Carmen's desk was sitting there and was covered in flowers and other memorable items.

Shit, I guess the husband informed Jasper and the staff that she was dead. I told him to not say anything yet. No matter, they didn't know she was a possible victim in my case.

According to her husband, she left work like any other day yesterday morning. She was still taking calls and running Jasper's office while he was out of town. When her husband returned home late from work his wife had not arrived. He did mention she goes out on Thursday nights with some friends from work. He called them and they told him she was on her way home but had to stop by the office for something she left behind. Mr. Sanchez even mentioned going out to look for her when she didn't return home.

I stopped staring at the desk, when a honey blond man came out of the big office in front of me. His dull green eyes flashed at me and he stopped walking. I was caught by the green orbs but they weren't as mesmerizing as the other emerald eyes that belonged to someone else.

I shook my head. Seriously Bella, you have to stop. "Are you Mr. Whitlock?" I asked back in cop mode. I had to act professional.

"I am. You must be Agent Swan."

I smirked. So everyone was aware of me now. I nodded. Mr. Whitlock then gestured to his office. Both Jacob and I made our way in. I noticed Jasper seemed alarmed by Jacob's close proximity to me. I shrugged that thought off. I was just seeing things.

We both took a seat in front of his desk. I made a quick glance around. Books lined shelves, his desk was big but not as big as the one belonging to the man a couple of more floors above us.

I really had to quit this. It seemed since we entered the building all my thoughts had gone to Edward. This was becoming a problem, a problem I couldn't afford right now. I had to get justice for these girls.

I straightened my posture, took out my notepad and turned all my attention to Jasper.

"I would like to ask you some questions," I started.

Jasper Whitlock was calm as he sat in his chair. He gave me a bright smile, unlike his boss, he was calm and didn't seem like he wanted to hurt me by coming into his office.

"Do I need to get the company lawyer?" He flashed me a smile and his eyes twinkled back at me as he let out a small laugh.

"Only if you think it's necessary." I wanted to roll my eyes. If he was to get his lawyer then I would have to endure the snippy remarks of that woman.

Once he beeped her to come in, he settled back in his chair. When Heidi Monroe came in she didn't say anything, she looked terrified to say the least. She took a seat near Jasper and focused her attention on me. Taking a quick look, it seemed she was more afraid of me. I don't know how to explain it but she was not the same woman who I saw a few days ago.

I didn't dwell on it much longer and turned my attention to Jasper Whitlock. "I just wanted to ask you some questions."

"Go ahead, Agent Swan." I had to smirk that at least he knew my correct title.

"When did you arrive back in town?" I looked at his eyes and they stared back. I had his full attention.

"This morning," he said simply.

"Why were you in Chicago?" I asked,

"There were some problems with our office there."

"Why did you return this morning? I was under the impression that you were going to be gone for some time."

"Well, when Eleazar called me, I rushed on the first flight I could get. Both Carmen and Eleazar are like family."

"I take it Eleazar is Mr. Sanchez?" Mr. Sanchez had talked to Jacob earlier. I felt dumb not knowing his first name.

"Yes," he said simply. Was he always this calm? Maybe he should give Edward some pointers. Stop, Bella!

"Could you tell me what Mr. Sanchez said?"

"Well, Eleazar has my personal number, so when I received a call from him last night frantically asking if I knew where his wife was, I became worried. It wasn't like him to call me so when he told me he hadn't seen her since yesterday morning I got the earliest flight this morning and came back. I actually arrived back at the office two hours ago."

Why would Mr. Sanchez call Jasper personally? He said they were family, but still?

Why not alert the police as soon as possible?

"You said the Sanchez's were family?" There's something I'm missing, I can feel it.

"Yes, Carmen has worked for me for a long time. She was the only one that stayed on when I became Head of Marketing. She was like a mother figurehead. Everyone came to her for advice or questions. She was the mother hen of this office and other departments. When I tell you, Agents, she was family, she really was."

Jasper's smile turned into a sad grin. It seemed like Carmen meant a great deal to him. Wait..

"Were you engaging in sexual intercourse with Mrs. Sanchez?" Jasper's eyes went wide and a grin appeared on his face. Jacob started coughing really loud. I guess he wasn't expecting me to go there.

"Agent Swan, that was highly inappropriate," Heidi said, finally making her presence known. I had actually forgotten she was in the room.

"I'm just doing my job, Ms. Monroe, getting all the facts."

Heidi looked at me again and it seemed in fear. Her head bowed down and Jasper then grabbed my attention again.

"Um, Agent Swan, no, like I said she was family. You can ask anyone here, they will tell you how much she meant to all of us. Besides, I'm in a serious relationship and wouldn't do that to my girl." He finished going back into a professional mode. I could tell by his body posture that he was telling the truth.

I sighed. I wasn't getting anywhere. This case was becoming a thorn in my side. Never had I had any problems with any of my cases until this one. I was getting nowhere and it was frustrating me to no end.

"Could we have your flight details, ticket voucher and all to clear you?" Jacob said. I gave him a look, which I then felt stupid for because I knew Whitlock caught that. Jacob had the flight information that Cullen gave us and Whitlock was included on it. I knew Jacob was just doing his job but I knew in my heart that he didn't kill any of the victims.

"Of course, I should have it here." Jasper rose up from his chair and headed to a briefcase in the corner, pulling out files and handing it over to Jacob. I didn't need confirmation. I already knew he was good.

Heidi's head was still bowed but she kept making glances at me every now and then. What was going on with her? This was way different behavior than last time.

"This checks out," Jacob said in a defeated tone. I blinked taking my gaze off of Heidi and turned back to the two men. I don't know why he was so willing to pin this on Cullen Inc.

"You can keep that, I have a copy," Jasper said as he sat back down. "Are you clearing me of Carmen's murder or are you trying to clear me of all the murders?"

I stiffened. I didn't know how to react to that question.

"Everyone knows you're the head of the case. It's obvious Carmen's death must have a connection to your case or you wouldn't be asking me questions about it."

"Yes, it does connect to my case and I would like to ask you and Miss. Monroe, not to say anything yet."

I would have to try to get these people to come to me now, or go about another route. I should have realized me popping up asking questions would have people guessing.

Both Jasper and Heidi nodded. I may have been done questioning him about Carmen but I wasn't done just yet.

"I want to ask you about Bree Tanner." I changed the subject. I was more than 100% sure he didn't kill Carmen or anyone here did. But he still needed to answer for Bree, he may have not killed her but he was the reason she no longer worked here.

I also noticed his composure slightly wavered but it was barely noticeable.

"What about her, Agent?" No longer was Jasper calm and smooth talking, he seemed to be slightly angry.

"Agent Swan, Mr. Cullen already answered your questions regarding Miss. Tanner," Heidi said.

"I know that, Miss. Monroe, but since she was Jasper's employee, I think he would know more about it don't you think?"

Heidi had no comment and leaned back in her chair. I noticed that she seemed to be in pain.

Jasper had caught that as well and gave her a look, one of concern but also anger? What was going on?

Jasper then turned his attention back to me. "Miss. Tanner was an exceptional employee, up until the end."

'What do you mean?" I wrote notes in my notepad.

"She became infatuated with me. I turned down her advances and she became violent towards me and the staff."

"Violent?" I rose a brow

"She threatened the staff. She said she would find my girlfriend and hurt her. I had to let her go of course."

"Did you get the police involved? That sounds serious, Mr. Whitlock," Jacob said. I also questioned that as well. It was obvious they hadn't.

"No, I did not and it is now probably one of my biggest regrets," Jasper admitted shamefully. "If maybe I had reported her then maybe she would have been in police custody or her parents would have been notified. I hate that I realized she wouldn't have gone back to Chicago where she was from so easily."

I nodded. Jasper looked like he was riddled with guilt. However, if he had done what he should have, maybe Bree Tanner wouldn't have died. Maybe.

Jacob and I both got up to leave. "Here's my card if you remember anything, Mr. Whitlock." I then turned towards Heidi Monroe, "you can tell your boss that he's clear."

She gave me a smirk, "I was under the impression he was already clear." She then rose up and made her way out of the office. Jasper watched her leave but then gave me a smile.

"I know your staff knows that Mrs. Sanchez has died, but not that she is the possible victim. Please keep that under wraps for now."

He nodded. "I'm willing to work with you on finding who killed Carmen and even Bree. If there's anything I can do, let me know."

I looked back at him. I didn't see anything that was off, he seemed genuine. I nodded and made my way out of his office. Jacob kept walking but I took a look around, everyone seemed sad. I saw a few crying. I would assume that everyone did care for Carmen.

Suddenly a young woman came up to me. "You're Agent Swan, right?"

I nodded but held my guard up. "I saw you the other night on the television conference." She pushed a piece of hair back behind her ear. Her eyes were rimmed red, and I saw a slight redness in her face from crying.

"I saw a news report that there was another body. Please tell me it isn't Carmen?" She grabbed my arms, fast. It caught me off guard. "Please don't. There would be no reason for you to be here if it wasn't her." She started crying again.

"I'm sorry, I can't answer that." The girl nodded and cried. She then walked off. Weird. Jacob noticed that too and we both decided to let that go for now. As we made our way to the elevators, I had an urge to pee. I saw the bathrooms off to the side near the elevator.

I looked at Jacob. "I'll meet you in the lobby, I need to use the restroom." Jacob nodded and headed for the elevator as I went to the women's restroom.

I opened the door carefully but heard a woman crying. I became alarmed and walked further in as quietly as possible. Heidi Monroe was at the sink wiping her face violently.

"What am I going to do?" I heard her mutter. "So stupid" She kept grabbing her stomach and I wasn't sure if she was about to throw up or what. What was stupid? She seemed scared of something. "He doesn't want you, he wants her, he has been looking for her." What the hell was she talking about?

"Miss. Monroe." Heidi let out a gasp and suddenly gained her composure fast.

"Are you alright?" I said as I walked near her.

"I'm fine, Agent Swan," she said all professionally. It didn't escape my notice that she seemed like a totally different person now.

She then walked past me to the door. I stood still although my bladder was urging me to relieve it.

"Agent Swan." I turned around to face her. Now she looked worried, like something was bothering her. "Be careful with this case, there are truly monsters out there," she said and left the restroom.

I quickly made my way to the stall and peed. When I was done I washed my hands, and stared at myself in the mirror. Heidi was right, there were monsters out there, rapists, kidnappers, murderers. It didn't make my job easy but that's why I did what I did so I could put those monsters away.

Leaving the bathroom, my phone beeped with a text from Jacob asking where I was. I was replying back when I walked into someone and almost fell but strong arms caught me.

I looked up at whoever it was, and was met with those shimmering orbs looking down at me.

"Agent Swan," Edward Cullen said softly. Once I had risen back up, he moved away from me.

"Mr. Cullen," I said as I pressed the button for the elevator to come.

"Edward," he said but it sounded deep, almost primal. Of course, as always, I became wet.

I looked away from him. I don't know why his eyes always drew me in. When I did, he was looking at me in what could only be described as lust or what I thought was lust, I was totally imagining that. There was no way Edward Cullen was interested in me.

"How's your hand?" he said as he crossed his arms together. I held it up for him to see and he looked at it with complete disgust. I then turned to the elevator, I didn't like that look he had given. I looked to see where the elevator was and saw it was about to reach my floor

"Edward." I tested his name while making a glance towards him. He seemed pleased I said it. "My partner was supposed to contact you about me either replacing the vase or having your floor clean."

He let out a growl and I could have sworn I heard him say partner but he then laughed.

"Replacing that vase, Miss Swan, would cost more than your year's salary." I nodded. "So, the floor then?" Why did he have to be a jackass about it? I was just being nice.

"It's been taken care of." The elevator finally arrived and I stepped on it.

"Why are you here Agent?" Now, he was back to being calm and serious.

"Just asking Mr. Whitlock a few questions." I hit the door close button but it wouldn't close. What was up with this elevator?

"That's a little distasteful, he lost an employee," Edward said grimly. He actually looked sad.

"I know, that's why I'm here." Edward then looked at me in shock, and I think the realization came across his face. "She was another victim?" Finally the door dinged "Sorry, Edward, I have to go."

The doors started to close, while he yelled, "wait!" The doors closed on his perfectly beautiful face and started to descend. I let out a huge breath. What was wrong with me? I had never acted like this? He was just a man, why was I getting all hot and bothered?

I hoped I never had to cross paths with Edward Cullen again. I didn't need to because if I did I would literally beg him to fuck me.

A/N: There's 3 more chapters to be posted and then back to Before I Die!

Thank you for your support!