Chapter 12

~An Unlikely Alliance~

~*Edward*~

My father settled behind his desk and folded his hands. We talked business and went over which men were assigned to which ventures. Father spent a lot of time analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of our men. I had to admit, he was able to predict how our people would react in certain situations, enabling him to handpick the right ones for each job. There weren't many life skills I wanted to learn from him, but this was definitely one of them.

"Edward, I'd like you to take over our real estate division. You'll strategically buy and sell key properties. This is also a great way to move money. There's a network of shell corporations we can hide behind when we need to. Cricket will be your right hand man until you learn the ropes. Then you can keep him on, or choose your own people. I'll be completely hands-off. This will be your baby."

As far as illegal assignments went, this seemed fairly benign and would dovetail nicely with my business degree. Cricket played a dual role—brawn and brains. He'd been part of my life since I was in grammar school, and I knew he could be trusted. I stared at my father, waiting for the punchline, for the element that would make my new assignment unpalatable.

His expression darkened. "What? You too good to handle this for me?"

"No, of course not! I thought maybe there was more . . . information. This is great."

My father leaned back in his chair and smiled, his tense expression relaxing. "That's my boy. You're going to be perfect for this." He lit up a cigar, a sign he was content, and the meeting was almost over. He blew a puff of smoke into the air above his head.

Emmett and I found cigar smoking repugnant, and my father accepted that only after forcing both of us to try it. The memory of how sick and disgusted I was will never fade. I was pretty sure Emmett was just as traumatized by the experience.

Emmett sat up straighter. "What about me, Pop?"

"You will be in charge of construction."

Emmett gave a quick fistpump. "Yes!"

"Of course, you will continue to oversee operations that require muscle." He blew another puff of smoke and sipped his drink.

I decided to catch him while he was in a decent mood. "Dad,"—a term of endearment I rarely used—"do you really think Volturi was responsible for putting a hit on me?"

He tilted his head and looked at me appraisingly. "What makes you ask?"

I shook my head. "It just feels . . . staged somehow. Bertram believed we were going to let him go. I think he might have been paid to finger Aro, maybe start a war."

My father nodded, and admiration lit his eyes. "You know, son, I had the same thought." He tapped his temple. "Great minds."

"Who do you think hired him?"

"Not sure, but we must keep our eyes open." A rare smile softened his face, and I felt a pang in my chest. I missed when he used to smile at us, when he doted over my mother.

"Where's mom?"

His expression transformed into one of regret. "Edward, she completely lost it when she found out you were hurt. I know you hate when she's drugged, but she was inconsolable. Dr. Cullen had to come."

"Do you think it would be okay if I went up?"

"It might be just what the doctor ordered, my boy."

I glanced at Emmett. "You coming?"

Emmett shook his head. "I'll check on her later. Gonna shoot the shit with the old man for a while."

My father called out to me before I reached the office door. I turned, and he walked over to me with his arms wide. "C'mere. Give your old man a hug." He put his arms around me and gave me a few powerful pats on the back. "I'm glad you're on the mend."

I left his office in shock. My father's behavior was out of character, and I found that concerning though I wasn't sure why. After all, I'd almost died a few days before.

My parents' bedroom was in the east wing. When Mom was suffering an episode, she stayed in the room across the hall where she could be attended to by medical personnel and waitstaff without disturbing my father.

I knocked on her door. When there was no answer, I eased it open. The room was dark and shadowy, the only light coming from a dim lamp in the corner. Her slight form was covered up to her chin, arms at her sides underneath the sheet, the way she always slept. Her long, caramel hair was loose, spread across her pillow. I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed the hair back from her forehead.

Her eyes fluttered open. "Eddie?"

"Yeah, Ma." She was the only one who got away with calling me Eddie. "I came to check on you."

She smiled and reached up to caress my face. "My baby boy. Who tried to take you away from me?" Her words were slightly slurred.

I glanced at the nightstand. There were several pill bottles and a glass of water. She seemed so small and fragile alone in the king-size bed, and I swallowed around the lump in my throat.

"I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me." I trapped her hand against my face. "Please stop taking all these fucking pills and get better."

"Language."

I rolled my eyes. "All the shit this family is into, and you're worried about a few curse words?"

"Good manners are universal."

"Sorry, Ma. Please stop taking all these . . . pills. For me?"

She nodded, smiling softly. "For you."

Her eyes drifted closed, and she fell asleep. I watched her a while longer, and my anger started building. Why does he do this to her?

I left the room, shutting the door behind me, and stood in the hall for a few moments, trying to rein in my ire. Then I headed for Father's office, unsure what I was going to say but determined not to be shut down.

When I opened the door, he was alone. He looked up with annoyance. "Don't you knock?"

I stalked across the room and slapped my hands down on his desk, ignoring the burning pain in my side. I leaned in close so we were eye to eye. "You need to stop drugging Mom every time something is going on."

"Your mother can't handle things."

"How the fuck would you know? You never give her a chance!" I yelled in his face.

Anger sparked in my father's eyes. "Watch yourself, Edward."

I leaned in even closer, my voice lowering dangerously. "No. You watch yourself with my mother. I'm not asking."

He moved away from me, leaning heavily into his chair, and smiled. "You impress me, son. You're willing to stand up for what you believe in. I'll abide by your wishes." He sprang forward and grabbed the lapel of my jacket, yanking me forward and bringing our faces close together again. "Just make fucking sure you're here to help with the fallout."

I fought hard not to show how much my side was throbbing. "No problem. Now let go of me."

We glared at each other. Usually, I backed down, but not this time. It felt as if the staring contest would go on forever, but my father finally relented. He unclenched his fist and smoothed out my jacket. Huffing a laugh, he shook his head and mumbled something under his breath.

"You made your point, Edward, but don't push it."

Straightening my jacket, I nodded to him before leaving the room.

oOo

Emmett met me out by the car. He leaned against the side of the garage, arms crossed, looking perturbed.

"What's up, Em?"

"We have a meet-up at Volturi's strip club. Muggy, Cricket, and a few handpicked guys will accompany us. We're meeting down at the gate."

"What's going on?" I asked as we got into the car.

Emmett shut his door and started the engine, pulling out with a chirp of the tires. "We are going to ask Aro if he tried to have you taken out." He sighed and shook his head. "Not sure why we have to meet him on his turf when it was his fucking order."

"Because maybe it wasn't his order. It shows we accept the possibility he didn't do it."

"I still don't like it, E."

We met the other vehicles by the gate. One rode behind us, one in front. The drive was fairly silent, which was unusual for Emmett. He seemed broody and deep in thought. I dry swallowed a few Vicodin and spent the rest of the ride taking deep breaths until my pain was under control. The last thing I wanted to do was show weakness in front of Aro Volturi.

We walked into the strip club like we owned the place, Emmett and me in front, Cricket and Muggy behind us. The rest of the guys were stationed in front or behind the club as lookouts.

The large room was filled with tables strategically placed so customers could take in dancers performing on multiple stages—many no more than small platforms meant for semi-private shows. There was a bar along one side, and booths lined the other, some with curtains that could be drawn for privacy. It wasn't obvious, but I was certain there was a private area in the back where the real shows went on.

Pink and purple neon lights bathed the brick walls and painted colorful shadows over the audience. Each dancer was illuminated by spotlights, leaving the rest of the club in semi-darkness, probably for ambience as well as privacy. I couldn't tamp down a touch of admiration for the way Volturi had set up his club; it was more intimate and, dare I say, classier than the other offerings in the area.

Aro's muscle, Felix, a giant that made Emmett look scrawny, put down the drink in his hand and headed our way. He took his time, weaving through an empty section of tables.

"Edward, Emmett." He nodded in greeting before side-eyeing Cricket and Muggy. "I'm afraid your men won't be allowed in back, but they're welcome to enjoy a show."

Cricket scowled. "I'll need to check things out first."

Felix smiled tightly. "Of course. This way."

Cricket followed Felix, signaling Muggy to remain with us.

One of the dancers sashayed over, heading straight for me. "Hi, handsome." She was curvy and exotic with long, black hair that came down to her ass. The scraps of colorful fabric she wore left little to the imagination. She placed her palms on my chest and started to slide them down the front of my shirt, but I grabbed her wrists and pushed her hands away gently.

"I'm not here for that."

"Ooh." She licked her hot pink lips. "You have tastes that need to be satisfied in private? I do that too."

"You're lovely, but I'm not interested."

Her face radiated disappointment. "You like boys, then?"

"No." I glared down at her.

She held her hands up. "I can take a hint. The name is Flora if you should change your mind." She glanced at Emmett. "How about you?"

Emmett shook his head sadly. "Not tonight, Flora. Here on business."

Flora did a slow spin, showing off her curves. "Come back any time, boys."

"Wait," I called out. She turned back with an arched brow. I pulled a hundred from my wallet and tucked it into her G-string.

She smiled and blew me a kiss before strutting away.

"Damn, E." Emmett groaned. "What a hot little number."

I elbowed him in the side. "Keep your focus!" I leaned in closer and spoke in a low voice. "Did you ever think maybe that's why Aro wanted to meet here?"

Cricket returned with Felix. "All clear. Muggy and I will wait here."

Felix stared at us impassively, looking almost bored. "This way."

He led us through a guarded door and down a long hall. There was another hall that branched off; black curtains concealed the entrance, and another burly guy stood in front of it. I figured that led to the private rooms.

Felix stopped outside a doorway on the left and indicated we should enter. Aro Volturi sat behind a battered metal desk in a surprisingly utilitarian office. Other than the desk, a few chairs, and some bookshelves, the office was nondescript and sparse. The only item of luxury was a thick, oriental carpet, which covered most of the gray flooring.

Aro stood and motioned to us. "Come in, come in." He was well over six feet and barrel-chested with an olive complexion and eyes as black as pitch. "Can I offer you anything?"

I nodded. "Yes. The truth."

Aro waved a hand at Felix, dismissing him. "You want to know if I put the hit on you."

"Yeah."

"No, I did not." His lip curled with derision. "There is no love lost between me and your father—we all know this—but I had nothing to do with what happened to you. Please, sit." Aro sat down, the chair creaking under his weight.

Emmett and I sat in the chairs across the desk from him, and I started right in. "Why should I believe you, my father's sworn enemy?"

Aro templed his fingers and nodded, a sardonic smile twisting his lips. "I would never hire Bert to do such a job. Hitmen for hire are fine in certain circumstances, sure, but a man whose loyalty is only equal to how much money is thrust before him is a bad bet. It makes no sense."

"No, it doesn't."

"It's obvious someone is trying to provoke a war."

I nodded. "Any idea who?"

"My people are looking into it. I assume the package that was delivered to me was a message from your family, but I assume we can agree the package was sent to the wrong party . . ."

"You assume correctly."

Aro watched me from across the desk, his gaze probing. I remained relaxed, looking back calmly. "You're an interesting guy, young Edward. Perhaps when you take over the helm, we can find a way to work together. After all, those of us in this territory sometimes need to pull together against . . . outside threats."

"I agree. I have no idea why you and my father hate one another so deeply, but I think it's foolish to let what I'm assuming is personal history fuck with potentially beneficial business dealings."

Aro's eyebrows rose. He was silent for a moment before looking at Emmett. "What about you? Do you agree with your brother on this?"

Emmett nodded. "A hundred percent."

"Well, I have to admit this is unexpected. And are you also in the dark about the issues between your father and me?"

Emmett looked uncomfortable. It was clear to me that in his opinion, I was too frank with Aro. But Emmett's discomfort and failure to respond promptly was an answer in itself.

Aro shook his head. "No need to respond. The two of you should speak with your father so you can come to your own conclusions."

"And about this other matter?" I asked.

"I think we should let everyone believe you think it was me and that you came here to confront me. Of course I denied, and with no proof, you aren't retaliating any further than the message you already delivered. We reached a stalemate and have called a truce of sorts."

I nodded thoughtfully. "You think whoever did this might try something else."

"I'm sure of it. But if they feel their efforts were successful, we might be able to figure out who masterminded this before they make another move."

I glanced at Emmett for confirmation that he agreed. He nodded. "Okay, that's what we'll do. Let's keep what was said here between us. It might help flush out any moles."

Aro stood and shook hands with each of us. "You know, in another life, we could have worked well together. I wish you speedy healing." He walked us out to the hall where Felix waited. "Please feel free to enjoy the club. Whatever you want, it's free today. Felix, see to it."

"Yes, boss."

Felix led us back to the main room where Muggy and Cricket waited. Muggy was surreptitiously watching the dancers, but Cricket remained alert and watchful. I'd have to remember to give him a bonus.

Flora sauntered by, blowing another kiss in my direction.

Felix raised his eyebrows and tilted his head in her direction. "You want?"

"We have to go. Tell Aro thank you though."

"She's very . . . flexible." He smiled salaciously.

Muggy leaned in closer, looking eager. "Hey, if you don't—"

I glowered at him, which halted his inappropriate word vomit, and then turned on my heel, heading for the exit.

Once we were outside, Emmett slapped Muggy on the back of his head. "What the fuck were you thinkin' man?"

"Ow! Sorry, boss."

"I ever catch you in that place, I'll hit you so hard your ancestors will feel it." Emmett glared at Muggy. "That's me. My father though . . . he'll probably terminate your employment."

Muggy swallowed hard. It seemed as if he was about to ask a question—perhaps exactly what Emmett meant by "terminate employment"—but he thought better of it. Cricket looked over at him with disgust and muttered something under his breath.

When we were finally in the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't realize how tense I was the whole time we were in Volturi's club. I slumped in the seat, and my side started throbbing double time.

"Where to?" Emmett asked.

"The penthouse. I need to be with my girl."

~oOo~

Some tension between Edward and his father. They don't see eye to eye, which will cause issues. Do you believe Aro didn't put out the hit? Would love to hear your thoughts. Love all the theories you guys send my way!

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