Chapter 6: After Action

Edward

Samantha and I dated back in high school, a time when everything seemed simpler. We were young and thought we knew what love was. But as we grew, so did the distance between us. Our relationship became a comfortable routine, lacking the spark that I read about in books or saw in movies. When she left, it was without drama or tears, just a mutual understanding that we were heading in different directions.

It was only after her departure that I discovered the truth. Hidden messages, late-night calls I was never meant to see. Samantha had chosen someone else, her heart led astray by a mystery man whose identity remained shrouded. The betrayal stung, a silent wound that festered long after she was gone. I grappled with questions that had no answers, with a sense of inadequacy that lingered like a shadow.

Her death hit me out of nowhere. She had been beaten, her life stolen by the man she chose over me. The news left me numb, a hollow shell grappling with a loss that felt both distant and painfully close. The town's reaction only added to my torment. Whispers turned into accusations, and I became the prime suspect in the court of public opinion.

The coroner's report said 'accident,' but that did nothing to sway the town's belief that I was responsible. Their stares were like daggers, piercing through me with every step I took. Only Sheriff Hale believed in my innocence, having verified that I was at a hospital charity event the night Samantha's life was cruelly ended.

Now, as I try to navigate this new chapter with Bella, the past looms over me. The town seems determined to cast me as the villain of their story, refusing to let me find the happiness that has eluded me for so long.

Bella represented a new beginning, a chance to wipe the slate clean. She was the first woman I'd allowed myself to consider since the days of high school dances and tentative first loves with Samantha. Since then, my heart had been locked away, untouched and uninterested. My friends, well-meaning as they were, attempted to play cupid, but their efforts were in vain. I had stubbornly refused to meet the women they deemed 'perfect' for me, not ready to face the possibility of opening up again.

But Bella, she was different. There was an ease to her presence, a quiet strength that I found myself drawn to. It wasn't just her beauty or the way she carried herself—it was the sense of peace she brought into my chaotic world. With her, I could imagine a future unmarred by the shadows of my past. Yet, the fear of the town's whispers and the weight of their judgment held me back. How could I bring her into my tumultuous life, knowing the scrutiny we would face?

I knew I had to confront my demons, to share with Bella the truth of what had happened all those years ago. It was the only way to move forward, to give us both a chance at the happiness that seemed so elusive. The question that haunted me was not if, but when—and how much of my past I was willing to unveil.

With Bella, I didn't need to put up a front or wear the mask that had become a second skin to me. She allowed me to be myself, to let down the walls I had meticulously built around my heart. There was an ease in her company that had me relaxing defenses I didn't even realize I was holding up. Her laughter, her unassuming grace, it all made me feel like I could breathe again, like I could be just Edward, not the Edward the town whispered about.

In her presence, the town's misconceptions seemed to fade into the background, their power over me diminishing. Her sense of peace was infectious, and for the first time in a long while, I found myself not worrying about the sidelong glances or the hushed tones that followed me in the streets. With Bella, the past didn't seem to matter; it was just the two of us, and the possibility of a future that was ours for the taking.

I wanted to see Bella again, before I left for three weeks, to feel the ease and peace she brought into my life. But my past was a shadow that clung to me, dark and persistent. I knew I had to tell Bella everything, yet the thought left a cold knot in my stomach. Dad was the one I usually turned to for advice, his words always seemed to clear the fog that clouded my judgment. It wasn't that I couldn't talk to Mom; it was just that Dad had a way of simplifying the world.

"Mom, where's Dad?" I asked, pausing at the doorway of her home office.

She looked up from her screen, her expression softening. "His laptop picked today of all days to update, so he's at the hospital. Something about approving the ED's timesheets. What's on your mind, Edward?"

I swiped a hand down my face, feeling the weight of my worries. "It's something I need to discuss with him. I'll head over to the hospital."

Mom's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing with concern. "What is it, Edward? You know you can talk to me about anything."

I nodded, the gesture automatic, but she saw right through it. She always did.

Her gaze held mine, and I knew she wouldn't let me leave without a word—not this time. "The town... they're not going to let me be happy," I admitted, the words heavy on my tongue. "I met Bella at the diner, and the moment I walked in, I felt their eyes on me. It only got worse when she joined me."

Mom's hand slammed down on the desk, a rare show of anger. "It's been ten years, Edward. Ten years! Why can't they let you move on with your life?"

I shrugged helplessly, turning toward the door. "I wish I knew, Mom. I really do."

She stood up, her chair rolling back with a soft thud. "Edward, wait," she called out, and I stopped, half-expecting her to offer some platitude about time healing all wounds.

Instead, she walked over and took my hands in hers, her touch warm and steady. "You deserve happiness. Whether that's with Bella or not. Don't let the town's narrow-mindedness dictate your life."

I looked into her eyes, seeing the fierce determination that I'd inherited. "How do I convince Bella of that? How do I protect her from all this?"

Mom squeezed my hands, a silent promise of unwavering support. "You tell her the truth, Edward. You show her the man you are, not the man they say you are. And together, you'll face whatever comes. You're not alone in this."

Her words were a balm to the turmoil inside me. With a deep breath, I nodded, a newfound resolve settling in my chest. "Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that. Do you mind if I still talk to Dad about this? I want to get advice too."

She squeezed my hands again. "And I can't fault you for that, Edward."

~~ Black Cat ~~

Before I could seek my father's counsel, an inexplicable impulse seized me—I yearned to hear Bella's soothing voice, a brief respite before confronting the shadows of my past. I reached for my phone, fingers trembling slightly as I dialed her number, anticipating the comforting click of connection. Yet, what greeted me was not the sound of her greeting but a muffled ringtone emanating from the living room.

Guided by a mix of curiosity and an unspoken dread, I followed the sound to the couch. There, nestled between the plush cushions, lay an iPhone, its screen aglow with the light of my incoming call—my name prominently displayed. The intricate Celtic Tree of Life etched onto the case was unmistakable—it belonged to Bella. A chill of foreboding crept up my spine as I grasped the gravity of her oversight.

With a heavy heart, I pocketed both phones, my mind a whirlwind of concern. The hospital, a place of sterile corridors and hushed voices, would have to wait. My plans shifted, now prioritizing a visit to the diner where her car awaited, followed by a detour to the starbase. I scribbled a hasty note for Bella, its words a silent promise, and affixed it securely to her car's windshield—a beacon to guide her back to me.

As I stepped outside, the note fluttered in the gentle embrace of the breeze, a silent sentinel over her abandoned vehicle. With each step away, the weight of delay bore down on me, yet the urgency to ensure Bella's safety eclipsed all else. She was the enigma that had captivated my soul, and I was irrevocably hers to command.

~~ Black Cat ~~

The hospital's facade towered over me, a monolith of memories I was hesitant to confront. I swallowed hard, the sharp tang of dread coating my tongue. The quickest path to my father's office was through the Emergency Department entrance—a route I hadn't traversed since the harrowing day Samantha's parents had called, oblivious to the fact that she and I had parted ways.

Rooted to the parking lot, I battled to steady my racing heart. If I couldn't push pass my past, then how was I going to explain it to Bella? To let myself have happiness?

With deliberate steps, I willed myself forward, each stride a defiance against the surge of memories clawing at my resolve, and a step in the right direction.

The hospital's corridors, once so familiar, now constricted around me, echoes of the past murmuring in my ears. I fixed my gaze ahead, a silent mantra propelling me not to glance around, not to succumb to remembrance.

Dad's office door stood slightly open, and I tapped on it lightly. "Have a minute?" I inquired as he looked up.

"Yes, but make it brief. We're bracing for casualties from an incident at the starbase," he responded, his tone laced with the perpetual concern of a physician.

I hadn't caught wind of any mishap. "Hopefully, it's nothing grave," I commented, sinking into the chair opposite his desk.

He shrugged noncommittally. "What's weighing on you?"

"Bella," I began, her name a beacon of hope amidst the tumult of my thoughts during the walk. I shared with him the same apprehensions and emotions I had confided in Mom, culminating with the electric pulse of our near-kiss.

Dad absorbed my words in silence, his features inscrutable. Then, interrupted by the chime of an email, he reached for the phone, dialing with urgency.

I tuned out their exchange until he broached the subject of dinner. "Edward can text you the address, or he might pick you up," he suggested.

I nodded, already envisioning Bella's radiant smile upon my arrival. The mere thought of her grin, the way her eyes shimmered when joy animated her features, coaxed a smirk onto my lips.

As I rose to depart, Dad's voice halted me. "Edward," he intoned gravely.

I pivoted, locking eyes with him. "I'm guarding my heart, especially after Samantha."

"I can see that. The fact you are hear talking to me about it, shows me you want to move on." He sat back. "What brought this on?"

I drew a deep breath, the gravity of his words descending upon me. "The glares at the diner, Dad... the town hasn't forgotten. They still hold me responsible."

Dad's hand migrated to his chin, a sign of vexation. "They're ignorant," he declared. "Samantha's passing wasn't your doing. You two had ended things. And that coroner's verdict was an injustice."

"Dad, please," I implored, striving to quell the tempest I discerned in his gaze. "Bella's different. I want to proceed with caution, to truly get to know her. But the walls I built, that I didn't know I built… I don't know. Then there's this pull to just say 'fuck it' and give in to temptation." I ran a hand through my hair. "Caution won today. And I want to get to know her."

His smile reemerged, warm and affirming. "That's prudent, son. Yet, don't retreat from your emotions."

I echoed his smile, a surge of anticipation stirring within me. "If that fleeting kiss is any indication, I'm already journeying down that path."

"That's not my point, Edward."

I furrowed my brow. "Then what?"

Dad stood, encircling his desk. "Your sentiments for Bella are merely one facet of the equation. The other is confronting your history. You may not have cherished Samantha, but you did hold her dear."

I inhaled deeply. Dad's words rang true. "Would confiding in Bella about my past be the right step?"

Dad's nod was grave. "If you trust her, it's the perfect starting point."

"Thank you, Dad. I'll see you at dinner."

Dad's grin broadened. "It's bound to be an intriguing evening. I'll inform your mother that Bella will be joining us."

~~ Black Cat ~~

As I left the hospital, the anticipation of dinner with Bella at my parents' house filled me with a nervous energy. The thought of introducing her to my family, of sharing that part of my life with her, was both exhilarating and daunting.

But as I drove, a realization began to dawn on me. The image of Bella's smile, the sound of her laughter, they didn't conjure images of a family dinner. They evoked visions of us alone, sharing moments away from prying eyes, away from the weight of the town's judgment.

It was then that it hit me—Dad knew. He knew that what I truly desired wasn't a formal introduction over dinner, but the intimacy of time spent with Bella, just the two of us. He had seen through my words to the truth of my heart's longing.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I understood his subtle maneuvering. Dad was giving me the space to be with Bella, away from the expectations and formalities. He was paving the way for me to follow my heart, not the plans laid out before me.

Gratitude warmed me, and I made a mental note to thank him. For now, though, I had a date to plan—a real date, just Bella and me. And I intended to make every moment count.

Bella

With a weary sigh, I set my phone down on the desk, Edward's unanswered text burning into the screen. My next move was a mystery, even to myself, and without Daniela, my usual pillar of support, I felt adrift in a sea of indecision.

A knock at the door jolted me from my reverie. Surprised, I looked up to find Sam standing there, an unexpected presence. "Delta squad is here," he declared. "We're ready for the debrief."

I hesitated, the weight of my personal turmoil momentarily overshadowing the urgency of our mission. "Before we begin, could I seek your counsel on a private matter?" I asked.

He nodded, a gesture of solidarity, and stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click.

I unfolded my dilemma to him, omitting the dark thread of fear that Jacob might discover my whereabouts through Edward.

"Jacob's a Grade A jerk, no doubt about it. But Edward? I've seen his kind—he's a guardian, through and through," Sam said, his hand unconsciously rubbing the back of his neck. "You haven't mentioned it, but I can sense your worry about Jacob finding you."

His insight took me by surprise, rendering me speechless.

Sam pressed on, "If you're concerned about Edward picking you up, why not have him meet you here? Although, to be honest, I believe giving him your home address wouldn't pose a risk. Edward's the sort of man who'd face death before breaking your trust."

His unwavering confidence was the push I needed. I grasped my phone, inputting my home address with a steady hand, and sent the message with a sense of determined resolve. "Now, let's proceed with the debrief."

~~ Black Cat ~~

Admiral Frakes leaned casually against a desk, rifling through reports, as Sam and I entered the bustling bullpen. Members of both our squads were dispersed around the room, some sprawled on the floor, others perched on chairs, awaiting the debrief.

"Your bullpen, Admiral Swan, your debrief," Frakes said, gesturing to me with a respectful nod.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the task ahead. "Let's begin with the call-out. Did your squad receive all the necessary information?" I asked, locking eyes with Frakes.

A crease of concern furrowed his brow—a silent alarm.

"No, ma'am," came a voice from the back. "A full brief would've been beneficial."

Leah added her voice to the mix, her question laced with an apologetic wince in my direction. "What was the situation upon your arrival?"

Sam, Frakes, and I shared a glance, acknowledging the importance of her inquiry. "Go ahead," Frakes encouraged the room. "Who'll take this one?"

A member of the squad spoke up, "The vicinity of Quillayute airport was unsettlingly silent, ma'am."

I nodded, urging them to elaborate.

"The ambush struck just as we advanced with caution," they continued.

Frakes cut in, "Did it seem like you were the intended targets?"

"Yes, Sir," confirmed a blond squad member. "The local deputies were already engaged at the airport. We didn't realize they were under fire until we regrouped."

I mulled over the information. "How long were you on-site before backup was called?"

"Three minutes," Frakes answered without hesitation.

"So, your team was already mobilized when Black Cat received the alert?" I sought confirmation of the timeline.

"That's correct," he affirmed. "Something about the deputies' request set off alarm bells for me."

Nodding at his sharp instincts, I continued, "Was the mission brief for Black Cat detailed enough?"

"As detailed as our intel allowed," offered the Delta captain.

I turned to Seth. "Lieutenant Clearwater, can you summarize the brief for me?"

He recited the instructions, aligning with the report I had reviewed. "Silent approach. Weapons concealed."

"Anything else?" I pressed.

Seth concentrated, then shook his head. "That's all, ma'am."

I then addressed Embry. "Commander Call, was the briefing effective?"

Embry glanced at Sam, seeking silent counsel.

"Commander, the admiral is waiting," Sam reminded him.

Embry spoke with confidence. "Yes, Admiral Swan. Our discreet tactics led to the suspect's capture within ten minutes."

The Delta captain concurred. "Had we known to keep our weapons out of sight, backup might not have been necessary."

"Thank you," I concluded. "Prepare your after-action reports and submit them to Frakes by Monday. Dismissed."

Frakes offered a supportive grin. "Well done, Bella."

"Thanks, Bo. Did I miss anything?"

He shook his head. "You pinpointed the main issue."

I raised an eyebrow. "Which was?"

"The gap in information," he clarified.

"But was that the only factor in the complications?" I inquired further.

"In my opinion, yes. The deputies aren't equipped for intense combat. They managed as best they could."

I acknowledged his assessment with a nod. "Alright, let's call it a day."