Chapter 14
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Charlie
Charlie went to Forks on the 13th of September, which would have been Izzy's birthday; she would have been sweet sixteen—imagining the party he would've given her. It seemed like an eternity since Charlie had received Chief Mark's phone call and spoken to Carlisle.
After the kids had received the email, Edward wouldn't accept that his Izzy wasn't any longer on this earth. He knew she would be somewhere; Edward never went to his next lesson, refusing until he had traced the email address the sender had used. Then he left school with a copy of it clutched in his hand and went to the police station. Edward stayed there, not leaving until Chief Mark came in to see him. It was Mark's Day off, but as soon as he heard it was about Izzy, he came straight away. Mark sent the information they had obtained to the FBI Innocent Images division, which had been dealing with Izzy's kidnapping. They sent someone around to the guy's house. Mostly everyone from Forks was devastated when the FBI said the guy was genuine. He was in the commune, and he knew Izzy. Charlie was in a state of shock when he was told. He tried to figure out why Renee would do this to Izzy and him. The answer was, to gain something she wanted.
For a long time, Charlie hadn't watched the videos of Izzy. But curiosity had him locking himself in a room where he watched them constantly—every recital at school. Izzy was singing loudly, but she could hold a tune. At home, the noise of the guitar she was learning. It was that he missed the most. Also, hearing a crash followed by "I'm Okay." When she had been climbing or jumping off something.
The kids at school held a memorial service for her. It pissed Charlie off to see Jessica and her crocodile tears, with Lauren hugging her as she was crying. Siobhan had a smirk on her face all through the service. As far as she was concerned, she had won. First, she had gotten rid of Jamie Hunter. Now she had gotten rid of that annoying Izzy. The next victim on her list was Angela. Siobhan thought that Edward would return to her; after all, he'd always told her she was his one, especially while they were fucking.
A pacific dogwood tree was planted outside the Elementary school in Izzy's name.
Charlie went back to his house in Forks. It looked run down. He paid Waylon to paint the outside and ensure the roof was in good repair. Edward promised to make sure the grass was cut. Charlie thought about selling it. There didn't seem to be a point in keeping it, as Izzy would never return. But it was the only thing he had left of his Izzy. Sue had encouraged him to keep hold of it a little longer.
Charlie met with the Cullens, Angela, Ben, Tanya, and April before he flew back to New York. He also met Emmett and Rosie's little girl, Isabella, who was one year old. She looked more like Rosie than Emmett. Everyone talked about Izzy and all the memories they had of her. Edward talked about his regrets and his love for Izzy.
Charlie, Sue, and her twins Seth and Leah moved out of the Bronx in New York. It was too much hustle and bustle for Charlie. They moved over to New Jersey to a place called Weehawken. Charlie liked the slower pace, just like Forks. He would sit on the wrap-around porch of their white house. It had an acre of land with a pool. There was also some fishing to be had. Sue didn't mind the half-hour drive to work every day. Although Sue still worked as a profiler for the FBI Innocent Images section, they allowed her to be based in the New York Office. They didn't want to lose her; after her husband died in a car accident, there was no one to look after her thirteen-year-old twins if she was away. She didn't like to put that on Charlie. He got on well with the kids, but Sue didn't feel it was right to ask.
Almost a year after he was told Izzy had died, the commune was raided by the FBI and local law enforcement. They had arrested many of the critical people involved in Izzy's kidnapping, one being Renee. All the records had been seized in the hope of building a solid case. They also hoped to locate the bodies or, even better, people like Izzy. A year after Renee's arrest, in many ways her attorney fought to avoid it, Renee was finally extradited to Seattle to stand trial for her part in Izzy's death. But there was no getting away with what she had done and the part she played in Izzy's death.
Today, Charlie, Sue, her boss Special Agent Nicholas Berty, and Special Agent June Richardson all traveled together to Seattle. They were all hoping for the maximum sentence for what Renee had done to Izzy. Renee had been charged with child abuse, false imprisonment, conspiring to commit murder, conspiracy to kidnap, and domestic terrorism.
If she got life without parole, it would save money taking her back to Texas to stand trial for the things she had done there.
Charlie had divorce papers served on Renee while she was being held in a Texas jail. One guard had great pleasure giving them to her. Like many of the inmates, they hated women who abused children. She enjoyed watching her sign them and didn't need to be asked twice about witnessing her signature. Charlie was glad that part of his life was over. He didn't know how he would ever get over losing Izzy.
~T&I~
"I didn't expect to see so many of you here," Charlie said, shocked.
"We wanted her to see that people cared about Izzy. After that interview, she did it for that newspaper. I can't believe they portrayed the town as uncaring and violent," Carlisle said.
"I'm just surprised she was allowed to be interviewed before her trial," Esme offered.
"She shouldn't have. The prison was blamed just as much as her attorney. That's why they have had to dismiss two sets of jurors," Ben added. "My dad couldn't believe how incompetent they were."
"Hello, Teddy. I wondered where you were. I thought you might have changed your mind. Are you ready to give your statement?" Charlie asked.
"I was in the bathroom for the ninth time. I'm so nervous. Do you think they will know that Izzy and I were fighting before she was taken?" Edward asked.
"Sweetheart, we've told you they won't ask you anything. All you must do is read what you have written. You are just letting the judge know what kind of a girl Izzy was and how you miss her," Esme reassured.
"Chief, I've seen pictures of Renee during the trial; she doesn't seem to care. How can someone not love their child? Did you know Izzy once asked Allie how she could make Renee love her?" Edward asked.
"I don't know, son. She has never been a wonderful mom. I wish someone had told me that Izzy was feeling that way," Charlie answered.
"Let me introduce you to the FBI agents working the case. This is Special Agent Nicholas Berty and Special Agent June Richardson. One of them is also giving an impact statement," Charlie introduced.
"We also have all the paperwork to extradite her to Texas if she doesn't get a life sentence," Nicholas added.
They sat in the courtroom and watched as Renee was led in. She had a smirk on her face. She had been found guilty of all her crimes. However, she had convinced herself the judge would still go easy on her. After all, they never punish the mother. She has served a year. She will be walking away today. It's a joke; conspiracy to murder. How can your murder someone who is missing? She had tried to tell them, but no one would listen.
"All rise for Judge Simons," the Bailiff said.
They watched as a female judge entered the courtroom. She was an older woman, and Charlie hoped she was a grandmother, and that she could understand how they felt and would hand Renee the maximum sentence.
"For the past fourteen days, we have heard about what this cult has done to the life of many of its victims. It was tough for the jury to hear what Renee Higginbotham had done and planned for her own daughter. I understand we have some impact statements," Judge Simons said.
Charlie was shown to the stand. He stood, cleared his throat, and began.
"Good morning, your Honor. My name is Charles Swan, but I'm known as Chief Charlie Swan. I'm Izzy's dad. The worse day of my life was the night I finished my shift and went to collect Izzy to find out she was missing. That was the day you not only took our daughter, but you also took my heart and the reason for living. I would go to bed and struggle to sleep, wondering where she was. Even when the case was relegated to a cold case, I never stopped looking for her.
People kept suggesting you could have taken her, but I defended you, saying you would never do that to us. But I was a cop. I should have taken my blinders off and realized what you were capable of. After all, you left us and did it in a way that I didn't even realize you had been taking your things. You never really liked Izzy as she became independent. You were so jealous of the time I spent with her. But nothing stopped you from spending time with her or attending her recitals and being a classroom mom for the day. She asked you several times for you to accompany her class on trips. They never went far, but she wanted the other kids to see you.
Our little Izzy was just seven years old and had her whole life in front of her. Izzy could have been anything she wanted to be. She had many natural gifts. Her singing was perfect; even though sometimes she was loud, it didn't bother me, but it did you. Her drawings for her age were outstanding. She was gifted. Her love for animals. She always wanted a pet, but you always made an excuse as to why she couldn't have any pet. I didn't want Izzy to blame or hate you, so I would go along with the excuse, even though her sad face killed me. You didn't want her to have something to love that would love her back. You couldn't stand the thought of our little girl being happy.
I will once again ask, plead with you as her mother. Please tell us what they have done with her body. I want to take her home and lay her to rest next to my parents.
Thank you, your honor.
"Thank you, Mr. Swan. Could Edward Cullen please take the stand?" Judge Simons requested.
"Hello, I'm Teddy. I am Izzy's best friend." Teddy stopped as he pulled out a photograph of him and Izzy looking over the window of his treehouse. Giggling. He lifted it so everyone could see the picture and carried on. "We had always done everything together. I was timid when I started Kindergarten. I had surgery on my foot when I was a baby, leaving one of my feet smaller than the other. Also, one of my legs is shorter than the other. I have a birthmark on my face and neck. Because of my disabilities, I was bullied. Izzy taught me it didn't matter that I had a born mark, as she called it," Edward smiled. "She taught me how to climb on the monkey bars, swing, and jump. We had both our tree houses. She painted pictures for our tree houses. Her artwork was fabulous.
We had many sleepovers in my treehouse. I would get frightened about being outside, even though my brother would sleep at the bottom of the tree. Izzy would hold her lovey; I would cuddle with mine. She would make stories up about our loveys, and the adventures they would go on.
When her mom left, there was no one to look after Izzy, so she stayed with us while the Chief was working. She has a room at our house. It's still there waiting for her when she comes home.
She told jokes that would leave everyone laughing so hard that tears would come down their faces even though they weren't funny. It was her facial expression while she told her jokes that caused everyone to laugh.
She had many friends at school that missed her as well. You took a lot away from the townspeople when you took Izzy. I'm also asking you to tell us where Izzy is. I miss her so much and have many things I want to say to her. It took me some time and a lot of soul searching, but I realized she was my one. My forever person. Thank you."
"Mrs. Tanya Biers could you come forward, please," Judge Simons asked.
"Thank you. I first met Izzy when I taught her in kindergarten. She was an excellent student. She was very caring with her peers. She would share anything she had. She was a popular member of the class and had a caring nature. Her love for animals was a joy to see. She told me she wanted to have a farm like old MacDonald's one day.
We had a class shop, and she saved her tokens for the whole year to get the art set, and then she took it to the hospital for the children who were ill.
Her singing was like listening to an angel, and she was very articulate in her artwork.
She loved books, and I do not doubt that she would have accomplished so much had she not been taken. She had so many talents that had she not been taken, and if they had been nurtured, she could have been an accomplished artist or a musician.
I would plead with you as a mother to another mother. Where is Izzy? She was so small. I just either want her home safely or her body so she can be laid to rest.
Thank you, your honor.
"Could Agent June Richardson please take the stand," The judge instructed.
"Your honor. We have been working on this case for the past six years, and in all the intelligence we collected, Renee Higginbotham's name kept coming up. Not only regarding her daughter but several other victims as well. Her life ambition was to become the first lady to Jacob Black, even though it was well known that he had a concubine.
Renee regularly beat Isabella when she was told to put her in her place. She hit Isabella so hard that she was sent to the infirmary.
We have heard from Renee's daughter's friends who never gave up on her. They had tried every avenue that was available to them to find her.
Renee, they all miss and love your daughter. You can see by how many people have come today to support each other and hope that you will tell them where Isabella is. They need closure in their lives.
I hope you will look at the faces of these young people and give them the justice they deserve for their friends.
Thank you, Your honor.
"Thank you. Is there anyone else who like to give a statement before we hear from Ms. Higginbotham?" The courtroom was eerily quiet.
"No, well, I suppose it's your turn. Mr. Walker, I will warn you this once, if you can't keep your client under control, she will be taken down to the cells, and I will pronounce her sentence without her attendance. My court will not be turned into a show like we have seen these past fourteen days by your client," Judge Simons counseled.
"Yes, your honor, Ms. Higginbotham understands," Renee's attorney, Mr. Walker, replied.
As Renee stood up wearing the typical orange jumpsuit worn by all prisoners, you could see she had chains around her waist that her wrists seemed to be attached to.
"I'm glad I will have my say, and you must listen. I never conspired to kidnap Sky," Renee began.
"Mr. Walker, you have been told that Isabella is not to be referred to by the name she used while she was kept as a prisoner. Last chance," Judge Simons sternly said.
"I never kidnapped my daughter. She came of her own free will. Why wouldn't she? Her father had hurt her. She was locked up in her room when the perfect Cullen family got bored with her. No one would look after her. She called me from my friend's cell phone and begged that I take her with me. So, my friends brought her to me in Texas. She wasn't abused. She broke the rules, and she had to suffer the consequences. Wolf liked her and was going to take her in as one of his inner circles. I would have been honored as her mother. I would have been served. But Isabella spoiled everything. Even if I knew where she was, I wouldn't tell any of you," Renee concluded with a smirk as she returned to her seat.
"Thank you, everyone. It is never a pleasure to sit as a judge in a case involving the murder of a child. But there have been so many of these cases that come to trial all over America. I thank Director Berty and Agent Richardson for their tireless work on this case. Renee Higginbotham, you will stand for sentencing. will stand for sentencing. You have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, conspiracy to murder, and domestic terrorism by your peers. I have given this much thought and have decided that you are hereby sentenced to life without parole. Restitution will be in the form of a $20,000 fine. You will be taken to the Phoenix, Arizona, federal correctional facility until death. I hope you take this opportunity to reflect on your life and hopefully find it in your cold heart to tell us where we can find Isabella. The court is adjourned.
"No, you bitch, us women must stick together. We would never hurt our children, our flesh and blood," Renee screamed as she was led away.
Everyone made their way into the hallway.
"Charlie, do you think Izzy went with them because she was so unhappy?" Esme asked.
"No. We were told that all the kids were put into their building. "From the intel, we collected from several kids who had escaped, they were called foundlings, which makes no sense because a foundling is an abandoned baby," Nicholas answered. "The kids would befriend each other to gain the information they could use against them later. The kids would use their knowledge to barter for things they wanted. They would share information with the person offering the kids the most. A guy who helped us in the planning and execution of the rescue operation told us about what happened to those kids. No, there is no doubt, Renee sent those people to get Izzy."
"What happened to those two? I've not heard anything about them," Tanya asked.
"They are assumed dead, along with their five-year-old son. We've found many bodies; many of the people who were part of this cult never had a family. Some people have never been reported as missing. There was a possibility they took runaways off the street, offering them a better life," June informed.
"I read in the paper that there are still many members and kids that have escaped and are still in hiding," Angie asked. "I was wondering if that was true. That maybe Izzy is in hiding somewhere?"
"We haven't found her body, so let's hope," June answered as she squeezed her hand.
"Well, Chief, you all have to catch your plane, but we hope to see you again soon," Carlisle said.
"Yes, drive carefully back to Forks. Again, thank you for coming. Izzy would have loved to hear what everyone said about her; especially you, Teddy. I'm sure if she were still with us, she would have been proud of you," Charlie offered as he pattered Edward on his back.
"Bye, Chief," Edward replied.
"I've asked if I can go and speak to Renee; I was hoping she would tell me where Izzy is. I was told I could go to the holding cell. She hasn't agreed to see me yet. I'm just hoping she will," Charlie informed.
Charlie was led through several doors until we reached the holding cells where Renee sat. Before he could even attempt to plead with her again on Izzy's location, Renee shut him down.
"It was a shame that Isabella caused so many problems. She was only supposed to make sure I advanced. All she kept asking for was her daddy and Teddy. Let's face it; her Teddy didn't care," Renee smirked. "If the next question out of your mouth is where she is, the answer is that's for me to know, and you never will. Now fuck off."
"I would say have a nice life, but we both know what your life will be like," Charlie chuckled.
"Don't get too comfortable, Charlie, because we are appealing," Renee shouted.
Charlie made his way back to where Sue was waiting for him.
"Well, Sue, I'll have to find something to do to take my mind off never seeing my Izzy again. I can't go back into law enforcement," Charlie said.
"We have plenty of time to work out what you want to do with your time," Sue offered. "Let's catch our plane home. I hate to think what the kids have been up to while we have been away these past few days."
"Sue, they're thirteen years old and staying with your parents. What can they get up to?" Charlie chuckled.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for pre-reading through the chapter and advising me on the law in America, which to me is so complicated.
Also, thank you as always to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for all her hard work editing the chapter. Making my words pretty.
Any mistakes are all mine.