Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it.
This chapter is a continuation of the last one.
I must apologies to everyone for not thanking you for the reviews. I thought you might prefer that I write the next chapter. Life soon gets busy, and time flies by.
Chapter 38
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Izzy had not expected to leave at night like she did, but she needed to clear her head.
The only place she could think of was the log cabin she and Teddy had gone to. She called ahead to see if they had an opening. The owner, Mrs. P, had become a friend that weekend. While staying there, Izzy had one of her nightmares, even though she and Teddy had shared a bed, with Teddy promising no funny business.
Teddy explained to Mrs. P. that Izzy suffered from PTSD and apologized for her screams.
Mrs. P had noticed some scarring on Izzy's side and made the wrong assumption that she had served in the military. Neither of them set her straight, as they didn't want to tell her why Izzy had PTSD.
"Izzy, you're sick. Have you seen a doctor?" Mrs. P asked, worried.
"Yes, I have, but I'd rather use my Gran's natural medication," Izzy replied, blowing her nose.
"Is Teddy with you?" Mrs. P asked.
"No, that's why I'm here. I need time to think," Izzy explained.
"Why don't you get yourself to bed? Sleep. Don't worry about Bobby. I'll come by in the morning to check on you, and if need be, I'll take him out and set his food down," Mrs. P. informed.
"Thank you, Izzy replied.
"I won't say a word. Now come on, let me help you get to your cabin," Mrs. P reassured.
~T ~
Izzy took the items from the bag for the poultice she had not been able to prepare.
But first, she had a spoonful of the Horehound Cough syrup she had made.
She opened the thermos bottle filled with a drink she had also made. Hot water melts a honey cone, fresh squeezed lemon juice, grated ginger, and fresh-cut oranges on top. She drank it, feeling it soothing her throat.
Then, she mixed wheat meal, camphor, cedarwood oil, and Eucalyptus oil to make the poultice. She spread it on her feet and wrapped it in Saran wrap and thick socks.
~T ~
Sue was worried about Izzy, not just because she had gone missing but because being exposed as Phoenix would open her up to people who might want to find her. Especially the cult that she had been hiding from. Then, there were those people from the New York compound that Sue didn't trust. Not only that, but Izzy would also have people befriending her when they realized she had money. She wouldn't be able to have the quiet life she had hoped for.
Sue knew from what she had heard from Charlie, the kids, and the teachers that weekend that Izzy was behind all the gifts and help that the people of Forks had received since she had been there.
Izzy had changed the lives of three teenagers who would never have had the opportunities they had if she hadn't stepped in.
Then, there was all the encouragement she had given to the many high school seniors in art.
Sue had some damage control to do. Then she had to try to find Izzy to find out why she had left as ill as she was.
First, Sue called Marcus and told him the curator had purposely shown the kids the pictures Izzy had loaned the gallery from her private collection. It wasn't supposed to be shown before opening night. She said that he realized who he was when the curator saw Teddy. He hoped to get paid for exclusive stories to the press.
Marcus arranged for the pictures to be removed, and the curator lost his job. All the signs of Izzy and Teddy were no longer there. It was just the kids who could cost Izzy her privacy. Sue still couldn't believe Izzy had done that. But they had already been seen in New York and Chicago, and no one had thought anything about them.
So much was going through Sue's mind; she wasn't even sure she wanted to stay married to Charlie anymore. He wasn't anything like the man she had married.
Sue was deep in thought when she heard Riley say they were about to enter town.
Looking out the bus window, she was slightly bewildered by why so many of her colleagues were in Forks.
Sue worried that either another child had been taken or those people from the cult had come looking for Izzy.
~T ~
Six months earlier, the Police headquarters in Seattle.
"Well, Mr. King, why do you think we want to make a deal with you?" DA Collins asked.
"I can tell you all about the illegal things going on in Port Townsend, Seattle, and Forks," Royce smirked.
"Do you think the DA's office doesn't know what you've done? The FBI has been working on cases in Forks. What can you possibly have to tell us," Agent Grey smirked.
"Well, shall we talk about Deputy Richardson, your partner in Fork's? His death while on duty with you? Then there's your other partner in Port Townsend, Officer Reynolds, who suddenly died while on duty with you as well?" DA Collins asked.
"Give me a deal, and I'll tell you everything you want to know," Royce answered.
"Well, that depends on what you tell us," Agent Grey repeated.
"Royce, just tell them what you know. You'll be in prison for the rest of your life. They might be able to give you a deal as to where you will be incarcerated," Alex Simpson, his lawyer, said.
"Okay, I'll tell you about Forks first," Royce began.
"I had a protection racket in place. That was when Richardson realized and threatened to report me. So, he had to die."
"So, you're telling us that you shot him?" DA Collins said.
"Yes, with a disposable gun; I had someone dispose of it for me," Royce answered.
"Who were the people you were bribing?" Agent Grey asked.
"I knew that the Mallery finishing school for girls was a brothel. Even though it had been raided, they couldn't find evidence that it wasn't a school. Many girls who worked there were found on the streets as runaways who were grateful for a full stomach and a place to lay their heads. They put them to work. Some were barely 16 years old," Royce said.
"We knew about that. What else do you know that can help you?" DA Collins asked.
Laughing, he added, "That's where Swan was when his kid went missing. The kid was trying to look after herself, so I heard. No one cared about her. He should have been charged with child endangerment. He won't let her have friends or live her life. Threatening anyone who gets close to her. She will never have a normal life because of him."
Both the FBI agent and DA both looked at each other.
"What else have you got to tell us?" Agent Grey asked.
"Stanley was foreclosing on properties, telling owners they were behind in payments. He falsified the paperwork and kept the money. Then, his daughter-in-law bought up the properties he had foreclosed on at a steal, and rented them out for double the rent." Royce smirked. "The Stanleys and Newtons had acquired land and built a house each. Newton as Mayor falsified the planning permissions."
"We already knew that," Agent Grey replied.
"How about telling us why you had Adam, Lee, Charlotte, and Peter on this bogus program you claim to have introduced," DA Collins asked.
"They were going to be my runners. I knew I could make any shit up about them, and no one would believe them. They collected my money," Royce laughed. "Before I got fired, I was going to have them running drugs."
"There is nothing you can offer that we don't already know. What you could do, though, is save the taxpayers money and plead guilty. You're going down for life just on the murders alone without the other things we know you have done and haven't told us about," DA Collins said as they stood up to leave.
~T ~
Sue saw some of her colleagues from the Innocent Images department she had worked with before. She couldn't figure out why they were at the finishing school.
Then, the unit from serious crimes took boxes of what looked like papers from the bank and the mayor's office.
Sue let out a sigh of relief when she realized that it wasn't to protect Izzy. But Izzy was right about the corruption in the town.
Her relief was short-lived when she heard Emmett shout to get to the hospital as Teddy was unconscious.
Sue knew it must have something to do with him feeling so ill all day, which meant it had to do with hitting his head when Charlie attacked him. She also suspected Charlie had something to do with that girl messing with Teddy at the bar.
She and Charlie were supposed to be going to the movies on Friday. But he changed his mind once he heard Izzy hadn't come on the trip.
~T ~
The Cullens.
"Carlisle, what has happened to Teddy? Why have you ordered a CT scan?" Esme asked.
"Teddy hit his head twice. Worse scenario, he could have a subdural hematoma. He could have died in his sleep last night. This is serious," Carlisle emphasized.
"Why didn't he go to the hospital when he felt so bad? We should have made him go last night when he returned to the room," Emmett groaned.
"You didn't know Emmett. Any of us could have told him to go. He was more concerned that no one could reach Izzy," Rose soothed.
"Has anyone spoken to Izzy," Emmett asked.
"No, she has left. We were all worried about her being so ill," Carlisle offered.
Just then, the doctor walked into the waiting room.
"Carlisle, Esme, we have the results from the scan. Edward has a concussion and a hairline fracture on the back of his head. Whoever hit him also broke two of his ribs," Doctor Wolosin said. "With those injuries, I would say it needs to be reported to the police."
"Can we see him?" Esme asked.
"If you go up to the ICU, a nurse will come and get you when he's settled. Once he regains consciousness, he will be moved into another room for observation," Dr. Wolosin offered.
"Dad, Teddy has to go to Seattle and press charges," Jasper added.
"I'll make sure he goes. He's going to be worried he will hurt Izzy if he does. But Charlie can't get away with this," Esme growled.
"I don't think Izzy will care. She's had enough of all the drama he brings into her life," Emmett replied.
"She is, and I want you to press charges. I have no proof yet, but I know Charlie's behind this," Sue said from the door. "How is Teddy?"
"Concussion, fractured skull, and two broken ribs," Carlisle answered.
"I need to get the kids. Let me know if you need anything," Sue said as she turned to leave.
Esme cried when she saw Teddy's face and saw the bruises on his body.
"I don't care what Teddy says. I want Charlie charged with what he's done to him," Esme cried.
"I'll speak to Chief Mark, but they might be a little busy now. It seems the FBI is cleaning up the town," Carlisle answered.
~T ~
Sue
"What's going on?" Sue asked one of her colleagues.
"Hi Sue, what are you doing here? I didn't know they had sent a profiler," Jackie asked.
"No, they haven't. This is where the kids have been staying with Izzy," Sue answered.
"Fraud, embezzlement, prostitution, drugs, you name it, this town is corrupted. Even one of the former officers has been using extortion. He's also been charged with murdering his partner," Jackie replied. "I'm going to be stuck in the office for months before it goes to court."
"Rather you than me. I'm taking a leave of absence for a family emergency. I'm not going to be back until at least September. The kids are going to university, and I want to spend time with them before they go," Sue said.
"Give my love to the kids and Izzy," Jackie replied.
Sue's mind was racing with what she had learned. As she opened the door to the house, she found her mom and dad waiting for her.
"Hi. Have you heard anything from Izzy?" Sue asked.
"No, but the man next door has," her dad replied. "We packed your clothes like you asked. Are you going to tell us what's going on?"
"Hi Nanna, Grandpa. Mom, why don't you go and speak to Phil? I'll tell Nanna and Grandpa what's happened," Leah said, rubbing Sue's shoulder.
Sue quickly went over to Phil, anxious to hear where Izzy was.
"Hi Sue, are you okay," Phil asked.
"No, not really. No one knows where Izzy is. Charlie has beaten Teddy so badly that he's in the hospital unconscious," Sue sniffed.
"Come in, we will have a coffee, and you can tell me what's happened," Phil replied.
"Sue, I know how much Teddy loves Izzy. Not just as a friend. But when Leah sent those pictures of Teddy with the blonde young lady. She was devastated," Phil offered.
"You mean when he was in the bar?" Sue questioned.
"Yes. I'm shocked that Leah would hurt her like that," Phil offered.
"She didn't. Her phone had been taken out of her bag. That bastard set him up," Sue fumed.
"We will just have to hope Izzy contacts one of us so we can explain," Phill offered.
~T ~
Teddy
Waking up to find I'd been out for two days was a real surprise. The last thing I remembered was being on the bus, wanting to see Izzy.
"It hurts to breathe," Teddy groaned.
"That will be your broken ribs," Esme answered.
"Why am I here anyway? I need to go and see Izzy," Teddy demanded.
"You suffered a serious concussion, have a hairline fracture of the skull, and two broken ribs. It's a wonder you didn't die in your sleep on Friday night," Carlisle offered. "I think you should charge Charlie with the assault."
"No, not to lose, Izzy. I'm not putting our fragile relationship in jeopardy," Teddy answered.
"Teddy, she won't care, believe me," Jasper added. "I've asked Deputy Mark to come over now that you're awake."
"Did anyone tell you about the art exhibition? Phoenix is Izzy. She had sent some of her paintings. They were all of me. She says I'm her one," Teddy said, trying to change the subject.
"Rose took some pictures. They were removed after you left. No one was supposed to see them from Forks," Esme replied.
"It wasn't an exhibition open to the public. It was by invitation only. That's why she loaned the pictures of you. I think they might be back here. I saw some crates being delivered when I was at your house," Esme answered.
"While you have been out, so much has happened. The FBI has cleaned house in Forks. The Stanley's and Newton's have all been arrested. The Newton children have been taken into foster care out of town. But no one knows where Izzy is," Carlisle began.
"Hold up, what do you mean no one knows where Izzy is?" Teddy panicked.
"She got a text from Leah with pictures of you and that blonde girl. It looked like you had planned to meet her there," Jasper offered.
"But I didn't. Leah wouldn't even be able to get into the bar. It was nowhere near where the kids were. What the fucks is going on?" Teddy gasped.
"Calm down, Teddy. You will have a panic attack. Everyone is trying to figure out where she could be. But you are going to press charges against Charlie," Esme told him.
There was a knock on the door that stopped the discussion.
"Hello. Sorry to disturb you. I've come to see how Teddy is," Tyler asked.
"He would have been better had Charlie kept his hands to himself," Emmett replied.
"That's kind of why I'm here. The Chief said he spoke to someone in Seattle, and they said that you could go and make a statement there if you want to. But he can't see them being able to do anything about it. Anyway, I'll see you," Tyler said.
"I'm getting legal advice; I'm letting him get away with this. This, to me, is the police's way of protecting one of their own," Carlisle growled.
"What's the point, Dad? I've lost Izzy, and as usual, I lost to Charlie. He always gets what he wants. If you don't mind, I'd like to sleep a little," Teddy said as he rolled over and pulled the blanket over his shoulder.
~T ~
It had been over a week since Teddy was discharged from the hospital, and he was once again in Seattle, this time with his parents and Sue.
Sue had contacted a lawyer named Marcus Volturi and his nephew Caius. They were to meet him at the Marriott on the waterfront.
"How much is this going to cost?" Esme worried.
"I told you nothing. Marcus was a good friend to my late husband, and he's also Izzy's lawyer. Caius is his nephew, and he will be your lawyer, Teddy. Volturi and Volturi have a branch in Seattle. But don't worry, you won't be paying for this service. He's been paid. They don't like how Charlie has been treating Izzy," Sue advised.
As they walked into the lounge, Sue walked over to a guy. When he stood up to hug her, the man was a giant, at least 6'6".
"Teddy, Carlisle, Esme, this is my good friend Marcus, and this is Caius, Marcus' nephew," Sue introduced.
"So, this is the famous Teddy Cullen my Thumbelina never stopped talking about over the Christmas holidays," Marcus chuckled.
"I hope it was nothing bad?" Teddy asked.
"No, Thumbelina wouldn't say anything bad about anyone. Well, maybe her mother," Marcus laughed.
"Let's get some coffee and go over what information we have collected and what we are going to do about it," Caius said.
Once settled, Caius reviewed what the private detective had found. Carlisle handed them Teddy's medical records and scan results, which they requested.
"He went to the motel and got the tapes from the CCTV at the bar and the entrance. He also asked for the tapes from the reception to see about Leah's cell. As you can see in this picture, Charlie took Leah's cell while you were all eating," Caius offered as he passed the pictures.
"I will say I looked through the tapes, and those kids were well-behaved. That's a credit to the school," Marcus added.
"The boss would be proud to hear that. Since Izzy came back to Forks, she motivated the senior class. They have never taken things as seriously as this year," Teddy said with pride.
"So, as you see, Charlie went to the bathroom but passed the cell to this man. We have identified him as a former colleague of Charlie's," Caius continued.
"That looks like Steve Willows. He was the chief before Charlie. He transferred to the station at Port Townsend. His wife's mother got sick, and they moved there to be closer to her," Carlisle offered.
"The blonde was a well-known prostitute. She confirmed what we already knew: she was paid $500 to seduce you. But what Charlie was hoping is that you would have gone to a room with her and had sex," Marcus added. "He also managed to get pictures of Charlie passing money over to them both."
"By not taking your statement to charge Charlie, the police knew that within two weeks, all the evidence would be destroyed," Caius informed them.
"Did you bring Leah's cell phone? I have a guy who can get the pictures off the cell even though they may think they have been deleted permanently."
"So, what happens now? Does he get away with this?" Esme asked.
"No, he won't. We will go to the police headquarters and make a statement. They will tell us that there is no evidence and that too much time has elapsed to retrieve any tapes. We will inform them that we have all the evidence our private detective found. If they still refuse, we contact the Department of Justice, offering them our evidence. Also, tell them how we believe they are ignoring the assault as the perpetrator is a retired police officer. Then, if we don't get any help there, we make a complaint to the FBI. Don't worry; they will take your statement," Marcus answered with a broad smile.
"That sounds expensive," Teddy whispered.
"It's already paid for," Caius smiled.
"By whom?" Carlisle asked.
"Volturi Enterprises," Marcus laughed.
"Who are they? Why would they help me?" Teddy asked, confused.
"They are my adopted son Jamie, his wife Corin, and their friend's company," Marcus said.
"But I don't know them," Teddy said, confused.
"You do, honey. Jamie's friend is Izzy. She's a silent partner. If she were here, she would be paying for this. Instead, Jamie has agreed to pay for everything that Izzy hasn't already paid for," Sue explained.
"Plus, I'm Izzy's lawyer and on a retainer," Marcus added.
"Would you like to pursue this?" Caius asked.
"Yes, I would. As long as you're sure Izzy won't hate me," Teddy said.
"I can promise you she would never hate you. She would be doing this herself if she knew what her dad had done," Sue reassured.
They made their way to the police headquarters.
"Hello, could you tell Gerold Ellis that Marcus Volturi would like to see him," Marcus said with authority.
"Do you have an appointment," the desk sergeant asked.
"No, but he will see me. Now, could you call him and tell him I'm here," Marcus growled.
"Marcus, it's good to see you. What can I do for you?" Gerold asked.
"It appears that, for some reason, the police department has been giving my client the runaround and refusing to take his statement. I thought we would come over and chat before I'm forced to take this further," Marcus said.
"There's no need for that. Why don't you all come through? Sonia, could you please organize some refreshments for us all?" Gerold asked.
~T ~
Izzy
"Pop, another one of those fancy cars is coming down the road," Sonny yelled.
"Not another one," Sandy sighed.
"I wish we used guns because I would shoot them. Meme is dying, and we have to deal with all this," Dylan growled.
"Son, we don't talk like that here. I don't care how old you are," Petal chastised.
The car pulled up. Its windows were tinted so that no one could see in. When the front door opened, all they could see was a female. Then she opened the back door, and a dog jumped out.
"That's my Bobby. She's sent him back to me," Willow screamed.
As she ran forward. Bobby automatically growled at her, baring his teeth.
"Don't start that crap, Willow. That act doesn't cut it with me anymore," Izzy growled.
"Bell, I'm glad you've come. Meme has been asking for you," Pop said.
"Is everything okay?" Izzy asked.
"No, Meme had a stroke, and she doesn't have much time left," Petal replied.
Thanks to my friend Kellie (Klcivinski) for my pre-reading. She always finds time in her busy schedule to read for me and give me honest feedback.
Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for making sense of my rambling and applying your magic fairy dust to make it readable.
Any mistakes are mine.