I must apologise to everyone for not thanking you for the reviews; it makes my day when I receive everyone. We are almost there. I hope you like this chapter. See you at the bottom.
~T ~
Chapter 40
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
As soon as Charlie was put in the back of the police car, he became aggressive and made threats. He demanded to speak to the commander. Little did he know his world the way he knew it was about to be turned upside down. He would soon wish he had never made the choices he had.
~T ~
Charlie
"I demand to speak to Gerold Ellis or Frank Staples now, son. I don't know what you think you're doing. Who the hell has authorized this farce?" Charlie demanded.
"If you would come this way, someone will come and speak to you soon," the young cop said as he showed him into a room.
"What am I supposed to have done, son?" Charlie growled.
"Take a seat; someone will come and speak to you soon," A cop said.
"Look here. I'm not taking a seat here. I'm a retired police chief. I happened to be a decorated officer," Charlie growled.
"If you don't sit down. I'll have to cuff you to the table,"
"Try it, son," Charlie yelled.
He found himself pushed against the table with handcuffs put on one wrist. He was pushed onto the chair, and the cuff fixed to the bar across the table.
"Now, will you cooperate?" The young cop asked.
"I want my lawyer. You're going to be so sorry you treated me like this. I'll have both your badges," Charlie spat out.
"What is the name of your lawyer so we can call him?"
"The Volturi lawyers. I usually use Marcus or his son Jamie. But Caius works from here," Charlie grunted.
Both cops walked out the door, leaving Charlie cuffed to the table. Charlie became more agitated as time passed.
Forty-five minutes later, Gerold Ellis, Frank Staples, DA Collins, Marcus, and a man in a cheap suit who Charlie didn't know walked into the room.
"I'm glad you're here, Marcus. No one will tell me what this is all about. If it's a joke, I'm not finding it funny," Charlie snapped.
"I'm sure once I leave, you will be able to discuss this matter with Commissioner Ellis," Marcus began.
"What do you mean once you leave? You're our family lawyer. Izzy has you on retainer. She pays you enough; isn't it about time you earned your money instead of being like everyone else, just taking her money? She's like a kid on a playground trying to keep friends by giving them money. That is why I must protect her, especially from that Cullen kid. He has always been bad news," Charlie snapped.
"As I was about to say. I nor our practice can represent you. I work for Izzy. She instructed me to represent Mr. Edward Cullen. I also represent Sue Swan, who will soon be Sue Clearwater again. I would typically get an agency we use to serve these papers, but now that I know the full extent of your treatment of Thumbelina, I hope they throw the book at you. These are the divorce papers. These are the papers informing you that Mr. Edward Cullen is suing you for the injuries you inflicted on him. This is a restraining order for you to avoid Isabella Marie Swan. You can't speak to her or approach her. You can't call her," Marcus firmly said.
"Are you serious, Marcus," Charlie said, shocked.
"Yes, I'm very serious. I have a lot I could say about how you have treated my little Thumbelina, but it will jeopardize this case. I'll see you again when the divorce is finalized, and don't try to claim anything from Sue because her house was what my best friend Harry built," Marcus growled. "Sue and the kids have moved out of the house in Forks. Once the kids graduate, they will leave Forks." Marcus looked at Charlie in disbelief as it was clear he didn't realize he had done anything wrong. Shaking his head, he left the room.
"Mr. Swan, unless you have another lawyer in mind, this is Mr. Hope. He's the public defender," DA Collins inquired.
"No, it seems like my only daughter has deserted me for that lump of shit. After everything I've done for that girl, this is how she treats me!" Charlie growled.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Swan, but are we talking about your daughter? The daughter you neglected and was kidnapped? You didn't know for over five hours because you were in a brothel. The daughter you will not allow to make her own choices because you know how to make her panic to make it look like she needs you," DA Collins snarled.
"You're here to answer questions about the assault on Mr. Edward Cullen and the theft of a mobile phone. You orchestrated the circumstances in which he was attacked," Deputy Commissioner Staples informed.
"Stop with the Mr. Swan crap. We've been friends for over forty years, Gerold," Charlie snapped.
"I'm only coming down to conduct this interview because you have refused to speak to anyone else. You are no longer in the police department. These charges are not going to go away with the old chum mentality. You have seriously injured Mr. Cullen. He could have died from his injuries," Gerold pressed.
"Come on, Gerold, the kid never died. He's a punk. He made Izzy's life miserable when they were kids. It was his fault she was on her own that day she was taken. They made fun of her. Now, he wants her for her money. That's all everyone wants. I keep telling her she would be safer if it was just the two of us. I'll ensure no one tries to befriend her just for her money. She's been giving it away. Who, in their right mind, buys someone a diner? The Littles don't even know her. Their son was in her class in Kindergarten, that's it," Charlie said.
"Charlie, all kids in school fall in and out of friendships all the time. This is part of growing up. But instead of being there for Izzy, you just let other people deal with things," DA Collins said. "But that has nothing to do with this allegation."
"Wait a minute. Explain yourself. You're making allegations that aren't true. Explain to me what you mean by 'I left people to deal with things' What things?" Charlie demanded.
"If I have been informed correctly on the background of this case. You told the Cullens that you didn't trust them with Izzy anymore. Then, it was up to you to make provisions for her while you were at work or at the brothel. We know you were a regular visitor to the brothel. Had you been aware of what was happening? You could have met with her teacher or the Principal; the bullying might not have stopped, but it wouldn't have escalated as it did," Frank pushed.
"But it was that little shit's fault. He has to pay for what he did to her. I will not allow him to go near her. I will do whatever it takes to keep him away from her. If I can't protect her, I'll get someone who will keep him away from her," Charlie yelled.
"Are you telling us that you will hire someone to forcibly keep Mr. Cullen away from your daughter?" DA Collins asked.
"Mr. Swan, I advise you not to reply," Mr. Hope whispered.
"I'll pay someone, if need be, to make sure he leaves her alone. I didn't want her to go back to Forks, but she insisted. I knew once he saw her, he would wiggle his way back into her life. I'm sorry I didn't stop him from being near my daughter when they were kids. They were inseparable when they were first together for that year in kindergarten. Then he turned on her. Because of him the press knows who she is, and she will have to go into hiding. That will keep him away from her. Every time I find out where she is hiding, I'll keep tipping off the press as to her whereabouts if she insists on having him in her life," Charlie said with a smirk.
"You're a bitter man, Charlie. I don't understand why you are taking this out on Izzy. She hasn't had a life at all. I would have thought once she was found, you would have done anything to make her happy. I don't understand why you would do this. Do you even know why you're doing this to her?" Frank was puzzled.
"No one is good enough for her. I didn't make sure she was safe before I got her back. I'll make sure nothing happens to her again. To do this, I must ensure she can only rely on me. She doesn't need anyone else but me and her paintings," Charlie replied.
"So, are you telling us that you orchestrated the attack on Mr. Edward Cullen here in Seattle?" DA Eliss asked.
"Damn right I did, and as I said, I'll do it again if it keeps him away from my little girl," Charlie smugly said.
"Before you charge my client, could I ask that a psychiatric evaluation be performed?" Mr. Hope requested.
"I think you should know, Mr. Hope, that request should be put before the judge during the remand process," DA Collins advised.
"Commissioner Ellis charged him with Second-degree assault, Aggravated Assault, aiding and abetting said crime, and theft of a cell phone. You should be grateful that the statute of limitations is up, or I would have you charged with child endangerment as well," DA Ellis said as he got up and left the room.
~T ~
Although Charlie was convinced, he would be free, he would ensure Teddy paid for doing this to him.
Charlie pleaded not guilty. As requested, his lawyer asked the judge to have a psychiatric evaluation. He hoped for it to return that he wasn't of sound mind and could not stand trial.
The judge denied the request. He was remanded into custody until the court case was heard.
Charlie was shocked when the judge denied the request. Charlie had been getting himself worked up the more he thought about what would happen to him. He couldn't believe how everyone had turned against him. Although he was told he couldn't, he decided to call Sue to find out what was going on. Getting in the queue for the phone, he just hoped Sue would speak to him.
~T ~
Charlie
Sue was doing some more packing at Charlie's house. Esme had come to help her, as there was so much stuff there. The kids had been to the house and taken all of their belongings. Teddy had taken Izzy's things from her room to keep with him.
The phone rang, taking them both by surprise.
"I wonder who that could be?" Sue asked.
"It might be a marketing call. If someone wants you, they will call your cell," Esme replied.
"It could be the utility people. Izzy had paid the utilities until September, and I've claimed some of the money back," Sue answered as she rushed for the phone.
"Hello, this is the Seattle detention center. Will you accept a call from Charles Swan?" a woman's voice asked.
"Yes," Sue sighed. Charlie, if you cause any problems, I'll hang up the phone. You know you are not supposed to contact any of us. Don't think about lying because the calls are recorded."
"I just want to know why you're doing this to me. Why is that little shit pressing charges against me?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie, you almost killed Teddy. I don't know why you have such an obsession with Izzy, but it has to stop; this is the only way to do it. I'm divorcing you because your behavior is scaring me. Who in their right mind sets up a young person like that? Because of what you've done, Izzy left that night, and no one has seen her since. She hasn't even called the kids or me. The only person she has spoken to is Marcus and Jamie. That's your fault. That girl loves Teddy and not as just a friend." Sue growled.
"What do you mean no one knows where she is? Why isn't she in Forks with the kids?" Charlie panicked.
"She believed your little betrayal. She called my parents to come and stay with the kids until I could sort out leave to stay with them. She paid the utilities so they didn't have to worry and left a credit card to use for food and anything else they needed," Sue informed. "That, to me, sounds like she doesn't plan on returning here."
"Where the hell can she be? You've got to get me out of here. I need to find her," Charlie panicked.
"No, Charlie, you need to plead guilty, serve your time, and start to build a life somewhere where no one knows you. You have to leave Izzy alone. You've done enough damage to her. You have done this since she was seven years old. Now leave us alone and stop calling us," Sue said as she hung up the phone.
~T ~
Charlie returned to his cell and considered what Sue had said to him. He realized that he would never be able to separate Teddy and Izzy. They were joined at the hip when not long out of diapers. It wasn't right that he blamed everything on Teddy. It was he who had caused all the problems. He just wanted to have some comfort after Renee left.
Charlie asked if he could see his lawyer. He was going to do what Sue had suggested and plead guilty. What would he get: a smacked wrist, maybe a year in prison, and a fine?
~T ~
"So, Mr. Swan, I believe you wanted to plead guilty," Judge Rinder said.
"Yes, your honor," Charlie replied.
"You have come to this decision on your own," Judge Rinder asked. "Was there a plea deal offer made?"
"No, your honor, there was no plea deal offered. Mr. Swan made the decision to plead guilty to save the people money. Also not having to put people through having to appear in court to relive what he had done to them. He knew he wouldn't be able to win the case, your honor," DA Collins replied.
"Well, Mr. Swan, you shall serve 10 years in prison, and you can apply to the parole board for a hearing after serving eight years. Also, you have restitution to pay to Mr. Edward Cullen in the amount of $50,000 as well as a fine of $10,000," Judge Rinder said.
Charlie was taken from the court. He knew that the next 10 years would not be easy, especially if another inmate found out he used to be a police chief.
~T ~
Rose had been busy with the last-minute study lesson before exams, making sure that all the seniors had their graduation robes, and, of course, she and Emmett had to chaperone the prom. She had to go to Esme and collect the dress that Esme had altered for her; she couldn't believe she was pregnant again. After this one, Emmett was getting the snip. If he refused, she would threaten him with two bricks.
As she went upstairs, she could hear someone crying—not just crying but gut-wrenching sobs. She realized it was coming from Teddie's room. What could have distressed him to make him cry like this? Knocking on the door, she waited to be invited in. When he never answered, she pushed the door open.
~T ~
Rose
"Teddy. What's happened?" Rose gently asked.
Teddy sat at his desk with his face in his hands. Rose gently guided him to his small love seat in the corner of the room and held him until he cried out.
"Teddy, what's happened? I haven't seen you like this since you were four years old. Tell me, and I can see if we can fix this," Rose whispered.
"I don't know where Izzy is. What if something has happened to her? Someone from that group could have found her. After the article that appeared in the National Enquirer someone gave them all the information about her. That person told them where she was, details of her kidnapping, and the way she was abused while she was in that place. They identified her as Phoenix. It's only a matter of time before they find out she's also Izzy Inkpen. They have been around town trying to get people to tell them what they know about her. They were paying people for information. The kids in their senior year were the only people who didn't say anything, and of course, us and Phil," Teddy sniffed.
"Rose, Izzy has a lot of money, and people take advantage of her. You know how greedy people are. You heard what everyone said at that meeting. People will use her like Charlie has. I don't want her money, Rose. I want her in my life, in any way that she will let me."
"Teddy, firstly, if anyone believes what is written in that paper, they need to get their heads examined. Marcus is suing the newspaper for an amount that will virtually make them bankrupt. Although they had to write a retraction, that wasn't enough, according to Marcus. The art gallery has issued an apology, and they know they will never get Izzy's work to show there again. Other artists have also stated they will never show their art at that gallery. It was obvious they never kept the terms of the contract they had with the artists. Marcus is suing them for a breach of contract. I heard they have had to sell the gallery as they are bankrupt," Rose said, then paused.
"Secondly, and more importantly, she loves you. Why would you doubt that? She trusts you. You know more about what she has been through than anyone else. You've done so much together. With the seniors, you and Izzy exceeded what anyone would have done to help them graduate. You and Izzy go hiking together and camping. She taught you her way of fishing. I can't imagine fishing, standing in the water, catching a fish by hand. You took her to her first movie. It might have been a drive-in, but she trusted you and never panicked."
"The headaches are so bad that they are constantly there. I can hardly see some days. I'm still vomiting. It can't be right. My insurance won't cover any more scans. Mom and Dad said that they would cover another scan. Marcus said we could claim it from Charlie. She is going to hate me for suing Charlie. Where will she go if she comes back? They are selling her childhood home."
"Look, Teddy, you know she will buy a house or move in with you; she has the funds. She told Marcus to represent you. She is fuming at what Charlie has done to you both. Especially the way he hit you. That was a nasty assault, Teddy. It's something that will take time to heal. What else has upset you so much?"
"It's Josh. We knew he was going to die; we were both prepared for it. I still think he was holding on until Izzy came back. The poor kid was born with so many complications as a result of his bitch of a mother taking heroin, drinking, and prostituting herself. He had brain damage. He was blind because his mother had gonorrhea when he was born. That's why no one wanted to foster him long-term. He had no chance of getting adopted. Izzy and I talked about adopting him if he beat cancer. When he died, in a way, I was glad because he was in so much pain," Teddy looked up with tears still spilling down his cheeks.
"We knew they planned on having him cremated, and his ashes would never be claimed. He was abandoned. It makes me feel like I did when I thought Izzy was dead. No one knew where she was buried or if she had been cremated. All we were told was that they had killed her. People in this town forgot about her; it was as if she had never existed. I suppose we could have Josh buried here. We would know where he was and visit him. He wouldn't ever be a no-one again. Rose, not even a social worker, came to see him. If it weren't that Izzy and I came across him, he wouldn't have had the love we both gave him for the last three months of his life."
"You know you and Izzy are going to be great parents," Rose said, smiling.
"Izzy will never have children, Rose. How can she if she can't let anyone touch her," Teddy sighed.
"Don't be too sure about that. Are you going to be okay now? I have to pick my dear offspring up from their after-school activities," Rose asked.
"Yes, thank you for listening to me ramble."
"Anytime, Teddy, and please don't bottle it up again. You're human, and you've had some horrible things happen to you. Bye, Teddy," Rose said as she walked to the door, grabbed her dress, and left.
"Bye, Rose."
~T ~
It was a few days since Teddy had broken down like he had. He was still worried about Izzy. Her cell was still switched off. Even Marcus hadn't heard from her.
Marcus just reassured Teddy that Izzy wouldn't miss the kids' graduation. She was also invested in many of the senior kids.
He watched his nephew and niece running around in the garden and jumping into the pool while the adults talked. His cell rang. Looking, he didn't recognize the number. Hoping it wasn't Charlie again, he nervously answered.
~T ~
Teddy
"Hello," Teddy answered nervously
"Hello Teddy, It's me. I can hear kids in the background; don't let them know it's me," Izzy asked.
"It's my family. They are having a barbecue for Rose's birthday. Let me go inside," Teddy offered. "Izzy, where are you? I have been so worried about you. I'm not at work for the rest of the term. I'm out sick because of what Charlie did to me. Can I come to you?"
"I'm on my way to Savannah, Georgia."
"Why are you going to Savannah? You shouldn't be traveling on your own. What if you have a panic attack," Teddy worried.
"I'm not on my own. Besides Bobby, Serenity and Daisy are with me; they were at Meme's funeral. We've stopped at some places as a favor to pops. Meme had left some things for different people and families who had left the commune years ago. When we've finished, I'll take them home."
"Why are you taking them? Can't he? You don't owe them anything, Izzy,"
"He can't. They are trying to save the commune, and he is a little busy. So, we offered."
"When will you be coming back here? You are coming back, aren't you? You still want to be with me?" Teddy asked with a quiver in his voice.
"Teddy, what's the matter? You sound upset? Has something else happened that I don't know about?"
"You do know Charlie has been sentenced to 10 years. They're selling his house to pay Sue, and I got awarded $50,000. Then, he has a fine to pay. I thought you might hate me. That's why I never heard from you?"
"Teddy, I want to be nowhere but to be with you. I think $50,000 is nothing compared to what he put you through. Yes, I knew about the sale of the house. All his things will be put in a storage locker in Seattle. I've paid for it for the next 11 years. Which is more than he deserves."
"Will you be at home at least for the graduation?"
"You don't need to ask. I wouldn't miss it for the world," Izzy giggled.
"I have to go. You have my new number. Just don't give it to anyone else, not even Sue."
"If you need me to come out, I can fly out, and you can meet me. I can drive your smooth ride."
"Cullen, you're impossible. I should be okay for at least another seven days. Love you."
"Love you too Izzy to the moon and back. Bye, darling.
"Bye, Teddy."
Teddy went outside with a big grin, and all his family looked at him suspiciously.
~T ~
Izzy
It took almost three days to travel to Savannah. Izzy shared the driving with Serenity. She was thinking about flying back to Forks. She had been driving all over the country for the past month.
"This is the street," Serenity said, looking at the map.
"What number is it, Daisy," Izzy asked.
"Number 87. It's over there. It looks like they are having a party," Daisy answered.
"Look at the luxury they live in compared to what I had," Izzy grumbled.
"Don't worry, that's not going to last long," Serenity said with a wicked smile.
The three walked into the back garden, where the party was in full swing.
"They're over there," Daisy pointed out.
"Go get them, tiger. We're right behind you," Serenity added.
Taking a deep breath, Izzy walked up and tapped the guy on his shoulder.
"Hello Sparrow…
Thanks to my friend Kellie (Klcivinski) for my pre-reading and for helping with the plot for this chapter.
Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for her help with the legal side of things. The justice system in the States is complicated.
Any mistakes are mine.