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Chapter 42

Narrated by Shelly Cope.

Teddy was growing increasingly jittery as the days passed. There was something amiss, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He heard that the bikers from the trailer park had driven two people out of town. These two guys had been asking questions about Izzy. Teddy knew how Liam Jackson, AJ's father, was grateful for what Izzy had done for the kids in the park. His fellow bikers heard about these people and went to town to help them leave. So, Waylon tells it.

The forestry department had agreed to construct a wooden cabin that could serve as the headquarters for the scouting program and the base of the new ranger they would employ. This prevented anyone from doing what the Stanleys did to the forest, and it was to ensure that nothing like that would ever happen again.

There would be a front office where the Ranger would be situated. This is where leaflets and advice could be obtained. Additionally, for safety, people could inform him if they planned to spend time in the forest area. This was for safety in case a problem arose, allowing a search party to be assembled if necessary. It had been decided to create more nature trails, camping sites, and facilities for hunting and fishing.

The Forestry Commission also stated that the new ranger was to become a member of the scouting leadership team.

Teddy was shocked to hear that someone had claimed to be Phoenix on the news. He claimed the money he had made with his artwork was to fund a new cult he and a friend had put together.

People who heard this and owned her work realized that art would not be worth anything if this were true. Some people even gave away some of the art as they were disgusted that the money they had spent was funding such an awful thing. Many people in town were discussing going to the press and telling them that it was Izzy who was, in fact, Phoenix. Teddy was now hoping that Marcus could devise a plan to protect Izzy and ensure her career was safe.

However, most of the High School pupils were angry, and they had come to love Izzy for her help, understanding, and friendship. Additionally, regardless of what they did, she never judged them. One of the students had contacted a news outlet and informed them that they knew this individual was not Phoenix, the artist, and had begged them to contact Phoenix's agent, providing the agent's name.

~T&I ~

Teddy

"How are you doing, darling?" Esme asked Teddy.

"I don't know, Mom, but I'm happy that the school year is coming to an end. Additionally, we now have a designated meeting place for the scouting program. So, we can organize some activities for the summer break. But I'm concerned that Izzy hasn't returned yet. Then there is the problem with this individual from the cult claiming to be Phoenix. Mom, what will she do for a job? She lives for her art," Teddy sighed.

"Don't worry too much. I can't see Marcus letting them get away with this. From what Izzy said last time you spoke to her; this is probably payback for her and her friends calling these people out. Besides, I can see her becoming the art teacher at the high school," Esme reassured.

"Mom, she's not a qualified teacher. She never received payment for all the help she had given the seniors. She was doing it voluntarily," Teddy replied.

"Izzy is a smart cookie. Don't worry; everything will work out. Do you know if they ever found those people who were asking about her?" Esme asked.

"Waylon tried to tell the chief. But the Chief said he couldn't do anything about it as they hadn't committed a crime," Teddy replied. "But the bikers from the trailer park heard about it. They rode in, and the people left. Mark wasn't interested in what happened to them or who they were."

"Oh. I didn't realize those people knew anything about Izzy. How strange," Esme replied.

Teddy was about to continue the conversation when his cell rang.

"Mom, I have to take this call. I'll be up in my room," Teddy said as he took his cell out of his pocket.

"Hi, sweetheart; how are you doing?" Teddy asked.

"I'm frustrated that I still can't come home yet. We need to generate some publicity to dispel these false rumors."

"What are they going to do?"

"I've been invited to defend myself on Dateline."

"That will expose you. You will never be able to paint anonymously again. They will expect you to do tours with your artwork. You will never be able to have a normal life again."

"Yes, I know. I've done an interview before, and I had my identity concealed. The FBI is appealing to anyone who is related to the two children who were found with Sparrow. Their parents are thought to have been killed by him or one of his followers. The FBI also said they would also clarify that I had nothing to do with this cult. Other than using me as a pawn to identify a few individuals who had managed to stay off their radar. Or who had lied to them in the first interview after Wolf was arrested."

"They are going to be able to keep you safe, aren't they?"

"I hope so. I want to reclaim my life. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the prom. I thought when I got back, we could have our own prom. I've never seen you in a tux before. I'm disappointed."

"Not as much as I am not getting to see you in a prom dress. I know the students will be disappointed. Just come back to me quickly. I miss my girl."

"Not as much as I miss you. I have to go. Marcus has just come home. I'm hoping they have some plans. I'll keep you informed."

"I worry about you. You promise you're coming back?"

"Of course, I will be. I'll be there for graduation. Marcus will be there. He is the twin's godfather and their dad's best friend. Love you too. Bye"

"Bye, sweetheart."

Edward fell back on his bed, growling with frustration.

~T&I ~

Izzy never seems to get a break. Living on an island with just Teddy and her would be much simpler. She thought that could be a good idea. She was going to talk to Di, her accountant, to see if that could be possible. Supposedly, she had enough money to buy one even if Teddy didn't want to live with her. The kids could come out during the holidays. Who wouldn't want to visit a sunny island during the cold months?

~T&I ~

Izzy

"Why don't you just paint under your name, Izzy? That would be simpler than having to prove yourself. Or just for a quiet life," Jamie asked.

"Her paintings might not even sell. She'll be another painter hoping for a break," Jason Jenks, her agent, advised.

"I'll always have an income as an author and also a silent partner in your company, Jamie. I've invested some of the money I've earned. I should get a return on that. So, I'll always have a steady income," Izzy added.

"What I'm fucking annoyed about is how many times are you going to have to suffer because of these people? For Christ's sake, you're going to live a hermit lifestyle because you will never get any peace. What kind of life is that going to be, Thumbelina? You're still in your 20's. You've at least another 60-plus years of life left. You have never deserved what life has handed you. All because your parents never looked out for you," Marcus growled.

"Well, we are not going to take this lying down. If we don't get any help from this TV program. I'll be taking people to court," Di added. "My hubby, Marcus has never just taken things lying down."

"Let's eat some lunch before we go to the television studio. I know that the FBI agents are also appearing. With this being a two-hour special, they are supposed to be investigating cults," Marcus said.

"Do they know you and mom are going with her?"" Jamie asked.

"They will when we arrive with her. They must be crazy if they think we are letting Izzy go alone," Marcus laughed.

Lunch was a noisy affair. Even though a few customers complained about the noisy behavior, the restaurant never addressed the issue. Marcus and his firm were regular customers, and they couldn't afford to lose their business.

"Well, here we are. Make sure none of you leave Izzy alone, and ensure they disguise her," Marcus instructed.

"Can I help you, folks?" a cheerful receptionist asked.

"Yes, we are expected to appear on the Dateline show," Marcus informed.

"I only have the young lady and her agent attending. Who are the rest of you?" she asked.

"I'm her lawyer, and this is the lady who is her emotional support. So is the dog," Marcus informed.

"Let me ring through to the director," she stuttered.

She left the desk and made a call. Speaking in whispers, she informed us that the director would come down and ask if we could sit.

Marcus could see Izzy getting nervous, and she looked like she was about to have a panic attack, which she hadn't had in a while. Di took Izzy's hand and squeezed it to reassure her.

It wasn't long before the director came down. Izzy knew her from the last time she was on the show.

"Hi, Izzy. Are you ready to come to the studio," Tiffany asked.

"We will be accompanying her. My name is Marcus Volturi, and I'm her lawyer. This is my wife, Didyme, and her accountant. This is Jason Jenks, her agent. My wife and I are also her personal friends, and under the circumstances, we are here in her best interest," Marcus informed.

The look on her face indicates that she knew Marcus, as almost everyone did in New York. He or his associate represented many rich and famous people.

"Of course, not a problem. Please come this way," Tiffany stuttered. She knew they would have to play by the rules now and not expose Izzy as planned.

As they waited and talked to people about where they would interview Izzy. It was decided that she would be interviewed first. They promised to ensure her identity was kept hidden. They also asked if she would sit in one of the rooms and paint or draw a picture to prove herself as Phoenix. They would keep cutting to her, and a team member would be with her.

Marcus agreed and said that he and Di would stay with her in the room. It was obvious that he still didn't trust them.

~T&I ~

At the beginning of the show. Izzy sat with her back to the camera as the interview began.

"Good evening. I'm Samantha Wells, and this is dateline." Sam said as the music started.

"Today, we are looking into cults. There are many in our country and around the world. As soon as one is closed, another one appears to the FBI's attention. Today, we will speak to a young lady we have spoken to before. She was a survivor of the cult run by the wolf pack. How are you today?" Sam began.

"I'm doing much better than the last time we spoke."

"Are you still having to see a therapist?"

"No. I had to get help with panic attacks and people touching me. But people know not to. Besides people seem to be scared of my dog, so they tend to leave me alone."

"I understand the FBI recruited you and some of your friends when they intercepted a new cult that had sprung up?"

"Yes, they did. These people used to be part of the wolf pack. They wanted me to identify everyone from the wolf pack before they started giving false names. They had managed to hide from the FBI for many years. I just had to do it for all my friends who lost limbs and, ultimately, their lives. I hate them with a passion. I'm never a person to hate anyone. But to see them pretending they were helping the environment and knowing how they were lying, I could not say no to helping them," Izzy replied.

"That was brave of you. Were you scared?"

"I was petrified, especially when one of them went to hit me. But I was also so angry that two of them had used me once again to get themselves immunity from being prosecuted for their part in the abuse.

"Am I right that one of the men you thought was a foundling was, in fact, a part of the guards that were abusing you and your fellow captives?"

"Yes, he was. It was a complete shock. Even more so when he told me, he was responsible for selling us out to the guards. He also had a Facebook page and told people he was with their loved ones and said he saw them being killed."

"How did you feel when he proclaimed himself as Phoenix?"

"I wasn't surprised. That is typical of anyone who is in a cult."

"Didn't he go by the name Phoenix?"

"Yes, he did. I never named myself after him. Are you familiar with the mythical creature known as a Phoenix?" Izzy asked.

"Yes, most people would have heard of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Sam replied.

"I see myself as a Phoenix. I managed to get out of that hell and reinvent myself. My identity was concealed to keep me safe from anyone from the wolf pack. I was free to pursue what I was passionate about. My art. I have also been able to earn my own money. Not having to be supported by anyone because I was that little girl who was kidnapped, tortured, and left for dead. I had succeeded until he thought he could get revenge on me for exposing them for who they are."

"Can I ask you if you would be willing to paint or draw as much of a painting as you have time for to prove you are, in fact, Phoenix?" Sam asked.

"That's not a problem. I have told your team what I need, and one of them, plus one of my friends, will be with me."

"We had asked the man who claimed to be Phoenix to draw or paint a picture, but he refused."

"That shouldn't have surprised you."

Thank you, Phoenix; after the break, we will be talking to the FBI agents who have been working to take down this cult,"

For the next hour and forty-five minutes, Izzy painted a picture of Sam. The program kept cutting to Izzy to show she was painting a picture. An art expert professor watched her. He would look at the streaks of her picture and other pieces of her work to see if the streaks matched. He also looked at her signature.

Izzy was taken back to the studio with the painting, which was almost finished.

"Wow that is good. I can see what the subject is. I've always wanted a portrait painted," Sam gushed.

"It's not quite finished. But I hope you will accept this as my thanks for all your work exposing people who need to be outed," Izzy replied.

"It's not finished, but it looks perfect to me. I can honestly tell anyone who is watching this show. This young lady is Phoenix, and I hope not many of you disposed of her work because you have made a big mistake if you did. Thank you for watching. I'm Samantha Wells, and this was Dateline.

The camera stopped, and Sam asked, "How long will it be before it's finished? Would you be able to finish it before you leave?"

"I would say half an hour. Would I still be able to use the room?"

"Yes, I'll come with you and watch if that's okay?"

"I don't have a problem with that.

~T&I ~

Teddy

Teddy and his family watched Dateline the next night and hoped Izzy wouldn't be mistreated. They had seen it happen before on the show.

"At least they made her sound not as bad of a victim as last time. I couldn't believe she agreed to paint a picture like that," Esme said.

"That was the only way she could prove herself, Esme. She was doing it in front of a camera. It proved that she is the real Phoenix. No one else could pass her work off as their own. She painted in front of so many people watching the program. No only that she had a style of her own that no one could steal," Carlise added.

There was a knock at the door.

"Is anyone expecting anyone?" Esme asked.

Both Teddy and Carlise shook their heads.

Esme groaned as she went to answer the door. She hoped it wasn't someone with a sick animal as she hadn't had a night off in two weeks.

They could hear Esme speaking at the door with someone with a dog. Then the door closed.

"I hope that isn't someone for your mom. She hasn't had any time off with Alice being out of work. It seems you're going to be an Uncle twice more. What's the matter, Teddy? You look like you used to when someone stole your lovie," Carlise chuckled.

"I'm a little disappointed that Izzy hasn't called me today. I thought she would have let me know how she got on. I haven't seen her in months. I miss her. I'm just hoping she isn't having second thoughts because of what happened with Charlie," Teddy grumbled.

"And here I was going to propose a couple of days alone, just you and me," Izzy giggled from the doorway.

Teddy hadn't ever moved so quickly.

"Izzy, I can't believe you're finally here!" Teddy said as he swung her around.

"Put me down, Teddy, before I get sick," Izzy yelled.

"Are you here by yourself?" Teddy asked.

"Yep, just me and my dog," Izzy replied with a big smile. "Could I ask if you could all keep it just between the four of us? I don't want to spend all my time with Sue and the kids. Will you be able to get away for the next ten days before graduation, and everything gets crazy busy? Marcus and Di are coming for the twin's graduation, and I will pretend to come with them. I've got to finish clearing out Charlie's house. Someone has bought it, and they want to move in as soon as possible. I was hoping we could spend time together, just you and me, and of course, Bobby too. So, we can talk without getting disturbed all the time."

"I'm still out sick. I have been looking after the kids, but I'm sure we can think of an excuse for me not being here. Where are you staying tonight, or did you want to start our mini vacation now?" Teddy asked.

"How long will it take you to pack? I can see if we can go back to the cabin?" Izzy asked.

"You call the cabin, and I can be ready in less than five minutes," Teddy informed us as he took the stairs two at a time.

Izzy made the call and was pleased to be able to get a cabin for a few days.

"Ready. I'll get a blanket for my back seat so that Bobby won't leave hairs on the upholstery," Teddy said.

"We can take my car. Yes, you can drive. But it's a new car. Too many people knew my car," Izzy replied, passing the keys to Teddy.

"What kind of car did you buy?" Teddy asked.

"It's a black Volvo," Izzy shrugged.

"I'll see you both at graduation. You will be there for Gem?" Izzy asked as she hugged Carlisle and Esme.

"Yes, she should be home soon. The kids from the school newspaper have gone out for dinner to say goodbye. They passed everything down to the next bunch, who will be in charge of the school paper. The new kids will be writing their first piece about graduation," Esme informed.

Both Esme and Carlisle walked them to the door.

"Wow, Izzy. It's a Volvo XC40. This car is amazing. Maybe we can share it? It has tinted windows and a heated windshield. It has heated seats and a heated steering wheel as well. Come on, Izzy, time is wasting," Teddy yelled as he opened the trunk and threw his bag in.

"You're like a child with a new toy," Izzy laughed as she put Bobby in the back.

Waving them off, Esme said, "I hope they can make it work. They were always meant to be together.

Thanks to my friend Kellie (Klcivinski) for my pre-reading and for encouraging me when I struggled.

Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for her help and crazy editing skills.

Any mistakes are mine.