Mafia Princess

Chapter One-Hundred Nine

Twilight...not mine (sigh).

Chapter 109

Emmett was pointing to a blonde woman drinking coffee with one of the cops who had interviewed Edward after the bombing. "She's supposed to be in Nebraska or North Dakota or some shit like that."

"Iowa," I responded. "Go say hi. Maybe she's back." Emmett took off like a shot with me on his heels.

"Ro!" Emmett called. She turned and her face blanched. "I've been looking for you."

I caught up to Emmett, breathing heavily. "Don't mind him. He was dropped on the head as a child," I quipped. "Officer Rathbone, right?"

"Uh, yeah," she blushed. "But, I'm off the clock. Call me Alice." We shook hands and they offered us seats at their table. Emmett was completely enamored with Ro.

"Where have you been, Ro?" Emmett asked, his eyes beseeching hers. "I... I want to take you out on a date."

"Oh, I'm only here to close up my apartment," Ro said, sounding very flustered and befuddled. "My friend, Alice, was kind enough to pack up my belongings before I could move back to South Dakota."

South Dakota? I thought it was Iowa?

"What's wrong? Can I help?" Emmett asked, eager to be closer to Ro.

"No. Thank you, Emmett," Ro said, her face scrunching up. "It's a personal matter and I'm having a hard enough time as it is. We should go, Alice."

"Right," Alice said, tossing some money onto the table.

"How's the investigation on the bombing going?" I asked.

"We've narrowed down the suspects," Alice replied. "They're in the wind, unfortunately. Make sure you're careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Should I have your number if I see anyone mysterious?" I pressed.

"I don't have any of my cards on me. Call the Seattle PD and they'll patch you through to me," she said. Ro forcefully tugged her and she waved half-heartedly. I furrowed my brows as Emmett watched sullenly while Ro walked away.

"I'm in love with Ro," he sighed, putting his head in his hand. His voice was wistful.

"Dude, you've talked to her like twice. You can't be in love with her," I spat, elbowing him. "Besides, didn't that conversation seem a little odd?"

"I don't know," Emmett shrugged. "Did it seem odd to you?"

"Jackass, I just asked that," I sighed. "Yes, it seemed odd. Very odd. First the information about her moving. I seriously thought it was Iowa she was moving to, not South Dakota. Then, the conversation about the bombing? What cop doesn't have their card with them? And why didn't she rattle off her number?"

"Maybe she doesn't have it memorized, bambina," Emmett offered. I shot him a dubious look. I may not be one of the Charlie's goons, but I'm not stupid. "You're stressing over nothing, Bella. Let's order some espresso. I need more caffeine than the swill that was at Uncle Charlie's."

I scowled at him as he flagged down a waiter. We ordered some coffee and breakfast to go for everyone in the house. We got back and I was still trying to make heads or tails of that interaction with Ro and Alice. Charlie was sitting at the counter, reading his paper. Edward was drinking coffee and trying to keep Carino from eating his bagel and lox. She really wanted her fish.

I also noticed an overnight bag packed by the door. "What's with the suitcase?"

"I've got to deal with a situation in San Francisco," Charlie grumbled. "I thought it could wait, but apparently not. Emmett, go pack your shit."

"We just got back, Uncle Charlie," he whined.

"Fuck, I know. I was hoping to get through the Fourth of July weekend, but apparently not. The manager down in San Francisco at Eclipse is an insufferable idiot. They're in the red and I've got to work with some local businesses to make it come back to life. Bella, you're in charge of Twilight. It's closed tonight, but I need you to go there and check to see if the booze has been delivered. I also need you to check the books. Tomorrow, we're having some sort of pre-July Fourth shindig since we're closed on the Fourth for a private party. Just be at the club. You don't have to go out into the crowd. Hang out in the office."

"Okay," I sighed.

"Emmett. Now! We've got a plane to catch," Charlie said, smacking Emmett's arm. Huffing, Emmett walked out of the kitchen and stomped down to his apartment in the basement. He came back up a few moments later with a duffel bag and a scowl on his face. Charlie rolled his eyes, dragging Emmett out of the house.

I sat at the counter, tearing at a croissant. I didn't want to go to the club. Bad things happen at clubs.

Bombings.

Possible sexual attacks.

Insensitive friends.

Edward's fingers threaded with mine and he brushed my hair away from my face. "Don't worry, Little One. I'll be with you. Every step of the way," he smiled.

"Promise?" I asked, my voice sounding small.

"I'd do anything for you, Bella," he vowed, kissing my lips slowly his usual three times. His eyes were soft and green, swimming with affection, adoration and love. "Nothing's going to happen to you while you're dad's gone. We'll have fun in his office."

"Doing what?" I snorted.

"You'll see," he grinned.

A/N: Another piece to the puzzle, folks. Tee hee...no pics with this one. Though there will be some pervy pics in three chapters or so. Just saying. Leave me some lovin!

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