The Inauspicious Beginnings Of A Prince
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 16
Charlie got home about ten minutes later and Jasper was less than impressed. As a matter of fact, he would go as far as to say he was shocked because Chief Charles Swan was drunk. Certainly not stumbling around or anything of the like, but enough that he was slurring just a bit and he smelled like a brewery.
Jasper was immediately on the defensive albeit not overtly. He would observe and see how this went before stepping in should the need arise.
"Okay Bells, I'm here. Now what's the big emergency that took me away from the game? It was almost over for Christ's sake. I don't see why this couldn't wait until I got home after that."
Jasper felt his jaw clench but kept his cool, waiting to see how Bella would deal with her father.
"Well Charlie, I called you home because I had just been attacked for the second time today by Jacob Black. He won't leave me alone about becoming his girlfriend and he slapped me across the face earlier today when I wouldn't agree to be his girlfriend. Tonight, he pushed his way in here and tried forcing himself on me, until the pizza delivery guy scared him off and he ran out the back."
Charlie had flopped into his recliner as Bella spoke and was tiredly rubbing his brow with his fingers. He looked up when she was done speaking.
"Look, you kids need to work out your spats on your own time. I only get so much time off and I don't want to spend it solving your lovers quarrels. Just give the boy what he wants and you'll be happier for it, jesus." He rolled his eyes and tapped the arm of his chair.
Jasper couldn't hold his tongue any longer and stepped forward.
"How can you be so blase about the welfare of your only daughter? She tells you she was accosted and assaulted twice in one day by the same guy, and you call it a spat, a lovers quarrel? And then you tell her to give him what he wants? Are you serious?!"
Charlie was now eyeing Jasper with disdain. "And just who the hell are you boy? And why are you in my house, alone with my daughter?"
"My name is Jasper Volturi and I'm here because your daughter called me while she was being attacked by that idiot you say she should just give in to. Does it not even register with you that the idiot slapped your daughter earlier today hard enough to bruise? And then had the nerve to attack her again this evening?"
Charlie stood up and got into Jaspers face.
"You watch yourself boy. I've known Jake his whole life and he's a real good kid. I'd be proud to have him as a son in law someday soon. Hell, Billy and I have pretty much planned on it since we heard Bells was coming to live here. They're perfect for each other."
Jasper was clenching his jaw so hard he was surprised his teeth hadn't shattered. Glancing over at Bella, he was dismayed to see her with her head down and shoulders slumped in defeat. That probably pissed him off worse than the ignorant words spewing forth from Charlie.
"So what I'm hearing here is that you're completely fine with someone slapping your daughter around? "
"Like I said boy, you need to watch yourself and stick to your own business and my daughter is not your business. You should leave while you still can, before I lose my patience."
Jasper stared coldly down into Charlie's blood-shot eyes, feeling his stomach roll slightly at this man that called himself Bella's father. He was truly a despicable person and Jasper realized that he needed to get Bella far away from this man.
"Bella, pack a bag. You're coming with me." He said lowly, eyes still locked with Charlie's.
Charlie chuckled. "Oh you think I'll let you take my daughter? My seventeen year old daughter out of this house? I don't think so boy. You try, or you make a move, and you'll be leaving this house in cuffs and the back of my cruiser boy."
Jasper curled his top lip in a slight snarl. "You think you can stop me from getting her away from you, you no good drunk piece of shit?"
"Are you threatening me boy? Please say that you are so that I can arrest your pretty-boy ass."
Bella moved toward them then and placed a hand on her father's arm.
"Please don't Charlie. He didn't mean it, did you Jasper?"
She shot Jasper a pleading look, which he took in with his peripheral vision, keeping his eyes locked in a steady stare down with Charlie.
"Oh I meant it, sweetheart. This piece of trash doesn't scare me in the least."
Charlie's grin was feral. "I'm so happy you said that boy because you're under arrest for threatening a police officer. Now turn around and place both hands behind your head. No sudden moves either, or I'll have to resort to other measures."
Jasper knew what he had to do, and so he would let this low life arrest him.
He knew it was merely the first step in allowing Charlie to hang himself with his own rope, so to speak, so he did as he was instructed and Charlie cuffed him with relish.
Bella was crying silent tears as she watched as Jasper was cuffed and placed in the back of Charlie's cruiser, his face set in stony resolve.
She wrung her hands, trying to think of a way to get him out of this mess that she felt was her fault alone.
She was surprised then because as Charlie got in to drive, Jasper looked at her and smirking wickedly, sent her a quick wink as Charlie drove away.
Shaking her head in her confusion, she walked back into the house and locked up. It had been a very long day, and barring being able to help Jasper, she just wanted to sleep, so that's what she did. Hopefully tomorrow would be better.
~o0o~
Jasper was surprised to say the least when the deputy, after processing him in, made sure that he had his phone call first thing.
He called the one person in his life that he knew he could count on above all others; his father, Caius.
When the call connected to the reception desk, he spoke in fluent Italian.
"Giana, this is Jasper. I need to speak to my father urgently. Connect me now."
Hearing the tone of his voice she hastened to do just that and he heard his father's voice in the next moment.
"Jasper, my son, I was told this is urgent. What has happened?"
"It's a long story father, one for which we haven't the time right now, but I've been arrested by the local Chief of Police who happens to be drunk at this very moment. I need representation, not only to get me out of here but to document the drunken state of the chief for later use. Is there anyone you can contact for me father?"
"Of course there is my son. You don't think I would let you go to such a place and not have safety measures in place do you? Jasper, you should know me better than that."
Jasper smiled to himself at the warm feeling that suffused him at the genuine love that he could hear in his father's voice.
"I do father, and that's why I called you even though you're so far from me. I knew that you'd still be there for me in some way or another."
"Yes Jasper, and I'm feeling the need for a visit very soon, but until then my son, let us make this short so that I may get the help you require to you soonest. Take care of yourself my precious child and your mother and I shall see you soon."
"Thank you father."
Hanging up, Jasper turned to the deputy who took his arm and led him into an empty holding cell.
Jasper spoke then. "Deputy, I would like to file a formal complaint against your Chief. He arrested me and drove the vehicle to transport me here all while being intoxicated. I would request either a blood or breath test to be performed right away before the evidence of such is lost. My lawyer should be here within the hour and he or she will require to be shown that the tests were completed."
The deputy, who had been about to brush the kid off, instead took note of the eloquence of speech and bearing that this kid possessed and thought better of it.
No. He was tired of covering up Charlie's deplorable behavior and he wasn't about to hang with or for him. He detected real trouble where this kid was concerned. He just had a regal bearing, like old money, and he knew that Charlie had bitten off more than he could chew this time.
Nodding shortly, he spoke. "Alright kid. I'll take care of it. Try to get some sleep. With the way lawyers are, you're probably in for a long wait. Might as well be rested when they finally get here."
The kid smirked but said nothing else and so, shaking his head, he made his way back out to the desk.
Calling over another deputy, he explained what was going on and they went to Charlie's office together, after having called for someone from the local hospital to do the blood draw.
Knocking, they both entered when they heard Charlie grunt in response.
They took in his slumped form and bloodshot eyes and the stench of beer coming from him and both found it difficult to muster any kind of respect, much less sympathy for what had been a very good man at one point years ago.
Just what had changed him so terribly over the years they didn't know, but he had and it wasn't for the better.
"Chief, the kid is filing charges against you for false arrest and transporting a minor while intoxicated. We've called up to the hospital for someone to do the blood draw. They should be here any minute. Please don't make this any harder than it has to be Charlie."
Charlie shot from his seat, pounding his fists on top of his desk.
"How dare you two? You'd do this to your Chief? After all these years of working together? Turn your backs on me and hang me out to dry?!"
Just then, there was a knock on the office door and the second deputy moved to open it.
It was Carlisle Cullen, the new doctor that had just moved to town.
The first deputy stepped toward Charlie.
"Don't make us have to restrain you Chief, because we will. This has been a long time coming Charlie and you know it. You simply messed with the wrong individual this time; one with the resources to fight you and win."
Just then, they were joined by a man in a sleek and obviously expensive suit.
"I am Avery Cohen, here to represent Mr. Volturi and to witness the testing of one Chief Charles Swan."
He handed his card to the second deputy and stood off to the side as Charlie reddened in his rage before throwing up his hands in surrender.
"Fine, let's get this shit over with then. I'm tired and I would like to go home."
Carlisle moved forward with his equipment and set up to draw blood while Charlie rolled up his sleeve, glaring at his deputies with naked loathing. They were both shocked, to say the least, but both were feeling strangely relieved to have this all come to light finally. It was past the time for Charlie to be brought down in their opinion.
When the blood had been drawn, the lawyer stepped forward.
"I would also insist on a breath test as the results are accessible without delay, unlike the blood test. In this way, we may know if the Chief should be detained this evening rather than be allowed to operate a vehicle on his way back to his residence as he intends."
Charlie's glare that he cast at the lawyer could have cut glass but he remained seated as the first deputy performed the test and shared the results with the witnesses present.
"Chief Charles Swan, you are under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while being legally intoxicated."
After reading him his rights, the deputy processed him and locked him in a cell as the other deputy dealt with having his client freed.
Carlisle stood to the side in shock at the proceedings. He should have been on his way back to the hospital, but had stayed out of his curiosity.
Jasper had somehow tangled himself into this mess and he was curious as to how and why.
When the deputy brought him from the back, Carlisle watched on with the deputies as the lawyer introduced himself with a slight bow.
"My Prince, I am Avery Cohen, your legal representative. Your father sends his love and regards and I am happy to be at your service."
Jasper tipped his head regally and accepted the card from Mr. Cohen.
"I thank you for being so prompt, Mr Cohen, and I look forward to your excellent service."
"It is my duty and my pleasure My Prince. Our family has been serving yours for untold years now and we wish it to remain so."
Jasper picked up his personal items from the counter and answered.
"Rest assured Mr. Cohen, I shall share a report of the excellence of your service with my father when next we speak."
Bowing, the lawyer thanked him.
"My Prince, do you require transportation? My car is just outside and I would be honored to take you."
"Yes, that would be most appreciated Mr. Cohen."
Carlisle and the two shell shocked deputies watched as Jasper departed with his lawyer, only speaking as the door finally slid shut.
The first deputy looked at the second and then at Carlisle.
"He's a Prince? Oh man, Charlie really stepped in a mess this time didn't he?"
The second deputy nodded. "He sure as shit seems to have. I've seen expensive suits on lawyers before but that one looked like it probably costs more than I make in a year."
Carlisle almost rolled his eyes at the hyperbole, but decided to ignore it in favor of gaining information.
"What prompted all of this anyway?"
The first deputy shrugged. "Not quite sure of the details, but it seems that the kid, I mean Prince, was at Charlie's house earlier and got into a confrontation with Charlie over something. Charlie arrested and transported him, all while being drunk and you saw everything else. We'll just have to wait and see what the dispute was about."
The second deputy smirked. "Doesn't Charlie have a daughter around the Prince's age? If she's the one I'm thinking of, then she's a pretty little thing. I'd bet money she was the cause of it all."
Carlisle nodded mentally. Knowing Jasper as he thought he did, he'd be willing to bet it was the girl too.
Being satisfied with his conclusions, he made his way back to the hospital. He would adopt a wait and see attitude where the Chief's daughter was concerned, but information was always better to have than not.
Jasper was up early the next morning. He wanted to get over to Bella's to get her out of there before anyone figured out that she was alone in the house.
He knew, with the way gossip traveled in this tiny town, that his time was limited and so he didn't waste any getting to her house.
Knocking on her door, he took the time to survey her neighborhood and didn't miss the furtive glances and surreptitious peeks of the neighbors and those driving by.
It seemed that the gossip mill was a well oiled machine in this town.
A sleep rumpled Bella answered just then and he smiled at her discomfort as he walked in and shut the door.
"Come on, you need to get ready, get packed up and get out of here. You can stay with me. I have an extra room and you won't have to worry about that jackass getting to you again."
He flopped on the couch and looked at her, waiting for all of that to sink in.
Looking a bit dazed, she sat down and shook her head.
"Wait. What about Charlie? I'm still a minor and he's not just gonna let me move out and in with you especially."
He smirked at her.
"Haven't you wondered why I'm here and he isn't sweetheart? Trust me when I say that he won't be a problem. He's going to be too busy just trying to keep his worthless ass out of a sling to worry about you and where you're living. He was arrested last night for drunk driving and I'm sure there will be many more charges put forth once my lawyer gets through with him.
Now, go shower and get ready. We'll talk more once you're really awake and aware. I'll wait here."
Nodding, she got up, still in a bit of a daze.
He was right, she thought, as she made her way upstairs. She needed to be fully awake to comprehend just what was going on. Just knowing that her Police Chief father had been arrested was enough to have her mind spinning. She never thought she'd see the day when the people in this town would allow their beloved local boy Chief to be brought down.
Finished with getting ready, she headed back downstairs significantly more alert and full of questions that needed answers.
Entering the room she found Jasper in the same place she had left him, but he was speaking on the phone this time and she became intrigued as she listened due to the fact that he was using a mixture of English and what sounded like Italian.
"Yes father, I am just fine. Tell mother not to worry and that they did not mistreat me in the jail." Jasper looked at her and rolled his eyes.
"Yes mother, I love you too. Yes, I know that you worry with me so far away, but that is why father employ's such competent people. Mr. Cohen was very prompt and efficient mother, yes."
Jasper sighed and threw up a hand in exasperation.
"Ai Mama! Please! I'll be fine until you get here and can make an inspection, I promise."
Bella melted a little then as she watched a gentle smile overtake Jasper's face as he spoke.
"I know Mama, and I love you every day for that." He nodded slowly. "Don't cry, Mama." He murmured quietly.
"I miss you too. Tell father I said goodbye and thank you both again."
Jasper sat all the way back, resting his head against the back of the couch with a tired sigh.
It seemed to Bella that he needed some comfort and so she made her way to him, straddling his lap and kissing him gently at first and then with awakening passion as his hands brought her in closer.
He groaned quietly as her center brushed over the ever growing bulge in his jeans and he grasped her hips, pulling her in snugly to grind together even as they continued to make love with their lips and tongues.
Breaking the kiss he looked in her eyes. "Not that I don't love what you were trying to do, but we need to get going. You really need to pack your stuff and get out of here. You'll be safe with me. That asshole won't dare to show himself at my place and I'll feel much better once you're there."
She nodded and he lifted her to her feet.
"It shouldn't take me long to pack really. I haven't been here long enough to properly unpack from my move from Arizona."
He got up then and followed her, taking boxes down to his car as she finished with them and she had been right.
She was done in no time.
They had talked as they worked with Jasper filling her in on the details of what had taken place the night before.
She was shocked, to say the least, but if she were being honest she was mostly feeling relief.
When she had moved here, she certainly hadn't expected the profound negative changes that had taken over her father during the time since she had seen him last.
He had scared her, especially where Jacob Black was concerned.
She shivered as she looked around the stripped room, thinking about the plans that her father and Billy Black had intended for her life.
Startled out of her thoughts by Jasper's voice, she spun around to face him, one hand on her chest to calm her racing heart.
He took her into his arms then, rocking side to side. "Hey, it's just me. It's okay, you're okay."
She nodded. "Yeah, I will be."
He smiled and laid his cheek against the top of her head. "Yeah, sweet girl, you will be. Come on, let's get you home."
Charlie got home about ten minutes later and Jasper was less than impressed. As a matter of fact, he would go as far as to say he was shocked because Chief Charles Swan was drunk. Certainly not stumbling around or anything of the like, but enough that he was slurring just a bit and he smelled like a brewery.
Jasper was immediately on the defensive albeit not overtly. He would observe and see how this went before stepping in should the need arise.
"Okay Bells, I'm here. Now what's the big emergency that took me away from the game? It was almost over for Christ's sake. I don't see why this couldn't wait until I got home after that."
Jasper felt his jaw clench but kept his cool, waiting to see how Bella would deal with her father.
"Well Charlie, I called you home because I had just been attacked for the second time today by Jacob Black. He won't leave me alone about becoming his girlfriend and he slapped me across the face earlier today when I wouldn't agree to be his girlfriend. Tonight, he pushed his way in here and tried forcing himself on me, until the pizza delivery guy scared him off and he ran out the back."
Charlie had flopped into his recliner as Bella spoke and was tiredly rubbing his brow with his fingers. He looked up when she was done speaking.
"Look, you kids need to work out your spats on your own time. I only get so much time off and I don't want to spend it solving your lovers quarrels. Just give the boy what he wants and you'll be happier for it, jesus." He rolled his eyes and tapped the arm of his chair.
Jasper couldn't hold his tongue any longer and stepped forward.
"How can you be so blase about the welfare of your only daughter? She tells you she was accosted and assaulted twice in one day by the same guy, and you call it a spat, a lovers quarrel? And then you tell her to give him what he wants? Are you serious?!"
Charlie was now eyeing Jasper with disdain. "And just who the hell are you boy? And why are you in my house, alone with my daughter?"
"My name is Jasper Volturi and I'm here because your daughter called me while she was being attacked by that idiot you say she should just give in to. Does it not even register with you that the idiot slapped your daughter earlier today hard enough to bruise? And then had the nerve to attack her again this evening?"
Charlie stood up and got into Jaspers face.
"You watch yourself boy. I've known Jake his whole life and he's a real good kid. I'd be proud to have him as a son in law someday soon. Hell, Billy and I have pretty much planned on it since we heard Bells was coming to live here. They're perfect for each other."
Jasper was clenching his jaw so hard he was surprised his teeth hadn't shattered. Glancing over at Bella, he was dismayed to see her with her head down and shoulders slumped in defeat. That probably pissed him off worse than the ignorant words spewing forth from Charlie.
"So what I'm hearing here is that you're completely fine with someone slapping your daughter around? "
"Like I said boy, you need to watch yourself and stick to your own business and my daughter is not your business. You should leave while you still can, before I lose my patience."
Jasper stared coldly down into Charlie's blood-shot eyes, feeling his stomach roll slightly at this man that called himself Bella's father. He was truly a despicable person and Jasper realized that he needed to get Bella far away from this man.
"Bella, pack a bag. You're coming with me." He said lowly, eyes still locked with Charlie's.
Charlie chuckled. "Oh you think I'll let you take my daughter? My seventeen year old daughter out of this house? I don't think so boy. You try, or you make a move, and you'll be leaving this house in cuffs and the back of my cruiser boy."
Jasper curled his top lip in a slight snarl. "You think you can stop me from getting her away from you, you no good drunk piece of shit?"
"Are you threatening me boy? Please say that you are so that I can arrest your pretty-boy ass."
Bella moved toward them then and placed a hand on her father's arm.
"Please don't Charlie. He didn't mean it, did you Jasper?"
She shot Jasper a pleading look, which he took in with his peripheral vision, keeping his eyes locked in a steady stare down with Charlie.
"Oh I meant it, sweetheart. This piece of trash doesn't scare me in the least."
Charlie's grin was feral. "I'm so happy you said that boy because you're under arrest for threatening a police officer. Now turn around and place both hands behind your head. No sudden moves either, or I'll have to resort to other measures."
Jasper knew what he had to do, and so he would let this low life arrest him.
He knew it was merely the first step in allowing Charlie to hang himself with his own rope, so to speak, so he did as he was instructed and Charlie cuffed him with relish.
Bella was crying silent tears as she watched as Jasper was cuffed and placed in the back of Charlie's cruiser, his face set in stony resolve.
She wrung her hands, trying to think of a way to get him out of this mess that she felt was her fault alone.
She was surprised then because as Charlie got in to drive, Jasper looked at her and smirking wickedly, sent her a quick wink as Charlie drove away.
Shaking her head in her confusion, she walked back into the house and locked up. It had been a very long day, and barring being able to help Jasper, she just wanted to sleep, so that's what she did. Hopefully tomorrow would be better.
~o0o~
Jasper was surprised to say the least when the deputy, after processing him in, made sure that he had his phone call first thing.
He called the one person in his life that he knew he could count on above all others; his father, Caius.
When the call connected to the reception desk, he spoke in fluent Italian.
"Giana, this is Jasper. I need to speak to my father urgently. Connect me now."
Hearing the tone of his voice she hastened to do just that and he heard his father's voice in the next moment.
"Jasper, my son, I was told this is urgent. What has happened?"
"It's a long story father, one for which we haven't the time right now, but I've been arrested by the local Chief of Police who happens to be drunk at this very moment. I need representation, not only to get me out of here but to document the drunken state of the chief for later use. Is there anyone you can contact for me father?"
"Of course there is my son. You don't think I would let you go to such a place and not have safety measures in place do you? Jasper, you should know me better than that."
Jasper smiled to himself at the warm feeling that suffused him at the genuine love that he could hear in his father's voice.
"I do father, and that's why I called you even though you're so far from me. I knew that you'd still be there for me in some way or another."
"Yes Jasper, and I'm feeling the need for a visit very soon, but until then my son, let us make this short so that I may get the help you require to you soonest. Take care of yourself my precious child and your mother and I shall see you soon."
"Thank you father."
Hanging up, Jasper turned to the deputy who took his arm and led him into an empty holding cell.
Jasper spoke then. "Deputy, I would like to file a formal complaint against your Chief. He arrested me and drove the vehicle to transport me here all while being intoxicated. I would request either a blood or breath test to be performed right away before the evidence of such is lost. My lawyer should be here within the hour and he or she will require to be shown that the tests were completed."
The deputy, who had been about to brush the kid off, instead took note of the eloquence of speech and bearing that this kid possessed and thought better of it.
No. He was tired of covering up Charlie's deplorable behavior and he wasn't about to hang with or for him. He detected real trouble where this kid was concerned. He just had a regal bearing, like old money, and he knew that Charlie had bitten off more than he could chew this time.
Nodding shortly, he spoke. "Alright kid. I'll take care of it. Try to get some sleep. With the way lawyers are, you're probably in for a long wait. Might as well be rested when they finally get here."
The kid smirked but said nothing else and so, shaking his head, he made his way back out to the desk.
Calling over another deputy, he explained what was going on and they went to Charlie's office together, after having called for someone from the local hospital to do the blood draw.
Knocking, they both entered when they heard Charlie grunt in response.
They took in his slumped form and bloodshot eyes and the stench of beer coming from him and both found it difficult to muster any kind of respect, much less sympathy for what had been a very good man at one point years ago.
Just what had changed him so terribly over the years they didn't know, but he had and it wasn't for the better.
"Chief, the kid is filing charges against you for false arrest and transporting a minor while intoxicated. We've called up to the hospital for someone to do the blood draw. They should be here any minute. Please don't make this any harder than it has to be Charlie."
Charlie shot from his seat, pounding his fists on top of his desk.
"How dare you two? You'd do this to your Chief? After all these years of working together? Turn your backs on me and hang me out to dry?!"
Just then, there was a knock on the office door and the second deputy moved to open it.
It was Carlisle Cullen, the new doctor that had just moved to town.
The first deputy stepped toward Charlie.
"Don't make us have to restrain you Chief, because we will. This has been a long time coming Charlie and you know it. You simply messed with the wrong individual this time; one with the resources to fight you and win."
Just then, they were joined by a man in a sleek and obviously expensive suit.
"I am Avery Cohen, here to represent Mr. Volturi and to witness the testing of one Chief Charles Swan."
He handed his card to the second deputy and stood off to the side as Charlie reddened in his rage before throwing up his hands in surrender.
"Fine, let's get this shit over with then. I'm tired and I would like to go home."
Carlisle moved forward with his equipment and set up to draw blood while Charlie rolled up his sleeve, glaring at his deputies with naked loathing. They were both shocked, to say the least, but both were feeling strangely relieved to have this all come to light finally. It was past the time for Charlie to be brought down in their opinion.
When the blood had been drawn, the lawyer stepped forward.
"I would also insist on a breath test as the results are accessible without delay, unlike the blood test. In this way, we may know if the Chief should be detained this evening rather than be allowed to operate a vehicle on his way back to his residence as he intends."
Charlie's glare that he cast at the lawyer could have cut glass but he remained seated as the first deputy performed the test and shared the results with the witnesses present.
"Chief Charles Swan, you are under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while being legally intoxicated."
After reading him his rights, the deputy processed him and locked him in a cell as the other deputy dealt with having his client freed.
Carlisle stood to the side in shock at the proceedings. He should have been on his way back to the hospital, but had stayed out of his curiosity.
Jasper had somehow tangled himself into this mess and he was curious as to how and why.
When the deputy brought him from the back, Carlisle watched on with the deputies as the lawyer introduced himself with a slight bow.
"My Prince, I am Avery Cohen, your legal representative. Your father sends his love and regards and I am happy to be at your service."
Jasper tipped his head regally and accepted the card from Mr. Cohen.
"I thank you for being so prompt, Mr Cohen, and I look forward to your excellent service."
"It is my duty and my pleasure My Prince. Our family has been serving yours for untold years now and we wish it to remain so."
Jasper picked up his personal items from the counter and answered.
"Rest assured Mr. Cohen, I shall share a report of the excellence of your service with my father when next we speak."
Bowing, the lawyer thanked him.
"My Prince, do you require transportation? My car is just outside and I would be honored to take you."
"Yes, that would be most appreciated Mr. Cohen."
Carlisle and the two shell shocked deputies watched as Jasper departed with his lawyer, only speaking as the door finally slid shut.
The first deputy looked at the second and then at Carlisle.
"He's a Prince? Oh man, Charlie really stepped in a mess this time didn't he?"
The second deputy nodded. "He sure as shit seems to have. I've seen expensive suits on lawyers before but that one looked like it probably costs more than I make in a year."
Carlisle almost rolled his eyes at the hyperbole, but decided to ignore it in favor of gaining information.
"What prompted all of this anyway?"
The first deputy shrugged. "Not quite sure of the details, but it seems that the kid, I mean Prince, was at Charlie's house earlier and got into a confrontation with Charlie over something. Charlie arrested and transported him, all while being drunk and you saw everything else. We'll just have to wait and see what the dispute was about."
The second deputy smirked. "Doesn't Charlie have a daughter around the Prince's age? If she's the one I'm thinking of, then she's a pretty little thing. I'd bet money she was the cause of it all."
Carlisle nodded mentally. Knowing Jasper as he thought he did, he'd be willing to bet it was the girl too.
Being satisfied with his conclusions, he made his way back to the hospital. He would adopt a wait and see attitude where the Chief's daughter was concerned, but information was always better to have than not.
Jasper was up early the next morning. He wanted to get over to Bella's to get her out of there before anyone figured out that she was alone in the house.
He knew, with the way gossip traveled in this tiny town, that his time was limited and so he didn't waste any getting to her house.
Knocking on her door, he took the time to survey her neighborhood and didn't miss the furtive glances and surreptitious peeks of the neighbors and those driving by.
It seemed that the gossip mill was a well oiled machine in this town.
A sleep rumpled Bella answered just then and he smiled at her discomfort as he walked in and shut the door.
"Come on, you need to get ready, get packed up and get out of here. You can stay with me. I have an extra room and you won't have to worry about that jackass getting to you again."
He flopped on the couch and looked at her, waiting for all of that to sink in.
Looking a bit dazed, she sat down and shook her head.
"Wait. What about Charlie? I'm still a minor and he's not just gonna let me move out and in with you especially."
He smirked at her.
"Haven't you wondered why I'm here and he isn't sweetheart? Trust me when I say that he won't be a problem. He's going to be too busy just trying to keep his worthless ass out of a sling to worry about you and where you're living. He was arrested last night for drunk driving and I'm sure there will be many more charges put forth once my lawyer gets through with him.
Now, go shower and get ready. We'll talk more once you're really awake and aware. I'll wait here."
Nodding, she got up, still in a bit of a daze.
He was right, she thought, as she made her way upstairs. She needed to be fully awake to comprehend just what was going on. Just knowing that her Police Chief father had been arrested was enough to have her mind spinning. She never thought she'd see the day when the people in this town would allow their beloved local boy Chief to be brought down.
Finished with getting ready, she headed back downstairs significantly more alert and full of questions that needed answers.
Entering the room she found Jasper in the same place she had left him, but he was speaking on the phone this time and she became intrigued as she listened due to the fact that he was using a mixture of English and what sounded like Italian.
"Yes father, I am just fine. Tell mother not to worry and that they did not mistreat me in the jail." Jasper looked at her and rolled his eyes.
"Yes mother, I love you too. Yes, I know that you worry with me so far away, but that is why father employ's such competent people. Mr. Cohen was very prompt and efficient mother, yes."
Jasper sighed and threw up a hand in exasperation.
"Ai Mama! Please! I'll be fine until you get here and can make an inspection, I promise."
Bella melted a little then as she watched a gentle smile overtake Jasper's face as he spoke.
"I know Mama, and I love you every day for that." He nodded slowly. "Don't cry, Mama." He murmured quietly.
"I miss you too. Tell father I said goodbye and thank you both again."
Jasper sat all the way back, resting his head against the back of the couch with a tired sigh.
It seemed to Bella that he needed some comfort and so she made her way to him, straddling his lap and kissing him gently at first and then with awakening passion as his hands brought her in closer.
He groaned quietly as her center brushed over the ever growing bulge in his jeans and he grasped her hips, pulling her in snugly to grind together even as they continued to make love with their lips and tongues.
Breaking the kiss he looked in her eyes. "Not that I don't love what you were trying to do, but we need to get going. You really need to pack your stuff and get out of here. You'll be safe with me. That asshole won't dare to show himself at my place and I'll feel much better once you're there."
She nodded and he lifted her to her feet.
"It shouldn't take me long to pack really. I haven't been here long enough to properly unpack from my move from Arizona."
He got up then and followed her, taking boxes down to his car as she finished with them and she had been right.
She was done in no time.
They had talked as they worked with Jasper filling her in on the details of what had taken place the night before.
She was shocked, to say the least, but if she were being honest she was mostly feeling relief.
When she had moved here, she certainly hadn't expected the profound negative changes that had taken over her father during the time since she had seen him last.
He had scared her, especially where Jacob Black was concerned.
She shivered as she looked around the stripped room, thinking about the plans that her father and Billy Black had intended for her life.
Startled out of her thoughts by Jasper's voice, she spun around to face him, one hand on her chest to calm her racing heart.
He took her into his arms then, rocking side to side. "Hey, it's just me. It's okay, you're okay."
She nodded. "Yeah, I will be."
He smiled and laid his cheek against the top of her head. "Yeah, sweet girl, you will be. Come on, let's get you home."
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.