The evidence

“You can run but you cannot hide, Bella. We will find you and make sure you go away for a very long time.”

Bella’s heart stopped for what felt like an eternity. She knew exactly who this message was from. Even the fortified safety of the Circle made no difference to how terrified she felt. She knew she was in a big mess and doubted if the Circle, or even Aiden could protect her here.

In a hurried panic, Bella picked up her phone calling Aiden who picked up almost immediately.

Bella : Aiden, I… I got a text.

Aiden: Explain?

Bella: They called again, threatening me with prison. I don’t really think I can take this anymore.

Bella’s speech was broken, tears spilling from her eyes. She could barely finish her sentences at one go. The more she talked, the harder her pulse raced. She was worried that no matter what they did, the problem wouldn’t really go away.

Aiden heard her out patiently. His only words at the end were, “Bella, we already have the documents we need. Be dressed in a couple of hours, I’ll pick you up.”

Aiden had just come out of the shower when Bella had called. He checked the time. “Hmm… too early,” he thought to himself. He got dressed, fixed his breakfast, read the news and then picked up the phone to dial the lawyer. “Eleanor, we need to meet. We have the papers, but there's been a situation.”

Eleanor knew what the word meant, especially when it came from him. “I can be in my office in about 45 minutes,” she was almost whispering.

“We’ll be there.”

In the next few minutes, Aiden was at Bella’s door. She was stunned to see him at the wheel. Where was James? Why was Aiden driving? He never drove! She slid quietly next to him and strapped herself in. Aiden smiled and began to drive. As they left the estate and hit the highway, Bella turned towards Aiden, her voice shaky. “Uhmm..so.. Where are the documents?”

“Safe,” is all Aiden would say.

Bella didn’t know what that meant. If there’s one thing she knew about this man is that he wouldn’t tell her anything. Sighing, she looked out of the window, watching her life fade away. Aiden looked at her just once. “Stop worrying Isabella. We have things under control.”

Yeah right… Bella muttered under her breath.

It took Aiden nearly 50 minutes to reach Eleanor’s office. He saw Damon waiting for him in the lobby. Half a smile, one nod and messages were delivered.

The meeting did not take very long. Damon had already brought copies of the documents they had acquired from the sleazeball accountant two evenings ago. Aiden handed them over to Eleanor and the three just sat there, watching her face while she read.

“This is solid evidence. But we cannot present it at court. However, I do have an idea, I can set up a meeting with the prosecutor. Maybe he can make all of this go away?”

Aiden stood and looked at Damon. “Time to go, Isabella. Thank you, El. Looks like we can have this problem disappear after all.”

Isabella hadn’t said a word the entire time. As they got up to leave, she thanked the stranger. “You’re saving my life, Eleanor.”

Aiden patted the concealed weapon at his hip and smiled, “If she doesn’t, something else will.”

Damon: Make my job easier, will you man?”

The three walked back to Aiden’s car, “Let me give you a lift, Damon?” Bella tried to put in a word, “Aiden, those weren’t the originals were they? So where are they?”

Aiden smiled. “Told you, they’re safe.”