Surprise! When I was finishing this story, my beta, beautifulnightmarex, suggested writing a few outtakes. Flash forward; there I am, experiencing writer's block with my new story, when all of a sudden one of her ideas started to take flight. Since my other plot bunny is apparently napping, I decided just to go with it.

This is purely a bit of fun for the crew. It is off the cuff, so all mistakes are mine. I hope you enjoy it.

See below if you're interested in a sneak peek of the new story.

Outtake: Operation D.I.A.

"What you do is write her a note. Something profound that will catch her attention."

"A note, Emmett, really? He's not in the fourth grade," Jenks scoffs.

"Fourth grade? Hell, how about the fact that we're dealing with millennials. They don't write notes," Edward counters sarcastically.

"I could—" Seth tries to jump in, but his quiet words are quickly overrun by the three boisterous men sitting around him at the dining room table.

"He could write her a computer program," Emmett suggests, to the jeers of Edward and Jenks.

I shake my head holding back my laughter. They've been going on like this for the last forty-five minutes and seem no closer to a solution. Glancing at the clock, I wonder if they realize that Seth needs to leave in a few minutes. I swear they're all hopeless.

Looking out the kitchen window, their bantering voices fade into the background. It is a beautiful morning. The position of the sun at this time of day perfectly highlights the remaining sunflowers in the garden. From this angle, it looks like they are almost glowing. I will miss waking up to the enchanting vision, but with fall fast approaching, the garden is fading away. A couple of the flowers have held on longer than usual, and Edward swears it's because I planted some of my stubbornness along with them.

"What about—" Seth says, attempting to break into the conversation once again. Jenks, Edward, and Emmett, however, are too busy debating the merits of chocolate versus flowers to hear him.

"Flowers don't make a statement! Flowers say I'm boring and just like every other stupid person out there. He should do something original," Jenks argues.

"Hey, I take offense to that. I bought Rose flowers on our first date."

"Point proven, kid," Jenks retorts gesturing towards Emmett.

Jenks and I finally talked Seth into attending college this semester. Given that Seth is probably smarter than most of the professors, he should complete his computer science degree in record time. Although he won't learn anything new when it comes to computers, a diploma will give him some legitimacy if he ever decides to work in the public sector. That decision has led us to this crazy conversation because this week at school, Seth met a girl. The guys are determined to interfere, even though I've told them to back off and let him do this on his own.

"Let's get serious. We all know that I'm better than you jokers are when it comes to dating advice. If you remember, I was never lacking in that department, not to mention that I'm also the only one who's bagged himself a wife," Edward cockily adds.

"Wait a second, I'm engaged," Emmett counters.

"Yeah, but I actually sealed the deal," Edward snaps in return.

"As the only single guy here, I have the most recent experience actually dating. Seth should listen to me," Jenks says, jumping in the middle of their tête-à-tête.

"That's it!" Their antics have past the point of being amusing. Deciding to end this disaster, I march over the table. The self-imposed dating experts look up cautiously, while Seth gives me a small thankful smile. "I hate to break it too you,casanovas, but none of you are all that. And, Edward, talk about 'bagging a wife again', and you can bunk with Jenks for the night."

"Come on, baby. You know I didn't mean anything by it." Edward moves around the table giving me his best charming smile before pulling me into his arms. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Uh, huh," I mutter, not quite ready to let him off the hook even though my body instinctively surrenders to his. "You're all being ridiculous. Poor Seth can't even get a word in edge wise, and it's his date." Glaring at the three culprits, I feel pacified only when they look appropriately chastised. "Go ahead, Seth, what do you think?"

"I was just going to ask her to coffee. Do girls really need all that other stuff?" he asks anxiously, his hands busy folding. 1,2,3,4,5.

"Every girl is different. Do you know what Mya likes?"

"We've really only talked about assignments. She's a brilliant coder." He sits quietly for a moment, his brain spinning as his folds and unfolds his tattered paper. Suddenly his eyes light up. "I could find out!" He turns quickly opening his laptop, the clicking of his keyboard starting almost immediately.

Before he can get very far, Jenks lightly smacks him on the back of the head. "New rule, kid. No hacking of potential girlfriends."

"You sure we want that as a rule, J? Having the real scoop on some of the chicks I dated beforehand would have saved me a lot of heartache."

"Emmett," I caution. "Stop talking."

Seth looks at Jenks with hopeful eyes; he always assumes that having more information makes every situation easier.

"No hacking, Seth," Jenks says again, closing the laptop. "Let's hear Bella out since she is the only girl in the room. Who knows, she might actually have something useful to add to the conversation." He gives me a sardonic "give it your best shot" grin, and gestures for me to go ahead.

"Thanks ever so much." I smirk back, before turning my attention to Seth. "You don't need to hack her or do something overly dramatic to impress her. Just be yourself and do what feels right. If you just want to ask her to coffee, go for it."

"But social situations are like my own personal ABEND." He pauses noticing our confused looks. "The IBM 360 systems error message, it's short for abnormal end. Talking about computer assignments is easy. I don't know how to get her to like me without using some proven dating techniques and protocols."

"Seth, there's no tricks when it comes to relationships. It's a process. If she doesn't like you for who you are, then she doesn't deserve you."

"That's what my aunt used to say when none of the other kids wanted to play with me. Those words didn't changed the fact that I had no friends," he declares sadly. "They all thought I was a freak. What if Mya thinks the same thing?"

"Seth," I say gently, sitting down next to him. "You are not a freak. And besides she likes you for who you are…I mean she's going to like you," I mutter hoping that nobody caught my slip.

"Hold up. She likes him?" Jenks asks, four sets of eyes watching me closely. "You, little minx, you color hacked her!"

Seth used the phrase "color hacking" during one of our recent jobs to describe what I did. Apparently, it stuck with the group.

"Bella?" Edward inquiries, although his beaming smile tells me he approves of the decision.

"All of this holier-than-thou shit about letting Seth do this on his own, and the whole time you were sneaking around checking this girl out," Jenks voices dramatically.

"Bella?" Seth asks quietly.

"Fine! I color hacked her. I snuck into your class yesterday and watched her interact with you. I know, I'm a huge hypocrite, but I just wanted to make sure she was worthy of you." I huff annoyed not only at the jovial colors floating around at my expense, but also because I ratted myself out.

"Well, are you going to make us wait all day? What did you find out, Bells?" Emmett questions.

Seth looks up with wide eyes, his paper once again a flurry of activity. "She likes you, Seth. Believe me, there's no need to be someone you're not or make a grand gesture. Take her to coffee and just be yourself, the rest will take care of itself."

"Okay. I'm going to ask her after class," he says enthusiastically jumping up and stuffing his things into his backpack. "Thanks, Bella."

"Anytime," I yell as he rushes out of the door.

"Our little boy is growing up, Ace." Jenks puts his arm around me and mockingly hands me a tissue.

"You're an ass." I laugh, playfully shoving him with my hip before he and Emmett move into the living room to review the newest case.

Instead of following them, Edward stays behind and wraps me in his arms. I lean back against his chest, his chin resting gently on my head. "You're sure this girl is okay?"

"Yeah, she is. Their colors are coordinated. It's as if they think alike. Who knows what will happen in the long run, but she accepts him for who he is, which is all that really matters."

"Is that why you hacked her?" he asks quietly, moving his head so that his lips ghost along my temple.

"I had to know. Most people don't know how to react to him. I just wanted to make sure he wasn't being set up."

"I love you." Edward snuggles into my neck and kisses it. "You're amazing. He's lucky to have you watching his back."

"I think we've got it all laid out," Jenks comments closing the file and looking at his watch for the hundredth time.

"Class just ended," I point out, knowing he's thinking about Seth. Jenks nods his head before getting up to refill his drink.

"Think he'll ask her?" Emmett asks.

"I don't know. Sometimes it takes him awhile to do things when he's uncomfortable. But, no matter what he does or what happens, you guys better not give him a hard time," I warn.

"We wouldn't do that, baby."

"I've heard that before," I mutter rolling my eyes.

Looking after Jenks, I notice that he's diverted himself to the office instead of the kitchen. Suddenly suspicious, I narrow my eyes as he sits at one of Seth's computers and starts typing. Getting up, I walk quietly into the room.

"What are you doing?" I ask watching him open a familiar program.

Jenks jumps at the sound of my voice. "Jesus! Don't you know it's not polite to sneak up on people?"

"What are you doing?" I ask again ignoring his jab.

"Just checking on some systems."

"Come on, Jenks. Lying doesn't become you."

He huffs and looks up, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "That's really not fair, Ace. God damn, lie detector," he mumbles.

"You better not be doing what I think you're doing, because if you are, I'm going to wring your neck."

"I just want to check in. The kid could need us." Just then, the speakers start to crackle, the tell-tailed sign of Seth's surveillance system starting.

"You realize he's going to kill you, right? And not because you listened in, but because you touched his computer."

"Ha! Seth doesn't scare me," he scoffs, while carefully dusting off the keyboard.

"Suurree," I draw out sarcastically.

"…know that evolutionary scientists believe that the best way to find a mate is to smell their sweaty tee-shirt?" Seth's muffled voice comes through the speakers.

"Really?" A quiet and gentle voice responds.

"Oh dear lord," Jenks whispers shaking his head.

"Ssshhh." I hush him trying to listen in.

"Yeah, MHC genes produce a distinct order. Studies show that shirts that smell good to other people have different MHC genes to their own, whereas shirts that smell bad have similar MHC genes. Selecting a MHC-dissimilar mate boosts fertility, results in offspring with stronger immune systems and reduces the risk of genetic diseases."

"The kid's going down in flames."

"Give her a chance. If she can't take his fact quoting then she's not the girl for him."

"Wow. Are you asking to smell my shirt?" she asks laughing sweetly. I look up and give Jenks a smug smile.

"What? No! I, umm, just t-thought it was i-interesting," Seth stammers.

"It is. It brings into question the need for all the perfume and cosmetics. I've never really understood it. If you can't accept the person for who they are, what's the point, right?"

"Right," Seth answers with a smile in his voice. The speaker goes quiet, and I hope it's due to a touching moment and not an awkward silence.

"Whatcha up to?" Emmett asks strolling into the room with Edward close behind. "Holy shit, are you spying on Seth?"

"Jenks did it!" I exclaim jumping back from the desk and pointing at him accusingly; a bit embarrassed that they caught us.

"Remind me never to take you into a stand-off interrogation, Ace," Jenks grumbles.

"I'm shaken to my very core that the two of you would stoop to such levels." Edward shakes his head slowly, clicking his tongue in disapproval as he moves around Emmett to stand closer to me.

"Whatever, you're just jealous that you didn't think of it first." I give him my own exasperated look, feeling provoked by his amusement.

"So, what's happening?" Emmett asks.

"Sshhh, I hear them," I interrupt, waving my hands to keep everyone quiet.

"Thanks again for inviting me to join you, Seth."

"Umm, you're welcome. I'm glad you came. I was hoping—"

"Hey, you're the computer geek right? Seth, is it?" A cocky voice unexpectedly joins the conversation.

"Who's the asshole?" Emmett asks. I shrug my shoulders, focused intently on the speakers. Besides Mya, Seth has not mentioned anyone else from his classes.

"I guess," Seth responds uncomfortably.

"Word on the campus is that you're probably the only one who could hack into the school's system."

"I've got skills." Seth's words sound measured, his brain most likely calculating the best way to end the conversation.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Edward mutters, gently putting his hands on my shoulders.

The gesture helps to ground me. He knows that Seth holds a special place in my heart. I hate it when people assume they can take advantage of him, but I also know that Seth needs to fight his own battles.

"He's going to cause trouble. We should head down there, and—" Jenks starts.

"Wait," I say cutting him off, "Seth took a big step asking her out. Do you know what it will do to his confidence if we swoop in and rescue him? Let him handle this."

"I want you to get me some test scores," The unidentified voice brazenly requests.

"I don't think that would be prudent." Although muffled, I can hear the predictable sound of crinkling paper. Seth is anxious.

"If it's about money, I can pay you well."

"I don't desire money," Seth says with a stronger tone, although I can still hear his underlying nerves. "Do you know successfully hacking a school system is—" His words abruptly stop, the speakers filling with a rustling sound.

"Hey, let go of him!" Mya yells out.

"What the fuck?" Emmett yells, standing taller and clenching his fists.

My logical argument of letting him handle the situation falls to the wayside as my protective side flares. No one touches Seth. The crackling noise ends, the sudden silence accentuated only by Seth's labored breath.

"Don't think about it," the voice snarls. "You don't want to make things worse."

The unveiled threat causes the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. Not being able to see what's happening is killing me. I have no idea why he said what he did. I can only assume that Seth and Mya were attempting to leave or get help.

"You don't seem to understand. I need those scores. This is going to happen one way or another. So what do you say, Seth, do we do this the easy way or the hard way?" Although I know the guy is serious, he delivers the line like a second-rate mobster movie.

"That's it," Jenks declares standing up.

"Seth will feel humiliated if we make this a huge deal," I chime in even though my heart is no longer behind the argument.

"Don't worry, Ace. We can do subtle. Seth doesn't even have to know we're there." He winks slyly.

"Ah, you're thinking stealth attack. The prick won't know what hit him." Edward smirks cracking his knuckles.

"You bet your ass he won't," Jenks says, moving around the desk.

"Hell yeah! Operation D.I.A. is officially underway," Emmett proclaims.

All of us stop our in our tracks and look at Emmett with various looks of confusion. "Huh?" Edward asks.

"Destroy Interfering Assholes. Come on guys keep up." Emmett winks and grabs his bag. "How far away are we from the coffee shop?" His enthusiastic behavior is a customary sign of the adrenalin rush he experiences before a mission.

"About fifteen minutes," I answer, still smiling at the fact that he named our impromptu to task.

"Ace, you take point here, and let us know what is happening."

"No way, I'm coming with you. Someone has to keep you in line. No showboating on this one."

"Can you get the laptop surveillance up and running? I don't want to lose the feed."

"Of course," I reply quickly. There is no way I'm staying here. I just hope that my ability is as solid as my assertion. Seth's been teaching me a few tricks, but I've never had to put them to the test under pressure.

In the background, I hear Seth continuing to turn down the unsub's demands. It doesn't sound like he's touched him again, which is good. Even though the guy doesn't sound like a criminal mastermind, it doesn't mean that he's not dangerous. We don't know whether he's alone or god forbid armed. If he doesn't get his way, it's not out of the realm of possibility that he'll try to force Seth outside to finish the "conversation". I suspect that's why he risked making the request in front of Mya. She will make a good bargaining chip when push comes to shove. I just hope that Seth can hold him off long enough for us to get there. I kind of feel sorry for the guy. He has no idea the wrath he has brought upon himself.

"You're on a date, huh? A guy like you, I'm almost impressed." The contempt in his voice seeps through the speakers. Okay, I've changed my mind; the asshole deserves everything that's coming his way. Working quickly, I follow what I've seen Seth do hundreds of times, and seamlessly switch the audio from the office computer to the laptop.

"Just another day in the Cullen household," Edward remarks hooking up his communication gear. "You ready?" He leans down giving me a quick, but passionate kiss.

"Ready." I whisper catching my breath. It's amazing how much his touch still affects me. Grabbing the computer gear, I follow everyone out of the house and into the SUV.

I have to hand it to Mya; she's an incredibly smart and savvy girl. She diverted attention away from the situation by "accidently" spilling her coffee. Nearby employees rushed over to help clean-up the mess, which disrupted Seth's harassment, and unintentionally bought us time to get there before things escalated.

Between the combination of Jenks' agitation and lead foot, we reach our destination in record time. He finds a spot down an adjacent street to pull over and park. It's hidden enough to avoid detection. Yet it still provides a view into the building on the corner. Pulling out his binoculars, Emmett gives us a rundown.

"I've got a visual. They're sitting around a table positioned to the right of the door, three tables back. Seth's back is to the window, and it looks like our target has two friends with him. They are standing on either side of Seth's chair."

"How exactly is this going to work? We can't stroll in there without Seth seeing us, but I don't see them leaving anytime soon."

"We're going to rely upon a tried and true method that has ruined many a man." Jenks smirks.

"And what exactly is that?"

"Hot co-eds, Ace," he answers pointing out the side of the window towards a small restaurant located across the street.

It looks like the type that serves trendy food by day, and then turns into a dance club at night. To the left of the entrance stands several college age girls. They're all gorgeous, and fuel for young men's fantasies with their form-fitting clothes, athletic bodies, and long hair.

"Watch and learn." Jenks steps out of the car and jogs across the street.

Walking up to the girls, I observe him turn on the charm. Their hues lightening as they giggle at something he said. Pointing over to the coffee shop, he pulls out some cash and hands it to them. They talk for a bit longer before he runs back over. The girls stay where they are, each of them looking at their watches.

Jenks yanks open the driver's door. "They're going to convince the two buddies to come outside with them. We're going to need to move closer, so that we can intervene and pull them behind the building."

"Then what?" I ask

"We use them to get the asshole to leave, and then we have a nice little chat with the budding gangster," Jenks snarls.

"What do you want to do about the feed?" I question knowing that the computer will be too awkward to take with us.

"Since we have a visual, we don't need the audio feed. If things get worse, we'll just intervene," Edward rationalizes.

Jumping out of the car, we maneuver our way closer, making sure to avoid walking directly in front of the coffee shop's front window. Reaching the corner, we move towards the ally. It's small and smells rancid, but provides a back entrance to the business, and privacy for our little chat.

"Emmett, you go through the back and keep an eye on things from the inside," Jenks orders. "Make sure to stay hidden."

"On it." Emmett walks quickly to the back door and knocks. As soon as the door opens, he uses his intimidating presence to force his way inside talking about official business. The door shuts before I can hear his excuse, but obviously the bluff worked.

In the meantime, Edward has moved back towards the street, peaking around the corner to check on the progress of the girls. "They're heading in."

"Emmett, you copy?" Jenks questions.

"Copy. Making my way to the front now, I just need to find a good place to hide out."

"It's game time people," Jenks says clapping his hands.

"Remember we don't want Seth to know we are here." I remind everyone. "But Emmett, if he touches him again, all bets are off, understand." During the drive here, I couldn't get the image of Seth bleeding on the floor out of my head. Once was one time too many. It will not happen again on my watch.

"I'm with you, Bells. We won't let anything happen to him," Emmett promises. "Okay, I have a visual. The girls are talking to his buddies. He doesn't look happy, but his boys don't seem to care."

"They're not afraid of him," I conclude.

"Looks that way," Jenks agrees.

"Wow, they work fast. The girls are already pulling them out of the shop. Gangster boy is pissed, but he's not stopping them."

"Heads up," Edward whispers rushing back.

A few seconds later, three girls turn the corner with our prey. The group has formed a boy-girl line; the boys sandwiched in middle, each of their arms tangled with a different co-ed. Focused on impressing them, it takes several moments for the boys to see us. Their colors of surprise quickly change to fear when they see the look on Edward and Jenks' faces, their presence exuding power and confidence.

"Ladies, I think we can take it from here," Jenks says, throwing a wad of cash to the girl in the middle.

The girls walk quickly back to the main sidewalk waving coyly at the boys and laughing. Jenks maneuvers behind to prevent them from running away, while Edward steps into their personal space, his height adding to his intimidating presence. The strategic positioning has essentially trapped the boys, and their increasing hues of fear tell me they know it too.

"Gentlemen, I think we need to have a chat," Edward demands.

"What do you want? We didn't do anything," One of the boys claim. His colors, however, verify his terrified attempt to lie.

"Oh I think you did. Want to tell us what you're up to with your friend in there?" Jenks questions, leaning down to hiss the words next to the second boy.

"N-nothing," he stutters.

"What are your names?" Edward asks.

"Derek," boy number one whispers.

"Cory," says boy number two.

"Well then, Derek and Cory, who's your friend and what does he want with Seth?" Jenks probes, getting right to the point.

Derek and Cory look at each other trying to decide whether they are going to answer. I can see the conflicted emotions flowing between them. Both are afraid, but neither wants to give up their friend. Eventually, fear wins out and the boys crumble when Edward flips his jacket open to reveal his gun.

"He wants test scores, and he heard that Seth has the skills to get them," Derek bursts out holding his hands in the air.

"Not so tough now are you?" Edward chuckles darkly.

"It's pitiful actually." I say, shaking my head dismissively. "You act like the big men on campus, but when push comes to shove, you fall apart. Definitely not an attractive quality. Maybe I should post a picture of it on the campus website?" I take out my phone for show, the boys' eyes widening.

"It sounds like you guys are scaring the piss out of them," Emmett laughs through the earpiece. "The leader's still sitting across from Seth. He looks preoccupied though. I don't think he feels as confident without his buddies there to back him up."

"What's his name?" Jenks requests for a second time, clamping his hand down on Cory's shoulder, who whimpers in response. Looking over Cory's shoulder at Edward and I, Jenks rolls his eyes.

"Jared, his name is Jared." Derek chokes, finally answering Jenks' question.

"Look man, we just came here to help him out. We don't want any trouble," Cory adds.

"I'm glad to hear that. You see, Seth is important to us, so anyone who messes with him, messes with us. You understand what I'm saying?" Edward takes a step closer, standing toe to toe with the now shaking Derek.

"Yeah, yeah, I understand. Now what?" he implores.

"We want you to get your friend out here so we can talk to him," Jenks answers.

"Okay, okay," Cory whispers, yielding to our demands.

"Got to love a guy who knows when to throw in the towel," Jenks taunts, slapping Cory on the back. "Here's what we are going to do. I'm going to keep Derek company while you go back in and convince Jared to come outside."

"How am I supposed to do that?" Cory asks hesitantly.

"Tell him that his precious sports car is about to be towed."

"Yeah, okay that should work," Cory agrees.

I snap my eyes to Jenks. We didn't talk about a car on the way here, and we didn't have time to do a background check. "Lucky guess," he answers my silent question, shrugging his shoulders.

"Once he leaves, you tell Seth that this was all a misunderstanding and you won't bother him again. Got it," Edward adds.

"Got it."

"Now, in case you're thinking about altering the plan, just remember that Derek here is staying with us. I don't think you want to be the reason that Derek has really, really bad day, do you?"

Cory looks back and forth between Jenks and Derek. His face paling when Jenks swings his arm around Derek's shoulders, a sinister smile lighting up his face.

"N-no."

"Good. Then, lets' go for a walk," Edward demands pulling Cory away and pushing him forward towards the street.

While we wait, Derek moves over to lean against the wall, nervously shuffling his feet. "So what are you guys? Military? Cops?"

"Son, let me give you some friendly advice. Never ask that question. If I wanted you to know, I would have told you. And besides, if I tell you, I'd have to kill you," Jenks threatens, causing him to shrink further into the wall.

Jenks moves closer to me, leaning down to whisper in my ear. "I figure if they get to use cheesy movie lines, so do I." Biting my cheek to stop myself from laughing, I nod my head stoically, so that Derek believes we are talking about something serious.

"Hey, that sounds like a fun game," Edward jumps in. "What do you say, Jenks, whoever uses the most clichés gets to choose lunch for a week."

"Deal," Jenks whispers. "I hope you're prepared to lose."

"Bring it."

"Okay, guys, let's focus. Cory just walked back over to the table," Emmett interjects.

"Gotcha, I'm on the corner, waiting to grab Jared," Edward replies.

"Looks like Cory's holding to his end…yup, little Jared is jumping up to save his car. I think he's telling Cory to stay behind with Seth. Head's up, asshole is walking out the door." Emmett's muted voice drifts through the earpiece giving us the play-by-play.

"Got him," Edward responds.

"Hey, what the hell, man? Let go of me. Help! This guy's crazy!" Jared's voice gets louder as Edward drags him into the ally. He's leading him by the neck and holding one of his arms.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll shut the fuck up," Edward snarls.

"Cory's hightailing it out of the shop. Seth and Mya look confused, but are staying put for now. I'm heading back out, I want a part of the action with Jared," Emmett asserts.

Jenks turns to Derek. "Why don't you follow your friend." Derek nods his head and starts moving towards the street, avoiding eye contact with Jared. "Oh and I shouldn't have to say this but, if anyone asks—"

"It never happened," Derek answers quickly and then turns to jog the rest of the way out of the ally.

"Oh shit!" Emmett yells, followed by a booming crash.

"Emmett? Are you okay?" I ask. Jenks jerks his chin forward, silently requesting that I check out the situation. Hastily, I run towards the front, passing Edward and Jared along the way.

"God damn it," Emmett grumbles. "I look like I've been assaulted by the muffin man."

"What?" Jenks sounds as confused as I am.

"A chick just knocked me over with her big bowl. I can't believe my ass was taken out by…hmm...tastes like huckleberry muffin mix."

"I'm so sorry are you okay?" a faint voice asks.

"I'm fine, just keep it down would you," Emmett hisses.

Turning the corner, I slink closer to the window and peak in. I can see Seth, Mya and the rest of the patrons looking towards the commotion. Through the window at the top of the kitchen door, I can see a server gesturing nervously to a laid out Emmett, who's luckily still out of view. "Emmett, don't move. Everyone is watching," I whisper.

"Very stealthy, Em," Edward mocks.

"Yeah, yeah. All of you suck. Don't you have a college brat to scare or something?"

"Don't worry, muffin, we're on it." Jenks is barely containing his laughter. Emmett grumbles in response probably realizing that he was just assigned a new nickname.

"Bella, what's going on with Seth?" Edward inquires getting the team back on track.

"Mya is talking to him. She just made him laugh, so it looks like they are okay." I smile at the warm colors floating around the couple. She eased Seth's anxiety quickly, which is not an easy thing to do. "I really like her."

"That's great, but we don't have time for mushy sentiment, Ace. Go ahead and come back to us."

"Copy," I whisper looking once more at Seth and Mya before running back into the ally. Turning the corner, I see Jenks holding Jared up against the wall, who is begging for him to let go. Edward is pacing back and forth behind Jenks, looking like a caged lion waiting to strike.

"Who are you guys?"

"Shut up, Jared! I want you to really listen and understand what I am saying," Jenks spits out.

"I'm listening," he chokes out, struggling under Jenks' pressure. "Just don't hurt me."

"Want to tell me why you are harassing, Seth?"

"What? That's what this is about? You're attacking me because I asked a geek for some test scores?" he asks dumbfounded.

"You're not too smart, are you?" Jenks gets right into his face. "That 'geek' is my friend. You better show him some respect, you son of a bitch!"

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry," he says, whimpering as Jenks' arm tightens slightly.

"You will not approach Seth again. Do you understand?" Edward threatens.

"Y-yes."

"This is not a passing threat, I know everything about you, and will be watching closely. If you see him coming, you better turn and walk the other way, and if you don't I will find out." Jenks leans in exhaling the ominous words into his face.

Jared whimpers again, his body shaking almost to the point of convulsion. If it wasn't for Jenks holding him up, I'm sure he would have collapsed to the ground by now. "Okay, I swear I'll leave him alone."

"You better," I add speaking for the first time. Jenks maintains his hold but scoots to the side, allowing me to step closer. "How dare you judge, Seth. You and your preppy, frat boy friends have no clue what a real man is. You give Seth a hard time for being on a date, and yet you're nothing but a scared little boy. Seth is twice the human being that you are." I step further into his space, until I can feel his rapid breath on my face. "You disgust me!" I open my mouth to say more, but Edward's hand wraps around my arm, pulling me away.

"Easy, tiger," he whispers into my ear.

"Are we clear on your instructions?" Jenks demands and Jared nods. "Good because you have no clue about the reign of terror we will bring down if you renege on our agreement."

"You wanted to act like one of the big boys, Jared, and now you have to deal with the consequences," Edward adds.

"Oh and if you tell anybody about our little chat, I will find you and finish what I started. Now, get out of here, and don't let me see your fucking face again!" Jenks snarls, pulling him away from the wall and pushing him.

Jared sniffles, walking backwards; afraid to turn his back on us. When Jenks jerks his body forward as if he is going to attack him, Jared stumbles and falls. He quickly gets up and then sprints down the street. Laughing at his less than stellar departure, Jenks and Edward high-five our successful mission.

Turning around, Edward pulls me into a tight hug, my legs leaving the ground briefly when he stands to his full height. "That was almost too much fun," he admits with a brilliant smile. "So who wins the movie cliché bet?"

"It's a close one. You and Jenks were both laying it on pretty thick, but I think I have to give this round to Jenks."

"Damn it."

"That's right. Suck it, Cullen."

The squeak of the back door pulls our attention away from the bet, all of us watching in anticipation as Emmett limps out of the building covered in muffin mix. He looks ridiculous. "Don't say one word," Emmett growls. I can't help but laugh at the sight of big, strong Emmett standing there while purplish globs fall on the sidewalk; his face red and fuming.

"Speaking of movies…covered in huckleberries, huh?" Jenks raises his eyebrows, making some sort of strange gesture with his hands.

"No way."

"Emmett, you've got to say it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." Jenks rationalizes with a huge smirk on his face.

"If it wasn't one of the best movie lines of all times, I would kick your ass for even suggesting it."

"Come on, you know you want to."

"Fine." Changing his stance, he pulls his baseball cap up, takes out a pen to hold it like a cigarette, and clears his throat. "I'm your huckleberry," Emmett says gruffly.

"Classic!" Edward laughs.

"I don't get it," I state confused.

All three men turn to look at me as if I've grown a second head. "What do you mean you don't get it? It's Tombstone, Ace."

"Is that a movie?"

"Seriously? I can't believe you married her, Edward," Emmett scoffs.

"Watch it, muffin," Edward retorts.

"Raised in Italy, by a non-movie watching psychopath, remember?" I point out, citing the obvious reason for my lack of American movie knowledge.

"Clearly we need to rectify this situation immediately. Friday night, my house. We're going to watch Tombstone," Jenks declares.

"Sounds like I don't have choice." I laugh, as they immediately shake their head no. "I guess it's a date then."

"Well, team. I think we solved enough problems for one day. We should head home before Seth does," Jenks declares gesturing for us to start walking. "Hey, muffin, you better lay out a towel before you sit down. I don't want that shit on my seat." Emmett simply flips him off in return.

Once we arrive back at our house, Em leaves to go to his house and clean up. After going in, Edward, Jenks, and I quickly take off our gear, and sit down around the files still lying on the coffee table. Taking a moment to catch our breath, we quietly wait for Seth's return. About fifteen minutes later, the door opens and shuts, followed by the sound of Seth's shuffling feet.

"Hi!" Seth says enthusiastically walking into the living room.

"I take it you asked her out?" Jenks asks faking ignorance about what happened.

"Yup!"

"A success?" I inquire trying to get him to give us all the details.

"It went really good. Mya is great. I had one issue, but it didn't have anything to do with her. Some guys from school tried to cause some problems, but it worked out okay."

"What kind of problems?" Edward solicits.

"Um, they wanted me to do a hacking job, but I promised you guys I wouldn't do that on my own anymore. So, I told them no."

"Anything we need to follow-up on?" Jenks asks.

"I don't think so. Something must have happened because they left unexpectedly. If they ask me again, I'll let you know. I'm not worried though. I was pretty stern with them, in fact, Mya said I was brave to tell them no."

I nod my head smiling at the confidence I hear in his voice. Edward looks at me and winks in a subtle nod to our triumph. "Sounds like she likes you a lot," I comment.

Seth's face lights up and happiness bursts around him at the thought of Mya. "I should go and work on my homework. I just wanted to stop by and tell you how it went."

"I'm glad you did." I stand up and give him a sideways hug. "We'll always be here for you, okay."

"Okay." He awkwardly wraps his arm around my waist, before quickly pulling back.

"I'll walk out with you, kid."

The four of us start walking towards the door, when Seth suddenly stops in front of the office. "Why is my computer on?" He looks at me suspiciously.

"Umm—" I blunder trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

"That is an excellent question, Seth, and I'm sure that Jenks will fill you in," Edward jumps in herding them towards the door.

"I don't know, I think that you can fill in the blanks just as well as I can, Cullen," Jenks asserts glaring. Seth just looks back and forth confused.

"Nope, I think you can handle this. I want some quality time alone with my wife. Since your the single one, you should have plenty of time to fill Seth in." Edward opens the door and gently pushes both of them out of the house. "Have fun," he taunts, shutting and locking the door.

"I hate you, Cullen!" Jenks bellows.

"He's not going to tell him everything, right?" I'm afraid that if Seth knew we got rid of the guys, some of his confidence might fade.

"No, Jenks wouldn't do that. He'll most likely admit to the part of listening in though. I can't wait to hear what Seth thinks about him messing with his stuff. I have a feeling that Jenks' lunch winnings will be Burger King just to appease him."

"You're probably right."

"Well, we certainly had an unexpected and eventful day," Edward chuckles, putting his arm around my shoulder to lead me away from the door.

"We never have a dull moment that's for sure, but I wouldn't trade it for anything." I turn and put my arms around his neck, reaching up to kiss him.

"Mmmm, you know, I've decided that you're pretty sexy when you are all protective," he whispers rubbing his nose against my cheek.

"Really, Mr. Cullen?"

"But of course everything you do is sexy, Mrs. Cullen." Suddenly, he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder walking quickly up the stairs.

"What are you doing?"

"I got to thinking about your lack of movie knowledge and how we need to fix that. I also think that part of your education should include acting out the most romantic ones. For pure educational purposes of course."

"Of course," I giggle.

"How do you feel about pottery wheels?"

"You're crazy!"

"Only about you, baby. Only about you."

Life is good.

I wanted to thank all the new readers and those of you who have recommended this story on various Facebook pages and blogs. It really means a lot to me, and I love when there is an increase in readers because of it. :)

I'm working on a new story. I'm not sure when it will be ready, but I'd thought I'd take a chance and share a teaser. I tend to work best under pressure, so I'm hoping that knowing this is out in the world will help kick my writer's block to the curb.

It's a BPOV, E/B romance, and a crime drama. There's a mystery embedded, so not everything is as it appears. Let me know what you think.

A huge shout out to my betas TDS88 and beautifulnightmarex who help me worked through my clutter thoughts on the best way to open this story. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate your advice and support.

Somewhere Between Nothing and Everything

Summary:

Federal prosecutor Bella Swan is already standing on the precipice of a dark abyss when her world is thrown into madness. Struggling for a lifeline, the reemergence of a man she vowed never to trust again will change everything. Life and death. Love and hate. In the middle of obscurity, what is the cost of redemption?

Prologue

"The truth is always an abyss. One must – as in a swimming pool – dare to dive from the quivering springboard of trivial everyday experience and sink into the depths, in order to later rise again – laughing and fighting for breath – to the now doubly illuminated surface of things."

Franz Kafka

A long forgotten rhyme repeats over and over in my mind as I take in the chaotic scene. The haunted and child-like voices that accompany the echoing words only add to the already unbearable pounding in my head.

Three, six, nine

The goose drank wine

The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line

The line, it broke

The goose got choked

And they all went to heaven in a little rowboat.

My ears ring painfully with a high-pitched tone, and there is a strange sort of pressure all around me. Almost as if I am underwater, which makes no sense because I am standing on land. In my mind's eye, everything moves paradoxically fast and slow all at the same time. My distorted vision and hearing makes it difficult to navigate my next move. If I even have a next move.

I wish my dad were here to tell me what to do. His brilliant mind would easily calculate a solution. He was always my hero, especially after we lost my mom. He made my world better, and I take a small bit of comfort in the fact that I will probably see him soon.

Why is it that the brightest lights are the ones that always fade away too quickly?

Seeing nothing that will change my current predicament, I once again focus on the gun pointed directly at me. With everything that has happened recently, it seems fitting that I will die at the hands of someone I trusted. I almost laugh at the true irony of the situation.

For a moment, I can't help but marvel at how clearly I can see down the barrel of the gun. As if, my eyes can perceive every detail and nuance. I wonder if I will see the bullet or just the flash as it escapes the hole?

The world slows, the clock ticking one excruciating second at a time as I watch the finger wrapped around the trigger curl and tighten.

All is still.

All is quiet.

BANG!