Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [218]
It was a dreary afternoon, already dark as dusk. I sped through the gloom, my eyes on the heavy clouds. Would it snow tonight? Enough to layer the ground and create the scene from Alices vision? Edward estimated that we had about two more days. Then we would set ourselves in the clearing, drawing the Volturi to our chosen place.
As I headed through the darkening forest, I considered my last trip to Seattle. I thought I knew Alices purpose in sending me to the dilapidated drop point where J. Jenks referred his shadier clients. If Id gone to one of his other, more legitimate offices, would I have ever known what to ask for? If Id met him as Jason Jenks or Jason Scott, legitimate lawyer, would I ever have unearthed J. Jenks, purveyor of illegal documents? Id had to go the route that made it clear I was up to no good. That was my clue.
It was black when I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant a few minutes early, ignoring the eager valets by the entrance. I popped in my contacts and then went to wait for J inside the restaurant. Though I was in a hurry to be done with this depressing necessity and back with my family, J seemed careful to keep himself untainted by his baser associations; I had a feeling a handoff in the dark parking lot would offend his sensibilities.
I gave the name Jenks at the podium, and the obsequious maître d led me upstairs to a small private room with a fire crackling in a stone hearth. He took the calf-length ivory trench coat Id worn to disguise the fact that I was wearing Alices idea of appropriate attire, and gasped quietly at my oyster satin cocktail dress. I couldnt help being a little flattered; I still wasnt used to being beautiful to everyone rather than just Edward. The maître d stuttered half-formed compliments as he backed unsteadily from the room.
I stood by the fire to wait, holding my fingers close to the flame to warm them a little before the inevitable handshake. Not that J wasnt obviously aware that there was something up with the Cullens, but it was still a good habit to practice.
For one half second, I wondered what it would feel like to put my hand in the fire. What it would feel like when I burned
Js entrance distracted my morbidity. The maître d took his coat, too, and it was evident that I was not the only one who had dressed up for this meeting.
Im so sorry Im late, J said as soon as we were alone.
No, youre exactly on time.
He held out his hand, and as we shook I could feel that his fingers were still quite noticeably warmer than mine. It didnt seem to bother him.
You look stunning, if I may be so bold, Mrs. Cullen.
Thank you, J. Please, call me Bella.
I must say, its a different experience working with you than it is with Mr. Jasper. Much less unsettling. He smiled hesitantly.
Really? Ive always found Jasper to have a very soothing presence.
His eyebrows pulled together. Is that so? he murmured politely while clearly still in disagreement. How odd. What had Jasper done to this man?
Have you known Jasper long?
He sighed, looking uncomfortable. Ive been working with Mr. Jasper for more than twenty years, and my old partner knew him for fifteen years before that He never changes. J cringed delicately.
Yeah, Jaspers kind of funny that way.
J shook his head as if he could shake away the disturbing thoughts. Wont you have a seat, Bella?
Actually, Im in a bit of a hurry. Ive got a long drive home. As I spoke, I took the thick white envelope with his bonus from my bag and handed it to him.
Oh, he said, a little catch of disappointment in his voice. He tucked the envelope into an inside pocket of his jacket without bothering to check the amount. I was hoping we could speak for just a moment.
About? I asked curiously.
Well, let me get you your items first. I want to make sure youre satisfied.
He turned, placed his briefcase on the table, and popped the latches. He took out a legal-sized manila envelope.
Though I had no idea what I should be looking for, I opened the envelope and gave the