Disclaimer: I do not own Lost or Dominic Monaghan, regrettably

A/N: I believe Charlie shot Ethan five times. I did not expect it, so I couldn't possibly count properly, but I think it was five. If not, oops..

Five Just to Be Sure

Five bullets to the chest. One for the lies. Two for the capture. Three for the hanging. Four for hurting Claire.. Five just to be sure.

And I was sure. Ethan was dead. A man, dead at my hands. Dead from the gun I now held in my steady, rain-drenched fingers. At first I hadn't intended to shoot him five times. At first I hadn't even intended to shoot anyone at all. I had brought the gun for my own safety and piece of mind. I had come to protect Claire, because in my heart I knew I was the only one involved who would kill for her safety. Who would die for her if necessary.

By now I expected a great wave of guilt to wash over me and a sick feeling to start in my stomach. Bt it never came. Second of silence passed, and my heart beat slowed back to normal from the crescendo of rapid beating it had started minutes ago when I crept up through the rain silently as possible.

Claire looked at me, and I thought I saw something of relief in her eyes betray her. But the mask quickly regained her expressions, and she looked at me the same way they all were again, pleading me to give them a reason. I had a damn good one. But they didn't need to know that. The rain let up in my heart, and the rain in the jungle pounded down with new vigor. I wouldn't let them see it, but I smiled as I turned away and disappeared behind the trees. Before I left, though, I dropped the gun. I wouldn't be needing this anymore. I could feel their stares at my back but in my mind I was sending a message to Claire, who may or may not have received anything.

I hope you understand why I did it, love. I did it for you. I did it so he would never hurt you again, like I promised myself at your return. I did it for you, Claire. My darling. Forgive me, for I have no remorse or guilt over my actions... Your safe now, Claire.

A/N: So glad I saw last night's episode! I almost missed it, ( a horrible tragedy) because the cable was down in my neck of the woods almost all day and then it got back up just in time for Lost! So there IS a God! Hope you liked. The preview for next Wednesday's episode looked most intriguing did it not?