John was having a nightmare. At least he hoped he was.
He saw them walking slowly down the hall, side by side. Their steps clicked in unison upon the wooden floor.
The police officers were back. They weren't the same two who had taken him the last time he was accused of murder. But John recognized them as members of the constabulary. The badges on their chest identified them as policeman.
He heard the jangle of the handcuffs as the detective on the left removed them from his pocket. He imagined that he felt the cold steel encircle his wrists... Jumped as he heard them click shut.
A bead of perspiration formed above his upper lip. He pleaded for somebody, anybody to pinch him. Wake him up. He couldn't bear going through this again. He twisted the skin on the back of his hand. It hurt. But what was worse than the fleeting pain was the fact that he didn't wake up. This was really happening
Uncharacteristically, John had the uncontrollable need to scream. John Bates, Lord Grantham's valet was coming undone in the servants' hall. He opened his mouth, but instead of a shout of anger he emitted a sobbing plea.
"No.. no.. This is a mistake. This is so wrong. It was an accident. Green died in an accident. Please why won't you believe me?" John's voice sounded foreign to his own ears as tears streamed down his face.
"John Bates?" the detective next to John grabbed his arm. "You need to move, now."
John's feet felt glued to the ground. He couldn't move even if he wanted to, . But the truth was he very much did not want to move aside at this moment.
Then he saw her… Dressed in black, hair in a tidy bun. She looked so fragile, so tiny. "Anna!" John choked out his wife's name. "Anna. My dearest. I love you, I always will. Please, don't give up. Don't forget me."
Anna looked at John, tears welling up in her eyes. She tried to speak, but couldn't. Her head dropped down and she shook her head,'no'.
"Sir, I'll not ask you again," This time the detective's voice had a sharper edge to it. He was losing patience. "We need to go to the station. You need to move now, sir…"
John felt like he was standing in quicksand. The officer took his arm and started walking him toward's the open back door, where John could see the waiting police car.
As he stepped outside he felt the icy wind slap him across the face, briefly taking his breath away. He was so cold. He should have put on his coat. Reaching the car, the detective opened the rear passenger door.
"It's time, sir. Say your goodbyes to your wife. I'll give you that."
John was grateful for the small favor. Anna was brought forward. She seemed so small, so slight. He encircled her with his arms and pulled him tight to her.
"My love. You are my only reason for living. Stay strong for me, as I will for you. We will be together again soon. I know it. I love you."
John felt the front of his shirt soaked through from Anna's tears. He felt his heart break, but resolved to put it back together again for her love.
"Sir. You need to let go."
John sighed and released Anna from his embrace. He didn't know if he could do this. Say goodbye again. Not knowing if he'd ever feel her touch, her lips against his…
As the car headed down the driveway, Bates raised his head and tried to see her through the window. A last glimpse. He needed to let her go for now. But they'd be together again soon. He felt it in his bones.
After all… she was innocent.