As the months passed, Toby's hopes and dreams for the shop became a reality. He began with buying tables and chairs for the shop and some furniture for himself. He had a new sign made and soon, Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Emporium began attracting the eyes of those passing by, curious as to what was being done to the place. Toby simply waved at them through the window if he locked eyes with any of them and continued on working. Eventually, he began purchasing fresh ingredients and venturing into the bakehouse to began his trial-and-error of making the perfect meat pie. He labored day and night in the humid bakehouse, occupying his mind with anything and everything, except what had happened in there ten years ago.

The first time he entered the notorious bakehouse, he ran out, fearing that he would find something unpleasant or be locked in accidentally. He mustered up all the bravery that he had within him and returned, hesitantly walking through the bakehouse. The meat grinder and oven were all that remained. Even though the past had been cleaned away, Toby could not help but shiver at the thought of the innocent dead that were in this bakehouse. He wondered if their souls had lingered behind, lost and confused.

Day after day, Toby returned to the bakehouse trying only to focus on the task at hand. Eventually, he became numb to what had happened down there and worked with a quiet mind, almost forgetting what had happened. He worked quickly and eventually went in and out of the bakehouse with ease and without fear. There were a few instances, however, where he would damn his mind for playing tricks on him as he would think he could hear footsteps in the bakehouse or see something dark in the corner, appearing to be a body, but after blinking once and looking back, whatever was seen was gone.

After four months of cleaning, preparing, and advertising, Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Emporium was ready for its grand re-opening. A mix of nervousness and excitement filled Toby as the hour of the grand re-opening approached. He had dressed not only to work and serve, but to impress. He purchased new clothes for himself and even had his shoes shined. He wanted the customers to see the pride that he took not only in appearance but in his work.

A savory aroma filled the air and began attracting customers, who had begun lining up as the hour drew near. Toby knew that if there was a large gathering, it was mostly due to the fact that many wanted to see what had become of the old shop where an infamous barber once lived. No one knew of the victims being used for meat pies, though some had their speculation. Society had only been told that the Judge, the Beadle, and Mrs. Lovett had been killed by Sweeney Todd before killing himself. Stories surrounded the shop and the thought of it being haunted intrigued many people. Toby had hoped that his food would be so enjoyed by customers, that they would return only for the food, rather than the stories of the past.

Toby only felt a tad uneasy about being judged by those who knew he had a past at the shop. He hoped they would not pity him or fear him; he was different and was truly working toward a better life for himself. He had not socialized with this many people before since he was a boy, so he hoped his social skills were what they used to be and that he would be able to balance serving food and making his customers feel welcomed.

As he waited for the grandfather clock in his sitting room to strike five o'clock, he peered through the window curtains to see the faces of those who were waiting. Many hungry and curious eyes stared at the shop in wonder and all were excitedly talking amongst each other. Toby smiled at those who he made eye contact with as he gazed along the line of people. There were men, women, and children of all ages and families, couples, as well as singles, both rich and poor. Mrs. Lovett would have been proud.

There was one person in line that particularly stood out to Toby and he even had to stop himself from gawking at the young woman in question through the window. He stared at her in immediate wonder. The dimly lit street lamp seemed to illuminate her pale skin and neatly coiffed blonde hair. Stray curled strands of hair fell at the sides of her face next to her rosy cheeks. In Toby's eyes, he saw her as having soft and almost angelic features. Her lace gloves and deep purple dress signified wealth, and Toby wondered why a marvel like her would even want to step foot on Fleet Street.

She was conversing with a couple standing next to her. The women shared similar features but the other appeared a bit older, which signified that they were related. The man, tall and distracted by his coat sleeve, seemed to be the older woman's husband. Before Toby could turn away, the young woman looked toward the window and met eyes with Toby. Toby's eyes widened in fear of being discovered that he was staring at her and he quickly left the window. The young woman craned her neck a bit out of curiosity as she tried to see where he disappeared to, but after failing to see further into the shop, she turned back and continued the conversation.

Toby stood in his sitting room, embarrassed yet re-focused on his goal for the night: to have a successful grand-reopening. As the grandfather clock struck five o'clock, he took a deep breath and went to open the door.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?" Toby asked loudly as he walked out of the door. The eager customers in line quieted and stared at him. Toby breathed away any nervousness he had been feeling and spoke with confidence. "Welcome to the grand re-opening of Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Emporium. My name is Tobias Ragg and I am eager to serve you all and am sure you shall have a memorable time. Do come in and find a table." With a friendly smile, Toby stepped aside and the customers began entering the shop and went out through the side to find a table. Many nodded their thanks or greeted Toby as they passed him and he did the same. As the young woman who Toby had been staring at approached, she glanced at him and her enchanting blue eyes met his."Welcome, Miss," Toby greeted confidently.

She softly smiled at him and nodded back. "Thank you," she said and continued walking with those she came with. Toby watched her for just a moment before greeting other guests. His smile was bigger than ever now and he was eager for the night to begin.

Belle Marsden sat patiently at a table on the patio of the shop with her sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Philip Andrews. The savory aroma coming from the shop made her hunger more prominent. She turned to her sister, who was going on about the rumors surrounding this shop. "Vivian," Belle began, "we're here to eat not gossip."

"Well," Vivian sighed, "I can't help myself, it's just so interesting. Haven't you been listening to what Philip has been saying?"

"Not particularly," Belle confessed. "I heard something said about a Sweeney Todd but not much else."

"I'm shocked. Pay attention more," Vivian scolded. "Tell her again, darling," she said to her husband.

Philip nodded and stroked his neatly trimmed beard in thought. "Now, let's see; over ten years ago, a barber named Todd and a baker named Mrs. Lovett went into business together. It was a murderous business at that. Apparently, Sweeney Todd was a killer. He killed many people including Mrs. Lovett and then himself. However, now I don't know if this is true or not, but there is some talk that Mrs. Lovett would cook the pies and Mr. Todd would provide the meat. It's not what you think it is - no. His customers at his barber shop were the meat. It is said that he cut their throat-"

"Darling!" Vivian exclaimed, a little bit too loudly. "Spare us those details, please." She fanned herself in embarrassment.

Belle furrowed her brows at her brother-in-law. "I'm surprised you agree with these rumors. They may be the farthest from the truth."

"Oh, I'm not agreeing with these rumors. I'm just saying what has been said about it. I'm sure the people pies is false. And I apologize, I share spare you fine ladies of those unnecessary details," Philip said, redeeming himself in his wife's eyes. The women nodded in thanks and Philip continued. "But the murders of Mrs. Lovette and Todd in the bakehouse are true. The Judge and Beadle Bamford were also with them."

"How dreadful," Belle sighed.

Philip nodded in agreement. "There's more. The new owner- oh, where is he?" Philip looked over his shoulder at Toby, who was happily serving and conversing with customers. Vivian and Belle looked too but quickly averted their gaze so as to not call attention to themselves.

"What about him?" Belle asked with great curiosity.

Philip turned back to her. "Well, a young boy had worked here, as well, and he saw it all happen. I've heard rumors that he was released from the insane asylum at the beginning of the year and now, he runs the shop. That's him."

A gasp escaped Vivian's mouth and she looked back again at Toby. "An insane asylum patient?"

Belle looked at him again too and saw how cordial Toby was being with the customers. "Again all rumors. Even if it is true, look at his calm demeanor. He is certainly a changed man," she said.

Philip scoffed. "Changed man he may be but the traumas he's endured will always remain. Only he knows the truth, remember."

"Well, we do not need to know that truth. It doesn't matter now," Vivian said, continuing to fan herself.

All of the nervousness Toby had been feeling at the start of the night had faded away. He was welcomed back into society graciously by his customers, who were highly curious as to how he was able to escape the horrors of the past. Toby briefly told them that the past years had changed him and he was a better man with ambitions and desires for success, which was met with smiles and best wishes. The pies were as successful as Toby would have hoped. He couldn't walk by one table without being stopped to receive a compliment.

Toby hesitantly approached the table where the blonde woman and her companions were sitting. Twice he noticed the man seated with them staring at him almost suspiciously. They were speaking in hushed tones and leaning toward one another. Toby felt that their conversations were about him but he hoped he was wrong. He approached the table with a tray of pies. "Hello," he greeted. "Two pies for the ladies," he said as he set the plates down in front of the women. He kept his gaze on the younger woman for much too long and he instantly became flustered. "Ah, and one for the gentleman," he said as he set the plate down in front of the man, who nodded in thanks. "Will that be all you need?" Toby asked.

"Silverware," the man stated. "How do you expect us to eat? With our hands?"

"Silverware!" Toby repeated, cheeks flushing. "Yes, I'll be right back with that, sir." He left quickly and back into the shop.

Belle sighed softly and Vivian glanced at her husband. "Philip," she lightly scolded. "Be kind to him, he's clearly nervous about tonight."

"I simply asked for silverware, darling. Besides, I don't think it's the night that's making him nervous," Philip said, eyeing Belle. Belle was gazing down at the meat pie and had not realized what Philip meant. Vivian looked at her too. "I did notice that. Belle, he was looking at you for quite some time."

Belle looked up from the pie. "Looking at me? He was being polite, Vivian."

"No, he was not. Remember what happened in that novel you've been reading? The hero stared at the heroine and immediately, the two were drawn to each other" Vivian reminded.

Philip rolled his eyes. "Good God, Vivian, your little sister isn't reading those silly romance novels is she?"

"They aren't silly," Belle stated. "And that isn't anything like this, Vivian, goodness. He is handsome but I do not know him." She could feel her cheeks growing warm and took a sip of her drink.

Vivian smiled. "Of course I'm only teasing, Belle. What's happening in the most recent chapter of that book, anyway?" She asked while Philip turned away from the conversation he found to be nonsense.

"Well," Bell began, "right now the heroine was caught in a severe thunderstorm near the mysterious man's estate. She's staying in the estate for the night until the storm passes."

"Scandalous," Philip huffed. "And is this mysterious man an old asylum patient?"

Belle pulled gently at her lace gloves in annoyance. "He isn't and will you please stop saying that out loud? Look, he's returning with the silverware. Let's all be kind and perhaps you can introduce yourself to him, Philip. I do not want him to think us rude."

"None of that matters, but alright."

"Here is your silverware," Toby announced as he returned to the table.

"Thank you, Mr… What is your name?"

Toby turned to the man that asked him the question. "Tobias Ragg, Sir."

"Tobias Ragg. I am Philip Andrews," Philip said, extending his hand out to Toby in order to please his sister-in-law. Toby shook his hand. "This is my wife, Mrs. Andrews," Philip continued. Vivian smiled as her introduction was being made.

"Mrs. Andrews," Toby repeated.

"And this is my sister-in-law, Miss Marsden," Philip continued.

With a smile, Belle nodded in greeting to Toby. "Lovely to meet you, Mr. Ragg. I cannot wait to try these savory pies."

"It is lovely to meet you, Miss Marsden. I hope the pies are not a disappointment," Toby said. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was now that he was standing before her. He was going to say more but knew her brother-in-law was watching him. "Well, I won't keep you. Please, enjoy the food," Toby said and left to another table.

"Thank you," Viviane said as he walked away. "And thank you, Philip, for being kind to him this time."

Philip shrugged and began eating.

The rest of the night went as well as Toby had hoped. Everyone was satisfied with their pies and many even asked for seconds. Toby, though overwhelmed by doing everything himself, was extremely grateful for the success of the evening. He gave a courteous farewell to those who left the table after paying, hoping that they will return again. With a smile on his face, he looked proudly up at his shop. As he glanced up at his bedroom on the second floor, which was once Sweeney Todd's barbershop, he was startled. A shadowy figure was looking out from the window of the second floor. Toby blinked hard and looked back at the window. The figure was still there. There's someone up there in my room. Toby immediately turned toward the staircase to the second floor and smacked right into someone. "Oh!" He backed away and saw that he had walked into none other than Miss Marsden. "I am so sorry, do forgive me," Toby pleaded. Belle, still comprehending what happened, shook her head and took a step back.

"Do not worry, Mr. Ragg. It was my fault, I shouldn't have been standing so close," she blushed. Toby chuckled nervously and looked back up at the window. The figure was still there. He looked back at Belle, who was looking at him with a raised brow. "Is everything alright, Mr. Ragg? You look as though you've seen a ghost."

"I'm fine, thank you," he lied. "I'm just in shock at how successful tonight was."

Belle relaxed her brow and smiled. "Yes, it does seem like it was a very successful night for you! I just wanted to tell you personally that dinner was delicious. My family and I enjoyed it very much," she said.

Toby smiled graciously. "I'm happy to hear that Miss…"

"Marsden."

"Miss Marsden, yes. Do come back soon. The pies will always be here."

"Oh, I shall!" Belle smiled. "Well, I should be going. Best of luck to you, Mr. Ragg." "Thank you," Toby nodded. "And a good evening to you, Miss Marsden."

"Thank you." With that, Belle quickly rejoined her sister and brother-and-law, who were waiting for her outside the side gate of the patio. She gave Toby one last glance before turning to leave. She could see that he was a kind man but now her curiosity was piqued. How many of the rumors were true? Did this man with kind eyes truly see the horrors he is said to have seen?

Toby watched Belle Marsden leave with her family and then looked back at the upstairs window. The figure was gone. He decided he would investigate later for it may be all in his imagination, for now, he had remaining customers to attend to.

At the end of the evening, Toby hastily cleaned the tables and brought back all the dirty dishes into the shop. He was now seated behind the counter, counting his earnings. He had never had so much money in his hand as he did at that very moment. It may not have been much for a wealthy person, but for Toby, it was a physical sign that his hard work had paid off. He stored his money away in a safe he purchased and returned to the storefront. With a yawn, he placed each plate into the sink and began to wash them. As he washed, Toby reflected on the evening. It had gone without incident and he was met with kindness by mostly everyone. There were a few who seemed suspicious of him. He immediately thought of Philip Andrews and the lies he must have been telling his wife and Miss Marsden. Miss Marsden. I'm glad she came here tonight. Never before have I seen such a beautiful woman. She looks like an angel on earth. Hopefully, this isn't the last time I see her. Toby's thought made him smile, but his smile quickly faded as he heard a muffled sound from above him. He stopped washing and remained still, listening to the sound. His eyes widened as he realized the sound seemed to be footsteps. He ran out of the store and up the stairs, his heart accelerating with every step. He slammed open the door, lit a lamp, and looked around his room. "Who's in here?" he asked loudly. "Show yourself!" He demanded.

There was no one in his room, however, aside from himself. Toby's quickened breathing slowed as he cautiously paced around the room, checking behind furniture, even under the bed, and being hyper-aware of any noise he heard. It was my imagination. Thankfully, Toby found nothing suspicious in the room and decided that noise was simply the floorboards creaking due to age and the figure he saw earlier must not have been a figure at all, simply a shadow from a neighboring building or something of that sort. Nevertheless, Toby still felt uneasy at that moment. He locked the door and returned downstairs to finish washing the dishes and cleaning up.

An hour later, the dishes were done, the candles were diminished, and Toby returned upstairs. He remained cautious as he went about the room and even checked behind the furniture again as he did earlier. Nothing. He told himself that paranoia would not get the best of him. As he sank into his bed, his tiredness took the place of his fear. He fell asleep and dreamt of nothing but darkness, as he had since arriving back to Fleet Street.