When the credits for the last movie in the marathon ended, making way for regular programming, Daphne muted the sound on the television and turned to Niles.

"Wasn't that wonderful, Dr. Crane? Oh, I know that those movies aren't very realistic, but it makes me want to get out the Christmas decorations! Wouldn't your father and brother be surprised to come home from their fishing trip to find the place decorated for- Dr. Crane? Dr Crane?"

When she moved closer to him she realized that he'd fallen asleep. He looked so peaceful that the sight made her smile. With the utmost care she removed the blanket from the back of the sofa, laying it across her friend.

"Good night, Dr. Crane." She whispered, kissing his cheek.

Just as she headed for the kitchen to put the empty cups away, Eddie began to bark madly. The more she ignored him the more he barked, irritating her to no end.

"Bloody hell, Eddie! Be quiet! You'll wake Dr. Crane!" but the dog ignored her and continued to bark. "What do you want?"

Eddie barked and ran out of the room.

"Good!" Daphne said, breathing a sigh of relief.

But Eddie reappeared seconds later holding his leash in his mouth.

Annoyed, Daphne rolled her eyes. "Oh, I should have known! Can't you wait until in the morning? It's already dark outside and poor Dr. Crane's exhausted. He needs his rest! I can't just leave him here while you-".

Eddie barked in protest while Daphne shushed him once more.

"Fine, you win! But don't expect this sort of treatment every day!"

The dog whimpered as Daphne fastened his collar and glanced at Niles who was sleeping peacefully. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to go for a short walk.

She felt a twinge of apprehension about going alone, but when she glanced at her friend, she couldn't bring herself to wake him. It wasn't right. She'd only be gone a little while and she'd simply leave a note in case he woke up. Grabbing a pen and a piece of paper, she wrote quickly.

6:30pm

Dr Crane,

You looked so peaceful that I didn't want to wake you, but Eddie begged me to take him for a walk. Don't worry, we're just going around the block and we'll be back in a little while.

Sweet Dreams,
Daphne (and Eddie)

She smiled and adjusted the blanket over his shoulders and then grabbed her keys and headed for the hallway. The second the doors opened, Eddie bounded into the elevator and as it carried them to the lobby, Daphne couldn't help thinking about Niles. He was such a sweet man and he needed his rest. She just hoped that Eddie would be happy with a shorter walk than normal.

They were barely out of the lobby when Eddie raced toward the door.

"All right, All right!" Daphne called, running to catch up with him. She smiled at Morey, the doorman, fully aware of the concerned look on his face. It was sweet of him to worry about her going out so late alone, but she was a grown woman and was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

They headed down the sidewalk and she shivered from the cold air. She was in such a hurry that she'd forgotten her coat. However, she was certain that with Eddie moving so quickly she would warm up soon.

She kept going, determined to get this walk over with as quickly as possible. Niles was waiting for her and it wasn't fair to leave him alone in the condo. He'd been alone for much too long as far as she was concerned.

She quickened her pace and just as she turned the corner, she was hit full force in the face, almost knocking her to the ground.

When she was able to focus, she realized that she had been so deep in thought that she had bumped into someone who was heading in the opposite direction.

"Oh, my..." She groaned, her head ringing from the impact. "I'm... sorry."

The stranger's hands went to her shoulders. "Hey, are you all right?"

She shut her eyes, massaging her aching forehead. "I-I think so. I'm so sorry. I guess I was paying more attention to Eddie here than where I was going."

"Well, I'd feel better if you'd let me check."

"Check what?"

"To make sure you're all right. You can never be too careful.

"I'm fine, really. I just think I should get home and-." The man grabbed her arm, startling her. "Wait, what are you doing? Let go of me!"

His grip tightened and he dragged her to a section of the Elliot Bay Towers that was dimly lit and she could no longer see his face. Her pulse quickened and Eddie barked madly, but she didn't dare let go of his leash. At that moment, the Jack Russell Terrier was her only defense.

"Please! Let go of me!" She cried, feeling small and helpless for the first time in her life. "Please! I'll do anything!"

"Fine, shut up then!" the man yelled. "And make that dog shut up too, or he won't be barking for a long time... walking either for that matter!"

"Eddie, stop that!" She whispered. "Everything's fine."

She felt Eddie's leash being unwrapped from her hand and she tightened her grip, determined not to let go.

And before she realized what happened, she found herself in the man's arms.

"You're right." He whispered into her hair, his breath hot and scented with alcohol. "I'm sorry I scared you. I just got carried away. Can you forgive me?"

She tried to pull out of his embrace but he held her even closer. "Y-yes of course. You're forgiven. Now please... just let me go. I won't say a word, I swear!"

The man kissed her cheek, causing her to swallow hard; the hot tears running down the bridge of her nose. "All right... Just so I know that you're safe."

"I'm fi-fine." She whispered, suddenly grateful for the darkness. But it was of little consolation that she couldn't see his face; just the dark shadow of a man who might be the last person she ever encountered.

And the thought terrified her to no end.