Chapter 7

Anna was sobbing into his chest. She was lying to him still, but it didn't matter. She would return to him. He closed his eyes and drew her nearer. He hadn't meant to ask about Green. He wasn't sure why he had. She was shaking. Green was continuing to hurt her. John had panicked in the moment and had let his anger appear. He wasn't helping. She felt small, and frail, and fragile. He understood why she was lying as soon as he saw the fear in her eyes.

John had never felt more useless in his life. Nothing would fix this. Nothing. He wanted to kill Green. Anna was gasping. He pulled her closer. He had wondered if that would frighten her. Killing Green wouldn't help Anna. She was pulling on his lapels. John sighed. He needed to get her out of this room. Death was too good for Green. He regretted his words. He needed to get out of this room. Anna would never escape, never forget what had happened to her. Nor would John. Death would prevent Green from doing it again, but it would ultimately not end what Anna was suffering.

Anna's tears were slowing. John rubbed her back and rocked her against him. His own had subsided for now. If he could only get her home. He kissed the top of her head. How could she think he wouldn't want her any more? She needed to come home. She was without fault. She was gasping again. He needed to get her out of the boot room. He tried to urge her to the door. He supposed some men would blame the woman, John had no patience for that way of thought. Anna was blameless. She was blinking, and balking, as he attempted to move her. He was going about this badly. It had to be her decision. John stopped, and closed his eyes, and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Anna, my dearest." She was trembling. "Will you come home with me?" John whispered.

They would just leave. Mrs. Hughes had no need to know. Enough of Anna's things were left at the cottage that there was no reason to stop in her room. John needed her to come home. He wondered if he could get her to stay home for a few days. He and Mrs. Hughes would make up a reason. He would make up a reason and tell Mrs. Hughes what it was. He couldn't make the poor woman lie for him again. Anna was burrowing into his arms again.

"Anna, my dearest, my love, please…"

She was trying. John realized then that she had gone hoarse from her tears. He smiled into her eyes as she lifted them, and nodded, shakily, and whispered, "Yes, I want to go home." And again, she succumbed to tears as John led her from the room. He had her back now, if only he could retrieve that stolen bit of soul.