Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Thanks to my dear Heartie BFF LisaNY for your editing skills! You are truly the BEST!

Chapter-10 The Devil in Disguise

Elizabeth gasped, and using all of her energy, she pushed against the door to close him out.

With the force of a hurricane, Charles burst through the door, toppling Elizabeth like a twig. "I said who's Jack?" He yelled.

Elizabeth was stunned, but instantly realized that she was now on the floor, as she began to quickly crawl away from him.

"Where are you going, sweetheart?" His voice initially sounded gentle, but then he grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her head back.

"Please Charles, stop…" she cried out, as she felt him pull her to her feet. He looked completely different; from his all black clothing and matching gloves, to his eyes which were devoid of any emotion.

"Who's Jack," he yelled at her again. His face was so close and she could smell his breath, a mixture of alcohols that she couldn't identify.

"He's a neighbor, and he'll be over here in a minute. He's just…"

Charles backhanded her across the face, "You lying bitch. Do you think I don't know? You may have put me in jail, but I still know everything you're doing."

Elizabeth covered her face. The sting on her cheek was harsh, but his words were burning right through her.

"What do you mean?" She asked, trying her best to put space between them.

He stepped back toward her, refusing to allow any distance between them. "The cop, I know you're sleeping with him…" his voice was breathless as his lips were pressed against her ear. "You think you can replace me?"

"No Charles, I could never replace you," she lied, her voice was shaky; her body felt clammy and she found herself blinking sweat from her eyes.

He pulled her into him; his lips were pressed hard against hers, not tender or gentle as she'd come to know with Jack. She tried to push away from him, but his arms held her tightly, tearing her shirt as she wrestled. The more she struggled, the stronger his grip. She felt his hands groping her body. "Why should he get that part of you that I've only dreamed of…"

"I'm not…we're not…you're information is wrong, Charles," she told the truth, but her voice led him to believe otherwise.

"LIAR!"

Jack pulled into the parking lot; his heart sank as he did not see any vehicles that reminded him of what Elizabeth had been driving earlier. However, he did see Charles' Lexus parked in front of Elizabeth's building.

"239 to Dispatch…" Jack announced through the radio.

"Go ahead 239," the dispatcher responded.

"Send back-up to my 10-20, code 2… absolutely no sirens. Patch me through to Sgt. Sanderson," he demanded.

"Jack what's going on?" Sgt. Sanderson looked anxious as Mr. Thatcher stood and approached his desk.

"Is Elizabeth okay?" Mr. Thatcher abruptly asked.

"Yes Jack… he's still here. I'll ask," Sgt Sanderson responded.

"What is your daughter driving?" Sgt. Sanderson turned to Mr. Thatcher.

He was frantic; he didn't know. He ran toward the door, "My driver will know."

"He's gone to ask his driver. What's going on?" Sgt. Sanderson asked. He stood quietly as he listened to Jack on the other end of the phone.

Mr. Thatcher ran back into the office and relayed the information he obtained from his driver.

"Jack, Mr. Thatcher said that she's driving a green 4 door Jeep Wrangler," he passed along the information. "It's there? Wait for back-up Jack," he ordered.

Jack checked out the brand new Jeep Wrangler with 30 day tags parked beside Charles car. Seeing nothing inside, he moved on to Charles' car. Looking through the window he found a roll of duct tape, rope and a shovel in the back seat. His heart dropped; he couldn't wait.

He didn't wait.

The hallway leading to Elizabeth's apartment was uncharacteristically quiet. As he approached her door, it was cracked open, enough that he could hear the occupants.

Jack stood to the side of the door, listening, waiting…

Elizabeth felt alone. She had no idea that Jack was just outside waiting to make his move. She was beginning to fear for her life, knowing that she had to do anything, say anything to survive, but her anger was growing.

"Elizabeth, stop fighting me. If you had come back to me, your friends would still be alive. It's your fault…"

"No it isn't, Charles. You did this; you killed them," she yelled.

"It's unfortunate that they got hurt," his voice was callous.

"Hurt? You murdered them, Charles. You ran them down like a dog, and left them to die. How can you live with yourself?" She was scared, but her voice was bold.

"Shut up, shut up…SHUT UP," his voice started as a whisper but grew to a scream. "I need to think; what are we gonna do?" he whispered, appearing to be talking to himself as he scanned the room looking for answers.

He fell to the floor taking her with him. His body was shaking as he began to ramble; his words were making no sense.

Jack could see just inside the door, that's right, Elizabeth, move toward me, he thought.

Elizabeth scooted away from Charles and was edging toward the door. She thought if she could make it a few more feet, she could get into the hallway. She was almost there; almost safe, when he grabbed her ankles and began screaming "I'll kill you before I let you go."

Her heart pounded, and her breath escaped her, as if someone was choking her. All she wanted to do was curl up in a ball and wait for Jack to rescue her, but she didn't see that happening. He said he was on his way, but she felt alone…alone in Hell.

He pulled himself up on his feet, and dragged her with him. His eyes were searching the room, as if he were looking for what to do next.

Fearing for Elizabeth's safety and unable to wait for back-up, Jack opened the door and slipped in. Charles' back was to him, and Jack was finally able to see Elizabeth's face, stricken with fear. Noises in the hallway drew Charles' attention away from her, and he turned to see Jack standing behind him with his weapon drawn. They were mere inches apart, as Charles lunged for the gun. Both men fell to the floor, each one struggling for control of the weapon. Charles was taller and heavier than Jack, But Jack was in better physical condition and he proved to be a worthy opponent.

As they wrestled for the gun, Jack yelled for Elizabeth to run. She was scared, and couldn't get passed them; she wouldn't have left him even if she'd had a chance. She was paralyzed, but could feel her pulse beating in her ear. She rested her body up against the wall behind a chair. She drew herself up into a fetal position and found comfort in the back and forth rocking motion in the small amount of room she had.

She breathed in and out, but her chest rose and fell so shallowly that the air never made it into her lungs. She closed her eyes, and blocked out every other sound except the ragged breath that moved in and out of her mouth in gasping intervals. The gun discharged several times, and she tried to scream, but no sound was heard. She peeked around the chair, and saw Jack on the floor with Charles on top, and both men were still. She stopped rocking, feeling if she were quiet, no one would know she was there.

She kept her eyes closed, refusing to acknowledge the horror that she knew was before her. She felt the chair move; she begged her tears to be silent, and her heart to cease pounding.

"Elizabeth," Jack called out as he squatted down beside her.

Fearing the form before her, she began to fight for her life. Her arms were flailing as she made contact to Jack's upper body and face.

She wasn't listening; her mind had shut down, "Elizabeth, open your eyes, it's me…Jack," he called out as he held her arms to keep her from continuing to make contact with his body. "Please open your eyes."

She covered her face as her heart pounded so hard that she felt certain it would explode. A rush of air finally made it into her lungs, and flew out with the force of a champagne cork ready to blow, "NO, I WON'T GO. GET AWAY... I HATE YOU!" Once her first tear broke free, they continued to flow in an unbroken stream.

"Elizabeth, please open your eyes. It's me, Jack!"

Hearing the gun discharge brought a surge of officers to the apartment. Cautiously they entered with their guns drawn…

"Jack, are you okay?" Officer Michaels asked, as he rushed to Charles.

"Yes, I'm fine, but he needs a bus. Call it in."

"Unit 241 to Dispatch…"

"Go ahead 241…"

"We need rescue to 1101 Chase Arbor Drive, Apartment #306."

"Dispatch to 241… Rescue is en route."

"10-4…"

Sgt. Sanderson and Mr. Thatcher were still in his office when the call for an ambulance came across the radio.

"That's Elizabeth's address!" Mr. Thatcher yelled as he headed for the door.

"Wait, you can ride with me," Sgt. Sanderson remarked, assuming that arriving with his driver, Mr. Thatcher may get in the way.

Mr. Thatcher's heart stopped, as his eyes began to water at the fear his body held within. He was thankful that Sgt. Sanderson used his police lights and siren, allowing for a bit more speed than usual. However, no speed increase would get him to Elizabeth fast enough.

"The bus is on the way, Jack." Officer Michaels advised as he knelt beside Charles, and he applied pressure to the abdominal wound to stop the bleeding.

Jack pulled Elizabeth's hands away from her face. He cupped her cheeks, rubbing them gently with his thumbs. He spoke softly. Her mind wasn't open, but her sense of smell was in overdrive. She didn't smell alcohol; she smelled Artisan cologne…Jack's cologne. He drew her closer. They were but a breath away, "Please look at me," he whispered.

Her eyes opened and it suddenly registered, "Jack, Jack, it's you." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

He pulled back slightly, "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" He asked as his eyes went to her torn blouse and the red mark on her face.

"Ouch," she flinched as he gently rubbed over the area.

Suddenly her eyes focused on the red that was soaking through his sleeve, "Jack, your arm…"

Initially too concerned for her to feel the pain, Jack looked down and saw the blood coming from a flesh wound in his arm. "It's nothing, Elizabeth. Are you okay?" Before she could answer, he called out to Officer Michaels.

"Call in for another bus. I want Miss Thatcher checked out," he stated.

"Jack, you need to be checked out," Officer Michaels' attention was directed to his arm.

"I'll be fine," Jack remarked as his attention returned to Elizabeth.

Sgt. Sanderson and Mr. Thatcher arrived on the scene, and parked away from the first ambulance that was summoned. They approached, as officers needed to hold back Mr. Thatcher. He fought, trying to get into her apartment as the first stretcher was wheeled by. Mr. Thatcher stood quietly, thanking the Lord that his daughter was not the one being rushed out.

As they walked into the apartment, Mr. Thatcher observed Elizabeth and Jack sitting on the sofa. His left arm was around her shoulders; her head was on his chest, as his right hand gently stroked her left cheek.

"Elizabeth," Mr. Thatcher called out. He rushed to her, "Are you all right?"

"Thanks to Jack, I am," Elizabeth stood up and they hugged, tighter than he'd ever remembered holding her before.

The second group of paramedics arrived, "We were called for another victim."

Jack spoke up, "Yes, Elizabeth you need to go and get checked out."

Mr. Thatcher drew back checking his daughter from head to toe. Seeing nothing outwardly but the red mark on her face he was concerned, "Are you hurt?"

"No sir, but Jack is," she broke away from her father and returned to Jack's side, helping to elevate his arm.

"I'm fine. I'll get this checked out after we make sure you're okay," Jack mentioned.

"Jack, you'll get it checked out now. That's an order," Sgt. Sanderson directed the paramedic over to Jack.

Jack was required to lie on the stretcher as he was wheeled out to the second ambulance. The first ambulance, carrying Charles had already left with a police escort. Mr. Thatcher and Elizabeth were promised that Charles would have a guard on his room at all times, assuring Elizabeth's safety.

Sgt. Sanderson offered to take Mr. Thatcher and Elizabeth to the hospital, but she refused to leave Jack.

"There's room on the bus for her, Sergeant," the paramedic advised.

"Okay, we'll meet you there," Sgt. Sanderson gave his approval, as they watched the stretcher with Jack onboard loaded up into the ambulance, followed by Elizabeth who sat next to him.

Once they arrived at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Elizabeth and Jack were sent to the emergency room, but that's where their ride together ended. Jack was wheeled in immediately, and Elizabeth was taken to a room down the hall where she waited.

She waited alone for fifteen minutes before her father broke through the curtain and took a seat beside her bed. His eyes were red, misty and guarded, even if his smile was warm and welcoming. "Have you been seen yet?" He asked.

"No sir. Have you heard about Jack yet? Is he okay?" She asked, obviously preoccupied.

"I don't know," he replied as he took her hand and squeezed it.

"Would you mind finding out for me? He saved my life, and I need to make sure he's okay," she stated, her eyes were pleading with him.

"I don't know if they'll tell me anything, but I'll try," he stood up and headed through the curtain.

"Father…"

He turned around and walked back toward her.

"Remember, you're William Thatcher. Use those skills that you've used in business to find out what you can. They can't say no to you," she smiled.

A few moments later the curtain moved…

"Look who I found out in the hall…" Mr. Thatcher stated as he pulled back the curtain.

"Jack, are you okay?" She observed him wearing his undershirt with his upper arm wrapped in gauze and held by a sling.

"The bullet just grazed me. It looks worse than it is," he assured her.

"Well, let me officially introduce you two…"

"We've already met," they both responded in unison followed by laughter.

"Oh, I see, but daddy this is Jack…the man I was telling you about," she explained further, unaware that he already knew Jack's connection to her.

Dr. Warren walked into the room, "Oh my, Elizabeth, what happened to you? Was it another horseback riding incident?"

"Hi Chris, no…not this time," she explained what happened as Jack and her father watched the young doctor flip through her chart.

"OK, would you two mind stepping outside so I can exam Elizabeth?" Dr. Warren asked as Mr. Thatcher and Jack hesitantly moved out into the hallway.

"Who is this Doogie Howser wannabe?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think he's that young. They must have met before apparently over a horseback riding accident?" Jack offered.

Mr. Thatcher and Jack walked down to the waiting room where they each took a seat in the corner by the window.

"Jack, I want to thank you for what you did back there. You saved my daughter's life, and I want you to know that I'll never forget that," Mr. Thatcher stated.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there before Charles arrived. I…"

"I know you had a date with Elizabeth, she told me when she came by to see me earlier," Mr. Thatcher replied.

"She went by to see you?" Jack asked.

"I should have known better than to present her with an elaborate gift."

"An elaborate gift…"

"I bought her a car and she came to see me to return it," he added.

"Oh, I see…"

"I guess things happen the way they are supposed to, and if I hadn't held you up from leaving, you would have arrived at Elizabeth's without the information we had on Charles. So, thank you for getting there in time and protecting her as you did. I can never repay you, but I can offer you a position in my company," Mr. Thatcher presented a life changing opportunity to Jack.

Jack smiled, understanding that Mr. Thatcher was simply relieved to have his daughter safe and sound. "I appreciate the offer, sir, but I'm happy working for the VBPD," he confirmed.

Sgt. Sanderson walked into the waiting room and pulled them into a corner away from the two families who were taking up most of the room.

"Jack," Sgt. Sanderson began, "I just heard that Mr. Kensington experienced cardiac arrest during surgery."

Outwardly concerned, Jack couldn't help but think how much safer Elizabeth would be if Charles were no longer alive. "How is he?"

Sgt. Sanderson shook his head back and forth, indicating that Charles had passed away. "His body will be sent to the medical examiner's office for an autopsy. Jack, in light of this, and your injury, you will be on desk duty for a while until the internal investigation is completed."

Just the thought that Charles was gone made him gasp, and relax, all in one. Now he would need to help Elizabeth deal with this new information.

They watched as Dr. Warren walked past the door. Sgt. Sanderson released Jack as he and Mr. Thatcher headed back toward Elizabeth's room…

*Knock, knock, knock…

"Just a minute, I'm getting dressed," she called out.

Getting dressed, really, Doogie Howser? She had a red mark on her cheek. It didn't require her to be undressed! Jack thought.

She pulled the curtain back and stepped away from the bed.

"I'll give you a ride home dear," Her father demanded, disappointing Jack, who wanted to be the one to take her home.

Jack and Elizabeth checked out of the hospital, and walked toward the parking lot holding hands. Mr. Thatcher walked to the business office to pay for their treatment. He wrote out a check for Elizabeth's medical care minus her insurance coverage, but was advised that since Jack was on duty that the City would handle his expenses. Mr. Thatcher walked slowly toward the parking lot to give them some time alone to process the evening's events.

"Oh Jack, you're patrol car is at my apartment," she stated, looking forward to their ride back together.

"No, one of the officers drove it back to the precinct, I'll get the sergeant to give me a ride," he advised. "My truck is parked at the station."

"Jack, why do I not feel bad leaving before Charles gets out of surgery?" she asked. "I just don't understand what happened to him. He used to be so kind and thoughtful. It just wasn't like him to scream at me or put his hands on me like he did. I can't believe that he tried to kill me."

They reached Mr. Thatcher's car, and Jack turned her around to face him. Her back was against the passenger window. "Elizabeth," he began as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms, "Charles passed away in surgery… I'm so sorry."

"Oh, here comes my dad," she stated, her affect was flat and she was as cool as a spring rain. It was as if he had just advised her that milk had gone up in price by $.05 a gallon.

Mr. Thatcher walked up, and opened the car door for Elizabeth. "Thank you again Jack. Do you have a ride back?"

"Yes sir… I'm riding back with Sergeant Sanderson," he informed them.

"I look forward to seeing more of you Jack," Mr. Thatcher shook his hand as he and Elizabeth settled in the car.

"I look forward to that too, sir," Jack stated before sadly watching them drive away.

Mr. Thatcher rode with Elizabeth to her apartment. He went inside to talk for awhile, making certain that she was okay. Luckily the apartment was not damaged other than the blood on the floor in front of the sofa.

Rosemary was frantic when she arrived home to find blood on the carpet and officers in her apartment taking pictures. She was no less frantic after speaking to Elizabeth, but at least she understood what had happened. She was scrubbing the floor when the doorbell rang. Standing in the hall was a workman from a local carpet cleaning business, sent to the apartment by Mr. Thatcher. Rosemary watched as the carpet was steam cleaned and the stains miraculously disappeared.

Mr. Thatcher sat with Elizabeth for a while before heading out to return home. He knew that although she loved him, she wanted to spend her time now with Jack. So he kissed her on the cheek, and promised to come back in town soon to take her and Jack to dinner.

Jack picked up his truck from the police station with instructions from Sgt. Sanderson to drive immediately home.

"Her apartment isn't that far out of my way," he thought, as he drove off in her direction.

He pulled into her parking lot and drove up next to her brand new Jeep, "I should have known that fancy car wasn't something she picked out."

"Hi, I miss you…"

"I miss U 2…"

"I know it's late, but can U stop by?"

"Already here…"

"See you in a few… Hurry up!"

"I'm running…"

"No U R not. I C U out the window…"

"OK, I lied, but I'm walking fast…"

He headed into the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor.

"Hold the elevator please," Jack heard a voice, but didn't see anyone. He pushed the button and the doors remained open. "Dr. Warren?"

"Yes, do we know each… Oh wait, you were with Elizabeth at the hospital," he said looking down at Jack's arm. "Looks like you got the worst end of that deal."

"Which floor," Jack asked.

"Three please," Dr. Warren replied.

"How do you know Elizabeth?" Jack asked, feeling the green eyed monster rearing his ugly head.

They exited the elevator and headed in the same direction towards Elizabeth's apartment.

"I'm her neighbor." Seeing the concern in Jack's eyes, he laughed, "Don't worry; we're just friends. I won't lie and say I didn't ask her out, but…"

"But what?" Jack was clearly interested.

Dr. Warren frowned and shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe if I'd met her before you did, I'd have had a chance, but not now. You're a lucky guy. Well, maybe not in some things," he remarked as he motioned to Jack's bandaged arm. "You're lucky to have her though."

Dr. Warren stopped two apartments before Elizabeth's, "Good luck with your arm. Let Elizabeth know if she needs anything to come and get me."

Before he could knock on Elizabeth's door, it flew open, and he moved towards her…

"Whoa Jack, personal space please," Rosemary said as she invited him in.

Jack's face turned red, "Sorry, I thought Elizabeth was at the door."

"I'm kidding, Jack. She went back to change her clothes. She'll be back in a minute," Rosemary replied as she closed the door behind him.

Jack took a seat on the sofa and within a few minutes Elizabeth appeared wearing a pair of sweat pants, and a crop top, as she pulled her hair up into a loose ponytail. "My word, does she ever not look put together? Doc, you're right, I am lucky." He thought.

Elizabeth sat beside him on the sofa, and both of them watched as Rosemary wished them a good night before heading to bed. The room was suddenly quiet; the lighting was intentionally dim, and she nuzzled into his chest, careful not to further injure his arm. He leaned down and inhaled her scent; sweet and fruity, like a freshly cut peach. He drew her closer to him, wanting to taste her soft, inviting lips, but he wouldn't push her. There was so much he didn't know about what happened this evening between her and Charles. Was it limited to her torn blouse and the slap across the face causing the red mark, or was there more. He needed to know in order to help her, "Elizabeth?"

She looked up at him. Her eyes were misty and although she tried desperately to prevent it, a perfectly round droplet slipped from her eye. He shifted on the cushion, moving himself so he was facing her. He cradled her face in his hands, as he gently kissed away her tear, "If you don't want to tell me, I understand, but did he hurt you?"

His words meant the possibility of anything, but his eyes said something more intimate. She could hear his respiration increasing, and see the muscles in his arms twitching as he watched her, trying to read her reaction.

"No Jack, he didn't do what you're asking," she watched as his breathing relaxed.

He gently touched the spot on her cheek that was forming into a bruise. His thumb pulled away as his lips replaced it

"It already feels better Jack," she stated. She raised her chin and turned her head slightly. She noticed a small scar on the bridge of his nose, and for a millisecond she wondered how he'd got it. She wanted to know everything about the man before her, at this particular moment, more than anything; she wanted to feel his lips on hers.

Just as their desire for each other became almost unbearable, she felt his lips, and hers opened slightly to welcome him. The warmth of his mouth sent a shiver through her body, as she lost herself in his peppermint breath and soft lips.

"Jack, I…what I'm trying to say is that I…" She wanted to be honest; to tell him that she was falling for him, falling harder than she ever dreamed possible. But it had all happened so fast, and if she said something now, would he just assume that it was gratitude? What she felt was far from gratitude.

"What is it Elizabeth?" He smiled as he brushed a soft brown curl behind her ear. "You can tell me anything; at least I hope you know you can," he stated as his lips quickly brushed hers. He wanted to tell her how important she was to him. No, that wasn't right. He wanted to tell her how much he cared about her. No, even that wasn't right. He wanted to tell her that he thought about her often; he worried about her frequently, and he wanted to be with her always. How could he fall so hard, so fast? He wasn't sure how, or why, but he knew he had. However, he was also aware that it may be too much to spring on her so soon, and after such a trauma. This time was hers; to say what she needed to say, feel what she needed to feel, but most importantly, to know that she was safe with him.

"How is your arm?" She asked.

"Is that what you wanted to say before?" he brushed the hair away from her forehead.

"There will be time to talk later; you need to rest now. Did you get anything for pain?" She asked.

Jack dug down into his pocket and pulled out a medication bottle, "Vicodin," as he held it up for Elizabeth to see.

"Do you want to stay here? I mean it is pretty late," She suggested as she observed a sly smile and deep dimples covering his face.

"That's very kind of you ma'am," he responded as he leaned back on the sofa.

"Let me get you some water so you can take your pill, and then I'll make up the bed for you," she stood from the sofa and headed for the kitchen. She returned and sat the glass of water on the table before heading toward the linen closet for a sheet, blanket and extra pillows.

He helped her make up the sofa into a bed. She tucked him in, and kissed him gently before heading to bed herself.

She closed her bedroom door, and sat down on her bed before a rush of emotions overcame her. She didn't want Jack to see her as weak. She was tired of people assuming that since she was from a wealthy family that she had no worries, and if she did, she'd never be able to handle them. A tear lost here or there was okay, but to let herself go completely, in the company of others, that would be unacceptable.

She reached into the drawer of her bedside table and pulled out her journal. She sat with it held to her chest as she thought. She wanted to put her jumbled mess of emotions in some sort of order, something that she could understand. She opened her journal, flipped to the next blank page and began to put her feelings onto paper…

"How can someone you've known almost your entire life, someone you've shared trials and triumphs with, was privy to your dreams and desires, unexpectedly turn your world upside down. No thought is given to the emotional heartache or physical pains they create in their quest for dominance. No concern is given to the wants or needs of others and, in the end, what you thought was safe, and secure was actually the Devil in disguise. You hope to find that special someone; that one who will allow you to be yourself, flaws and all. The one who will include you in their dreams; and that one who's arms can still the rushing emotions within you. The Devil lurks, but if your heart is willing to take a chance trust in it, for the Lord will be his mighty adversary."

Elizabeth closed her journal and slipped it back in the drawer of her bedside table. As she lay back in bed, she closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep. Right now, she hated being alone with her thoughts. She slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hall, "if he's awake, then I'm not really disturbing him."

"Elizabeth," he called out as she entered the den.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to disturb you. Do you need anything?" She asked.

He patted the seat beside him, "Come here."

She walked over to the sofa, "I'm worried about you Jack. Vicodin is strong. I'd feel better if I stayed out here with you. After all, I'm the reason you got hurt."

"It's not your fault, Elizabeth. I'm a police officer and it does come with the territory, but I've been trained and I'm good at what I do," he said before opening his arms. He welcomed her in and she took the offer.

She snuggled in close, "Were you scared?" She asked.

"Not for me, but the thought of something happening to you…" he clenched his jaw and looked away. He took a cleansing breath and returned his gaze to her beside him, snuggled into his chest, and he was thankful. He was also worried. Worried about her and the fact that she had not released the emotions that he was certain she held inside. He knew she was a strong woman, but what she had just been through was traumatic. He was certain that the feelings were there, bottled up inside, just waiting to spew. If she needed to talk, he wanted to listen. If she needed to scream, he wanted to be her sounding board. If she wanted to cry, he wanted to hold her.

They snuggled in close; her body seemed to mold perfectly to his. The Vicodin was beginning to take effect as he felt himself dozing; staying awake was quickly becoming a thing of the past. Jack slowly lay back on the sofa, as his head was resting on a pillow. He had been asleep for awhile when Elizabeth, who had been sitting up watching him, whispered, "I think I love you, Jack Thornton. Please don't turn out to be the Devil in disguise…"

To be continued…