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."
Chapter 12- In God's Hands
Early in the afternoon, after Elizabeth had tidied up around her set up, and had provided moral support to her handler friends showing in the various groups, Jack held out his hand and said, "I'm taking you somewhere…"
"Where?" She asked.
"No questions," he replied.
"What about Onyx?" She inquired.
"She's coming, of course," he remarked.
Elizabeth gladly accepted his hand and they headed outside. Jack glanced down and observed her engagement ring appropriately placed on her ring finger.
"You didn't take it off today," he stated, freely showing his dimples.
She returned his smile, "No, it seemed to upset you when I did."
Jack brought her hand up to his lips, kissing the finger which held the symbol of his love. He held her hand out for both of them to see, "It sat in a box in a drawer for seven years. It needs to be out for everyone, especially Carson, to see."
They walked out to his rental car, "Come on Jack; where are we going?" She begged.
He opened his back door and pulled out a picnic basket and a blanket. He smiled as her face lit up, a look of contentment he had not seen since arriving in town the day before.
"Jack, how thoughtful; a picnic…" She stated.
"Well, the picnic basket is courtesy of Paula's Picnics. Her advertisement was hanging on the wall. The blanket is courtesy of Barbara…she's the lady that has the dog supplies booth in the corner," he explained.
Jack continued, "The suggestion for where to take you for the picnic is courtesy of Roland Cas…it's courtesy of Roland Castronue…oh, I don't know. It's courtesy of Roland, the dude who was helping people out here park their campers."
Elizabeth laughed, "So where are we having this picnic?"
Jack tucked the blanket under his arm and held the picnic basket handle with his left hand. He took hold of her hand as they walked around the back of the building to a beautiful tree lined lake. The area was peaceful and it was hard to believe that they were truly alone.
"Oh Jack, this is beautiful. What a perfect spot," she stated as she took the blanket from under his arm and spread it out where the grass met the shoreline.
Elizabeth unhooked Onyx's leash and allowed her to explore the area nearby. Jack reached in the basket and pulled out a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses. "WOW, you thought of everything."
"I try," he commented as he opened the bottle and poured two glasses.
They sat on the blanket enjoying the warmth of the sun on their faces.
Jack pulled the food out of the basket. They romantically fed each other grapes, cheese and strawberries dipped in chocolate as they easily polished off the bottle of wine.
He leaned her back on the blanket; his hand rested below her ear as his thumb gently caressed her cheek. Their breaths mingled and his lips were warm as he pressed them against hers. He was gentle, yet demanding, strong, yet tender, and passionate, yet considerate of her innocence.
"Jack…" she whispered.
"Uh-huh," he barely managed in response.
"I haven't told you this before, but I want to thank you for waiting for me. I know we each dated others, but…"
He tried to speak but her floral perfume captivated his senses, seducing them without ever really trying. He kissed her as they each tasted the sweet remnants of the chocolate covered strawberries and wine. His hand swept behind her head, tangling in her long, beautiful auburn hair as he pulled her to him, deepening their connection. Her concerns about Carson suddenly, but if for only a moment, disappeared, and she was in heaven.
"Eliz-a-beth," he whispered, as he drew out her name, speaking slowing and softly, breathlessly, as if he were savoring each letter. He brushed several curls away from her face, "I love you more than you could ever imagine and being with anyone other than you was never in the cards for me. It will be a wonderful day when I slip that wedding ring on your finger."
Realizing that they were quickly becoming too hot, too passionate and that turning back may soon be too difficult, he backed away and sat up. They sat together looking out over the lake, quietly contemplating life. They watched Onyx as she chased a rabbit to the edge of the woods; coming back immediately once she was called.
They leaned back on the blanket, resting on an elbow as they faced each other, and they talked. They talked about good memories and their dreams for the future. They discussed their desire for children, how many and how soon after they marry. They agreed that they'd like to have a few years alone before welcoming children, but they differed on the number…he wanted at least six, and she agreed to three, maybe four.
Then the talk turned somewhat somber, "I'm sorry that you had to change your plans, Jack. I know that you were looking forward to seeing your family," she stated.
"We'll go next weekend to see our families," he suggested. "Besides, you are my family."
"And you are mine," she leaned over, lying him on his back as her lips met his.
His arms swept around her, pulling her close deepening their kisses, each one more passionate than the one before. He rolled her body over his and onto her back as he straddled her. His hand rested behind her neck as his thumb gently brushed the skin on her cheek. He leaned down, quickly losing himself in her soft, plush lips.
Suddenly, Onyx barked and he immediately jumped up keeping her behind him as his eyes darted about. Onyx barked again as she flushed a flock of birds out of one of the trees.
"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked as she quickly sat up.
"Nothing, just some birds," he responded.
"You thought it was Carson, didn't you?" Elizabeth asked.
Jack turned back to her and sat down, "You can't be too careful."
She drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She grabbed her left wrist with her right hand and held on tightly, "What am I going to do about him Jack. I hate that he's running my life, our lives." She started to tear up, "I never would have dated him if I had known he was like this. I'm scared, but I think more than anything else, I'm mad."
"Well first of all, you aren't going to do anything. I don't want you anywhere near him," he demanded. "We'll work this out together, like we should have been doing all these many years ago. If we'd stayed together, you would never have been with him."
She just looked in his eyes, said nothing, got up and started to walk away.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"Jack, I know I made a mistake with Carson, but Brooke could have just as easily been the crazy one here and stalking you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so, so very sorry, but I can't continue to apologize for what happened seven years ago, and I won't. I know it's my fault; it's all my fault, but we need to put that behind us, or…"
"Or what?" He asked.
"Jack, all I'm saying is that I can't keep living in the past and if you can't put it behind you and completely forgive me then, well maybe splitting up all those years ago was the right thing," she snapped back at him. "Come on Onyx."
"Wait, you don't mean that," he responded sadly.
She turned back to face him, "Jack, I'm sorry. I don't know what I mean. I'm not angry with you, but I'm frustrated and scared, and I'm tired of carrying around this guilt."
He closed the distance between them, pulled her into his embrace and held her. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I do forgive you for what happened all those years ago. Unfortunately you know I'm someone who often speaks without a filter, and I need to think before doing so." He felt her break down in his arms, "Shh, we'll figure this out, but we'll do it together, okay?"
She said nothing, but he felt her head against his chest nod up and down, signifying that she was in agreement with him.
He leaned back slightly and smiled, "You know, if we went ahead and got married, maybe Carson would realize that he needed to move on. We could do it here and honeymoon in Disney World." He thought it was a brilliant idea until he felt her turn cold in his arms. "Is something wrong? We can wait to get married if you want."
She took his hand and walked toward the lake, "I wasn't going to tell you this but…"
"But what? He asked. "What's wrong, besides the obvious?"
"Carson asked me to marry him…" she stated quickly feeling the burn as the hot words passed through her lips.
"He what? When?" Jack's tone was harsh. "What did you say?"
She looked at him incredulously, "Seriously? I said 'Yes.' What do you think I said? He made the same suggestion you did; marry here and honeymoon in Disney World."
Jack then realized why she went so cold in his arms at his marriage and honeymoon suggestion. "I need to take care of this; I need to take care of him," Jack stated.
"Please don't do something that will get you into trouble, Jack. It's not worth it," she pleaded.
"We're worth it, Elizabeth." Jack put his hands on her arms, "We need to stop questioning each other. That's what he wants; he wants you to back away from me, leaving you clear for him."
"Jack, even if we weren't together, he's shown me what he's really like, and that isn't what I want, or who I want," she stated as her hand on the side of his face gently feathered through his hair. "The truth is Jack; I've never wanted anyone else but you."
"Do you love me?" He asked.
"Yes, of course I do, more than anything," she replied.
"Do you trust me?" He already knew the answer.
"You know I do," she confirmed what he truly already knew.
"Let's stop bickering between ourselves. I love you; I trust you, and I don't want anything to happen to you," he poured his heart out to her as he released her arm and wrapped both of his around her waist.
She felt her rapid heartbeat begin to calm as she looked into his soulful eyes. She said nothing, but leaned in and they were face-to-face, breath-to-breath, and lips-to-lips. His mouth opened, the invitation was sent and quickly reciprocated as their tongues tangled.
Their breaths quickened as Elizabeth pulled away when several other people ventured down toward the lake.
"Come here, Onyx," Elizabeth called out, snapping her leash on to keep her nearby.
"Are we okay Jack?" She asked as she took his hand.
He pulled her hand up to his lips, "We're better than okay. We're perfect."
They gathered their blanket and basket and headed back inside the building.
That evening, Jack made reservations at a local pet friendly restaurant "Fish on Fire." They sat out on the deck under the beautiful moonlight and enjoyed each other's company as they talked about important things, like their wedding.
"Jack, we still need to tell our parents about our engagement…" She began.
"My mom already knows," He replied. "I had to give her some good news when I called to let her know I wasn't coming home this weekend."
"Oh no, what did you tell her?" She asked. "She's going to be upset that I dragged you into my freak show of a life."
Jack smiled and took her hand, "I told her that you were in Florida, and before I could say anything else, she agreed that I needed to be with you."
Elizabeth released a soft laugh.
"I do try to do as my mom asks," he stated.
They finished their meal and took a walk around the water.
Elizabeth looked out onto the lake, "I have a good idea Jack. Let's go home and see our families next weekend, and then plan a wedding at Virginia Beach for soon afterward."
"Whatever you want; you know I'd marry you right now if you wanted," he admitted.
"It's not that I don't want to, but it seems so impulsive, pretty much like everything in my life right now," she commented.
"I don't think so. Maybe to others, but it shouldn't feel that way to us. Loving someone for fifteen years is far from impulsive," he remarked.
"I guess when you put it that way, you're right," she agreed. "I would marry you right here, right now, but I think our parents would be upset. I'd love to get married out on the beach with our families there with us, okay? Hey, what do you think about Onyx as my Maid of Honor?" She giggled.
"She is very special to you. Onyx as your Maid of Honor is fine with me," he remarked. "A beach wedding sounds beautiful. However, I have to say that the sooner we marry the better for me. I'm not so certain how much longer I can be the gentleman and wait to make mad passionate love to you," he smiled, half heartedly joking.
His hand rested below her ear as his thumb gently caressed her cheek. Seeing her surprise he quickly interjected, "I'm kidding…well somewhat. I'll wait as long as I need to, because you are worth it. We as a couple will be worth it." He leaned down and kissed her with such love; it was a true promise for the future.
That night they shared a bed, however, she slept under the covers, Jack was on top of the bedding and Onyx wedged herself in between them.
Following the show on Sunday, in which Elizabeth won points on her clients' Vizsla and Golden Retriever, she parked her Explorer around back to load up.
"Hey Elizabeth," Amy called out. "Why did you pull Onyx from her class?"
"To be honest, if she had won I would have felt obligated to remain for the groups this afternoon. I just wanted to get on the road. Jack has to work tomorrow and it's a twelve hour drive," she explained.
"Did that guy bother you anymore?" She asked.
"I'm hoping that he left, because I didn't see him anymore," Elizabeth replied.
"I'm not so sure that he left. I think I saw him this morning at Mary's booth, buying a dog toy. When I looked back he was gone," she advised. "I had to leave and go show the schnauzer, but I told Kim to tell you. Did you see her?"
Elizabeth frowned and shook her head, "I saw her, but I was going into the ring and she said something, but I couldn't understand her. I just smiled and waved my hand like I had heard her. Thanks for trying anyway."
Jack helped her gather her crates, x-pens, all of her Rubbermaid containers, grooming table, blow dryer and bedding. It took them a while, but they eventually figured out a way to pack everything and leave the front passenger seat free.
"Oh wait, we need to repack," he stated.
"Why…?"
"Are you planning to hold Onyx all the way home?" he remarked.
They reconfigured a few boxes and were able to give Onyx a small area to lie in. They both climbed into the Explorer and were greeted with something being held between the windshield and the wiper.
They both opened their doors…
"You stay here," he ordered sharply.
Jack jumped out and stepped to the front of the Explorer. Tucked under the windshield wiper Jack found a stuffed dog toy and a note. Jack went through Elizabeth's medical container and slipped on a pair of latex gloves. He opened the envelope to reveal its contents.
Inside, the note was handwritten and Jack read it first…
"Elizabeth,
I don't know what happened to turn you against me, but I'm certain that we can work it out. I told you that I didn't trust Jack, but you said that he was not a threat to us. I've been very patient with you; you know what I mean, and I think you owe me. So, I'll make reservations at our favorite restaurant, and we can make some plans.
I love you,
Carson"
"What does it say?" She asked.
"You don't need to read it," he assured her.
"Jack, please…what am I up against here?" She asked, as he held up the note for her to read.
She showed little emotion before exiting the vehicle, covering her mouth and running inside the building. Ten minutes later she returned; she apologized and from her washed out coloring, he could tell that she had been sick.
"Are you okay," he asked as he brushed some of her hair behind her ear. "Do you need anything?"
"I need this nightmare to be over," she stated angrily. She turned to look at Jack; she put her hand on his and squeezed slightly, "I'm sorry. It certainly isn't your fault."
A majority of their twelve hour ride home was in silence. Part of that time she or he was sleeping. Most of it however, they appeared to be thinking.
They made good time driving north on I-95, arriving at Norfolk International Airport at 11:45pm. They pulled up to Jack's truck and he transferred his bag over and followed her home. It was late and he was worried about her, so he slept on her couch.
They were both exhausted and said their goodnight's before turning in shortly after arriving at her apartment.
Elizabeth went to her room and changed into her nightgown. She slipped under the covers, pulled her journal from her bag, flipped to the first blank page, and began to write…
"We tell the truth, sometimes being painfully honest, but we try to temper it with kindness. We attempt to be fair, but in doing so someone always seems to get hurt. We are encouraged to trust in God, for he will not give us more than we can handle. I know I shouldn't, but I silently question how strong he thinks I am, for his faith in me far surpasses mine. We learn that what doesn't tear us down makes us stronger, a concept that at times is extremely hard to fathom. We are told to be courageous in the face of our adversaries; to treat others as we would like to be treated, and to turn the other cheek. Although I truly believe that these are admirable qualities, I must admit that my strength is waning and I fear for myself and my loved ones.
I try very hard to be kind, considerate and thoughtful of others and their feelings. However, I'm ashamed to say that sometimes I just want to say 'Go to Hell.'"
Monday morning Elizabeth got up early. The truth is she didn't sleep much. She walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and to fix him breakfast before he had to leave for work.
She fixed him a plate of bacon, scrambled eggs and toast and placed it on the dining room table.
Jack lay on the sofa; his eyes were open, but he remained quiet. He was completely taken by her in a short silky nightgown, covered by an equally short robe, which was intentionally left open in the front. He watched her walk around the table, moving things in order to make room for both of them. As she moved, the thin silky robe flowed across her skin and he ached to touch her.
She walked back into the kitchen to get him some coffee, and was reaching into the cabinet for a cup when she felt his arms wrap around her waist.
"This is a sight I will love seeing every morning," he stated as he pulled her close. He leaned to the side and pressed his lips gently against the soft skin of her neck.
"Mmm, I could certainly get used to this too. Although, I'm afraid that neither of us will be able make it to work on time. Luckily I'm off today…sorry for your luck, Agent Thornton!"
"What are you doing today?" He asked.
"I thought I would get our reservations for Boston. Are you able to leave early on Friday?" She asked.
He pulled out his phone and looked at his calendar, "No appointments. That should be fine. Do you need my credit card?"
"No, I've got it. Thanks though," she replied. "I'm going to call my mom in a little while and tell her about our engagement. I know she'll be happy, but probably disappointed that it's taken me so long to let her know."
"I'd really prefer that you stay inside today," he suggested.
"Stay inside? Jack it's supposed to unseasonably warm, something like 70 degrees. It's too pretty to stay inside," she responded.
"Well, if you go anywhere, please be careful. I'm going to do more checking on Carson," he stated.
"More checking?" She asked.
Jack looked down before returning his gaze to her. He smiled, "I knew you were dating him a while ago and I did a little checking on his background."
"Really, why?" She asked.
"I wanted to make sure you were happy," he replied as his lips gently covered hers.
"Just so you know, I've never been happier," she responded. "Did you find out anything?" She asked, now thankful that even back then he was watching out for her.
"No, actually his actions now have truly surprised me," Jack remarked.
After breakfast, Jack took a quick shower, and changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt.
"Are you allowed to wear that to work?" She asked.
"I have a suit at the office that I keep for emergencies. I consider today to be one of those." He gathered his bag and walked with Elizabeth to the door. He kissed her goodbye, three times, finding it difficult to leave her, but eventually headed down the hallway.
Before reaching the door leading to the courtyard, he turned back and smiled at her, "Please be careful today."
"I will," she assured him.
Elizabeth spent the morning on the phone with her mother and father, explaining everything from her break up with Carson, and her reconciliation with and New Year's Eve engagement to Jack.
Her parents were ecstatic to say the least, and her mother insisted on beginning the wedding planning. Elizabeth advised her that she wanted something simple, at sunset on Virginia Beach, and they wanted it soon. It was lunchtime before she realized it.
Elizabeth worked on the computer for a few hours finding the best deal for two roundtrip tickets to Boston. Their flight is scheduled to leave out of Patrick Henry Airport at 7am on Friday, and arrives in Boston at 9:10am. Their return flight home isn't scheduled to leave Boston until the late afternoon on Sunday.
Elizabeth put the kettle on and fixed a cup of tea before she sat down on the sofa to look at wedding dress web sites on her computer. Onyx began to nudge her leg…
"I'm sorry girl. You've been cooped up all day. Let's go to the beach," Elizabeth stated as she changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top and ventured out into the surprisingly warm sunshine.
Elizabeth and Onyx walked through the courtyard and were almost to the parking lot when Elizabeth had a thought, "Is the stove off?"
She secured Onyx in the pet area and ran to her apartment. Thankfully her stove was off, and everything was fine. She grabbed her keys and headed out.
She reached the courtyard and was shocked when she observed Carson casually sitting at a picnic table, as if he was waiting to be served.
She had to walk passed him to get to Onyx, "What are you doing here?" She nervously asked before realizing that she was alone in the courtyard.
"I want to talk to you," he demanded. "You need to sit down, as he grabbed her arm and forced her to sit on the bench.
She said nothing and her eyes were fixed in front of her, watching the parking area, hoping that more residents would be arriving home soon.
"You know, I was on the computer today, and do you know what I saw?" He asked, his voice was sharp and the tone pierced her gut.
She said nothing.
"Well, I'll tell you. Apparently someone has posted a video on Facebook of a very intimate moment between a man and a woman down at Virginia Beach on New Year's Eve. He's trying to get the video to them," Carson's voice was getting edgier and intimidating.
He continued, "Looks like a marriage proposal, and the funny thing is, oh no, I won't tell you…LOOK AT IT!" He yelled as he shoved his phone in her face.
She didn't want to look, but then it was beautiful and she couldn't look away. It was her and Jack by the lake and he was on bended knee asking her to marry him.
"Why did you say 'Yes' to him? We're supposed to be together," he demanded.
Elizabeth observed several men walk into the courtyard on their way home and she suddenly felt more secure.
"I don't have time to talk now…ONYX," she yelled, but her dog did not come. "ONYX, she yelled again, "Where are you?"
She quickly realized that the gate to the pet area, which she secured moments earlier, was now open and Onyx was gone.
"Why did you let her out?" She screamed as she ran for the parking lot. She barely made it to her vehicle when she heard tires screeching and a dog yelp in pain.
Elizabeth ran to the highway and found Onyx on the side of the road, blood seeping from her mouth. She bent down beside her and screamed. Onyx's gums were pale and she knew that if she wasn't already gone, she would be soon.
She suddenly saw nothing and no one but Onyx. Elizabeth scooped up this 75 pound dog in her arms as if she were light as a feather and ran for her Explorer.
Carson was standing by the door, "I'm sorry. There was another dog outside; she just looked like she wanted to play."
"Get out of my way," she yelled.
Elizabeth gently placed her in the back of her vehicle, turned to face Carson, and quickly realized how a mother would feel in protecting her children.
Carson grabbed her left arm trying to keep her there so he could talk with her. She drew up a fist, and swung. Unfortunately for her he grabbed her arm before it made contact, and then he refused to release her.
"Let me go, Carson. I don't have time…" she screamed.
He held her tight as she struggled, feeling his hands tighten against her skin.
She had no time to waste and was quickly becoming frantic. She drew her knee up and made intentional contact with his groin, doubling him over and forcing him to release his hold on her.
Elizabeth jumped in the Explorer and raced toward the emergency vet. She contacted the office and spoke with Tim, a close friend of hers and owner of the practice. He stated that he wasn't scheduled to work tonight but he would stay as long as he was needed. Tim advised that Dr. Perisi was on duty and they would both be available to work on Onyx. Tim suggested that she pull around the back of the building and his team would be waiting.
Onyx was immediately removed from her Explorer and taken to the back on a stretcher. She looked bad, and Elizabeth felt scared and lost. She walked into the clinic and took a seat in the corner. She pulled out her phone but her hands were shaking so bad that she was unable to press the correct buttons. She went to her "contacts" on her phone, but had to disconnect several calls when she found herself dialing "Janice, Kathryn, and Joanie." Frustrated, she threw her phone down on the padded bench and paced. Twenty minutes passed and Tim came out to talk with her…
"We have her on fluids; the things we can see are that she has a broken right hind leg, quite a few abrasions and a laceration on her left shoulder. Those will heal." Tim took her hand, "Now for the bad news…"
Elizabeth felt her legs weaken and the pain in her chest was undeniable. She sat down as Tim explained the rest of his news, "The ultrasound shows a severely lacerated spleen. We're prepping her for surgery now. I'll let you know once we're done." He walked toward the back, but turned and approached her. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "I'll do my best to save her."
As her tears flowed in an unrestricted stream, Elizabeth watched him walk through the swinging doors leading to the operating room before closing her eyes and beginning to pray.
"Dear Lord, I pray for Tim's skilled surgical hands. Please be with him as he attempts to repair the damage that's been done. I ask that you send your angels to surround her and give her the strength to fight. I love her so much; please don't take her from me. In Jesus' name and for his sake, Amen."
Anyone who truly knew Elizabeth was aware how important Onyx was to her. After she and Jack broke up, she threw herself into dog showing to occupy her time, hoping to put the memories of what she had lost behind her. She obtained Onyx around that time, and they have been inseparable ever since.
Elizabeth sat on the bench in the chilly waiting area thinking about the nights when she would curl up in bed with her arms around Onyx and cry herself to sleep. "She has to be okay. Please God, don't take her from me," she whispered. Feeling cold, she slipped out to her vehicle and grabbed a jacket.
She pulled out her phone and called Jack, "Come on Jack, please answer." She called him several times, but his phone kept going to voicemail but would shut off before she could leave a message.
Elizabeth called Susan. She explained the situation and asked that she run by her apartment and wait for Jack.
Elizabeth felt the need to do something. She was nervous, scared and angry. She reached in her bag and pulled out her journal. She flipped through a few of her recent entries before reaching a blank page. She took a deep breath and began to convey her feelings onto paper…
"Hate, it is one of those dreaded four letter words that we are taught as children that we should never use. It's so strong and powerful and the implications of its meaning are boundless. However, I sit here now, scared and lonely and hate has overtaken my heart."
Jack picked up Chinese food on his way to Elizabeth's apartment. He pulled into the parking lot and was surprised to find that her Explorer was missing. As he drove through the lot, he caught a glimpse of a van with the "SHOLABS" license plate. He knew that Elizabeth's plate read "SHOLABZ," so this couldn't be a coincidence.
As he looked in the windows of the vehicle, Susan approached. "Excuse me. Can I help you?"
"I was looking for Elizabeth and I assumed that with your license plate you probably know her," he advised.
"Well, she's not stuffed in my vehicle if that's what you think. Who are you?" Susan asked.
"I'm sorry. I'm Jack Thornton…"
"You're Jack? I'm Susan. She's told me all about you," she advised.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Susan. Jack pulled the Chinese food bag out of his truck and held it up, "We have plenty. Would you like to join us?" He asked.
"You haven't talked to Elizabeth, have you?" She remarked.
Although he didn't know her, he could sense the urgency in her voice, "What's wrong, is Elizabeth okay?"
"It's not Elizabeth, its Onyx…"
"What happened? Where are they?"
Susan explained what she knew, and Carson's involvement. She provided Jack with the directions to the ER Vet and she ran inside Elizabeth's apartment to grab Onyx's blanket.
Jack scanned the parking lot and saw Carson's car parked in the corner. He approached and Carson exited his vehicle.
"I understand congratulations are in order," Carson remarked, apparently oblivious to the emergency involving Onyx.
"What did you do to her dog?" Jack yelled.
"Oh, I would think you'd be thanking me. She'll never give you the attention she gives that dog. I just got her out of the way for…"
Before Carson could finish his sentence, Jack nailed him with a punch to the jaw knocking him to the ground. "Get up," Jack demanded. "We're going to settle this now."
Carson jumped up and drew his hands into fists. He threw a punch which Jack deflected, making contact with his own fist to Carson's abdomen. Carson quickly regrouped and hit Jack in the chest, knocking him back against his car.
"Come on, Jack. Do you really think you're man enough for her?" Carson yelled as he danced around, trying his best to avoid Jack's blows.
Jack drew back and hit Carson solidly in the face as his blood flew. Carson fell backwards onto the ground.
"You broke my nose," Carson yelled as he sat on the ground cupping the blood as it flowed.
"You can have her, Jack. She's not worth the aggravation," Carson yelled as he flung his hand and dropped blood on the ground. Trying to leave Jack with something to ponder, he stated, "But just remember; I got her into bed first."
Jack had never been so close to wanting to kill someone before. Even in all his years with the FBI, he had managed to handle himself without using deadly force. He'd had altercations before, but never had he wished that they would push him to the point of justifiable deadly force, until now.
"Carson, you're a pathetic excuse for a man. I'm warning you; stay away from Elizabeth; it's over," Jack demanded.
"Is that a threat?" Carson yelled as he watched Jack turn away from him.
Jack stopped and turned back around to face Carson, "No, it's a promise."
Jack turned back and ran to his truck where he met Susan.
"Are you okay," Susan asked as she observed the blood on his shirt and was drawn to the injuries to his hand.
"I'm okay," he stated as he grabbed Onyx's blanket and headed for the ER Vet.
He picked up his phone and dialed her number…
"Hello Jack," her voice was weak.
"I'm on my way honey. How's Onyx?" He asked, but felt a pit in his stomach as he awaited her response.
Elizabeth had attempted to hold it together, but upon hearing his voice she lost her composure. Through her tears she stated, "She's still in surgery."
Jack raced to the vet and ran inside to find her huddled in the corner with her arms wrapped around her legs, and her head resting on her knees. He sat down beside her as his hand tenderly rubbed her back.
She hesitantly lifted her head, "Oh Jack, she looked so bad. I can't lose her," she cried.
"Onyx is strong; she's a fighter. You need to have faith; put it in God's hands," he stated. He took her hands in his and they prayed.
His voice was soft and soothing and his arms were strong and comforting as she released her sense of foreboding and gave into her need to believe in Onyx's survival.
He felt her body begin to relax when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her body into him. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. His heart ached for the pain that she was in.
Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand and felt him wince slightly. She glanced down and observed dried blood, cuts, abrasions and bruising across his knuckles. There were drops of blood on his shirt as well. "Jack, what happened?"
Jack tried to cover his hand, "It's nothing."
She leaned back and looked into his eyes, "Don't tell me it's nothing. Who did you fight with?"
"Carson. He was at your apartment when I arrived and talked to Susan. She told me what happened, and as I was leaving, I saw his car in the parking lot. Let's just say we had words, and I took him down," Jack stated, hopeful that Carson would now leave them alone.
Elizabeth released a soft laugh, "It was a bad day for Carson. You knocked him down and so did I."
"You too?" He asked.
"A knee to the groin," she quipped.
Jack winced at the thought, but then realized that there was no one more deserving of that type of pain than Carson.
Elizabeth hadn't thought about Carson grabbing her since it had happened, but she pulled up the sleeves of her jacket and her arms were bruised.
Jack gently rubbed across the discolored fingerprint shaped marks on her otherwise beautiful skin.
Elizabeth could see the fire burning in his eyes.
"I should have killed him," he stated.
"No, he's not worth going to prison for. Come here with me. Let me get this cleaned up," she directed him to the bathroom, and she asked Tracey, the receptionist, for some antiseptic salve.
Jack sat back down beside her and she took his hand in hers, resting it on her leg. She checked the damage, which appeared to be topical.
"I'm sorry," Elizabeth stated as she could feel his hand stiffen up when she covered it with the salve. She pulled several band-aids from her purse and completely covered the injury. Once finished she pulled his hand to her lips, pressing gently. 'Thank you."
"Why? I should be thanking you," he stated.
"Thank you for loving me so much that you'd be willing to go to prison for me," she managed a slight giggle. "But Jack…I'd rather have you here with me."
"Any time," he stated as he pulled her into his chest. "While I'm thinking about it, let's get pictures of those marks on your arms. You never know if they will be needed at a later time," Jack stated as he took pictures of her arms with his cell phone.
Dr. Tim walked out and perused the empty waiting area. Finally seeing Elizabeth in the corner he approached. Elizabeth had a knot in her stomach, and Jack held her close.
Before Dr. Tim could even speak, her tears began to flow.
"She's out of surgery. I won't say that she's out of danger, but she's still alive and she's holding her own," he stated.
Jack could feel her finally exhale at the news that Onyx was still alive.
"May I see her?" She asked.
"She's still out of it, but you can sit with her for a few minutes," he offered. "I'm going to keep her overnight and I'll see how she is in the morning. If she can't be released yet, I'll take her to my wife's practice. That way she will be monitored throughout the day. Then I can bring her back here tomorrow night."
"Thanks Tim. You're the best," she stated as she left Jack and hugged him.
Dr. Tim headed to the back with Elizabeth close behind. She stopped and turned around. Realizing that Jack was not with her, she turned to him and stated, "Don't you want to come too?"
He smiled, "I thought maybe you wanted some alone time with her.
"Jack, we're a family now; the three of us," she replied.
To be continued…
