Author's Notes: Starting off this chapter with a flashback of what happened to Jules in the attic. It's violent but I thought maybe it would read easier knowing the outcome ahead of time.

Disclaimer: The show Flashpoint and its characters were created by Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern and belong to them and its perspective networks. I am making no money off this story and it is for entertainment purposes only. However, this particular story is my creation and should not be used without my express written permission.

Growing Up Too Fast

Chapter 45

Relying on dim light and mostly memory, she crossed the room and knelt down to plug in the yard lamp. As the area was suddenly bathed in light as the lamp turned on, she gasped. The floor all around her was covered in broken glass. She looked up and saw that the window she'd put in the night before had been busted out completely. Her heart thudding wildly she whirled around so she could leave the attic as quickly as possible. She barely made it two feet when a figure emerged from behind some boxes and blocked her path. A scream died in her throat as he closed the gap between them. She reached for her cell phone but he snatched it away from her slender hand and threw it behind her. To her horror it skidded over the opening and fell to the floor below the attic.

He grinned at her and the overpowering smell of an all too familiar aftershave assaulted her nose and threatened to make her vomit. She shoved past him trying to get to the entrance but he grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground, the right side of her chin slamming into the floor before the rest of her body. The side of her face exploded in pain and stars danced around her head. Dazed she was barely aware as strong hands flipped her over.

A raspy chuckle made it's way through the haze and pain. "Well, well, well little girl, what you running from me for? We're going to get to know each other really well."

Jules stared up at the stranger in surprise. She'd never seen him before but there was no mistaking the smell of that aftershave. But Johnny had worn that same aftershave the night before the attack when he approached her at the hospital. It was one of the reasons, besides the fact that he'd already assaulted her one time, that she'd been so convinced he'd been the one to hurt her.

At the same time she was thinking about who he wasn't and wondering who he was and why he'd targeted her, her hands flew up. She slapped her palms hard against the sides of his ears. With a pained curse, he backhanded her savagely across her already bruised face. Then, he grabbed her wrists and transferred them to one of his hands. A chill ran down her spine as she realized he was wearing latex gloves. With his other one he grabbed the end of the drawstring on her top and gave it a yank. She felt the sting of a rope burn across her neck even through the thin material as it was viciously pulled from her shirt. She struggled wildly as she realized he was going to use the cord to tie her hands together. With a grunt, he brutally shoved his knee into her stomach, knocking the breath out of her and temporarily halting her attempts to escape.

He muttered under his breath as he tied her wrists together, seemingly taking great delight in seeing just how tight he could pull the string as he tied it in a knot. Jules bit back the cry of pain as the cord felt like it was going to go straight through her skin down to the bones of her wrists.

Thinking though the pain Jules weighed her options. Wordy might have been the CQB expert but she was no slouch in close quarter battles herself. This guy outweighed her by at least 150 pounds if the amount of weight pressing into her ribs from his knee was any indication. Her small size might work to her advantage though. People who didn't know her had a tendency to think she wasn't a threat until she proved them wrong.

She made herself go limp; if he thought she was surrendering, maybe he'd take some of the pressure off. Literally. Sure enough as soon as she stilled, his knee lifted off her ribs and he stood there looking down at her wolfishly. "That's much better. I prefer a kitten over a she-devil any day.

Her leg swept out catching him just above the inside of his ankle. As he came crashing down with a yell, she turned and started to belly crawl toward the entrance getting away from him before she tried to stand, which she knew would be awkward with her hands tied so tightly together.

He recovered quicker than she thought he would though. She felt a meaty hand close around her ankle and jerk her backwards, once more sending her face planting into the floor. She couldn't stop the scream of pain as her already battered face scrapped across a rough spot on the floor, probably a nail head that wasn't quite as flush to the ground as the rest.

"Bitch, you think you can get away that easily? I like it rough, believe me the rougher the better but only when I'm doing the roughing. I've got a fix for that though." He pulled a small medical vial from his pocket and held it so she could see it as he unscrewed the top. "I call this my Bernie Special cause it makes me feel like I'm fucking a corpse just like that whore did in that movie. But of course you already know how this works. A little bit down your throat and you won't be able to do nothing but lay there and take everything I have to give you. And believe me it'll be more than you can handle."

He straddled her body and literally sat on her hip bones as he grabbed her face in one of his hands. He squeezed the sides of her mouth trying to force her to open her mouth. She shook her head back and forth clenching her jaw muscles to prevent him from succeeding. The pressure he applied was intense especially on the right side of her face that had already taken the brunt of the abuse. But she had to ignore the pain, had to prevent him from giving her so much as a drop of the drug she was all to aware of the effects of. Right now she still had a chance of fighting back and preventing him from finishing what he so clearly wanted to do. Drugged, she would have no chance. She had to get him off of her so that she could get away.

"Best be careful there. I give you too much of this stuff and I really will be fucking a corpse. Wouldn't be the first time and it doesn't really matter to me; I still get what I want either way." He warned as she continued to struggle against him. Seeing that his attempts to pry her lips open wasn't working, he switched tactics. He released his hold on her jaw and pinched her nose shut so that she'd have to open her mouth to take in needed breaths. Normally a person, especially a person already upset and breathing hard, could only last between thirty to fifty seconds before the need to breathe became greater than the fear of what would happen if she opened her mouth.

Fortunately though, Jules wasn't a normal person. Given the nature of her job, they routinely had to practice holding their breath for longer periods of time - while still doing routine tasks - in case they were ever delayed getting their gas masks on in an emergency. Ed was the best at it; she'd seen him hold his breath for almost four minutes without showing any signs of hypoxia. Normally she could last somewhere close to three minutes but given the fact that he'd knocked the wind out of her earlier with the knee to the ribs, she didn't think she'd last quite that long. Still, she had the advantage.

He was so focused on making her open her mouth so he could drug her that he wasn't aware of what she was doing behind him. She spread her legs out so that her knees were on either side of his body and then planted her feet firmly against the ground. Just as her lungs were starting to burn with the need for air, she thrust her bound hands forward hitting him square in the face. She dug her short fingernails into his flesh and shoved him back as she pushed herself up off the floor.

As he tumbled off of her, she used her upward motion and the strength of her leg muscles to stand completely. Looking around she saw one of the boxes of Christmas decorations close by and she grabbed the nearest item she could wrap her almost useless fingers around - the wire end of one of the heavy wooden candy canes she used to line the front walk - and swung it. It lacked the kind of force to cause real damage because of the awkward way she had to hold it but it was enough to stun her attacker.

Dropping her make-shift weapon, she didn't stop to check his condition. She'd seen too many instances where a victim foiled their own rescue attempt because of wasting time looking back. Instead, she turned and fled toward the steps leading to safety. Hearing him stir behind her, she lost her footing on the first step and tumbled the rest of the way down. Her left ankle caught in the bottom rung of the ladder and she landed hard on her knee. Her cell phone was right at her shoulder but it would do no good. The fall had left it in at least five different pieces and she could see the battery lying near the stair railing.

Every part of her body hurt and it was so tempting with this latest added pain to just curl up and give in to the tears that wanted to overwhelm her. She couldn't though. Giving up now would just mean he would catch up to her and she knew what would happen if he did. So she locked away the pain to be dealt with later and struggled to her feet once more. She grabbed hold of the step ladder to pull herself up and it fell over in the process sending her once more to the floor. She could hear him moving above her and tried again. She stood and gave the attic door a little push upward to delay him as much as possible. Her knee and ankle protested and she wasn't sure she could manage the stairs leading to the first floor and the freedom of the front door. Instead she made her way to the bedroom where she could get help. At least there she could use the phone to call for back up and the handgun she'd insisted Sam pull out of the lock box the night she came home from the hospital was still sitting in the bedside nightstand.

She reached for the phone and used her thumb to press the nine and then the one twice. She put the phone to her ear, shaking as she heard him lumbering down the attic steps.

"9-1-1, what's your emergency…"

Just the sound of someone's voice who didn't want to hurt her was welcome. Not knowing how much time she had, she tried to be succinct. "I need backup at 21 Lexington. He's in the house and he's going to attack me again." She was about to identify herself to the operator when she heard him right outside the bedroom.

"Bitch, I'll make you pay for that. Where'd you go? There you are Little Girl. Fine you want it in your own bed I'll do you right here. Blood's a bitch to get out of sheets though."

Jules dropped the phone and struggled to pull open the drawer that held the gun. It was difficult to do with the way her hands were bound; the table shook as she pulled at the door causing several objects on the top of the stand to fall over with loud clunks. Her fingers closed around the handle of the pistol; her finger stretching out to the trigger.

He was getting closer; she could hear him breathing hard- the sound a mixture of exertion and anticipation. She thought about his words. His threat to rape her right there on her bed. The bed she'd only shared with Sam. There was no way she was going to allow him to taint her memories of the times she'd shared with the man she loved. She turned toward him; the gun extended out and her finger on the trigger.

The sight of a gun pointed at him didn't seem to faze him at all. In fact his wolfish grin widened at the idea that she thought she could scare him. He took another step toward her, his hands moving to unzip his pants. He was still smiling as her finger tightened on the trigger and the single shot was fired. He was dead before he could even process the thought that she'd actually shot him.

- FP - FP - FP -

Déjà vu - the feeling you were experiencing the same thing all over again. Only in this case they actually were with a few differences. Sam had followed Steve and Mindy as Jules had been wheeled to the exact same ER cubicle that she'd occupied just a few days earlier. This time at least no one seemed to be quickly ushering him out and to the waiting room; a difference he was immensely thankful for. Then Dr. Victors had come in looking as surprised to see them as Sam was glad that he'd be the one to take care of Jules. Talk about a change from the first time when he'd been ready to take off the poor information girl's head over the fact that a male doctor was treating Jules.

He pulled on a pair of latex gloves to examine his patient who was still insisting on sitting completely upright. Steve cleared his throat and pointed out the notation on the chart that said latex allergy. The medic went so far as to suggest the glove the doctor should use instead, knowing it was one that had the least latex-like feel to it. Dr. Victors raised an eyebrow but did as Steve suggested. He remembered nothing being said before about an allergy but he did remember seeing the fear in Jules's eyes whenever she was touched the last time. He'd attributed the fear to the attack and now wondered if it were more a matter of an aversion to latex rather than an actual allergy. Still if it made things easier for the young woman he wasn't going to complain or argue. He switched out the gloves and then smiled at Jules.

"You know, if my care the other day was that good, you could have just sent a thank you note. You didn't have to request a repeat appearance." Dr. Victors read over Steve's report as the medics slipped out unobtrusively. "So wrists and face are the main complaints. Can I see your wrists?"

As the doctor examined her visible injuries and listened as she described her other major pains, he was encouraged to see that emotionally she seemed in a better place than she had previously. He could still sense an wariness from her at his presence so he kept his physical contact to just the minimum needed to do his job.

"I'm sure you are hurting quite a bit, but given what you've been through, I'd say you are one lucky young woman. I can't rule out the possibility of fractures though until I get some pictures. Usually x-rays are the quickest way to check. However, in this case given how wide spread your injuries are, I'm going to order a full CT. Once I see exactly what I'm dealing with, we'll talk about how we're going to treat you. Until then, would you like something for pain?"

Jules nodded, and didn't feel a moment of weakness at the acknowledgement. The pain she'd pushed aside while the attack was taking place refused to be ignored now that the danger had passed. The nurse swabbed her arm and she didn't even wince as the needled pierced her skin. The doctor promised that the orderlies would be there shortly to take her for the scan and he and the nurse left out.

Sam moved from his spot standing out of the way near the curtain. He gently cupped the left side of her face, the side that had seemed to have escaped the worst of the damage. His concern was evident in his bright blue eyes as he looked at her. "What can I do?"

"Hold me." The answer came without hesitation. He was scared he was going to hurt her but wouldn't turn down her request. He sat down on the bed beside her and gathered her gently in his arms. She'd said in the ambulance she wouldn't feel regret for shooting her attacker but he knew eventually the second doubts would hit her. She'd been so strong but he didn't know how long that could last. Enduring a second attack in her own home not but a few days after the previous attack was bound to wear on the toughest person. There were no words to express how glad he was that she'd been able to protect herself and prevent the attack from being worse. Even if it was his fault that she'd had to do so.

"I was so scared." He admitted as he buried his face in her hair. "I kept trying to call. Your cell phone went to voicemail and you wouldn't pick up the house phone. With call-waiting I knew you'd answer even if you were talking to your dad or something. But when I couldn't get you on either phone I knew my fears were right. Damn him making me choose between my sister and you. I hope Dawson rots in hell."

Jules frowned. "Sam…"

But Sam didn't hear her interrupt. "As soon as I saw Nat's tire had been slashed I realized Dawson must have done it knowing she'd call me. He wanted me out of the house so he could hurt you again. Flat tire. Could it have been more obvious? The only thing he didn't do this time was leave the knife behind. I bet he got a laugh out of that. So help me if he'd managed to…"

"Sam!" This time Jules's tone was sharp enough to make Sam look at her. "It wasn't Johnny. I was so sure it had been him the other day. Who else would go to all that trouble to hurt me? Even though I didn't see him or hear him I had convinced myself that it had to be him. But this guy tonight…" She shuddered and burrowed closer into Sam's embrace. "He had the same aftershave. He reeked of it; I thought I was going to throw up just from the stench of it. Even then I still thought it was Johnny the other day. But he had the same drug. He knew I was familiar with it because he spiked my drink with it. He wasn't going to be so nice about it this time. He was trying to force my mouth open so he could drug me again. I knew I couldn't let him."

Sam was stunned. When he had seen the slash on Natalie's tire, he'd been sure it was proof that Dawson was responsible. Sure Natalie was safe in the apartment alone because Dawson was lying dead in his bedroom. Before he could get any further in his thoughts, Jules shifted slightly and groaned. He looked down at her. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just can't get comfortable. I don't want to complain though. Just about every new bruise on my body is one I got because I fought back. I'll bear the pain and wear the bruise without shame because I know how much worse it could have been if I hadn't fought back." She blinked sleepily; the adrenaline that had served its purpose at the house fading and that with the pain medication making her sleepy.

The orderlies came in to take her to the CT scan. Sam was aggravated when they said he couldn't go with her but knew it was policy. He kissed her lightly and left the bed. After he watched them wheel her out he reached for his phone to call and check on Natalie. It rang several times and he was ready to panic when she finally picked up.

"I appreciate you bailing me out of trouble once again but did you have to pull the disappearing act?" Natalie fussed without preamble.

"Are you okay?" Sam also didn't mince words.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Her tone made it clear she didn't understand what was going on. "Rhonda from across the hall came over. We're just sitting here talking. Is something wrong?"

Sam explained what had happened. Natalie was horrified to hear that Jules had been hurt again but glad that she was going to be okay. "Should I come down there?"

"No." Sam insisted. "Look, Nat, I don't know if they are going to admit Jules or let her go home tonight. I guess it'll depend on what the scans reveal. If they do release her I'm bringing her to the apartment. Even if she wants to there's no way they'll let us return to her house tonight. Would you mind changing the sheets on my bed and getting things ready there?"

"No, of course not. Anything."

"Thanks. I'm going to call Spike and see if he's close to being able to meet you there. Call me paranoid but I can't shake the feeling there was something more going on with your tire. Please be careful until he gets there."

He could almost see her eye roll. "And it's okay not to be careful after he gets here? Relax Sam. Save your worry for Jules; I'm fine. Call and let me know what the doctor says about Jules. I love you Sam."

Sam sighed. "Love you too. And I will."

Across town, Natalie hung up the phone and frowned. Rhonda gave her a curious look. "Everything okay?"

Natalie shook her head and explained what had happened to Jules. "I guess I need to get things ready. If he's able to bring her home I'm sure she's going to want to crash right away."

Rhonda nodded. "Of course. I'll get out of here. Oh before I forget to tell you. The Gordons finally found someone who was willing to sublet their apartment down the hall while they are out of the country for the next six months. I met him as he was bringing in a few things. What a cute hottie, the tall dark and handsome kind. His name is JD. I debated even telling you about him, but I'm calling dibs on him. I saw him first."

Natalie shrugged. "I'm perfectly happy with Spike. So. you know what, go for it. Maybe the four of us can double date sometime. Maybe Sam and Jules will join us and we can make it a triple date."

Rhonda smiled. "Great idea. You know what, I think I have a nice bottle of wine chilled in the fridge. I may just take it down to his apartment to welcome him to the building. Wish me luck."

- FP - FP - FP -

Down the hall, Johnny sat on the couch that came with his brand new furnished apartment. He couldn't believe his luck when he discovered there was a couple needing someone to temporarily pick up their lease while they to visited Europe for several months.

He stared at the photograph he'd stolen the day before. It was killing him to not know if his plan had succeeded or failed. Depending on others was always tricky, especially when you had to leave certain things up to chance. He'd have to wait until he got to work to find out the full story. He could always unobtrusively pick up on the water cooler gossip at the headquarters without appearing interested.

He placed the photograph next to his heart. "I'm sorry I had to put you through this Little JAC but you didn't leave me much choice. Soon, we'll be together and I'll make it up to you then. Nobody else will ever put their hands on you again. Nobody."