Eleanore's eyes remained shut for what felt like hours but in reality were merely a matter of minutes. When the door at last opened, she nearly had a heart attack.

The row behind her grew stiff with tension and Edith gripped Richards hand tightly while Amelia brought hers together and placed them on her lap in silent prayer with her mother.

The jury members poured out and took their original seats. Turpin sat back down in the centre, his face giving nothing away. "Thomas Wilkins, stand."

The man was so distressed that he couldn't and so Turpin angrily ordered the officer closest to hold him up as he addressed his sentencing. Eleanore swallowed hard, she didn't want to let her heart dictate her emotions. And she certainly didn't want to feel sorry for this man. But the thought of facing the noose herself was utterly horrifying and Wilkins was obviously terrified.

"Thomas Wilkins, you have been brought here under the charges of assault and robbery..." Turpin's voice echoed forebodingly around the quiet room. "The jury and I have witnessed your callousness and coldness throughout this trial and have come to an agreement. Your presence is a great threat to the people of London and should you go free, you will most certainly offend again and again. I, therefore, sentence you to hang by the neck until you are dead – and may God have mercy on your soul. The court is adjourned..."

The slam of the gavel had Eleanore flinching and she thought that she had misheard. A sound escaped her mouth and she quickly covered it with her hand – it was a mix of shock, disbelief and relief.

Mr Wilkins crumbled where he stood, begging and pleading so desperately to not be sent to the gallows it was enough to pull on someone's heartstrings, but it had little effect on the people in the room. George stood next to Nellie and approached the other officer who was having trouble removing the man from the courtroom.

"Please you 'ave ta understand I woz set up ta it!" He screamed as he was pulled from the stand "It was Doug! Doug Hermand! 'E put me up ta everythin!–"

"Remove the prisoner!" Demanded a Jury member and the inconsolable man was practically dragged by the two officers out the room.

In their seats, the family acted accordingly. Amelia let out a sob of relief and threw her arms around her mother while Edith was in so much shock she had barely noticed her brother was cradling her in his arms, ginning madly. At the front, Arthur rose from his seat and embraced Charles, thanking him. He then turned to embrace every member of his family and kiss his wife on the lips.

Eleanore smiled at the bond they all had and nodded mutely at Charles when their eyes met. The Jury began to disperse and judge Turpin took his time to gather his papers, watching with interest as the red-haired baker was virtually tackled by the eldest Skykes child and one of his many conquests; Edith. He cleared his throat and quickly stood to follow his Jury members.

"This calls for a celebration!" Arthur announced after kissing Eleanore on both cheeks "The battle is over."

"We should tell the children darling!" Amelia had her arms around Charles neck and pecked his lips.

"Yes, Beth will be dying to know." said Edith to her brother "But first I say we go to the local pub and celebrate. Drinks are on Richard tonight."

"I'm alright with that." He said cheerfully.

The family laughed and began making their way out of the courtroom with Eleanore. Once they had made their way out the main entrance and out into the streets, the baker was stunned by what she saw.

"What on earth?!" Richard exclaimed amongst the ruckus of the people.

Outside the courthouse steps, a crowd of Londoners had gathered. Women and men of all ages were stood asking all sorts of questions and so were the press it seemed.

"Wot was it?!"

"Did 'e get the gallows?"

"What happened, sir?"

"There's Mrs Lovett!"

"Well? Guilty or not guilty?"

Eleanore was trying her best to move through the excitable crowd and tried to answer as many as she could. When news travelled that the man was in fact found guilty, the people began voicing their happiness and clapped, wishing the Sykes family Their congratulations.

"Too right an' all!"

"No one attacks our politicians!"

"Nasty piece o'work 'e was! 'Ope he rots in 'ell!" Came a heavyset woman.

"Mrs Lovett how brave of you to stand and testify against him." A man in a navy jacket and top hat told her with a smile. He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "You're a fine woman."

"Uh, thank you." She blushed as a group of men crowded her and proceeded to agree with him and give her compliments and smile at her which made her flush red.

"Miss, could ya tell us what 'appened? Wot was it like?"

"I 'ope the crook didn't bad mouth ya." said another man.

"How did it go?" Another inquired.

"Well gentleman, let's just say the crook'll think twice about messin' with a redhead again." She said confidently and the men laughed "If you'll excuse me, gentleman," she began to politely slide away from them and through the crowds so she could get back to the Sykes.

Unbeknownst to her, past the crowds at the end of the courthouse steps stood the Demon Barber, his eyes wide with awe at the number of people that had come to see the verdict. He was beginning to realise how truly sensationalised this crime was.

He began to make his way towards the steps to reach Eleanore, noting through the crowd that for once her hair was tamed of its curls and in an elegant updo. It suited her well and she looked positively exquisite in her dainty blue dress. No wonder half the men were crowding her.

She didn't appear in any distress and looked quite flattered actually, smiling at all the compliments she was no doubt getting. Something like jealousy pressed heavy on his chest but he pushed it back. In no mood to deal with the men Sweeney decided to wait for her to finish talking with everyone on the corner of the street, but he still had her in his sights.

After managing to escape from the men, he watched her as she made her way over towards a lady with blonde hair who was stood talking quite animatedly to a man. However before she could get to there, the tall and menacing form of the Judge swept in and Sweeney felt his heart almost stop at the sight of him.

The bakers did too. "Mista Turpin?"

"Eleanore," He bowed his head with his hands behind his back "It was lovely to see you again despite the circumstances, as usual, you are looking ravishing."

"Thank you," She responded coolly, hoping to end the conversation so she could speak to Amelia and Edith up ahead. She noted that Edith and Richard were already getting into a waiting carriage with their parents.

Sweeney continued to stand in silence where he was, the baker hadn't noticed him yet. But his attention wasn't focused on her anyway, he was too busy staring at Turpin. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he was sure the vulture was commenting on her looks as he looked her up and down like she was good enough to eat. Sweeney's hand clenched into a fist at his side so tightly it was a wonder he didn't break his hand.

"I just wanted to tell you that what you did was very courageous today. You should be proud of yourself." Turpin smiled at her, his chest heaving with desire.

"Well, that's kind o'ya, sir." Was all she managed, aware of his intense eyes upon her, penetrating her. She lowered her own eyes to the ground, unable to look him in the eye without feeling violated. The notion of knowing what he had done to the women she knew was too overwhelming. Had he looked at Edith and Lucy like that when he had violated them?

"Yes," He practically purred. His throat dried and he swallowed to try and cure it. But it didn't seem to work. She refused to look at him, and that was probably for the best. He may not have been able to control himself if he gazed into those lovely dark eyes.

"I have a gift for you." He said after a moment and Eleanore snapped her gaze up to see him click his fingers in the direction of the beadle. Her eyes widened as he approached the pair with the biggest bunch of flowers she had ever seen in her life.

"I sought the most beautiful and exotic flowers I could find." The Judge told her as he took them from a smirking beadle and held them out to her.

Eleanore gulped and shakily reached out her hands. She was beginning to see where this was going and what it meant. Terrified, she whispered her thanks and lay the bouquet in the crook of her arm.

"Well..." The Judge said, an evident smirk curling in the corner of his mouth "I shall leave you be and wish you a pleasant day. Goodbye."

"Bye." She practically whimpered as they passed her, the judge opting to brush his arm against her shoulder as he did, making her flinch.

Eleanore stood still, tears coming dangerously close to her eyes but she managed to blink them back rapidly and compose herself as she walked over to Amelia and Charles. As soon as she saw her, Amelia threw her arms around her again for good measure.

"Ooh." She pulled back in concern as she nearly crushed the flowers. "Oh, how beautiful. Are they from an admirer?"

"Yes," She answered flatly "Yes I think they are."

Amelia's smile faded "Are you alright Eleanore? You look a little pale."

"I'm not feelin' too well, love. Think I'd best jus' go home an' lay down for tonight."

"What a shame," came Charles, putting an arm around Amelia who tensed "We were just going to ask you to accompany us in our carriage to the local pub. What a pity."

Eleanore levelled a glare at him. God, she wanted nothing more than to punch him right in his smug face. This game of cat and mouse they were playing was beginning to grow tiresome. Charles Holton had nothing on the predatory nature of Judge Turpin, and that was why he would always be far less scary.

But that didn't change the fact he was an annoying bastard.

"Don't fret, Elle." said Amelia reassuringly "It's been a long day, the others will understand. There will be plenty more celebrations to come, I'll tell them you just weren't feeling up to it."

She gave the young woman a weak smile, grateful to her for understanding. "Thanks, Amelia."

"Before you go, Mrs Lovett, I wanted to tell you something," said Charles, and the baker mentally sighed. What now?

"On the first night we met at Arthur's Manor, I couldn't help but thought I recognised you. Then as I watched you on that stand it came to me. This isn't your first time in a courtroom is it?" He asked her casually.

Eleanore stared at him in disbelief "Wot?"

"The case of Benjamin Barker 1925." He told her "Fifteen years ago in this very courtroom. I stood in as the lawyer against the accused – ended up shipping the criminal off to Australia if I remember correctly."

Eleanore felt sick and she couldn't help but think of Sweeney, oblivious up in his barbershop no doubt. Had she known Sweeney stood mere yards away, waiting for her to finish talking she would have panicked. But the barber stayed away, his anger and envy too string after seeing the way Turpin gave her bloody flowers.

Eleanore inhaled sharply, unsure of what to do or say. "Ye memory is very good, Charles."

"As I say, I never forget a face. And how could I possibly forget that hair of yours?" He grinned "Come now Amelia, we'd best get in the carriage. We have a family drink to attend."

His wife nodded and stroked Eleanore's shoulder "Take care of yourself alright?"

"You too, love." She waved as they walked arm in arm down the steps and into the carriage. A part of her wanted to go with them but she just wouldn't have been able to act her normal self, not after Turpin and especially not after the bombshell Charles had just dropped. She had to tell Sweeney.

She descended the rest of the courthouse steps and began walking on the path when she froze and noticed Sweeney. He was stood alone, lounging against one of the brick buildings and appeared very angry as she approached.

"Wot are you doin' 'ere Sweeney?" She panted. He had been here the whole time?! Thank God he never appeared when she was talking to Holton, he may have recognised him.

"I came to see you, thought you might have needed escorting home." He said softly.

Eleanore blinked, surprised that he had actually thought about her so much today rather than himself. She wondered if he pitied her – and the thought brought her mood considerably down.

"I also wanted to see the Judge too and ask him for a shave." He added, and Eleanore resisted the urge to snort. So that was why he was really here. Not for her.

"Oh, I see," She uttered pretending not to care.

"But he was busy talking to you." He practically growled whilst looking behind her. Eleanore turned to see the Judge and the beadle walking in the opposite direction, away from the courthouse. Turning back to Sweeney with a sigh she noted his eyes were now on the bouquet of flowers hatefully "He gave you those?"

"You should know if you've been standin' there and watchin' me..." She muttered under her breath. "An' yes, he thought I'd actually want 'em."

Sweeney noted how pale she looked and that her hands were ever so slightly shaking. He didn't have to ask why, the fear on her face when Turpin approached her had been gut-wrenching. He felt his anger slowly begin to disappear and was momentarily lost in her rich brown eyes.

She frowned at him in confusion, wondering why he was staring at her. "Wot...wot are ye looking at?"

Sweeney blinked, realising that he had actually been staring at her for quite some time now. He cleared his throat awkwardly and nodded to the bouquet in her arms "You should get rid of 'em."

She glanced at them and growled "Be my guest an' take them Sweeney – I want nothin' from that, that... monster."

Watching the way she spoke so meekly made him feel guilty for the jealousy that coursed through his veins moments ago. Of course she didn't like the attention, she was terrified of Turpin. And she had every right to be. He should have stepped in when he first saw Turpin make a beeline for her, he was beginning to regret that too.

Sweeney sighed and grabbed the flowers from her then turned and began striding away. After getting over her initial surprise she began to jog after him. Up ahead the road was a brick bridge that overlooked the Thames. Sweeney approached the rail and with the flowers in one hand, drew his arm back and launched them over the rail. The bouquet soared then landed with a splash into the murky waters below.

The baker joined Sweeney's side as she peered over the rail, watching as Turpin's gift was swept away by the current and gone in a matter of moments. She bit her lip in amusement and glanced to Sweeney who stared ominously out on the horizon.

"Thanks love." She said sincerely.

Sweeney's face softened a little and he nodded, but he still had a frown on his face when he said: "Let's go home, Eleanore."

Nodding, the baker walked at his side and wrapped her shawl around her as they walked down the cobbled street in silence. As they fully passed over the bridge she noted that Wilkins Lawyer had passed them while they had stood on the bridge. The man gave her a frosty glare but she ignored it, pleased to see that he went left while she and Sweeney went right.

When the man was a few steps down the road he stopped and looked behind him to check they were not around along with anyone else. He stuffed his hand in his jacket and pulled out an expensive-looking pocket watch and flicked it open. He was on time.

Closing the watch he strode down the road and turned into a quiet lane where a two-horse carriage sat in waiting for him. He approached with caution, spying through the window a man who's face was cloaked in shadow. He cleared his throat, feeling the strangers gaze upon him despite not being able to see his face.

"Are you the man?" He asked, unsure of how else to address him when he'd been given minimal details about their meeting.

A ringed hand holding an ebony cane raised to push open the carriage door and beckon him inside. He entered silently, closing the door behind him and sitting opposite the still silent man.

The sun was setting across London and cast golden shadows amongst the lanes and streets. Inside the dark carriage however, the lawyer could make out little of the man's facial features due to the triangular shadow cast across his face. Only his mouth was visible and his lips parted.

"What was the verdict?" He asked in a husky, well-educated voice.

The lawyer swallowed, hoping he wouldn't shoot the messenger. This man had a reputation. He was like a plague of London. Silently and swiftly killing people that crossed his path like a ghost. He was the mastermind of everything London feared most. Murder, crime and corruption.

"Guilty." He answered.

A sigh escaped the man that the lawyer could not determine, was it anger? Relief? Most likely the first one. The hand that still clutched the cane moved to the top. With his thumb, he stroked the handle and didn't say a word.

Feeling himself begin to sweat under the deathly silence, the lawyer launched into an apologetic explanation. "I tried my best...we were going to lose from the start, there was too many witnesses...too much evidence-

"I am not angry." He interrupted smoothly.

The lawyer frowned his confusion too extreme to allow him to fully relax. "But- I failed... you paid me to get him free."

"On the contrary, I paid you to do a bad job of getting him free." He said "I knew perfectly well that this was your first case as a defence, and that it would fail. I paid Turpin to ensure he would face the gallows."

The young lawyer's mouth fell open. "What?"

The gentleman chuckled darkly, clearly finding his confusion and fear very amusing. "The trial was set up to fail from the beginning. My boy Thomas was giving a little bit too much information to the old bill each day while under interrogation - I had to put a stop to it before he gave my name."

The lawyer swallowed, the weight of this mans ruthlessness hitting him all at once. "So..." He began weakly "So I did the right thing?"

From the way the shadow cast over his face yet allowed his mouth to be visible, allowed him to see the devilish smile that he was giving him "That's right. And don't you worry, we'll still be paying you handsomely."

He bent down to grab a small case and held it out to him. The lawyer smiled sheepishly and took it with a still trembling hand. The man was happy, hopefully this meant he wouldn't get a bullet in his head.

"T-thank you, sir." He shook.

"You've earned it." He said slowly, opening the carriage door and pointing his cane out, clearly insinuating it was time for him to go.

The lawyer complied, nowhere near stupid enough to argue. When he stepped out and heard the carriage door close behind him, he turned and with newfound courage said; "Just so you know, your boy was dropping names as they pulled him out the courtroom. Mentioned Doug someone...I reckon he may still be giving names as we speak."

The man in the carriage was silent again and this time it was from anger, but he hid it well.

"I see." Was all he said, "Thank you for your cooperation, you be on your way now sir and forget this ever happened."

The lawyer nodded and with little ado walked away back out the lane and over the bridge with two cases in hand. He wiped his brow with his wrist and let out a laugh in utter relief.

He thought he was a goner...