Dani said goodbye to Miles and Flora for the day and headed outside to wait for Jamie to pick her up. She hoped that the children hadn't noticed how distracted she had been today. She tried to cover it up, but she had so much on her mind. More than anything, she was worried about the toll this was taking on Jamie. She knew Jamie wasn't sleeping well, she noticed the dark circles under her eyes, and now Jamie had spent her day chasing the ghost of Edmund. Of all the things Edmund had done, Dani hated him the most for this, for how he was hurting Jamie. To Dani, this was worse than any hurt he had ever inflicted on her. She had to make this right, but she just didn't know how.
Jamie pulled up at 2:55pm. Just like Jamie to be early, Dani thought, and it made her smile. She took such good care of Dani. Dani's whole face lit up when she saw Jamie, she just couldn't help it. Dani walked over to the truck and opened the passenger side door.
"Hey, beautiful," she said to Jamie.
"Hey yourself," Jamie replied, but it was strained. Dani knew every feature, every expression on Jamie's face by heart. She could tell when even the slightest thing was off. Jamie was trying her best to hide something, but she couldn't fool Dani. Dani saw how tight Jamie's smile was, how it didn't reach her eyes. She saw the slight furrow between Jamie's brow and heard the worry in her voice.
"How was your day, Poppins? Did the little gremlins give you any trouble?" Jamie asked.
"My day was fine. Thankfully, Miles and Flora were well behaved today. But honestly, I'd rather talk about your day," Dani said.
"If it's alright with you," Jamie said, "I'd like to wait until we get home for that. Right now I'd just like to hear you talk… about anything really. I just want to hear your voice while I drive, if you don't mind."
Yep, Dani knew it. Something was really wrong. But, she could do this one thing for Jamie. And so, Dani rambled the whole way home, trying to ignore her own growing sense of dread.
Jamie parked the truck and they walked into their building, heading up the long flight of stairs to their flat. Jamie grabbed Dani's hand as soon as they got out of the truck and held it tightly the whole way, like Dani's hand was a lifeline to her. Once they were safely in their flat, Jamie's shoulders slumped. She looked like she was carrying the weight of the whole world.
"C'mon," Dani said, coaxing her over to the couch and then wrapping a blanket around her before she joined her. "Tell me what happened, please. You've got me really worried here."
Jamie told her every detail of her day with Owen, going in chronological order. Jamie's voice got quiet when she told Dani about the rooftop scene. She could hardly meet her eyes. Jamie was worried Dani would freak out. A freak out would be completely justifiable, Jamie thought, especially seeing as she felt on the verge of a breakdown herself. When she was done, she didn't hear anything coming from Dani. She looked up at her and saw Dani take one deep breath.
"Okay," Dani said, relatively calmly considering the situation.
"Okay?" Jamie questioned. Why wasn't Dani freaking out? "Dani, did you hear what I just said?"
"I heard you. And I'm pissed about it. It's creepy and disturbing and not at all okay. But honestly, what I care more about is you. And right now, I would rather you be my focus than Eddie. You did a lot of hard things today. And you did them for me, for us. Are you okay, Jamie?"
Jamie felt so cared for in that moment, so seen and appreciated.
"I'm really scared, Dani, if I'm being honest," she said quietly. "I don't think I've ever been more scared in my entire life. I'm afraid he's going to try to take you from me."
Dani knew how hard it was for Jamie to be this vulnerable, and she was so thankful that she trusted Dani enough to be honest.
"I know, baby. Come here," Dani said, holding her arms out. "No one is ever going to take me away from you. I'm afraid you're stuck with me."
Jamie collapsed into Dani's arms, so grateful to be able to share the load with someone and to take her own armor off. She curled up into Dani's lap and let Dani hold her, whispering words of love in her ear.
"I feel like I should be the one doing this for you, Poppins," Jamie said.
"I've dealt with Eddie's bullshit my whole life, Jamie. Granted, this is a new level of batshit crazy for him. But, I will fight for us. He's not taking anything else away from me, and I'm not going to let him hurt you. I am scared, really scared actually, but I'm also a lot braver than people think."
"I've always thought you were brave," Jamie said sincerely.
And Dani hugged her tighter.
The next night, Jamie and Dani made plans to go out to dinner and then a club with Owen and Hannah. Jamie and Owen came up with the idea; they wanted to see if they could lure Edmund out. Dani and Hannah thought it was a terrible idea, but they both went along with it, if for no other reason than they got to spend a night on the town with the people they loved.
Since alcohol would most likely be involved, they decided to take the Tube. Jamie and Owen also felt like they would have a greater chance of spotting Edmund if they did more walking than driving.
"And what exactly are you going to do, Jamie, if you see Edmund?" Dani had asked her earlier that day.
"Beat the ever loving shite out of him… again. What else, Dani?"
Dani rolled her eyes. "That is a not a plan."
"No, but you'll come with me anyway though, won't you?" Jamie teased.
"Yes, but only because you promised me dancing," Dani said.
"Didn't know you were so easy," Jamie laughed.
Dani feigned offense. "What?! Just for that, I'm not having sex with you tonight."
"Like you would do that to yourself. C'mon, Poppins, you know you can't keep your hands off me," Jamie said, flashing her signature smirk.
"Not fair!" Dani pouted. Jamie was right.
Dani was replaying that conversation in her mind as they rode the Tube. She couldn't help but smile as she thought about the way Jamie had teased her. Of course, Jamie noticed.
"What'cha smiling about?" She whispered to her.
"You."
It was so sweet that Jamie didn't even make a sarcastic comment back. She just leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, wishing she could do more.
At dinner, Dani noticed how nervous Jamie was. Her eyes were constantly darting around the restaurant, looking for any sign of Edmund. Owen wasn't much better. Dani and Hannah shared an exasperated look. Dani rubbed Jamie's thigh.
"Babe… just be here with me, okay."
"I'm sorry, Dani. I am here. I just—"
"I know. I know you are only looking out for me. But don't let him take away a perfectly good night from us."
Jamie did her best to try to be more engaged in the conversation, but she just knew that Edmund was out there somewhere, just beyond her field of vision, watching them. She could feel his eyes on her. She could feel his eyes on Dani. He was making her paranoid, and she hated that. It's what he wanted.
After dinner they walked to a nearby club. It was dark, loud, and crowded. Owen and Hannah hated it. Dani and Jamie loved it. They could disappear into the drunken crowd and no one would really pay any attention or think too much of two women dancing. They left Owen and Hannah at a booth, Dani dragging Jamie by the hand into the throng of people.
"Those kids," Hannah said, shaking her head, but her voice was filled with affection.
"We'll watch over them, won't we, love?" Owen replied, feeling equally protective.
Dani led Jamie into the middle of the dance floor. "Put your hands on me," she said in Jamie's ear while pulling Jamie's hands up to her waist.
"Blimey," a surprised Jamie said.
With her hands on Dani, Jamie found it very hard to worry about Edmund. Jamie pulled Dani flush to her body, both of them moving with the music, hands wandering. Jamie slid her hand under Dani's shirt, her fingers brushing Dani's bare skin. Dani gasped and looked at Jamie, a hunger in her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed Jamie. Right in the middle of the club. At first Jamie was stunned, but she recovered quickly and returned the kiss in full force, one hand tangling into Dani's hair while Dani moved a hand to grab Jamie's ass and pull her even closer.
Across the club, Hannah looked scandalized. Owen was laughing next to her. "Well, at least they've having fun. God knows they deserve it with all the hell Edmund is putting them through."
"Agreed," Hannah said, clinking her glass with Owen's. "To love," she said.
"To love," He repeated.
Jamie and Dani finally parted and were taking some much needed breaths.
"We need to slow down or we're not going to make it home," Jamie cautioned, resting her forehead against Dani's.
Dani just giggled. Her whole body felt electrified everywhere Jamie touched her. She could never get enough of this feeling. Jamie felt the same.
"Excuse me?" A woman was tapping Dani on her shoulder. "Sorry to bother you, but this guy at the bar just paid me 15 pounds to give you this." She handed Dani a note and walked away before either Dani or Jamie could respond.
Everyone was still dancing around Dani and Jamie, but for them, time came to a complete standstill. Hands trembling, Dani unfolded the note. It was only one word, written in all caps:
SOON
Jamie's head whipped over to the bar. She scanned everyone there until she found him. There he was in his stupid wire rimmed glasses, looking directly at her. He raised his glass in toast to her.
Jamie took off running in his direction, pushing people out of her way as she went. The crowd was so thick that she felt like she wasn't making any progress. She could faintly hear Dani screaming her name, but she couldn't go back. This was her chance. Maybe her only chance. She burst out of the dance crowd and ran towards the bar where she had seen Edmund. He was gone, the stool still spinning from where he had gotten up. She stood there for a split second, frantically turning in circles, trying to relocate him. There! She caught a glimpse of him heading down the hallway towards the restrooms. She took off running again, pushing more people out of her way. When she got to the hallway, he was gone. She noticed the EXIT sign and charged through the door.
Jamie emerged from the club into a dark, wet alley. She was instantly struck by how quiet it was outside compared to the loud thumping of the music inside. There were sirens and car horns in the distance, but closer, she could hear the footsteps of someone running away through the puddles. She turned left to follow the footsteps.
"Edmund!" She yelled after him. She could see him now. She had almost caught up to him. He had stopped and was standing still at the end of the alley, his back to her. A few more steps and he would join the crowded sidewalk and she would lose him.
She stopped when he did, panting. He turned around and looked at her over his shoulder. "Not yet," he said, and then resumed running.
"Nooooo!" Jamie pursued him, rushing into the crowd on the busy sidewalk.
Jamie only faintly registered that Dani had just entered the alley from the club and was screaming her name behind her.
Jamie could just barely see the back of Edmund ahead of her, but there were so many people and her height put her at a distinct disadvantage. Still though, she was gaining on him. Noticing that, Edmund quickly diverted his path and ran out into traffic to cross the street and get away from her.
Cars blared on their horns and swerved as they tried to avoid hitting Edmund. He expertly dodged every vehicle and made it safely to the other side. Jamie dove blindly into the traffic after him, desperate to catch him.
"Jamieeeeeee!" Dani screamed, right as a car slammed on its brakes, squealing to a stop, and hitting Jamie. She rolled onto the hood of the car and then fell to the ground. Edmund used that moment to escape.
The driver got out of the car. "What the bloody hell is wrong with you, lady? Running out in front of me like that?! Are you okay?"
Dani reached Jamie, pushing the driver aside. "Oh my God, Jamie! Are you hurt?!" She was hysterical.
"Damnit!' Jamie screamed, "I lost him!" She got up and dusted herself off, slapping the driver on the shoulder. "Thanks for braking when you did, mate."
Turning to Dani, "I'm okay, Poppins."
Dani pulled her in a hug, crying. "Don't you ever do that to me again!"
"Umm, excuse me, ladies? If everyone is okay, can I drive away now?" The bewildered driver asked.
Dani guided a limping Jamie back to the safety of the sidewalk, where Owen and Hannah caught up with them.
"You're limping," Dani observed through her tears.
"Looks more dramatic than it was. I'll just have some bruises. I'm sorry I lost him, Dani." Jamie was so mad at herself. She should have been able to dodge that car.
"The only thing you need to be sorry for is scaring me like that, Jamie."
"I'm so sorry for that, too, Dani. I wasn't thinking straight."
"Let's get you girls home," Hannah said gently putting her arms around both women, wishing she could protect them from every bad thing in the world.
The four friends made their way slowly back to the Underground and waited for the Tube. Jamie leaned heavily against Dani, feeling really guilty now for causing her so much stress. She would have to find a way to make it up to her.
Dani wanted to be mad at Jamie, but she just couldn't be. She was too relieved that Jamie was safe. That was a close call. Too close. The thought of anything happening to Jamie paralyzed Dani with fear. She pulled Jamie even closer. She just needed to feel that Jamie was real and that she was here and safe.
Owen turned to Jamie. "You know, that was really brave of you, Jamie. Most people wouldn't run head long into danger like that."
"It was stupid," Hannah countered, raising an eyebrow of admonishment at Jamie.
"I think it can be both," Dani chimed in, squeezing Jamie closer.
"Ouch, Poppins! Maybe let's go a little more gently for a few days. I think I've got some impressive bruises forming to show for my brave, stupid act."
"Sorry!" Dani said quickly, loosening her hold a bit.
The Tube came and they got on, Owen and Hannah making sure that Dani and Jamie got on first. There was no where to sit, so they grabbed a pole facing the door. Dani held on to the pole with one hand and Jamie with the other. Jame didn't even bother with the pole, instead opting to throw both arms around Dani. Hannah and Owen stood on either side of them, guarding them.
The doors to the Tube closed. As the doors slid shut, they saw Edmund appear on the other side of the glass. He looked directly at Jamie, smirked, and waved, a creepy wave with his fingers. Then he turned his attention to Dani and… blew her a kiss.
The Tube sped away, leaving Edmund on the platform.
Jamie, Dani, Owen, and Hannah were shocked into silence for a moment. Then Dani started shaking and Jamie muttered a string of expletives.
"Bloody hell, that guys's a creeper," Owen said in horror.
Hannah was clutching her cross necklace and silently praying.
They didn't speak the rest of the way. Owen and Hannah walked Dani and Jamie into their flat. Owen insisted on checking their flat to make sure everything was okay. He checked every closet, under the bed, in the shower. He wanted to make sure they were safe, and they appreciated his kind gesture more than they could say.
"You lock this door behind us now," Hannah instructed as they were leaving. "I want to hear it click."
"Yes ma'am," Jamie said, pretending to salute her.
Hannah just smiled and brought Jamie into a gentle hug. She and Owen left, and Jamie made sure to lock the door behind them.
"I'm so sorry, Dani," Jamie said, once they were alone.
"I know you are," Dani replied. "I'm too glad you're okay to be mad at you right now."
"That's a lucky break for me," Jamie said, relieved.
"We have a message on the answering machine," Dani said, looking at the little red light. "Do we even want to know?"
"Might as well play it. This evening is already shite."
"Well, it did have some good parts," Dani said, a twinkle in her eye.
Jamie blushed, remembering their dance at the club. "Aye, it did."
"Too bad we can't pick up where we left off," Dani said, pouting.
"Dani, I got hit by a bloody car!" Jamie said, messing with her.
"I don't see why I should have to suffer for that."
Jamie rolled her eyes. "Just play the damn message. We can come back to this."
Dani hit play and reached for Jamie's hand.
"Danielle? Danielle?" The message started. Both Jamie and Dani relaxed. It was just Dani's mother. The message continued, "It's your mother. I'm— I'm just calling because, well, you see, it's Eddie. He's disappeared. Judy doesn't know where he went, and well, you see, she thinks maybe he's going there… to England… to find you. I don't know. He's seemed really off lately. I know you don't want to see him. But, I just thought, I just thought you should know. Oh, and uh, hi Jamie." Click.
"Yeah, he's here. No shit, Sherlock," Jamie muttered. "Still nice of your mum to give a heads up. I think maybe she's warming up to me," Jamie said mischievously.
Dani replied sarcastically, "Yeah, she said hi to you. It's practically an endorsement."
"Hey, I'll take what I can get."
Then the mood turned serious again. "Jamie, what are we going to do?"
"I don't know, Poppins. All I know is that we have to take one day at a time. Tomorrow's Friday. We'll both go to work like normal. But tonight we pack our bags. We're leaving tomorrow night."
"Like, leaving leaving? Or like leaving for a little while? What's going on, Jamie?"
"Just for the weekend. There's something you and I have to do."