Chapter Ten:

One Week Later,

Saturday night.

The door slammed closed, the key turned in the lock to ensure that no one could get out. A peep out of the window ensured that Ruth was going to the country club – on the arm of her daughter's fiancé. In the darkness of her bedroom, a large engagement ring sat on her fourth finger. Just where it has sat before. She swallowed a large, painful lump. As painful as the glass which had been laced into her skin, pulled out by tweezers after yet another carefully explained 'accident.' The doctor must have known something but failed to say so. The maids and servants suspected but kept their eyes down and kept on with their work; they had to, this was their livelihood so why would they risk that much.

Ruth, she supposed was either too stupid or naïve to even consider the reality. When all she had was the idea of becoming a mother in law to the Hockley's. The invite to brilliant events were almost writing themselves. The gossip would cease and it would be almost like a true love story. Rose would have laughed at the thought If she wasn't preoccupied, or waiting. She waited there in the dark, one or two minutes and then the familiar sound was audible, following by the car – a green Dodge. He had come for her again. She promised herself that this time she wouldn't cry but she did. She cried, her heart ached, her stomach twisting slowly...the pain was indescribable especially when he was so within her reach yet she couldn't leave. He was too far away.

Every night for the past six days Jack Dawson had come for her, waited outside and watched the bedroom window for any sign of her coming out. She hadn't. Instead, she had waited, watching him in the dark clutching the red and white blanket which he had given her. The smell of him hadn't gone away, in fact it was stronger than before. She wrapped it around her body as she shivered. She sat on the floor, watching through the window as she recalled his kiss, how he held onto her and the weight of him atop her in the car. Everything about him had intoxicated her and now she would cling to those images and feelings for the rest of her life. Her eyes didn't leave his figure; they couldn't. He was everything to her and in turn, whilst they had been parted, her feelings for him had only intensified beyond measure. Yes, it was an infatuation but also, he was her reality in an absolute nightmare of a life.

He waited; an hour or so. He never got out of the car, never. She willed him to some nights, to come inside and take her away but she knew that Cal was downstairs, Lovejoy with him. Together they were a powerful team that would ensure the end of Jack Dawson and Rose knew that she couldn't allow them to know of his existence. That was the only private matter which she would keep for herself. A woman's heart was a deep ocean of secrets and she would never reveal anything to a soul.

The engagement announcement had gone out in the newspapers that day. A recycled picture of Cal and Rose had been used for a new one would be impossible; her face was different shades of purple, blue and pinks. She hadn't look at herself in the mirror since the Sunday, not since she had vomited at her own reflection. She was Cal's once more. She belonged to him; in mind she belonged to another though but soon, in body, she would be Cal's. He would ensure that, relish every second of it and as his wife there would be absolutely no way that she could refuse him those rights. For now, though, she was Jack's. Oh, how she wished to have been in body, too, just once. Enough to always have the images of their lovemaking etched into her heart and mind forever, not to compare, but to keep buried within her insides.

She knew that one night though, Jack would stop coming. He would forget about her, their beautiful laughter, their lovely kisses and how much they had grown fond of each other. She tried to not fight for breath for it hurt her stomach, her lungs and everything else. But the ache for him was so much deeper than the pain of the bruises. How she wished for him to just be aware of her feelings, that it wasn't his fault and that if she could, she would lay on Santa Monica sands with him for the rest of her life.

The car started and seconds later he pulled away, off the street and then he turned left at the end. He had gone. Her sobs became desperate, her throat burning and aching. She managed to get to her bed before she wrapped herself in the blanket. It would be a while before she stopped crying and sleep would come.

The next day,

The Grill

''I cannot remember the last time I could afford a fuckin' cheeseburger.'' Tommy licked his fingers clean. The remainder of the burger he threw down his throat as though he had never eaten before in his life.

Jack's eyes wondered over Tommy's head in a distant gaze. He stood behind the counter. His shift had only started a half hour ago but he was beyond tired, his mind refused to focus on anything. His back hurt from falling asleep on the stupid floor and even then, he had drifted in and out of nothing, just thoughts of her. The answers that he wanted so badly and what was preventing him from getting them? Everything. Her. Life.

''You want to train again tonight, lad?'' Tommy asked through chewing his burger. His question wasn't met with an answer. Jack's eyes told Tommy just where his head was. For the last few nights, Tommy had been showing Jack more moves and how to defend himself in a fight. Anything to take his mind away from Rose. He had to admit, he was doing all right but he never wished to use them, not unless it was a matter of life or death but even then he was never a violent man.

Tommy slapped Jack's face hard with his right hand. ''Hey, boy!'' He shouted, waving his hand in front of Jack's face. "For gods sake, talk to me I might have a chance at a conversation then!"

Jack squeezed his eyes closed. He wanted to slap him back so much harder but he knew Tommy was his friend, and just how ignorant he had been. He felt the anger which had risen inside him slowly dissolved away as he slowed his breathing to calm himself.

''What?'' Jack snapped. This time giving Tommy attention.

''I ask you questions, you're looking at that wall like there's naked chicks all over it.'' Tommy pointed behind him. "Is there naked chicks all over it?"

Jack shook his head. ''That isn't it!'' He rested against the counter. ''She didn't come out again last night.'' He ran his fingers through his hair. His patience had been pushed to the limit. He wanted answers but didn't seem to be getting any. There was no way for him to gain anything, it was almost like searching for something which had disappeared without a damned trace.

Tommy sighed. ''She isn't going to.'' He pushed his plate to one side, wiping his mouth on a napkin and then throwing it onto the empty pile.

Jack shook his head. For over a week there had been nothing, not a word from Rose. All the times he had sat out side of her house he was sure he had seen her curtains moving, and not from a blast of wind either. He ran his fingers through his hair again as he bit his lip. He was constantly thinking, over and over. Tommy witnessed his nervous manner. This had been his demeanour over the last week and it was hitting his gut slowly.

''That Hockley guy will have gotten the better of her. I told you before, he needs a fuckin' hidin'. The shit he put her through is enough to scare her back into the engagement.'' Tommy washed down his burger with a sip of Coca Cola.

Jack narrowed his eyes at Tommy. ''What makes you say that?''

''Do you not read the damned papers?''

Not taking his eyes away from Tommy, Jack reached out next to him where a stack of papers had been left by customers. He picked up the first one. He flicked it over to page 6; the wedding announcement page. There it was, in big bold and black letters. HOCKLEY WEDDING TO GO AHEAD. IN TWO WEEKS. A picture accompanied it and a section of writing but Jack didn't read that, he couldn't. The headline was enough to tell him what he needed to know. He slumped down on the stool which was just behind him. He bit his lip, running his hands over his face. Tommy was silent. Jack closed the paper before throwing it back on the pile which sat next to the counter. How had the answer to everything been sat next to him this entire time?

The entire week. The entire time.

''Unimaginable bastard, he is.'' Tommy nodded to the papers. "I tell ya, he is responsible for that shit, not her. She hated him."

Is this what it felt like to be shot in the stomach? Jack felt his fists clench. Something had happened. Hockley had everything to do with it. They were engaged again. The opposite of what Rose had wanted. That was why she hadn't been seen in over a week. He felt like leaving work there and then, going to her, taking her away to a place where no one would ever even know their name.

''Yes, he is.''

Tommy slapped Jack's back. ''I know you like her, she is a diamond. But you need to be careful.''

Jack wasn't even listening to Tommy but he nodded as though he was. His mind was on how he could get to Rose. To see her. There was now so many obstacles, even more than before. His mind would not stop running, thinking through ideas. Anything. What could a guy like him to do get past a bunch of hard thugs like the Hockley and his gangs though? What was the key to taking down them all?

''The thing is Tommy, I might even love her.''

Tommy was about to offer some form of advice but he doorbell ringing broke Jack's attention. Cara stepped in, wearing a short white dress, a pair of red heels and her lips matching. Tommy's eyes lit up, doubled in size and he whistled, brazenly. Cara approached the counter. Jack narrowed his eyes at the fact she was so overdressed on a Sunday morning but then what else would you expect from Cara?

''Eyes back in their sockets, Tommy.'' He smirked, seeing his friend's reaction. He crossed his arms over his chest, wondering what event could possibly be needing such attire.

''Well she is a sight for sore eyes.''

Cara nodded to Jack. ''Morning.''

''Good morning, I see you're not attending church this morning.''

Cara laughed loudly. Her voice piercing the quietness amongst those drinking their morning coffees and bagels. ''Not a chance. I came by to see if you are free this afternoon.''

''Yes, he is and so am I.'' Tommy answered for Jack, his eyes still on Cara as though she was the only woman that he had ever seen in his entire life.

Cara side glanced at Tommy. ''And who might you be.''

''Tommy Ryan. The best you'll ever have milady.''

Cara giggled loudly again. ''Oh, I like you already.''

She turned and pawed at Jack's arm. Her red nails stroking his wrist. ''Say you'll come down to the ballroom. There is a dance tonight, a party.''

Jack was very hesitant. ''I'd rather not.''

Tommy begged Jack with his eyes. ''I'll help you out, if you help me.'' He winked at his friend.

Jack knew what he meant. He would help with Hockley. The truth was he knew he could never tackle them alone, not that he planned to. He sighed, glancing at the clock. He couldn't do anything until this evening anyway when he would go and see Rose, he would find a way into the house. He had to. At least this afternoon may take his mind away from such things.

''If I say no, I will never hear the end of it will I?''

''Never in your life!'' Tommy beamed. ''I speak for both of us when I say we will be there.''

Cara squealed excitedly as she twirled around. ''Yes! I knew I would get you to come. We never see you out of this place.'' Cara seemed to forget Tommy was even there but by the end of the night, he was sure that she would recall.

6.30pm that night.

The La Monica ballroom

The Santa Monica sign lit up the entrance to the pier as the arcades seemed to be full of people. Jack parked his car away from the pier and followed Tommy to the front. Together, they glanced about taking in the sights and smells of the day.

''Must be something happening out here tonight,'' Tommy beamed. He had shaved for the occasion and had even cut back his unruly hair, applied cologne and even put on a fresh shirt. All the effort to bed Cara; no doubt any effort was needed because she seemed to fall into bed with anyone who's eyes sparkled.

Jack, ok the other hand, wore his usual dark blue pants and white shirt. He shoved his hands into his pants pocket and slacked his shoulders as he always did.

''It looks that way.'' For a moment, Jack wondered if Rose would be out here with this lot. Then he realised that there was no way she would be allowed. He half felt as though he shouldn't be out here, having fun. Tommy led him over the road to the entrance of the ballroom. He sure needed a beer or two. Music could be heard from inside. It was a rock and roll band, the beat and lyrics together he recognised. Inside, people of all ages seemed to have come together. Some were dressed for the occasion, others weren't. Jack scanned about; it didn't take him long to see the Hockley brother Ethan with one of the other cronies.

''That's Roy,'' Tommy narrowed his eyes watching them, they seemed to be swirling a girl or two around the floor, glasses littered all over their table.

Jack licked his lips. ''Why the damned shades?''

Tommy shrugged. ''I'll ask him one day when I crack the glass on the fuckin' things.''

''And the others?''

Tommy shrugged. ''They come and go. I don't think they even know who they are themselves. Matt is one, he disappeared though a few weeks ago. I wonder if he did one of those bastards wrong and wound up in the gutter.''

Jack winced. How could he talk about it like it was a simple punch?

The music was loud, the girl's screams were louder and the dancing was very out of sorts for Jack. He shoved his hands in his pocket as his discomfort grew more evident. It was causing his head to thump and there was no way that he would be able to keep a clear head with so much going on.

''I can't stay here.'' Jack sighed in annoyance. "Too damned noisy to even think."

Tommy grasped his arm tightly.

''Hey, you promised. Besides, I have a plan. Let's go get us some beers.''

Jack didn't relax but he held his friend to his word. "This had better be worth it."

''What if I sat that I think it will be.'' Tommy smiled. ''The whole fuckin' lot are in here tonight under one roof. That means that she might even be.''

By 'she', Jack knew Tommy meant Rose and suddenly, he was in the most important place on earth.