The man regarded Rose with watery grey eyes. The ring lay on the counter; its stone winked in the light. "$400," he said.

"No." Her voice was cool.

"That's as high as I can go. It's not worth even that much, miss."

Rose kept her eyes on his, her mother's probing stare taking over her features. The resemblance between them in that moment was striking. "I know exactly how much it's worth," she said.

"Sure you do," he said sarcastically. "Pretty girl like you probably knows all about the jewelry market."

"Don't patronize me. Give me what it's worth, or I'll take it elsewhere." Jack had done the negotiating when they sold her engagement ring. They had only gotten a fraction of its value, but she knew it was as fair of a deal as they would get. The buyer tried to talk Jack into taking less, but he hadn't looked at him like this. At least Jack had been given credit for knowing what he was doing.

"$450," he offered.

Rose's eyes hardened. "No, thank you." She reached out to take the ring. He put out his hand to stop her. "Fine," he said. "$500."

"That's not enough," she said. "No deal, sire. Thank you."

He eyed the ring. It was worth at least $5,000, maybe more with the right buyer. Pieces like this didn't land on his counter every day. He pegged this woman as desperate, naïve, maybe fleeing a husband, but she didn't do any of the things he'd come to expect from women like that. Her back was straight; her hands were still. She showed no signs of crying recently.

Rose picked up the ring. "I'll just be going."

"Wait. Let's see if we can't agree."

….

The knocking woke Fabrizo. Really, it was more like pounding. He rubbed sleep from his eyes. "What is it?" he called, moving slowly toward the door.

"Fabrizo, you awake?" Jack yelled.

"I am now," Fabrizo grumbled as he opened the door. "What?" He stepped back as Jack charged in. His eyes darted around the room. "Rose isn't with you?" Jack said.

"No." Fabrizo gave him a confused look. "Why would she be with me this early?" He rubbed his eyes again.

"I woke up, and she was gone," Jack said.

"Gone?"

"Yeah. Her shoes and bag are gone. She got dressed, and she's…I don't know where she went," Jack said. "She didn't leave a note or anything. I don't know where to look if she's not with you." Questions crowded his mind. Did she go out for air or a walk? Had something happened to her? Had he finally found her? That was crazy. Or was it? Why didn't she wake him up? Did she intend to not come back? But if that was the case, why did she leave her things?

Fabrizo had never seen Jack so worried. "Let's go look for her," he suggested. "She's probably outside. We'll find her in no time." He too wondered why Rose would disappear this way. It wasn't like her. She wouldn't leave Jack worrying, especially with the threat of Cal still hanging over their heads. She knew the risks. This wasn't Chippewa Falls; this was Chicago, anyone could spot her, even in this neighborhood.

…..

Rose couldn't believe her success. She held her purse in an iron grip, resisting the urge to reach in and touch the money. $2,5000. Well, more like $2,3000 now, but it was still more cash than she'd ever handled. This money was hers. She laughed, exhilarated by her sudden wealth. It was an unfortunate fact, but money was freedom. They could do so much with this money.

Most of her purchases had been sent ahead to await their return. She shopped quickly, not letting herself think about whether they needed something. For the first time, Rose was buying what she wanted, simply because she wanted to; there was no-one to please. She bought easels for Jack, oil paints, water colors, art books with as many photographs as she could find, and clothes. He said he had enough already, but she disagreed. She chose thick, colorful shirts he would stay warm in. For Fabrizo she bought new pots and pans, baking supplies, knives, anything he needed to create complicated, scrumptious meals with. He also got new clothes and recipe books. A French language dictionary.

Rose carried a book for each for them under her arm. She walked quickly, glancing at the sky. Rain threatened to fall any minute, and she worried she'd been gone too long. What if Jack were awake already? He'd be worried. No, she'd left a note. He would know she was fine.

Rose turned one corner just as they turned the other; they missed each other by seconds. The door wasn't locked, but the room was empty. Her heart skipped a beat. Where was he?

….

"Where is she?" Jack asked no-one in particular. "Where would she go?"

Fabrizo wanted to reassure him but didn't know what to say. "I'm sure she's fine," he offered. Jack didn't believe that, and he knew it. He was starting to worry also. Rose was smart, but she was sheltered, despite her experiences as Cal's wife. The neighborhood wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. A woman like Rose caught the eye. Fabrizo knew Jack was thinking that as well. His blue eyes darted around, hoping for a sign of her.

"We'll find her," Fabrizo said.

"You don't think she…" Jack let out a breath. "He wouldn't be here."

"No," Fabrizo said. "She probably went for a walk."

"Yeah."

….

Rose leapt to her feet as the door opened. "Jack?" She twisted her hands together nervously. They looked at each other. His eyes flashed with relief and something else. Was it anger? Rose's heart beat faster.

"Rose?" Jack crossed the room in two steps. His arms were around her before she could react. He crushed her against him. "Rose," he said again. "There you are. Where were you?" He took her face in his hands. "Why didn't you wake me up?" he demanded, his voice louder than he realized. His relief at finding her safe overwhelmed him. "Why did you disappear like that?"

"I—" Rose couldn't speak. The harshness in his tone tied a knot in the pit of her stomach. Familiar panic set in. She tried to breathe slowly, but her body wouldn't listen.

The tension in Jack's shoulders eased. "I'm not mad, Rose," he said gently. He relaxed his arms "It's alright." He kissed her forehead.

Her lips moved but no sounds came out. Dimly, she was aware of her body trembling. She didn't want to be afraid; she couldn't stop it. Her mind knew it was Jack and knew he wouldn't hurt her; he was just upset. But she couldn't quite believe it, no matter how hard she tried.

"Rose, I'm sorry," he was saying. He kissed her, hugging her to him. His lips pressed against her cheek. "I didn't mean to scare you. I thought…" Jack couldn't say it.

"I left you a note," Rose whispered.

"You did? Where?"

"On the desk," she said.

"I never saw anything."

Fabrizo went over to the desk. He bent down and peered behind it. He could barely make out the shape of a piece of paper. "It fell behind it," he said. "It's stuck between the wall and the desk."

"I should have put it somewhere else," Rose said.

"I shoulda looked harder," Jack said. "You weren't here, and I just—I panicked. I couldn't figure out where you'd go."

"I wanted to surprise you," she said. "That's why I didn't wake you up. I thought I could get back before you found out I was gone."

"Surprise me with what/" he asked.

"It was for both of you," she explained. "I wanted to do something for you. You've both done so much for me. I thought I should repay you a little. Not that I ever really can, and I know it's only…" Her throat hurt from the lump in it.

"Where'd you go?" Jack asked.

"I know you didn't think we needed to, but I sold one of my rings—"

"Rose, why would you do that?" he said.

"Because, Jack," she replied. "I wanted to make sure we had enough money. I know how ou worry about it."

"I can handle it," Jack said.

"And also I wanted to get you a few things," Rose said. "Both of you." He didn't want to let go as she stepped away. She picked up the books. "There's more," she explained. "I sent it ahead." Silently they each took a book from her.

Fabrizo read the cover. The Art of French Cooking. He smiled and flipped through the pages. It was a thick book with a smooth dust jacket. He met Rose's eyes. "Thank you, Rosa," he said in French. She smiled timidly in response.

Jack sat down, his book open across his knees. He turned the pages reverently. The paper was thick and glossy; just touching it was nice. He looked up at Rose. "You got this for me?" She nodded. "Why?" he asked.

"I thought you'd like it," Rose said.

Emotions swirled within him. "I love it," Jack said. "It's great. It's incredible." He reached out for her hand. She moved toward him. He pulled her down to where he sat. "Thank you," he said, kissing her. "You didn't hafta do this."

"I wanted to," she said. She picked up her purse. "There's money left over. It might be best if you hold on to it."

Jack quickly counted the contents of the envelope. He let out a low whistle. "How'd you get this much?"

"It wasn't easy," she answered. "I had to pretend to be my mother." She chuckled.

"How much is it?" Fabrizo asked.

"$2,300," Jack replied. Fabrizo added his own whistle of appreciation.

There was still unease in Rose's eyes. "You aren't angry?" she said, turning to Jack.

Jack shook his head. "Now, and even if I was—" He caressed her hand. "I'd never hurt you, Honey-Rose."

…..

The train sped through the night. Jack leaned against the railing. He wasn't supposed to be out there, but the door was unlocked, so he'd gone anyway. He took a drag on his cigarette. He hadn't smoked in a few months; he hadn't felt like it. Mostly, it was something to do with his hands, a social ritual. Men smoked, particularly with other men. Jack picked up the habit at some point. This was the first time he'd felt a need for it. His nerves were still rattled by the events of the morning.

He turned as Fabrizo stepped outside. Fabrizo gave the ground a skeptical look. He stayed against the door. "You alright, Jack?" he asked.

"I'm fine."

"That why you're out here, alone?" Fabrizo said.

"I needed some air."

"Rose went to sleep," Fabrizo said. "She tried to wait for you."

"I'll be in in a minute," Jack replied. He took a last drag off the cigarette before tossing it away.

"Are you mad at her?"

"What?" Jack said. "No, of course not. I was scared. Goddamn, I was scared." He shook his head. "I've never been that afraid, Fabrizo. I just knew she was…."

"She tried to do a nice thing," Fabrizo said. "She's a sweet girl."

"Yeah, she is. She's amazing. She shouldn'tve done that by herself, though. Anything coulda happened. Walking around with that much money's not safe. It's crazy how afraid she is but how fearless at the same time," Jack said.

"She was afraid for you for a minute."

Jack frowned; he stared into the inky sky. "I know. I can't stop thinking about it. That look in her eyes, like she thought I was gonna hit her."

"He would've," Fabrizo pointed out.

"I know. I saw what he did to her. Just thinking about it makes me sick." Jack remembered the bruises on Rose's arms, the way she winced when he touched her; he remembered seeing Cal's hand collide with her face, lunging forward to protect her. He failed that night. It was a miracle he wasn't killed. It was thanks to Rose he was alive. She drug him out of there, took care of him, and she thought she owed him something? "She's never looked at me that way," Jack said. "It was different. She was terrified."

"I know."

"I thought she was doing so much better," Jack said.

"She is, but it's not-she can't ever be the way she was before," Fabrizo said.

"I wonder what she was like before him. I love her the way she is," Jack said. "But I wonder, you know?"

…..

Rose turned over when Jack got into bed. "There you are," she said sleepily. She nestled against him, eyes closed. He put both arms around her. He kissed her face. She breathed evenly, her sleep peaceful. The look in her eyes, that panic, haunted him. He wanted to hold her and tell her it was alright; she was safe; she would always be safe with him.

But under that, he wanted to hurt Cal for ever laying a hand on her. It overwhelmed him how much he wanted to see that look in his eyes. Jack's hand twitched, fighting to urge to make a fist. If he ever saw him again…..

….

Darrin started slow, just like Cal said. A photo of Rose was sent to a few dozen small newspapers on the East Coast, along with a description and false background. It was a nice bit of writing that called her a "beloved wife" and pleaded for her safe return. There were few details about the circumstances of her disappearance, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions. It wasn't a front page story; it wasn't the sort of thing anyone from her old life was likely to see. Which was fine because they weren't who it was intended for.

At the bottom was a telephone number, along with a $20,000 reward offer. If the change to see a young woman reunited with her family didn't prove enough incentive, money was sure to.

….

They got off the train a few stops down the tracks in a bigger town. People would find out they'd bought horses and a wagon, but Jack decided it was better they not know who they bought them from or how much they paid. He struck a good deal on the third try, walking away with a new wagon and two pretty bays. Rose fed them apples.

"They like you," Jack said.

"They probably like anyone who feeds them," she said.

"No, horses are good judges of people," Jack replied. He petted their necks. "They don't take to everyone. They know when something's wrong before you do. They're like dogs."

"Could we have one?"

"A dog?" he said, surprised.

"I've never had a dog," Rose explained.

"We could get one. My had had a couple of hunting dogs. I liked 'em."

"You liked what?" Fabruizo said, coming over to them.

"Dogs," Jack replied. "How do you feel about them?"

"They're alright." Fabrizo shrugged. "Why?"

"I asked if we could have one," Rose said.

"Fine with me," Fabrizo said amiably.

They drove back to the Chippewa Falls depot and collected their things before going home. Fabrizo dozed in the back. His head lay on a sack of flour. Rose sat up front next to Jack. "You wanna drive again?" he asked, offering her the reins.

"Sure," she said. Holding the reins loosely, she tried to remember what she'd done the last time. The horses moved at a steady trot. She felt their power even with the reins slack.

"You alright?" Jack said.

"I'm fine. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said. Rose glanced at him and smiled. All the bad feelings from the day before were gone. She looked carefree and happy. Jack wanted her to always look that way.

…..

"You got me an easel?" Jack said.

"Was that wrong?" Rose said. They'd carried everything inside and were sorting through it. Fabrizo was putting away the food.

"It's great. I've never had one."

"I got you canvases and paint as well," she said. "They're here somewhere." She dug through a box and found the oils. "See? And there are watercolors. Some new pencils…" She trailed off when she saw his face. "Jack, what's wrong? Did I—"

"That's so sweet," he said. "That you'd do that for me."

"I know they're just things, but I wanted to do something for you and for Fabrizo."

"You didn't have to," he said.

"I have to thank you somehow, Jack."

"No Rose, you don't." Jack put a hand on her cheek. "You don't owe us anything. You definitely don't owe me anything."

"You've done so much for me. I might have fallen off the ship, or Cal would have…" She let the possibility hand there, unspoken. Neither of them needed to hear it.

"Are you still afraid of him?" he asked.

"I think I'll always be afraid of him," she said softly. "I don't want to be."

"Rose, about what happened. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry." He moved his thumb across her cheek. "You were gone, and I panicked. I was afraid somehow he'd found us. I know it's crazy."

"I should have told you where I was going," she said. "But I wanted to surprise you so much. I wanted to show I could do something on my own."

"I know you can. You don't have to prove anything to me, Honey-Rose." He kissed her gently. Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him.

….

"Did you miss me?" Fabrizo asked playfully.

"Who said I knew you were gone?" Lucy replied. Her tone wasn't harsh. She gave a half-smile.

"Well, if it's that way I don't give you your present."

"What present?" she said.

He pulled a small bag from his pocket. "It isn't much, but I wanted to bring you back something."

Lucy opened the bag and found a necklace of deep pink, glass beads. "They're pretty," she said.

"You like them?"

"Yes. They're probably the prettiest thing I've ever had," she said.

"I thought the color would be nice on you," Fabrizo explained. "I don't know all the colors you like."

"I do like pink," Lucy said, holding the necklace out so he could put it on her. "Does it look alright?"

This was the closest they'd ever been. All her usual reserve was gone. Fabrizo hoped she didn't notice and put the wall back up. "It looks beautiful," he said. He wanted to kiss her but didn't. It was still too soon.