The Chase

Mrs. Lovett stomped through the sewer's puddles with such determination, it was unlike anything Mr. Todd has ever seen. She wore a simple black dress, unlike her others. And nervously tugged on the sleeves, having them pulled over her knuckles as if she could escape reality within the cloth. She didn't fancy this dress much, it was too plain and cheap, the first one she received when she widowed. It was a gift from Mrs. Mooney, of all people, sharing her condolences, no wonder she never cared for the dress. But it was light weight and allowed her movements to be quick and for that, she was thankful.

She focused on the stone of the walls, Mr. Todd's heavy steps behind her back, the rats screeching and scurrying, anything to keep this night's events from her mind. She looked around at every stone, every rat, wondering how in the hell this was all real. Her footsteps felt light, as if she was floating, as if she were in a dream, no, a nightmare. Tonight, was not one of her pleasant dreams, if it were, Toby would be at her side, they would be stepping on ocean water not bloody stinking sewage water.

"This way," she said as she almost missed the next turn and collided into the wall. She knew the exist of the sewers well. She used to escape out of them when Albert would be on his drunken frenzy and she didn't have the patience nor care to deal with him. She counted the stones or thought out their next move, anything to keep her mind busy. Anything to keep from picturing the blood spraying out of Toby's neck. She came up to the ladder and grate above, just as she recalled.

When she touched the rung of the ladder, she noticed for the first time all night just how badly her hands were shaking. She paused for a bit, out of breath. "Sometime tonight, Mrs. Lovett." She could've slapped him if she dared to.

She remembered her father's words, be strong, and climbed out of the bloody sewers, Mr. Todd on her heels.

5:00 am.

Thank god the streets were empty. They lurked through the city, the sun had not yet risen and they were good on time.

"What exactly is your plan now?" She caught up the courage to ask him after several paces.

"To find a boat or train." He grumbled.

"Well I figured that, but which way. . .?"

"The morning train we'll leave soon, we'll head towards the station."

"With what tickets?" Nellie asked.

"Figure something out, pet." He snarled that last word in annoyance. She sighed, thinking of how death would be so much easier to handle than all of this. Have to stay strong, have to stay strong, she assured herself.

They walked for about an hour or so to the part of London where the train station would be. People had ventured out of their homes by now, beginning to start their days. The ever growing crowd on the streets made them both insufferably nervous, and Nellie's anxiety was all ready hanging by a thread. They kept their heads down, refusing the make eye contact with anyone.

They were moving so fast, Mrs. Lovett almost tripped over the cobblestones as Sweeney roughly dragged her arm, pulling her into an alleyway.

"What is –" he placed his hand over her mouth to silence her. To her terror, she spotted the law, batons in hand, walking through the streets. Maybe it was just a coincidence, maybe they were looking for someone else. They were both certain that the officers were headed towards her shop. They waited a few more minutes, making sure the coast was clear, before leaving their hiding spot.

6:40 am.

"Tis a row dow diddle dow day tis a row dow diddle dow dee." Sung a drunkard in uniform, perched upon a crate, a half-naked whore sitting on his lap. "Mrs. Lovett," he called as they passed.

"Henry. Pleasure to see you again." She said with a shaky breath walking closer to the man. She could feel Sweeney's gaze of urgency on her back.

"The pleasure is mine, miss." From his mustache to his eyes, his complexion was red, his eyes heavy. "And what are you up to this fine day? A bit early in the morning for you to be out."

"I have a train to catch." She said.

"Leaving London?"

"On holiday."

"Ah. Yes, well, you got your tickets ready then? The train will be leaving soon." He shooed the whore away as he stood up. "I'm heading toward that train myself." He pointed over his shoulder, "my friend went off to take a piss."

"We haven't gotten tickets yet, must be off." Nellie turned to leave the drunk fool, when.

"They're not selling anymore tickets." Sweeney and Nellie spun around to face him. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the next train."

The two looked to each other, pondering what to do. They didn't have the time to wait for the next train, the court house would be open soon. Once they realized the judge is gone. . . The law will surely search their shops, then come after them.

"Have you seen that blonde beggar woman, who hangs around your shop?" Henry was still talking. "She usually makes her rounds around now."

Nellie swallowed, dreading the look on Sweeney's face. His eyes narrowed, giving the man his signature glare.

"No I haven't." she said, anything to delude the tension.

"Shame. She's a good fuck."

She had to hold Sweeney back behind her. Who looked as if he'd leap at the man like a cobra.

Clearing her throat, she came up with a plan. He has two tickets, and she knows what he likes.

"Henry," she stepped closer. "Could you do me a favor?" She flashed the man as much charm as she could manage under the circumstances. "We're in a hurry, you see, my aunt is very ill, we don't have the time to wait on the next train." She swallowed her anxiety, and took another step. "Lend me your tickets."

He stared at her dumbfounded, before letting out a chuckle. "And what will I get in return?"

Inhaled through the nose, chest out, stepping closer till there were no more steps to take, looking into his eyes, summoning all the sexual power she held as she stared into those eyes, coy smile. "Whatever you'd like, love."

He laughed again, but smiled sweetly at her. "I'm sorry, we're on business lass, you understand. I've missed you though, I'll have to visit your shop soon."

Her powers of seduction have failed her when it came to Sweeney Todd, but to any other man. . . not likely. She wasn't in the right mindset for this. The night's events still flooding her mind, she still felt as if she were floating in a nightmare that just wasn't ending. And she's had enough of it.

He made like he was going to walk away. As quick as a lion, her hand collided to his chest pushing him back on the crate. "All the free pies I gave you, and you're not going to help me?" She pouted. He looked almost scared. She sat on his lap, "I told you, I'll make it worth your while." She whispered in his ear and slowly moved her hand down his chest. He visibly swallowed. She peer pressured him with her eyes. He became erect.

"Oh very well," he stuck the two tickets down her breasts. "Since you're in a hurry."

After flashing a charming smile, she stood up. His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist hard. "Where's my payment, lass?"

Nellie looked panicked, trying to get her wrist from his grasp. He leaned in for a kiss. A flash of silver saved her. Sweeney yanked her back behind him and cut the man's throat. He died in the streets with a disgusting gurgle sound. "Let's go." He placed the razor back in its holster.

Nellie remained staring at the man. Sweeney faced her impatiently. "It's bad enough I had to witness that, now let's go." He hollered.

"You shouldn't have done that." Nellie said calmly. "He was a Marine."

"Oh, I'm sorry pet, did you want to suck his cock?"

"You're leaving a trail." She said.

He wanted to say something else, but couldn't think of anything. She was right, per usual. He grabbed her wrist, dragging her along towards the train. Her exchange with the marine had disgust him beyond words. He knew why, but he hated himself for it. He also hated that he was very impressed by the exchange. He squashed those devil feelings down. They didn't have the time, they needed to get on that train. He needed to get out of this shit city. A realization of something the marine said had bothered him, he stopped walking, and turned towards Nellie.

"How did he know Lucy?"

Nellie sighed, "He'd come in my shop often. Most of the time I'd see him out there in the streets at night with several women. And yes, sometimes Lucy was one of them."

"Are you lying to me?"

"No," she looked up at him. She felt pain and regret that he'd even need to ask that.

He looked at the ground for a moment before locking eyes with her. "I need you to promise me Mrs. Lovett, that you will never lie to me again. Otherwise, we'll travel alone from now on."

Of course she wasn't going to let him go now that she somehow was still breathing and had him to herself finally after all these years. There was only one answer she could make. "I promise Mr. T."

The sound of the train whistle echoed through the night. As they walked towards it, Sweeney leading the way, he missed the small grin on Nellie's face. Perhaps this nightmare was turning into a dream.

7:am

Nellie stared out the window, watching the sunrise over the disgusting city fog. She was very much looking forward to a change of scenery, it'd do them both some good. She glanced at Sweeney Todd longingly. Wishing he was sat next to her. After the exchange with Henry, she felt grimy. She let loose out a heavy exhale of breath. And stared sadly out the train's window. She never has wanted a hug so badly in her life. Sweeney Todd yawned loudly across from her. He positioned himself against with his back to the window, feet up on the bench, arms crossed in front of him. By some sheer miracle, despite the train's rocking he managed to fall asleep. Nellie kept going back and forth from watching the scenery melt away outside, to his sleeping form. He wore his frown even while unconscious. She could tell he wasn't too comfortable, wasn't at peace. Her limbs itched to just reach out and touch him, to move over to him and position herself over him to keep him warm. She dared not to, and looked out the window, yawning herself now.

Wishing sleep would take hold of her as well, but dreading the visons that would come with it, she started humming a tune. She still needed to keep her mind busy. Toby and Lucy, the judge and Beadle, the blood everywhere, her beloved's hands around her neck, again and again and again. It was almost too much for her to bare. She hugged her knees to her chest, feeling sick. She kept humming softly.

Sweeney awoke to what must have been a few hours later. From seeing how Nellie never moved from her position, he wasn't sure whether two hours had gone by or 2 minutes.

"Sweet Polly Plunkett lay in the grass, turned her eyes heavenward, sighing. I am a lass who alas loves a lad. . ." he's shifting across from her broke her song as she turned to face him. A small woman, sweetly popped her head into their compartment, "Ale?" They both partakes, nodding they're thanks to the girl. Still hugging her knees to her chest, Nellie continued singing, "In Canterbury. Tis is row dow diddle dow day. Tis a row dow. . ." her song died down, when she noticed Sweeney glaring at her. "Sorry."

"You and that Marine deserved each other." Sweeney said.

"Hmm, I don't like facial hair," Nellie scoffed, eyes still fixed out the window. Sweeney reached for his cup of ale. "All the whores he's always around, he probably has a disease." Sweeney choked on his ale. Nellie smiled faintly as he coughed, he'd try to hide it but she knew better. She just made him laugh. "I'm good at seducing people." She teased.

"No, you're good at getting what you want."

Nellie turned to face him, placing her feet back on the ground, finally asking the question that was laboring both of their minds, "Where are we going?"

Sweeney looked out the window, he opened his mouth to speak.

"And please don't say you don't know."

He closed his mouth again.

"I thought you wanted to go to the seaside?" he asked nonchalantly, staring out the window, her gaze slowly moved to his face, not believing what she was hearing. "Wasn't that your stupid dream?"

She frowned sadly, looking away. "I'm not sure anymore." She muttered. For a second, she actually felt hopeful, but it was shattered. Last night made sure of that. It was a stupid dream, and even though they are traveling together now, and even if they do end up by the sea, she knows it'll never be how she dreamed. Never the same.

"Let's just get out of London." she said.

"We already have." He responded peering his head closer to the window for a better view. He was right, the tall industrial setting that is London was now gone, replaced by rolling hills of green, cows grazing lazily in the morning sun.

"You would be alright living with me? In a small home?" she knew it was a dangerous question that he wouldn't want to answer but she had to get it off her chest. She was dying to know where she stood in his eyes now. Was she still considered a business partner? Friend? A talking, walking, lying sack of filth that insufferably still breathes?

They faced each other now, his brows furrowed in confusion. It was a stupid question. One that he was about to open his mouth and answer when the train made a rough, nasty lurch forward then stopped.

Other travelers poked their heads out of their compartments, wondering what the cause of such inconvenience could be caused by. Nellie poked her head out as well, just as fast she reeled it back in.

She looked ghastly. "What is it?" Sweeney asked. She didn't even need to tell him, from the look on her face it was obvious.

He slung the bag over his shoulders. "What are you going to do jump out the window?" she asked.

He raised his eyebrows and turned towards the window. "I was joking," she whispered tugging his arm.

"What else is there?" he asked. "It's not like they'll let us exit any other way."

She bit her nails thinking, "I'll go to the bathroom. You wait a few minutes, then go as well."

"It'll look suspicious, carrying the bag to the bathroom."

"Damnit, I don't know." She sat back down, head in her hands.

"I can fit through that window." He said. They decided it was their best option. They were a couple of cars down, maybe the law would take their sweet time searching every compartment.

Sweeney got the window opened and crawled out. Once he was the ground, Nellie handed the bag down to him. "Come on." He urged. She placed her right foot on the seat when the compartment door flew open.

She swung around to face the conductor. "Apologies madame, the law is searching the train. Just checking on everyone."

"Everything alright?" she tried as calmly as she could. She crossed her arms in front of her to stop her hands from shaking.

"Officers trying to find some criminals, we must not leave any compartment unturned."

"Thank you and them for keeping us safe." The man smiled and nodded. He turned to leave when Nellie spoke up, "Would it be alright if I use the restroom?" the man looked skeptical, "I won't get in the way."

"I suppose its alright." He said.

She nodded a thank you to him and existed the compartment.

All she needed to worry about now was how to find an exist. As she made it a bit a way, it dawned on her that she could've just waited till the conductor left to jump out the window. She hated herself for not thinking clearly enough. Oh Sweeney will be furious. Sweat was upon her forehead as she walked through the train's narrow hallway. Up ahead she spotted the back of the train.

"That's her!" a voice shouted. Nellie spun on her heels hot shame and cold fear clawing at her heart. A man and an officer were heading her way.

She ran towards the exit. She screamed as the officer grabbed her wrist swinging her around to face him. "What's going on sir?" she pouted, trying to act as dumb and innocent as possible.

"Why are you out of your compartment?" the officer asked.

"I had to use the restroom; I already spoke to the conductor."

"She's lying" the other man said. "I saw her and that other man she was with kill my friend. They killed him and stole his ticket."

"You're sure its her?" the officer said.

"I know it is. I saw them with my own eyes."

Nellie stared at the officer, pleading to him with her gaze. "I'll need you to come with me Ma'am. Answer a few questions."

Maybe the smart thing to do would be to listen and go with him. To let herself face the consequences of her actions. But Nellie Lovett learned last night that she's not very wise. And running head first into chaos was starting to feeling welcoming. She spat in the officer's face.

"Why you little. . ."

She kneed him in the groin. And kicked the other's shin. As they both doubled over in pain. The officer blowing his whistle for back up, she threw open the train's doors and without a second thought, leaped off the railing.

She closed her eyes, waiting for the smack of the hard ground. Her eyes shot open in surprise as strong arms caught her. "What have you done?" Sweeney asked.

"Never mind just run."

They bolted up the grassy hills as more footsteps and whistles were far behind them. Nellie tripped landing on the ground when she heard a gun shot. Sweeney growled picking her up. Miraculously the gun missed both of them, the bullet only puncturing the ground. They ran until their legs felt like jelly into a forest off to the left. More gun shots ringing in the air. They stopped behind the trees, catching their breath. The gun shots stopped ringing and the footsteps weren't as audible. Nellie doubled over in pain.

"We have to keep moving." Sweeney urged her.

They kept running till they found a patch of tall grass on the edge of the wooded area, they collapsed there, hidden by the blades.

I won't let them get caught, don't worry. Please Review and thanks for reading.