The store was part of an old strip where their road met the main. Faced by fields on one side and backed by even more trees. The pawn shop next it was closing their shutters as Rosie pulled in.

Garlic, some more butter, basil, orange juice. She dropped a few things into the basket, strolling around for inspiration. Eddie ventured off on his own, probably to look for more alcohol. She paid, put the groceries in the back seat, and went off in search of him.

"Didn't you hear me, Freak?"

She stopped in her tracks.

"I'm just getting some beers, man."

Eddie. Rosie edged down the aisle. He was standing in front of the fridges. A man around their own age held the door shut while his friends stood sneering.

"Where are your friends?"

"It's just me."

Grins all around. "It's just him."

"Eddie!" Rosie wasn't sure what she was doing, but she hoped it was a good idea. "There you are."

Eddie's eyes went wide. Warning. The guy blocking the door faced her.

"Who's this?"

Rosie didn't know how to respond, so she said to Eddie: "I already got beers in the car. Let's go."

He tried to escape, the others moved to intercept him. Rosie strode up and took him by the hand.

"Where you guys going?"

"Home." She answered. "Eddie. Let's go home."

He let her lead him, once quick glance over her shoulder showed the guys were following them out. Oh no. She tried to get to the car, but the four of them moved with purpose, two behind and two in front. Eddie grabbed hold of her.

"This your little Freakette?" One jeered, bending forward like she was a rare species. The others laughed.

"You know what he likes to do with little girls like you, right?" The ringleader said softly. "When he gets them alone?"

One behind shoved Eddie. He bumped into her, arm tightening at her waist.

"Careful, guys. It's okay, little Freakette." He stalked up, curling a strand of her hair around his finger. "We're here to rescue you."

Rosie cringed back. Eddie stepped in, growling and slamming his hands into the guy's chest. His friend caught him and he lunged. Eddie gave a loud OOF! As they connected.

"Stop it!" Rosie yelled. The ringleader marched up to grab her. She elbowed him off. One from behind moved in, trying to silence her, she reeled and kicked him in the nuts. He crumpled.

"Bitch!" The one beside him appeared right in her face, and granted her a sharp back-hand.

"HEY!" Their leader bellowed. Everyone sprang apart. He had her assailant by the collar. "That's a GIRL!"

Rosie almost lost her mind. Hilarious. What chivalry is this? Didn't matter, they were arguing among themselves now. She steered a dazed Eddie by the shoulders and ran to the car. Almost ran two of them over on her way out of the lot. Not that she was aiming for them.

"Does it hurt?" Eddie asked for the millionth time. He took the ice pack away from her jaw.

"It's just a scratch!" The guy's ring had broken her skin, and she would be in for a bruise, but it really wasn't bad, all things considered. She brushed his hair away, checking his face. He was a little dinged, but nothing noteworthy.

"I'll kill him, you know. Just say the word and -" He mimed a hanging.

"Oh, so you're playing into their delusions, now?"

"No, just making sure they don't touch you again."

Rosie kissed his bare chest. Still sticky from their antics - it turned out almost getting the shit kicked out of you made you super horny. They had barely managed to get their dinner down before he had her stretched out on the table…she hardly even remembered making it up to bed. "I don't need you to."

"No shit." He snorted. "I don't think Pete's having kids any time soon."

"You know them?"

"Some jerks from high school. They loved slapping me around, til I got taller. Some things never change."

"Yeah."

"You tired?"

She was starting to drift, alright. "Mmm-hm."

Eddie eased them down, covering her shoulders. Kissed her good-night.

They were both dozing when Rosie's head shot up. "What was that?"

"What?" Eddie snored.

"You didn't hear?"

"Just the trees, Sweetheart. Go to sleep."

Again, she woke in the dark. To an empty bed and an open door. Rosie sprang up, pulling on her jeans and sweater. She sprinted out of the room and down the stairs. Sally was by the front door, head down and growling at the forest. The door was wide open.

"Shit!" She fell on her way down the porch steps. "Shit shit SHIT!"

The one time she forgot to lock up, and Eddie was gone again. Again, she ran around the house, yelling his name. The wind was so loud she doubted she would even hear him answer. She checked the porches, the bushes, the back, the boathouse. All empty. Her eyes fell on the dark water.

"EDDIE! Eddiiiie!"

She was at the edge now, imagining the worst. At least if he'd gone into the trees he would have a chance…

Movement, under the branches. Hopeful, she made for it. "Eddie?"

Were those voices? Rosie froze. Something was moving. Running away from her. Four figures retreating around the side of the house. She followed reluctantly. An engine roared, and she was blinded by two bright beams. The truck reversed, swinging dangerously out into the middle of the road, and sped off.

As it went, the headlights fell on a body on the ground.

He wasn't moving. Sobbing, Rosie turned him over, fingers seeking a pulse. Eddie's face was unrecognizable, punched to a bloody pulp. Two of his rings were embedded in swollen flesh. Blood pooling on the leaves. It was too cold out here, he only wore a tank and pyjama bottoms. Rosie couldn't lift him. Should she lift him?

"Eddie?" She called thickly. "Can you hear me?

"Eddie, I'm not leaving. Ok? Eddie? I'm going to get a blanket from the car, ok? Don't move."

Not that he could go anywhere.