A/N Good morning! I know last chapter was a rough ending and I thank you all for only mildly scolding me. Let's get right to it!
Trigger Warning: Attempted Rape
00
Never had she felt so scared and so helpless. She was aware of exactly what the man intended to do to her and she was doing everything in her power to fight back. She tried to break his hold and get away, she pushed at him, she kicked and screamed, she even tried biting his neck. None of it seemed to help, he was so much bigger and stronger than she; her efforts to break free only made him laugh. "Keep fightin' little one, I like it when you're strugglin'."
She bent her leg and thrust up fast in an effort to knee him in the groin. He saw it coming and skirted the move, then slapped her hard for trying. She screamed and his big hand grabbed onto her face, squeezing hard as he yelled, "Ya shut up now, we don't want no one ta hear us." And with that his hand went around her throat and he pushed on her abdomen with bent leg, pinning her in place.
He leered at her, smiling and licking his lips as he began to tear at her clothes, and again she screamed, "No! No!"
Something, a gut feeling, had the blacksmith filled with an overwhelming sense of dread. He wasn't sure what might be wrong, he just knew that something was. His senses told him she was in some kind of danger and he should hurry to her. He turned Blackie around and they picked up the pace as they hurried back to the schoolhouse.
As soon as the school building was in view he knew what his gut had told him was right, something was most definitely amiss. The door to her accommodation was slightly ajar and he was certain that had not been the case when he left. He'd stood by the door before getting in the wagon, waiting until he heard her engage the lock.
If there was someone inside with Beth now it had to be someone menacing. It was too late for visitors and she would not have the door open to the cold and dark. He thought fast and he knew that whoever might be inside with her it was best his own arrival caught them by surprise. He stopped the wagon right where it was, in the middle of the road. He rubbed an open palm along Blackie's neck and told the big horse, "Ya wait right here boy," and he knew Blackie would.
He drew his sidearm, ready for whatever he may encounter as he moved quickly and silently toward the open door, until he heard her scream. The sound let him know she was in peril and he was inside the room in seconds. He knew the image of what he saw would stay burned in his memory for all time.
His Beth, his Sweetheart lay on the bed, a tall stranger had a knee pressed to her stomach holding her down. One of the intruder's hands was clasped around her neck as with the other he ripped at her clothes. Daryl's first reaction would be to shoot, but he couldn't. It was too risky. With the fellow practically on top of her there was a chance the bullet would hit her instead.
Her attacker did not seem aware that Daryl was even in the room and the blacksmith hoped to use the element of surprise to his advantage. He knew if he could catch the intruder unaware it would give him the upper hand and that was the goal. He hurried over to where they were, his moves soundless and determined. Even though the other man was taller the blacksmith managed to raise up and wrap an arm around his neck, squeezing her attacker's throat in the crook of his arm.
He held the pistol to the assailant's head and between gritted teeth he snarled, "You can die right here or ya can take a walk with me down ta the jailhouse. Your choice. I don't mind killin' ya."
It would seem Daryl had the advantage but the other man was a fighter too. He suddenly threw all of his weight back fast and hard into the blacksmith, causing them both to drop backward to the floor and Daryl's gun to fly from his hand.
Beth hastily sat up on the bed, clutching the quilt to her chest in an effort to cover her torn blouse. She was so terribly frightened and everything seemed to be happening so quickly. She scooted herself back at first, getting as much distance between her and the men as possible. And then she scolded herself, "No." She had to be strong, she had to help Daryl.
Earlier her attacker had squeezed at her wrist forcing her to drop the scissors, and now she searched and found them tangled in the bedsheets. She knew they weren't much of a weapon but they were all she had and maybe they would slow the assailant down.
She grabbed the gun that had been knocked from Daryl's hand and she stood waiting for the right moment. She watched as the men rolled about on the floor, punching, kicking and even clawing and biting at each other. Her attacker seemed to gain the upper hand, pinning her Sweetheart to the floor while reaching for the knife at his side and smirking, "I already claimed this one, she's mine." Beth rushed him and with all the strength she possessed she jabbed the scissors into his neck and quickly handed the pistol to a startled Daryl.
The scissor wound was by no means fatal, it was not even enough to stop the man, but it caught him off guard and confused him long enough for Daryl to take his shot. He let the bullet fly, hitting the intruder right between the eyes. The Sweethearts watched as his body rolled off Daryl and onto the floor in a lifeless heap.
It was as if Beth had been shot too as her own limp body immediately dropped to the bed. She was sitting on the edge, tightly clutching her arms around herself and slowly rocking back and forth. Daryl knew then she was in shock and he hurried to her. Her face was bright red on one side and he knew the son of a bitch had struck her.
He wished he hadn't given the asshole such an easy death. "Beth, Sweetheart, are ya hurt? Did he…are ya hurt?"
She'd been so frightened but now with Daryl holding her so tightly, and her holding him just as close, everything seemed much better. At last she felt safe. Although her voice was weak and still fearful she was able to quietly answer, "No, no I'm just so scared and well, I…I'm, I don't know what I am. I was so afraid Daryl. Is he…is he…" The question wouldn't come out.
"He hurt ya Beth, he was gonna hurt ya worse. I ain't ever killed a man before but I had ta kill him. I'd do it again." He held her closer and continued, "I'ma have ta go get the sheriff."
"Don't leave me, please Daryl, please don't leave me." He nodded, took his coat off and put it on her. "Alright, we'll go get him together." Then he pulled her close once more, "You was so brave an so strong. Ya saved me Beth."
00
It had been about six thirty that Saturday night when the stranger came walking in the saloon. When asked he was reluctant but he didn't cause a commotion of any sort. As was required, he checked his pistol at the door. He smiled thinking it was alright, he still had a weapon. There was a Bowie knife hidden in his boot.
The saloon was busy with the local citizens out for their Saturday evening of drinking and gambling and as any stranger would, the man caught their attention. He was a tall fellow, his hair looked to have been dark at one time but was now mostly gray, including the hair of his unkempt beard. His build, the look of him and his demeanor made the locals back away just a little, certain this man was some kind of trouble. He looked to be a rabble-rouser and most definitely one who was quite capable of holding his own in a fight.
The stranger could feel their eyes on him, studying him. But he was arrogant and the local yokels caused him no concern.
There was one man sitting at a table back in the corner, he was neither a regular customer nor a gambler. But with all that had happened in town during the past week, the man had felt inclined to sit and relax with a beer or two that evening. Like the others he'd noticed the stranger as soon as he entered the establishment. The difference was the man in the back felt sure he recognized the stranger from somewhere. He just wasn't sure where that might be or who the stranger might be. So, for now, he simply sipped at his beer and watched the man, hoping his memory would be jarred.
The outsider stood at the bar and ordered himself a whiskey before making his way to the faro table. It was not the card game that intrigued him, it was something else altogether. He'd noticed her the moment he walked in, a scantily clad and smiling blonde woman who seemed to be running the card game. She had his interest and full attention.
It was odd to him, he wasn't the sort to find himself beguiled by a woman. His habit was to use a woman for what he wanted and move on. But the voluptuous blonde with her confident appearance and sassy smile had him intrigued. He had a mind to get to know her. He put an arm around her and with his face close to hers he asked, "Will ya have a little shot a whiskey with me Honey?"
She smiled at him as if he were the most handsome and desirable man she had ever encountered. That was, after all, an important part of her job. She even touched a hand to his cheek when she answered, "Well sure Handsome, if you're buying I'm drinking. Why don't you get yourself some chips too, join me for a game of cards."
The barman had his role as well. While the stranger's attentions were on Andrea, Dwight was pouring the whiskey. What the stranger didn't see was that hers was mostly water, with just enough of the amber liquid to look convincing. The outsider paid for the drinks along with the purchase of a hundred dollars in chips.
As Dwight observed the stranger he was convinced the man wasn't like the usual suckers. He looked to be one who would not be so easily fooled. When the stranger had returned to the faro table Dwight made a move over to the door. He spoke with the muscle there, the bouncer named Caesar, and they agreed to keep their eye on the new man.
The stranger looked at her with what was more of a smirk than a real smile but he did not appear angry. The look seemed to be more of a failed attempt at wordlessly communicating his interest in getting her under the covers. "Here's your drink. Ya got a name Honey?"
She knew what he was about, just like she knew how to do her job. She'd play along. She'd let him think he was going to get everything he desired. First, she would fleece him at the card table and if after that she was forced to take him upstairs, it would only be because he'd paid dearly for the privilege. "Thank you. And yes of course I have a name. I'm Andrea and what's your name handsome?"
"I like the sound of that, Andrea. I'm Joe, and I'm at your service pretty lady."
He sat and patted his knee, encouraging her to sit in his lap. Yet again, Andrea knew her job. She teasingly scolded him, "Now Joe, we can't get so familiar so quickly. Let's play a few hands of cards first and get to know each other a little better." Rather than being disappointed it made the man laugh, the feistier she got the more intrigued he became. Besides, it didn't matter that her words told him no, he was sure her eyes, her lips and her body were telling him that by the end of the night he would have her.
He was an outlaw himself and he liked to think he'd seen it all. Truth was he'd seen plenty. It only took two hands for him to see exactly how the scam worked. He smiled broadly looking around the table at the other players, and he was sly as he made his move without anyone but him and her realizing what he'd done.
He'd reached his hand up her short dress and pulled out a card, laying it in her lap. She'd been caught. As the fear shot through her she felt her stomach twist and her heart begin to beat more rapidly. He turned to her still smiling, "I'd be willing to keep my knowledge of all that to myself, in exchange for certain favors." No one else at the table knew what he was talking about, or frankly cared.
There was another man though. A man lurking upstairs and watching every move that was made at the gaming tables. He cared very much and he was angry at the blonde woman for having been caught again.
In the meantime, the man sitting in the back of the saloon was still sipping his beer and still watching. Suddenly he came to the realization, the stranger playing faro was the man from the wanted poster the bank had received. Milton Mamet was certain it was the leader of an outlaw gang called The Claimers. A man named Joe.
He set out to inform the law but this wasn't a job he wouldn't trust to the deputy. Being it was Saturday evening, Milton knew the sheriff would be home with his family. The banker quietly left the saloon and hurried to the lawman's house.
Andrea had been caught and she was scared, but not of Joe, she thought she could manage him. It was the governor she feared. If Philip found out that yet another gambler had caught onto the scheme he would blame her, and she was sure he would beat her so badly he'd kill her. So, although the idea made her stomach turn, she would do as the man wanted, she would bed him. She saw no other way out.
There was still a problem though. She had to have cash, she had to make it appear to the governor that this man, Joe, had paid for her. She could only think of one thing to do. She had been saving what money she could for quite some time and she had that cash upstairs in a hidey hole. It was money she'd tucked away with the hope she could make her escape from the governor, and as much as she hated to have to give up her getaway money she felt she had no choice.
The idea of having to service the stranger repelled her, but again, she knew her job and she smiled at the man and cooed, "That sounds like a very pleasant way to pass the evening Joe. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to go upstairs and freshen myself first." She aimed to get the money and give it to Dwight.
Joe pinched her breast so hard it made her eyes tear, and he laughed, "Whatever ya want Honey just as long as I get what I want."
Once up the stairs she saw her plan was spoiled. The governor stood waiting for her and she knew by his look he was aware the stranger had caught onto the scheme. She also knew Philip would blame her. Oh how she wished she would have plunged the knife in his heart.
He grabbed her by the hair, dragging her into their bedroom. Once there he kept a fist clenched in her hair, pulling her head back while his mouth covered hers. The kiss was not one of romance or even raw passion. It was angry, violent, meant to convey the power he held over her. As he ripped the bodice of her dress open she didn't have to wonder, she knew this night he would have his way with her and then he would beat her, probably to death.
Milton Mamet hurriedly told the sheriff the news, the leader of The Claimers was at the saloon. He said he'd watched him for some time drinking whiskey and playing cards with the working girl, Andrea.
The sheriff strapped on his gun and he made his wife and son put on their coats, "I'm not leaving you home alone, not with an outlaw like him in town. You'll have to wait at the jail with the deputy." When they arrived at the office Rick gave the deputy strict instructions before grabbing a shotgun and kissing his wife and son goodbye.
Back at the saloon Joe heard the commotion from above and then her scream. He hurried toward the stairs as Dwight half-heartedly called out, "Ya ain't allowed up there til ya pay." But neither the thin man nor Caesar made an effort to stop the outlaw. Both hoped he would kill the governor, rescuing Andrea and finely setting all of them free.
Joe followed the noise to the bedroom, finding the door was wide open. She was on the bed with her stockings torn and the dress nearly ripped off of her. The governor held her hair, his pants open and his manhood exposed. His intent was clear to Joe.
Not one to worry about a consequence Joe quickly reacted, pulling the knife from his boot. He grabbed a fistful of the governor's hair while yanking the man's head back and announcing, "No man poaches my claim." Reaching around with the knife, he slit Philip Blake's throat wide open. He smiled proudly as he looked to Andrea and casually inquired, "Ya doin' okay Honey?"
Even if she were able to form an answer there was no time. The sheriff, followed closely by Dwight and Caesar, entered the room. The sheriff's moves were lightning fast as he cuffed the outlaw, telling him, "You're under arrest for the murder of Philip Blake and upwards of eleven other crimes you're wanted for. Looks like you're gonna be locked up a while."
What happened next was a seemingly kind and innocent gesture, one person showing concern for the well-being of another. But the lawman saw the unmistakable affection in the bouncer's eyes when Caesar went to Andrea. Taking her hands in his he quietly asked, "Ya alright?"
It was clear she was trying hard to hold in her emotions as she answered, "I will be now that he's gone for good."
The lawman instructed Dwight to shut down the saloon for the night and fetch the undertaker. Then turned to the working woman and tried to sound comforting, "I'll have the deputy inform your sister of what's happened Andrea. I'm sure she'll be here soon." Still a crime had been committed and there were statements to be taken, "I'm counting on you to be at my office first thing in the morning Andrea, eight o'clock."
Caesar accompanied the sheriff as they escorted The Claimer to jail and no sooner had the sheriff locked the door of Joe's cell, than Daryl Dixon and Beth Greene walked in his office.
It wasn't just the lawman who was immediately struck by Beth's appearance, Lori took one look at her friend and hurried to her, "Beth, are you alright? What in the world happened Dear? Daryl?"
Lori and Daryl sat on either side of Beth, each holding tightly onto a hand as the Sweethearts recounted the events of the evening for the sheriff. The lawman took notes as he asked her what seemed to be a million questions, and he wondered aloud if the attacker was connected to the outlaw Joe.
The sheriff dispatched Caesar back to the saloon to inform the undertaker there was a second body at the schoolhouse. He had a lot of questions for the prisoner, Joe, and he knew he was in for a busy night, most likely all the way into Sunday.
He asked Beth if she wanted to be checked over by Doc Carlson but she declined, "No, he hit me once and tore my clothes but I'm not injured." Daryl's fists clinched at her words. He'd like to kill the son of a bitch again but for now she needed him to be strong and levelheaded. He squeezed her hand more tightly as he assured, "Ain't no one ever gonna get a chance ta hurt ya again."
Based on the story Daryl and Beth told of the account, and his knowledge of the man he knew Daryl Dixon to be, the sheriff did not detain him for the killing of the intruder. He told the Sweethearts they were free to go, and then he asked, "Daryl I know where to find you, but Beth, if I need to ask you anything later tonight or tomorrow, where can I find you?"
The blacksmith had an arm wrapped around Beth's waist, pressing her into his side as if he were holding her up, and it was without hesitation he answered, "She's either gonna be at my place or my brother's." Why the thought came to him in that moment he didn't know. Maybe they all needed to hear something good that evening. As the Sweethearts turned to go Daryl paused and looked back at Rick, "Forgot ta tell ya the good news an invite you an your family. Me an Beth are gettin' married next Saturday at the church."
For the first time since Milton Mamet showed up at his home that evening the sheriff smiled, while Lori hurried to hug Beth, "I'm so happy for you both. We have something very special to celebrate." She kissed Beth's cheek and added, "You get some rest now. I'll visit with Olivia tomorrow and see what I can do to help." The sheriff added, "There's nothing better than good news to temper the bad. Congratulations to the groom and best wishes to the bride."
Daryl continued to hold her close as they made their way back to the schoolhouse. He knew she wouldn't care to go in her room and he didn't care for her to be reminded of what had happened there. "Maybe ya wait in the schoolroom while I pack your things."
At first, she nodded yes and he escorted her in, seating her at the piano bench. It was then the realization hit her, "No Daryl my things, I…"
He understood her concerns, "I know ya got personal clothing, I ain't gonna dwell. Just gonna get everthin' packed real quick-like."
"Well, but…" And he knelt down in front of her and taking her hands in his he reminded her, "Beth, you're gonna be my wife." Then he ran a crooked finger slowly along her jawline smiling up at her as he teased, "I'm hopin' ta have the chance ta see ya in them undergarments real soon."
Her cheeks caught fire at his remark but still she smiled and even giggled softly. "Daryl, shame on you," she chided. But her hand lovingly caressed his cheek and she kept her smile, "Alright, but hurry please."
Just as he'd been asked, Blackie had waited patiently for the blacksmith to return. Daryl put the valise in the back of the wagon, helped Beth up and then went to the big horse. He ran a hand along the animal's face and touched his forehead to the big horse's snout. The horse nuzzled his neck while softly nickering and Daryl whispered, "You're a good boy Blackie, dunno what I'd do without ya."
She didn't speak of it or question him in any way and he felt the weight of knowing she had put her faith in him. She was trusting him with the decision of where she would go, where she would stay. Soon he would be her husband and although it was his heart's desire to take her to what would soon be the home they shared, he knew he could not. She was such a proper young woman and he honored that. He accepted and appreciated the responsibility she had allowed him, to care for her in every way. With that in mind he took her to the home of his brother.
Merle was a light sleeper with an always vigilant ear and an eye out for anything that may be a threat to his family. So as Daryl approached the door he called out, "It's me brother." It was mere seconds and the door opened, Merle on the other side and wearing only his long handles. Upon seeing Beth he quickly shut the door yelling in a whisper to his brother, "Shoulda said she was with ya. Hang on dummy." When he opened it again he was wearing his britches and feeling of a mind to punch little brother, but he knew something must be wrong or the Sweethearts would not be turning up at his house after midnight.
Karen was up by then, a housecoat concealing her nightgown. A lamp was lit and they all sat at the table while in hushed voices, so as not to wake the children, once again Daryl and Beth recounted the events of the evening. When the story was told Merle clasped a big broad hand to the side of his brother's face and told him, "Ya done the right thing little brother. A man that would do that to a woman, he needs killin'." Then he smiled and turned to Beth, "Ya had a big hand in savin' yourself an my brother. You're a tough one."
Beth's head rested on Karen's shoulder as the woman who would soon become her sister held her and tried to provide comfort. Karen was honest in her feelings and in her words, "I don't always agree with Merle's rough ways, but I have to say it's hard to argue with his point. A man like that, you have to wonder if he could ever be redeemed."
Unknown to those at the table, one set of ears in the loft listened closely to all that was said.
It was one thirty in the morning before the Dixon family finally laid down. Merle insisted, "Ya get in the bed with Karen now Beth. I'ma be perfectly cozy sleepin' right here in front a the fire. Little brother, ya take it slow an safe on your way home now."
"I ain't goin' nowhere Merle. I ain't leavin' Beth. I'll be sleepin' right there on the floor next ta ya."
The Sweethearts didn't make it to services the next morning. Eastman and Olivia knew why, they'd already heard the news of what had transpired at the schoolhouse. Karen assured them, "Daryl and Beth will be by to talk of the wedding just as soon as they sort things out."
They'd had breakfast with Merle's family but even as wonderful as everyone was being, her pain wouldn't go away. She felt like every part of her hurt. Her body hurt from being thrown about, slapped and jostled by her attacker. But that pain was mild compared to the real pain. Her heart hurt and her mind hurt and her spirits were so low. Never had she felt more sorrowful. She was trying so hard to be brave but she feared she may break down at any moment.
Oh how she wished she could forget all that had happened the night before. That thought brought about a different feeling, guilt. She felt guilty that she would think of only herself. She should think more about Daryl. Her Sweetheart had come for her. He'd protected her and cared for her just as he always told her he would, and he'd had to take another man's life in order to save her. She should be concentrating on him and all that she had to be grateful for, rather than thinking only of her own distress.
Then another thought came to her, the worst thought she'd ever had. What if he no longer wanted her? Perhaps he would think of her as somehow tainted now and he would tell her the wedding must be called off. He was just being kind for now, helping her until she had somewhere else to go.
He'd been observing her closely and he'd seen how she was putting on such a brave show. He didn't believe that she could really be feeling such calmness. Not after what she'd been through with that asshole, and not after she'd had to face the sheriff's questioning. She'd even had to leave her home in the middle of the night and take refuge in someone else's home, under far less than perfect conditions.
What he hadn't seen was, he hadn't seen her cry. It worried him. Not because he liked to see her in tears, not at all. It was that he knew her far better than she may think he did. He knew that as strong and brave and tough as she was capable of being, she was at her core a proper and delicate woman. She had only just experienced her first kiss, a kiss he was fortunate to have given her. He knew there was no possibility she could simply shrug off this attack, or the terrible thoughts of what the outlaw had done and had a mind to do to her. He thought surely she should cry and be angry, perhaps she should seek solace by speaking of it with another woman. He didn't know the answer. All he knew was that never did he want to see this woman hurt and he was sure she was hurting now.
For the present he did all that he knew how to do. He wrapped her tightly in his arms and he held her small body pressed close to his chest. He softly whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry about all of it. I shouldn't a left ya there alone. I knew it didn't feel right but I rode off anyway. If I had it ta do again I'd do it all different. All I can promise now is, we're gonna get married on Saturday. You're gonna be my wife Beth an I'm gonna care for ya proper. I ain't ever lettin' anyone hurt ya again."
Just a few tears escaped as in a quiet voice she argued, "No, don't you feel guilty. You didn't do anything wrong. If you hadn't some back to check on me it could have been so awful. But you always put me first and Daryl, you saved me."
He felt her body seem to go limp as if she needed him to hold her up. He drew his face back from hers just far enough to look in her eyes and tell her, "Beth, I love ya, I'ma love ya an care for ya the rest a my life. That's a promise I'm makin' ta ya now an I'll make it again in front a the preacher."
Her tears began to fall in earnest then. He kissed her forehead and then began to wipe the tears from her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. She composed herself enough to tell him the words she'd longed to say, "I love you Daryl. I'm going to love you forever."
00
Their leader had left the day before and had yet to return and that squirrely Len had come up missing. The outlaws camped in the hills above Heavenly were mumbling their complaints and making plans to venture into town themselves if their leader did not return soon.
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A/N Let's first say, "Yay!" He said he loves her. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I promise lots of good things next chapter. Please leave a comment / review. If you'd like to see our Sweethearts and Blackie, and a bit of Heavenly, please check out my tumblr blogs gneebee, A Place Called Heavenly and bethylmethbrick. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee