Rose awoke with a start. Her heart pounded, and she was paralyzed with fear. All she could see was darkness. She couldn't remember where she was. All she could remember was cold and hunger and hands groping for her. Terror. The need to run.
Slowly, her breathing returned to normal, and she became aware of her surroundings. She felt Cal next to her, his arm around her. His breathing was soft. There was a blanket over her. Of course. She was in his bed, a place she never expected to be. Well, it was a place she never expected to be of her own volition. He shifted in his sleep, and she moved closer, glad for his presence. She lightly touched his face, tracing his features with her fingertips.
Rose hadn't intended to sleep in his room, though now she realized leaving might have led to some awkward questions from their hosts, who still believed them to be married. She didn't remember falling asleep. They spent the evening talking. She hadn't even been near him on the bed. He must've moved her onto a pillow. Why hadn't he just woken her up? Part of Rose was annoyed by this. It wasn't up to him to keep her there. And yet, she was still glad not to be alone.
His voice startled her. "What are you doing?"
"I thought you were asleep," she said.
"I was until you started touching my face," he replied, amused.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's alright," he said. "I don't mind." He took her hand and kissed it. There was a long pause. All they heard was the sound of the other's breathing. Rose felt warm all over, as if he'd kissed more than her hand. It was a nice feeling, and yet, she wasn't entirely comfortable with it. She wasn't sure if it was because Cal was involved, or because he was kissing her hand in the dark, unprompted. Perhaps both.
She took her hand away.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to offend you."
"I'm not offended."
"Are you upset?" he asked.
"Why would you ask that?"
"You moved your hand," he replied.
"I wasn't expecting...that," she said, failing to find an acceptable word. "I'm sorry for touching you. I shouldn't have done it."
"No, I don't mind," he said.
"I'm sure you don't," she said.
Cal couldn't help smiling. "I didn't mean it that way," he said. "Though you have every right to be offended and to assume I did."
Rose wished she could see his face. His tone was serious, but she wasn't sure if that could be trusted. He might be mocking her. Despite everything they had been through, she still didn't trust him completely. She had no assurance he wouldn't revert back to his former behavior now that they were out of danger. "Thank you," she said, careful to keep her voice neutral. "I should go."
"You don't have to go." He resisted the urge to reach for her. "It's late, and our hosts assume we're married anyway. You don't have to worry-"
"It isn't them I'm worried about," Rose said.
"Are you worried about me?"
"I didn't mean to say it that way," she answered. "I'm not worried, exactly."
"What is it, Rose? I won't hurt you," Cal said. "I wouldn't-I'd never-" The words refused to come out. He felt awkward, and even though it was dark, he was sure she could see him, and that made it worse.
"I don't think you would...Or maybe I do," she said. "I don't know. That's not..." Now it was her turn to be awkward and halting. "I just don't want there to be any misunderstanding," she said. "Any implications. Things are different now."
Cal let her words sink in. "I see," he said quietly. "You're right. Things are different. We can't behave the way we did during these past few days. It was necessary at the time, but-" But what? But that was all over now? Their conversations, their comfort with one another, was just gone? Wiped away by the real world? It was a painful thought, and one Cal didn't want to accept. Why did things have to go back to the way they were?
"But we have expectations to meet," Rose finished for him. "Obligations. We aren't free to do as we wish."
"Aren't we?" Cal spoke quickly, before he could stop himself. "Rose, if anyone is free, isn't it us?"
"What are you saying?"
"Simply that, we can do what we like," he said. "I can do what I like, and so can you, with me. I have that power, Rose."
She didn't dare take him at his word. "That's easy to say when we're still tucked away in the middle of nowhere," she replied. "But what happens when we go home? When we're expected to fulfill our duties? When you're expected to play your role?" She shook her head. "No, Cal, it wouldn't work."
"But I don't want you to go," he insisted. "Stay, please."
Rose sighed. "That's what you said earlier."
"And you stayed. Was that just obligation?" he asked. "Did you think you owed it to me?"
"No. I've never felt indebted to you, though I suppose I should. You did save me. After you left me," she added dryly.
"I didn't intend to leave you behind. I wouldn't have-"
"I know, Cal," she said. "For all your faults, I don't think you wish me harm."
"At least we have that."
Rose almost wished she'd just remained asleep. She wished they didn't have to discuss any of this. Most of all, she wished her feelings weren't such a tangled mess. She didn't trust Cal, and yet, didn't she? Shouldn't she? She didn't like him at all, but didn't she? A little? There was a closeness between them now. That couldn't be denied. They had experienced something life altering together, something no-one else could ever understand. He'd shown her another side of himself. He'd shown her tenderness and care, respect, even. But did that matter? Could anything overcome the man she believed him to be?
Cal was wrestling with similar questions. His primary concern was keeping Rose close, physically and emotionally. He didn't want to lose the progress they'd made. Despite her insistence that she didn't want to marry him, he held out a hope that she would change her mind. If he could just keep her from pulling away again.
"I didn't just ask you to stay because I didn't want to be alone," he said.
"Then why did you ask?"
"I wanted you near me," he replied.
"I'm rather convenient company," Rose pointed out.
"Yes, I suppose you are," Cal agreed. "But you're also the only company I happen to want. Now and in the foreseeable future."
"Cal, what does that mean?" she asked wearily.
"It means I'd like you to stay. Tonight and every night."
"What if I don't want to?" she said. "I told you before I didn't want to marry you."
"I remember," he said. "But don't you like this? Being close? Don't you feel better?"
Rose sensed there was more he wanted to say, but he couldn't or wouldn't let himself. She remembered her relief at waking up and not finding herself alone. At finding herself with him. What would happen if she admitted that? Was this some sort of trick? A ploy to gain the upper hand?
"Don't be so suspicious, Rose," he said. "I've never lied to you."
"No, I guess you haven't." She was silent for a moment. "I don't want to sleep by myself."
"You don't have to." Cal touched her hand. "Stay."
...
By morning they were curled up in each other's arms. Nothing was said about it. Rose stood behind the wardrobe door and dressed. Cal turned away without being asked. "Do you need help?" she asked matter-of-factly.
"I can manage," he said.
"Your knee-"
"It's not so bad," Cal assured her. "You can go on down to breakfast."
In fact, he did need help, but pride and stubbornness wouldn't let him admit it. Rose could help him dress. She could help him get around the room. She could talk into the night and sleep in his arms. She could face death with him. But she wouldn't allow for the possibility of caring for him. Cal didn't quite know how he felt. Frustrated. Determined. Exhausted, still, despite his best efforts. But that wasn't all. He glanced at her as she left. His heart beat faster. He'd thought he loved her before, but he was wrong. Whatever he'd felt, it wasn't love. It didn't begin to compare to the way he felt now.
He couldn't bear the thought of her leaving. His instinct was to pull her close and hold her as tightly as he could, to prevent her from going by any means necessary. He needed her. Didn't she understand that? Without her, his life would be empty. But something told him to resist this urge. It would be a mistake. The more he tried to keep her, the faster he would lose her. She'd shown more of herself during their ordeal than he ever dreamed of seeing, and there was no doubt she would fight, his money be damned.
Cal finished buttoning his shirt and pulled himself to his feet, using the bedpost for support. His knee did feel much better, thanks no doubt to the efforts of their hosts, but it wasn't completely healed yet. He tested it with his weight, and pain shot up his leg. He ignored it. An idea was taking shape. It wasn't quite honest, but it wouldn't be wholly untrue. And it would keep them together a bit longer, away from prying eyes and their meddling families. Perhaps, if he played things right, it would be just long enough for Rose to change her mind.
...
"Can I help?" Rose offered. Emma smiled and shook her head. She motioned for Rose to sit. "Please, I don't mind," Rose said. "I'd like to."
"It's fine." Emma lightly touched her elbow, steering her toward the table.
Rose sat up straighter when Amos came in. He wore a cheerful expression, but she couldn't help thinking he would judge her for sitting around while Emma did all the work of getting breakfast on the table. But if that was so, he didn't show it. He merely said good morning and nodded to her.
They were about to eat when he said, "Where's your husband? Is he not feeling well?"
"He was dressing when I left," Rose replied. "He seemed improved since yesterday. Perhaps I should go check on him." It would be just like Cal to overestimate his recovery and set himself back. "You don't have to wait for us," she added. "Please. Go on with your breakfast."
Upstairs, she found Cal sprawled across the bed, dressed and clutching his knee. He wore a painful grimace. Her eyes widened, and she hurried over to him. "Cal, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing." His breathing was measured. "I'm just having a little difficulty, but I'll be up in a moment."
"Did you hurt yourself?"
"I'm not sure what happened," he said. "I got dressed, and everything was fine. My still hurt, but I could handle it. I took a step, and then I think I twisted it somehow."
Rose laid her hand gently on his knee. "Does that hurt?"
Cal winced. "No."
"You're lying," she said.
"I never lie," he replied.
"Another lie." Her concern was obvious. "It feels swollen, but I can't tell if it's worse than before."
"I'm sure it's not," he said. "If you wouldn't mind helping me up, we'll go to breakfast."
"You aren't going anywhere." Rose was already up and taking hold of him. "You need to lie down."
"But it's nothing," Cal argued. "I hurt myself. Foolishly, I might add, but there's no reason to-"
"Cal, you're in pain. I won't stand by and watch you make it worse because you're too stubborn to admit it. I'm sorry to have to break this to you, but you are indeed a mortal man, subject to injury," she said. "I know how you like to think of yourself, so this must be a shock."
Cal looked amused. "Is this how you treat all your patients?"
"You're my first," she replied. "So, yes, I suppose it is. Are you comfortable?"
"Tolerably so," he said.
"I'll bring you something to eat."
...
Sid and Dan gave up looking right around the time Cal and Rose were rescued. They went back to the house, gathered what few things they had, and proceeded to light it on fire. It was Sid's idea. Dan wasn't convinced there was anything inside that could be connected to them, but Sid argued just the existence of the house might be enough. Dan gave him a skeptical look when he said that, but he didn't respond. He was starting to doubt Sid, and secretly, he envied John for getting out when he did. This whole thing had gotten completely out of hand. They'd be lucky if they didn't end up in jail, fire or no fire.
They stayed until the house was ash. As it cooled, Sid began throwing leaves and dirt over the spot where the house had been. "Can't hurt to disguise it," he said, motioning for Dan to help.
"I guess not," Dan said.
"If they manage to bring the cops out here there won't be anything to find," Sid reminded him. "Maybe they'll just think they made the whole thing up. A nice cover for a lover's getaway."
"It's possible," Dan said noncommittally.
"Look, I know this didn't work out. I'm sorry. We had a good plan," Sid said. "It should've worked. If we could do it all over again, things would go differently. I know it." His eyes shone. "We could make it work."
"We tried. Let's just leave it at that."
"If only there was some way we could still get the money." Sid spoke more to himself than Dan. "We need it even more now."
"But we don't have any hostages," Dan pointed out. "They're probably home by now."
"What if they aren't?"
"What do you mean?" Dan asked. "You think they're still out there somewhere?"
Sid shrugged. "Why not? We didn't find them."
"There's a lot of woods. We didn't cover it all."
"And how far could they get without food or water?" Sid said. "It's pretty cold at night too."
"What are you saying? You think they're dead?"
"It's possible. Likely, even. They weren't outdoorsy types," Sid replied. "People like that can't survive the real world."
Dan knew he was right. The odds were stacked pretty high against them. Still, even after everything he'd helped do to them, he didn't like thinking about them dead beneath a tree, too far out to ever be found. There was the Amish settlement, but they couldn't have made it that far. It was at least fifteen miles, and they didn't even know to look for it. And if they did find it, he doubted anyone would help them. He didn't know much about those people, but he'd always heard they didn't take outsiders well.
In fact, he was wrong about the town's location. His knowledge, such as it was, was woefully out of date, and the town had grown considerably during the past few years. Its center was still a long way off, but there were farms spread out in all directions, and one of those was Amos and Emma's. As for their distaste for outsiders, that was true, generally, but exceptions were made for those in trouble, a concept which never occurred to either of them.
"Let's get out of here," Sid suggested. "We need to put some distance between us and this place, just in case." He glanced at Dan. "Still interested in the money?"
...
"I'm not sure what happened," Rose said. "He insisted he was better, but now he's barely able to move again." She frowned, her eyes heavy with concern. "I hope it's not more serious than we thought."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Emma said. She gave Rose's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "You've both been through a lot."
"I'm sorry we've put you to so much trouble," Rose said. "I don't know how we can ever repay you."
"There's no need for that kind of talk," Amos said.
"But of course there is," Rose said. "We'll have to do something in return. You've saved our lives. A debt like that can never be repaid, but if there's anything you need, anything you want..." She faltered. "I know how vulgar it sounds to bring up money at a time like this, but I assure you, Cal's family will pay whatever you choose."
"I'm not concerned about that," Amos said.
"I don't care about money, for myself," Rose offered. "In fact, I quite detest it." She was surprised at her honesty. What prompted this outpouring? Amos merely looked at her, inquisitive, but not judgmental. "I'm sorry," she went on. "Is there anything else I can help with?" She turned to Emma. "Are there more chores?"
"Why don't you go and sit with Cal for a while," Emma suggested. "It might make you feel better, and I'm sure he'd enjoy the company."
Rose looked uncertain. "I really should be helping."
"Go on." Emma waved her away.
Reluctantly, Rose went. Upstairs, she found Cal still stretched out on the bed, awake, staring at the ceiling. "I thought you'd never come back," he said.
She sat down on the edge of the bed. "I was helping with the breakfast dishes."
"Why?"
As if she were talking to a child, she replied, "Because they needed to be done."
"But they don't need you to do it," he said. "We aren't here to work for them."
"Maybe not, but we're here thanks to their generousity, and it's the least I can do. I only wish I could find a better way to express our gratitude for everything they're doing for us."
"When we get home, I'll have a check presented to them," he said. "A hundred dollars or so should be fine."
Rose stared at him. "Is that the going rate for saving you and the woman you love?"
"You find that unacceptable?"
"I would think our lives meant more to you," she said.
"That's a fortune to people like them," he argued. "I'm sure they'll be glad for it."
"Cal, money doesn't matter to everyone," she explained patiently. "And it certainly doesn't matter to them. Trust me."
"Is this what you came up here to discuss?"
"I came to check on you," she said. "And because Emma sent me."
"I'll have to thank her later," Cal said. His features softened. He brushed her hand with his fingertips. "Let's not argue, Rose."
"I don't want to argue," she said. "How are you feeling?"
"Better now that you're here."
"I'm hardly a cure-all," she said, suppressing a smile.
His mouth turned up in a half-grin. His voice was low, sending a shiver down her back. "You'd be surprised."
Rose took a breath, forcing her face to remain unchanged. Whatever was happening, she had to resist it. She didn't know why or how, but Cal was having some sort of effect on her. It was worse than the basement. At least there, she had the excuse of mortal terror to fall back on. But now, how could she explain it? And what was worse, did she even want to?