Irene followed Mr. Todd down into the cellar beneath the shop. The walls were damp and a horrible smell filled the air. The floor was just as damp with many slick spots. An enormous old oven of some kind sat unused next to an enormous meat grinder. She realized that this is where it all happened but from the looks of things the devices haven't been touched in years. He led her into the back where she saw the shadow of a lumpy pile in the candlelight. Upon further inspection she realized that it was a pile of bodies.
She gagged off to the side. "Why?" Her stomached wretched the at the sight in combination with the smell.
"Why? Why not?!" He grabbed her by the shoulders. "One works for the court and the other two are drifters. Do you like the sound of Judge Todd?" He laughed as he took a few quick steps, his feet scuffled on the floor.
"You're mad." She gasped.
His smile faded and he let go of her. "Take what you can off them and bring it upstairs. I'll take care of the bodies. We're just getting started my dear Mrs. Todd."
"Mrs. Todd?" Her heart raced.
"Yes." He plucked the jewelry off the bodies and handed it all to her. "Take that upstairs and clean it all. Now."
Irene obeyed and left as the barber dragged one of the bodies over to the oven. She raced back up to the shop and rinsed the blood off the jewelry. There was enough diamonds and rubies rubys to buy two months worth of food and necessities. In a couple hours Mr. Todd came up wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Anything you fancy?" He picked at the small pile of baubles and picked up a rather large diamond ring fit for a woman. "Ah, now that's a proper engagement ring."
Irene gazed at the gem, it was rather large and sparkled like it never saw a sin. "Beautiful, sir."
The barber slid it onto his lady's finger, it fit perfectly. "Now, we shall be wed." He lips curled around his teeth in a satisfied grin. "Once our name has been made, I will be spending time in the upper class parts, you'll see."
"I've already become more than I ever imagined I'd be." She held back tears. "I'll serve you well, Sweeney."
He leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear. "I know." Then his twisted tongue licked down her neck.
Irene shuddered and held him close. "Why the murder?" She asked between kisses to his face.
Sweeney looked at her and licked his lips. "What better way to get people talking?" He ran his hands up to her chest.
"I see." She rubbed the top of his thigh.
"The same is to be done tomorrow, we will announce our engagement." He leaned back away from her. "I want banners displaying the message, you will bake the very best cake you can."
"As you wish." She took hold of his calf and began to massage it. He was a moderately muscular man.
He smiled and laid back more. "Do the rest of me while you're at it." Sweeney ordered putting a pillow behind his head.
"Anything for you, my love." Irene looked at the ring on her finger, how it sparkled.