A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter, I've taken an idea from your reviews and I'm running with it. Here's to hoping it goes well and you guys like it!

A Case of the Blues: Chapter 13

Beth's mind was fuzzy, the last remnants of a dream being chased away by the realisation that she was awake. It was a nice dream - something about sitting in a big oak tree in meadow full of flowers but the details were fading fast even as she tried to recall them. With a mental sigh she allowed her brain to focus and cautiously opened one eye. The bright spring sunlight cut the room in half and she could see dust-motes dancing in the wall of light. Beth pulled the duvet up over her head to keep it out, but it didn't work. Her brain was already riddled with worried thoughts about Jimmy and what he was going to do.

Reluctantly, she threw the covers off herself and sat up, stretching her arms above her head. With a loud sigh, she climbed out of bed and rummaged through her wardrobe for some clothes to wear. A plain t-shirt and some ripped jeans were her decision. She laid them out on the bed and headed to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face.

She wiped the condensated mirror with her palm to reveal her reflection. Her cheeks were pink and puffy and her eyes were bloodshot. She bit her lip as she stared at herself. She needed to find Daryl and warn him to stay away from the cabin – it wasn't safe if Jimmy knew where it was.

Washed and dressed, Beth left the apartment only to realize that the only place she knew where to find Daryl was at the cabin, but she certainly didn't feel safe going there. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. She could find a phonebook and see if there was a "Dixon" in there, and phone him. That should work.

Running back upstairs into her apartment she rummaged through the drawers and eventually found a phonebook. Skimming through the pages until she was at the "D" section, she ran her finger down the page until she saw what she was looking for.

Dixon.

Dialling the number she hesitated for a second before pressing the call button. After two rings, somebody answered.

"Hello?" The voice drawled out in a strong southern accent, hints of alcohol lining the words.

Merle.

Beth smiled to herself. "Hey Merle."
"Sweet thang! Is that you, bo peep?"

Laughing, Beth replied "Yep, that's me. Is Daryl around?"
"Nah darl, he was headin' to th' cabin, lookin' fer you, blondie."

Beth's heart threatened to break through her ribs as he spoke. The cabin? He can't go there. Jimmy will be waiting for him.

"Merle, he can't go there, it's too dangerous. Do you think you could catch up to him?"
"Why's it dangerous, sweetheart?"
"Jimmy – my ex fiancé – paid me a visit last night. Threatened me; tried to break in. He knows where the cabin is, Merle, I can't go there. Daryl can't go there. Please…" Beth couldn't finish her sentence because unshed tears were threatening to fall down her face. She took a deep breath and waited.

"Write this address down doll, you come here an' I'll go after Darylina. Don't you worry yer pretty lil self, Merle's got this."

Following the directions on her sat-nav, she drummed her fingertips against the steering wheel, anticipating Jimmy's next move. Was he even waiting at the cabin? Was he following her? Was he doing anything at all?

Worry racking her thoughts, she shook her head slightly and continued to drive on until she took a left turn down a single-lane road; a beautiful house coming into view. She gasped slightly, parked her car and got out, still staring at the baronial building. The colonial redbrick home in front of her stood tall and proud, inviting her in. She walked towards the front door – white and glistening in the sun – and knocked.

After a few minutes of no reply, she tried the door handle – it was unlocked. "Merle?" She shouted as she tilted her head through the doorway. "You here?"

Her voice echoed off the walls and she slowly stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. She took off her sandals and left them neatly by the front door. Concluding that he must have left to get Daryl and purposely left the door unlocked to allow Beth entry, she took a seat in the lounge. It was the cleanest room imaginable. The rich, lush sofa sat in between two soft chairs and a rocking armchair was tucked away silently in a corner under a tall window through which the sunlight was coming inside in harsh streaks. A soft fire was glowing in the fireplace under the mantelpiece that was covered with tiny intricate glass models and ancient relics. A beautifully designed rug had covered the polished floor and she felt the fluffiness of it between her toes.

She could get used to this.

The front door opening tore Beth from her trail of thought. Dread filled her as she worried that Jimmy may have followed her here.

Unfortunately, she was correct.

"Beth, I know you're in here sweet cheeks," he taunted. Beth quickly tiptoed behind the sofa and hid, her heart beating louder and harder than she thought was imaginable. "I just want to talk baby."

Wait, she thought to herself. She needed to protect Daryl. Perhaps stalling Jimmy would work. He seemed delusional after all, maybe even dangerous, but she could handle him. She could fix this herself.

She stood up and walked out of the living room into the hallway, coming face to face with Jimmy. Her hands trembled so she hid them behind her back. "I'm here Jimmy. What do you want?"

"Oh, Beth, baby… I've missed you," he whispered, pulling her into a hug. Beth froze, unsure what to do. Slowly, she brought her hands round to lightly rest on his back, barely returning the hug. He pulled back and smiled at her. "Come on, let's get out of here and sort our wedding out, huh?"

"Jimmy," Beth hesitated for a second, "we're not getting married anymore. I'm sorry, it was never going to work between us."

The silence that followed was deafening. It lasted a few seconds before Jimmy let out a breath and began laughing, quietly at first, before he found himself in a fit of laughter. The whole situation was making Beth extremely nervous.

Jimmy wiped his eyes. "Oh Beth, you just don't get it, do you? We are going to get married, you said yes to my proposal."

"Jimmy-"
"No, Beth. You will not do this to me. You will become my wife and you will be mine. You are mine."

She held her breath. This wasn't going very well. It's okay, she said to herself, Merle and Daryl will be back soon, and this will all be over.

"Jimmy, let's sit down and talk," Beth suggested with a forced smile. He nodded and followed her through to the living room. He sat down beside her, and Beth subtly shifted away from him to create as much space between them as possible.

Beth opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Jimmy's fingers gripping her throat, robbing her of breath. Her eyes went wide and she struggled and clawed at his arms. He released his grip and before she could scream, his lips attacked hers in a rough kiss, his tongue forcing entry. She tried to scream and push him off her but it wasn't working. He pulled his lips away and placed his hand over her mouth, a smile upon his face. "Scream and you die."

Empty threat, Beth told herself, but then she felt the cold steel of a gun against the side of her head. She scrunched her eyes shut as a tear escaped them, rolling down her cheek. Slowly, he took his hand away from her mouth and she breathed heavily but quietly, afraid to make a sound.

"Can I tell you something?" He tilted his head, moving in closer still, so close that she could feel his breath against her cheek. "Do you want to know what my grandma used to say about kisses on the forehead?" He pressed his lips to her brow, making Beth hold her breath in fear for her life. She felt disgusted. He pulled back and smiled.

"She told me it's the kind of kiss we save for the dead."