Dawn knew that there was something wrong as soon as her husband wouldn't look her in the eye, "Who attacked you?"

"It's all under control Dawn," he said.

She hesitated. Normally he would be more than happy to tell her everything that was going on as they were each other's confidants so his unwillingness made absolutely no sense unless he didn't want her to know.

And only one candidate made sense, "Was it Ashley?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry about it?" she demanded, "You were attacked. I knew this was going to happen one day if you went from door to door collecting money from people who don't want to give it over."

"Now Dear I didn't think you cared."

She didn't blink, "I don't."

"Your fawning could've fooled me."

She scoffed, that accusation was just ridiculous, "I'm not fawning I'm making sure you don't have a concussion."

"I don't have a concussion."

"I'm going to take you to the hospital just in case."

"No," he grabbed her wrist when she stood and pulled her down, "If the hospital finds out that I was attacked then the police are going to get involved and it's going ot be a bigger mess for everyone. Let me handle it."

"And what if not doing so makes things even worse?" she demanded.

"You know, you used to trust me once," he muttered.

"We've never had to deal with something like this before," she said, "We've been planning this since she signed that contract. We've waited a long time and I don't want it all to fall out at the last minute because some spoiled brat wants to go back on a deal. The baby would be better with us anyway. At least she'd have a chance."

"Of course," he said and looked at the clock, "It's getting late. We should start locking up. The last thing we need is for my assault to spread around town and everything thinking they get a turn."

Dawn stood, "You go on up. I think I'm going to do some reading."

"You sure? I believe we were planning a romantic evening tonight."

"You get a pass tonight," she gave an empty smile, "I'm not ready to go to bed. And really an assault doesn't do much to amp a romantic mood."

"Do you want me to stay with you?"

"Oh no, I'm fine," she said and walked towards the living room, "Darling?"

"What?"

"That baby would be better off with us wouldn't she?"

She saw the doubt flicker in his eyes but was immediately hidden, "Beyond any doubt."

"I see. Goodnight honey."