Chapter 8: Barber, Baker, And Beggar

Note: This chapter is not as big as the last two, but I think it's important since it gets everything prepared for the arc with Lucy, as well as to show that Sweeney and Nellie can't reconcile. I will also lightly cover what happened the past three months in this chapter since it is important. So let's get started shall we.

Some important things happened these past three months as we waited for things to calm down after breaking my daughter out of the asylum. We had decided that Anthony needed to keep working as an orderly to take suspicion of him, and because he could tell us anything happening in London. Turpin was enraged by her escape and had Fogg hanged for his failure to find her. I don't know if it's luck, but somehow they have not found this cabin. I still had know idea how I'd have my vengeance. I'd still yet to tell Johanna about me killing people yet.

Sometimes I snuck out in the early morning to kill small animals. But killing them with my razors wasn't as satisfying as killing people. There were still vermin living in that hellhole and needed to be sent to hell, and people who needed the release of death. I would return and clean my razors before Johanna and Anthony awoke. Me and Johanna grew closer with tales of me and her mother. In turn she told me stories of the vile judge.

Hearing all the time others called that insect honorable made my blood boil. But before I could kill the bastard, I needed to find my Lucy. I wasn't sure if I could truly help her, but I could at least get her off the streets. Tonight I would head out alone and hide near Lovetts and wait for my wife to appear. She often showed up begging and yelling at people about Lovett being the devil's wife. Soon I would send that baker to meet him.

Anthony had told me things were calming down. I wouldn't bring my wife home yet as we needed to finish building an extra room, but I could make sure she was still alright, physically at least. After we finished dinner I told them I was going to go see her. I hugged my girl tightly and told her I'd be safe and come back. I also told them not to worry unless I wasn't home by tomorrow night. I marched to the carriage and headed on my way.

(Turpin POV.) I still couldn't believe Johanna escaped. I also sentenced that useless Fogg to death for his failure. I was still trying to figure out how Barker escaped Botany Bay. I know he snuck a key from a guard, and that Benjamin seemingly strangled the same guard unconscious with his own whip. The guard I had them set up to watch him was forced into retirement.

I was writing another letter to find out where he went. He had left a month before the barber escaped. If anyone could help me know how this new man acts and thinks it would be him. I walked out into my living room. "Bamford," I called to my henchman. He leapt off the couch and asked me "yes sir?"

"Have this letter sent to Botany Bay." he nodded and went on his way. I need to find him, before Barker finds a way to kill me. (Lovetts POV.) These three months have gone better for me. Thanks to my new boyfriend and the money I made before Sweeney left, I could afford real meat, keeping my establishment open and popular, To my rivals' rage.

Robert might have helped take Benjamin from his family, But he, like others, probably believed Barker committed the crime he was accused of. That said, he seemed like a good man. He gave me more gratitude and kindness than Todd ever did. He was a kind man, and was strong, and I believed he could keep me safe from the barber. Speaking of the barber, I knew he had his daughter, so I knew he would come for his wife. So every night for the past three months, I would wait outside in the street, holding one of the barbers' razors, waiting for him to show since Lucy came here every night.

I had been closing early, planning to use her as bait to make him drop his guard, so I could kill him. As I waited, I heard the sound of footsteps heading down the street. I rolled my eyes expecting to hear Lucy's screams, but then I heard it. "Hello Lovett." I spun around to see the bastard himself. He was wearing a coat and a hat to hide his identity.

But his lethal glare stood out. His dark eyes were full of malice and hate. I felt fear spread through my spine. I glared back at him, refusing to show fear. "Todd," I spat. "Are you waiting for me Lovett?"

"You and that worthless bitch Lucy." Sweeney narrowed his eyes at me. I need to make him angrier If I'm going to get him to chase me to a place I could ambush and stab him to death. "I waited for you for fifteen years, Sweeney, but she was so pathetic and weak. I would be twice the wife she was Todd, but no you had to fall for her." "She was pushed over the edge after that vile monster forced himself on her" Sweeney snarled at me.

I know it's wrong to downplay what happened, but I baked people into pies. And I know now what I need to do. "Oh boo hoo, her pathetic, weak little mind could handle it, she only did it because she was a selfish bitch." "You are a selfish bitch, you used me for your business and wanted me to be with you, regardless of what I wanted." "You sad, pathetic man, your wife is just a homeless piece of shit who survives by selling herself to others. She has become pathetic and weak, and it's too bad she didn't die, because a selfless bitch like her doesn't deserve to live."

The Barber howled in rage and lunged for me. I was wearing a nightgown and was therefore not slowed down. So I bolted down the street as he chased me. I turned down an alley and hid myself in the shadows against the wall. "Come out, come out, wherever you are, Lovett." I was not as strong as the barber, but if I did this just right, I could knock him out before he could fight back, and I could kill him.

Sweeney turned in the alley and began to walk close to me. I put my left foot on the wall and pushed forward hard. (Sweeney's POV.) I will make you pay. I felt a forced smash into my side and sent me flying hard into the ground. Before I could react she grabbed my hair and pulled up my head exposing my throat.

Before Lovett could try anything I pushed myself up, smashing her into the wall. I spun around pulling out one of my friends. Before I struck we heard a voice calling for alms. "Lucy" I breathed. Lovett bolted away back toward the shop and I ran after her. Lovett grabbed onto Lucy and held her against herself, then she held one of my razors to her throat.

Lucy struggled to escape, but Lovett was stronger. "Drop the razor Sweeney and surrender to me. I'll avenge Toby and then let her go." I glared at Lovett and dropped my razor. "Come over her Todd" she snarled at me. I approached the insane bitch.

"Good man," she said. I then rushed forward and tackled Lovett off of my wife. I had knocked her out cold. Lucy rushed out down the alley. If I took the time to kill the baker, I might lose Lucy. I tore after Lucy.

It took about an hour off searching, but I found her. She was being held against a building by the neck by a man. "Please sir let me go?" Before he said anything I grabbed him by the shoulder and threw him to the ground. The man was not looking for a fight and ran. I would have ran after him, but I needed to tend to my wife.

"Let me help you up ma'm" She hesitated but grabbed my hand. I pulled her gently to her feet. "Thank you sir." "My name is Sweeney Todd, what's your name?" "I can't remember, but some people have called me Lucy." It is my Lucy, it really is my wife, my life, my everything.

I dropped to my knees sobbing. "Lucy, I've come home."

Note: I don't actually agree with Lovetts summation of Lucy's character, but I don't find it hard to swallow that she may think that. Hell if I did why would I be making this story lol. Anyway, the next chapter will deal with how Anthony and Johanna's relationship has evolved. And you'll see a night between Sweeney and Lucy, and no, she won't instantly just return to normal and completely remember him.