"You said she admitted to you that her stepfather is the one responsible for this?"

"Yes," Jones answered his DCI. "What do you want to do?"

Tom shrugged, "Nothing for now. We've got no evidence,"

"We can't leave her there in that house," Jones fumed.

"Jones, we can't make her leave. She has to leave of her own accord,"

Ben didn't understand how Tom could be so relaxed about this. Didn't he want to help Sophie?

"But she's much too frightened. She thinks he'll kill her, and looking at the state of her now I'd say she's probably right,"

"Until we have evidence-"

"I know,"

Jones thought for a minute. "Can't we get a court order for his DNA?"

"Is she willing to make a formal complaint against him?" Tom asked.

"I don't know. I'm going back tomorrow at noon to talk to her. I'll ask her then,"

Tom Barnaby eyed his sergeant suspiciously. "Jones, need I remind you not to get too involved with this girl,"

"I'm not, sir," Jones said plainly.

Tom didn't comment further. He didn't need to. He could read Ben Jones like a book, and had always been able to. He knew that this case was different for his sergeant. Never before had Jones been so desperate to help, so intent on justice.

Oh, Jones was an excellent detective, but it was always just the job. Tom got the feeling that this particular case was not just the job.

Tom worried for Ben, but only because he adored him. The young man was like a son to him. However, he knew and trusted that Ben could handle himself. Deep down, Tom also knew that Ben was the most level-headed man. As long as his mind wasn't too clouded…

The next day Jones parked his car a block away and walked to the back of the market. He was 12:00 and he was starting to get anxious. He checked his watch.

12:05.

He planted his fists on his hips and paced.

12:06.

Just then the back door opened and Sophie stepped out. Instantly, he was relieved.

"Sorry, I couldn't get away,"

"It's alright. I'm glad you're okay. I was worried,"

Ben thought she looked better today. Her lip was a lot less swollen, and her bruises less angry looking. Then she smiled at him, and he thought she must be the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"You don't need to worry about me,"

"You're kidding, right?"

"As long as I do what he wants, I'll be fine,"

Her arms were covered with long sleeves and slowly Ben reached out and slid the cotton material up to her elbow. Fresh, red marks stained her wrists.

Ben looked worriedly down into her eyes. "What's this?"

She sighed. "Don't, Sergeant Jones. Please,"

"Do you want to make a formal complaint?"

She seemed like a frightened rabbit all at once. Her eyes grew round and darted around anywhere but his face.

"Could you get us a sample of his DNA?"

"DNA? Why?"

"If we can match his DNA to the evidence collected when we found you…"

"Oh," she breathed out slowly. "I might be able to,"

They stood silently together. Both of them pondering over their possibilities. Sophie, wishing she could make it all go away, and Ben wishing he could make it all go away for her.

"Can you come by the house tomorrow? He's going to be at work. I'll get you something then,"

"I can. Sophie, does your mother know?"

"Of course she does. She doesn't want to know, so she acts oblivious,"

"Whose side do you reckon she's on?" Ben asked.

"Her own I'd bet," Sophie answered flatly. "I've gotta get back inside. He's home today, and he likes to keep an eye on me from across the street. If he sees I'm not in front he'll come looking,"

"Be careful," Ben said.

She smiled at him before going back inside. Ben walked back to his car completely unaware that the person being watched was not Sophie.