Lizzy was practically jumping up and down on her seat, disguising her excitement with the bumpy road under her. Four weeks had flown by without any major incident. It was hard to believe that life with the Hewitts could actually be as peaceful as it had been.

Peaceful. What a strange word to associate with them.

Hoyt had started joining them for dinner again. Not much she could do about that. Although, he didn't look at her, which she was completely fine with. He almost acted as if she weren't there, directing his conversation at Monty, Luda Mae and sometimes Tommy. Usually, whatever he had to say to Tommy was in not so subtle code about what he expected Tommy to do that day.

Lizzy pushed the thought away from her mind of what that could possibly be. She knew. She just wasn't prepared to fully admit it. Luda Mae had recently gotten excited over a fresh batch of meat she'd "purchased".

Lizzy let out a loud sigh. She still held out hope that Tommy would soften his stance on his insistence that she eat meat. She would gladly go full vegetarian for him to prove she just didn't want meat in general. But, it seemed to be the one thing he refused to find a compromise.

Despite Hoyt's adamant protests during breakfast, Luda Mae had decided to open the store later than normal. Elizabeth was supposed to work, but she had asked for the day off. To explore the house and grounds with the puppy and Tommy by her side. She couldn't wait. Family bonding time.

She didn't mind working at the store. It gave her something else to do than to sit around all day. It was nice, getting out of the house. And, as much as she loved Thomas, it was nice to get a break from him too sometimes. There were days when he wouldn't join her. Not that she was left alone at the store. Henrietta was always with her for those days. She didn't mind that either.

The two women had gotten just a little bit closer. Henrietta was clearly enamored with the idea of becoming a sorta-aunt to Tommy's and Lizzy's eventual children. And, Lizzy could see that she would make a fun "aunt". She even officially gave Henrietta permission to call her Lizzy.

A large smile crept across Lizzy's face as they stopped in front of Mr. Denver's home. Soon, she'd have her puppy. And soon she'd be back home to play with it.

Mr. Denver waved at them as they parked the truck. Lizzy waited for Tommy to open the door for her and smiled up at him.

"Thank you," she said, planting a kiss on his leather mask.

His eyes softened as a smile crossed his lip. Tommy leaned in to grab her hat from the seat.

"Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Denver said, tipping his hat toward her.

Lizzy nodded her head. Tommy's heavy hand pressed against her head as he put her hat on for her.

"Ms. Luda Mae," Mr. Denver said. "Do you think you and Tommy can help me out for a moment in the back?" he asked.

Lizzy frowned. She wasn't sure why. It wasn't unusual for the old farmer to ask for help from Tommy. But, there was something in the tone of his voice that rubbed her wrong.

Tommy gave Lizzy a worried glance, noticing her change.

"I could go with you and we can pick up the puppy together once you're done," she said, trying to ease her worry.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Mr. Denver said. "I only need Thomas for a couple minutes."

Tommy raised his eyebrows at her in concern. He nodded his head.

Are you okay?

"Yeah," she said. Perhaps it was just her imagination. Yeah. She was just adding unnecessary tension to what was going to be a glorious day.

"Is there a problem?" Mr. Denver asked.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "Sorry, no problem. I'll get our dog and meet you in the truck." She rose onto her tiptoes to kiss Thomas again. "See you soon, baby," she said softly.

He reached out and stroked her cheek then nodded his head.

Despite her words, her heartbeat quickened with each step she took away from Tommy. Clenching her fists, she made her way into the barn. She moved quickly toward the back where the puppies were. All she had to do was grab Scooby and go back to the truck. It was easy. Simple.

She winced slightly at the name. He was so excited and happy at his choice of name for the dog. He clearly thought she would be happy about it too. She didn't have it in her to tell him she didn't like it.

A large smile crossed her face the moment she spotted her puppy. But, whatever. She could live with that name. It wasn't a big deal at the end of the day.

"Hey, boy," she called out, patting her knees. The puppy yipped and rushed over to her as did some of its siblings. Despite being a runt, he was starting to resemble the rest of his siblings in height and weight. She picked him up and giggled as he bathed her face with his long tongue.

"Ready to go home?" she asked. "Not like you have a choice."

"But you do, Miss. Elizabeth Blair." Jack's voice froze her. Blair?

"What did you say?" she asked, slowly turning to look at the man. There was no way she heard him correctly. She'd given the doctor a fake last name. Unless, for some reason, Luda Mae or one of the other Hewitts let it slip. Although, she wasn't sure even they knew her real last name.

Jack gave her a somber look. His eyes darted around as if searching from Tommy.

"Look, I know who you are," he said, lowering his voice. "And I know you're in trouble. We always thought there was something off about the Hewitts."

She gulped. They were right of course, but they really didn't know the full scope of the situation.

Jack held out his hand to her. "Grandpa's distracting them. I can get you to safety. Don't worry. Not going to take you to Sheriff Hoyt. We know he's a little too familiar with the Hewitts. Gramps has some friends in law enforcement next town over. You'll be safe there. I'm sure you've been through so much. But don't you worry now, little Miss. Blair. We've been itching for an excuse to go after the Hewitts. Come on. I got ya now. You're safe."

Safe.

Her heart felt as if it stopped beating as she unknowingly held her breath. This was her chance. Her opportunity to escape. To be free.

She took a step toward Jack. Toward his hand that could take her away from what was once her nightmare.

But..

It wasn't a nightmare anymore.

A frown crossed her face as she took a step back, squeezing Scooby a little too tightly.

"How do you know my name?" she asked, giving him a suspicious look.

"Laci," Jack said as he walked to her. "She saw a missing poster with your picture on it at the post office a week ago. Look, don't got much time. You don't gotta be afraid of that freak. I'm here now."

He pulled the puppy from her arms and set it on the ground.

"Did you talk to my parents?" she asked as his hand gripped her elbow. She automatically started to follow him.

"Naw," he said, shaking his head. "Laci called me. Was gonna call the number on the poster, but I told her to wait. I knew you were coming to pick up the dog and wanted to rescue you. Just in case, ya know? Police sometimes rush into things without thinking. Didn't want ya getting hurt in whatever mess happens." He waved his hands in a dismissive manner.

The police would rush in and ruin the Hewitts. Destroy them. Destroy Hoyt. Her heart hardened and she felt a little bit happy about that. Yes, he deserved it after what he did to her. Justice. Revenge. He wouldn't go down without a fight. Which meant he'd just go down with bullets in his chest.

She gritted her teeth. They all deserved it. They were cannibals and murderers and rapists. Their victims deserved justice. But Tommy.

Her chest shuddered as she tried to breath normally.

They would hurt him as well, maybe even do worse to him because he was different. Scary. Her brain conjured up a horrible image of a set of officers surrounding Tommy and beating him with their sticks while the townsfolk watched. And he would probably let them, because she betrayed him. She couldn't let that happen.

The door slammed shut behind her, as Jack pulled her out of the room with the puppies. Scooby's little howl of sadness snapped her out of her slightly dazed state.

"I'm fine," she said, jerking her arm free and taking a few steps back.

Jack spun on his heels. "It's okay, darlin'," he said, reaching out toward her. "I'll get ya to safety. You don't have to worry or be afraid anymore. I know he's hurt ya, darlin', but you're safe with me."

His words would have had her throwing herself at him before. In the early days. When she was afraid and a victim. But, she was safe with Tommy. She wasn't afraid of him. Or worried. She was in love. Perhaps the Hewitts were rubbing off on her, leaving her evil and selfish for not taking the perfect opportunity and saving those who would become eventual victims. Sacrifice her happiness for the greater good. A happiness she wanted but never thought she'd get because it was hard for her to open up to people and let them in.

But, she let Tommy in. He burrowed his way into her heart with his fierce love and protection. She was everything to him. She wasn't sure she would ever be able to find a man like him. She didn't want to lose that. She couldn't.

"I'm not afraid," she said. His hands grabbed her arms again. "I'm not in danger!" She struggled against his grip.

Jack stared at her for a moment. His brow furrowed with confusion. "You can't seriously be dating that freak," he said. His fingers painfully clamped on her arm just above her elbow as he pulled her to his chest.

"We're not just dating," she said. She pushed her hands against his chest, but the bastard hardly budged. "We're engaged, you asshole. Let me go."

Without warning, he released her. She yelped as she lost her balance and dropped to the ground hard. He looked down at her, head tilted to one side. His eyes narrowed with annoyance.

"Are you retarded or something?" he asked.

"Fuck off," she snapped, glaring up at him. "And how fucking dare you insinuate that I'm only with Tommy because I'm scared or some sort of prisoner or mentally ill. God, that's why I can't stand men like you sometimes. So obsessed with looks that you don't see that personality counts for something. You don't get it. You see our looks don't match so you think there has to be something wrong. He might not be handsome like you, but he's got a good heart. One that loves and cares for those close to him. I've never had anyone care for me the way he does, asshole. You'll never get it because you can never offer what he does."

Jack's mouth parted slightly and he let out a huff, shaking his head. "So explain why there is a missing poster of you?"

She stood up and wiped her hands on her pants, keeping a careful eye on him.

"I'm honestly surprised there is, considering I'm an adult who can do whatever the fuck I want. I don't know," she said shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe my parents actually give more of a fuck about me than I realized. Not that I need to explain my relationship with them to you."

She needed to get out of there. She had to get the puppy and go. She'd deal with the information that her parents were actually looking for her later.

She kept her eye on him while opening the door to the room with the pups.

Scooby yipped happily and quickly escaped out the door.

"Scooby, wait," she commanded. It didn't listen to her, but she managed to pick it up before it got to far.

"You're pregnant, aren't you?"

She froze. "What? No! Are you fucking serious?" she yelled. "Wow. Way to keep showing how much of an asshole you are. Not that I'm really surprised. I pegged you for one the moment I saw you. Too shallow to think that I could actually love him and be with him just because and not for some stupid reason like being pregnant."

She pushed away the fact that that was Tommy's original intent. What he thought he needed to do to make her stay. How interesting that all she needed was a little bit of love, a little bit of protection, and a little bit of being wanted.

Jack looked confused.

"Well, it can't be money," he said, shaking his head, clearly ignoring the fact that she said she loved Tommy. Her face must have shown her confusion. "You do know they ain't got much money, right?"

"What of it?" she snapped, pretending like she did know.

His lips peeled back and he shook his head. "You didn't know. Let me guess, he's been showering you with expensive gifts pretending he could afford them. Oh, maybe making promises like buying an expensive house? Giving you all the worldly thing your heart desires. Well, sorry to pop that bubble, princess. The Hewitts are broke as shit."

She gulped and looked away. "I don't need money," she muttered.

She honestly hadn't thought of that. Thought of their financial situation because it really wasn't important considering the role she was originally meant to have.

She looked down at the puppy. Most likely an added, unnecessary financial burden because Tommy wanted to make her happy.

She bit her cheek. If only he told her, or any of them could have secretly let her know to save Tommy's dignity. She was fine without a dog. It was a happy, welcome surprise of course, but not if it caused more mental stress for the man she loved.

Why didn't you tell me?

She knew why. Because he was still worried, still afraid that he'd lose her love. He wanted to make her happy, keep her happy. He didn't want her to worry about finances. Wasn't like he would actually let her go out and get a real job to help support them.

"You don't need money," he repeated then nodded his head. "That actually makes sense. I mean, I had wondered how they were able to afford paying you, considering Luda Mae's been borrowing money from my gramps quite consistently the last couple years. I know Tommy-boy tends to take up odd jobs here and there, but he hasn't had a real one since the meat factory closed down two years ago. And I know that their towing business went under after Monty lost his legs. It probably wouldn't have if your fiancé knew how to drive."

He laughed. She willed her body to walk away, but she remained frozen.

"But, now it makes sense. They don't need to actually pay you. You're free labor. Oh, Lizzy."

"You don't get to call me that," she snapped.

He ignored her as he continued. "And here I thought you were a smart girl. Educated. You're a little fucked in the head, aren't ya?" he asked, tapping his head.

"Yeah," she spat, letting her anger out with her voice. She didn't owe him any explanations. "If that's what you want to believe. I'm-"

Jack was quick, not giving her a moment to think. His hand moved to the back of her head as his lips smashed against hers. Her body froze and her eyes widened. She tried to move away, but he held her close.

Scooby wiggled in her arms, managing to gain his freedom.

His lips were hard, his grip forceful, almost painful. She felt his tongue tease her as if he thought she would open her mouth willingly for him.

Jack's lips tore away from hers as his head snapped to one side. The sound of a hand hitting flesh echoed around them. Her chest heaved with heavy breaths as she held her hand high up in the air. Her palm pulsed with pain. She shoved Jack away from her with her free hand while he was still stunned.

"How dare-"

"Oh, hey, Tommy," Jack said, interrupting her as he rubbed his cheek. He looked past her. His mouth quirked into a knowing smile.

Elizabeth stiffened. Slowly, she turned. Scooby whined as he circled Tommy's legs and wagged his tail in shy happiness. Tommy ignored the pup. He stared at Jack before slowly turning his gaze to her.

"Tommy, I-"

It took all of her strength, not to retreat when he took a step toward them.

"Yeah," Jack whispered behind her. "You don't look afraid or like you're in danger at all."

She wanted to argue, but she couldn't. Old hurt and worry gripped her entire being. How long had he been there. He had to have seen the two arguing, right? No, no he didn't. He hadn't been there long. Just, long enough for Jack to notice and cause some friction between them. Was Jack testing Tommy now? Confirming his suspicions.

She internally begged Tommy not to give Jack what he wanted. Not to show a side of himself she never wanted to see.

He did see her smack Jack so that had to have counted for something.

Tommy stopped in front of her and grabbed her right hand. She winced and hissed. Her nerves still pulsed with pain from the slap. He was gentle though, when he touched her. He twisted her hand to look at her palm. Then he raised his gaze and nodded his head.

Are you okay?

"I'm fine, Tommy," she said. "Just, asshole over here-"

"Tell me, big guy. What's your secret?" Jack asked, interrupting her. He rubbed his cheek and chuckled. "Oh shit! I know why she's with ya. It's your cock, ain't it? You got one of those big ones whores-"

Tommy's fist connected with Jack's face. Lizzy let out a scream of surprise.

Jack dropped onto the ground like a sack of potatoes. Thomas was on him in an instant. Metal clattered on the ground next to him as he dropped whatever was in his left hand. He straddled Jack and started punching the man. Throwing his strength into each hit.

"Tommy, stop!" Lizzy cried out. She rushed over to him and grabbed his arm to stop him from causing more harm. It wasn't that she was trying to save Jack. She just didn't want Tommy to get in trouble by killing him.

Tommy looked up at her for a brief moment. His eyes full of rage and anger. The kind of eyes he'd never shown her before. He shoved her back hard. She yelped and tripped, landing on the ground with a thud.

Tommy turned his attention back to Jack. He let out a cry of anger. Jack tried to raise his hand to protect his face, but he couldn't. Thomas twisted one hand into Jack's shirt and partly lifted him up. With his other, he reached down and grabbed what he'd dropped.

She stopped breathing.

"Tommy, no," she whispered, but she couldn't move. She wanted to, but the rage he was in. It scared her. She wasn't sure if he would turn on her on accident. He'd never shoved her like that before.

Thomas raised a hammer over his head. Lizzy covered her mouth in horror. She was about to witness a murder. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out.

Wood exploded nearby as a gunshot rang out.

Thomas froze. He jerked his head in the direction of the gunshot, One hand still raised over his head while the other gripped a nearly unconscious Jack.

Mr. Denver had a shotgun in his hands. He aimed it at Tommy.

"Get off my grandson," he ordered.

Tommy hesitated.

"Tommy, please," Elizabeth whimpered. He gave her a look. His eyes were still hard and full of uncontrollable anger. To her relief, he dropped the hammer and shoved Jack back. But, he didn't raise his hands in surrender as he stood up. Instead, he glared at the old farmer. It almost looked as if he was contemplating on attacking him as well.

"Mr. Denver-" Elizabeth started to say, hoping to calm the situation down. She rose to her feet as well.

Jack moaned. At least the bastard was still alive.

"I don't care to hear it," Mr. Denver's said, cutting her off. He didn't lower his gun, keeping it trained on Tommy. "Are you okay, Miss. Blair?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, nodding her head. "I… I smacked Jack and he got a little violent. Tommy only tried to defend me." It was a lie, but Jack was in no condition to disagree. Hopefully, the old farmer would believe her and give them time to escape.

Mr. Denver looked at his grandson then at her. He have her a small nod as if that made sense.

"Tommy," he said. He lowered his gun slightly, but not enough to not be a threat. "You ain't welcomed around here no more. Take your pup and go. Luda Mae." He turned to address the older woman who was behind him. "I'm taking my business elsewhere. I expect you to pay me what I'm owed by Monday. Now, the three of you git out of here."

Elizabeth tugged on Tommy's sleeve. His eyes remained focus on Mr. Denver for far too long. Calculating? Planning on trying to hurt him as well?

"Tommy, please," she whispered. Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts and he turned her head to look at her. He blinked slowly, but it didn't help. She couldn't see it. Couldn't see the care he held for her just minutes ago.

Her heart pounded in her chest. It was going to be okay. She had to believe that. Had to take the chance. They just needed to get out of there and everything would be alright again.

She scooped up her puppy and sped past Mr. Denver.

"Mr. Denver," she said, stopping just past him. The old man's eyes stayed focus on Tommy. "Thank you. For the puppy. And, for worrying. But I'm fine."

Those last words made him raise his eyebrows and turn his head to look at her.

"Have a good day', Miss. Blair," he said, with a nod of his head. He understood her message.

Yes, hopefully the day would improve.