Two weeks later

            “J.T.?” a hesitant voice asked.

            “Lizzie?” Jonathon asked sounding sleepy. He glanced at the clock, and then again. “Elizabeth Joy Martin! Do you know what time it is?!”

            “It’s two in the morning. I’m sorry, J.T. I-I n-need you…”

            “For what?” Jonathon asked still grouchy from being woken up.

            “I’m at Vincent’s apartment…”

            Jonathon’s stomach clenched.

            “He left and hasn’t returned…I’m scared,” she whispered softly, fear laced her words.

            Jonathon cringed. Vincent was scum, lower than scum really. He had treated Virginia terribly too.

            “I’m coming for you. Don’t even think about moving,” he ordered, forgetting about their spat. He was too worried about her.

            “Sí, señor,” she quipped.

            “You’re not going to give that up are you?” he asked, glad that she was OK enough to joke.

            “No, nunca,” she said still mocking him.

            “You know…it’s a good thing that I like you. Not many sane guys would get up at two in the morning to rescue a damsel in distress.”

            Elizabeth was silent. He doesn’t mean it that way, Elizabeth…You weren’t even talking until you called. 

            “Lizzie?” Jonathon asked concerned.

            “Sorry, you’re right. I am lucky. See you soon.”

            Jonathon pulled on a pair of jeans and a hoody. He grabbed his car keys and ran down the stairs. He jumped into his truck, started it, and sped to Vincent’s apartment…and Elizabeth.

♠

            Vincent couldn’t believe it. “Jonny” was connected to this one too. The only girl he hadn’t been connected to was Claire, and Vincent had gotten bored with her after awhile. He ran his thumb over the switchblade, not hard enough to pierce his skin but enough to feel the sharp blade. The second you walk in that door it’s bye-bye, Jonny buy. He smiled wickedly over at Elizabeth. She was so stupid. She thought he’d leave her alone. He snickered quietly. He’d leave her soon enough, as soon as he left his mark on her permanently. The scar was only temporary; soon she’d be carrying his child, if he had anything to say about it, if she wasn’t already. 

            Vincent kept hidden as he heard footsteps stop outside of his apartment. It’s time, he thought ready to leap.

♠

            Elizabeth silently fretted. He’s gonna be disgusted with me, she thought remorsefully, hoping that she wasn’t carrying Vincent’s child. Why had she come back to him? Jonathon had shown her that she was worth more. She smiled at the thought, even though she was supposed to be mad at him. She sat up and expectantly looked at the door, when she heard footsteps. She glanced past the doorway and froze. There, crouched like a panther ready to pounce on his prey, sat Vincent. The door handle twisted, and time seemed to go in slow-motion for Elizabeth. Before she realized what she was doing, she had moved between Vincent and the door. Vincent launched himself at her. Elizabeth felt a sudden spasm of pain, warmth, and then everything went black.

♠

            Jonathon slowly turned the doorknob and walked into Vincent’s apartment. He watched as Vincent jumped out and stabbed Elizabeth. Jonathon caught her before she hit the ground. He swept her into his arms and slammed the door on Vincent’s hand that held the switchblade. Jonathon raced down the stairs, holding Lizzie close, put her into his truck, and sped towards the hospital, praying the whole way there.