Her husband was due back from New York at midnight. He was a monster of a man, cruel, abusive, and vindictive. Jack was determined to save her from his world.

Jack had fallen for her hard. He had never been in love before, not real love, not this. She was all he'd ever been looking for. When he was with her, the world was beautiful. The thought of her spending another day with her beast of a husband was almost too much for him to bear.

He would rescue her, spirit her away to someplace her husband would never find her. It was all arranged, the plane tickets, the destination, the money to live on, everything. Jack smiled. He just needed to wait for her to return to the apartment. She would be surprised, but happy and grateful. They had discussed this scenario and she had been enthusiastic.

He used the key she had given him to let himself into her apartment. All he needed to do now is wait for her to return home. Jack had checked with the airlines to ensure her husband was on his flight and would not surprise them with an unwelcome appearance.

Jack thought about how warm she made him feel, how loved. He seated himself on the couch after pouring himself a scotch from the bar. He sipped it approvingly while going over the plan in his mind.

His cellphone rang, it was her, he answered.

"I'm so glad you answered, my love," she said sweetly, "I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"I couldn't take one more day away from you or another day in his dirty hands. I had to act," she said desperately.

Jack could hear the anxiety in her voice. "What did you do?"

"We'll be free after tonight, Jack! I poisoned his Scotch. He always has a glass when he gets home from a trip. He'll be dead before the sun rises."

Jack tried to speak, but couldn't as the numbness washed through his failing body. His last thoughts were of her.