Abe couldn't get Keller out of his head. The things he said. The things he's done. The way he'd looked at Anna... That cocky degrading smirk had crawled right under his skin.

The other men had also been involved at the camp. Major Hatcher caught up with the boys later and explained how pleased and grateful he was for Anna's assistance. Anna hadn't really said much. She just wanted to give into her need to sleep.

Abe had walked her to her door, then promised he'd come to see her in the evening. He'd popped back earlier in the day just in case she was awake. But she wasn't there. Gabby said she'd gone for a walk and still hadn't come back. He'd thought a lot about that on patrol. Where on earth could she be?

Afterwards, he went for a drink with the boys. Everyone waved at him as he approached, Frenchie, Ewie and Sam all sorting a chair out for him. Hollywood and Harrison were deep in conversation as he sat down, both of them looking at him uneasily.

"What you two starin' at?"

Hollywood poured him a bourbon. "Before you get your panties in a twist," he said, attempting to keep his voice calm as Abe stared at him, "Harrison was only following my orders."

"For what? Stop bein' so dramatic and just tell me!"

Harry and Hollywood glanced at each other, then back at Abe. "Anna came lookin' for you earlier," began Hollywood. "She wanted to go and see that blonde fucker."

Abe's blood ran cold.

"What on earth-" began Sam.

"Why in the hell would she wanna do that?" Abe breathed.

"Seems like they had unfinished business. She didn't wanna wait... clearly had herself hyped up. You were busy, and I had a meetin', so Harry took her."

"What happened?" barked Abe, the poor boy jumping a little.

"Abe, calm down!" said Ewie.

"Did he hurt her? Is she all right?" he continued, ignoring Ewie.

"He tried to touch her a few times," said Harry. "You know, like, hold her hand and stuff. But I made sure he couldn't."

"What did they talk about?"

"How in the hell should I know? I don't speak German!" There was a pause. "She mentioned someone called Freddie," he said finally.

"That's her friend that he killed," mumbled Abe.

"She looked real angry. And she cried when he gave her answers."

Abe breathed deeply as if to contain himself. "Did she seem scared?"

"No, but she did seem disgusted. And sad."

"She shoulda waited for me!" Abe downed his bourbon. "I could have protected her!"

"She's a big girl Abe," said Hollywood. "She can handle herself."

"It's not right!" There was a long silence. "He needs sortin' out."

"Then why not just go and kill the fucker," said Frenchie, everyone shooting him an exasperated look. "Me and Lord are on duty there tonight, relieving Andy and TT. I'll let you sneak in."

"Maybe don't kill him," said Hollywood, "but roughin' him up'd be just fine."

"Are you sure that's what Anna's gonna want?" ventured Sam.

"Yes, she fucking would!" said Hollywood. "What you sayin', that she's sweet on him? Just cause she went to talk to him-"

"Of course not!" protested Sam. "But you've heard her talk about how she wants to leave the past behind her. How is more violence gonna let her do that? She's clearly said her piece to him. Leave it at that!"

"And how is she supposed to move on with that asshole still living?" said Frenchie.

"You really don't need to kill him!" sighed Ewie. "But I'm with Hollywood. He deserves at least a fucking slap."

"Abe, don't be dumb!" pleaded Sam, Abe and him locking eyes. "What you're considering, it's illegal."

"And what he did to her was in the law; it was actually fucking legal for him to do that to her," Abe pointed out, his voice low. "Laws don't always mean it's what's right."

"True," sighed Sam. "But you know Anna best. Didn't she say that the thing she hated most about her fiancé was that he took choices away from her? Or lied to her? You promised you wouldn't hurt him-"

"I never said that!" said Abe indignantly.

"She asked you not to get involved!"

"I just-" said Abe, then sighed heavily and buried his face in his hand. "Y'all don't know the full horrors he's put her through. And he's only one of many who's done some fuckin' evil things to her. Who knows what the fuck she asked him-"

"Then talk to her," said Ewie. "Ask her what she wants."

Frenchie checked his watch. "I'd better go find Lord," sighed Frenchie. "And I need some dinner before I head on over." He looked at Abe. "Offer's still there." Then he left.

Abe milled around for a while, grabbing some dinner before he finally went over to see Anna. It was growing dark, and he knew it was about now that the neighbourhood kids would be getting in one final game before their mothers called them inside. He walked up the street, smiling when he saw Anna sitting at the fountain. She pulled Elli's coat up around her more as she kissed her on the nose. His heart started hammering in his chest. Anna was so wonderful with her sister. You wouldn't think that she had just had to encounter one of the biggest torments of her life. Around Elli, Anna's soul seemed lighter than ever.

The other kids in the neighbourhood ran up to them along with Gabby and Anna encouraged Elli to go and play. She smiled as she watched her sister disappear further down the street, waving to her as Gabby clearly promised to watch out for them. Abe went to walk closer but stopped.

The moment Elli was out of sight, Anna buried her face in her hands. She took a deep breath, then sat with her head hung low, her hands clenched in front of her. She looked broken. Usually, she was so good at pretending, even Abe was nearly taken in by it.

But he knew.

He knew how hurt and angry she was. Abe watched her pull her photograph from her pocket, her gaze fixated on it. He could tell that she was crying now, his fists clenching as she drew the photograph to her chest and her hand twisted into her hair. How desperately he wanted to go to her; to pick her up and pull her in and tell her everything would be all right. But he knew she would need space. Trying not to disturb her, he backed away and headed for the bar where the others would be.

Hollywood, Sam and Ewie were sitting at a table outside, a beer in their hands. They saw him approach.

Sam looked confused. "I thought you were going to see Anna?"

Abe reached them but did not sit down. "Change of plans. I wanna go and see him."

"That's my man!" said Hollywood, slamming his hand on the table before he got to his feet. "I'll translate."

"Well, you don't want a medic there," sighed Ewie. "Make sure it hurts him." Ewie patted Abe on the shoulder as he went to join the others.

Abe stared at Sam. "You coming or not?"

"This isn't going to solve anything!" protested Sam.

"He fucking deserves it!" insisted Hollywood.

"You didn't even like Anna until a week ago!" snapped Sam.

"Yeah, well we can all be a dumb ass, Walker!" retorted Hollywood. "Hell, y'all doing it right now!"

Sam just stared back at Abe.

"You have no idea how bad this has got to her," said Abe imploringly. "I just wanna make him talk. We'll have witnesses. Then maybe she can get her justice."

"Abe," said Sam, standing up. "She got her answers earlier. You're only doing this for yourself!"

"I wanna help her Sam-"

"You and I both know what you're like when you're angry. And this fucker is going to make you angry!"

"And if he does, then who cares?" barked Abe. "He hurt her Sam... Real bad. He deserves way worse than I'd ever give him."

"But-"

"You either come with me and help keep me calm," interrupted Abe, "or you stay here and hope I don't kill the fucker."

Sam sighed, downing his beer before he signalled for them to lead the way. They jumped in the jeep and sped off towards the farm.

When they got there after an entirely silent drive, Abe wasted no time. He stomped up the dirt path, Sam just behind him as Hollywood brought up the rear. Frenchie and Lord were standing by the gate, and upon seeing them, relaxed a little.

"Thought you boys weren't gonna make it," Frenchie said as they all huddled round.

"We shouldn't have," muttered Sam, eliciting a glare from Abe.

"Where is he?" asked Abe.

"I'll get him," said Frenchie. "Lord, you watch the gate."

Lord ushered them through. "I hope you chaps know what you're doing."

"'course we do!" insisted Hollywood.

"As long as Miss Anna is at peace, then no more need be said." Lord gave them a node then returned to his post.

Abe's fists were clenched, his breathing heavy and strained.

"You have got to keep it cool," mumbled Sam as Hollywood sighed loudly.

"Man, I'd just bury my fist in the dirtbag's face!" said Hollywood.

"How is that helping?!" spluttered Sam.

"Would you both shut your damn mouths!" barked Abe and both of them fell silent.

They watched as Frenchie appeared out of the stable, his gun pressed into the back of Keller's head. Keller was smiling, his arms slightly raised in a mock surrender. Frenchie threw him to the ground, drawing back as he kept his gun pointed at him. Keller sat back on his knees and looked at the three men in front of him.

There was an eerie silence as Abe stepped towards Keller, towering over him.

"You're a big boy, aren't you?" said Keller suddenly.

Abe's eyebrows furrowing. "You speak English?"

"Of course. We are educated properly here."

"You're off to a great start," sighed Hollywood.

Keller looking up at him quickly, before returning his gaze to Abe. "So, you know who I am, then."

"I do," said Abe, his jaw tight.

"And I know you," smiled Keller. "You are her latest catch."

Abe cracked his knuckles.

The smile did not leave Keller's face. "Oh you are in so deep already!" he taunted. "It cannot have been more than a few weeks and look at you! Already her puppet."

Abe tried to keep a level head, but he could picture nothing else but driving his fist into Keller's skull. "I want you to admit what you did to her," growled Abe.

Keller scoffed. "Why? Did you want tips?"

Abe backhanded him across the face. Keller had to take a moment to recover from the blow.

"Abe, come on!" urged Sam.

"Sorry, big boy," said Keller. "Have I struck a nerve?"

"Admit it, you son of a bitch!" Abe repeated, his voice low and threatening. "What the fuck did you say to her earlier today?"

Keller didn't answer, too busy studying Abe to conjure a response. Abe grabbed him by his shirt collar and pulled him close to his face.

"So then," asked Keller. "Am I going to be a father? Tell me the good news!"

"Father?" asked Hollywood.

"Is that what you want?" asked Abe.

"Why not?" said Keller nonchalantly. "After all, we would have such beautiful children."

"She ain't pregnant," hissed Abe as the other Americans exchanged looks.

Keller's expression shifted. Pain flashed through his eyes, yet almost instinctively, it disappeared in an instant. "Pity," sighed Keller. "What a lovely reminder of our time together that would have been."

"She don't want nothin' to do with you!"

"Oh no? Then why would she come to talk to me today?" Keller grinned at him. "We spent our time reminiscing... about our final moments together. Shall I tell you about the last thing she said to me that final day at the camp?"

Abe's grip on his shirt tightened.

"She told me she would give me whatever I wanted. That she would spend every day showing me just how grateful she was. She kissed me... properly. Deliberately. I have to admit, it felt so good. But you see, I am not weak enough to be taken in by her games. What has she done for you, big boy? How good was she that you feel the need to come to her rescue?"

Abe said nothing, his expression unchanged.

Keller laughed. "Oh dear god! You have not even had her, and you are this struck by her. Well let me tell you, you are in for a treat! Funny to think that I got her instead of a pack of cigarettes." He watched Abe's expression. "I won her in a card game. She was first pick of all the men, but I got her all to myself."

"Are you telling me she kissed you because you want to make me jealous?" asked Abe, ignoring his other taunting comment. "Or because you're trying to convince yourself that she really did want you?"

Keller's smile finally faded.

"Oh dear," said Abe, "have I struck I nerve?"

Keller scowled at him.

"What kinda man cares for a woman and tortures her?"

"You think I care for her?"

"Bit obvious there, son," said Abe. They glared at one another, each sizing up their opponent.

Then Keller's smile returned. "Has she told you about Hans?"

"Yeah."

"Does she still have his ring around her neck?" asked Keller, his head cocked to one side. "She always told me that she couldn't be with him after all the lies." Keller's icy eyes bore into Abe's. "But you never saw them together. I will let you in on a little secret... You are absolutely right, I was jealous. Because I wanted her to look at me the way she looked at him." Keller inched closer. "Tell me, does she look at you like there is no one else in the world? Or does she only do that for the brat nowadays?"

"You're gonna begrudge an innocent child of love?" asked Abe incredulous.

"Shall I say it slowly so that you can understand me? Does she actually want you, or are you just another meal ticket?"

Abe paused, staring at him. "You beat her. The belt marks were you-"

"Ooh! Sneaking a peak at her, were we?"

"Abe, he's clearly messing with you!" insisted Sam as Abe set Keller down again. "Let's just go!"

"Listen to your friend, big boy," teased Keller.

"I'm not going anywhere 'til he admits what he did!" snapped Abe.

"Fucking hit him!" cried Hollywood.

"Abe this is madness! What if someone finds out? Especially Anna-"

"This bastard beat her and Elli, tormented her, even murdered her friend... you think she's gonna care if-"

"And fucked her-" interrupted Keller, Abe's glare now turned on him. "Do not forget that I fucked her."

Abe's nostrils flared. "Go on," growled Abe. "Tell me. I know you're dying to."

Keller's mouth twisted gleefully. "I fucked her. I was the first to... and the last. She just used to lie down and accept it. My little Cuckoo Bird was always so obedient."

Abe's fists clenched tighter, his breathing heavy and angry, realising now why Anna hated the nickname so much.

"I got to do whatever I wanted to her, especially when that little brat was involved." Keller sat up higher on his knees. "After I burned that little bitch, Anna just opened up to me like a flower ripe for picking. It felt so good to get between her legs again-"

Suddenly, Abe drove his fist straight into Keller's jaw and sent him sprawling to the ground.

"You piece of shit!" spat Abe, hitting him again twice as hard as he tried to sit up.

"Abe, no!" cried Sam.

Abe tugged Keller up and thumped him again. He kept going, wanting nothing more than to break him completely.

"Stop!" cried Sam again, both he and Hollywood now pulling him back and away from Keller.

"Get off me!" bellowed Abe, Keller slumped onto his side, spitting blood onto the floor.

"Abe, that's enough; you're gonna fucking kill him!" Hollywood said, both of them struggling to hold him back.

"He is trying to get a rise out of you!" continued Sam, trying to draw Abe's attention to him. "You got what you came for, we all heard him say it. Abe, stop!"

Abe was breathing heavily, his face screwed up. Reluctantly, he dropped his arm. He knew they were right. "Frenchie," sighed Abe. "Get him out of my sight."

Frenchie nodded, going to pull Keller to his feet as Abe turned away.

"You really should thank me," called Keller. "If I hadn't broken her in, big boy, you were never going to fit!"

Before anyone could stop him, Abe pulled his pistol out and aimed it at Keller.

He knew the others must be shouting things at him, but he couldn't hear them. He just stared at Keller. Despite the bruises and blood, the bastard still looked smug. So many things raced through Abe's mind.

He wanted to kill him.

He wanted to see the light leave his eyes and know that no one would ever hurt Anna or Elli again.

He wanted to make him suffer for every single thing he had ever done to them and to countless others.

He deserved it.

But then Abe really thought of Anna. All she ever talked about was wanting a calm, simple life and Abe wanted so much to be a part of it. It was even clearer now. This piece of shit was right; his feelings for Anna already ran deeply. Abe wanted her so badly, and even more so wanted to make her happy. Would she even consider him after he had gone behind her back to confront Keller? If he did pull the trigger, it wouldn't be justice, it would be murder, even if he deserved it.

Keller looked confused by Abe's hesitance. "What are you waiting for?" Keller spat.

Abe lowered the gun. He felt stupid and defeated. Being around Anna made him see the world differently. Killing this son of a bitch would only return him to the immature teenager who used his size and anger to solve all of his problems. Abe tucked the gun away, glaring at Keller one last time before he turned to leave.

"Oh fuck that," said Frenchie, and fired two shots straight into Keller's head.