"I suppose money really isn't everything," Ruth sniffed, her eyes narrowing. "Breeding is." Jack stared at her, too stunned to do anything else. Why had she come? How had she known where to go? Well, at least now I understood that look on Anthony's face, he thought wryly. "I have no desire to be here any longer than necessary," she said stiffly. "So since you seem to have lost the ability to speak, I will."

Jack wasn't sure why, but something didn't seem right. There was something different about her. It wasn't just that her polite mask had been tossed aside and her true feelings revealed. He'd known what she thought of him all along; the look in her eyes the first time she saw him had made sure of that. He studied her carefully. Her body was rigid, her feet planted firmly on the floor, as if she could be blown away at any moment. A small purse was pressed against her stomach, clutched between ring covered hands. A diamond brooch glittered at the base of her throat. Her dress was a deep black, but the quality of the material was obvious even from across the room.

And then he understood. She was wearing everything she had left. Ruth hadn't come in her usual finery; she had come in the society woman's version of armor. "I can speak," he said, suddenly emboldened by his discovery. "What do you want?"

Her nose wrinkled in disgust, his voice grating on her ears. "I want what's mine."

He didn't have to ask what that meant. "It isn't yours. It's ours," he said, standing up. She recoiled, her grip on her purse tightening. "I'm not coming any closer," he said, not bothering to disguise the anger in his voice.

"I know better than to trust a thing like you," she said coldly. "Look what you did to poor Rose."

His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I've never done anything to hurt her."

"What do you think marrying her did?" Her mouth twisted into a bitter smile. "What did you think when you found out she was penniless?" she asked maliciously. "How did it feel when you discovered your meal ticket wasn't worth anything? She—"

"Is my wife," he snapped. "And she deserves more respect than that."

Ruth's jaw dropped. "How dare you speak to me that way!"

"You came here. You asked to see me. You're the one who wants something from me."

"I don't want anything from you. I just came to tell you not to get comfortable in that house. You won't be in it long," she hissed, turning on her heel. "You're right," he said. "We won't be. We're selling it." She froze. "And we're leaving," he added. "The money's staying behind."

Her throat tightened. A wave of horror washed over her. "You can't be serious!" She spun around. "You don't mean that!"

"Why would I lie?"

"Why wouldn't you?" Her eyes smoldered as they traveled over him, taking in his tousled hair, his boyish handsomeness, the rolled up sleeves that revealed tanned forearms—his skin alone spoke volumes about him—to a pair of charcoal stained hands. "Don't you wash? Don't you at least give her that courtesy?"

"I give her—" He took a deep breath. It didn't matter what he said. The only language Ruth appeared to understand was dollar signs. "Go," he said quietly. He grabbed a piece of paper from the stack next to him. "Just go."

"It isn't any wonder she's out with other men," Ruth muttered over her shoulder. She paused mid-step, waiting for his response. But none came.

…..

Jack stared at the paper. The letters swirled together, forming an incomprehensible mass. A dull ache filled the space behind his eyes. Sighing, he tossed the paper aside. He pressed his hands against his face and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

He was still like that when Anthony came in a few minutes later. "Jack—" His eyes widened. "Sir, are you alright?" Jack's head snapped up. "I'm fine," he said, forcing his mouth to form a smile. "And what did I tell you about calling me that?"

"I'm sorry, Jack. You startled me."

"No, I'm sorry," Jack said wearily. "What is it?"

"It's nothing. Why don't you just go home?" Anthony suggested. "Spend some time with your wife?"

"I think I'll do that." Jack grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair. "Sure you'll be okay here?" he asked, slipping his arms through the sleeves. "I'll be fine," Anthony assured him. "Go on." And get some rest, he wanted to add. Jack's eyes, normally a bright blue, had dulled to almost gray. "And don't worry if you don't want to come in tomorrow," he called as Jack started out the door. "Just take care of yourself."

…

A silent, empty house greeted Jack. His footsteps echoed in the front hall. Even the usual battalion of maids was gone. "Strange," he murmured. He trudged up the stairs. His feet grew heavier with each step. His head spun; the pain behind his eyes was almost unbearable. His hands were shaking by the time he reached the room he shared with Rose. He stumbled inside, shoving the door shut behind him.

…..

Rose slowly stroked Jack's hair. He lay on his stomach, his face buried in the pillow. He still wore his jacket and shoes. "Come Josephine." she sang softly. She bent down and placed a lightly kiss on his ear. "In my flying machine."

"Going up, she goes," he murmured. He rolled over slowly, a smile spreading across his face, his headache and the encounter with Ruth forgotten. "Well, if it isn't the most beautiful woman in the world come to sing to me."

"Really?" Rose said excitedly. She jumped to her feet. "Where?" Rolling his eyes, Jack grabbed her arm. "Right here," he said, pulling her down next to him. "I don't see her," she said. She snuggled up against him. "I do," he said. He wrapped his arms around her. "She's all I can see." Rose smiled. "And now she's smiling," he said.

Her expression grew solemn. "There's something I need to tell you."

"Okay."

"I lied when I said I wasn't worried. I'm sorry, Jack. I—I just didn't—It sounds so stupid, even when I just say it to myself it sounds stupid."

"What does? Honey, what's wrong?"

"I'm afraid of what this money will do to us. I know you say it doesn't matter, but it does. If we aren't careful—"

"It'll change us?"

"Yes," she said softly. "That's exactly what will happen."

"No, it won't." He pressed his forehead to hers. "Rose, that's not gonna happen. We won't let that happen, okay? Nothing's gonna get in the way of the life we want."

"Are you sure? What if you decide you like having it?" It felt strange actually saying the words out loud.

"Having all that money? I don't care about it. I never needed it. You know that."

"I know," she said, suddenly ashamed. "What are we going to do with it all?"

"I don't know," Jack admitted. "Nothing, I guess."

The next day they found out exactly what they could do with it: hand it over to Ruth or appear in court on November 5th

…...

"She can't have it." Rose stared into the eyes of Charlotte's lawyer, Brian Yates. He resisted the urge to flinch; her green eyes were like two daggers being hurled at him. "I mean it," she added. Her voice cut through the air. "She cannot have it." He nodded. "Yes, I understand how you feel, and—"

"No," she said, cutting him off. "You don't." A hint of sorrow crept into her voice. "You can't." Jack laid his hand over hers. He wanted to tell her it was okay, none of it mattered, but he couldn't. It would be a lie. So he settled for squeezing her hand and offering her a smile. She laced her fingers through his. Her skin was like ice.

"There has to be some way to stop her, Brian," Rose said. "She doesn't deserve this." Brian held up a hand. "There is. I'm doing everything I can. Alright?" Rose nodded. "Yes. Yes, I understand," she said.

They walked home in silence. Rose held Jack's hand in a vise grip. She stared straight ahead. Her face was tense, her mouth thin and pinched. Her steps were quick. Her heels smacked the sidewalk with a series of purposeful clicks. Jack watched her out of the corner of his eye. He wanted to say something—anything—but the words were frozen in his throat. Guilty knots formed in his stomach.

Everything was going wrong. Everything they planned seemed to be disappearing right before their eyes. The carefree life he'd promised her was no more. Now, it was nothing but lawsuits and court dates, angry phone calls and letters from people who claimed to be "close" relatives of Charlotte's, and a fortune they couldn't even begin to figure out what to do with.

Rose dropped into a chair. She threw her head back and screamed. Covering her eyes with her hands she said, "How did this happen?" Jack dropped to his knees in front of her. "I don't know." He pressed his hands against her waist and pulled her forward. "I can't stand it," she said softly. He laid his head in her lap. "I know." She slowly stroked his hair. "Do you think it's wrong of me?" she asked. "Keeping the money from her?"

"I think there aren't any easy answers," he said slowly.

She sighed. "I knew you would say that."

Fabrizo heard them come in, but he didn't get up. He stayed in the corner of the study he had claimed for himself. Their mood hung in the air. It was almost palpable. He sighed and grabbed a book from the shelf next to him. It was a volume of Italian poetry. Charlotte had bought it during one of her stints in Italy. He slowly traced the title with his fingertip. She had told him about it, told him about the adventure that culminated in the buying of the book. A sudden wave of sadness washed over him. He leaned back in the chair, the book sliding through his fingers. He didn't bother to catch it.

…..

"Rose wants to fight her." Jack stood in the doorway, her arms crossed over his chest. Fabrizo nodded. "Thought she would."

Jack looked surprised. "She say anything?"

"No. Just, you know, after everything. Seems like she wouldn't want her mother to get it," Fabrizo answered.

"You're right about that. A few days ago she didn't care if we threw the money into the ocean, but now….I understand how she feels though. It was given to us for a reason."

"And you'll help her fight."

"I'll always help her fight," Jack promised.

…..

The morning of their hearing was bright and sunny despite the temperature. Jack tucked Rose's hand into his coat pocket. She smiled. "I think your pocket's warmer than mine," she said. He pressed his free hand against her back. "C'mere if you're cold." Giggling, she allowed herself to be wrapped in his coat. "That better?" he said, brushing his lips across hers.

"Much better."

"Rose, when this is over—" he began.

"I know." She looked deep into his eyes. "We will."

The courtroom was packed. Everyone, from gossip columnists to society matrons was there. Jack, Rose, and Fabrizo had to fight their way through the crowd. Brian stood at the defendant's table, surveying the chaos with interest. "Quite a turnout, eh?" he said.

"I never expected all of this," Rose replied.

"You'd think people would be tired of us by now," Jack said dryly. He placed a protective arm around Rose's waist. Instinctively, she leaned toward him.

Fabrizo nudged Jack with his elbow. "Look," he murmured. Jack scanned the crowd until his eyes landed on an all too familiar head of black hair. A smirking Cal met his eyes. Jack's arm tightened around Rose. "Jack, what's wrong?" A quiet gasp escaped her throat. "Oh. Of course. Why wouldn't he come?" Her voice held a hint of bitterness. "He doesn't matter," Jack said, glad he could finally say it and mean it. "There's nothing else he can do to us."

"All rise," called the bailiff, "for the Honorable Judge William Brown." A tall man sat down at the bench. He had thinning blonde hair and dark brown eyes. His jaw was square, his nose crooked. "You may be seated," he said, picking up a folder. "Would council for the plaintiff please begin?"

"Yes, your honor." They watched as a short, skinny man stepped forward. He wore a cheap gray suit. His shoes squeaked when he walked. His hair was slicked back, but rather than making him look dapper it just made him look ridiculous. "Councilor, it says here your client, Mrs. Ruth Dewitt-Bukator is suing her daughter and son-in law, is that correct?" Ruth's face tightened at the word "son-in law". "That's correct, your honor. My client was robbed of her rightful inheritance. A crime which we fervently hope you will remedy today, your honor."

Judge Brown nodded. "Uh-huh. Well, why don't we get started then?"

Jack and Rose were pressed together, their hands clasped and resting on his knee. "It's gonna be okay," he whispered, kissing her temple. "Don't worry." She forced her mouth to curve into a smile. "I'm not worried." They both knew she was lying, but he didn't push the issue. I'm worried too, he thought. Not about losing the money. Things were just fine before, and he was sure things would be just fine again. It was how Rose would react if her mother won that worried him.

The room held its breath as Ruth's lawyer plunged into his opening argument. What he lacked in logic he made up for in gestures, and before he was finished with his fifth sentence he had managed to point at Jack and Rose no less than eight times. Rose's grip on Jack's hand tightened just a little each time. Fabrizo sat on the other side of her. His arms were folded stiffly across his chest; he stared straight ahead, ignoring the whispers of the women behind him.

"And so your Honor, you will see there is only one thing to do," Ruth's lawyer said with a dramatic flourish. "And that is to restore my client to her rightful place in the world." The judge nodded. "Yes, Mr. Stein. Mr. Yates, do you have anything to say?" Brian stood up. He threw an imperious glance around the room. "Your honor, I would just like to say that Mrs. Dewitt-Boater's claims are not only baseless but also born out of an illogical prejudice against her daughter and son-in-law." The corners of his mouth twitched slightly as Ruth's face curled in disgust. "Something which I shall quickly prove beyond a shadow of a doubt." He placed his hand on a manila envelope. "Here I have the last will and testament of Mrs. Charlotte Snowe in which she bequeaths her entire estate, save for a small sum to be dispensed to her daughter Ruth annually, to Jack and Rose Dawson." Jack and Rose were relieved when he didn't feel the need to point at them.

Terence Stein leaped to his feet. "Your honor, I would just like to say Mrs. Snowe's ability to reason at the time this document was signed is in question."

"You already said that," Judge Brown said. "Now, why don't you explain why we should believe this?"

"Certainly sir. At the time she changed her will Mrs. Snowe was under the sway of a scheming granddaughter and her husband. Within a week of meeting them she suddenly changed her will completely. Such a change could only be the result of time spent with a professional confidence man and his-"

"Objection!" Brian boomed. "This is speculation. Your honor, Mr. Stein has done nothing but belittle my clients and has yet to show one shred of proof backing up his allegations."

"Sustained. Mr. Stein please bring yourself to a point, preferably one you can back up."

Rose's nails dug into Jack's wrist, but he didn't feel anything. His heart pounded in his chest. It was all he could do to keep himself from screaming. Fabrizo laid a hand on Rose's shoulder. He glanced at Jack over her head. He was staring at Rose.

The rest of the morning went by in a blur. The two lawyers argued back and forth, though only Brian's words seemed to have any effect on the judge, who appeared at turns amused and exasperated by Terence's attempts to prove Jack and Rose had bullied Charlotte into leaving them her fortune. When the judge announced a recess for lunch Ruth's face had been replaced with stone, Terence was pale and couldn't stop flipping through his notes and Brian was quietly triumphant. Jack, Rose, and Fabrizo could only be described as shell shocked.

As they made their way outside Jack discovered his hand was bleeding. "I'm sorry," Rose said, reaching into her pocket. She pulled out a small handkerchief. Gently, she dabbed at the scratches on his hand. "I didn't even realize-I shouldn't have-" Tears filled her eyes. "It's okay," Jack said. He wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face in his neck. "Sshh. Rose, honey, don't cry." He hugged her tightly. "It's all gonna be over soon."

The front of his shirt was soaked when she finally looked up. Her eyes were red. "I'm sorry, Jack. I-" she stammered. He took her face in his hands. "Don't. Don't say that," he said. He pressed his forehead to hers. "You're amazing. Remember that."

"Can't even keep your hands off her in public, can you?" Cal sneered as he passed. Jack whirled around, fist in the air. "Jack, no!" Rose grabbed his arm. "Listen to her, Dawson. No-one to take your side this time," Cal taunted. "And besides," he added over his shoulder, "you wouldn't want me to get up there and tell the truth, would you?"

"What's he talking about?" Fabrizo asked. "I don't know," Jack answered. He pulled Rose closer. "I'm not sure I want to know."

They learned the meaning of Cal's words as soon as court reconvened after lunch. Brian's announcement of his first witness was interrupted by Rose's choked cry of, "What?" A low murmur rippled through the onlookers. Ruth watched in horror as Cal sauntered up to the witness stand. Jack and Fabrizo exchanged bewildered glances. "Did you know he was going to do this?" Fabrizo mouthed. Jack shook his head. If I'd known I would've told him not to. He glanced over at Brian. What was he thinking?

Rose's jaw dropped in disbelief as she listened to Cal explain her mother's anger about her marriage to Jack. There was no mention of his role in the matter. How can he lie like that? she thought angrily. And how could Brian ask him to?

A smirking Cal swept past them. Without thinking, Jack and Fabrizo both moved closer to Rose. "As though I couldn't get through you if I really wanted to," he muttered, just loud enough for Jack to hear. Jack clenched his jaw. Don't do it. Don't do it. Rose slipped her arm through his. Squeezing his hand, she whispered, "It'll all be over soon."

Court adjourned before either side was finished, but that didn't stop Brian from congratulating them on winning their case. Rose almost pointed out that it wasn't their case but was in fact her mother's case, but she just didn't have the energy. When she tried to speak all that came out was a weary, "Thank you."

"Why'd you do it?" Jack asked. "Why'd you bring him into this?"

"Ah, yes, that. Well, you told me to do everything I could to make sure she lost."

"But that still doesn't explain him. And everything he said was a lie."

"I suspect that's all he knows how to do," Rose added. Brian sighed. "Look. I understand how the three of you feel about each other, but the fact of the matter is he would rather see you two get the money than see Rose's mother get it. Something about hoping you lose it all and die miserable in the gutter. I didn't really listen to most of what he said, to be honest. He talks a lot. Why don't you just go home and get some rest? Tomorrow this will all be over."

But the next morning when Brian arrived at the courthouse they weren't there. On the defendant's table lay an unsealed envelope. "What the hell?" He carefully removed a small piece of paper. He was reading the note for the seventh time when the judge called court to order. "Mr. Yates. Mr. Yates. Mr. Yates!"

Brian's head snapped up. "Yes, your honor?"

"Are your clients present?"

"No, your honor. They couldn't be here today."

"And where are they?"

"Halfway to anywhere by now," Brian said, holding up the note. "Whatever that means." As he said it, he couldn't help but smile.

The End