Alice sat in Jenna and Craig's kitchen, staring in to her mug of now cold tea. Her thoughts were in turmoil. Right at that moment she had never felt so alone in her life. Steve said he was going to the police station with Jenna's ransom letter, trying to do things the correct way by getting the law involved. A distraught Craig was staying at his best friend's hotel for the night. He'd told him what'd happened and Dan had text back stating Craig and his family had a room on the house for as long as they needed one. Even now Alice wasn't sure why she hadn't gone. The Lawson's had headed back to their house because they all had to work, but reiterated they were only at the end of phones. Alice loved all 4 of them. Jade too was working.
Alice had read the letter and felt physically sick. A follow up text to Craig's phone had informed them if the police got involved and there was any sign of them where Jenna was, she was dead. But Craig, determined not to go back to his old life of crime had obviously ignored it. She'd seen the raw anger and hatred in his face and shivered a little. She certainly wouldn't want to be his enemy. She tried smiling when she thought of Dan Miller. He was a good man. He'd named his hotel Dan's deluxe den, which Craig nicknamed, (never to his face of course,) Dan's double D. Which always made them laugh. The hotel had been dubbed "triple D" by those who knew him. Now, Alice was starting to think she should've gone after all. Why was she still here? She'd offered to go to the station with Steve, but he'd told her he was fine. Of course she knew why she was still here. She wanted to scoff at her own absurdity. Her baby had been kidnapped, it wouldn't happen. But part of her, a stupid part she had to admit, desperately wanted her to walk back through that door. So she'd stayed. But now as the night ticked on, she wished she hadn't. Everywhere she looked she saw Jenna. Her furniture choices, decorations on the walls, even the mug she was drinking from was Jenna's. She felt tears starting to run down her face. Her baby was in danger and there was nothing she could do. Alice Henderson put her head to the table and cried like she hadn't done in years.
Darkness. That was the first thing Jenna saw when she opened her eyes. Pitch black. She tried to move, but she couldn't. Why? She desperately tried to think back and slowly fuzzy memories began to resurface. With them a sense of building terror. The bus stop. The hand on her shoulder. The drugging… Where the hell was she? Again, she tried to move but this time saw why she couldn't.
She was handcuffed to a bed by both her arms and legs and only dressed in her bra and underwear. That was when terror really began to set in. She knew she was in trouble. Bad, trouble.
"Well hello darling," said a voice from the doorway she had no trouble recognising with a serge of hatred. Richard Taylor. "You're awake at last. Oi!" He called over his shoulder to someone Jenna could not see. "Sleeping beauty's awake!"
Jenna felt fear grip her then. The second guy who entered the room was almost as tall and strong looking as Craig or Michael. Who the hell was he? What the fuck was she doing here? Behind them, was Julie Worthington. Right then Jenna decided it was perhaps a good thing she was tied down. Because if she hadn't been, she may very well have killed the woman right there and then, those men be damned. This bitch was responsible for so much hurt in her little sister's (if only by a few months) life and Jenna absolutely hated her for it.
"Let me explain," Taylor said softly, approaching the bed. "Don't try to interrupt Jenna, because if you do, I'll just have to use this." He held up a role of duct tape. "I really don't want to do that, because I want to hear you screaming for more when I fuck you."
It took everything Jenna had not to shout an insult at him. But not yet. She would wait. They wouldn't know what hit them for messing with Jenna Henderson and she wasn't talking about Michael either at this point. She had her own ideas. These bastards had it coming. As for letting them rape her, carry on you sick fuck if you want to have your penis cut off before you die, she thought venomously. Ok so maybe you'll manage it while I'm tied down, but when I'm free God help you!"
"Good girl," Taylor continued and by God she wanted to kill him. Actually kill him. Michael, she thought. I'm with you. Hatred she'd never felt before in her life surged through her. "So this is how it works. Your precious sister has to come back to her real mother, or it is you who'll pay the price. Just because she left, she's back now and Jade as her daughter has to do as her mother says." Again, Jenna had to bite down on her lip until she actually tasted blood this time. The total and complete sons of bitches. How dare they. Jenna knew with absolute certainty that Jade would go back to that bitch when hell went cold eternal times. But she also knew they'd never let her die. Hell even if it came to that she would. She'd die for her family in a heartbeat and certainly before she let Jade go back to that cow by the door. The one who'd hurt her beyond words and belief.
"We also think a nice little sum of £50000 should secure your safe release. What do you think hmm?" Now Taylor's finger softly stroked her cheek. Not near her mouth she noticed. Wise move asshole. Or I'd have bitten it off. "Jade has 24 hours to respond," Taylor continued. "She's already used 6. So in the meantime, how about you pay off some of the debt your husband owes me by opening your legs for my big hard cock like a good little girl, hmm?"
Alice only looked up when she felt the arm come around her shoulders. But even then she was too weak and emotionally drained to open her eyes. She just rested her head against the shoulder beside it, feeling utterly helpless. After a while, her comforter moved, gently pulling her mug from her hands and replacing a steaming tea in front of her. It was only then that Alice opened her eyes, as the arm came back around her as her comforter knelt back at her side. She turned her head and tried to smile, but couldn't. It was Michael.
"Hi," her voice was just above a whisper, and cracked. "Not in the best state huh?" Again she tried to smile at him and this time managed it weakly. Glancing at the kitchen clock she saw it was now 11PM. Craig had told her he was staying at Dan's because he couldn't bear to be here without Jenna and Alice totally understood. Nick had gone with him for support. She wasn't even sure if Steve would return and couldn't blame him if he didn't go on to Dan's himself after the police were done with him. Alice realised then with a chill that Michael had probably been on his way out for the kill. The kitchen was near the front door. It was then as if on cue, she realised his mask and a huge knife were in his free hand. Immediately, she looked away. She saw the killer looking for something in his pocket and knew immediately what it was. Reaching over to a drawer, she handed him a piece of paper and a pen.
Why are you still here?
Blunt, without preamble. She'd long since come to learn this was how Michael Myers communicated. But just like the rest of them she could read between the lines. He cared.
"Why are you?" She shot back before she could stop herself. Maybe shouldn't have said that, she thought.
I won't be for much longer.
Alice felt herself actually shiver this time. She knew Michael also had when his arm tightened around her shoulders. She could tell him it was because she was cold but knew he'd see straight through the lie.
"I'm sorry you found me like this," she said instead. "Thank you for the tea and the comfort. I appreciate it." She was desperate to say what was really in her heart but she couldn't deny it, was too afraid to do so. This was still Michael Myers the masked killer, son in law or not. "Just in case she comes back," she said in just above a whisper. She was prepared for him to scoff just as she had, tell her all be it in writing that she was stupid. But he didn't. Instead, she heard the metallic clang as the knife touched the table then to her shock, both his arms came around her and she was gently pulled against his strong chest. Right at that moment, Alice Henderson understood completely for the first time what Jade meant when she spoke of how safe she felt when being held by this man.
"I know it's stupid," she said eventually, more tears leaving her eyes. She couldn't stop them. "Irrational, illogical, pick your word, but I… There was no point in me going with Steve, what could I possibly say that he wouldn't? I feel so damn useless…" She stopped herself. Self-pity wasn't right. Not when Jenna was the one in mortal danger.
She felt Michael gently push her head to his shoulder and when she saw what he'd written when he showed her the paper, it made her cry even harder.
Alice.
It was the first time he'd ever used her name. This man who'd killed his 17 year old sister at the age of 6, now married to her daughter and was trying to comfort her in her desperate pain. Alice still didn't believe it sometimes. Before she knew it, she was talking and hard in to his shoulder.
"It's indescribable, the pain when you lose your child. Be it to death, kidnap, disappearance, whatever. It cuts you in to a million pieces. There's no words for it. What am I doing Michael? I'm sitting here doing fuck all! That's what. My baby is in mortal danger and I can't do a damn thing! It's killing me! The reasons behind it make it even worse! My other daughter all be it not by birth is also in danger because of her spiteful cunt of a mother!" Alice hated that word and normally never used it, but she was so angry and hated Julie Worthington so much, she didn't care. This woman deserved it. "Michael I'll tell you the truth. If I didn't have the others doing all they could for her, I'd ask you to plunge that damn knife in to my neck right now!"
Don't waste your breath. The answer's no.
For a second, Alice was lost for words. Had she really just read that? She had to look twice to make sure. Yep, she really had.
"Says Michael Myers the masked killer?" She gave him another weak smile. "You wouldn't take an easy willing kill?"
Not when it's my mother in law. Besides, don't think like that Alice. I will say to you what I said to Jenna. Richard Taylor will not survive. His son didn't, nor will he.
Again, Alice shivered. She knew it was true. Michael finally stood, picking up the knife and donning his mask. Alice looked away immediately. Shit that masked scared her. Even though its owner had just told her she was safe. Still didn't stop the fear that came with it. Again, she fought the urge to say what she was desperate to, but fear once again stopped her. Was Michael's need to kill partly due to his rage over Jenna's kidnap? Alice didn't know for certain, but she'd bet anything it was. Without another message, Michael headed for the front door.
Jenna had never been more thankful to a phone in her life. Just as the others had left and Taylor had been about to rape her, his mobile had rung. He'd left the room locking the door and hadn't returned. Jenna tried not to hope it was Craig or dad, even the police. She knew hoping was a pointless idea. Right now handcuffed to this bed she had no control over events and she knew it. She was powerless. But God help her when they untied her. If she got the chance, revenge was hers. They'd regret this for every minute of the rest of their lives, which wouldn't be long true, but damn she'd make them pay.
I was sitting at my desk trying my utmost to concentrate, but of course it was almost impossible. Jenna's kidnap was killing me. When my phone rang, I immediately grabbed it. Craig.
"You ok?" I kept my voice low. No one in the office knew the truth and I was going to do all I could to keep it that way. I knew it was a stupid question to ask him but it'd been automatic.
"How the fuck can Michael Myers, Michael Myers? Tell us to be rational? He's the masked killer here for fuck sake, not us!"
"I think it's a good thing," I murmured. "He took control when we couldn't."
"Mum just text me," he said. His voice shaking with grief. "Michael's just about to leave for the kill."
"There you go then. I bet that's rage over Jenna."
"You may be right," he conceded. "But damn it I wanted to go with him so bad. But the thing that stopped me was the fact that innocent people are very probably going to die because of this and I can't watch that."
"I hear you," I agreed fervently. "But that's… That's Michael for you. Even if it's not rages over Jenna, if he needs to kill, we can't stop him. Much as I wish we could."
"Not those fuckers though," Craig snarled.
"Well no. They're the exception to the rule."
A little while later, Craig hung up. He said he had to go as he wanted to keep his phone free, but promised to ring back immediately if there was any news. It was only later I learnt the truth.
"Mr. Henderson?"
Steve glanced up sharply. The fact he'd lied to Alice about getting the police involved hurt him, but he'd make it up to her when Jenna was safely back with them. In truth, he was searching for the bastards himself. He'd be damned if he was just going to sit tight waiting for the police to find his daughter. No way in hell! Now, he looked at the young girl facing him. He didn't recognise her.
"Mr. Henderson, I'm Harriet Darker, Jenna's colleague. I… I know we didn't get on well but we talked today at work and patched it up. Anyway here's the thing Sir. I followed Jenna to the bus stop. I saw who did it and where they took her. I didn't go to the police because I wanted to speak to you first. I have no faith in the cops either."
"Hi Harriet! Thank you so much for coming to me. Have you been looking for us all this time?"
Harriet nodded. "I didn't know where you live, so I just had to keep searching. Have been since it happened."
Steve almost wanted to kiss her. They had a start, a lead. It may not mean anything, but it was a glimmer of hope. Gently, he took Harriet's arm and led her back towards Craig and Jenna's house. They had to move and fast.
The masked killer had just opened the door, when Alice found herself calling out. She hadn't meant to, but her heart was breaking. When she softly called his name, the killer turned back and before she knew it, she was blurting out what was in her heart.
"Michael, please stay with me? At least for a while? I can't do this on my own! I can't! I know you need a kill, but trust me when we find these bastards, you'll get it more than once! But I meant what I said when Craig got hurt! I've lost my daughter, but I can't take not knowing where one of my sons is tonight! It'll break my heart! Call me a typical Mum, but Michael I can't! Nick, Craig aren't here, nor is Steve and I've never felt so alone and afraid! Jade says she feels safe when you're close to her and after just now I understand why!"
There was silence and Alice were sure the masked killer was going to ignore her plea. But she was wrong. As was his way she didn't hear him approach, but felt it when his arm closed around her shoulders and when he took the seat beside her. His mask and the knife were nowhere to be seen.
"I'm sorry," she began but Michael gently cut her off by tightening his arm. Alice looked in to his blank gaze and was sure she could see warmth in it as he looked back at her. Totally silently, mother and son in law's gazes locked. Alice had so much she wanted to say, but didn't know if she could. It wasn't fear either. It was because she didn't think she could speak without breaking down right then. She opened and closed her mouth several times, but no further words came out. Though she'd never told Michael she loved him, she hoped her previous statement would prove it to him. Unable to stop herself, she tightened her arm around him further. She felt her head once again hit his shoulder. Again she tried to speak, but couldn't. Michael's hand softly stroked her back, before he handed her the paper and pen. He understood. Alice wanted to kiss him.
"May need a fresh piece of paper for this," she just managed to say through tears. Reaching over, she grabbed one from the pile on the side Craig and Jenna kept in the kitchen.
Michael, first, I know. I found out 2 days ago about you and Steve's history. I was in his study looking for something and found the newspaper clipping in the desk. I'll say to you what I said to him. It doesn't stop my love for you. It was the past and you've clearly talked it over, I can tell by how Steve's manner changed. That was Dr Sartain at the door that day and that was why. Steve told me. He confirmed you'd talked, but I didn't ask for details. I'm here for both of you now. Ok back then I probably would've wanted to kill you myself, funny how circumstances change. Second and this is the thing I fear your reaction from the most, I'm sorry if I was close to home when I talked of losing a child. I don't know what happened to you when… When Judith died, how your parents responded after you were taking to hospital, as no one knows. You've never told anyone, and obviously haven't spoken of it. But here's the facts. Pure and simple. You love my daughter, protect and care for her and that means that even if she didn't love you, I do. Any real mother should stand by her son in my opinion, whatever he may have done. I know I haven't told you I love you yet, well Michael I do. You are another son to me, just as Craig, Nick and now Lance, Dom and Stuart are.
When she was done, her hand shaking slightly despite her best efforts, she handed the killer the paper.
"What time was it? Where did they go? On foot or by car? How many of them? Did they hurt her that you saw? Did they see you?"
Steve knew the questions were tumbling out, but he couldn't stop them. To her credit, Harriet was keeping up easily. She told him how they'd dragged her off on foot, that there were two of them. Then with tears in her eyes, she told him of how she'd seen them drug her. Steve's face darkened with anger and pain and Harriet squeezed his arm in sympathy.
"They didn't see me," she said quietly. "I was concealed by the back of the bus shelter."
"Would you be able to take us to where they took her?"
"I'm not sure." Harriet frowned. "I only got so far before I lost them to sight. But I can give it a damn good try."
"Thanks," now Steve did hug her. "It's a start at least. Well done Harriet. Listen," he lowered his voice as they reached the house. "Before we go in, I need to let you know something so you're not alarmed. It's about Jenna's sister Jade. Or more accurately, her husband."
It felt like hours before Michael finally looked up from her message, though of course it was only seconds. Again, their gazes locked. Alice felt tears when Michael actually pocketed her message, before both his arms came around her and she was pulled tightly back to him. She looked up in to his usually blank, cold gaze, tears swimming in her own eyes.
"It's true," she murmured. "Every word."
Michael made no answer and Alice saw him looking straight at her, but it felt like almost through her. She remembered the words of Michael's first doctor Sam Loomis long ago. "I watched him for years. Sitting in a room staring at the wall, through the wall, waiting for this night. Inhumanly patient." Then the words of the officer in charge at the time. "If you're right, damn you for letting him go."
Now his inhuman patience was directed towards Jenna's kidnappers. God help them. She remembered how Loomis had described him. "I met this 6 year old child with this blank emotionless face and the blackest eyes. The devil's eyes. I spent 8 years trying to reach him then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I'd realised what lived behind that boy's eyes was pure evil."
But she couldn't see that now. All she could see when he looked at her was a warmth. Almost kindness. Had Jade managed to change him beyond recognition? From what Steve had told her of what Sartain had said, that wouldn't surprise her. She'd always believed love was beautiful, but could almost be dangerous to the hardest of hearts, softening them. Even that of a cold blooded masked killer.
"Michael?" She said very softly after a few moments. She felt herself inwardly shiver. Inhumanly patient was right. Thank God she wasn't his enemy. She knew Loomis was right. Michael could sit here as long as he had to, waiting for the kill. He tightened his arms around her then, her head once more hitting his shoulder. She wasn't sure why she'd said his name or what she was expecting him to say. Hell she knew he wouldn't say anything. But she just wanted him to know she meant every word she'd just written to him. Finally, she was able to open her mouth.
"I may be the first to say this, but it doesn't make it any less true. I, Alice Henderson love you Michael Myers. Love and trust you. I understand now why Jade feels so safe close to you. So do I. But I wouldn't want to be your enemy. I've read you're described as inhumanly patient, waiting and God help those you're waiting for. We both know who they are. I know no one's ever told you that before or at least not for a long time, but here I am Michael, I'm saying it now. I love you."
All she could hear was the killer's calm, measured breathing. Shit he was a very dangerous man and yet, he was here, holding her close, trying to comfort her. Right then, Alice felt he had the control in this room between the two of them, not her. Gently, quietly she pulled back and the killer let her go. In silence, she walked to the coffee machine and pressed the necessary buttons. If the only thing she could do right now to show him her love was make him a coffee, then so be it. She'd begged him to stay, he had. It was just the two of them for the time being and right now she was feeling powerless over Jenna, but Michael made her feel safe, protected and in turn she was going to do whatever she could for him, as the endless night from hell continued.
When Steve told her, Harriet had only nodded, giving him a small smile. When they entered, Steve's heart swelled with gratitude and affection and he felt a tear in his eye. Michael was holding Alice tightly to his chest and her eyes were closed. She appeared to have managed to fall asleep. Good. He'd hoped she'd at least get a little sleep. There had after all been nothing they could do. That was until Harriet came to him.
"Mr. Myers," Harriet breathed, nodding at the killer. She'd seen Myers's picture of course, but not without his mask. When Steve had told her she'd instinctively felt fear, but he'd assured her she was perfectly safe. "You're Jenna's friend," he'd said. "You're fine. Trust me."
Now, Steve turned to face the killer and spoke in a fast whisper. "Michael, this is Harriet, one of Jenna's colleagues. She witnessed Jenna's kidnap. Says she may be able to take us to, or at least close to her location. I've told Craig but asked him not to tell Jade, at least not yet. Jade is after all the one they want. So technically in the most danger. I um," he shifted on his feet. "Am going to try and persuade Alice to stay here in case Jade comes back."
"Ha, good luck with that," Harriet gave him a small smile. Steve nodded, smiling weakly back at her.
Silently, Michael stood, lifting Alice up with him and carrying her towards the stairs effortlessly. "Thank you," Steve breathed, smiling faintly at his son in law.
"Bloody hell," Harriet whistled. "No wonder no one survives. How strong is he?"
"I know," Steve nodded. "I hear you."
A few moments later, Michael silently entered the kitchen once more. Steve looked at Harriet, who looked scared, but nodded.
"Don't be afraid," Steve murmured to the nervous girl. "You'll be perfectly safe. We won't let anything happen to you."
Harriet couldn't help herself when she stepped close to Michael automatically. She didn't even realise she'd done it until her arm touched his and the killer's hand gently touched her shoulder. She turned, so she was face to face with the notorious killer. She looked up straight in to his gaze which she'd heard described as the abyss. But not to her. She felt safe Looking in to his gaze. When the killer finally broke away and donned his infamous mask, Harriet drew in a sharp breath, taking a step backwards. "Fuck!" Steve gently touched her arm. "I know," he said softly. "I hear you there too. It's terrifying."
There was a metallic scraping sound, as Michael picked up the huge carving knife. Harriet cowered against the table as if that really would save her.
Both men came to Harriet's side, one either side of her.
"I'm scared," the young girl said. "I can't lie. I know those Taylors. They're evil and stop at nothing. Where did you say Mr. Ellis was?"
"He's following us discretely by car," Steve said. "Please try not to be afraid Harriet. Nothing will happen to you and they'll never find out it was you. Once we get close enough, Craig has asked his friend Dan to take you to his hotel. Nick, my son will look after you. They'll never realise you led us there. You have my word. Also, we have Michael Myers with us, on our side no less. Just his name makes people run."
"Please let me know?" Harriet begged.
"Immediately," Steve promised, putting an arm around her and hugging her close briefly.
"Mr. Myers," Harriet turned towards the killer, once again seeking his eyes through his mask. She didn't realise she was shaking until the masked killer's hand gently rested on her arm. Steve had ran upstairs leaving a note for Alice telling her what'd happened and begging her to stay there in case Jade returned. Assuring her he'd be in touch as soon as he possibly could and that he loved her with all his heart. While there, he'd grabbed Michael's digital notepad.
"I trust you," Harriet murmured to the masked killer.
"Good call," Steve said softly.
Steve could see from Michael's eyes and body language, also 0 communication that he needed a kill. He was in killing mode. As if on cue, he released Harriet and gently but firmly pushed her back from him. Steve took her arm instantly. Harriet looked at him and Steve could tell she understood. Michael Myers was silent, dangerous and right now ready for action.
"Let's do this," Steve said softly. "Good luck Harriet, we're right with you."
The young girl gave another nervous nod, before Steve opened the front door and they headed out in to the night, not knowing what awaited them, if they'd make it there or even back. But they all knew one thing. Jenna was their number one priority, as was protecting Jade. Finally, Harriet stopped by the bus shelter, taking another deep breath and Steve saw with sympathy there were tears in her eyes. Gently, he took her arm and squeezed it.
"It's this way," Harriet breathed finally. Steve nodded as they headed towards pitch black darkness. I hope you've made your will Taylor, he thought. Because Michael Myers is after your blood.