I sat in my car in a deserted and dark street. I had no idea where I was, because I'd literally just jumped in the car and floored the pedal. All I knew was I had to get out of there. I only stopped when my phone buzzed with a message.

Come back sis. Michael needs you. I don't think he's angry, I think he's desperate to comfort you. Please?

I scoffed at it. Craig was so naive sometimes. I knew all too well how angry Michael was. I'd seen his face. Not to mention he'd been masked and holding a huge carving knife. Oh yes, he was angry alright. I was taking no risks tonight. My phone vibrated again.

Ok so he was angry, we all were. But it was only because we were so scared for you. You were so stupid, but so damn brave and loyal Jade Myers and we can't help but respect you for it. Please come home? Your husband wants to love and comfort you. We love you Jade Myers. XX.

The second message bought tears to my eyes. I knew the second part at least was true, but I didn't want to cross Michael's path when he was out for the kill. When I'd heard him coming back in, for all I knew he could still have been craving blood and I didn't want to find out for certain. In spite of his promise, an angry Michael Myers was very dangerous and none of them seemed to know it. I was however completely unaware of how untrue that statement was. I stepped out of the car and took a seat in the back. Damn I was tired. I could quite easily fall asleep on my leather back seat.

I must have done just that. Because the next thing I knew the doors had unlocked and the engine had started up! For a second all I felt was terror. Then it was added by dread. The driver was Michael and he was still masked and had the carving knife on the passenger seat. I tried to remember Michael's promise that I had nothing to fear from him, but right now that was very difficult to do. I knew I was in trouble. Michael was angry at my admittedly reckless and dangerous move, but he needed to understand I'd do it all over again for any of them, including him.

Eventually, the car stopped and I glanced out of the rear window and saw we were at the back of the huge park near the house. I felt myself shiver. If Michael was going to kill me, this would be the perfect place to do it. Total isolation at this hour. For a stupid second I considered running, but then realised he'd locked the doors again when he'd got in and my bag with the keys in was in front. Brilliant, Jade.

The doors unlocked again as Michael stepped out and took his seat next to me in the back, locking the doors a second time. I knew his key was in his pocket and my chances of getting to it were none. I just had time to see he hadn't removed his mask and still holding the knife, before said knife was against the side of my neck.

I looked again at my phone. No reply from Jade. Although if I was honest, I couldn't blame her for not returning. I'd angered Michael Myers only a few days ago and nearly had my skull squished as a result. I'd also noticed the wording of Michael's message. "I am/was angry." Did that mean he still was? If so, had Jade actually made the right decision to leave?

Steve put a hand on my shoulder. "You ok son?"

I took a deep breath. How to explain this. As if reading my mind, Steve lowered his voice so Alice and Lance couldn't hear.

"You've angered him yourself, previously haven't you?"

"Oh yeah." I gave a grim nod. "Nearly had my skull crushed. I confronted him when Jade witnessed him kill that guy."

Steve whistled. "I don't know whether to say stupid or damn brave," he said softly. "Just like Jade tonight."

I nodded again. He was right on both counts.

"Steve," I said very quietly. It was time I knew it, but if I was going to talk to him about this, I would damn well respect his privacy. "Steve, I know. About you and Michael. I read and saw it when it happened years ago. I was only a bit older than Jenna but no one around me cared what I did, even in my care home. I was on social media all the time. I saw the attack. It was Michael wasn't it?"

There was a very long silence, before Steve nodded once.

"I knew it," I said softly. "It's ok, I haven't told anyone either in or out of our family and nor will I. You have my word."

"Thank you," he murmured in my ear.

The other Lawson's had had to get back for work, but as luck would have it, Lance had taken leave 2 days before Jenna was taken and insisted on staying. All of us smiled gratefully at him. A minute or so later, I went back up to Jenna's side. It hurt me to leave her, but there was nothing I could do except let her rest. I knew this but it didn't make it any easier. As a result, I didn't hear Lance's and Steve's conversation.

"Want me to go take a look for her?" Lance asked.

Steve drew in a long breath and looked the other man straight in the eye. "Only as long as you're sure. The last thing I want is…"

"Me encountering an angry and needing to kill Michael Myers," Lance smiled grimly. "I think I'll be ok."

Lance wasn't a big man by any means, but Steve was sure he could more than hold his own. Lance pulled on his jacket and stepped from the house.

I couldn't move. I think it was fair to say I'd frozen with terror. I had been correct. Michael needed a kill and if I didn't play this very carefully, hell even if I did, I could very easily become that next kill. I desperately tried to will my mind to think. This was my husband. He wouldn't, would he? Ok. So I had to put that aside for the immediate future and deal with the situation at hand. I was being held at knife point by the masked killer Michael Myers. Nothing else mattered right then. The fact I was his wife might save me, but for the here and now, I had to think as if I wasn't. Yeah, I scoffed at myself. So how many people has that saved when Myers wants the kill?

He hadn't reached for his notepad either, so it was clear he didn't want to communicate with me. That made sense. I remembered him telling me that when he was out for the kill, he didn't think or hear anything. Just as that memory hit me, it brought another terrorising thought with it. Shit. In that case, was it worth me saying anything to him? I'd used his very name all those years ago and he hadn't heard me then either. I tried to console myself it was different this time. But was it? I was going back to the fact I was his wife again. I had to ignore that, for now at least. I only knew one thing right at that second. I had to try.

"Michael," My voice was hardly above a terrified whisper. "Michael, please listen to me. I totally understand why you are angry; I would be if the roles had been reversed. But please you have to understand. I'd do it all over again for any one of you. I wouldn't think about it. Ok so they were guys Craig was scared of and I don't take that lightly. But please try to see it through my eyes? The Henderson's adopted me when I was going through the worst time in my life. They rescued me from… Well you heard Julie mention it. Slavery, pretty much. How could I not be grateful for that? Then my adoption sister gets taken by my birth mother and her guys to try and get me back! She only wanted me dead, or possibly another… treasure for Richard…" I felt myself shiver at that thought. Jesus that was horrifying to think. But I may well have been right. Julie's intentions towards me weren't good, I knew that much for a fact. "But I'd die before I'd let that happen, to Jenna or to me. Jenna is so precious to me. I wish I could explain to you just how close we are. She was my best school friend even before the adoption and I couldn't just sit there and watch, wait. I totally appreciate you were all concerned for my safety, hell I think Jenna will have words with me when she's able, but that was my decision to make."

Wrong thing to say. I knew it as soon as the knife pressed further in to my neck. I only noticed then that it was the flat side. But this gave me little comfort. Michael only had to flip it over and the lethal blade would enter my skin. Immediately I tried to quell that thought. But I knew my mistake and quickly tried to correct it. Fine. I was sure he was holding me at flat sided knife point because I was his wife. Why else would he? He wasn't ignoring this it seemed, so neither would I. He obviously wasn't so much in need of a kill that he couldn't hear me, or consider who I was. Thank God for small favours.

"Please don't say I wasn't considering you," my voice was shaking worse than ever now. I was scared. No two ways about it. Hell, terrified. "But I had to do it. If I'd spoken to you, you'd have point blank refused and I do understand why. I get it, you're a tall strong man, you've got more chance than I have, added with the fact it was me they wanted, but what would you have done Michael? You'd have gone in there and don't tell me you wouldn't. I can tell how close you are to killing me and that you need a kill because you haven't removed your mask. Why do you think I can't look at you? Believe me I don't want to die. Not after tonight. My mum would have what she wanted all along then. What do you want me to say, Michael? I'm sorry? I can't, because that'd be a lie. Yes, I'm sorry it angered all of you and I understand why, but I can't apologise for my actions, because I'm not sorry for those. As I told you, I'd do them all over again for any one of you."

Silence, but Michael still didn't remove his knife from my neck. Flat side or not, I was making no fast moves. I couldn't get out; the doors were locked and I was sure reaching for my own key would spell my certain death. Michael clearly wanted me to stay put and despite my situation, love for him was still as strong as it ever had been. If he was trying to tell me something, get something from me, all be it in a damn terrifying way, I had to go along with it. He was after all, my husband. Very slowly, I reached forward. Michael let me move, but followed my progress with his knife.

"Michael," I said softly. "I need you to trust me. I'm not calling the cops because believe it or not, I don't want to lose my husband, thank you very much. Nor am I getting my keys to get out. I don't want to die." Slowly, I withdrew my phone and glanced at the screen.

Lance is out looking for you. Only reason I'm not is because he said he could do this alone and Alice is still very upset. Dad. XXX.

Both these facts made me feel even worse. Was Mum upset because I wasn't there? Instantly, I texted Lance.

Turn back.

His reply came within seconds.

Just from that, no. You're in trouble aren't you.

I could see it wasn't a question. He knew exactly what was going on.

Michael's… Not happy, it's true. So turn back.

Not a chance.

Lance, I don't want you dead.

I don't want you dead either.

I think I have this under control. I think Michael just wants to talk to me. Even though he hasn't said a word, I couldn't hold the thought back. But I think you turning up will make it worse, make him angrier. Please, turn around.

If he's out for the kill, no way am I turning back. Sorry J, answer's no.

Shit.

I shifted slightly and heard my shoulder click. Damn it hurt. Just how tense was I? I felt the cold metal move against my neck, but still hadn't lowered. Michael had just made sure the flat side was still against it. But why? If he was going to kill me, why not just stab me? Wife or not? What did he want from me? If he was merely using his knife to make a point or keep me there, both were working. I took the risk.

"Michael, please. If I promise not to leave, move, will you lower that knife? I get the message. I won't try to run, or call for help. Because believe it or not, I don't want to. You're my husband and if you want to talk to me, fine. I'll listen to every word. I've just told Lance to turn back." All be it he's refusing, I thought, but didn't add. "Michael, I love you and want to talk this through as much as you seem to. But please, not at knife point? If I break my promise, you'll have every right to use it. But please darling, give me the benefit of the doubt? Give me a chance? You don't have to keep me here this way. I need and love you, Michael. With all my heart. That has and will never change. Please trust me?"

I could hardly believe it when after a few seconds, the knife was slowly lowered from my neck. I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding. I felt my head hit the leather headrest with relief. For a moment I felt faint. Very slowly and carefully, I reached for a water bottle in the front cup holder and grabbed 2 tablets from my bag, making sure he saw I went nowhere near my keys. I swallowed them with some water, before very slowly sitting up. My head was pounding as adrenaline began to leave my system. Shit how close had I come? I wasn't sure but close enough almost to scare me to death. All I could hear was Michael's calm breathing from behind his mask, which he still hadn't removed. Oh he was craving a kill alright, but I didn't want me or any of our family to be it. Hell anyone for that matter. I wound down my window just a little, the cold night air hitting my face. At last, Michael withdrew his notepad, but still didn't remove his mask. I could read the signs. I still had to be very, very careful.

After all that, you let her go.

I stared at his message, not understanding at first. Then it clicked.

"I… I'm not a killer," I'd said before I could stop myself.

The police, Jade?

"Michael, Jenna was really ill. My priority if you want the truth was getting the fuck out of that house and getting her to hospital. Surely you can't blame me for that?"

There were enough of us for that. You could've, should've stayed and seen her arrest if you were stupid enough to be there in the first place.

"No!" I actually glared at him now. "Fuck her Michael! Jenna's my sister! She comes first, always has, always will! Why the fuck should I have waited around just to see that bitch sent down? She'll do something before long anyway and get locked up! She won't survive without the Taylors to guide her and I knew it! She's simple, Michael. I didn't give a damn about her. I just quite frankly wanted her out of my damn life! No way in hell was I putting even her arrest before Jenna! If you think I should have just because I turned up alone, we'll disagree on that for life!" I know only to well you wanted to kill her. I didn't care if you did or not. I…"

You must have. You let her walk out.

"Jesus Michael!" I raised my hands in the air in exasperation. "You're Michael fucking Myers! Don't blame me because you missed your God damn kill! You're the expert in that, not me! You could've killed her only too easily! As I said at the time. If Michael decides to kill you, that's not my problem. What? Are you angry because I showed even a hint of compassion?"

For her? Yes.

I stayed silent for a minute, thinking. Of course he was. He was a masked killer. All he could see was that Julie had wronged me and wanted her to pay the price. I let out a low whistle. Bloody hell. If he was angry I'd let her go, what would've happened if I'd done the same thing for the Locks? I didn't have to think too hard. I'd be in my coffin now. What he'd just said reminded me of a question I'd longed to ask him, but didn't dare. What about his own mother? Was she still alive? I knew after he'd killed Judith, they'd got him committed to hospital and fast, but had he gone after them? But there was no way I was going to ask him that right then.

That was when I saw them. Lance was standing a little way from the car. I cursed silently. Not for the first time, we needed to trust Michael Myers's promise. But he wasn't alone. He was being confronted by a huge guy who had him by the throat. Lance was doing a damn good job at fighting back. He may be short in height, but damn he could give his own. I didn't have to guess why the bastard was assaulting him. He'd guessed Lance was gay. Anger surged through me, but I kept my eyes on Michael, wanting to finish this conversation without getting hurt or worse. Also I meant what I'd said. I loved him and would give him the respect of being honest. Next second, Michael had raised his pad again and his message made my blood turn to ice.

Stay there. I'm trusting your promise, Jade.

Then he was gone, straight towards the two men. I couldn't hold back. I had to follow him. He hadn't locked the doors. I ran towards them as the guy continued shouting at lance. Every homophobic comment that existed. Hatred grabbed my heart. I wanted to kill the prejudice guy myself. I saw Michael reach the two men and Lance's attacker look up, seeing the deathly pale mask. I saw his face turn white. Lance gasped for breath. The guy turned to run, but Myers prevented him from passing by grabbing his collar. Lance gasped for air as I ran to him and gently pulled him close, pushing the water bottle in to his hand.

"We need to get out of here," I breathed. "Now. I don't want to see this."

Lance looked confused. He clearly hadn't seen Myers. Then he looked up and saw him in his mask, holding the huge knife.

"Shit," he gasped. "So you wanted me to turn back?"

"I wasn't in danger," I said quickly. "Please, let's move."

I didn't give him time to answer. Holding him tightly to me with one arm, I began to run as fast as I could towards the car. We almost fell on to the back seat and I held Lance tighter, slamming the door shut and pressing my head against his shoulder, my eyes tightly closed.

"You ok?" I asked finally.

"Idiot," Lance snarled. "Can't say I'll be very sorry if… Holy shit!"

"Take it he's dead?" I breathed, not opening my eyes.

"Um, not yet, but he will be soon. Damn, Michael doesn't mess around, does he?"

I still didn't look. I couldn't. I knew it had to be bad when Lance's head hit my shoulder in turn and I was sure he'd closed his eyes.

"Jesus Christ," he looked sick when I risked a look at his face. "When Michael Myers needs a kill, he sure takes his time over it. Don't look babe, please don't look."

Just as he spoke, I was sure I heard a woman scream. Some unfortunate person walking past. She'd be next, I was sure of it. Sure enough within a second, the scream abruptly stopped.

"Oh shit," I felt tears spilling down my cheeks now. As much as I loved Michael, I would never, ever get used to this. Plus, I'd made a promise to him now that if I broke, I could be next to die. I thought of his message. Stay there. I'm trusting your promise, Jade and shivered. Lance held me tighter.

I took a deep breath and finally was able to tell Lance what'd happened between Michael and I so far. Of the promise I'd made not to move or leave. Michael's obvious anger, then because he was killing, hopefully it would calm his anger once he was done. I grimaced at the word hopefully. How fucked up! People were dying so I could be safe? No! I made a decision right there on that seat. Michael was talking to Sartain. End of story. If he didn't, I may very well have to leave him. That thought yanked at my heart like red hot coals. Straight away I found myself asking, could I? I didn't just mean him killing me either. I meant could my heart take it? Very softly, Lance was the first person I told of my decision.

"Whew," he whistled, before kissing my cheek and holding me close. "That's damn brave of you, but I understand from both sides. How much it'll hurt, but this has to stop."

About 20 minutes later, Lance told me Michael was walking slowly back towards us. He didn't want to think how many people were dead, but Myers had at least taken them from the car and out of our view. All I could see on the nearby ground, was blood. Myers took his seat in front and started the engine. Neither of us moved. He was still masked, his knife back on the passenger seat, except now it was covered in blood. Stupidly, I found myself thinking of how hard it would be to clean off the seat. Or perhaps I was just in shock.

"You sure you're ok?" I asked Lance again as Michael drove us in to the night. I didn't look where we were heading.

"Yeah," he nodded. "I'll have neck bruises though I suspect."

"Was it because…"

"I'm gay," Lance rolled his eyes. "Yeah, so assault me for it."

"I'm so sorry," I murmured, hugging him again.

"Don't be," he shrugged. "I'm almost used to it now. Had it all life long."

"Well you shouldn't have," I said, anger rising in my heart. He smiled sadly and held me tightly.

"When I find that special guy, it'll all be worth it. I know this. It makes it all easier."

It soon became clear that Michael was out for the kill and we were unfortunate enough to be his passengers. Lance estimated at least 6 more people died while we were out on the road. He'd texted Steve telling him what was happening, and I phoned him in tears and blurted out my decision while Michael killed another young woman.

"I don't think I can do this Dad," I sobbed as Lance hugged me close. Damn I love Lance Lawson. "He has to talk to Sartain. If he doesn't, I may have to leave him! Which may get me killed!" I thought of what he'd said way back. "Prove it, or die." If I left him, I would die.

"I understand baby girl," Dad soothed in my ear. "Both sides. How much it'll hurt and why you're thinking it. Whatever you do, Mum and I are there for and will support you. Always."

"Thanks Dad," the tears blurred my vision. I loved Michael so much, but damn it sometimes I hated him… No, that was wrong. I hated what he did.

Finally about an hour later, Michael got back in the car and removed his mask. Lance and I exhaled in unison with relief. He lowered it to the passenger seat along with his knife, which I was right, had covered the leather in blood stains. I hated how much had changed between us in one night. I was thinking of leaving him if he didn't help himself, us and he was probably still angry at me in turn.

Eventually, we parked back outside the house. Lance got out, but I still didn't dare move. But when Michael followed him, I made my shaking legs follow suit. We entered the house and Dad hugged me tightly as did Mum, who looked as if she'd been crying. Guilt threatened to swallow me, but also made my decision stronger. No, I was right to do this. My family didn't deserve this.

"Is Jenna ok?" I asked immediately.

"No change love," Mum said. "Just needs to rest. Craig won't leave her side," she smiled fondly but sadly. "Damn I never realised just how besotted he is with Jenna until recently."

"Oh yeah," I smiled weakly back at her. "He adores her."

"What about you?" Mum murmured to me. Michael had walked straight past us and in to the kitchen to wash his knife. Right now I was angry enough to tell him to clean the damn car as well. "Dad told me your thoughts."

"Right now it seems really easy," I answered quietly. "I'm really mad at him right now."

"Because he took you both on a kill ride? I don't blame you."

"Not just that. But because he's angry at me because I let my birth mother go."

"You're not like him, Jade."

"Yeah I know. He thinks I should've stayed and seen her arrested, or let him kill her."

"That's his choice. He could've gone after her."

"That's exactly what I said. Of course he's also angry about what I did like the rest of you are, but in a different way."

Mum sighed. "Listen Jade. We were, but we can understand why you did it. Jenna may also want words with you about it. But we can't fault you for loyalty. I want to talk to Michael anyway, finish off a conversation we started, if he'll listen. Do you want me to be the one to tell him this?"

"If you can without getting yourself killed," I said completely seriously. "That's not me trying to be a coward, or passing it on to you Mum."

"It's ok," Mum held me tightly as Michael stepped back in to the room. "I'm a mother. I've got that touch."

I gave her a small smile as Michael stepped towards me. Automatically, I stepped back. How could I face him now? There was so much unsaid between us. Not the least my decision. Mum stepped in between us. Very brave or stupid, I thought with a grim smile. Maybe now she gets it.

"Michael," she said softly, getting straight to the point. Dad and Lance exited the room, smiling at her. Damn in her own way, she didn't mess around either. "Do you still need a kill right now?"

Blunt, straight out with it. I felt awe rise for my mother. I loved her so much.

Michael looked straight back at her, before he shook his head slightly. That's no consolation, I thought. There's at least 10 people dead out there tonight.

I stepped away. I had to. This was too far. I loved Michael; I really did. But right now I couldn't be near him. I headed upstairs to check on Jenna just as I heard Mum speak.

"Ok. Then can I have a private word, please?"

I just saw Michael's nod, before I quietly knocked on Jenna's door and entered. God, I hoped Mum was very, very careful. Despite Michael's promise, I couldn't stand the thought of losing my mother. Not for a second time.