"Ok so I need to ask you this now," Alice said as she and Michael stepped in to the kitchen. "There's knives in here. Am I safe?"

Myers looked back at her and Alice was sure she could see confusion in his eyes before he nodded. As if he was thinking did she not remember his promise?

"Oh I remember alright," Alice said quietly. "But I need to talk to you and some of it may be… Difficult for both of us. I don't want to get stabbed for it."

Again, Myers shook his head.

Like he needs a knife to kill, she thought. Not much comfort there.

"Ok. Thank you. This may take a while. Coffee?"

Myers nodded, raising his hand a little in what she could only assume was thanks. She walked to the machine and made his coffee, then her tea. She could feel her own little bubble of anger towards Myers now but knew she had to control it for all their sakes. Most of all Jade's. She passed him his drink and sat next to instead of opposite him.

"You don't have to answer," Alice said softly. "I'll make that clear now. You haven't taken out your notepad, which tells me you don't wish to communicate just yet. That's fine. Please just listen though?"

Myers nodded. Now it was Alice's turn to wonder if she was brave or stupid, as she reached across the table and gently laid her hand on his. Myers didn't pull his hand away.

"Michael, I want to make this very clear from the outset. We love you. Ok? All of us. Very much. No matter what we always will. You've been nothing but kind and caring towards Jade and don't think we've not all noticed. I know what she did tonight was stupid, but you have to admit very brave and loyal to. She'd have done the same for you, you know. In a second. She wouldn't even have thought about it. Please remember that while I say this. Jade has however told Steve and I of how you held her at knife point in your vehicle. Yes, that it was flat side, but that's not the point, pun not intended. If you were using it to stop her leaving, I don't think you needed to. Jade adores you Michael. She really, really does. I think sometimes you don't realise how much, or maybe even let yourself believe it. But I'm telling you it's true. What happened between you tonight has scared her badly. She knows you weren't going to kill her, but for a short while there even she doubted it and can you blame her? I certainly can't. Then you took her and Lance on a joy ride of death. Did you have to do that? Jade didn't leave because she'd promised you, she didn't because she loves you. But did you have to remind her of this before you started killing? Ok so the first guy was assaulting Lance, kind of get that. But then to take them with you on your killing spree? Why not just let them both leave? Believe it or not Michael I'm no Psychologist, but I've tried to understand how you think recently." Now, she squeezed his hand a little. "Was it because you saw Lance get hurt and because you wanted to know Jade was safe by your side? If so, I acknowledge this, but couldn't you have just told them that rather than… What you did?"

Michael didn't move or respond. Alice took another deep breath.

"I know when you're out for the kill you don't think about anything, but we're your family, Michael. They love you. Both Jade and Lance do. I'm sure Lance is very grateful to you for stopping that assault, but he hasn't had a chance to tell you because you haven't let him. All he saw was Michael Myers the masked killer, who neither he or Jade dare to face. Nor do any of us for that matter. I know you were, are angry, but did you have to hold Jade at knife point? She's your wife, Michael. Surely, you're not going to tell me you were considering killing her for a moment back there, are you?"

Alice waited, as Michael finally withdrew his notepad. She would give him that respect.

I needed a kill. Jade had angered me. I was doing all I could to control it. Hence the flat side.

Alice felt herself shiver. She noticed the absence of no, I wouldn't have killed her. "At least you listened when Jade talked you down," she said softly. "That says a lot for you."

Are you just here to criticise my actions?

Again, Alice tried not to shiver. "No, Michael. I'm here to try and talk to you. Jade would, but understandably she's too upset. She just had a knife held to her neck by her own husband, what do you expect?" Alice took a breath. She had to stop her own anger showing. That wouldn't help any of them. "If you needed a kill, why not confront Jade afterwards? She was convinced for a while she was about to die. How do you think that made her feel? It's affected her badly, you know. I asked to talk to you before she mentioned this to me. But she then asked me to tell you because she's too afraid to do so herself. At least right now. Please Michael, surely you understand this to some degree?"

Alice was sure she heard the killer sigh softly, before he slightly nodded.

"I meant what I said before you know," she said very quietly, finally releasing his hand and putting her arm around him. "You are as good as a son to me. I've told you this previously. I may not agree with what you do, but that doesn't stop me loving you Michael. No matter what, it won't. It can't."

Myers looked at her properly now and Alice was sure she could see something in his eyes. But what? Pain? Disbelief? Whatever it was, she sensed she was getting close to something. She was going to push, but very gently. Now, she put her other arm around him and pulled him close. After a second, Myers returned her embrace.

"Michael," she murmured in his ear, her head now on his shoulder. "Tell me. What happened to you? With, with Judith? After you killed her? Your parents abandoned you, didn't they? Saw you committed then disowned you, right?"

There. She'd said it.

Michael's arms remained around her, but he made no response. That was fine, she'd wait as long as he needed her to. She'd promise him this.

"I'll wait as long as you need, you don't have to tell me everything," she murmured to him. "But like I said, I love you Michael. I see you as my son and I won't abandon you like, if she did."

Even if Jade leaves him, Alice thought. I will not walk away from him. I can't. I think lack of a mother's love didn't help with what happened.

Michael released her with one arm and a second later raised his notepad.

I killed my mother.

"Why?" Alice asked very softly. Myers shrugged. Why do you want to know?

She hugged him close again. "Because I meant what I told you. I love you, Michael Myers. Love and trust you. I'm not going to be one who walks away from you. Ever. You don't have to believe me, but it's true."

Why should I believe you?

"I'll just have to prove it."

Asking me these questions won't do so.

"Perhaps not. But I'll say it again. I see you as my son Michael and whatever your mother may have done, I will not do. Is that why you were so angry?" Alice kept her voice very gentle. "Because Jade let her birth mother walk out after all she'd done to her? After you'd killed yours?"

She deserves to die. What do you want from me Alice? What are you asking from me?

"For you to trust me," Alice said quietly. "That's all."

I don't do trust. I hardly trust anyone.

"Hardly? The exceptions Jade and Dr Sartain, right?"

Perhaps.

"Will you let me prove to you that you can trust me?"

Why is my trust so important to you?

For a second, Alice considered giving up. They were going around in circles. Was she even getting anywhere? She sighed and made to stand up, but to her surprise Myers easily but gently pulled her back in to her seat and against his chest.

That's a genuine question. Please tell me.

"Because I love you," Alice said again, this time blinking back tears. "Is that so hard to believe?"

The killer sighed again and tightened his arms around her. She sensed she was slowly getting through to him. "I don't have an ulterior motive," she said gently. "I understand why you might think I would, but believe me I don't. This has nothing to do with Jade. This is me talking. Alice Henderson. No matter what, I'll never walk away from you."

But why now, Alice?

"I wanted to ask and tell you the night Jenna was taken. Even before that I've wanted to tell you for months, Michael. But it takes a lot of courage to talk to you sometimes."

You answer me honestly, I will answer you in kind.

"Done."

You keep saying no matter what. Why?

Alice looked him straight in the eyes. "Because Michael," she said gently. "What happened tonight really traumatised Jade. I'm not kidding. She tried to remember your promise but it was very hard when you were holding her at knife point. While you were… Satisfying your needs, she phoned Steve in tears and told us what'd happened. Only Lance, Steve and I know what I'm about to tell you. I don't think it's spur of the moment either. Michael, jade really, really needs you to speak to Dr Sartain. We all do, but especially Jade. Steve has offered to cover any costs, you wouldn't be taken back to hospital, it'd be here, in this house. Craig and Jenna have already said so. Because Jade is really struggling. The fact Lance and she were with you as you drove around killing hasn't helped. But she's reached the edge now." Alice knew this was it. "She really needs you to help yourself, help your marriage, or she may have to leave you."

What did you just say?

"I know," she held him tighter. "But she's finding this a lot harder than she's told you. She believes you are still angry at her, so is too afraid to tell you herself. She also knows that leaving could cost her life, not to mention her heart. But she isn't sure how much more she can take, Michael. I don't think she means just the kills, either. She adores you, Michael. Absolutely adores you and when you're out for the kill, you're impossible to reach. When you're angry, your damn terrifying. I'm sure you can appreciate Jade doesn't want to be scared of her own husband, can't you? She was in tears in my arms just now. Losing you would break her heart. She adores you; I'll say it again. As often as I have to, even. Adores you. But she's struggling. She understands I think that you holding her at knife point was your… Different way of telling her that you loved her, but were angry, that you wanted to talk, but…" She hesitated.

But what?

"I… I don't think she's trying to stop you killing, I think she's realised as we all do that we can't do that. But I think she is trying to help you control it. She doesn't want to be held at flat knife point by her husband if she angers him and he needs a kill at the same time. She's just asking you to talk to him. We all are. As I said, Steve will pay for it and it'll be here, not at MSU. It'll be just you and him, no one else. None of us will be there. Jade's heartbroken at the very thought of losing you. It's the last thing she wants, you must believe me on that. I know my daughter. She'll do anything to stay with you, anything at all. All she's asking is that you talk to him. That's all."

I already told her I would.

"But then you hold her at knife point and she and Lance are with you when you kill at least 10 people. Why are you waiting in that case? Why have you not done so already? Do you see what I'm saying? Actions speak louder than words, Michael."

There was a long silence, but Alice wasn't going to break it. She would wait for him to do so. Not by speaking of course, she knew it would be in his own way. Finally, the killer nodded to her. A barely visible movement of his head, but she saw it.

"Steve has his number," she said gently. "But we're not going to put any pressure on you. If you want to do this, it has to be your decision. If you wish to text him, Steve or Craig will give you their phone. I would suggest sooner rather than later, however."

Again, Michael nodded ever so slightly.

"Good man," Alice hugged him again. She made as if to stand, but Michael again gently pulled her back down to her seat. She looked at him raising an eyebrow. After a moment, he raised his notepad.

It seems as if both Jade and I need space and time to think. I do however wish to give her a message. Could you take it to her via this medium?

"I've got a better idea," Alice gave him a small smile before she finally did stand and Michael allowed her. He followed her in to Craig and Jenna's home office.

"Give me your pad for a second?" She asked. Michael obliged. Alice entered the menu, settings and smiled, with a soft, "aha!" Michael raised an eyebrow and glanced at the screen, as Alice entered Bluetooth, and activated Craig and Jenna's fancy printer. There was a soft beep as the two devices paired to each other.

"Tada!" Alice grinned. "Bingo. Write what you want to say and we can print it out. These things are more sophisticated than they look."

Michael gently took the device back and began typing in a blank message. Alice turned away to give him privacy. When he was done, he lightly tapped her arm. She turned back as she heard the printer activate, printing out his message. Alice didn't even glance at it when it came out, just folded the paper and pocketed it.

She made to move towards the door, but Michael stopped her by putting his hand on her shoulder. She turned back to face him. Their eyes locked then and neither broke the gaze. Michael eventually handed her his pad again and when she read his message, tears filled her eyes.

I don't trust easily, Alice. I'm sorry for this. But you are however fast heading towards being someone I do. You are correct. My parents did disown me after Judith. Once I was committed, that was it. Judith was no sister to me. She taunted and abused me from a very young age. Anger built in me like you wouldn't believe. One day I just picked up a knife and never put it down again. Since then, I need blood, Alice. When this anger is too much, I have to kill. I felt nothing when I killed Judith. I have no remorse, no regret. I would kill my father too given the chance. That's one reason why I could hardly believe it when Jade let Julie walk out. I wanted to kill her. I would have been content to go on that way for the rest of my life. Could have until your damn daughter got in to my heart and head. When she told me she loved me, I intended to kill her in the end. At first, I found it highly amusing. But then she… Did something to me. To this day I still am not sure what. Damn her! I love her, Alice. I could never hurt her, never. But this is so new to me. I don't always know how to react. Now you're telling me she's considering leaving me. I…

Alice stopped reading and pulled him tightly to her, tears on her cheeks.

"Oh Michael," it was her this time who gently pulled him to the leather sofa, then back in to her arms. "I'm telling you; she absolutely adores you too. The only reason she said that is because she finds your need to kill very difficult to deal with. As do most of society. Surely you know this? She'll do anything to stay with you, anything. This is all she's asking Michael. You to talk to your doctor. She doesn't want to leave you, no way! But I don't agree at all with what your parents did, no matter what you may have done. I never will." She looked back at the screen.

She is correct. I can't at the click of a button turn from needing to kill to her loving husband. Can't happen. That's why I keep my distance following a kill, I have to. Not because I'll kill her, but because I am afraid that I might. I don't want to harm her, ever. But I can't be too close when I'm lusting blood. Just in case. But I love her, Alice. I do. But she's asking me to change something which has been almost life long and I don't know how. I can't lose her, but neither can I get rid of this killing crave.

"You may be wrong there," she held him tightly, handing him back his pad. "More wrong than you know. This is why I suggest you speak to Sartain as soon as possible. He's the Psychiatrist, Michael. He probably knows ways we don't. Have you ever told him what you've just told me?"

He shook his head.

"I'm honoured you've told me, so maybe you finally should," Alice said softly. "Maybe after all these years you should tell him this. We can print that out right now before you clear it if you want?"

Slowly, the killer nodded, doing so.

"I'll take this up to Jade," Alice again made as if to stand, but yet again Michael pulled her back to her seat but this time back in to his arms, holding her close. Alice felt her heart crack with sympathy. Whatever he may be, masked killer or not, had anyone given him this comfort? She didn't have to think too hard to answer her own question. He probably hadn't let them. Not to mention he was terrifying in that damn mask and when he was out for the kill. Again, their eyes locked. It looked as if he was trying to write something, but wasn't sure how. "Shh. It's ok," she whispered to him before for the first time in her life, she leant towards him and gently kissed his cheek. His arms tightened further around her, as again her head rested on his shoulder. She was the mother here and yet she felt safe here, just as Jade had said she did. It was as if Michael had the control then. Which maybe he did. Alice knew if Michael Myers was holding her this way, she was safe from him or anyone who tried to hurt her. The same thing Jade knew and although she didn't know it, Jenna.

"Have you ever spoken since?" She murmured.

Again, he shook his head.

Alice remembered Sartain's words she'd read long ago. "He can speak, he just chooses not to."

Nor will I. Silence is my name.

Alice felt herself shiver slightly and Michael obviously had as he gently stroked her back, still holding her close.

"I love you Michael Myers," she whispered to him again, as he held her to him. "Always will."

This time, it was he to kiss her cheek, before slowly raising his notepad. When she read this message, she did break down in his arms. She couldn't stop it.

I love you too, Alice.