At eleven, they all climbed back aboard the bus to be driven home. Surprisingly, none of them were that drunk. When they got there, Steve generously tipped the driver, who thanked them and drove off. They entered the living room, which was almost as big as Tara's. Craig thanked them again for a great night. All of them changed from their suits and dresses in to casual clothes. None of them were ready for sleep yet, so they sat in the living room as Jenna served the 10 of them drinks.

"Dom, Stuart, can I borrow you for just a second?" Steve asked a little later. Jade's phone had vibrated with 3 missed calls and Steve felt his anger growing. Jade had ignored it, but this was enough as far as Steve was concerned. Tara had looked at her sister raising her eyebrows and Jade had nodded in resignation. No way was Steve just going to let this happen. The twins followed him in to the home office, as Steve closed the door.

"Gents," Steve was trying to hold back his anger. "I told Jade I wouldn't say anything, but I can't stay silent anymore. I've got an accountant I work with, Scott Davis. Well, this is the… The problem. He likes Jade, despite being my age."

"No Fucking way!" the twins said together, looking disgusted. "I thought Jade seemed a little… Upset, distracted by something earlier," Dom said. "She was talking to Tara and it looked as if she was really struggling. Don't you dare tell us the son of a bitch has…"

"No," Steve said quickly. The twins looked just as angry. "Nothing physical. Although God knows he'd like to. But he keeps calling her. I told him Jade had been away with work and tonight she told him she's married now, and politely asked him to stop. He's continued. Her phones rang 3 times so far since we got back, at least 9 at the party. It's him."

"Motherfucker," Dom snarled. "Some guys just won't take no as an answer. He wants to get his dick wet!"

"That's all he wants," Steve said. "He treats women like shit. Sex and then chucks them. He's… Not a very nice man. I needed you to know gents. I may need someone to stop me from breaking the guy's neck. I haven't told Michael and that's a yet, because Jade begged me not to. In her words, "if I do, someone will die."

"Don't ask me to be the one to stop you," Dom said quietly. "Because you might be the one who'll have to stop me." Steve smiled grimly. Stuart nodded in agreement. "I think Craig knows," Stuart said. "He looks really pissed off about something, though he's trying to stop Jade seeing it."

"There's something else too," Steve said softly and once again began to speak.

Eventually, Steve and the twins re-entered the living room, and immediately noticed Michael wasn't there. Steve opened his mouth to ask, then stopped himself. Michael was needing a kill. True to his word, no one on the guest list had been harmed, so Steve couldn't begrudge him this, as crazy as that sounded. Jade looked devastated and it looked as if Craig and Lance had had to gently hold her back. Both had their arms around her now, holding her close, as she sat in an armchair trying not to cry. The largest and sharpest knife was gone from the block in the kitchen when Steve checked. Jade's phone vibrated again and without answering, she silently surrendered to tears. Craig and Lance both holding her tightly, as she cried on their shoulders.

"Shh," they both said, again and again. "It's ok babe. He'll be back soon."

Stuart and Dominic looked at each other, and Steve could see it was the communication and language only twins knew. He had a feeling Scott would be in deep shit before Michael even knew about it.

"Oh sweetheart," Alice soothed, sounding close to tears herself at her daughter's pain and the unnecessary harassment she was suffering from a man who didn't know the word no.

"Give me that fucking phone," Tara snarled, grabbing it from Jade's pocket. "Enough is fucking enough. I'll tell the fucker the truth damn it! I don't care! Does Michael know?"

Jade could only shake her head, as her tears fell. The guys continued hugging her, stroking her back and softly repeating, "shh."

"No fucking way can this go on." It was Stuart who'd spoken. "I bet I can guess why you haven't told Michael. You don't want Scott to get killed. Well you know what? After this, he deserves to fucking die! No one harms Jade Myers without consequences!"

"Well said," Craig, Dom, Lance, Jenna, Steve, Alice and Tara said in unison. Jade stared at her family, unable to speak. At that moment, she had never felt more loved in her life.

"Fuck this," Dominic and Stuart both stood up at exactly the same time, having spoken together. It could not have been clearer they were twins at that moment. Without speaking further, the 2 brothers headed to the door. Alice opened her mouth, but Steve gently stopped her. He knew the twins were perfectly safe, because as of today he completely trusted Michael Myers.

"Did he take his…" Tara began.

"Yes," Steve murmured. "He's got his S.U.S. kit. Don't worry." Lance had distracted Jade by pulling her in to the kitchen for a mug of hot chocolate and a chat, so she hadn't seen the 2 Lawson's leave. Steve felt his respect and affection grow for Lance. He was a good man and he could see he and Jade were fast becoming very close. Good.

As they walked, the twins discussed their plan. They didn't have to go far to see Myers. They saw him, just as he strangled a woman to death, before slitting her struggling boyfriend's throat with one stab.

"Fuck me," Dominic breathed. "I'll never, ever get used to that. How can he go from that…"? He gestured to the 2 corpses. "To loving Jade the way he does? He was holding his and our nephew in his arm's mere hours ago for fuck's sake carrying him to the damn car, and now he's just killed 2 people!" His twin shook his head.

They approached the masked killer, as quietly as they could. Dominic kept close and an eye on his twin. The last thing they needed was a repeat of the day before, which seemed like a life time ago now. The twins watched as he smashed his way in to another house and when he exited, blood was all over the tiled kitchen floor, they could see it through the open door.

"Jesus," Dom whistled. Stuart could only nod. "So, which one of us is going to be stupid enough to attract his attention?" He gave a grim smile. "Which one of us has a death wish?"

"Give him a few minutes," Dom murmured. "He needs to calm his blood lust before we do anything, or we really could die."

"Jade did mention that," Stuart nodded. "But we're safe as his family, right? We're technically his brothers."

"Maybe so, but even Jade has to play it really carefully when this happens. Just wait a little longer, bro."

"Jade was crying her eyes out earlier, that fucker keeps calling her and Michael doesn't know yet. She needs him."

"Which is why we're here, to tell him. I can't say I'd be very sorry if he killed that dickhead. Trust me, I'm as angry as you are and agree with you completely that he needs to know. But we just need to hold off for a while, or we could put our lives in danger. It'd be our faults for approaching him when he's craving a kill to be honest. He loves Jade, don't forget that. That guy doesn't care about Jade, he just wants…" He didn't need to finish.

"I want to break his neck," Stuart glared in to the distance. "Motherfucker."

"You're not alone there Stu. Hell, if we encountered him tonight, I think we'd help Michael."

"Right," Stuart agreed.

They saw Myers commit another 3 kills, each bloody, violent and without mercy. Watching from their concealed vantage point, the twins were very glad they were Jade Myers's brothers. Finally, the twins exchanged a silent look, a silent nod and as Myers released a man with his skull crushed so his corpse fell to the ground, Stuart put his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly. Immediately, the masked killer turned towards the sound. Dominic felt a jolt of fear, he couldn't help it. Even though they trusted Steve's word when he'd told them of Myers's promise. Stuart whistled again and they saw Myers slowly approaching where they were standing.

"I know he promised not to harm any of us," Dom breathed. "But holy fuck he's scary when he's masked and killing…"

Stuart nodded. "Who's stepping out there?" He breathed. "You, or me? This may sound crazy, but I think it should be me. He aided me yesterday when I had my attack, I think we have an understanding and I feel in control this time. I'm trusting his promise, it won't be a shock a second time."

"No!" Dom said immediately. "Both, or neither." Normally Stuart would've teased him about pulling rank with his almost 2 minutes older than him, but this time he merely nodded. Twins forever, they had each other's backs for life.

Myers stopped very close to them and was looking for the would be unfortunate person who'd been stupid enough to whistle and give away their location in Michael Myers's earshot. Stuart and Dominic exchanged looks, one single nod, and then stepped out of the darkness. Myers saw them instantly. Stuart raised a small piece of paper to the killer.

Michael, we need to talk to you. It's urgent.

Michael grabbed Stuart's arm and pulled him to his side. While it was not a tight grip, Stuart knew better than to resist it. Stuart nodded to Dom; he knew what was going on. Jade had told him not long ago about how she'd been able to calm Michael's blood lust when he was holding her to him and now Stuart was doing the same thing, just in a different way. Craig had also recently told him of how he'd done it to.

Jade had confided to them that she'd wondered what'd happen if someone happened to walk past while Michael was using whoever he was holding to calm his need to kill. Just then, he found out. A young woman who appeared to be out for a late night run jogged straight past them. Immediately, Dominic stepped up to her.

"Don't stop," he said softly. "Keep moving and now."

She saw Myers, but to her credit she didn't scream, just increased her speed. Dom knew he'd just saved her life.

Stuart didn't acknowledge what his twin had just done, because he didn't dare look away from his and Myers's locked gaze, otherwise the woman would probably still die. Gently, he squeezed Michael's arm, acknowledging he could've killed her, but hadn't tried. He could hear the killer's calm breathing from behind his mask as slowly but surely, Michael lowered his knife to his side. Stuart waited a few more seconds, then softly began to speak.

"Michael, Jade doesn't know I'm telling you this, but we just can't keep silent any further. Steve has an accountant he works with. He likes Jade, as in, likes, despite being twice her age. Nothing physical has happened, although God knows he'd like to. But he keeps calling her. Steve told him Jade had been away with work when she was in hospital and tonight, she told him she's married and politely asked him to stop. He's continued. Her phones rang constantly this evening from him. Sex. That's all he wants; he treats women like shit. Jade's trying to hold up a brave face, but…" Stuart hesitated. He hated having to say this, it hurt him just as much. "She finally gave way to tears shortly after you left. But she'd never stop you Michael. She adores you man, I'm not kidding. Tara's taken her phone so Jade can't answer it. I think she's…" Stuart smiled grimly. "Dealing with it from here on."

There was total silence. Dom smiled weakly at his twin. Despite all his teasing about their 2 minutes apart in age, right then Dom couldn't deny it. Stuart was braver than he was. He hadn't messed around, hesitated, or let fear rule him. He'd given Myers the facts, pure and simple. Myers made no response, but when Stuart tried to step back, Michael's hand tightened on his arm not exactly gently, so he couldn't move. Stuart understood. What he'd just said had angered the killer all over again and Michael was still using him to calm his killing crave. Stuart didn't want to think about what could happen if he tried to resist. One or both of the twins could end up dead. Stuart pulled his water bottle from the red bag, using the arm Michael wasn't holding. His doctors had told him he had to drink at least once an hour, just to keep his blood pressure level. Stuart took a few sips, then closed the bottle. His doctors had also said he had to check his blood pressure every few hours. He remembered he hadn't done it yet tonight. Stuart turned to Myers, who was still holding his left arm.

"Michael, I promise you I'm not resisting, I'm not going anywhere, but I have to do this." Dom realised immediately what his twin was talking about, pulling the monitor from the red bag attached to his brother's belt. Stuart made sure his hands were where Myers could see them, as he took it from his brother. Stuart couldn't stop the affection which filled his heart, as Myers gently took the cuff, rolled up Stuart's left sleeve with the hand which was still holding his arm and attached it, before gently holding Stuart's arm still. Stuart turned his head to the masked killer and smiled at him. Dom hit the button and the motor began to whir as the cuff inflated. Stuart looked at the screen and immediately pulled out a needle. "High."

His twin glanced at the reading. "That's the last time I tease you about age," Dom touched his twins' other shoulder. "When it comes to bravery, you're twice the man I am." Stuart smiled weakly, as he injected himself with a small dose of anti-shock gel, to calm his blood pressure down. Just in case. He winced as the needle entered a vein in his arm, which Michael was still gently supporting. When he was done, the masked killer gently released Stuart and immediately Dom stepped in to take his place.

"I say it again," Dom said softly, looking lovingly at his twin. "You're a much braver man than me. I'd have been quaking with fear, never mind blood pressure going up. Michael, you're fucking scary in your mask and when you're killing!"

Stuart nodded, as he put his medication and machine in the red bag once more and closed it.

"You ok?"

"I'm fine bro, it's all cool." Dominic knew his twin would never lie to him. He nodded.

Just then, Stuart's phone rang. "Hi babe, shit. Ok. Well he knows… Yeah. Hmmm, very…. Love you T." He disconnected.

"Steve's on his way here," Stuart looked at his twin and Michael. Apparently, the motherfucker lives close to here, and Steve's… Oh hell."

He stopped speaking because Steve appeared around the corner, Craig right behind him, trying desperately to hold him back and calm him. He was almost shaking with fury. They hadn't known their father in law long, but had never seen him so angry. Steve was holding a knife and wearing his fake Myers mask. At the sight of Michael, Craig automatically stepped back, with a sharp intake of breath. Stuart stepped forward immediately, taking his brother in law's arm and squeezing it in reassurance.

"Wo man," Dom said. "Wo, easy dad, just take a breath."

The twins and Craig could hardly believe their eyes when Myers released Dom and gently pulled Steve to him. The other man struggled glaring at the masked killer in anger, but Michael was too strong. The 3 men suspected it was the first time ever Michael Myers had had to calm someone else's desperate desire to kill. Dom raised his hands towards the 2 men. "Dad," he and Craig murmured in unison. "Dad."

Steve glared at them, continuing to struggle against Myers. Dominic had called his father in law "Dad" on purpose trying to get through to him, but it was as if Steve had gone deaf with anger. That said, Stuart's, Dominic's and Lance's parents had moved to America years ago, they didn't see them often. Steve already felt as close as a father to them. Dom gently took his other arm. "Steve," he said again, speaking very gently. "Didn't you tell Craig not long ago to "leave it to the professional?"" Craig nodded. "That's what you need to do now. Come on man, you're not a killer. Please don't get yourself in to a situation you can't get out of. Come on, step back, take a second. Michael knows. So, take it easy dad. Drop, or give me the knife."

Steve looked angrier than they had ever seen him. He was holding his knife so tightly his knuckles were white. They understood. Jade had been through so much, the attack, her birth mother's cruelty and now this. It had finally pushed her father to the edge. Again, Steve tried to struggle against Myers, but had no chance. With one move of his arm, Myers disarmed Steve, the knife hitting the floor. For a terrifying second, Steve turned on the killer. But Myers only shoved him back, still keeping a tight hold on his arm, as Stuart grabbed the knife.

"Let me go!" Steve snarled at the killer. "I want to get at that motherfucker! Jade was abandoned by her so-called mother, attacked, raped, in a coma for 3 weeks and now some sex crazy pervert thinks it's ok to sexually harass my daughter, a sister, and your wife! I mean it Myers, damn you! Let me go! You know what it feels like to kill? Well now I want a taste of it! I told that fucker to meet me here, said we would talk!"

"Oh shit," Stuart breathed.

"Please tell us you didn't," Dom said softly.

"Oh yes I did," Steve snarled. "Look! Here he comes! Get the fuck out of the way! This guy's mine!"

Dominic could hardly believe anyone could be so stupid. If you were harassing a man's daughter, you avoided him at all costs. Meeting face to face to talk about how much you liked her? Stupid idiot!

With strength fuelled by adrenaline, Steve grabbed the knife from Stuart's hand. The 3 men looked desperately to Myers for help. This could be very, very bad. Craig ran forward and grabbed his father in law, trying to pull him away. Craig was a strong guy, but Steve in his anger fuelled adrenaline could not be pulled back. At least, not by Craig.

To their horror as Davis stopped in front of Steve an arrogant and cocky smirk on his lips, Steve lunged forward and his knife just missed Scott's shoulder. Blind with rage, he tried a second time.

"Michael," Dom almost pleaded. Stuart tried to grab Steve, but the other man was oblivious to anything but his anger and hatred. Giving up on the knife, Steve rugby tackled Scott to the ground. Kneeling beside the dazed man, the 3 men were sure Steve really would kill him. Scott's face wasn't arrogant anymore, it was deathly white. He'd realised Steve was deadly serious. Scott was a small man and like all bullies, a coward. Dom couldn't lie, he took satisfaction from this too. Steve was just about to stab Scott for real this time, when Myers knelt beside him and shoved him backwards for a second time, this time grabbing his knife himself. Steve hit the ground, as Myers looked straight at Scott. Dom grabbed Steve, but this time pulling him in to a hug. Steve was shaking violently. Myers shoved Stuart back then and he staggered, also hitting the ground. Although it hadn't been exactly gentle, they understood why. Myers was stopping Stuart seeing the kill up close, which could further raise his blood pressure. Craig helped him to his feet. Stuart nodded his understanding of this and thanks to the killer. Scott finally struggled to his feet and Myers grabbed his collar. Scott wasn't going anywhere.

"You motherfucker," Steve shouted and now there were tears pouring down his face. Dom held him tightly, Craig handed him some tissues. "I told you so many times to stop, did you? Jade's been through enough, the last thing she needs is a weasel like you! You'll never be repeating this to anyone, so I'll tell you the truth! Jade was in hospital when you called, not away with work! She got violently attacked and raped! Where were you then, huh? You couldn't get through to Jade, but you also have my number and didn't call me then to ask how she was! You had? I would have thought a hell of a lot more of you and would've perhaps told you the truth then! None of your so-called interest when Jade couldn't move, when she was unconscious for 3 weeks? Oh no, because you couldn't shag her! Your priorities consist of one thing! Your penis! Which I'd dearly love to cut off! I've given you your last request, you've Met the lucky man as you've kept asking to! This is Jade's husband, Michael Myers! Yes Scott, Michael Myers! Recognise the name?"

Scott's face had turned even whiter. It now looked like a slab of marble. Scott looked at the masked killer and Steve relished the terror in the other man's eyes.

"I wish I had a camera," he snarled. "Best thing I've seen this morning! Michael, please oh please make it slow! Ah, the terror on his fat little face! Oh, it's almost orgasmic! Finally, oh finally! No one will miss you, you're a pathetic little man! You don't care about anyone but yourself. Some women even loved you, you know. I've had women come to me in tears because you've fucked and chucked them! You cruel, insensitive bastard!"

Almost casually, Myers lifted Davis off his feet by the throat and proceeded to strangle him towards death. Steve punched the dying man to the face as hard as he could. When Scott was weak and barely conscious, Myers drew his knife and plunged it in to Scott's throat.

"Shit," Dom turned away, looking as if he would be sick. "That's… Fucking hell…" Blood covered the ground, as Steve stood. He was covered in blood, shaking badly. Totally silently, the masked killer stood also and gently pulled Steve to him, trying to ease his trembling.

Dom knelt there in shock. He'd seen Myers slit a throat earlier that morning, but this one was right in front of him, he could see every little thing. Finally, Dom threw up. It was only then he realised he too was shaking. Stuart put his arms around his twin as soon as Dom's face turned white and as he threw up, gently stroked his back.

"Easy," it was Craig to soothe. "Take a few deep breaths." He pulled out a water bottle and handed it to the white faced Dom. With a brother in law as a paramedic, he was reminded almost daily to carry water with him. Dom took a few small sips, his head on his twin's shoulder.

"There goes my sleep tonight," he whispered finally. "Fuck that'll give me nightmares for weeks!"

Stuart nodded. Dom finally slowly turned to look at Michael.

"How," was all he could say to the killer. "How?"

His father in law was shaking so badly he couldn't hold the bottle, so Craig held it to his mouth. He pulled out another and offered it to the masked killer, who took it. Dom was traumatised by what he'd just seen and Steve was still shaking hard with the adrenaline rush. Craig debated calling Emma and Nick for help, but he couldn't. They had Nathan with them. It wouldn't be fair. Dom threw up a second time.

"I… I can't," Dom could only stammer. "I… I can't."

Myers was now easily dragging Scott's corpse in to a group of bushes. The blood on the concrete Dom could deal with. But the corpse… He didn't see the killer return until Myers knelt at his side, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"How," Dom said again, holding the killer's gaze through his mask. It seemed to be all his mouth could manage. "How…"

He knew he'd never understand the mind of Michael Myers, but to see it up close? Too much. Silently, the killer handed him the water.

"He deserved it," Dom croaked finally, having remained silent for a minute or so, trying to regain his composure. "I stand by that. But shit man, seeing all those veins etc up close… Shit. Plus, so much blood…" Steve too looked pale. Dominic tried to stand, but he still felt too dizzy to do so. Michael raised his notepad.

Dominic?

Dom started in surprise. The killer had never used his name before. "Yeah?"

Do you trust me?

"Trust you?" Dom stared at the masked killer. "After what you did to the people giving Jade hell? Protected Nick, Craig and Stu when he was ill? Not to mention carrying Nathan and holding him so protectively, safely? Hell yes!"

Steve could've sworn the killer gave Dom a small smile, before standing and lifting him effortlessly but gently up to and then off his feet. As if he weighed nothing, Myers began to carry Dom back towards the house, Steve, Stuart and Craig following behind them.

They entered and without a word Dom and Steve removed their shirts, which were soaked in blood. Stuart had been far enough back to avoid it, as had Craig. The latter ran up the stairs, returning with 2 clean shirts. Stuart took the bloody ones in to the utility room, placing them in the washing machine. He was thankful it was there and not in the kitchen, which judging by the closed door, Jade and Lance were still in. He smiled affectionately. Lance was a good man. They both deserved a loyal friend. Miraculously, Michael hadn't got any blood on his shirt. Stuart stared at him.

"How the hell did you manage that?" He asked. Michael raised an eyebrow and Stuart pointed at the killer's shirt. "Not a speck of blood on you man."

Myers simply looked at him and Stuart understood the killer's silent answer. Practice. He shivered.

By now my shaking had stopped and I could think straight. I had never felt anger like that in my life. Ever. It was a new feeling and to be honest a little scary, but Davis had deserved every single thing he'd got. He'd made my daughter's life hell, just as the Lock's had. I took my clean shirt from Craig with a nod of thanks, pulling it over my head.

I glanced at Michael, who was still looking straight at me. My feelings were mixed. On the one hand I was very grateful indeed to him for pushing me back so I didn't kill Scott myself, but damn it I'd wanted too so badly. Craig and the still pale faced Dom slipped past us in to the living room, to update Alice, Jenna and Tara. I continued to look at the killer, as he briefly turned from me, handing Stuart the knives in such a way that I couldn't see the blood on the blades. I felt warmth in my chest. Even now, he was looking out for me. Then, he removed his mask, as did I. Why I'd worn the fake, I couldn't say. Stuart quietly knocked on the kitchen door and entered, closing it behind him. Michael didn't move, doubtlessly sensing I needed to say something. How did he do that?

"I…" I swallowed, a dry clicking sound in my throat. Myers handed me the water bottle. "Thanks." I took a sip and tried again. "I understand why you pushed me back, but man I wanted too so badly, I wanted to finish him off. Now? I'm really thankful to you. Dom's right. I'm not a killer. I'd just been pushed to the edge. Jade's birth mother, the attack, him…"

Myers of course said nothing, just kept his gaze on me. I let out a long breath, slumping against the wall. "Jesus and do I have a damn death wish? Ok I was angry, but shit man, you could've killed me when I turned on you like I did. I would've deserved it to boot. I just… Anger overtook me and I couldn't think. All I knew was you'd denied me what I craved most right then and I…"

The killer gave me a single nod.

"Thanks for only pushing me back," I said very softly. "I deserved much, much worse." Myers raised his notepad then.

How would I explain that to Jade?

I let out a short laugh. "I think she'd understand if she knew I'd stupidly challenged you in anger," I gave him a small smile. Hell man, I don't even know what my intent was. Was I stupid enough for a fraction of a second to be considering fighting you because you stopped me? How am I not in my coffin?"

It's alright. Are you ok?

Michael Myers was asking me if I was ok? There were times I still wanted to pinch myself to believe this was real. I nodded to him.

The kitchen door opened and Stuart and Lance stepped out, Jade right behind them. My heart swelled with uncontrollable love at the sight of her. She looked pale, tired. Her eyes were red, but she was trying to hold her head up high. She hugged Lance tightly. "I love you," she said softly to him and he kissed her cheek. "Love you too J. Always hear if you need me gal, you know that."

"Same here," she smiled at him, a full, genuine smile, as he joined his brother and they walked towards the living room. "But then you know that."

He smiled back at her, as the door closed. Michael had Jade in his arms before I even saw it and was kissing her again and again. I felt tears in my eyes and blinked hard. Turning, I too headed in to the living room. They deserved privacy. But about a minute later, the door opened and Jade and Michael entered, the latter holding Jade tightly close to him. We all looked lovingly at Jade as Myers led her to the sofa and sat at her side, gently pulling her back to him.

"You might want this back," Tara said quietly, handing Jade back her phone.

"Yeah, I don't think you'll have any more trouble there," Dom said softly. By now, he'd regained most of his colour.

Jade raised an eyebrow, looking at me. I had never been more thankful to Lance Lawson in the short time I'd known him than I was right then. He'd kept her distracted, she knew Nothing of what had just happened.

"Stuart told Michael here the facts," Jenna said simply. "That Scott was giving you grief and not listening to your requests to stop. Do I need to expand on that?"

Jade's eyes widened and she put her hand to her mouth. She would never get used to that, ever. Inside, she was sincerely hoping her father hadn't told him the rest. Why, she still didn't know. Was she herself a little scared of her husband even now?

"Hate to be a party pooper," Dom smiled sadly. "But I'd better get some sleep. I need to get back tomorrow."

With a jolt of sympathy, Jade knew what he was talking about. His house would be empty now the woman who so-called loved him had left him.

"Can I do anything for you Dom?" She asked gently. Dom shook his head. "Nah," he said, smiling at her. "Thanks though. I'm just going to get back to work to keep myself busy. Lance is staying with me for a while."

Tara and Stuart were also returning home the next day, as were Alice and Steve. Jade was going to miss them terribly. But she too had to get back to work. She had a promotion to earn back. Tara and Stuart also stood, as did Alice and Steve. At the thought of them leaving, Jade had to blink fast to hide her tears. They'd told her she could drive to them every day if she wanted to, but it wasn't the same.

"Oh hell," she sighed. "I've got two views of the house tomorrow. I totally forgot. I still don't know if I've got my asking price right."

"It's fine love," Steve said. "200K for a house your size is perfectly fair."

Dominic was an office manager; Stuart was a high flying Lawyer. Alice worked in a bridal shop. Lance was an architect. Jade an event organiser.

"You know," Jade said quietly, looking at her family. "I can't thank you enough for being there for me lately. I've never felt more loved than I did tonight. I owe you all so much."

"It's in the family contract," Tara smiled. "We look out for each other through good or bad." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"That promotion? My colleagues were really good when they told me, it was the letter from HR I couldn't swallow. It made it all real, you know?"

"Oh yeah," Dom nodded. "HR. Ah, bless them. Inhuman Resources."

Jade laughed. "I decided last night that I want to try and get it back. Don't know if I'll make it, but I want to try. Should I?"

"Hell yes!" Craig and Stuart said together. "Their fools if they don't give it back to you," Dom said.

Alice hugged her. "You're a fighter Jade and we're proud of you for it! Hell, just look at the man you're married to and the risks you took there! You love him and wanted him to know it! You could've got killed, now look where you are. See? You fight for the things you want."

"Well said," Nick said softly, as Michael softly kissed Jade and she was sure it was his silent answer.

Shortly afterwards, they all headed up to their rooms. Jenna had reminded them Nick, Emma and Nathan were dropping in for lunch before everyone left. Jade smiled affectionately.

"Three guesses who he'll want to be next to," Jenna had said, also smiling. They were sure a slight smile touched Michael's lips and Jade couldn't help it and kissed him. Damn, sometimes she still couldn't believe this man was a masked killer.