3 weeks later.
Craig strolled down the dark street, his phone's flashlight the only thing enabling him to see where he was going. It was 2AM, and he was heading to the nearby 24 hour garage to get milk. He was dying for a coffee and had discovered there was none in the fridge. Jenna had begged him to be careful, even suggested he should ask Michael to go with him. Craig hadn't laughed at this, or been offended as he understood where she was coming from and that she only cared. So, he'd just smiled, kissed her, and told her he'd be fine.
As he thought of the dozen cars awaiting him in the garage, he worked at later that morning, he suddenly felt unbelievably tired. A mechanic had always been his life's ambition, but shit it was a hard job once achieved. He was still in the apprentice stage, and was desperate to pass and become a fully qualified mechanic. Just yesterday, Jade and dad had said he could tinker with their cars any time he liked to gain experience and practice. He'd thanked them, truly meaning it. Maybe he would. Nick had also said the same, and just to call if Craig needed to do so. None of them had laughed when he told them of his ambition a year ago, instead they'd supported him from the word go.
He reached the shop and headed inside, grabbing the milk. He debated whether there was anything else they needed, and ended up also getting a loaf of bread for some toast before work. He loved mar might on his toast, which Jenna always wrinkled her nose at. She hated the stuff. Grinning, he grabbed a fresh jar to put in the fridge as his was almost out. Smiling, he then grabbed a bottle of Jenna's favourite milkshake, strawberry. A nice surprise for her to take to work.
Carrying his groceries in a bag, he headed back down the street towards home. It was cold, and Craig buttoned up his thick coat. He grinned as he remembered that this coming weekend, Jade was finally returning her wheelchair to the hospital. As if she and Tara needed an excuse to party. They were going out for a meal to celebrate. Jade had been dedicated to her physio, doing everything the therapist had assigned her, as a result she was recovering faster than expected. Craig was so proud of her for it. She'd worked so damn hard to be rid of that chair, sometimes to the point Tara and Jenna had had to tell her to go easy.
His grin intensified as he thought of Nathan 3 weeks ago, begging Jade to let him have a ride in her wheelchair before lunch. Jade had agreed as long as he was closely supervised by one of the adults. "Come on then kiddo," Stuart had said, standing. Nathan had clapped his hands in delight.
Jade stepped to the door and watched as Nathan rode fast around the huge garden at almost the chair's full speed, beeping the horn. Stuart jogging beside him. She felt a lump in her throat when Michael silently joined her, his eyes on Nathan as he had the time of his life.
"Isn't he so cute and gorgeous," Jade looked at her husband, tears in her eyes. Gently, Michael had drawn her close and kissed her, and Craig who was also there was sure he nodded.
"That said so are you," Jade had said to the killer, and he'd kissed her again. Craig had pretended to vomit, which only made Jade laugh. That was his intent.
Jade was blinking back tears, which only fell harder when Nathan drove back to the door, looked up at her and said "I only wanted one go, because you don't need this anymore Auntie J, you're big and strong again."
Michael gently released the seat belt, and lifted Nathan up in his arms, so Jade could hug him tightly, then hug them both at the same time. Jenna grabbed her camera, and snapped the picture. Craig was seriously going to try and persuade her again to go in to photography. Her pictures were damn good enough for it. They agreed that when it was developed, Craig would buy a nice frame and give it to Jade and Michael.
The hospital was still keeping an eye on Jade and she was still going in for checks, but it looked as if apart from the scar and trauma, no small things themselves, physically at least, she was going to make a full recovery. Mentally? Perhaps not so much. Even now it made Craig's blood boil with anger, the memory of the torture Jade had suffered from a family of criminals, purely because she'd been in the wrong place at the wrong time. They'd deserved every damn thing Michael had inflicted on them, twice over.
He'd just turned in to the street before his. It was still dark, and deserted. He crossed a road and stepped on to the pavement, making to enter the street he lived on.
Which was when the cold hard metal pressed against the back of his neck.
Instantly, all Craig's senses went on to high alert. He knew he was in danger immediately, but not yet its extent. Very slowly, he turned, and felt his world stop on its axis. Standing in front of him, was Richard Taylor.
This man was one of the most feared criminals in the country, never mind county. He was in his 60's, and had made a life out of crime. He was ruthless, remorseless and knew it. He also didn't give a damn. Craig had had the unfortunate luck to encounter him back when he was dealing drugs. Taylor had been one of the people who'd decided Craig. He was turning his life around. No way was he wanting to be like him, or to ever meet him again. But now, here he was. The weapon at his neck was a machete.
Craig took a deep breath, automatically raising his hands. Why or why hadn't he asked Michael to borrow his mask for protection? But it'd never even crossed his mind Taylor would turn up here. He was one of the most wanted men, so to come here now took some serious nerve. Craig almost admired the man's resolve. Police looking for him everywhere, and here he was. Was he here to settle an old drugs debt? Craig had no doubt. Taylor never forgot, never forgave. You could get on his wrong side 50 years ago, and he'd still seek revenge on you. Craig wasn't scared of many people, but Taylor he was terrified of. But then a lot of people were.
"I don't have any money on me," Craig's voice shook. "You can check."
"Shut the fuck up," Taylor snarled at him. "I don't give a shit for your money Ellis. If you don't do exactly as I tell you, you will pay me with your life. Sad excuse for one that it is."
How the fuck did this happen? Craig found himself thinking, dazed. I just came out for milk…
"What do you want?"
Drop or put your phone away or your head will hit this cement, parted from your body." Craig did so instantly. That was not an idol threat. This guy made the Locks look kind. He was almost as ruthless as Myers.
"I believe you know of my son, Eric Taylor?"
Craig felt his heart turn to ice. He did know the name, but for the life of him he couldn't think why. "Also, his girlfriend," Taylor continued. "Julie Worthington?"
"No," Craig gasped in horror. Richard Taylor was the father of Jade's birth mother's boyfriend? What were the fucking odds? It felt like a bad dream. He had to warn Jade, as soon as he could. Even if it got him killed. He had to! But that also raised the terrifying question. How had Taylor known where Jade was? He must do, or he wouldn't have mentioned Jade's birth mother. Had someone betrayed them? For a horrible second, Craig considered it could have been one of the Lawsons, before shaking off that thought immediately. Not a chance. Tara had come to find Jade as soon as she could, been with her in hospital, and had been nothing but loving towards her sister. Stuart? Dom? Lance? He knew even thinking about this was a bad idea. For one it made him feel physically sick. Surely not. Would they?
But then Craig remembered who Jade's husband was. Yeah, he thought. Good luck trying to harm Jade if that's your intent. You don't stand a chance. By all means carry on if you have a death wish. Otherwise…
"Move," Taylor snarled at him, pressing the knife in to his neck. "We're taking a little walk to your house. There's someone who'd like to see her daughter."
So, he was right.
"Fuck no," Craig snarled. "She made her decision 20 years ago when she left Jade at 10! You think I'm just going to let her to her now? You've got another thing coming Taylor! I'll die first!"
"You will if you don't start walking," Taylor said, as Eric Taylor and Julie Worthington stepped up beside him. The only feeling which filled Craig at the sight of her was anger. This cruel, uncaring bitch thought she could just abandon Jade, then come back when she felt like it? When hell went cold! If she thought she was just going to stroll in at 2AM and say "hi Jade, mum's back" she had another thing coming. Craig would kill her before he let that happen. Or Jade's husband would.
During his life of crime, Craig had become very good at being discrete, unnoticed. Putting a hand in his pocket, he thumbed his phone, opening the screen. "Actually," Taylor smirked. "By all means tell Jade mum's back. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."
It took everything Craig had not to break the guy's nose right there and then. But his son was also a huge guy, and also had a machete in his hand. Julie on the other hand was a small woman, her eyes darting left to right. Normally Craig hated violence against women, but in this case if she wasn't very, very careful… Especially if she started with the "Eric made me leave her" bullshit, Craig might go against his principals. She'd had a choice, she'd made it, she'd written the letter after all, and yes, she could easily say Eric had forced her, but Craig didn't believe it. Not for a second. She had also dabbed in crime if what he'd read was true. He'd researched her, keeping it quiet from Jade. Nope, she'd done it on purpose. Then there was the whole forbidding Tara to have contact with Jade. What the fuck was that about if not cruelty?
Pulling out his phone, Craig typed as fast as he could, considering his hands were shaking, shielding the screen from them with his other arm.
Jen. If Jade ever needed Michael's protection it's now. Her birth mother has tracked her down with her boyfriend and his father. Long story. Please tell Michael IMMEDIATELY but try not to tell Jade yet. I'll do everything I can.
He'd put immediately in caps to underline the urgency of it, even though his wife was far from stupid. He hit send, then pocketed his phone. Taylor SR jabbed the machete in to his neck again, shoving him forward. He felt his phone buzz as they walked, and looked down.
On it.
Damn he loved Jenna Ellis. She hadn't gone to pieces, panicked, but was just doing what she had to. If she panicked later, he wouldn't blame her. Pride shot up in his heart. She was one strong woman.
"Let's go Ellis," Taylor jabbed the knife against his neck again, this time cutting the skin. Craig felt blood dribble on to his collar. "Keep moving!" Craig noticed that Eric had a firm grip on Julie's hand. It didn't look very romantic to him. Just for a second, Craig found himself wondering. Had he forced her after all? Was he wrong? Then he shook it off. No.
They reached the house, and Taylor ordered him to open the door slowly. Both Taylor's had their machetes on him. Craig pulled out his keys, briefly considering stabbing one of them in the eye. As if sensing his thoughts, both Taylor's stabbed him at the same time, causing 2 deep cuts to his neck along with the one he already had. "Don't even fucking think about it," Taylor SR snarled. "Just open the fucking door!" He had no choice. Slowly, he did so and felt an emotion he didn't think he'd ever feel at the sight he saw, which normally caused fear. Not this time.
Relief.
Michael was standing in the hallway blocking the stairs. He was masked, and the knife he held was just as lethal as the machetes. Still with his hands up, Craig stepped through the door, and couldn't help the look of absolute terror and pleading he gave the killer. He was sure Myers nodded to him, and was that reassurance in that brief look?
At the sight of Myers, Julie immediately tried to back out of the door. But she was stopped by her own boyfriend. Craig inwardly smirked. Bad move man. "That's Michael Myers," she almost screamed.
"Shut the fuck up woman," Eric shoved her through the door, father and son entering behind her. "No, it fucking isn't! It's one of his buddies trying to scare us! Don't be such a stupid bitch." Craig had no pride left, and was cowering against the wall. He saw in the hall mirror he was as white as chalk. Richard Taylor scared him. Big time.
"Michael," he breathed, noticing only then there were tears of fear on his cheeks. "This guy haunted my nightmares for 10 years!" Craig found himself stepping close to Michael, his arm touching the killers. He was shaking. Had he imagined it, or had Myers gently squeezed his arm? He realised with affection he hadn't as Myers's hand was still gently resting there. Craig found himself laying his own ice cold hand upon the killers, who gently took it, squeezing it.
"One wrong move Ellis," Richard snarled. "Your throat will be cut open just as I promised you."
"I'm telling you," Julie sounded as if she was pleading now. "That's Michael Myers!" She tried to get past the 2 Taylor men, but had no chance. Eric grabbed her again, slamming her in to a wall.
"You don't have to die," Craig told her, "if you get the fuck out of here, and now. You made your choice 20 years ago when you left Jade that letter and those fucking suitcases! She was 10 years old; you bitch! 10! How could you? If you think I or Michael here, yes, you're right it's Michael Myers, Jade's husband, are just going to let you talk to Jade as if nothing has happened, think again sweetheart!"
"You're not in charge here," Richard said softly, his knife entering Craig's already cut neck.
"You're right," Craig did everything he could not to wince and spoke through gritted teeth. It was agony. Michael gently tightened his grip, Craig was sure. Taylor smirked. "I'm not. Michael is. You want to discuss this with Michael Myers?" Taylor's smirk dropped. Just for a second, but Craig saw it.
To Craig's horror, Jade and Jenna appeared then at the top of the stairs. "Jade!" he yelled. "Get back! Please darling! Don't come down h…" He was stopped, as this time Richard did stab him further slashing open his neck. Myers caught him before he fell to the ground blood pouring from the wound and gently lifted him on to the sofa putting a pillow under his head. Next second, Myers had grabbed Richard Taylor by the throat, slashing open his shoulder with a single stab. Totally ignoring his warning, the girls ran down the stairs. Jenna screamed at the sight of her husband's neck, and Jade turned white both at Craig's wounds and as her eyes rested on the woman, she thought she'd never see again. Even in his pain, pride shot through Craig for a second time as Jade regained her composure and turned to face her birth mother.
"Julie," she said, her voice cold, emotionless.
"Don't you dare call me that," the woman snarled. "I am your mother!"
"I'm so, so sorry Jade," Craig was crying now, for one of the few times in his life. Jenna knelt by him, putting her arms around him and applying pressure to his neck. "I knew Richard here from my crime days. He must've tracked me down that way! But it was years ago, before I even knew you! I swear to God I had no idea who his son is! Please, please believe me! What are the fucking odds? I'm so, so sorry!"
"I do Craig," Jade looked straight at him. "I know you'd die before hurting me, as would I you. I love you with all my heart."
"Twice Jade! I'd fucking die twice for you!" Craig was crying harder at her words, and looking as if he'd rather be dead than have Jade in this situation.
"Shh," Jenna soothed. "Darling it's not your fault! Not at all! These evil bastards are the ones in the wrong, not you!" Jade ran in to the kitchen before any of the Taylor's could stop her and returned with towels. Jenna managed a weak smile at her sister, as she took them and began to tie them as tightly as she could around Craig's neck to stop the bleeding, but not restrict his breathing.
"Jade Myers?" Eric mocked, pulling off his jacket and tying it around his father's gushing shoulder. "That's a good one. Been thinking of that for years, have you? Trying to stop your mother coming back for what's hers? Lying? Saying you're married to a masked murderer?"
"What's hers?" She was afraid of Eric Craig knew that from what she'd told him over the years, but she wasn't showing it. For the third time pride shot through him. Jade was fiercely loyal if she loved you, but God help you if you were her enemy. She held up her left hand, showing her wedding ring. "What's hers?" She repeated, glaring at Eric. "Excuse me? You and her made my life a living hell the last 2 years! The day you left me turned out to be the best fucking day of my life!"
"You watch your mouth," he snarled.
"Why? You're not my dad thank God! Why the fuck should I do a damn thing you tell me? I'm an adult, you're just a controlling bully, a piece of shit!"
Craig didn't know if Eric had momentarily forgotten who was standing in front of him or if he thought he had a chance against Michael Myers. Because next second Eric signed his own death certificate. He stepped forward and slapped Jade across the face as hard as he could. Jade's head rocked back slamming against the wall. She staggered and fell to her knees.
"That," Jenna said very quietly, helping her sister to her feet. "Was a very, very big mistake and Will be the last thing you do in your life."
Myers grabbed Eric by the throat and slammed him against the wall, his knife at his neck. "Yeah?" Eric was trying to snarl, but Craig could see the fear in his eyes. Good!
"Die you fucking asshole," he snarled, grabbing the machete Eric had dropped when Myers grabbed him before his father could. He was trying to stand, but couldn't.
"Craig," Jenna pleaded. "Babe please don't try to stand!"
Craig could only stare in shock, as the last person he'd ever expected reached down and calmly took the lethal weapon from him as if it was a TV remote.
Jade.
"It isn't Michael Myers," Eric said as if trying to reassure his father and girlfriend or maybe even himself. "I bet it's just one of Craig's buddies trying to scare us to make us leave. I mean come on! He's locked up for fuck's sake! Think for a second! If it was really Michael Myers, I'd be dead now!"
"You soon fucking will be!" Craig just managed to say but his voice was quiet with pain. Jenna took over. "The only reason you're not yet is because we have questions for you. But I highly doubt you'll be leaving here alive, either of you Mr. Taylor. Not after what you just did to the wife of Michael Myers Eric and what you did to his brother in law Richard."
"It's my right," Eric said. "She does as I tell her."
"You fucker…" Craig began, trying again to stand. Jenna gently restrained him, murmuring, "shh."
"I'm not your daughter," Jade said very quietly. "I already have a father who's as loving as I could ever wish. You have no power over me Eric Taylor, no control, no command."
"You're only this cocky because this twat pretending to be Michael Myers is in front of you," Eric said. "If we were alone you wouldn't be."
"Oh yes I would," Jade said, her voice still very quiet. "Want to try me?"
"Jade!" But before Jenna could say anymore, Michael had pulled Jade gently to him with his free arm. Husband and wife looked at each other, and Jenna felt affection for Michael, as she understood what he was saying to his wife, all be it in silence.
Don't you dare even consider it! It's not happening, Jade.
Jade looked defiant for a second, then her eyes softened as she looked at him, and then nodded to the killer. The kiss he gave her then Jenna was sure said a million words.
"How the fuck did you find us?" Jenna demanded. Craig Jade saw with a stab of pain had slipped unconscious. Michael was still holding Eric to the wall by the throat. Richard made to aid him but Michael grabbed him, smashing his head against the wall once, twice. Dazed, Richard couldn't fight back fast enough.
"Nice one Michael! I promise you can do the honours! How did you find us?" Jenna repeated. "Answer me fucker!"
Richard blinked several times then spoke. His voice still contemptuous, but they could here he was groggy. "I knew your darling husband from years ago," Richard sneered. "He owes me, you see. Not just cash."
"Your sad son of a bitch," Jenna looked at him with a contemptuous glare. "That was nearly 20 years ago!"
"That makes no odds to me," Taylor said. "I get what I'm owed, however long it takes. You will show me some respect woman!"
Jade knelt beside Jenna and hugged her tightly. Despite what was happening to her husband, she was brave, defiant.
"Respect?" Jenna scoffed. "Dream on asshole!"
"You may not obey Eric," Julie said suddenly. "But Jade you'll obey me. I am your mother."
"Ha," Jade actually laughed. "My mother? Are you kidding? Obey you? You ended any chance of that happening when you abandoned me at 10! Die for all I care you said, remember?"
"Prove it," Julie snarled.
"Seriously?" Jade looked at her birth mother with open contempt. "Oh my God!" For the first time, she wished Michael hadn't destroyed her letter. Just then, Craig weakly spoke.
"Upstairs… My bag…"
Jade didn't question him further, simply ran upstairs and to her surprise, she found a copy of her mother's letter in Craig's rucksack beside their bed. How long had Craig had it, and why? But she knew they were questions for another day. Running downstairs, she showed it to all of them.
"Die for all I care," she read out loud. "I never wanted you. Don't bother contacting social services." Julie's face turned pale. It was her handwriting and this could be proven. Jade's heart broke as Craig lost consciousness for a second time. Thankfully, it looked as if Jenna had the bleeding under control but he needed medical help as soon as possible.
"He was trying to stop me coming down here," Jade broke down now. "I should have listened. If I h…"
"Jade!" Jenna pulled her in to a hug almost glaring at her sister. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this! None of this is your fault! Here me, Jade Myers?"
Jade had text their parents while in the kitchen grabbing the towels with one sentence. Craig's been stabbed by an ex criminal associate. Help. Alice made a frantic phone call as soon as they'd hit the road.
"We're on our way. Don't come personally, I know you're working tonight but it wouldn't be fair on you! Craig wouldn't want you to see this. It's bad! Can you get a paramedic to their house? Please? Fast?"
It felt to Jade as if the exchange took hours, but in reality, it could only have been about 5 minutes. There was the rattle of a key in the lock, and the door burst open. Despite Alice's words, it was Nick, an ambulance parked outside, 2 paramedics with him. Professionally and efficiently the medical team ran through the door and had Craig on a stretcher within 30 seconds.
Nick saw Julie and Taylor, and his eyes narrowed in to an expression of pure anger and hatred. "Sedation!" He barked at one of his colleagues. "Move!" Nick gently held his brother in law still, as his colleague injected the sedative. When Craig lost consciousness (medically induced this time,) the paramedics made to lift the stretcher. But before they could even touch it Myers eased past them, lifting it effortlessly. Nick remembered the time Myers had done this for him what seemed like a lifetime ago. But this time there was one difference. Myers was almost running for the ambulance doors.
The 2 paramedics ran to catch up with him then passed him, opening the doors as quickly as they could. Nick reached Michael as the killer carried the stretcher in. Nick was as white as marble. "Is… Is he…" Nick looked at the killer, feeling tears leave his eyes? "Michael is he…" Michael gently took Nick's arm restraining him, as his colleagues quickly and professionally did what Nick could not in his emotion filled state. Attached the drip, oxygen mask and heart monitor. Nick couldn't stop it when his head hit the killer's shoulder and he broke down.
"Nick," one of his colleagues murmured. "Stay here. We've got this." Nick opened his mouth, glaring at him until the other paramedic softly spoke. "Your family need you too. Please, we've got this. Leave it to us. It'll only upset you further to see it Nick. Step out of the vehicle." Before Nick could even answer, Myers had placed an arm around him and was gently but firmly leading him down the steps of the ambulance. Nick tried to struggle glaring at the killer, but he knew he didn't stand a chance. As soon as Nick was outside, the paramedic hit the button and the doors closed. Within 5 seconds they were gone, siren and lights penetrating the silence and darkness of the newly breaking morning.
Nick felt his legs give way and would've fallen to the ground had Myers not still been supporting him. "Why?" He shouted; he couldn't help it. "Jade, now Craig? Why the fuck is this happening? Why!" Myers gently supported him back towards the house and Nick would never know for certain his emotions were so messed up. His ears could very easily have been playing tricks on him, but he could've sworn he heard Myers soothe, "shh."
Just as the ambulance shot in to the night, Steve and Alice's car pulled up and they leapt out. They ran in to the house and the first person they saw was Julie. Both parents glared at her with open hostility.
"You're not my mother," Jade repeated and immediately ran to Alice, hugging her tightly, as her mother pulled her in to her arms.
"Get the fuck out of this house," Steve said quietly. "Or you won't leave it alive."
"Too late dad," Jenna said. "Eric's doomed already. Should've known better than to slap Jade Myers across the face in front of Michael! I Don't hold out much hope for his father either seeing as he was the one who stabbed Craig."
Steve's face reddened with anger and he stepped towards them. Jade's face was swollen, her nose heavily bandaged and her left eye was black.
"I'm going to fucking kill you both," he snarled. "God damn it I mean it this time! Hurt my son and daughter? You die! Simple as that!"
"I am your mother Jade," Julie snarled. "You do as I say!" Jade stepped against Alice, hugging her tightly, as if she hadn't heard Julie's words. Alice hugged her back and the look adoption mother and daughter shared said it all.
"You didn't speak did you mum?" Jade asked. Alice, tears in her eyes but looking just as angry shook her head. \ "I say again," Jenna said. "How did you find us?"
"Don't panic," Julie mocked. "It wasn't your precious sister who told us! I know she's in contact with you, I saw her message you on social media! You fell straight for its you idiot!" She looked at Jenna. "I asked if Jade was ok, you answered and I saw your location! We were helped of course by the fact Richard knows your husband from way back! Jade's account was inactive, but it still showed her location. You really should be more careful with security Jade."
"You cold bitch," Steve breathed. "You cold, cold bitch! She was in hospital following a violent assault, so much so it was on the news and you used that to your advantage? I almost don't believe anyone could be so fucking cold!"
"But before that we had eyes on you for months and decided to conduct a little burglary just to be sure we had the right house," Richard was still able to smirk through his pain. For the first time in her life, Jenna understood a desire to kill someone. Her eyes widened in horror remembering that Friday night months ago when it'd happened. So much had changed since then. Michael didn't even love Jade at that time. Jade had told her later that was the night Michael had first taken her to his bed. Taylor had smashed the window, entered this house. "We didn't steal much, just this." He held up an envelope address to Craig and Jenna Ellis. "That was all we needed. Tried to find some cash just in case, sadly, no joy."
"Damn I wish you'd found them when you checked the house Michael," Jenna said fervently, looking at the killer. "Damn I wish you had so, so bad!"
"If you're going to give me the "Eric forced me" bullshit," Jade said. "Save it Julie. I don't want to hear it. I don't believe it for a second and even if it is true, you should've been brave enough to leave him if Tara and I were your priority. This fucker raped Tara! Raped. You. Daughter! Do you here that? You still stayed with him! Tara told me she told you and begged you to help her by leaving him and to come back for me, but you did neither! What was its Julie? The I love him trick? Or the I don't believe you one? You may not have wanted me I've accepted that over the years, but I can't believe you didn't believe Tara and get her out of the abuse she was suffering by leaving this raping fucker! You make me sick woman! My mother? Ha! Don't make me laugh! I'll see you in hell!"
"Well said!" Steve snarled, hugging Jade tightly to him. "Don't you dare…" Richard began, but this time it was Steve to move forward and punch the other man as hard as he could, breaking his nose.
"Shut up," Steve's voice shook. "I'm fucking warning you! I'll kill you! God help me I'll kill you!"
Eric smirked at Myers. "Speaking of, they've been feeding us bullshit that this guy's the masked killer Michael Myers! Even Julie believes it! That Jade's married to him! I mean come on! Myers is in a nut house somewhere! Do you think we're stupid? It's just one of Craig's buddies in a Halloween mask trying to scare us!"
"Yeah?" Steve said softly. "I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you."
"Go on then," Eric smirked straight at the killer. "Prove it! If you really are Michael Myers, kill me! If you're not you won't have the guts! Nice try with the mask, knife and silence, how much was that costume? But you're not fooling me. Come on," Eric goaded the killer. "Do it! If you're really Michael Myers, kill me fucker!"
"Nice last words," Jade said with a contemptuous look at Eric. "Classy." She and Jenna turned away shielding their eyes and facing the wall. Steve pulled Alice close to him. But Eric only had a second to see the signs which told him he was wrong before Myers dragged him outside the front door and slit his throat then crushed his skull for good measure. His corpse hit the ground; blood gushing high in to the air. Steve hadn't been able to resist watching enjoying the jolt of pure satisfied hatred which rushed through him.
"Brilliant, Michael!" Steve met the killer's eyes through his mask as he re-entered. "Fucking brilliant! Best thing I've ever seen!"
Richard's face turned white. Jenna wished with all her heart Craig was here to see this. Her husband's years long tormentor finally terrified. She couldn't resist and snapped a picture of his terrified face. Craig deserved to see it with his own eyes.
"Now do you believe it?" Steve said softly. "You really should've taught your son to watch his mouth himself rather than to tell others to do so. As we just saw, goading Michael Myers equals death. Let alone hitting his wife. How are you going to play this one Taylor? Got your funeral arranged yet? I hope so."
Taylor looked at Myers with pure terror. Jenna glared at him. "I wish Craig was here to see this, you made his life hell you fucking son of a bitch!"
Without another word, Julie and Richard ran out of the house as fast as they could.
"You fucking cowards!" Steve yelled. "God damn you cowards!"
Before Steve even saw it the last person, he'd have believed would grabbed the machete from the table. "I'm not sure I want to watch this," he'd said when Michael killed the locks. "A paramedic in an ambulance not aiding? I can't." No sign of that this time. He looked murderous.
Alice opened her mouth. "Nick! Michael! Please!" She pleaded. "Another son hurt tonight would break my heart!" It was the first time she'd ever spoken to Michael this way. Steve caught the killer's eye. "Well said! She's right! Please boys… It would kill us to have you hurt too!"
"I'm going to call the police," Alice said. "Tell them Craig was stabbed by Eric, who was then killed by his own father. Richard's shoulder wound was Eric in self-defence. Eric's got the knife Taylor was holding in his hand it's got his father's DNA all over it! Stupid fucker dropped it when he ran and I saw you plant it on him Michael! Well done! He'll regret that when the murder of his son comes down on his head! I said his girlfriend was an accessory to it by stopping Eric's escape. Michael, take off your mask, wash those knives!"
"Well fucking played," Steve looked impressed. Even Nick nodded. Steve was sure Michael also did, as he entered the kitchen.
Within 10 minutes, the house was crawling with cops. Alice's story matched up with everything they saw, and as pure luck would have its Richard and Michael had been wearing the exact same shirt, so there were no clothing prints to give Michael away. The knives were all neatly back in their draw, Michael's shirt once again didn't have a trace of blood on it. Even Julie's DNA vouched for Alice's account as she'd been holding Eric's hand. Hell, he hadn't allowed her to leave his side so it was all over him.
Within the hour one cop was giving Jenna and Alice a blue light lifts to the hospital to Craig's bedside, and the other was taking their statements. Michael simply wrote on his pad that he'd been there purely comforting his wife in her distress at seeing her birth mother, and the others gave the same story. But of course, without his mask he wasn't recognised by the officers. Within 2 hours a county-wide man hunt was on for Richard Taylor and Julie Worthington. Taylor was on the most wanted list, and Julie was arrestable for accessory to murder. When the officers finally left, Jade almost ran to her husband, who gently took her in his arms. Her face was swollen with tears and deathly pale.
"I never thought she'd come back," Jade spoke in a dead voice. "Not after that letter. Why now, darling, Nick, dad? Why now? I also never thought Richard would catch up with Craig. Craig's told me a little about him over the years, but…" She let out a breath. "Shit. I hope he's…" She couldn't go on as tears threatened to overwhelm her again. Michael held her tightly, gently pushing her to the sofa and her head to his shoulder, before softly kissing her.
"He's in ICU now," Nick said from an armchair. He looked just as upset and pale. "He's described as stable but serious. They'll update us once he's had his scans."
Steve was looking out of the window but not seeing anything. He felt as in shock and upset as the others. Even if Taylor was arrested for the murder, he wouldn't live to tell about it. If Michael didn't kill Richard he would, not letting Myers protect him this time. Richard Taylor was literally a dead man walking.
