About an hour later Steve and Alice left heading for home, but only after they'd told Craig to phone them if he needed them at any time and threatening that if he didn't, Jade or Jenna would. Craig nodded, believing it too. He didn't know if he was relieved or terrified when Jenna and Jade left in Jade's car for a drink. This was it; he couldn't hide now even if he'd wanted to. Right now, he did. Would he still be alive when they returned? He turned heading towards their home office. Myers was already there. Craig entered and sat carefully in his leather office chair. Unable to leave it, he swallowed 2 painkillers. His neck's pain was building up again. He heard Myers securely shut the door and again without knowing it, echoed Steve's previous thoughts. If he got in to a fight with Myers, no one would hear him even if they were here to do so.

"What's up?" Craig's voice shook. Damn. Not a good start. "Did someone tell you that?"

Myers turned back to him; his eyes still cold. Colder than usual that was. He raised his notepad.

No. I saw the look on your face when you looked at me. I saw how everyone else looked away when I entered, even Jade. Let's hear it, Craig.

"Who says it's me who's wanting to talk to you?" Craig tried again.

The very fact you keep denying it.

Damn. Killer's were a lot more receptive than Craig had ever realised. Not that he'd studied them closely of course. Until recently at least. Craig took several deep breaths, then began to speak. Were these his last words?

"I actually, truthfully now wasn't sure if I was going to. Are you," he swallowed? This was it. There was no going back now. "Are you aware one of your kills has gone viral today? The world knows Michael."

I am aware of the meaning of viral thank you.

Craig shivered, hastily trying to backtrack. "My point is I saw it."

Yes, as unintelligent as you may think I am, I'd worked that much out for myself. Again, thank you for the unnecessary lesson.

Stupid thing to say, Craig cursed himself. Don't push him Ellis! For fuck's sake, think!

"Please," Craig almost pleaded now. "Just… Just humour me ok?"

Before he could lose his nerve, Craig flicked on the TV in the room, flicked to catchup and pressed play turning up the sound.

There they were. A devastated Mrs. Burgess talking about her son's future, hard work and love of life, his wedding in 6 months. Mr. Burgess's rant for revenge, then the Detective's words. "We believe it was the masked murderer Michael Myers. He is a high risk killer and very dangerous. If sighted, do not approach, run if necessary…"

Craig had lost count of the number of times he'd watched it today, but this time was different. Michael Myers was right in front of him. The £20000 reward for information, the laughing Daniel Burgess with his beautiful future wife on his arm.

Craig hit the off button on the remote and there was total silence. Not that he'd expected anything else. Seeing it again made him blink back tears. He couldn't help it. When he saw Michael's response, anger rows in him and he had to take a second to breathe.

Your point? You wanting to turn me in? Need money, do you?

No regret, remorse, nothing.

"What the fuck?" Craig stared at the killer, desperately trying to control his anger. If he didn't, he'd join Daniel Burgess. "I don't believe it!"

I ask again. Your point?

Craig leapt to his feet, knocking his chair over. This wasn't an easy job in itself. It was a heavy leather one. "Jesus Michael! Fucking hell! How the fuck can you see that and…" For a second Craig couldn't speak. "I know, you kill people. Got it! But that was his damn parents, Michael! Did you see their tears? The reward money? Open your fucking eyes man! I know you've agreed to speak to Dr Sartain, great! But you know something? Just as Jade said to me earlier. After this I'm losing hope! You know what Myers? So the fuck am I! Were you lying to Jade?" Craig desperately knew he had to stop, but he couldn't. It was pouring out now and it was too late. "Telling her you thought of the families since you fell in love with her? What a load of total and complete bullshit! If you did… Holy hell Michael I really don't know you at all! I thought I did. Ha, how wrong I was! Kill someone who deserves it. Fine, got that, no problem. But this, this?" Craig only then realised he was shaking.

"As for turning you in, don't be such a complete twat! If I was going to do that, I'd have done so hours ago! No, I don't need money thank you very much! Plus, why the hell would I do that after we worked so damn hard to free you for Jade? Give me a break! Also, I don't wish to die yet! I'm not stupid, I know that would be the end result! The whole family have seen that, Michael! Your, family! How the fuck can you ask me, "your point?" The girls have cried, Dad can't look you in the eye and yes before you say it, I know alright? I know what Steve went through at your hands! I asked him today and he confirmed it! Are you serious? You want to haunt one of your surviving victims? What the fuck is to say Steve wouldn't do it himself because of his own past with you? Only answer? Jade. As for her…" Again, Craig tried to stop himself. He had to. But he couldn't. "You were so damn cold when you saw her! "Colder than an ice cube!" Her words, not mine! Did you notice she was crying as she left you? That was because you hadn't even held her hand, never mind kissed her! Bloody hell Myers! I get it you're not communicative when you've just killed, but that was your wife god damn it! Your wife! She needed you! You didn't even care!"

Don't presume you can read my mind.

Craig almost laughed. "I don't fucking have to!" He was shouting now! "It's your actions we read! Maybe they're right. Maybe you should've stayed put. Criminally insane? Ha, Psychopath more like!"

Craig had told himself again and again not to push it, that he had to be very careful and of course just as he'd known it would, his anger had won. Now he only had a second to think this before he was slammed against the wall. Myers's right hand closing around his head but not yet squeezing… Could he keep it? Would he keep it? Craig's earlier thoughts swam around his mind. But even in his utter terror Craig didn't back down. No way would he just to save his own life. Jenna's face flashed through his mind then and he almost started crying. But he had to do this. He had to. He'd gone too far now, there was no going back.

"Can I get you ladies anymore drinks?"

Jenna and Jade had chosen one of their favourite pubs they'd gone too countless times. A short drive away from the house, but Jade had insisted she was ok and wanted to drive to go there. The walls were wood panelled and it was a secluded place. Not many people lived near Craig and Jenna's, so in the evening's it was nearly always quiet. During the day though people would come there from near and far. Its food was second to none.

"Another coke please?" Jenna asked the smiling waitress.

"Another tango for me please?" Jade asked.

"Certainly. Give me one moment."

"You ok?" Jenna asked when the waitress had left. They studiously hadn't yet talked about what'd happened, instead sticking to nicer subjects. Snooker, hairdressing, etc.

Jade nodded. "I'm feeling a lot calmer now thanks." She lowered her voice and leant towards Jenna. The sisters were sitting next to each other in a private booth. "I'm seriously glad I didn't make that call. Like it or not I adore him and I can't do it… He's worth way more than any money to me."

"Which I totally get," Jenna murmured. "I don't think any the worse of you for it."

"I hope Craig doesn't talk to Michael while we're not there," Jade said. "Damn he's protective and loves all of us including Michael, but that would be really damn stupid."

Jenna nodded. "He's one stubborn guy, that's for sure.

"Craig? Or Michael?" Jade asked. Jenna grinned. "True. Both."

"Now I look back on it," Jade said quietly. "I can't actually believe I even attempted to make the call. I love him. What was I doing?"

"You were being human," her sister said gently. "You'd just seen someone die and you wanted justice. Where's the shame in that?"

"I know, I get it, but he's my husband. I can't do that!"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but was part of it that it brought back memories of…" Jenna didn't need to continue. They both knew what she was talking about. Jenna was the only one who knew about this, not even their parents did. It was a secret between the sisters alone.

"Perhaps," Jade murmured. "Subconsciously maybe. Michael doesn't know about that, I haven't told him."

"Will you?" Jenna asked softly.

"Yes," Jade sighed. I think I'll have to. If I'm going to let him completely in to my heart as I want to, he needs to know everything."

Jenna nodded. "Fair play sis," she put an arm around Jade's shoulders and hugged her tightly to her. "You know I'll support you all the way."

"One tango?" Their waitress appeared beside their booth. "Also one coke?"

"Yeah?" Craig looked Myers straight in the eyes. "Now I'm not going to antagonise you like I was told Eric did. Because I know that's a fucking stupid thing to do. But maybe just for a second you actually should think of one family. Yours, mine. How would they feel if you kill me now by crushing my skull? We'd have another Daniel Burgess a lot closer to home and this time I think you would be turned in by one of your own. What's wrong Myers? Can't face the truth? Why not be a man about it? You do realise that none of us will be the ones to turn you in? Or at least you should. Jade would kill us before you even had the chance. My point is as you've kept asking, out there is a grieving family. They've lost their son. They'll never have another Christmas, birthday etc with him. You took him from them. All we're asking is you speak to Dr Sartain. That's it. At least try for us Michael. Jade loves you. Have you forgotten that? What? Do I face being the first to be killed by an unmasked Michael Myers? That kill going viral really upset all of us, shocked us. We don't know how it got there so fast, but it did and that's just the facts of it."

Craig knew this was it. If he told Myers there had been a witness and who it was… He could, but the consequences could be very, very bad. No. He told himself. I have to do it for Jade even if it kills me, which it very well might.

"Listen Michael," Craig lowered his voice and raised his hands. "This is my actual point. I know what this could cost me and my family, a lot more than £20000, that's for sure. Just please listen to me, wait until I've finished. Will you do that for me?"

The killer made no response, but neither did his hand tighten around Craig's skull. Craig took that as a yes.

"There was a witness," Craig said softly. "Someone saw you kill Burgess. They were right in front of you. They saw every little thing. But you know something? They won't turn you in, I can guarantee you that. I know that for an absolute certainty. No, it's not because they're already dead. I know they'd love £20000, but you're worth so much more than that to them. It's because they love you, Michael." There was total silence. Eventually, the killer raised his notepad, his other hand still on Craig's skull.

Who?

"Does that matter?" Craig kept his voice soft. "Point is they will not turn you in. But right now, they're understandably traumatised. Hell, Michael I would be if I'd seen you knife someone through the abdomen right in front of me."

I'm going to assume it was a member of our family.

"Yes."

You?

"No. It wasn't me. How could it have been? I was in hospital at the time."

Craig could almost see it when Michael twigged. Jade's distracted and upset manner, the way she hadn't been able to look at him…

"Yes," Craig said, but this time his voice was gentle. "She was in her car."

After a few seconds, Michael Finally released Craig's skull. Craig staggered grabbing the edge of the desk. He tried to slowly ease up his chair (Gooding would kill him for this) but it wouldn't move. It was too heavy. Normally he could do it no problem, but not right now. He knew why. He'd lost a lot of strength. Myers gently pushed him back and lifted it back upright. Craig slumped back in to it. Now he was feeling dizzy alright. But he was still alive.

Craig heard Michael softly sigh and then to his gratitude gently pushed a glass of ice water in to his hand from the cooler on the desk. Craig took a sip. "Thank you."

Craig. Are you alright?

Just came over a bit faint," Craig said quietly. "Fear and adrenaline. That's all. Thanks for lifting that chair up I couldn't do it. It wasn't her who told the media," Craig lowered his head. He was afraid he was about to faint. "She was the one who alerted us it was out there and that she had seen it. You heard the Detective Michael. "Anyone who has information to come forward?" Jade could have that £20000 in her account within the hour if she wanted to, or indeed would already. But that's what I'm telling you. She wouldn't. Not a chance. Hell if she needed to be close to you all the time because she was afraid you'd be captured again, do you seriously think she'd cause the very thing she fears to happen? She's just upset Michael. Shocked. But she still loves you, killer or not and" Craig looked Michael straight in the eyes once more. "So do we. Why do you think we've tried so hard? It was actually Dad's idea for you to speak to Dr Sartain you know. It's because we care about you Michael and are trying to help you. Please… Please at least consider it? You considered killing me just then, I know. But you didn't and you know what? That makes me love and respect you even more. I know I pushed you and I'm sorry, but I was angry. I can't…" Craig sighed. "I can't say I'll ever understand your mind and how you think, but I shouldn't have called you a Psychopath, even if that's how people would define you. I'm sorry Michael. That was cruel. Jade and Jenna went out for a drink because Jade had to take a step back from you. But she needs you Michael. I mean it. But seeing her husband kill someone then that very kill on the news didn't do much for her as I hope you can appreciate? If only a little? Only question I would ask and this stays here. I won't say a word, you have a promise from me on that. Were you lying to Jade When you told her you thought of the families since you fell in love with her? Was that a lie?"

No. It wasn't. But when I'm out for the kill I…

Craig stopped reading, stood up and hugged Michael and tightly. It was a genuine heart felt hug. Michael gently placed his arm around Craig's shoulders and eased him back in to his chair before kneeling in front of him and laying a hand on his shoulder.

"I meant that you know," Craig murmured. "You could've killed me just now and we both know it. But you didn't, didn't even try and you know what Michael? I love you even more for it. You could've let your killing crave take you. You didn't. I'm not being patronising here either. I'm very proud of and respect you a hell of a lot for it." Craig glanced back at the notepad.

I don't think at all.

"No," Craig said gently. "I don't suppose you do."

"But I can't tell you I'm really sorry and devastated for killing that man either. Because that would be a lie. I can't… Don't feel anything afterwards.

"But you love us, right?" Craig murmured. Michael nodded. "So why didn't you kill me tonight?"

For that very reason.

"Humour me Michael," Craig gave the killer a small smile. "Is it because you didn't know Burgess? But you love us, so doesn't it enter your mind when you're killing someone that you're taking someone's son, husband, father? What if someone had killed Jade? Wouldn't you be devastated? In fact, I know you were. Look at the Lock's."

Michael nodded.

"So, when you're killing, is it just… A blank? Don't you feel anything afterwards at all? I understand while in the act you wouldn't, but later?"

Craig. Now Michael gently squeezed his shoulder. I need you to believe me here. I totally understand what you're asking me, but the answer is no. I don't feel sympathy for the people I kill. I may think of their families a little, but only since I love Jade and not to the point where I'd be sad about it.

Craig nodded. "So, if you'd known Burgess and someone else killed him, you'd seek revenge?"

If I cared about him yes.

"If you didn't? He was just someone you knew?"

Michael shrugged. Craig nodded to him again.

But Craig. By speaking to Dr Sartain, what are you asking me to do? What are you hoping for? That he'll stop me killing? That I'll become one of the "good guys?"

Craig noticed the quotation marks around good guys and grinned. He couldn't help it. He was sure he saw Michael roll his eyes. "Yep, way overused expression I know, but wording aside possibly in time yes. We're not expecting miracles overnight. But I meant what I said. Jade could've been £20000 richer by now. But you're worth more than anything to her. She loves you Michael and wants to spend the rest of her life with you and not by visiting you in MSU."

Michael again softly sighed.

Ok.

"Ok what?" Craig kept his voice gentle.

I'll speak to him; I'll answer whatever he wants… I'll try.

"Then we can say no fairer than that," Craig grasped Michael's hand. "Thank you. But here and now, would you do me one small favour tonight?"

Michael simply looked at him.

"Comfort Jade?" Craig murmured. "Please? Make it clear that she's not in any danger just because she saw it? Show, tell her you love her?"

Craig saw the killer's eyes soften as he spoke and squeezed his hand tightly. He knew that was exactly what the killer was about to do.

"Good man. She loves you Michael," Craig murmured again as he stood up, Michael gently grasping his arm to support him from the room. Craig smiled at him. "And so do we."

Jade Henderson skipped through the College corridors, feeling like she was the luckiest woman alive! It'd happened! She could hardly believe it! After weeks of being in the long queue forming behind the College new boy Andrew Carson, he'd noticed her and asked her out on a date!

"Oh my God!" Her classmate in her English class Rachael had squealed when Jade had confided in her. "You're a lucky bitch!"

Andrew Carson with his London accent, grey eyes and dark hair, had immediately attracted the attention of most of the girls Jade's age when he'd arrived at their College. No one knew where he'd come from, he tended to be very evasive on that subject when asked. But Jade didn't care! He'd asked her out! That was all she cared about. The first date was paradise for Jade. Though she was only 16 and Andrew was 18, he treated her like a princess from date 1. He turned up at her house in his silver Mercedes and Jade saw the looks of disapproval Steve gave him, but she ignored them. She was happy and this man was why.

He took her out for dinner in a gorgeous pub and they chatted about anything and everything. Jade felt like they instantly clicked and when he kissed her on her doorstep, she was pretty sure she was half way towards being in love already.

Time passed and the dates grew more frequent and intense. Steve had pulled Jade aside after the second and given her a stern warning that Carson was trouble, that she should give him up and now. Jade of course being 16 and thinking she knew best, ignored her father's warnings. By date three, Carson was pushing her to start getting physical. Jade didn't feel ready for that yet, so kept refusing. Andrew had slowly become controlling. Jade hadn't even noticed it at first, little things like he'd ask her why she hadn't answered her phone to him straight away or replied to his text. Jade had had honest reasons for not doing so, but still he'd ask.

Three months after they had started dating, they'd gone to a night club for only the second time in Jade's life. It'd been loud, smoky and packed. Jade hadn't liked it much, that was until Andrew pressed close against her and she felt his erection against her leg. They'd danced close that night and kissed several times. In the car, Andrew had again tried to start touching her as he kissed her, but Jade had gently but firmly stopped his advances. Alice had put a sensible head on her shoulders and she wasn't ready to jump in to bed just like that. Had she known then what she'd learn years later, the warning signs would tell her she wasn't really in love with this man or she would've by now. But it was when he was taking her out for dinner at a posh restaurant Jade heard the first alarm bells.

"Jade, I don't want you wearing that. I don't want other men looking at you." Jade glanced up from the mirror, having just put on a dress she'd borrowed from Jenna. Her sister was the only one who knew the extent of hers and Andrew's relationship.

"What? Why not?" Jade looked again in the mirror. "Jenna leant it to me. I love it."

"Because it's too short," Andrew replied. "I don't want men looking at my girlfriend." Jade felt a lurch of… Something in her chest when he called her that and so changed out of it without any further question. But still that little voice had started up in her head. He's possessive.

That particular evening went by without any further problems. Andrew had kissed her when she'd changed in to a dress he liked and apologised, saying it was only because he loved her so much and didn't want other men's eyes on her. Jade had told him it was ok and the incident seemed to be forgotten.

The night it all started in earnest, Jenna had told Jade to hell with it and that she should wear the dress if she wanted to. Jade had told her sister what'd happened and Jenna had rolled her eyes. "Possessive bastard." But Jade still really wanted it to work, so she'd decided she'd try. Months had gone by and Jade was turning 17 soon. Steve had stopped with his "he's trouble" talk, but Jade still noticed the looks her father gave Andrew when he'd come to pick her up. Andrew was becoming increasingly controlling and possessive. He'd started to get angry when Jade didn't answer her phone or texts from him and ask her who she was with and what she was doing. By this point it'd started to annoy Jade a little, but not to the point where she said anything or told anyone.

They'd just had dinner and were once again sitting in Andrew's car. Without warning he started the engine and drove off. Jade tried to ask where they were going but he refused to answer. Eventually, they reached a hotel. Jade raised her eyebrows but again, Andrew said nothing. They entered the reception where it appeared Andrew had already booked a room. He took her hand, (tightly it didn't feel romantic at all) and led her to the lift. Once they were in the room, he turned to her and for the first time, Jade felt a twinge of… What? Fear? Unease? The look on his face was pure anger.

"I told you not to wear that fucking dress," he snarled and before Jade could do or say anything, he'd grabbed her, pulling her tightly against him. Once again, she felt his erection hit her. "No other man will look at you. You're mine!" Andrew snarled as he kissed her passionately. "You won't be wearing this again," he'd said then and yanked the dress from her body, causing it to rip. Jade had shouted out in protest. That wasn't her dress, it was Jenna's. But Andrew had point blank ignored her. That was the first time the alarm bells really began to increase in volume. The first time she really heard them. Jenna was right. This man was a possessive controlling bastard.

But she loved him. Didn't she? Andrew continued to kiss her, shoving his tongue in to her mouth before throwing her on to the bed. Jade tried to get up but Andrew was too quick for her. He lay down next to her and yanked her back to him.

"I've asked you again and again for sex," he said, his breath hot against her ear. "You've kept refusing. Cock teaser, that's you Jade! Well not anymore! I've been patient, I've waited, but you kept refusing and I'm not going to wait anymore!"

Jade had tried to point out that it was both their decisions and she still didn't feel ready for it. But Andrew appeared deaf to anything she had to say. He'd already unzipped his trousers and now lay down on top of her, continuing to kiss her as his hands viciously groped her breasts. There was no tenderness in his touches at all. Jade knew she was in trouble. This guy was about to rape her. She tried to look around surreptitiously for anything she could use as a weapon to stop him. Damn she hated men who thought that just because they were the ones with the penis, they decided when they'd use it with a woman. Not with Jade Henderson he wouldn't. Ever since her mother had left her at 10, Jade had grown up under the influence of the Henderson's. Determined, strong and independent. No way was she going to let this asshole think he could just rape her! The problem she had was she couldn't reach any of the bottles in the bathroom of course or anything across from the bed. It was a double and Andrew had thrown her down in the middle of it and was now holding her tightly. She tried to push him off, but he was too strong. He grabbed her hands then and held them above her head. That was when she really started to panic.

Her father had been right. This man was trouble and she'd ignored him, rolling her eyes every time he'd tried to tell her that. Well she'd pay for that now… A few seconds later, she felt Andrew push in to her. Agony shot through her. She wasn't physically or mentally prepared for it and the pain was unbelievable. "That's a good girl," he panted as he started to thrust inside her. Jade desperately tried to think. Could she do anything to stop him? She couldn't reach him where it hurts because he was already inside her. So how? Andrew continued kissing her as he raped her and she finally came to realise there was nothing she could do. But this would be the last time she would ever see Andrew Carson.

Finally, he was done and rolled off her, pulling her against him again, kissing her passionately. "You enjoyed that really, didn't you?" He said, his voice soft. "You must've wanted it or you wouldn't have worn that dress again despite me asking you not to. You were dressed like a slag. What message is that supposed to give me? Especially when you've kept refusing?" Jade didn't answer him. He was a pig. No too ways about it. She'd worn it because she liked it, not to get some asshole turned on. What the hell was Jenna going to say? That'd been one of her favourite dresses? Jade would repay her for it, but still… It'd been a needless, cruel action from a man who just wanted to get his penis wet.

Jade remained still and silent and finally, Carson was asleep. Ever so quietly she pulled on her sister's ripped dress and headed out of the room and then down to reception. That was when it finally happened. She broke down and told the receptionist what'd happened. She hadn't meant to, but it had just had to come out. The receptionist was a true angel. Giving her a hug then a hot cup of tea, while she called the police and then Steve and Alice. Jade had expected to get the "I told you so" from her father when they arrived, but nothing of the sort happened. On the contrary, they'd both hugged her tightly to them, Alice in tears just as Jade was. The police arrived and Carson was dragged down (still with his trousers unzipped) and in handcuffs. Steve had given him a look of murder as he was dragged past them.

"I'm so sorry," Jade sobbed to Jenna later that night. "About your dress!"

"It's your fault how?" Jenna had hugged her, almost glaring at her. "You didn't rip it off did you just because you wanted a fuck? Just because you thought it was too short? Just because you were a possessive and now raping asshole? Don't worry at all sis! It's fine! I don't give a fuck about the dress; all I care about is you! Don't be ridiculous! A dress can be replaced. You can't."

Jenna hugged her tightly and Alice brought in her favourite hot chocolate. Jenna slept on the end of Jade's bed.

Andrew had been charged with rape and was awaiting trial. Unfortunately, he'd been put on bail while this happened. That was their mistake. Jade went out one night with several of her classmates. They'd gone out for a pizza to hang out and celebrate having the pressure off for a while. One of Jade's best friends a man named Richard, had stuck close to her. Jade had smiled gratefully at him. He was protecting her, no two ways about it. Everything was fine. They had a great evening. But when Jade finally got in to bed back home and saw her phone, her heart turned to ice.

I saw you with that bloke. Don't think I didn't. I told you, you're mine. It appears I need to make you remember this.

Jade reported it to the police but for some unknown reason, Carson hadn't been brought in. Or if he had they'd interviewed then released him again on bail. Jade showed Jenna the text and cried. Jenna slept on her bed yet again. Jade tried to start rebuilding her life and putting the rape behind her. But it was a struggle. She asked for and was assigned a counsellor. She didn't realise talking about it all would be such a relief until she actually did. But with regards to her family, only Jenna knew everything. Jade hadn't told them of Andrew's controlling behaviour leading up to the rape.

A month later, Jade was walking home from College late one night. She'd just finished one of her exams and she was exhausted. It was 8PM. She headed down the dark streets towards her house, shivering. Though it was June, the weather was unnaturally cold. She zipped up her thick jacket as she walked.

It was as she was passing through an alley that she was grabbed from behind. She turned and her heart seemed to stop. It was Carson. "What kind of a hello is that towards your boyfriend?" He said, pulling her against him and kissing her hard. Jade tried to struggle but as she'd already learnt once, it was useless. "All be it the boyfriend you cheated on," Carson continued. "I saw you with that bloke and as I told you, I think I need to remind you who you belong to. No short dress tonight I see? Dumped you after a shag did he?"

Jade resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She had long ago realised a man could stand next to her in a supermarket queue and Carson would still ask who he was to her. She suddenly realised he was slurring. He was drunk. That might give her the advantage. Andrew continued to kiss her, then shoved her against the wall. There was a terrifying second for Jade when she was sure he was going to rape her again. Here? Now? When anyone could walk past? She was almost hoping someone did. Instead, Andrew raised his fist and struck her to the face once, twice, three times. Jade staggered, blood pouring from her surely broken nose. Both her eyes were black. She tried to fight back in self defence but she knew she had no chance. Now she truly regretted not having taken the self defence lessons Steve had offered to pay for. She'd rectify that. Andrew continued to hit her all over, causing bruises and a lot of pain. He'd just grabbed her, pulled her back to him and unzipped his trousers (so she'd been right he was going to rape her again) when both of them heard the calm, measured breathing behind them. Andrew glanced over his shoulder as Jade desperately tried to stand. She was shaking and her face and body were agony.

"What the fuck?" She heard Andrew say, before she heard a strangled gargling sound.

Looking up, she saw the man behind them in the blank, pale mask. He had to be 7 foot at least. She also saw the huge carving knife he was holding, which he'd just used to slit Andrew's throat, then knife him straight through the stomach. Jade knew his name instantly. She was sure nearly everyone did. The name which brought instant fear to the lips of anyone speaking it and the ears of those around them. She knew exactly who was standing in front of her alright. The masked mass murderer Michael Myers.

Jade looked up at Myers through her bleeding nose and rapidly swelling eyes. She was sure she was next. Andrew's blood covered the ground and the wall. Myers to her shock hadn't moved to attack her as yet. But she was sure that moment was only seconds away. She found herself raising her hand to the masked killer as she turned and ran. In what, she didn't know. Acknowledgement? Thanks? Respect? Speaking softly but clearly back over her shoulder as she did so. "Thank you Mr. Myers. You quite probably just saved my life."