Lance stood in the back garden, looking up at the dark grey sky. It was going to pour down soon, but he needed the fresh air. He was exhausted. It was now midday and even when Alice had pretty much ordered him off to bed, he'd just lane there trying to sleep, but he didn't stand a chance. Those images,, deaths… The blood, violence, yeah, he could sleep alright. So when he heard the doorbell faintly ring half an hour later, he didn't think anything of it. Probably Dr Sartain as he'd said he'd be back. That was until the gentle arm closed around his shoulders and he looked up to see Dom standing beside him.
"Hey," Lance tried to smile at his brother, but it wasn't very convincing. "How are you? Thanks for coming over."
"Never mind me bro," Dom pulled him in to a hug. "Sorry but I'm just going to say it straight. You look like shit."
"Well thanks," Lance managed a small grin. "I love you too."
Dom smirked. "I came here with Dr Sartain. He very kindly rang me asking if I wanted a lift. I tried to protest saying I lived too far out of his way, but he wouldn't hear it. He's a good man."
"Indeed he is," Lance agreed.
"I spoke to him about a study I did on Michael," Dom continued. "I was wondering whether Michael feels the emotions he speaks of. Or at least understands them. Study says people with ASPD, Anti-Social Personality Disorder don't always understand or feel deep emotions. As much as it pains me to say it, Michael's diagnoses is a Psychopath." Lance winced. No wonder Michael had asked if he was building towards calling him one. Poor bloke.
"I asked Sartain if I was correct and although he was too professional and unable to confirm it, he did say that was how Psychopaths act. I can read between the lines. He doesn't feel remorse towards those he kills, he doesn't care about his violent actions. Ok he doesn't speak, so we can rule out him being charismatic, charming, or a liar, as most Psychopaths are. They don't care about other people and will use mind games to manipulate and control them. No empathy, no thought for the consequences, no care for how they may hurt others with their actions."
"What are you getting at?" Lance asked, even though he was pretty sure he knew.
"I'm wondering whether Michael really does love Jade. Or at least understand what he's feeling. I feel sorry for him in a way. If he does, he's feeling things he's never felt before. No wonder the poor guy's killing so much at the moment. He doesn't understand what his heart is telling him. It's not like he'll have felt this before, is it?"
"I told you that you should've been a Psychologist," Lance gave his brother a faint smile, even though everything he was saying made sense. Was he right?" "He's very quick to say "sorry" when we see him kill," Lance said softly eventually. "But is it just a word to him?"
"That's exactly my point," Dom nodded. "Because if it isn't, he's going through a huge emotional rollercoaster and doesn't know what it means."
"Is Dr Sartain going to speak to him about it?"
"I assume so if Michael lets him, I didn't ask. Thought that was pushing boundaries Sartain wouldn't be willing to cross. He's very professional and I respect him a lot for it."
Lance whistled, privately thinking it was no wonder the Psychiatrist had asked Michael if his life would be in danger. This conversation would not be an easy one. He hadn't told Sartain yet, but he was only too willing to be there for Michael during these sessions if Jade could not and he began to feel the crave to kill. He felt it was the least he could do.
…
It was 1PM when Jade finally woke up, though admittedly she didn't feel much better for the little sleep she'd got. It wasn't just the pain in her neck either. It was the visions of everything she and Lance had seen earlier that morning. Two of her painkillers and a glass of water were on her bedside table, but there was no sign of the rest of the tablets. Michael's doing, she was sure of it. Michael himself was not by her side. She wished she could say that didn't hurt a little, but it did. Where was he? Was he still angry with her deep down? Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. It opened quietly and Jenna popped her head in.
"Hey," Jade gave her sister a weak smile. "How are you feeling?" It made Jade feel even worse. Here she was worrying about herself and her situation, when Jenna had gone through God knew what problems with that drug Taylor had heartlessly injected in to her.
"Tired, but fine," Jenna pulled her in to a hug. "A nurse came over with Dr Sartain to check on me. She thinks the tiredness is natural now though, not drug related."
"I'm really glad to hear it," Jade said fervently. "Jen, I'm so sorry for…"
"Now don't start," Jenna said sternly. "You didn't ask them to drug or kidnap me, did you?"
"No, but…"
"But nothing. It wasn't your fault, whatever you think to the contrary. Got it?"
Jade opened her mouth again but was stopped by her sister's glare. That was certainly one thing she'd inherited from Alice. She wasn't one to argue with when she laid down the law. "I'll come down with you," she said finally, standing up and removing her pyjamas, before pulling on a casual tracksuit. She had never been more thankful she didn't have work today. After the big wedding event, she'd been given 3 days off. She needed them.
"How's your neck?" Jenna asked, gently helping her take off her pyjama top and put on the tracksuit one. Jade smiled gratefully at her. "You really should watch out for sharp stones, eh?"
Jade stared at her. "How do you…"
"Oh come on!" Jenna looked at her as if she was stupid. "Jogging? Stones? Seriously? I'm the jogger in this family J and we all know it! When was the last time you went out for a run?"
"Hey!" Jade protested. "I last went out with you um, what… Three months ago?"
"I rest my case," Jenna said, grinning. Jade knew she had her there.
"How did you find out?"
Mum told me. Don't worry, only Lance, Mum and I know that little lie. I didn't tell it to Craig, didn't have to. He'd already worked it out. Although to be honest, all of us had."
Jade sighed. "It was my fault; I shouldn't have gone after him when he was craving the kill. It wasn't as if he hadn't even warned me to stay out of his way, because he had. I just… I don't know Jen. After what Dad said, then what I said to Michael, I…"
Jenna hugged her tighter. "Dad was a fucking dick! I hope he apologises to you on his damn knees today! What did you say to Michael?"
Jade reflected with another stab of guilt that Jenna had been unconscious when this had all happened. Another stab of hatred for Taylor hit her. Thank fuck he was dead, or she might well have killed him herself.
"Long story," she said to her sister. "But basically, Michael took Lance and I with him on a killing spree this morning and it was all too much. I basically told Michael I'd have to leave him if the kills didn't stop. He… Well didn't take it well."
"I remember you telling me he'd taken you with him," Jenna nodded, now kissing Jade's cheek. "I don't blame you for what you said. It must have been horrific."
"That's one word for it," Jade nodded. "We have talked since then and I've said I didn't mean it, but that I can't witness him kill up close. He agreed that was a fair compromise."
"Compromise? As people die?" Jenna looked sickened for a moment.. "That's…"
"I know," Jade nodded a little, causing a stab of pain to shoot through her neck. She winced. "I still can't get used to it. Never will either."
"You ok?"
"Yeah, just shouldn't nod too much right now. Shit it's painful. I didn't actually see the cut, but given how much time Dr Twinkle took in the hospital cleaning it out, I'd imagine it's deep. I didn't ask, because quite frankly I didn't want to know."
"Wait," Jenna giggled. "Doctor who?"
"No it wasn't him," Jade started to laugh herself now. God it felt good. Jenna raised her eyebrows for a second clearly not noticing her unintentional joke, then groaned. "Bloody hell that was bad. Sorry! So what was her name did you say?"
"Her name was Dr Twinkle."
"Twinkle?" Jenna was laughing in earnest now. "Get out!"
"I'm serious," Jade giggled, the two sisters now holding on to each other in mirth. "I was close to laughing myself."
"What the hell is her first name? Stars?" Jenna had tears in her eyes now. It warmed Jade's heart. "I'm sure she's heard them all before," Jade said through laughter.
Eventually they headed downstairs, where Alice gave them both tea and a full English breakfast. How long had it taken her? Both girls didn't realise how hungry they were.
"Thanks so much Mum," Jade said, Jenna nodding in agreement. "We really appreciate this."
"Then shut up, sit down and eat it," Alice commanded before closing the door and leaving them to it.
"Michael's in the office right now," Jenna said as she sliced one of her sausages. "With Dr Sartain."
Jade felt a thrill of something shoot through her, but wasn't sure what it was. Hope? Fear?
"He'll be alright," Jenna said as if reading her sister's mind. "Sartain knows what he's doing and how to protect himself."
Jade remembered Sartain asking Michael if they needed security glass. She shivered a little. She had already told the doctor she was willing to be there if needed.
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door and it opened to reveal the nurse. Jade glanced at her, then her name badge. A. Sullivan.
"Sorry to interrupt, Sullivan said gently. "I just need to check your wound, Jade and your temperature etc one more time Jenna." Both girls nodded.
"I'll be in the living room," Sullivan smiled at them. "Come and find me after you've finished that delicious looking and smelling breakfast."
"You should've had some," Jenna said, pretending to sound stern. "Mum's breakfasts are the best."
"I don't doubt it," Sullivan grinned. "But I'd unfortunately made the foolish mistake of breakfast before I started work."
She made as if to leave, but Jade called out. "Excuse me?"
Sullivan turned. Jade gestured and Sullivan understood, closing the door. "I hope you don't mind me asking," Jade lowered her voice even behind the closed door. "But you look familiar. Anastacia, isn't it?"
The older woman nodded. "Smith's Grove," she said simply. Jenna gave a soft, ah, of understanding.
"That would explain why…" Jade's eyes widened.
"I'm being very careful to steer clear of Mr. Myers," Anastacia nodded. She opened the door a second later and left.
"Bloody hell," Jade breathed. "She's brave Anastacia."
"How do you mean?" Jenna got up and reclosed the door. Jade nodded in thanks.
"Michael killed her son."
"Jesus! No!"
"Yep. Broke his neck. Anastacia met him at Smith's Grove and had to do her duties, but it was really difficult. Damn she's a good professional, I don't know if I could do that. She's only come because no other nurses could and she also insisted to Dr Sartain that she wanted to do it. Said she couldn't hide in fear forever."
Jenna whistled. "Bloody hell. I all of a sudden don't have much of an appetite."
…
Lance and Dom sat in the living room, drinking strong coffee. Lance had finally told his brother everything that'd happened that morning. Lance felt no embarrassment when he finally broke down and cried. Dom put an arm around his brother's shoulders and held him close. Anastacia who Lance had met just minutes before came to his other side and also put an arm around him.
"I'm sorry," Lance sobbed, trying to get himself back under control. "I'm sorry, it's just…"
"For fuck sake bro," Dom squeezed him. "You just saw God knows how many people die and for no reason other than they were in Michael Myers's way! I think I'd cry too!"
"I agree," Anastacia murmured, handing Lance a fresh coffee and box of tissues. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for."
"This woman talks sense," Dom smiled at Anastacia. "So listen to her."
"I didn't sleep a wink last night," Lance finally spoke, his voice haunted. "Not one. It's all so clear, So sharp, So…"
"Dr Sartain can proscribe you sleeping pills if you need them," Anastacia said softly.
"I think I might," Lance's voice shook.
Dom noticed that although Anastacia looked young, mid 30's he guessed, she had the look of someone who'd seen too much, been through too much. He wanted to ask, but knew that would be rude. Right then, the office door opened and Sartain and Michael stepped out. Dom saw Anastacia tense and make as if to stand up.
"You ok?" He asked her.
It was as if his words stiffened her resolve, because she nodded and relaxed in her seat, as Michael and Sartain entered the room. Lance tried to hide his anguish before the killer noticed. But he wasn't fast enough, because Dr Sartain already had.
"Are you ok, Lance?"
Lance could see from the gentle look Sartain was giving him that the Psychiatrist knew exactly what'd happened that morning. Lance tried to smile, but it didn't work.
"Can you proscribe me some sleeping pills, please?" He asked without preamble. There was no point in prolonging it. Dr Sartain nodded, handing him a slip of paper and Lance realised he already had.
…
A few minutes later, Jade and Jenna came out of the kitchen and entered the living room. Jenna still looked pale.
"Hi," Jenna said quietly. Dom jumped up and hugged her tightly, as did Lance.
"How are you girl?" Dom squeezed her tightly.
"A lot better now thanks," Jenna smiled at him.
"Where are Mum and Craig?" Jade asked.
"Talking to Dad," Dom said simply and no more.
"Uh oh," Jenna winced.
"Where is Dad?"
"They went out for a walk before you woke up," Lance said. Mum has only just gone after them."
Jade couldn't resist glancing briefly at Dr Sartain before approaching Michael. The doctor gave her a gentle nod.
"Hi love," Jade walked to her husband's side. He made no move to embrace or kiss her, so Jade knew better than to push him. "You ok?"
Nothing. Michael didn't even withdraw his notepad. Jade felt a flutter of sadness. Except he's a masked killer, she thought before she could stop herself. She stepped back and approached Anastacia, who efficiently and professionally began to check her neck wound. Jade noticed Lance couldn't even meet the killer's eyes.
After Anastacia was done putting on a fresh dressing, she approached Jenna and began checking her temperature, blood pressure and pulse.
"Do you need another urine or blood sample?" Jenna asked. Anastacia shook her head. "It looks as if you're all clear," she smiled. "The last ones were fine. Because you insisted you want to know, Taylor injected you with chloroform."
"Son of a bitch," Lance breathed. Dom glared at the wall.
"Don't start," Jenna glared at Jade. "Leave it! Don't apologise! You didn't do it did you?" She turned her attention to Michael then and spoke apprehensively but clearly. "Michael, I just want to thank you for carrying me out of there. I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I didn't get the chance to say this before."
The killer moved his head ever so slightly in a nod. Jenna knew she'd been lucky to get that much right then.
"Michael," Sartain murmured. Everyone looked up and Lance felt his body turn to ice. They could tell Michael was craving a kill. Everything Sartain and he had discussed had indeed affected him. Dom slowly stood up and approached the killer, who grabbed his collar. Dom didn't so much as flinch.
"I think…" Lance began but he didn't have to say another word. Jenna had gently taken his hand, pulled him to his feet and out of the room. This was perhaps lucky because a second later, Michael had slammed Dom against the wall. Sartain took a step towards them, as did Anastacia. Jade felt respect rush through her. Damn she was brave. She'd encountered Michael's killing once before and it was clear she wasn't going to let Dom follow her son.
"Michael," Sartain's voice was firm. "Remember my warning. One wrong move and we're back in MSU. That includes against your family. Keep a hold on it. You love these people, remember. You've felt some degree of love for all of them now, you want to break that by killing Dom here?"
Myers looked up and in to his doctor's eyes. Anastacia had already opened her bag. Jade stared at her. Did she think sedative would stop Michael Myers?
"Don't make us do this Michael," Sartain spoke gently now. "Think of Jade." At Sartain's nod, Jade stepped in to Michael's view. "Your wife. She loves you; you know."
"As do I," Dom murmured. Jade again felt that rush of respect. Dom could easily be killed and he was telling Michael he loved him. But it worked as a second later, Michael released Dom from against the wall. Dom gasped for air. Even though Michael hadn't cut off his breathing, shock had him. He would've fallen to his knees had Anastacia not grabbed him and pulled him in to a hug. Dom looked over her shoulder in time to see Michael grab Jade and pull her almost violently in to his arms. Jade didn't try to resist or even flinch. Michael's grip was too tight anyway, Dom could see that from where he stood. Jade simply rested her head against Michael's chest, him being too tall for her to reach his shoulder. Dom could read the signs. She was trying to tell him it was ok; she was here for, loved and trusted him.
"Michael," Dr Sartain said eventually. "I need to talk to Jade for a moment. "Are you willing to allow me to do so?"
Michael didn't release her. Jade glanced at Sartain. If truth be told, she was desperate to talk to him herself, but couldn't see how she could right now. Michael was still craving a kill and was using her to calm it. If she stepped away now… She shuddered. It was too horrible to think about. Jade could hardly believe what happened then.
"I'll do it," said a soft voice. Anastacia.
Before Jade could even speak, Michael had violently shoved her back and grabbed Anastacia, pulling her against him in exactly the same way. Jade couldn't help noticing as if for the first time then how pretty Anastacia was. Her long blonde hair, green eyes and… Holy shit was she jealous? It wasn't as if Michael was going to touch her in that way. She was calming his killing crave. Nothing more and Michael had killed her son! Get a fucking grip! She thought. Don't be so God damn immature!
