Lance stood outside the front of Craig and Jenna's property, taking in the fresh night air. It was 2 days after Jenna's close escape and she, Jade and Tara had gone to Alice's and Steve's for some girl time. He smiled fondly at the thought. As a result, Craig had insisted he, Dom and Stuart come and stay with him and Michael. Lance got the impression Steve would do absolutely anything to fix what he'd said to Jade, or at least make it up to her. He doubted anything that harsh could ever be completely forgotten, but maybe he was wrong. As for him, he'd meant to go to a pharmacy and get his sleeping tablets, but as yet hadn't. By the time he'd got around to it, all chemists he knew of were closed. He'd have to wait until tomorrow. That would mean another sleepless night. He was starting to think that not going to bed at all might be his safest option. Every time he closed his eyes, they were there all over again. Their screams, blood… Nope. Sleep was out for him tonight. Maybe he'd go and find Craig and the other guys, see if anyone wanted to kick a football about or play snooker on Craig's table. The Ellis's weren't poor, that was for sure. He was just about to head inside, when he felt the gentle hand fall on his shoulder. He turned. It was Michael.

"Hey man," Lance tried to smile at the killer, but again all he could see was all the death at this man's hands. "You ok?"

Myers made no response, just gently pushed a paper bag in to Lance's hand. He glanced at it. It had his name on and contained his sleeping pills.

"Thanks," Lance looked back at Myers. "But how? I thought all the chemists were shut by this point." Myers simply shook his head.

"Did you pick them up?" Myers nodded.

"I," this time Lance made a conscious effort to keep eye contact. "Thanks man. That means a lot to me."

Myers gently took Lance's coffee cup from his hand, containing his now stone cold coffee. He must've had 6 cups today at least, trying to fight off sleep, but to no avail. Silently, Dom and Stuart appeared beside them. Lance saw his brothers looking with concern at his pale, tired face.

"Come on bro," Dom took his left arm, while Stuart took his right. "You need to sleep. Don't argue."

Despite being the oldest, Lance grinned, with no intention of stopping his younger brothers from caring. Michael followed behind them, checking the front and all other doors were locked.

"Do I owe you anything for these?" Lance asked Michael. Finally, the killer withdrew his notepad.

Just let them do their work.

"Thanks man," this time Lance's smile was genuine in spite of everything. "I really appreciate that."

Lance, I once again apologise for what you saw. You should not have been there. I should have told you and Jade to leave.

Lance couldn't hold back a shiver. Stuart and Dom put their arms around him. "Don't sweat it Michael," Lance again smiled. Small, but it was there. "I just…" He took a breath. "Please don't let me see it again."

Nor will you.

Lance couldn't have said why, but he believed him.

"Thanks Dad," Jade smiled at Steve, as Alice bought in the last bag. Steve had hugged her tightly for at least 5 minutes, not wanting to let go as he said over and over again, "I'm so sorry baby girl! I never meant it! Never! I'll do anything to make it up to you, if you'll just let me?"

Jade had shyly made her one small request and Steve had jumped on it immediately. Jade had phoned Tara begging her to come and her sister had agreed instantly. With a few phone calls, the men were headed for Craig and Jenna's. Alice drove to pick Tara up, while Steve drove Jade and Jenna to his and Alice's house. On the way he stopped, picking up what Jade had asked him for. Lots of snacks and drinks. Jade's request had been simple. Time with Jenna and Tara at his, food, talk and films. Her work had given her compassionate leave, as had Jenna's and Tara was still on annual leave. Alice had smiled when she and Tara had arrived and they saw the huge amount of food. "No cooking for me then," she'd said.

Now she, Tara and Jenna were seated in the lounge. Jenna's phone was hooked up to the TV, allowing her to stream any film at all they wanted to watch. Two huge coolers loaded with food and drink were next to the coffee table between the 3 of them and comfortable sleeping bags on the floor. They were doing this thing in style. All night girl time was just what Jade needed. Steve had also said they weren't to get more themselves, just shout and he'd refill the coolers. Jade had tried to protest, but Steve wouldn't hear it.

"Thanks for coming," Jade said to Tara. "I really appreciate it. I just wanted to be here with you two."

"Like we'd say no?" Tara hugged her close. "Wouldn't miss this for the world!"

Jenna nodded. "How's your neck J?"

Just the day before, most of the bandages had come off, leaving just the thin layer covering the slowly dissolving stitches.

"Getting better thanks," Jade said. "Still painful to the touch, but not as bad as it was. Bled a little yesterday, but I just put tissue on it and that stopped it. She glanced at her sisters then. "I thought," Jade began. She had to say it, then the fun could really begin. "You were angry with me after what happened with, with our mother."

"Eh?" Tara hugged her again, keeping her arm around her. "No way girl! You're a better woman than I am, I'll say that for you! You let her go! I'd have said to Michael she's yours."

"I thought you blamed me for what happened to Jen. I didn't have the guts to face you that night."

"Yeah because you administered the drugs? Of course it's your fault."

"See?" Jenna sat on Jade's other side on one of the squashy sleeping bags and pulled her close with Tara. "You really should listen to your sisters, Jade."

"Is that why you avoided me that night?"

"Not intentionally, but I was sure you'd blame me and I'd deserve it, or so I thought. Jenna went through that because of our mother who was after me. I didn't know about Craig's connection at the time, that just made it worse. What were the damn odds?"

"Doesn't change anything. It doesn't make it your fault, silly woman."

With a soft knock, Steve entered, laying down plates and cups.

"Dad?" Jade spoke softly. Steve stopped and came back over. Jade gently pulled him down so he was in front of the three girls, all of whom put their arms around him. Alice quietly entered, sitting with them. Tears in her eyes but a smile on her face.

"Won't be girl time if I'm here will it?" Steve smiled.

"Oh I don't know," Alice smirked. The three girls started giggling as Alice playfully tickled Steve. Jade was relieved they seem to have made up too. "Ok, ok!" Steve laughed. The sound warmed Jade's heart.

"Dad," Jade said after a few moments. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything babe," Steve nodded.

"Am I correct in thinking you have a past with Michael? If so, what happened?" Jade's voice was gentle, quiet. Steve took a deep breath and Tara handed him a cold coke.

"Thanks babes," he smiled at her, opening the can and taking a long sip before starting to speak. "Six years ago, I and my best friend Gary Emerson were out at a nightclub. We," he cast an apologetic look at Alice. "He was winding me up all evening because we'd argued that night and trying to encourage me to flirt with other women."

"Wasn't he that sleaze ball who couldn't leave women alone even when in a relationship?" Jenna asked, rolling her eyes in disgust. "I never liked him."

Steve sighed. "That was him. Perfectly described Jen. So we'd come out of a cub and in to the alley near his house, which just happens to be where I ended up 2 nights ago. Michael Myers was waiting. He slit Garry's throat and would've slit mine if a police car hadn't gone past at exactly that moment. I managed to crawl away and call for help. I was diagnosed with PTSD as a result. I never intended to tell you, but everything I said to you that night Jade was fuelled by it. No excuse what so ever, just the facts. I'm not sure how we ended up there, but we were out looking for you and bang! There we were and it just… Destroyed me I guess is the best adjective I can use."

"Jesus Christ," Jenna whistled. Tara covered her mouth in horror.

"I'm so sorry," Tara and Jade said together. Steve slowly opened his shirt and showed them the scar across his neck, which he never had before.

"Ouch," Jade breathed. "Where were we at the time?"

"Home thank God," Steve did back up his shirt. "Remember we kept you both off social media for a while? You had no idea why? That was why. We didn't want you finding out that way. Ever, I'd hoped."

"So when you've been away Dad," Jenna asked softly. "Were you seeing a Psychiatrist and getting pills?" Steve nodded.

"I'm not sure how I feel about that," Jade said quietly. "He's only my husband now! Holy shit Dad! How did you…"

"Cope?" Steve smiled humourlessly. "You love him Jade. I wasn't going to change that, even though believe me part of me wanted too! Good God yes! But you're an adult, it's your life and I would never control any of you."

"Fucking hell," Jenna looked shaken.

"Besides which, would it have changed anything if you'd known?"

Jade smiled a little, remembering Sartain asking her exactly the same question. She had been right about his cryptic yes about her father's and husband's past. So she gave Steve exactly the same answer she'd given Ranbir. "I don't know."

"Does, does Michael know?" Tara asked quietly.

Steve let out a long breath. "Unfortunately yes. I was talking to him before Craig's party, asking if all the guests would be safe as back then I didn't fully trust him and… Bang! I just lost it! I was almost sick! Next thing I knew I was shouting the truth at him.

"Mad or stupid?" Tara said quietly. "I'm not sure which."

Steve smiled at her. "Don't I know it! The last thing you should do is throw a knife at Michael Myers and say take another shot at me then!"

"Jesus Steve!" Alice stared at him. It was clear to Jade she was hearing this part for the first time. "What the fuck?"

"Death wish I know," Steve smiled riley. "I wasn't thinking, that's all I can say."

"What did he do?" Jade asked.

"Gave me a damn glass of water and told me I was perfectly safe. We ended up having lunch together."

"So when you and Craig left in the car Mum, were you going there? To that alley?" Jade asked. Alice nodded. "What happened? Jenna said softly.

Michael was actually trying to comfort me." Steve smiled again, but there was no humour in it. "I could hardly believe it. Restrained me while they gave me my pills. I remember that much at least. I hadn't been there since it happened and…" He rubbed his hand across his beard. "Don't plan to again, that's for sure."

"So why follow Michael so closely afterwards? The mask, crime writing etc?"

"That's a really good question Jen. I'm not sure. I think it was to convince myself I could face him again if I had to, or trying to understand why he did what he did to me."

"Crazy?" Jade looked at her father. "But I can't talk. After all, I encountered Michael before too."

"Eh?" Jenna, Tara, Alice and Steve said together.

"Andy," Jade said simply. "Remember that time he caught up with an assaulted me that last time? I said he'd ran off and disappeared? Not… Strictly true. Michael killed him. Would've me too I expect except I ran for it."

"That prick," Steve muttered. "Controlling asshole. Can't say I'm very sorry." The others nodded, unable to stop themselves.

"I think that's when I started loving Michael," Jade spoke softly. "After he saved my life. To use Dr Sartain's words, how ironic."

"You ok bro?"

Stuart started at his twin's voice. "Yeah, just struggling to close my eyes. Got that big court case tomorrow."

"So you should try," Dom put his arm around his twin. "Fresh faced when fighting prosecution and crushing witnesses in the box, right?" Stuart rolled his eyes. "It's not what it looks like on TV Dom," he grinned. "You know nothing."

"Ow! My pride!" Dom gave a theatrical wince. "Where's your suit and tie then?"

"Hanging up upstairs. Had to go to the dry cleaners before I came here. Thought it was clean then realised it wasn't. That would've been bad. Oh and I also bought that thing for Michael Steve asked me about."

"Awesome," Dom smiled. "Thanks man. You had a spare one then. You said you had." Stuart nodded. "But it's not even out of the box. It's good as new. I've only taken it out today to charge it, set it up, activate the sim etc."

"You know Jade will be thrilled, right?"

"That's why I did it," Stuart nodded. "I'll give it to him in a sec." He paused and looked in to his twin's eyes.

"What?" Dom asked.

"I was just thinking," Stuart began.

"Thought I could smell burning," Dom quipped. Stuart punched his twin's arm. "Shut it. If it was you we'd have a full on house fire! Anyway, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted. I was thinking," his face became serious again. "Both you and Lance have seen Michael when… Well, dangerous. I haven't. All I've seen was his kindness when I had my attack. I can't…"

"Match up the two?" Dom finished his twin's sentence, something they both did often. "I hear you. Nor could I."

"Sounds like Lance has had it the worst," Stuart shivered a little. "Seeing all those people die. One's bad enough I expect, but how many was that? 10? 12?"

Dom nodded. "He was… In a bit of a state. Hence the pills."

"That was good of Michael to pick them up for him though. You know that study about his emotions you told me about? Do you think that was guilt?"

"Can't see what else it could be," Dom said quietly.

Stuart stood up. "I'll give this to Michael tomorrow morning; I'm getting some shut eye. Trying too anyway. I've added all our numbers, but have you got Dr Sartain's? I think Michael could use that."

Dom nodded, reading it out and Stuart tapped it in to the phone in his hand. He then headed upstairs.

"Oh and remember the time Craig found a spider in the bathroom and was almost screaming?" Jenna could hardly speak through laughter. Jade was almost crying. Tara was grinning. "Yeah," Jade said when she could speak. "How I didn't laugh I don't know. Tall guy like Craig scared of a tiny little thing he could squish with his thumb!"

So far, the girls hadn't watched any films, they were just eating junk food, drinking junk drinks and talking about anything and everything. Jade had hardly ever felt so happy and at peace. This was where she wanted, needed to be right now."

"I still tease him about it now," Jenna smirked. "It was over a year ago. It drives him mad."

Tara giggled. "Oh you wait until I see him. Hey Craig, where's the spider?" The three girls cracked up all over again. It was now 11PM. They'd been talking for 3 hours and intended too until they crashed on the sleeping bags. That was the whole point.

"Right," Jenna said eventually. "What we watching first?" As their first film started, Alice entered the room and smiled seeing the title. It was one of the family's favourites. Before she could leave again, Tara and Jenna pulled her down to the floor with them, handed her a plate and Jade dimmed the lights as the film began.

It seemed like 5 minutes later when Stuart's alarm sounded at 5AM. Groping to switch it off before it woke the others, he rows from his bed and in to the shower. Once dressed in his suit and tie, freshly shaved and shoes polished, he headed down the stairs as quietly as he could. As he reached the bottom, he slung his leather briefcase over his arm. He smiled. It was premium black leather, the initials S.L. Engraved on a gold piece of metal just above the handle. Dom and Lance had bought it for him when he'd qualified. He knew it hadn't been cheap. He'd intended to give the phone to Michael, but hadn't seen him. He'd have to leave it downstairs. But just as he reached the front door, he felt the gentle hand on his arm. Stuart looked up, straight in to the killer's eyes.

Jesus and he'd thought he was tall. This guy had to be 6-10 at least. Dom had mercilessly teased him about having a supposed inch over him in height just as he did re age, but compared to Myers, he and Dom were tiny. As well as that, the guy's build had strength written all over it. Stuart could understand for the first time now why Myers would be very attractive to women. But damn he was dangerous. Stuart hadn't fully seen him on the day of his attack as he'd been lying down. This was the first time he'd really seen his physical appearance. Holy hell he wouldn't ever mess with him.

"Hi Mr. Myers," Stuart said, managing a small smile. Damn this guy was terrifying even without his mask in Stuart's opinion. "I've been looking for you actually. Meant to find you last night, but I was so damn tired." As Stuart thought of it, he moved his S.U.S. disk from under his shirt so it was visible. He saw Myers's eyes rest on it. "I was planning to sell this, but thought you could use it. It's good as new, I bought it because I thought I'd need it once for work, but turns out I don't." He held out the box and the killer took it from him, lifting the lid slightly, just enough to see the phone. "I know Jade will be thrilled," he finished with a wink. Jade had told him once how she thought Myers was gorgeous and looking at him now, he could see how she'd think that. Gorgeous maybe, but very dangerous. The killer set the box on the hall table next to him and pulled out his electronic notepad.

I can't accept this for nothing.

"It's cool," Stuart smiled faintly at him. Damn this guy made him nervous. Despite having protected him, he seemed to radiate danger. Stuart would've thought that even if he hadn't known he was a masked killer.

Sorry, not happening.

"Listen Mr. Myers," Stuart said softly. "You protected me that night when I was really ill. You could've killed me and we both know it. I was powerless, at your mercy. But you got me to safety, hell you carried me in to that damn ambulance! It would've taken all those guys if not for you! I'm not a small guy!"

Be that as it may. I can't take this.

"Mr. Myers," now Stuart lowered his voice even further. "You protected Lance when that guy quite possibly could've killed him, you protected Craig, Jenna, hell all of us have something to thank you for. Jade's desperate to communicate with you. Please, do this for us if not for me? I've already set it up with all our numbers, you have unlimited texts, Dr Sartain's is in there also."

Myers looked at him for a long time, his gaze cold, unflinching. Stuart didn't realise he'd taken an automatic step backwards until his arm touched the table. Damn this man could terrify with just a look. Slowly, Myers withdrew the phone and glanced at the already activated and lit screen. Finally, he looked back at Stuart, who kept his ground this time.

Is this yet another way to ensure I speak to Dr Sartain?

"No man," Stuart shook his head. "It's a gift. Nothing more, nothing less. No tricks, no questions. It's a way for you to communicate with us. Yes, us. That includes me, should you wish to. Just face it Mr. Myers, there's people who care about you now."

Slowly, Myers nodded, his eyes not once leaving Stuart's face. Stuart smiled at him; it was genuine this time.

Court, is it?

"Sadly yes," Stuart sighed. "This case is driving me crazy."

Why?

"Long, complicated," he laughed a little. "Having a Client doesn't always mean they'll respect you. You're paid to represent them, that's all they care about. Getting every penny out of you."

You have the suit, the briefcase, but where is your luxury Lawyer's car?

At this, Stuart laughed out loud. "Ha, I have to take the bus. I can't drive. Had my licence revoked after I was diagnosed." Next second, Myers gently took his arm, raising his pad again.

Well not today and from now on you don't.

Before Stuart could as much as speak, Myers was easily leading him out the door towards his and Jade's car. Stuart tried a second time, but Myers had already got in, leaving him standing by the passenger door. With a sigh but smile, Stuart climbed in to the vehicle, placing his leather briefcase on the back seat.

"You really don't have to…" He started. He heard a soft beep and looked up at Michael's notepad again.

Stuart? Leave it.

With that, the killer started the engine and they headed in to the early morning light. As they stopped at traffic lights, Myers showed him another message.

This also means you'll have time for a coffee, on me.

The soft beep of a text message woke Jade from her sleep. The girls had finally dropped off at 3AM. It was now 7. She was surprised. Who'd be texting her at this time? Not work she was on leave, not her parents as they were there. Shrugging, she unlocked her phone and couldn't hold back the soft gasp of shock, but also the same old flip of her heart only this man could cause.

Your wish is granted. I have a phone. M.

"Textative, isn't he?" A sleepy voice said. Jade turned to see Tara had read the screen over her shoulder.

"Textative?" Jade covered her mouth to stop herself giggling. "Seriously?"

"Well can't really say talkative can I?" Her sister smirked at her, reaching over to the snack cooler for something for breakfast. Jade grinned. "No, I guess not." Jade was surprised to find her hands were shaking a little, as she text back. Probably because she never thought she'd be texting Michael Myers, the silent masked killer and her husband.

Hi darling, that's great. How? I love you, J. XXX

Stuart. M.

"Wow he does text romance well," Jenna said sleepily, opening her eyes. Tara couldn't help it and giggled a little. Jade smiled, but she did feel a little sad at his brief, terse reply. But then what did she expect? Her sisters must've seen her face because they both hugged her.

"He's never texted before," Jenna said consolingly. "Give him time."

I miss you, Jade texted back, unable to stop herself. But she wouldn't go further. She'd put her phone away and focus on time with her sisters. A few seconds later, she got his reply.

I miss you too. Have a nice time. M.

"See?" Jenna and Tara said together. "That's more like it."

Stuart stared in to his coffee cup. God he was tired. He was working on a violent assault, his Client the offender. Stuart privately hated him. There weren't many people who fell under his hate category, but this guy certainly did. He was small and knew it. Stuart thought that was probably why he'd done what Stuart was sure he had, even though he had to defend the guy, who was insisting his innocence. He'd taken a hammer and knife to the victim's head, causing serious injuries and suspected brain damage. The victim was still in a coma, but the case was going on victimless due to its serious nature. When Stuart had been asked to represent him, he'd almost refused. The man disgusted him. The victim had apparently just been walking along past him, a random unprovoked attack. Of course, the victim was tall. A typical small, nasty bully.