Chapter 12.

…

Rick took his place outside the door as the secure van rolled up to the block and stopped. He knew of the man he was about to escort in. Of course he did. His name was almost as well-known as Michaels, although he didn't fear him. Derek Chancer. A killer in his own way but with one difference. He targeted women and his M.O. Was to rape then kill them in horrific ways. No wonder the docks didn't want Danielle in the block when he was bought in. Her hole routine had also had to change. Yard visits in the afternoons was just one. She wasn't allowed out of her cell when he was out of his and the other way round. They were taking absolutely no chances. Michael's circumstances with Danielle had been somewhat different and even now Rick wasn't sure how it'd happened. Possibly because Michael had been chained to a concrete block. Whatever it was, with this man, no exceptions. Rick would do everything in his power to help protect Danielle Hayward. He couldn't speak for the rest of the guards because he knew they would as their job, but Rick would go the extra mile for Danielle if he had to. He felt sorry for, but also hugely respected her for her bravery and determination. He knew Joanne felt the same way. Rick gritted his teeth and took a deep breath, as two other armed guards joined him.

"You ready Rick?" Ryan asked. Rick smiled grimly. "Oh yes. The sooner we get this fucker locked in the better."

The van stopped and the doors slid open. Derek Chancer was escorted out in heavy chains. Because this was Rick's block, only he and Ryan were allowed to take charge of Chancer once he was inside. He was a small, skinny guy and didn't look dangerous, but Rick and Ryan knew otherwise. To women, he was literally their deadly enemy. No one had yet learnt why he didn't target men, but Rick was sure Stark and Loomis would in time. If and when they did, he was curious to know himself. He also knew how Chancer could put on a charming smile, say whatever women wanted to hear. He'd then taken them to his house, locked them in his basement, raped and killed them. It was rumoured his knowledge and methods of torture were second to none and that was what made him so dangerous. Michael Myers just killed on the spot, wherever, whoever, whenever. Not Chancer. He deliberately chose his female targets and killed them in calculated and terrible ways. Rick hated him. He vowed then and there he'd also make an effort to avoid him and take any opportunities he could not to be near the man. If one could call him a man that was. Devil, perhaps?

The five guards including two from the van marched Chancer up to the door in to the block. Chancer put up no resistance, but Rick kept his guard up constantly. That meant nothing with men like Chancer. He would, pun not intended, take any chance he got. Rick was determined he wouldn't get even the slightest one. Not today, not ever.

They reached the heavy doors and Ryan buzzed them in with his electronic key. Chancer would be in Jefferson's old cell, which was another reason why the doctors were being very, very careful. Apparently Stark had told Rick they'd even discussed moving Danielle, but had agreed no. Myers it seemed was essential to her recovery. Rick could still hardly believe it. Right now, Danielle was out in the yard at the doctor's orders. That was just fine with Rick.

Slowly and carefully, they entered the block. Chancer was securely chained by ankles, wrists and chest. Again, they were taking no chances with him, even though there were currently no women in the block. Also for their safety, Joanne and Stark had left. They knew how dangerous this man was and wouldn't underestimate him in any way shape or form. "Ready Rick?" Ryan asked quietly, as the doors slid closed and they began to escort Chancer towards his cell. The man hadn't yet spoken a word. Rick nodded to his colleague.

Slowly they headed down the corridor, Chancer's movement limited by his chains. They'd almost reached the cell when Chancer stopped.

"Move it!" Ryan snapped.

Chancer's gaze was fixed seemingly at the wall as if he wasn't seeing it. They were now right next to Myers's cell. That was when Chancer seemed to spring in to life. It was like he had a spring mechanism in him just waiting to be released. Ryan tugged on his chains a second time, this time drawing his gun in warning. But Chancer still didn't move. Rick stepped to Ryan's other side to assist his colleague and that was when the little man moved. He may have been small, but he was fast. Before either guard knew what was happening, Chancer had grabbed Rick by his stab vest and slammed him against the doors of Myers's cell. Rick struggled, desperately trying to reach for his own gun. This was no acting; this was terrifyingly real. Chancer dropped the chain over Rick's head which was around his wrists and started choking him with it. Ryan scrabbled for his radio and its red alarm button. "Mayday Mayday!" He shouted. "WE NEED IMMEDIATE BACKUP!"

Rick was gasping for breath, his face turning blue as Chancer slammed him against Myers's door again and again. Ryan saw his colleague's head hit the metal at least twice. He desperately tried to aid him but couldn't get in between him and Chancer. If he fired, all be it a rubber bullet, there was a very good chance he'd hit his colleague. Again, he sent out the emergency message. Where the fuck were the other guards?

At that exact moment, the door of the block opened and Jack entered, escorting Myers. To his credit, he leapt straight in to action, pulling out his gun. Rick's movements were getting weaker and weaker by this point. He was dying in front of their eyes. His gun hit the floor with a clatter. But Chancer couldn't grab it or he'd have to stop choking Rick. Again, Rick was slammed against Myers's cell. Ryan shouted again. Nothing. It was only when Jack drew his radio and shouted for help that Ryan looked and realised why. For the first time, Ryan wanted to cry. His fucking radio battery was dead! How had he not checked before coming on shift? It was a rule! How! It could have cost Rick his life…

Neither Ryan or Jack saw Myers move. Jack had released him as he desperately tried to help Rick. But the next thing either guard saw, Myers was in front of the two men. There was one single sickening crack and Chancer hit the floor, knocked out cold. Rick went down with him and next second, it was the serial killer Michael Myers who was kneeling beside the guard, removing the chain from his neck, a gentle arm around him holding him securely while the guard tried to hack air back in to his lungs.

Jack and Ryan hauled the unconscious man in to his cell, just as the block door crashed open and six guards ran in. "Too late," Ryan looked away. He was very tempted to resign for this. His lack of checking, his laziness had almost got his colleague killed! Would have if… If not for Michael Myers… How fucking ironic!

…

Dimly, Rick felt the gentle arm around him, then a second. He was being held securely by someone. He was fighting with consciousness. He'd almost died. He could hear shouting and the loud clinking of chains, but his brain couldn't register it. Was he going in to shock? Then, he was gently lifted up by whoever was holding him. Carried forward and lay gently on what felt like a bed. He was still gasping for air. Then he felt the cold water entering his mouth. His throat was agony. A cold wet something was then placed against his throbbing neck, as he continued to fight for air. Who had saved his life and was now helping him? Ryan?

"I don't believe what I'm seeing," one of the guards said, sounding in awe. "I don't fucking believe what I'm seeing…"

"Don't just fucking stand there!" Ryan snapped at him. "Call a fucking ambulance! I can't! My radio…" He couldn't finish. He was resigning, no two ways about it. He had to after this almost fatal mistake! Michael Myers had saved Rick's life. Michael, Myers!

Eventually Rick's breathing calmed enough for him to start coughing violently. He looked up, straight in to the black eyes of his saviour. He couldn't speak, it hurt too much. That was when the gentle hand softly squeezed his, just as it'd done two days ago… Rick knew then beyond a shadow of a doubt who had saved him. He weakly grasped the hand back. He was about to lose consciousness he was sure of it. But again the cold water was gently applied to his forehead, jolting him back. When the ambulance arrived, the guards could only watch in shock as did Loomis who by now was there, when Myers easily and effortlessly carried Rick towards the ambulance. He was chained, but that didn't stop him.

"Holy shit," Jack breathed. "Myers cares about him? How the fuck did that happen?" Loomis could only shake his head. It was something he wanted to know too.

"Michael Myers," Ryan sounded weak with shock as he slumped on to Myers's cell bed. "He knocked Chancer out with one hit and then went straight to helping Rick. If… If he hadn't…" Again, he couldn't finish. "Doctor Loomis," he said very quietly. "I resign. I have to. My radio battery was dead. I didn't check it at the start of the shift, that's why no one heard my shouts for help. I… I almost got Rick killed! If not… If not for Michael Myers, Rick would now be dead."

"We couldn't get in between them," Jack said, sounding just as shocked and scared as Ryan. "Because Chancer had him by his neck with his chains. If we'd tried to shoot, gas or hit him with our batons, there's a very good chance we'd have hit Rick to. Certainly with the first two."

Loomis looked at Ryan and the guard could see the anger in the doctor's face. It was a written rule before any shift on the high care ward that radio batteries were checked. Ryan hadn't done it out of pure laziness and it'd almost cost a man his life. Ryan turned away, heading for the door. "I'll resign now," he said simply.

Ryan had only just left, when Myers entered the block, alone. He was still chained. Immediately, Jack ran over to free him. "We don't know how to thank you Michael," he said to the killer. "We really, really don't. You've just saved Rick's life."

The killer looked back at him and Jack was sure he was seeing things, but was that slight softness in the killer's usually ice cold gaze as they looked at each other? He of course said nothing as Jack locked his cell door. "Michael," Loomis said gently. "I too am exceptionally grateful to you. I know you will not tell me, but I would really like to know what happened to make you want to save Rick's life that way. You two are close?" To everyone's surprise, Myers nodded once.

"I won't ask for details," Loomis for the first time extended his hand through the bars, which Myers shook. Loomis could hardly believe it. He sighed. Now, he had Ryan to deal with.

…

Joanne was surprised when half an hour later after receiving the all clear, she made to guide Danielle back in to the block and for the first time Danielle resisted her. Joanne didn't however jump in to action to subdue her as her training stated she should. She knew Danielle wasn't struggling to cause trouble, but for another reason. She gently placed her hand on Danielle's shoulder. "Sweetheart, what is it?"

"Please can you call Dr Stark or Dr Loomis out here? I won't go back in until I've spoken to them. Sorry Joanne, I'm really not doing this to make your life difficult."

"Is it anything I can help you with? We do need to head back in now."

"Nope, sorry. Please, please do this for me?" The guard looked in to Danielle's face and saw the pleading in her eyes. Danielle had never once resisted being led anywhere, so Joanne was sure she genuinely did have a reason. So she decided to use her common sense. She pulled out her radio and made the call for one of the doctors to step out as Danielle wished to talk to them. To Danielle's surprise and gratitude, they both did.

"You guys may want to be more careful," Danielle said as soon as the doctor's had made it known to her they were there. "Thanks for both coming out, I wasn't expecting that. But seriously. I heard two of the guards talking out here an hour ago. I know who's on my right now and I refuse to go back in there with him." She held up her phone. "Charlotte and I got a news alert yesterday that Derek Chancer had been captured. I know of him Doctors, Joanne. Hell I think every woman in the fucking world does. He's vile, dangerous as all hell and… No. I… I can't! Please, let me go somewhere else?"

There was a moment's silence before Danielle felt both Doctors lay gentle hands on her arms. "Danielle," Stark said gently. "He won't be allowed out of his cell while you're out of yours at any time and also we have a little trick up our sleeves. At the push of a button, a sheet of incredibly strong Perspex will slide up from floor to ceiling so Mr. Chancer can't even reach through his cell bars. You'll be perfectly safe. That's a promise."

"No," Danielle repeated. "Not with Derek Chancer. I can't. I don't get scared easily, but that man does it! I knew friends of friends who got raped, tortured and killed by that son of a bitch! Please, I'm begging you Doctors?" There was silence and Danielle was sure the two Doctors were looking at each other. Then Loomis softly spoke. "Who did you hear this from? Do you know?"

"Ryan," Danielle said. "I know his voice by now." Loomis felt his anger grow towards the guard. So that was two avoidable and damn stupid mistakes he'd made. He was right. He was resigning and if he didn't he'd be dismissed. "Stand by," he said quietly, before heading back in to the block. Immediately he saw Derek Chancer sitting almost casually on his bed looking straight at him. Loomis looked away. If he was honest he privately agreed with Danielle. He approached Michael's cell and softly tapped against the bars. The serial killer looked at him then approached. "Michael," Loomis kept his voice very low. "Danielle's found out who's on her right. She overheard a guard talking about it. She really wants to move wards, but… Well she can't yet. Are you…"? Before Loomis could finish, the killer had nodded to him. "Thanks Michael," he murmured. "I need you to trust me for just a moment. Will you?" The killer silently nodded again and Loomis pressed a button on the wall, causing the sheeting to slide up over Myers's cell bars.

Heading back out, he spoke quietly to Stark who nodded.

"Think about it," Loomis said very quietly so Danielle didn't hear. "He only killed because Danielle was assaulted. You think he can help Danielle. Michael knows, I just told him." The junior consultant nodded to her boss again. Loomis turned to Danielle. "Sorted," he said simply. "I need you to trust me?" Danielle took a deep breath then nodded to him. Loomis squeezed her shoulder gently. "We'd never lead you in to danger Danielle," he said. "Never."

Joanne gently guided her in to the block and up to Myers's cell. "Put your hand out Danielle," Stark said. Danielle did, feeling cell bars then the Perspex. It stretched from floor to ceiling all the way from one side of the cell door to the other. "That's Michael's cell," Stark said. "We put it up so you know what we're talking about. Michael can't reach us right now. We only use it if we have to, but that's what it looks like." They heard Myers softly knock against the Perspex. Danielle mutely nodded. Though she couldn't see him, Derek Chancer's presence two cells away made her blood go cold. Joanne gently led her back as first the screen slid down, then Myers's door opened. Danielle felt his warm, strong and secure hand take hers, leading her in to his cell.

"Now are you ok to stay here?" Stark asked her and Danielle was sure she could hear the Doctor's smile. "You knew I would be this way," Danielle said.

"Indeed we did," Stark stepped away as the door buzzed closed.

Myers led her to his bed, lay beside her and pulled her softly back to him. Danielle rested her head against his strong shoulder. Sure Chancer scared the shit out of her, but with Michael Myers holding her close she felt as if no harm could come to her. She wondered if even the serial killer hated him.

As the day passed, Danielle finally told Michael things she'd only previously told her doctors. Her love of whistling, her parents leaving her. Then finally, Adam's abuse in detail. How Charlotte had visited her before she'd attended court. "That said you know Charlotte was here," Danielle blushed. "She said hi to you didn't she. Did you… Did you shake hands out there?" Myers softly tapped his bedside table once. Yes. Danielle smiled at the serial killer. "I overheard Ryan mention his name," she breathed to Myers.

As night drew in, Danielle was sure she could hear Chancer masturbating. Automatically she pressed closer to Myers unable to help herself. His arms tightened and Danielle had to blink back tears as for the first time, he gently stroked her cheek with one soft finger. Danielle understood his silent message as if he'd spoken in her ear. I'm here, you're safe, I won't let anything happen to you.

"Charlotte and I lost friends of friends to him," Danielle whispered in Michael's ear. "At least two women we know of. They found their… Remains when he was captured…" Danielle took a deep breath. "That guy scares me so much," she whispered. "I don't even want to be in the same block as him, hell not even on the same fucking planet! He's every woman's worst and deadliest nightmare."

"You know," she added, blushing again. "Today I was standing exactly where you stand. Ok I wasn't chained to the block, but I was right there. I… I couldn't stop thinking about you these last few days…" Had Myers just softly chuckled? Danielle laughed a little nervously. "He's way more dangerous than you Mr. Myers. You kill on the spot, Mr. Chancer chooses his female targets carefully. He… He knows more about torture than most soldiers do."

Michael squeezed her hand softly and she understood. Mr. Myers?

"Sorry," Danielle blushed. "Automatic. I'm not exactly going to forget you can kill people too am I?" Myers again pulled her close against him. "I know I'm safe I don't doubt that, but I know your name, Michael Myers. So does everyone else in the world." She was sure she heard Myers say, "shh," as he held her close. Danielle didn't realise it, but she was tense and couldn't close her eyes. Despite who she was being held close by, Derek Chancer seemed to haunt her very thoughts. God she wished Ryan hadn't inadvertently or otherwise told her who he was or where he was going to be held…

…

I'm sorry Ryan," Loomis said to the guard, a few minutes after Danielle had been let back in with Michael. "Not only did you not check your radio battery before the start of your shift which is a written rule, but I now know you also were overheard by Danielle speaking to one of the other guards about Derek Chancer and that he was on her right. Due to this, Danielle is now very nervous and almost begged us to let her back in with Michael, or move her to another ward. We've done the former. Those are two mistakes you've made which could've been so easily avoided."

Ryan said nothing. He knew his boss was right, but even so he felt like a piece of shit. The guard he'd spoken to was actually one of those who'd escorted Derek from the van. But he knew he didn't have the right to even try to stand up for himself. Regardless of who it'd been, he should've been more discrete. He felt terrible for Danielle now. She'd been through enough and here he was adding to it. "I know boss," he said. "I'll resign now. I'm already working on my resignation letter." Ryan had wanted this job for years and had worked damn hard to get it and now it was gone, all because he'd been irreparably stupid. He felt himself blinking back tears. How could he have done this? He'd studied, got all the qualifications and now they were invalid. He turned away, heading for the door, softly touching his gun and the rest of his equipment, knowing it would be for the last time. It was killing him. He couldn't look at Loomis, couldn't let the Psychiatrist see how his heart was breaking. Because he was right. Ryan deserved this. But just as he reached the door, Loomis's hand gently rested on his arm, stopping him. Shit, Ryan thought. "Please," he said softly and this time his voice did crack. "Please dock, just let me go so I can finish up my paperwork and leave?"

Loomis looked at Ryan Jenkins and couldn't stop the rush of pity. He was only twenty-one and Loomis knew how much the young man had done for this, how hard he'd worked, how much this job meant to him. He hated dismissing people and he also knew that he and Rick were close with a good working relationship. Loomis already knew Rick wouldn't blame Ryan for his mistake. Ryan couldn't stop the tears as they fell now and they weren't for him. They were for his hospitalised colleague and friend.

Loomis sighed. "Ryan, listen to me." He spoke gently but firmly. "I know how hard you worked for this and I also know who the guard was you were speaking to, one of those on the shift helping you with Chancer. I also noticed you didn't mention it yourself just now as an excuse. I know it's your dream to work here. So this is what I'm going to do. Consider yourself for want of a better word on probation. Before you start any shift, you will come to me and check your radio battery while I watch. You will also not talk to any other guard about work in the exercise yard and I will ask all the guards to tell me immediately if you do. A second time Ryan it really will be your job. Are we clear?"

Ryan could hardly believe what he was hearing. Damn. If he'd respected Loomis before, it was nothing to how he felt for his boss now. He'd made two terrible mistakes and yet Loomis was giving him another chance, all be it conditional. He swallowed, tried to speak, but couldn't. "I…" He started, with no idea what he was about to say. He took a shaky breath, sinking in to one of the chairs. Loomis sat at his side and softly touched his shoulder before leaving. He returned a minute or so later with a hot coffee, which he gently pushed in to the shocked guard's hand. Retaking his seat, he again touched the young man's shoulder. He didn't speak as Ryan took several sips of the strong hot drink. Finally Ryan looked at his boss, still deathly pale. "Are you serious?" He asked, his voice quiet. Loomis nodded.

"Why though, boss? I almost got Rick killed. I deserve to leave."

"Are you saying you'd rather do so? I will not stop you if this is the case."

"Hell no! Like you said this was my dream! But…"

"Then it still can be, Ryan. Just except what I'm offering you and it still can be. I will write this up and ask you to sign it, but verbally I'm asking you now. Are we clear? Do we have an understanding, Ryan?"

"I… I can't believe you're willing to even consider never mind do this," Ryan said to his boss. "Damn I respect you. When people said you're kind and fair they weren't joking." Ryan was sure he saw a slight smile on the Doctor's lips. "It's more than I deserve," he said finally. "But yes, clear as a bell. I… I can't thank you enough for this. May… May I please just say one thing?"

"Of course."

"I finished late last night and I knew I had to escort Chancer in this morning. I had to help some of the guards with that trouble in block H?" Loomis nodded. "I know you did." His voice was kinder now. "I know Ryan."

"So while not an excuse in the slightest, I wasn't thinking straight when I got in, hadn't had coffee yet," he smiled ever so slightly and was sure his boss returned it. "I just grabbed my stuff and went straight to work. In truth I didn't even think of my radio's battery. I guess I thought as I'd only checked it the day before it'd be ok."

"You have to remember," Loomis said softly. "How quickly those batteries get used. They need charging every night. They only last twelve hours. Considering they're on all the time it's hardly surprising." There was silence for a moment before Loomis sighed again. "I tell you what I'll do. I will attach a charger to your locker so that when you put your other protective equipment away you won't be able to miss it. Stick it on charge then ok? Instead of you coming to me, either I or one of the guards will radio you as soon as you show on duty to check you've checked it. But you need to be honest with us. If you do and it's dead it's no problem, we can just replace your handset. Alright?"

"I don't deserve this," Ryan repeated. "Why are you being so kind to me Dr Loomis?"

"Because I know how much this means to you as I said and I also know how close you and Rick are. He'd be just as upset if he lost you. You have a good working relationship. No," Loomis said firmly as Ryan opened his mouth. So good I got him killed. Don't say that. It was a… Lack of concentration, an error. But it wasn't your fault what happened. You didn't choke him did you?"

"How the hell do you do that?" Ryan stared at his boss incredulously. "Read people's minds before they speak?"

Loomis now really did smile at the young guard. "It's my job to do so," he said quietly. "That's how. I'll call you back in once I've written it up for you to sign it. Ok? I can't change the second condition I'm afraid, if you do need to talk to a guard about work you are to use one of the offices as you're supposed to. Just to be clear if you talk in there it's absolutely fine and I won't need to be told about it. Are you still ok with that?"

"Yes," Ryan said, fighting back tears all over again, but this time at the unbelievable kindness his boss had shown him, when he could be, should be, walking out the door for the last time right now. "As a bell. I…" He took a deep breath. Loomis handed him some tissues. Ryan took them without shame. "I can't thank you enough for this. Maybe you're job's making you go crazy and lose your own judgement?"

Loomis actually laughed as Ryan wiped his eyes. His tears were for Rick. He hoped his colleague could forgive him for what he'd done, mistake, accident or not. That was one apology he knew he had to make, but was dreading. Yes they had a good working relationship, but this? Could Rick forgive him? Would he? If he didn't however, Ryan couldn't and wouldn't blame him in the slightest. Would he still want to work with him after this? Ryan wasn't sure he would have the rolls been reversed. He saw Loomis was holding out his hand and with his trembling a little, he shook it. A few minutes later he was heading back in to the block, the block he'd been sure just ten minutes ago he'd never see again.

…

Danielle lay in bed at three AM, still unable to sleep. Eventually she stood and headed for the bars. Michael wasn't at her side, so he must be behind the bathroom screen. She gripped them loosely with both hands, but found herself keeping a safe distance from them, as if Chancer would be able to grab her if she didn't, even with his own cell bars between them. She hated being this close to the woman rapist and murderer. She was seriously considering asking again if she could move cells. She hated how selfish that sounded given that They'd allowed her to be with Michael, but nor did she want to rely on him. That wasn't fair on him. Danielle had come very close to telling Michael about her love of ears, but at the last second her courage had failed her. Part of her shouting you can't tell him that! But by God she wanted to. She needed to prove to him she trusted him, as much for her own sake as his. So tomorrow, she decided as she finally turned from the bars, she would do just that.