"You've got to be fucking joking!" John said when Chancer finished talking, looking at him as though he was insane. "That's way too dangerous! I'd lose my job, prison, no way man!"
"It's easy," Chancer said. "Just get to her file. They'll have written it down won't they?"
John looked at him in incredulous disbelief. "Easy, you're not the one doing it!" Then he paused and Chancer could see he was thinking. Finally he spoke. "Yes, but they're in the doctor's secure filing cabinet. We have no reason to access them."
"Can't you make one up? Say… I don't know… Danielle's asked you for something?"
John snorted. "She doesn't like me, she'd never ask me, she'd ask what's her name? Joanne. She's her designated guard Derek."
Chancer frowned. There had to be a way… Then it hit him.
"Can't you tell Dr Stark you've lost something and is it in her cabinet? Tell her you've looked absolutely everywhere else and you can't find it! All you need is a few seconds to look at her file. I know for a fact our phone numbers are at the very front! You'll get paid a shit load if you pull this off John and the guy who wants it will love us for life."
Somehow, Derek was sure John also agreed with controlling and being in charge of women, but he didn't ask. The guard seemed to be considering his words and Chancer felt a flicker of hope. Would he do it? After a few moments, the guard spoke. It was no surprise he was in Chancer's cell, part of the guard's job was talking to the patients if needed, so no one would question that. But they were speaking very quietly so as to avoid the microphones in the corridor. They were probably just as powerful as the ones on the iPod, Chancer had no doubt of this.
"Perhaps, but I'll have to come up with something better than a lost item in her cabinet. She's not stupid Stark, she'll see through that. But leave it with me, I'll see what I can do. You damn well better be telling the truth about that pay out, or… Well I won't be happy."
"Thanks," Chancer said and shook the guard's hand. This was working out better than he could've believed. He'd done it by God! He'd bribed a damn guard for help! Too bad for Smith's Grove they'd employed a corrupt guard. Grinning, Chancer stood up so John could lead him to breakfast. They walked casually, as if nothing had happened. Chancer even let John chain him without resisting, which was what he normally did.
The soft tapping of a baton against his cell bars woke Chancer up from a light sleep hours later. It was John. He glanced groggily at his watch. It was ten PM. Where the hell had the day gone? He'd used the iPod to listen earlier but had heard nothing. Damn it.
"Derek," Chancer hissed, before sliding his evening meal through the door. Under his plate was a small piece of paper. Chancer grabbed it and almost laughed out loud. "How the hell?" He breathed. "So quickly?"
"Better you don't know," John said and quickly left. Chancer couldn't deny he was probably right in that regard. What he didn't know couldn't hurt him. Grinning, he glanced down at the small piece of paper once, twice and almost whooped. Oh this was just brilliant. There was no heading or explanation, just the digits. But Chancer didn't care. In his hand, was Danielle Hayward's DV protected phone number. He picked up the so-called iPod, which in truth was much more sophisticated. He had internet for a start and that was usually impossible on an iPod without wi-fi or a hotspot. His hands were shaking with excitement as he entered the app, but this time he pressed the "talk" button.
"Adam Dawson," he said softly when his call was answered. "I need to speak to him. Now."
"John?" Ryan asked as the two guards entered the block after the late briefing. Ryan was on his first night shift and John was working the day shift, finishing at midnight. It was now just after eleven. "You look really pale and you're sweating. You alright?"
The other guard gave a very slight nod, but didn't make eye contact. That was odd. Ryan's nightshifts started after Joanne's, Rick's and the rest of that team's had finished. Joanne and the rest of her team had three days off now. Ryan met up with Sean and two other guards to start their shift.
"Is John ok?" Sean asked Ryan as they sipped coffee, keeping their eyes on the three occupied cells. Ryan had read from the previous report that Danielle wanted to speak to Michael, but right now needed two guards with her. Ryan smiled grimly. Yeah, he'd only almost died. He hadn't approached the killer so far and was thinking he probably wouldn't either. Despite their interaction after what'd happened to Rick, that'd clearly meant nothing to the silent and remorseless Myers. Ryan sighed a little sadly. He'd hoped he'd made some progress with the killer. Apparently not.
"I don't know man," he said quietly to Sean. "He looks sick. Maybe he's got a fever or something."
"He was fine earlier," one of the late guards Matt said. "Started looking ill at about half ten tonight." "John, do you want to go home early? I can tell the boss?"
John shook his head, still not making eye contact with any of them. It was then Ryan heard the first mental alarm bells. His colleague was behaving very strangely indeed. Why?
"We told you this was to be used only if urgent," the man's voice said in Chancer's earphones.
"I know," Chancer snapped. "This is urgent, trust me. I need to speak to Mr. Dawson, like now. Believe me, he'll want to take this call."
"You'd better hope so," the voice said back. "He or we won't be happy if you're wrong."
Oh I won't be, Chancer thought. Just you wait. You'll soon take your words back fucker.
After a while, Ryan finally plucked up the courage and approached Myers's cell. He knew he shouldn't be doing so, the rules stated clearly two to one when with Myers if he was thinking of the kill, but Ryan couldn't stop himself. He stopped far enough out of reach so the killer couldn't grab him a second time. That'd been too close for comfort just under a week ago. "Mr. Myers?"
The killer was at his bars in less than a second. Ryan took yet another step backwards. How the hell did Myers move so fast yet so silently? He couldn't deny he was saddened by the fact the killer had made an attempt on his life. He thought they'd gotten somewhere the last time they'd spoken. But then again, was it ever possible to get somewhere with Michael Myers? Unless your name was Danielle Hayward of course?
"I…" Ryan cleared his throat, speaking quietly so Chancer couldn't hear. He appeared to be asleep. That was just fine with Ryan. He hated the guy, plus it was one in the morning after all. "I hope I didn't do something which angered you last time I saw you? I…" He blinked and had to look twice to make sure his tired eyes weren't playing tricks. Nope, they weren't Michael Myers was holding a card through the bars. Ryan looked up at it and for the second time he had to look twice.
Ryan, I'm sorry.
Ryan looked once, twice, then slowly back up at the killer. "What?" He knew it was a stupid thing to say, but his mind had gone blank. For answer, Myers just kept holding the card up. Ryan, I'm sorry.
"Was it my fault?" Ryan asked very quietly. "Did I do or say something I shouldn't have? I didn't mean it if so." No response, but the killer now did hold out his hand. Ryan took another step backwards. "Wo, sorry Mr. Myers, I can't take that risk. I'm currently on my own right now and…" But he got no further because the killer somehow managed to take hold of Ryan's vest even though he was standing well back. Ryan felt fear grip him as Myers gently pulled him closer to the bars. Ryan scrabbled for his radio, gun, anything, but stopped dead in his tracks when the killer released his vest and gently grasped Ryan's hand in his.
Ryan stared at the killer in stunned disbelief. The killer's grip wasn't tight, threatening, it was gentle. Ryan slowly looked up and met the killer's eyes and it was only then he realised his legs were shaking. Shit Michael Myers made him nervous, just like everyone else. Before he'd quite realised what was happening, his balance had gone and he'd stumbled with a clang right against the doors of Myers's cell. That was when the killer's strong arm came around him (but not by the neck) gently helping him up. Ryan swayed, dizzy and reached out for anything he could get hold of. Nothing. That was until Myers gently took his hand again.
Myers kept hold of the guard as Ryan desperately tried to find his feet. Why now when he was the only guard in the damn block? Shit. But still Myers made no move to attack him. Ryan was still shaking he realised. The day before when Myers had almost grabbed his throat flashed through his mind, vivid as a photograph in full colour. So what the fuck was he doing here right now when he was on his own? Madness! Yet… Ryan could never have admitted this to anyone, but there was something about Michael Myers that drew Ryan to him. Silence? Lack of feeling? He didn't know. Even now having almost died at Myers's hands, it was there. Myers tightened his grip on him as Ryan still tried to find his feet. Before he'd quite realised what'd happened, the control device on his belt had opened Myers's door. The device knew whose cell you were closest to and opened the door if the device made contact with it. He wasn't expecting his feet to finally give way so he stumbled forward about to fall face down. Nor did he expect Michael Myers to catch him effortlessly, gently helping him to his bed just as though Ryan didn't know it, he'd done with Rick just the day before.
"Shit," Ryan put a shaking hand to his forehead. It was soaked with sweat. "I'm sorry Mr. Myers. I didn't mean to…" The killer's gentle hand on his arm stopped him, as did the glass of water Myers handed him. Ryan looked up in to the killer's usually blank gaze and could've sworn there was just a hint of warmth in it as Myers looked back at him.
Again, Myers raised the card. Ryan, I'm sorry.
"Are you trying to apologise for what almost happened yesterday?" Ryan asked. Myers nodded ever so slightly. Ryan could hardly believe his eyes. "Why?" He'd asked before he could stop himself. You're a killer. It's what you do. So what makes me any different to any other of your victims?" Nothing. But Myers didn't look away from him either. Ryan took a deep breath and a long sip of the cold soothing water. He felt himself slowly regaining his strength and composure.
That was when Myers flipped the card over. It won't happen again. Ryan looked at him and opened his mouth, but no words came out. Michael Myers was promising him, Ryan Jenkins that he was safe from his rage? Need to kill? Whatever it was? Ryan looked back at the card, up at Myers, then slowly nodded. He must have gone mad, but he believed the killer.
"Thanks," he said quietly. "I appreciate you saying that. Well," he gave the killer a small grin. "Writing it."
Myers nodded to him once. Ryan slowly stood up. "Can I get you anything?"
Myers shook his head. But Ryan saw him looking up towards Danielle's cell and felt sympathy hit him. "As soon as we're given the ok," he said softly. "I promise."
Adam answered his ringing phone, closing and locking his bedroom door so tonight's pussy couldn't come out. "Yes?" He barked. "This better be fucking urgent."
"He says it is," said this time a man's voice on the other end. "Our man has some news for you from SG. Says it's urgent and knows you and we won't be happy if it isn't."
Adam felt his excitement grow. "Fine, put him through." There was a click and then Adam heard Derek Chancer's voice. He'd never met the guy, but knew his voice from the news.
"Mr. Dawson, I have managed to obtain Danielle Hayward's new phone number."
Adam whooped. He couldn't stop it. This was just fucking brilliant. He wanted to shake the woman killer's hand. "Thank you," he said softly. "I owe you pal. By the way, you're a guy I've always admired, I know your voice from the news. Go and kill more cunts for me will you? That's all they're good for. I've respected and admired you for years and would love to meet you."
"Thanks," Derek Chancer's voice said. Adam could hardly believe who he was speaking to. "Give me time and I will. In the meantime…"
Softly, Derek Chancer quoted the eleven digits Adam had longed for. This was just too fucking perfect! Once he was done with tonight's cunt, he'd show Danielle Hayward who she belonged to. She was his, he owned her, his property, that was all there was to it.
After he wrote the number down and hung up, he went back in to his room. His excitement had given him an erection all over again and luckily enough, there was a cunt ready and waiting on his bed.
When he was done, he practically dragged her towards his front door. Normally he may have robbed her considering how small she was, but not tonight. Oh no. He had other priorities on this particular evening. "Get out!"
The whore was at his gate before he could blink. He laughed out loud as he closed his door. He fucked women and they ran from him afterwards. Just how he liked it. All except Danielle Hayward of course. Oh no, she was one woman as was Charlotte who wasn't running anywhere and now it was time to show her why.
Danielle sat at her bolted down desk, her thoughts in turmoil. For the last two days, she'd felt… Well she wasn't even sure what. Just… Off. Nervous. Uneasy. Stark had assured her at least twice she was perfectly safe, the most recent just a few hours ago. but she couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched. She knew it was ridiculous, she was in one of the safest places in the world. But still… She'd tried to put it down to Adam's persistent attempts to call and message her. Would that man ever give up? She knew the answer to that question already. No. Not a chance in hell.
With a deep sigh, she headed back to her bed. She knew she should try and sleep, it was after midnight. She just wasn't sure if she'd be able to pull it off tonight. As she lay down, she found her mind going back to a conversation she'd had with Joanne two days before when she'd first told her how she was feeling. She'd pressed her call button and asked Joanne if they could go for a walk at two in the morning.
"Where do you want to go?" Joanne asked as they left the cell block.
"I don't care," Danielle said truthfully. "I'd just really like to talk to you, if I may?"
"Now what kind of question is that?" Her guard squeezed her arm. "Of course you can. "I'm all, as you love, ears."
Danielle couldn't help it and laughed at that. "I love you Joanne," she said softly, realising she actually meant it. "Thank you."
Joanne squeezed her arm again and Danielle hugged her tightly in the middle of the corridor, not caring if anyone saw them. Joanne squeezed her close for a moment then released her. "Um," Danielle said shyly. "Do you trust me now Joanne?"
"In what way?" Her guard asked.
Danielle had wanted to do this for a while now but hadn't dared asked and she and Joanne would have to be alone for it for her to feel completely at ease about doing so. Well now at two in the morning, they were. "This," Danielle said, reaching forward and beginning to softly touch Joanne's stab vest and equipment, feeling the handcuffs, radio and gun holster, plus notepaper, pen and a flashlight strapped to her shoulder and the compartments on her heavy belt. Joanne didn't move or make any move to stop her and Danielle's affection for her grew if possible even stronger. Especially when Joanne pulled out each piece of equipment and handed it to Danielle properly, showing her where each part went in their pouches and what some of it was for. Danielle didn't recognise the feel of her panic alarm for example. "I've wanted to ask you for that for ages," Danielle admitted quietly. "But I wasn't sure how."
"You should've just asked you silly girl. Did you enjoy that?" Danielle nodded, genuinely smiling a little now.
"I thought you were going to go after my ears," Joanne said, chuckling. Danielle knew they had full mutual trust and respect now so she reached up and gently felt her guards ears. Danielle liked them; she couldn't lie. She was surprised to find Joanne also had short hair, though not quite as short as hers. Her ears were very small and Danielle couldn't lie, cute.
"Do I have nice ears then?" Joanne asked. Danielle could hear in her voice she was grinning. "Yes," she blushed.
Joanne pretended horror. "Oh no! I've passed the ear test! My ears are no longer safe!"
Danielle burst out laughing. Not for the first time, she thanked Dr Loomis for giving her this woman. She was amazing. "They're cute," Danielle said when she could speak.
"Cute, eh?" Joanne mused. "Well Get off my cute ears, cheeky!" Danielle laughed.
"I'd love to have all that stuff on me as part of my job," she admitted as they started walking again. "It must make you feel so powerful?"
Joanne laughed. "No, it's just to protect, that's all. I don't go round thinking I'm an armed, handcuff wielding super hero."
At this, Danielle cracked up for real, unable to stop giggling. Joanne chuckled. "Sorry," Danielle said when she'd got her breath back. "That's one reason I love you Joanne. You're so funny, kind and compassionate, but damn scary when you need to be." Joanne touched her shoulder. "I mean," Danielle continued. "Look what happened in court with Adam when you had to shoot him."