"Sir," Stark said quietly. "If you have so many questions about why Michael should not be in solitary, might I suggest you come down to the block sometimes? You might get the answers you seek then plus understand the kills Michael has committed a little better. Plus how strong he is and how hard it is to regain control when he's feeling an urge to kill, whether for a reason or not."
Andrews bristled. "How dare you talk to me like that! I am your boss and you will respect the decisions I make."
"Sir, if those decisions compromise someone's safety, wellbeing and maybe even life, I'm afraid we can't do that. You employed us to care for the patients. We are very experienced professionals, so might I suggest that you show us a little more trust when it comes to their daily care? Ok it's your choice to transfer Mr. Myers, again a huge mistake, but we can't change that. But while you are unable to do so, he is in our care and I can tell you now that putting him in solitary would cause tremendous damage. Plus let's not beat around the bush. Jefferson was a nasty sexual bully and the guard… Well he got too close to Myers and we couldn't pull him back. God knows all the guards tried except Joanne who was looking after Danielle. That is her designated job."
Andrews looked at her, his mouth opening and closing with indignation she'd dared to speak to him that way. Loomis gave Stark a mental pat on the back. Well said! Plus, she was right in every way.
"You haven't heard the last of this Stark," Andrews said eventually. "Your lack of respect. But for now, I will take your word for it and trust your all be it insane judgement. But I will be watching. I will get some of my staff to come down and check on your ward every so often and feedback what they see. If I see anything I shouldn't, I will not hesitate to act this time."
"Yes Sir," Stark and Loomis said together and almost ran out of the room five minutes later.
"Great!" Stark said bitterly. "Stupid idiot! His staff member won't know what's hit them! I'd like to hear them feed that back! Michael Myers is holding Danielle Hayward in his arms every night and the people he killed were only done so because they hurt Danielle in some way. I certainly wouldn't want to be the person who gave Dawson Danielle's number. They're a dead person if Myers finds out and gets hold of them. I for one won't stop him."
Loomis didn't answer, he simply nodded. That said everything, he didn't need words this time.
Danielle was surprised when she found out the next morning she'd slept all night, despite having slept most of the day away thanks to the sedative. But nor could she deny she felt a lot better for it. At five to eleven, Stark and Joanne arrived outside her cell to take her to the visitor's room. Silently, Myers slipped out past them and Rick let him back in to his own cell.
"Just so you know Danielle, the visitor's rooms are recorded," Stark said. "But we only listen if we have a reason to do so, a very good one at that and we won't need to come near your visit and we already know this. There are signs in the room which warn it's recorded but of course you wouldn't see them which is why I'm telling you now. If you need anyone, press the call button built in to the wall beside the door, just the same as the one in your cell."
Danielle smiled at her doctor in gratitude. "Thanks Dr Stark."
Stark and Joanne both guided Danielle down corridors and through beeping doors in to the visitor's room, where Charlotte and her family were already waiting.
As soon as Danielle was in the visitor's room with her family and Joanne back in the ward, Dr Stark turned away, the smile falling from her face. It'd been genuine while it was there but now it was slipping. She had a meeting with Loomis this morning, one reason for getting Danielle distracted. She had actually phoned Charlotte the day before, asking her if she wanted to bring her family to see Danielle and was genuinely happy for her when they'd all instantly said yes, but she hated the fact she also had an ulterior motive for doing so and didn't want Danielle anywhere near it. She'd asked Charlotte not to tell Danielle she'd called and say it was their idea. Charlotte had agreed instantly, trusting the therapist and saying they'd been planning to do it anyway.
Heading down the corridors and back through the doors, she finally reached Dr Loomis's office and knocked once. "Enter," Loomis called.
"Thanks for working with me for this Sam," Dr Stark said as soon as the heavy door was securely closed. "So fast I mean."
"Of course," Loomis gave her a small smile, then a serious look. "I totally understand why we're here and I agree this is what we have to do. Someone passed Danielle's number on to Dawson once and that is once too many for my liking." He gestured at a machine on the table. "I've downloaded the audio footage from visitor room six those two days," he said. "Let's see what Mr. Chancer and his friend had to say to each other."
"You think it might be related?" Stark asked in horror. Loomis gently touched his Junior Consultant's arm.
"Yes, I do. But I couldn't listen unless we have a reason. Well you can't get much bigger than a possible security risk. I almost listened to them that day, but I didn't have enough grounds. Damn laws and I hate the fact Danielle has now suffered as a possible result. But let's see what we hear first, shall we?"
"I just…" Stark looked at him. "Was hoping you'd say it probably wasn't related. That's what horrifies me so much. If we both agree, even you, then…"
"Gemma." Loomis touched her arm again. It was one of very few times he'd ever used her first name and Gemma Stark now understood why he was so good at calming his patients, some of the most dangerous men on the planet. Like Michael Myers… "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together. Ok? You're not in this on your own. You are a very good therapist and Danielle trusts you. But I'll always have your back, you know that."
"No wonder your patients trust you," Stark gave him a faint smile and was she realised blinking back tears. "You know how to get through to the most dangerous men around."
Loomis smiled back at her. "Just my job, Gemma. But you know I'm always here for you also should you need to talk to me about anything."
"I've wanted to," Stark admitted. "But you're a busy man and I didn't want to make it worse."
"Well forget that," Loomis said sternly. "If you need me at any point, I'm here. That's what I'm here for, Gemma. If you need to, come and find me. You do the same job as I and I know how stressful it can be. I know you have Luke, but you're obviously limited to what you can tell him. You're not with me. If you need me, I'm here."
"But then who talks to you?" Stark argued. Loomis smiled at her.
"I can ask you," he said.
"Danielle!" Emma Avery cried, running to pull Danielle tightly in to her arms.
"Hi Mom," Danielle said, also close to tears and Emma hugged her as tightly as she could, before kissing her cheek.
"You're looking so thin, are you eating enough? Are they looking after you well? Have you been truthful and answered all their questions honestly? Are…"
"Let her breathe Mom!" Charlotte said but was also smiling. "Although we do want those questions answered Danielle, she added sternly. "Although that said you've got more than just the doctors to answer to." Danielle could hear she was grinning.
"Yes," Danielle said, pretending as if she was rolling her eyes but in truth more grateful than she could ever tell Emma Avery. She hadn't released her from the hug. "The food is ok and I eat what I can. When I first came here I obviously had no appetite, but I'm getting better now thanks. I didn't trust the doctors at first either, but they've been amazing Mom and I'm not being sarcastic or bitter either. Dr Stark and Dr Loomis have been absolutely fabulous, as have most of the guards. The female guard I came in with is Joanne Turner, my assigned guard and she's almost become a friend."
"Yeah she's awesome," Charlotte agreed. "She's the one who shot Adam in the shoulder when he wouldn't move out of our way in court."
"She sounds great just for that," Dan Avery now stepped forward and hugged Danielle tightly. "Hey my girl how are you?"
"Hey Dad," Danielle hugged him back and Charlotte saw her father blinking back tears too. "I'm getting there. How are you? It's so nice of you all to come here today. Thank you so much."
"Hey! What about me Sis?" Colin stepped forward now and pulled Danielle to him. She rested her head against his shoulder and kissed his cheek as she had Dan and Emma's. "Hey bro." Damn it's so good to see you all again! When it first happened, I wasn't sure if…"
"Hey darling don't," Emma said softly, as they all sat down in comfortable chairs facing the glass window. They then place loads of chocolates and drinks in front of Danielle, along with a CD player and lots of Danielle's favourite audio books on CD. Danielle blinked back tears again. They were spoiling her rotten. "Thank you," she just managed to say. "I love you all so much."
"As do we!" Colin barked. "We weren't losing you for that prick Dawson! No way!"
"How's Nigel?" Danielle asked. "Is he ok?"
"He's moved house now, probably wanted to be away from Adam too. But I have his new number," Colin pulled out his phone. "He changed it to be safe, just in case. He says he'll come in and see you sometime soon. Those white chocolates are from him." He showed her the box in question. "He misses you. He said text him." Danielle copied Nigel's new number in to her phone. The man who'd saved her life and seen through Adam's lies.
"I will. I can't thank him enough for what he did," Danielle admitted. "Or I would've been dead now. But I would like to know, was that him who whistled in court?"
"Yep," Colin smiled. "He was telling you he was there."
"Were you guys there to? I'm sorry I didn't see you afterwards!"
"Only me," Colin said. Mom and Dad had to work. That's why I text you afterwards. You did so well in there sis, I can't tell you."
"Agreed," Charlotte said quietly. Colin looked at her. "So did you, my other sis." They all smiled.
It was the best few hours of Danielle's life recently. When she finally went back to her cell, she was exhausted, but so happy. She had to ask for a couple of bags to carry her many gifts back. Joanne simply helped her put them on her desk. Danielle was sure that in normal circumstances the guards would take them and give them to her in moderation, but not this time. She lay down on her surprisingly comfortable bed and started listening to one of her new books. She was still reading it at midnight. Michael hadn't joined her tonight, but Danielle didn't mind. Just the knowledge he was only down the corridor was enough for her. Just as her eyes were closing, she heard the "ping!" Of a message, but she was too tired to check it. This was probably a good thing. For if she had, she wouldn't have slept at all.
Did you enjoy having visitors today? I'm watching you. Happy Halloween.
It was pitch dark by the time Adam reached the narrow streets situated exactly half way between his house and the Psychiatric hospital. He knew Charlotte would have to come this way and she'd go right past him. He had a plan based on the information Derek Chancer had given him and he was damn well going to use it.
It felt like he'd been waiting for hours when suddenly, there! There was Colin Avery's car and his cunt was right there in the back. He had to make sure she at least, he couldn't give a fuck about them, but she saw him. Picking up the long sharp nail he'd bought with him from his toolbox, Adam stepped out of the car and deliberately punctured his back left tyre. There was a bang then the hiss of escaping air. This made Adam if possible even angrier. His cunt would pay for this. She'd just made him lose a tyre and it was all her fault. If she hadn't moved out without his express permission this wouldn't have happened. This was money he could've used on a whore. She'd pay for it with her pussy if he had anything to say about it.
He felt himself harden immediately at the thought of that, as he slowly and methodically began to change his tyre. Now he was angry. Charlotte Avery would pay for this alright.
"No fucking way!" Colin Avery shouted, stamping on his breaks. Charlotte, who'd been half asleep, jolted awake. "What?"
"Nothing sis," Colin said immediately, turning to his father. "Dad," he breathed, "look out the window!"
Dave Avery did and saw Adam Dawson standing beside his car, changing what looked like a punctured tyre. He was almost willing to bet the son of a bitch had done it on purpose, giving him his excuse for stopping there. He had no reason to be here. None at all. Before they could stop her, Charlotte too had looked out.
"Shit," she turned pale. "It's Adam…"
"Don't you worry sis," Colin pulled out his phone and pressed three buttons fast. Nine one one. "He isn't getting anywhere near you!" Charlotte listened as he asked for the police, then told them who he was and what was happening. That his sister was now in considerable distress and Dawson had no excuse to be there.
Adam risked a glance up and saw Charlotte had seen him. She was ghostly white. He smirked. At that moment, Dave Avery jumped out of their car and Colin had to physically restrain him and pull him back.
"No dad," Colin hissed. "You're get yourself in trouble! That misogynistic prick is not worth you going to prison! We and mom need you!"
"Well said!" Charlotte agreed, still very pale.
Adam could feel his hands shaking a little now. He had no doubt what so ever that those bastards had called the pigs. He had to change his tyre fast before the heat really came down on him. Two minutes later, he was back in his car, driving away as fast as he could.
"No Cole," Charlotte begged as Colin made to drive after the speeding away car. "Don't! Like you just said, he's not worth it!"
"Fucking bastard," Dave growled. He called the police back and told them the direction Adam had sped off in.
"Are you ok babe?" He asked his clearly shaken daughter; all be it she was trying to hide it.
"Yeah," Charlotte said quietly. "But fuck. He's a determined guy. He probably blames… Scratch that. He'll blame Danielle and I for his own punctured tyre. It'll be all our fault and he…"
"Over my dead body!" Dave and Colin said together. "He won't punish you for something he did," Dave finished.
"I'm willing to bet he punctured that fucking tyre himself when he saw us coming," Colin said. Tears in her eyes, Charlotte nodded.
Colin stopped the car immediately and Dave slipped in to the back beside her and Emma, pulling Charlotte in to his arms along with her mother. In any other circumstances, Charlotte would've rolled her eyes and said "dad I'm an adult now," but not in these. She simply rested her head on her father's shoulder as finally her tears came. Would Adam Dawson ever give up? The answer was clearly no.
By the time the police came looking for him an hour later, Adam was already back in his apartment. There was absolutely no evidence he'd been anywhere that night. When the police saw his punctured tyre in his trunk, Adam told them it'd been there for ages and the cops couldn't disprove that. A job well done, Adam thought with a satisfied smirk as tonight's whore finally arrived at his door.
"Jesus Christ!" Stark burst out in pure frustration and exasperation. "Fucking hell! I was there when the company installed these so called top of the range microphones. "You won't miss a thing," the manager guy said. Total bullshit! They're a pile of crap! No wonder he was wearing such a cheap suit if this is the kind of shite he sells! Trust Andrews to go for the cheapest option and make them look expensive! I mean shit! You couldn't hear Michael speak with these things!"
Loomis raised his eyebrows and Stark could tell he was amused by her uncharacteristic outburst and dark, sarcastic humour. "Very eloquently put," he said and she could see he was trying not to smile. Stark couldn't help it and smiled a little herself.
"Shut up! I asked Andrews if we could integrate the recording microphones in to the ones built in to the glass so people can hear each other. He said no. Said they needed to be separate so it was obvious it was being recorded! Total crap! He just didn't want to pay the extra money! Look where we are as a result!"
For the last hour, they had tried to listen to the recordings of Chancer and Sarcozi, but they couldn't hardly hear anything. The two men were whispering, keeping their voices very low. This time, the "this is being recorded signs" had become a security risk in themselves, rather than an aid.
"We could ask one of the guards to listen," Loomis suggested. "Maybe if they have well-tuned ears."
"Danielle would love that," Stark smiled, unable to stop herself. "The ear reference."
Loomis grinned. "To be honest, if this wasn't about Danielle, I may have even considered asking her to listen to it. Her hearing is undoubtedly very good seeing as she obviously depends on it so much."
Stark nodded. She mimicked Andrews's voice. "The microphones need to be visible Stark, as do the signs. We are not putting them in to the glass. Those mikes need to be separate. They are top of the range and will pick up anything said. End of discussion. Although the truth is I'm a tight, selfish bastard who has no desire to spend more money than I have to!"
For one of very few times since she'd known him, Samuel Loomis started to laugh. Stark tried to keep up her annoyed glare at him, but it didn't work and within seconds she was doing the same.