By the time he woke up the next morning, Adam was cursing himself. He shouldn't have sent that iMessage to Danielle last night. Even using a new Apple ID he shouldn't have. He knew it. He'd just been so damn angry she'd dared to change her number a second time and wanted her to know it. She had no right to do so without his express permission once, never mind twice. But to put that about her having visitors? That'd been a mistake. Now she would know for certain someone was working for him on the inside. I'm watching you? Stupid. But, he reminded himself. What was done was done. He couldn't change it or take it back now and there was no way Danielle or the quacks would find out who his man in SG was. So far, it seemed Derek Chancer had been very careful to cover his tracks and Adam commended him for this. He was taking this seriously. That said, given the amount of money on the table for him if he succeeded, that wasn't surprising. More tools to kill women with no doubt, Adam thought with a grin. Good.
Adam himself had had a long night. Rolling over, he went back to sleep.
"You can see on the video cameras Mark Sarcozi hands Chancer something," Stark said, peering intently at the screen. "I just can't make out what it is. All I can see is a small rectangular package from this camera angle. But a guard definitely opens the glass so the exchange can take place. We need to find out who the guard was and what was in that package."
"Yeah," Loomis said quietly. "That's the key word here Gemma. Was. Don't you recognise him? He ended up zipped in to a body bag after Michael was finished with him. It's… Correction it was, John Baker."
"Ah." Stark said, deflating. "Well, um, bollocks!"
"Bollocks?" Loomis said, sounding definitely amused now. "Well who'd have thought you'd know and use such British expletives Gemma?"
Stark threw her pen at him. Loomis deftly caught it. "I learnt them from you!"
"Hmm." Loomis mused. "But yes, I would agree that bollocks is a pretty good word to sum up our current position. After all, talking to a deceased guard is impossible. Wouldn't you say?"
Stark couldn't help laughing. It was good to know they could have at least a little banter in a situation like this. Stepping forward, Loomis handed Stark back her pen. It was a heavy silver one with her initials GS engraved in to it. Luke had given it to her as a recent present. "Just because I love you," he'd said. "I know you'll get a lot of use out of it."
She had almost cried. It'd been at the end of a particularly stressful day. Luke had told her he'd been saving it, but when she'd come home in floods of tears had decided to give it to her there and then.
"Nice pen," Loomis remarked. "Luke really loves you; you know."
Stark smiled back at him. "I know. I love him so much too! Best decision I ever made marrying him. I just wish sometimes I could tell him some of this shit. He's out there trying to save people's lives and keep their hearts beating and I'm…" She took a breath. "Jesus I don't know! Trying to save a woman from an abusive ex and she's now very possibly falling in love with a masked serial killer?" She sank in to one of the chairs, pulling her hands through her hair. "Andrews's wish to transfer said killer aside, someone out there is out to get her, working for Dawson and I damn well want to know who it is!"
"We need to search Chancer's cell." Loomis said. "That's the only way we're going to find out what was in that package from Sarcozi. Before you ask, we don't need a reason, Gemma. This is a high security ward full of very dangerous men. I think that's good enough. How do we know it wasn't something to kill a woman with?"
Stark shivered a little. Loomis actually put his arm around her. "Sorry," he said quietly.
"No," Stark shook her head and hugged him back. She deeply loved Samuel Loomis, in the way only close friends understood. "You could be bang on the money. He's just… One scary guy and an evil asshole to boot."
"We will wait until morning when we have the specially trained guards. I could call them in tonight, but I think Danielle will be safe for the next few hours. We'll just keep a careful eye on the situation. I also want more guards here because it of course goes without saying, however well trained you are, that you, Danielle and Joanne will be nowhere near the block when the search is conducted," Loomis said, so firmly that Stark decided against arguing. She just gave him a small smile of gratitude and simply said, "I love you Sam. Thanks."
Loomis squeezed her again and said quietly, ditto."
Danielle was woken by two sounds which immediately caused a smile to cross her face. Jangling keys and cheerful, happy whistling. That sound always made her ears prick up; she could listen to someone whistling for hours. The sounds drew nearer and with them came the smell of strong coffee, to mix with the already present smells of cleaning fluid. The cleaners had left the block an hour ago. They tried to be quiet, but Danielle almost always heard them. She really wanted to know who was whistling, so she approached her door and called softly through it. "Hello?"
The whistling stopped and someone spoke. "Good morning Danielle, how are you this morning?"
Danielle grinned at the speaker. It was Jordan Atkinson. The Australian guard who headed the team who started their early shifts after Joanne's team finished nights. He'd once told her recently after she'd arrived that he'd moved to Illinois from Sidney when he was twenty, married an American woman and had never looked back. Danielle loved his Australian accent. If truth be told, she placed him as one of the five guards she could talk to if needed. Along with Ryan, Jack, Rick and of course Joanne. He was the same as Jack in one way. He could be playful, but immediately switch to serious and alert when needed.
It certainly wasn't true to say Danielle didn't like all but one of the guards she'd met. All apart from the late John Baker, had been kind and caring towards her. But there was something about those five that was just… Different.
"Morning Jordan," Danielle said as the guard slid open her hatch. "How are you?"
"All the better for seeing you and of course I was whistling just for you."
"You're such a charmer," Danielle smirked. "And such a liar!"
"Oh! My heart! That unfounded accusation has stolen my ability to whistle! I doubt I'll ever be able to do so again!"
"Oh give over drama queen!" Danielle was laughing genuinely. It felt so good. Jordan pretended to sob, then joined her in her laughter.
"Do you want me to ask one of my team to take you to breakfast when they start serving at seven as you're awake?"
"Yes please," Danielle replied. "I could eat a horse at the moment!"
"Hmm. I don't think that's on the menu, but I'm sure they'll be something just as nice."
"Ha ha. Please could I have a tea in the meantime though?"
"Of course. Coming right up!"
"Thanks Jordan, you're amazing."
"I know. But thanks for telling me what I already know."
Danielle reached through the hatch and lightly hit him on the arm. Further proof she was trusted as the guards normally stood further back. "Watch out for that ego, your head won't fit through the door!"
Jordan laughed and strolled away. As he did so, Danielle couldn't help smiling as he once again in spite of his earlier statement started to whistle.
Reaching over for her phone, she checked the time. Half past six. What she'd said to Jordan was true. She was starving. Opening her phone, she saw she had a new message waiting for her. She smiled. Charlotte? She opened it and that was when her world seemed to stop turning.
Did you enjoy having visitors today? I'm watching you. Happy Halloween.
Danielle read it once, twice. It had to be from Adam, there was no doubt in her mind at least. But, "did you enjoy having visitors today?" Those first six words were what made her blood run cold and her heart pick up speed. How did he know she'd had visitors yesterday? Someone must've told him! If so, who? This was what Stark had promised her she would find out. Who inside Smith's Grove had been paid by Adam to do this? Were they acting alone or through an organisation? That thought made her temperature drop if possible even further. Did you enjoy having visitors today?
The message had clearly been sent the night before. She could almost dismiss the "I'm watching you, happy Halloween part." Almost. It was Halloween? Fuck! No wonder Michael hadn't joined her last night. This was the day he was at his most dangerous. That didn't stop her wishing he was there right then though. Danielle let out a long breath, determined not to panic. That was what Adam wanted after all she knew and she'd be damned if she'd give him that satisfaction. All be it he wouldn't know about it. Not this time. She'd matured a lot with the help of the doctors here and no way in hell was she going to let this abusive little prick set her back on the progress she'd made. But still. Who was watching her? That did make her nervous and she had to find out. It made her wish even more Michael was with her right then. If he'd seen this… She shivered. Another kill. That said, she was certain he wouldn't hurt her and also that would doubtlessly be the outcome regardless if they found the perpetrator.
Danielle didn't even want to consider it could be one of the guards. That thought was too terrible to think about. So it had to be…
"No," Danielle said out loud. "How?"
Did you enjoy having visitors today? That could not be a co-incidence. Adam knew Charlotte was attending the hospital with her family.
When Gemma Stark's mobile rang, she almost didn't answer it. She glanced at the screen, unknown ID. Pausing the video she and Loomis had come back to that morning, trying again to see what the package was, she answered it, putting it on speaker.
"Is this Dr Stark?" Asked a male voice.
"That is correct."
"This is DC Holloway from IL PD. We have reason to believe Adam Dawson was near the hospital last evening. Charlotte and her family saw him as they were driving home. He appeared to be changing a punctured tyre which they are sure he punctured himself deliberately. We have spoken to Charlotte and her parents and they have confirmed they were visiting Danielle Hayward there yesterday. Mr. Dawson told us the punctured tyre we found in his trunk last night had been there for ages, but we're not so sure. We're trying to get a curfew imposed on him, but we wanted to let you know just in case. Please don't hesitate to call us if we can help in any way or anything further happens."
"Thank you," Stark said numbly and ended the call. She caught Loomis's eye.
"No fucking way! How the hell did he know? Damn right he punctured that tyre on purpose, son of a bitch! Whoever is watching Danielle must have told him! What the fuck? Ok, that's it! We need to search his cell now Sam, not later!"
"I agree," Loomis said, he looked as angry and pale as she did. Stand by, I'll call in the trained guards now. They're due to start at nine and it's only seven, but this is an emergency. I'll be right back!"
This time when Danielle heard Jordan whistling as he approached with her tea, she couldn't smile. As he handed it to her, she asked if he'd come in for a sec.
"I do have a meeting in a few minutes, can I ask one of my colleagues to help you?"
"No, I promise it won't take long. Please Jordan, I need it to be you."
Jordan opened her door immediately. "Ok. What's wrong Danielle?"
Without speaking, Danielle handed the guard her phone. She almost felt it when just like Jack, his playful attitude vanished and the serious, protective guard was right there.
"When did you get this?" He was keeping his voice low now.
Danielle did the same. "This morning. I think it's Adam. But how the fuck did he know I had visitors yesterday? That scares me, Jordan. Plus what about Charlotte? I have to know if she's ok!"
"Stand by," Jordan said and ran out. Danielle had only once heard a guard run from her cell and that was when Michael was killing Jefferson.
Danielle sat down on her desk chair and before she knew it, was crying softly. Fuck. Would this ever end? She didn't see it of course as Michael's gaze followed the sprinting guard.
"Ok this settles it," Sam Loomis said when Jordan showed him and Stark the text on Danielle's phone. Stark went if possible even paler.
"I have to go and see if she's ok," she said and turned to run herself.
Loomis stopped her with a soft hand to her arm. "I want Michael with her Gemma," he said quietly. "Yes I understand it's Halloween and I also understand your views, but we have to."
"What if…" Stark began but Loomis cut her off.
"No way. Michael won't hurt Danielle. Please Gemma, please do this for me. Danielle can stay in her cell while we search Chancer's then. Please."
Stark hesitated again. This was a huge risk…
"JUST DO IT!" Loomis snapped and Gemma's mouth fell open. Her boss had never yelled at her before. It told her he had no room or time for her arguments. She nodded once, before she now did turn and begin to run.
Derek chancer was rudely woken by running footsteps as the block doors banged open. Looking out, he saw Gemma Stark running towards Danielle's cell. He smirked. Dear oh dear. What had happened? What a shame if that bitch was in distress.
Chancer rolled over on to his back and glanced at the tiny clock bolted in the ceiling. They didn't even trust him with a clock. It was five minutes to seven. He sighed, remembering what'd happened just five hours before.
BEEP! BEEP BEEP!
Derek jolted awake, wondering what the fuck the racket was. He turned over and saw it was his iPod, flashing a red light. He grabbed it. Earlier that day he'd sent in a message.
THE HEAT'S COMING DOWN, I NEED HELP.
Now, he hit the answer button stopping the beeping.
"Derek!" Drawled a casual, laidback voice Derek had never met the owner of, but was pretty sure he knew in seconds. This had to be Chris Leach. "My man!"
Chancer couldn't deny he was surprised. He hadn't expected Leach himself to call.
"What was with the fucking deafening noise?" He snapped. "What if the guards heard? Hell I think the whole hospital did!"
"Well you see," Leach began, now sounding like an adult teaching a bad tempered child that one plus one equalled two. Now Derek really did want to punch him. "It had to sound like an alarm clock so even if the whole hospital did hear it, there's nothing suspicious about an alarm clock, is there?"
Chancer looked at the display. It was two in the morning. Of course Leach wouldn't call him during the day. Chancer was just glad Leach's voice was coming through the headphones, which he thankfully hadn't unplugged. If the guards heard…
"So," Leach drawled. "I don't have hours Derek. What's the problem? You say you need help? Why is this?"
"Why do you think?" Chancer hissed. "Only because Michael fucking Myers has I think cottoned on to what's going on. I don't think he knows it's me but it's surely only a matter of time! He's one killer who seriously does scare me!"
"You and many others," leach remarked. "But what makes you think he gives a damn about her?"
"Did Sarcozi not tell you what I said? Jesus Christ! Why am I not surprised? Myers is always watching her; he's already killed Baker and Jefferson because they hurt her in different ways and I sure as fuck don't want to be next! I got our Client her number, she got it changed and Baker died as a result! Now you're only asking me to try and get her number again when she's being protected by a God damn serial killer? Be fucking real!"
"My dear man. It's not us who wants it, it's our Client." Leaches Arrogant, casual I'm above you, this isn't my problem tone, made Derek's anger rise. He had to work very hard to stop his voice from doing likewise.
"Same fucking difference! I think they're on to me Mr. Leach." Chancer knew better than not to respect Chris Leach, in spite of his anger. If only by addressing him thus. In his own way, this man was almost as dangerous as Myers. "It can't be long before they search my cell."
"What gives you that idea? Even if they do, it's an iPod. You can explain that away can you not? It's not your concern if they try to get in to it. It's well… Theirs."
Chancer remembered the instruction manual and how inputting the wrong password three times would be fatal. He shivered a little. Leach was certainly right in that regard. They'd die trying. Quite literally in this case.
"They'll have to prove it first," Leach continued. "There is absolutely no proof on the outside that it's anything other than an iPod. Our man told me you were whispering in your visit, so what are the chances really that the microphones heard you? I think you're safe Mr. Chancer and are worrying too much. It's an innocent little iPod. Nothing more, nothing less. So if that's all…"
"Hang on a sec," Chancer hissed in outrage. "What about the fact I may very probably be the target of a masked killer?"
Leach actually chuckled. Right then, Chancer wanted himself or Myers to kill the motherfucker. "How is that our problem Derek? You agreed to do this job did you not? For the money. You'd know damn well there is risk involved, whether from Mr. Myers or someone else."
"You're just going to…" Chancer couldn't finish.
"There was nothing in the contract to say we'd burst in and rescue you at the first sign of trouble Derek. Sorry my man. This is well… Your funeral."
When Leach hung up mere moments later, Derek couldn't suppress the feeling that he could very well be right. Literally, his funeral if Michael Myers got hold of him.