Eventually, Danielle broke the silence which had fallen between the two friends.

"Charlotte," she said, then paused. She wanted to ask her the exact same question she'd asked Nurse Hathaway. Have I broken everything between Michael and I? But for some reason, she didn't want to hear Charlotte's answer in case it was yes.

"Hmm?" Her friend asked, sounding as if she was getting sleepy. Danielle wished she was, but couldn't see herself getting any sleep tonight. All she wanted to do was cry.

"Don't worry, nothing. It's ok." Danielle knew she was being a coward, but she couldn't face it.

"No come on," Charlotte said, suddenly sounding much more awake. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

Danielle sighed. She knew Charlotte wouldn't leave it, at least not now. Plus she'd told her this much, why not tell her the rest? She took a deep breath.

"Do you think what just happened tonight will have undone everything between Michael and I? Like, he hates me now?"

Charlotte made a soft noise of surprise. Whatever she'd been expecting, it clearly wasn't that. "Huh? No way! He's a man everyone fears. But you're different in his eyes , Danielle. He cares about you. Why on earth would your fear, justified completely I might add change this? That sounds to me as if you're almost hoping it will. Scared of a relationship. Am I right?"

"Hell no!" Danielle exclaimed vehemently. "No way! I want to be with him so badly. I'm just scared of his reaction. But I'll admit it, I was scared to ask you in case you said yes." She paused. "Ok, maybe a little scared of a relationship too. But you've taken the plunge, so I will too! You're right. I can't let this slip by because of him! That's what he wants after all!"

"Good for you girl! Well done! I'm not Michael. But I am your best friend and we're honest with each other. So my answer is not a chance in hell! Just you wait! As soon as he can be with you, he will be! I promise!"

"I hope you're right," Danielle said in a voice barely above a whisper. "I really, really hope you're right."

Derek Chancer knew he had no choice. He'd have to text his employers and tell them about the problem with the iPod. He'd have to be honest and say he didn't know if the techs had broken it or Hayward's cell had been modified to stop it working. Either way, this was bad. Entering the ap, he started typing in the fake review box.

I've got a problem. My iPod can't hear in to her cell. I can hear guards walking past outside it and every word they say as clear as a bell, but I can't hear her at all. I don't know if it's because those fucking techs broke it when they examined it, or if her cell has been modified in some way to stop the technology working. I want to continue; I need the money. Can you help? D.

The answer came back within five minutes. Anonymous of course.

We can update your software with our newest version, see if that makes the microphones any stronger. Sound proof foam exists, they may have used that to modify her cell. In which case it's unclear how well it'll work. Leave your iPod locked for the rest of the night, don't touch it and we'll update your software remotely. After seven in the morning, turn it off and on again and you'll have the update. I'm sure I don't need to add that you won't be paid tonight of course.

Fucker. Chancer thought as he locked the iPod and put it on his bedside table. He could work that much out for himself thank you very much. But they just had to rub salt in the wounds didn't they? Assholes.

He lay back down on his hard bed, fuming. If Hayward talked to anyone else tonight, he'd be clueless. Damn Loomis. Why did he have to be too clever, sharp for his own good? Well he hadn't heard the end of this, Chancer vowed then and there. He'd get his revenge. Kill his wife? Or Stark? Hmm that sounded just fabulous, but impossible. But he'd do something to get his own back on this fucking hospital, if it was the last thing he did.

When Charlotte eventually hung up about ten minutes later, Danielle opened the screen in her door again. The relief was indescribable. The compression on her ears instantly lifted. She took a deep breath and put her phone on her bedside table. As she did, her hand came in to contact with something cold. She reached out again and realised it was her freshly filled water jug. She'd totally forgotten about it when she'd asked Ash for the tablets.

Feeling it now brought back a clear and sudden memory of her long ago in her very early time here, touching the water jug, looking for any sharp edge to slit her wrists on. She was sure that'd been the night Michael had tapped his bars to her. God. How long ago had that been?

She then thought about the fact it'd been Michael's birthday on the nineteenth of October, and she'd asked Loomis to give him a small box of chocolates bought from the gift shop when she'd been allowed through once with Joanne. She hadn't seen Michael since then and the one time she had…

She sighed. What a fuck up she'd made of that. But she hadn't exaggerated. She could almost feel the menace, rage and desire to kill coming off him. Even without seeing him. God. She was certain now. She loved him. She must do. Or else why would this hurt so badly? Why did she want to be with him so much? Feeling something which felt almost like physical pain?

She filled up her plastic glass and took a long drink of the cold water. Her headache had started to wear off now. Too bad the tablets couldn't do the same for the pain in her heart. But there was only one man who could help that.

The emotion of it all hit her all over again at that moment. Adam hiring someone to watch, listen and report on her. Her longing for Michael, knowing in her heart of hearts she'd have to tell him the truth. Right then, she felt more alone than she ever had in her life. She lay down on her bed taking several deep breaths, trying to stop it, but she couldn't. Before she knew quite what was happening, she buried her head in her pillow and finally succumbed to the tears she'd been holding back for the last few days. She couldn't even find it in her to close the screen for privacy. She no longer cared who could hear her. All she cared about was the pain which seemed to be ripping her to pieces. If she'd not been so stupid, she could've been with Michael right now! The man who'd so easily managed to do the one thing she'd vowed no one ever would again after all Adam had done. Stolen her heart.

Dr Loomis would never have told Dr Martin this, but he was more troubled by what'd happened between Danielle and Michael than he was letting on. He was seriously in spite of his words, reconsidering trying to unite them again tonight after all. It was Loomis's turn to sleep in the small staff bedroom at the back of the block. Each night, one doctor stayed over, in case they were needed. But the patients couldn't access them. Only the guards could wake them and only when it was urgent. It was where Dr Stark had fortunately been the night Adam Dawson had got Danielle's protected number due to the still unbelievable actions of the now late John Baker.

He sighed softly and walked back in to the block. It was now half past ten and he would clock off and go to his quarters at eleven. He was walking through to get something from his office, when he was sure he heard something. It sounded like a quiet, quickly stifled sob? He always tried to stay professional, but right then he couldn't help what happened. He felt his heart crack with sympathy. If that had been a sob, there was only one person it could've been. Danielle.

As quietly as he could, he walked back through the block, having grabbed his overnight bag from his office, and stopped outside Michael's cell. As before, the killer was standing by his door, his steady, unflinching gaze fixed in the direction of Danielle's cell. Had he heard it too?

Samuel Loomis had no idea how Michael did this, hadn't in all the years he'd known him, but within a second the killer's eyes were on him. The doctor looked back and now the killer's gaze was its usual emotionless, blank self. But on this Halloween night and for the first time since meeting him, Dr Samuel Loomis saw right through it. Michael Myers could hide it all he wanted, but the doctor knew the killer was currently a hurting man. If he (Loomis) had indeed heard Danielle cry and so had the killer, he'd hate the fact he could do nothing to help her. Doctor and patient looked at each other intently for a minute, then Loomis spoke softly. "Come on."

He opened the killer's cell door with the master key not the electronics, so it didn't give out its usual loud buzz. Silently, the killer stepped out and to his side. Loomis didn't even consider using chains. As far as he was concerned, not only would it be cruel, but also pointless, as he'd be out of them within seconds.

Danielle looked up with a start as she heard someone softly tapping against her door. Now she regretted leaving the screen open as they'd immediately hear she'd been crying. AT least with it closed she could prepare herself. Yes the guards could see through it, but they wouldn't have heard her. She wasn't embarrassed, she just didn't want to not to mention couldn't face anyone right now.

"Danielle," said a soft male voice. "It's Dr Loomis. "Are you ok?"

Shit! The last person she'd wanted to see her in this state. She took a deep breath and tried to force her face to smile. She knew it wouldn't fool the Psychiatrist.

"I'm…" She started, but didn't know how to finish. Heartbroken? Angry? Scared? Feel so alone?

"I know exactly what will help you," Loomis said and was that a smile in his voice?

"Not sleeping pills," Danielle pleaded. "Please. They made me so groggy last time I think I lost two days straight!"

"Don't worry, it's not sleeping pills. It's better than those.

Something in his soft, gentle voice made an unexpected gush of affection fill Danielle's heart. She walked to the door and reached out, her hand coming in to contact with his arm, feeling his suit jacket under her fingers. She was even more grateful when the Psychiatrist moved it so he'd taken and squeezed her hand in his.

"I'm sorry Dr Loomis," Danielle said before she could stop herself. Once again she didn't care who heard, it just came tumbling out. "It's everything all at once. It just hit me and I couldn't stop it. I can't believe that Adam wants to sabotage even my recovery treatment following his abuse by hiring someone to watch, listen to and report on me! I can't even get better safely! I started off scared, but now I'm so fucking angry! It's a new emotion I'm not used to. Such deep anger and hatred. But damn it I… I don't want revenge. I just want him to leave me the fuck alone! And Charlotte! He's determined to control both of us for the rest of our lives and I'll be damned if he'll do that to us! But I can't do anything and that makes me feel so damn helpless! Then there's my feelings. You know what I'm talking about. I've just completely fucked everything up tonight! I'd deserve what I got after that! How could I have been so stupid? Yes I know everyone fears him especially tonight, but Jesus fucking hell! What have I just done? Yes I was terrified for a second there, but…"

"Danielle," Loomis squeezed her hand again. "I'm going to stop you for just a second there ok? I'm more than willing to listen to you for as long as you need, but let me help you first. Ok? I promise what I'm going to do will help you considerably."

Danielle let out a soft, "huh?" She was so confused. But he was the doctor… "Ok," she said quietly, her voice cracking with emotion. "How, Dr Loomis?"

"Can you stand back from your door and lie on your bed for a moment? There's not room for me to come in otherwise."

"Yeah, of course. Sorry." Danielle released his hand and did as he asked.

"No need for sorry. None at all."

The door buzzed open and then there was a second's silence. What the hell? She hoped Loomis hadn't lied and it was pills after all. Well if it was, she'd take them. She'd have to. She knew he was only trying to help.

In spite of everything, Derek Chancer found himself grinning. He'd been right in what he'd heard. Danielle Hayward had cried. Aww, what a fucking shame! Too bad it wasn't because of him. He'd certainly report that to his employers when his iPod was done updating. Small, but something. It'd give Adam Dawson a kick at least. Then he'd heard Loomis's soothing voice, but the quack had been talking too quietly for Chancer to make out what he'd been saying. Probably trying to comfort the stupid bitch.

But that was when his grin had died completely, sliding off his face like a mask. Because He'd realised Loomis had opened Michael Myers's door and the silent killer must've stepped out, walking towards Hayward's cell beside the doctor. Fuck! Bad! It looked like the shrink was going to reunite them after all. Talk about the nail in Derek Chancer's coffin.

Danielle made as if to sit up, reaching for her water jug. She'd need it for the pills. But that was when she was gently pushed back against her pillows, someone sat at her side and she felt the arms close around her tightly. There was no way it was Loomis. For a second, Danielle genuinely didn't twig. Not until the person beside her moved and she felt her hand come in to contact with his left ear.

"M… Michael?" Danielle could hardly speak. The killer tightened his arms around her and lay at her side, holding her as close as he could to his chest.

"Told you I could help you," Loomis said and Danielle knew he was smiling. The door silently closed. "Or should I say, Michael can."

"I…" Danielle tried to speak but her throat was too dry. She picked up her water glass and took a sip before she tried again. "I'm so sorry Michael! So, so sorry! I…"

If she hadn't felt what happened next, Danielle Hayward would never have believed it possible. Him touching her cheek had been one thing. But this? This was in an entirely different league. Michael placed a warm and tender finger to her lips, hushing her. That simple gesture made Danielle blink fast with further tears, but this time of longing, shock. The killer pushed her head to his shoulder then, holding her as tightly as he could, again moving his head so she was touching his ears. Both this time.

"Good night to you both," Loomis said softly and Danielle could hear his smile, and was that emotion in even his voice now? "You will not be separated again. You have my word on this." Danielle heard his polished shoes on the tiles as he walked away.

It felt like hours before Danielle finally slept in Michael's arms. She'd repeated to him what she'd told Loomis re Adam, even though he'd obviously heard it without her knowing. Michael of course said nothing, but did hold her tightly throughout and kept her hands on his ears. For the first time, Danielle did cry in front of him. The killer moved his head so she felt his ears move in her hands and Danielle let out a watery laugh.

"Damn it Michael! You know what that does to me." He chuckled and repeated the gesture.

She really wanted to tell him how she felt about him, but somehow those three little words, "I love you" wouldn't come. Adam's influence? She sincerely hoped not. But she remembered Charlotte's words. "Tell him. Soon."

She would, she knew that much. Just not exactly when or how. Maybe she'd take a leaf out of his book and ask someone to write it down for her? Or was that cowardly? She told herself she'd think about it tomorrow. Right then all she wanted was to be close to him. Right now, she wanted to tell him so much, but she knew what that would mean. No way was she going to repeat this with the screen down. Loomis had said they wouldn't be separated again, so presumably she was supposed to show him her new cell's workings.

"Michael," she said softly. "I'm not joking here. Watch out for your ears. This is going to feel extremely odd for a few seconds."

The killer simply held her. Danielle reached over and closed the screen. The compression hit her immediately.

"See?" She said. "Compressing on the ears isn't it? Sound proofing. It's how they've stopped whoever's watching me. That's why there's foam on the floor. No wonder I didn't hear you approach! Mind you," she took a breath. "You don't need foam to be sneaky, I know that." She tried not to shiver. None of his victims had heard him approaching at the end of their lives.

The killer's hand started stroking her back then and Danielle couldn't help but sigh. It felt amazing.

"Hmm. Can't concentrate if you do that," she said, finally feeling sleep hit her." She was certain Michael quietly chuckled, but didn't stop what he was doing. Danielle smiled sleepily at him.

"Thank you," her voice shook slightly. "I didn't think I'd sleep tonight."

She felt her head lean against his shoulder again, but this time, another first, her face was also against his neck. She made as if to move, but Michael tightened his embrace so she couldn't.

It was strange, really. Just moment's ago she'd felt so alone behind the sound proof screen and foam, like a tortoise in its shell. But now? Now she never wanted to move again. Alone was one thing she didn't feel. Safe, loved were the first two words which sprang to mind this time.

A few minutes later, she showed Michael the handset and what the buttons did. Somehow she knew the killer was silently impressed by how fast the doctors had moved. Danielle wanted to tell him what she'd planned to when she'd closed the screen. Adam knowing she had visitors yesterday, his stalking Charlotte and her family. But for some reason, when she was in his arms like this nothing else mattered. This was only confirmed when the killer replaced the handset on its base and pulled her close once more, resuming the stroking of her back, placing her hand against his left ear. Danielle had only intended to close her eyes for a second, to give herself the time to frame the words she wanted to say to him. She hadn't planned on not opening them again until eight hours later, at the sound of the breakfast bell.