"Ok, we're ready to post it if you have the thousand bucks."

Adam looked across the grubby pub table at the man sitting opposite him. He didn't know him, but that didn't matter. In fact, it was probably better that way. "Fine," he said, pulling out an envelope of cash from his pocket. "It's all there if you want to count it, but I want to see the package first."

The man shrugged and produced a small envelope, the type which would easily fit in a mailbox. It contained the smallest box of sweets Adam could find. As far as he was concerned they were just the token to get the real thing through, the camera and bug. Adam examined it closely, then nodded, handing over the cash. "How do these bugs work? Mr. Leach told me one of his has to activate it on his phone."

The stranger nodded. "We get a notification when the target's finger print comes in to contact with the bug. We can then activate it and hear everything said. It gets recorded on to the phone of the one who activates it."

"Ok," Adam said slowly. "How long do they record for?"

"Unlimited," the man said. "But the battery only lasts 24 hours, so we use it sparingly. You need to trust us on that Mr. Dawson. We will catch the important parts."

Adam wasn't happy about this sure they would miss something, but he knew he couldn't let this chance go by refusing. This was too good to be passed up. "What about the camera?"

"Battery in those lasts a week, same again, someone activates it and their phone holds the footage. Usually the camera and bug are controlled by 2 different people on their phones. We can watch it live and start it recording when we see something we need to capture."

Adam nodded. That made sense. He'd also manage to get the package brailed. Turned out one of Leach's low ranked members was a Braille reader. Leach had apparently wanted someone to know it, just in case. Adam had never been more thankful for that in his life. Now, the package said in Braille underneath the print, "Enjoy these sweets Danielle, and love Charlotte XX." Perfect. Danielle would open it without even thinking, straight in to his trap. Michael Myers or no Michael Myers, this time there was no escape.

…

Apart from the gentle tinkling of the water, there was total silence. But Michael didn't release her and his ear was still close to her mouth. He seemed to know she had more to say. Danielle took another deep breath.

"Yes, I mean in a relationship sense. I want to be with you, Michael. I've already thought of what you may be thinking. No, it's not a Smith's Grove fling and I have absolutely no intention of finding someone else as soon as I leave. I don't want to die just yet," she smiled at him. "Also, even if our future is only behind these walls, I'll stay here every day if you need and want me to. I didn't actually mean to fall in love with you, not at all. You were just a great friend who was helping me through all the stuff I'd gone through and to recover. To be totally honest with you, I was running from the very thought of love. It scared me, obviously after Adam. I had promised myself I'd never let anyone in to my heart again. So much for that.

But you could also argue so did you. You're a killer, you don't make a habit of getting close to people either. Hell they don't live long enough to give you the chance! I don't think either of us planned this. But you cracked my shell as easily as that of an egg, without even meaning to I expect. Ok so you haven't spoken more than 2 words to me, but there's an old proverb, actions speak louder than words, and that's certainly true in your case!

If you reject me, I can take it. I'll understand if you're not willing for something like this, having never been there before. My ex may have been abusive, but at least I know how this works. I acknowledge completely this is uncharted territory for you. Only you can make that decision and whatever you decide, I'll respect it. I just want you to know that either way, you have a friend for life, Michael Myers. I've been thinking how to say this to you for weeks, but I soon realised that all the pretty words in the world are meaningless if they're not the ones you're looking for. So I just have to say it directly from my heart. Not to mention I don't have much experience with romance," she smiled sheepishly. "But I know how I feel and there it is, right in front of you.

Like I said I never meant to love you, but like a friend said to me once, you can't control love, it comes along whenever it wants to. I've just learnt how true that is. If you need time to think, I get that too."

There was another short silence, then Danielle was sure she'd fallen asleep and was dreaming, this time the best dream of her life. Because that was when Michael lifted her in to his lap for the first time ever, as easily as if she were a doll and weighed nothing. Danielle could kid herself it'd been the gentle breeze, but she was certain she heard Joanne sob. She was close to that herself. Michael slowly and deliberately raised her head up towards his, she could feel his breath on her face. This was the closest they'd ever been. Danielle wrapped her arms tightly around him, her heart hammering fit to burst. Michael held her tighter, and that was when Danielle realised they were very gradually leaning closer and closer.

It felt like eternity before their lips eventually met. Danielle could hardly believe where she was. The kiss was tentative at first, as if both of them were checking with the other. Michael raised her hands so they were on his ears and for the first time Danielle pulled them, using them to bring him as close as she could. Danielle pushed her lips against his then and she could feel the part of him wanting to take control, the part which was usually violent, but not this time. "Do it Michael," she breathed. "I trust you." Her head once again hit his shoulder as now he was the one controlling their kiss. Their tongues didn't make contact, but it was the best thing Danielle had felt in a long time.

As they drew back, Danielle heard something which made tears of happiness and affection fill her eyes. Applause. Dr Stark, Joanne and Rick approached them.

"Bravo!" Dr Stark said. "Nicely done Danielle. You see? Love is no crime, and that also proves how much stronger you've grown. You can't run from love, and you didn't try, instead you embraced it."

"Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers?" Came the soft voice of Dr Loomis. "Pure evil with nothing left? Hmm. I may have to re-evaluate this position."

Danielle couldn't help but smile and realised her tears were falling only when Michael raised a hand and stroked her cheek. Joanne too sounded close when she spoke. "Congratulations and the very best of luck to you both."

Danielle could still hardly believe it. Had this really happened? For weeks she'd tried to figure out if she should tell him and if so how, and now here they were. "Can someone pinch me please?" She'd said before she could stop herself.

She heard them laugh before Joanne slapped her arm. "Nope, you're awake Danielle," she said. "No dreams here."

"Can I make a suggestion?" Dr Stark said, keeping her voice very low so only their little group could hear. There was no one else around, but she was clearly taking no risks. "Can I suggest that you kiss as you pass Mr. Chancer's cell? That way, if as we believe he is watching and listening to you Danielle, that'll be a nice little… um, surprise for our friend Mr. Dawson if he is indeed reporting on you to him."

"Brilliant," Joanne and Rick said in unison. Michael stood up, lifted Danielle easily up in to his arms and carried her towards the block doors. She remembered the last time he'd done this when Jefferson had tripped her up. But this time… this time was so different. He was her lover now, her partner. Danielle Hayward could still hardly believe it.

"I'll never let you down," she breathed to Michael as he carried her onwards, the guards and doctors behind them. "Never. I want this for the rest of my life. Not to mention my life would end if I did hurt you," she smiled to indicate she was in part joking. She was sure Michael softly chuckled.

"Talking of couples," Danielle said as Michael carried her in to the block. "Would I be correct in thinking that you Joanne, are with a certain man named Rick who's currently standing right behind you?"

"How did you know?" Joanne asked. Danielle grinned. "I heard rick shout "babe" at you when Mr. Baker was… you know, getting his just desserts."

"Too damn sharp for your own good," Rick muttered and Danielle and Joanne both laughed. "But yes," Rick added. "You're correct and I'm just as happy as you are Danielle."

"I might disagree with you on that one," Danielle said, causing the 4 of them to laugh again.

…

Derek looked out through the bars of his cell, wondering where everyone was. Jack was some distance away behind the desk, but everyone else seemed to have disappeared, including Myers and the blind woman. He'd spent an hour trying to decide what he was going to do about the iPod incident. But he knew deep down he had no choice. He'd have to at least be civil to Dawson until the guy had given him his money. But then…

That was when Derek's thoughts were interrupted by the block doors opening. He looked out and blinked once, twice. Michael Myers was carrying Hayward in to the block. Actually fucking carrying her! As they drew nearer to Derek's cell, he saw her head was on his shoulder. Oh dear, Adam Dawson wasn't going to like this. He grinned to himself. But then, Myers lowered his head as they stood just outside Derek's door and kissed Danielle. He actually kissed her to the lips! Derek covered his mouth to stop a gasp of pure shock. But it also meant something else as far as he was concerned. Ok, so Myers and the bitch were a couple now. That was it for him, he was out. He didn't care what Dawson did. He was not reporting on Hayward any further, or her now boyfriend would kill him! He was done, his mission was over. Though still angry about the thing with the iPod, he picked it up and sent a message.

They're a couple now, they just kissed outside my door. I'm done. I'm not listening to her any further. I don't want her boyfriend to kill me. Sorry.

Just as he put the iPod down, Dr Loomis approached him. "Mr. Chancer, I wish to take another look at this iPod of yours."

Derek cursed. Fuck! His panic had made him stupid. He'd texted on it just as Myers had kissed Danielle! Talk about blatantly obvious! But Derek was past caring. What he'd just seen had seen to that. So without a word he picked up the iPod and handed it to the doctor. Adam would be furious, but right then Derek couldn't give a shit! Let him! Derek valued his life too much and wasn't prepared to lose it for a prick like Dawson. Unless it was already too late…

That was when the text came through. There was a moment's silence, before Dr Loomis softly spoke. "So if this is just an iPod Mr. Chancer, why do you now have a text which reads and I quote, "you'll do it or you'll pay the price. Our client has paid money for this. Do it, or you'll die at our hands instead of his?" That doesn't sound like an iPod to me?"

Danielle's mouth fell open in horror. "You!" She gasped at Chancer. "It's you! You've been watching, listening to and reporting on me to Adam for months haven't you?"

"You never saw it coming did you?" Chancer sneered at Danielle. "That's a problem when you're blind isn't it?"

Dr Loomis sighed. "You know Mr. Chancer, we do everything we can to treat and help our patients here. But your Lawyers are still appealing to keep you out of the chair. Based on the evidence in front of us now, I can do no more for you. You won't change. I was trying to stop your execution by treating you, but you leave me no other option. I will be arranging for you to be collected and taken to Death-Row tomorrow."

Danielle tried not to laugh. Michael carried her in to her, their cell and laid her lovingly on the bed, before he stepped out again.

In spite of what Dr Loomis had just said, Derek was glaring at the Psychiatrist. "Bullshit!" He sneered at him. "You were going to have me executed from the fucking word go! iPod or no iPod! You hate me, along with the rest of the world! Just because I fuck and kill bitches! You won't stop me Dr Loomis, I'm not done with women yet. I'll start with your pretty little colleague there." He gestured at Dr Stark.

Dr Loomis was sure he saw a very brief flash of fear cross his junior consultant's face. He made to speak but suddenly, Michael was there. No one had heard or seen him approach as usual. There was a clang and Derek found himself slammed against the inside of his cell door, Michael's hands around his throat in a death vice. At the same time, Derek could've sworn he saw Myers look over at Dr Stark and was that comfort, reassurance in his gaze? One hand left his throat and gripped the base of his skull. Chancer understood. Myers was going to crush his skull against the bars. He was already running out of oxygen, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Joanne running towards Danielle's cell and talking to her. What? Was she giving the bitch a running commentary?

"Talk!" Dr Stark snarled, "tell us the truth. Do that and we'll stop Michael from killing you? Don't and we'll happily look the other way, you woman killing bastard! Before you start hoping, the cameras are off as are the microphones. So no one can see or hear this except us! This is your one and only warning."

"Bitch," Chancer snarled at her, as loudly as his depleting oxygen supply allowed. "I'd fuck and kill you in a second!"

Myers squeezed harder. Dr Stark smiled at Michael. "Perhaps you would," she said casually, as if they were talking about what Derek would have for lunch.

"Michael," Dr Loomis said quietly to the killer. "Loosen your grip a little, or he won't be able to talk to us and tell us what we want to know."

Joanne guided Danielle a little way towards the group, but kept her far enough back out of possible danger. She deserved to hear this. Chancer was gasping for air, but Michael had loosened his grip as asked by Dr Loomis.

Derek couldn't lie, he was fucking terrified. Close to shitting himself if truth be told. He'd feared Myers right from the start of this, hell for years like everyone else. Feared exactly what was happening now. If he wasn't very, very careful, his skull would be mush against the metal of his cell or he'd be strangled to death. If he had to choose he'd take the chair over either of those in a second. He was so scared he didn't even dare struggle. He had to tell them. He didn't want to die today. He had more women to kill for one thing.

"Ok!" He said and was horrified to hear the squeak of terror in his voice. Fuck he sounded like one of the many bitches he'd killed now! "Ok, ok! I was asked by Adam Dawson to listen to Danielle. Someone came in and gave me the iPod! It's a listening device, but it doesn't work on her cell anymore and I don't know why!"

"So your visitor today," Dr Loomis said with utter distain in his tone. "Was he there to "fix" your so-called iPod? Modify it to make it work through our modifications? You are right, we've done just that, precisely to stop you hearing anything! Talk about a breach of privacy!"

"No," Derek gasped. Myers may have let him go a little, but his grip on Derek's skull was still crushing. Derek was sure Myers would probably kill him anyway whatever he said, but he couldn't take that risk. "We still didn't know what the problem was, how you'd modified it! He was legitimately updating my play list!"

"Oh of course," Dr Loomis said sarcastically. What, wanted to hear the newest songs did you?"

"You can look if you don't believe me," Chancer said. "But I had no idea exactly how dangerous Adam was! I didn't know about his plans! I swear I didn't!"

"You're lying," said a quiet voice. It was Danielle. Derek considered telling her to shut the fuck up, but then reconsidered his position. That would be a probably fatal mistake, given that her now boyfriend was holding him by the skull and more than ready to smash it to pieces. "Adam must've had someone on the inside to run his plans past. The letter, he must've had some help with it. Adam would've made too many mistakes if left alone to do it. You knew about it didn't you Mr. Chancer?"

"I'm Sir to you," Chancer snarled at her, hatred taking over and momentarily blocking out caution. However as soon as those 4 words left his mouth, he knew he was about to pay a heavy price for them. He knew Adam had made her call him that from what he'd heard. Sure enough, Michael tightened his grip and…

BANG!

The pain was enormous. Derek saw red and white flashes in his vision and swayed groggily. Fuck! That was just the warm up. He knew that. He felt blood trickling down his forehead. He doubled over in pain, but was prevented from hitting the ground by Michael's death grip which was still tight as ever.

"Don't you dare," Joanne was the one who snarled now. "What, heard that on your little "iPod" did you? Don't you fucking dare try and use that against Danielle, you son of a bitch!"

"Here, here!" Dr Loomis said. His voice was still as soft as usual, but Danielle could hear his anger. She'd shivered a little when Chancer had said "I'm Sir to you," some fears were hard to break. Joanne put her arms around her and hugged her tightly.

"I'm sure your boyfriend will do just this when he can," she breathed and Danielle smiled at her, blinking back tears of both happiness and anger. She was done being scared of men. It wasn't because of what'd happened tonight either. It was her. She had finally managed to tell a man how she felt, and Jesus she felt good for it! She was no longer the small, bitter Danielle Hayward who'd first walked through these doors months ago. Now, she was a strong, independent woman, determined to stand up for herself. She would not let Adam or any man control her again! Even if she and Michael didn't work out in the end, his help to her had been invaluable. Still in Joanne's arms, she took a step forward and spoke 2 words very quietly, but everyone heard.

"Fuck, you." Then, Danielle Hayward spat in Derek Chancer's face.