"How are you, babe?" Tim asked Charlotte as they lay in his bed. Charlotte had got home from Smith's Grove the day before and was in the process of putting some of her things in Tim's house. She hadn't yet been released from the Refuge, but had spoken to Dr Clarkson on the phone, who'd allowed her to stay with Tim that night, as Adam didn't know that address. "Yet," said a dark voice in her conscience, but Charlotte had ignored it. He wouldn't find this address… He couldn't…

"I'm fine darling," she snuggled against him and kissed his neck. "Just tired."

"I did tell you I'd come and pick you up you know," Tim said.

"I know," Charlotte kissed him again. "But I wanted some time on my own, the drive back gave me time to think."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Charlotte felt a great swell of love for Tim. He was such a kind man, so caring and she knew with him there were no true colours later down the road, what she saw was what she got. She smiled at him. "It's just…" she sighed. "Danielle's doing so well. I told you a few hours ago she and Michael are a couple now?"

Tim nodded. "Yes. Michael Myers? Who'd have thought it?"

Charlotte grinned. "I know right? I could hardly believe it when she told me on the phone last night. I'm so happy for her. God help Adam if he tries anything now. I also saw that Derek Chancer is going to the chair. Fucking good riddance!"

"I agree. I saw that too. So?" He asked her softly, pulling her closer. "Given all that, what's bothering you sweetheart?"

Charlotte sighed. "It's just stupid stuff. I could spend all the rest of my life saying I wish I'd got with you months ago instead of Adam, but I know that's pointless. I just hope… Danielle's grown so much being at Smith's Grove, I just hope I can do the same. I know before you say it, Dr Stark is right, abuse is abuse however bad it is. But Danielle's was still much worse than mine and look where she is now!"

"So, what? You're worried you won't grow as she has? Recover? She has Michael, I'm here for you babe you know that! As for wishing we'd got together months ago, me too, but like you said that's pointless to think about. We're together now and I have no intentions of ever letting you go!" He lent close and kissed her lips.

"I know, thanks babe. It's just… everything Adam did is still haunting me. Dr Stark told me before I left that I seemed to have forgotten that I'm a victim of Adam too." I hate to admit it, but she's right. I wanted Danielle to get better as she was the one who nearly killed herself because of him. But now I've had a chance to think, everything he did is coming back to me in vivid fucking colour!"

"Why don't you speak to someone then? I'm more than willing to listen you know that. But maybe talk to a Domestic Violence Advisor?"

"I spoke to one in SG, but… what? You think I should go back and ask to do so again?"

"Not necessarily SG, but given what you said about how Dr Stark helped you, I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to do so again. Why don't you phone her and ask to talk to her?"

"You know," Charlotte said slowly. "I just might do that. I honestly thought I was ok, but sometimes it's… so clear," she shivered a little. Tim tightened his embrace.

"Hush babe," he soothed. "It's ok. No matter what, I'm here for you. Understand?"

"Well that's another thing that worries me, Charlotte admitted. "I don't want to inadvertently sabotage our relationship because of him. I know abused women sometimes do that out of fear. I don't want to be…"

But Tim stopped her with another kiss and she heard him murmur as he did so, "never." Charlotte couldn't help but believe him.

…

Although Charlotte of course didn't know it, Danielle was lying in her bed beside Michael, struggling with memories of her own. The rapes, assaults, controlling behaviour. She didn't know why it was so bad tonight. She'd seen Adam's last message, "I won't give up, you're still mine," but had ignored it, blocking the Email. She'd asked Dr Stark if she could have another meeting with Stacey which was scheduled for the next day. She wanted to discuss with the DV Advisor re changing her Apple ID after all. She didn't want to, but she was sick of Adam's constant taunting. If truth be told, it still scared her somewhat. She knew why this was. Because she didn't want to see Michael as her protection card. She'd grown enough from treatment to know this. She, Danielle Hayward would look out for number one, Michael or no Michael. She suspected the killer knew this, because his loving embrace and soft kisses when they were alone seemed to communicate this. She felt almost as if he were saying, I respect you for this, but I'm here and will protect you whether you want it or not, while not stopping your independence. You deserve it.

Of course he'd never actually said as much, but he didn't have to. Now, he placed her hand on his left ear and Danielle chuckled quietly.

"Sorry, I just can't sleep. I don't know why everything's so bad tonight. I know people with PTSD for whatever reason sometimes badly suffer, and this is one of those nights."

Michael moved his head so his ear moved in her hand and she smiled at him tiredly. She didn't even know Michael had pressed the call button until she heard William's voice. "Everything ok?"

Danielle had wondered several times what the guards outside their little circle thought of her and Michael, if they even knew. But they were obviously too professional to say anything. She heard the rustle of paper and realised Michael had handed the guard a note. There was a second of silence, then William spoke again. "Ok, stand by." He was gone.

Danielle raised a mental eyebrow and of course Michael didn't explain, he just held her, her hand on his ear. A few minutes later, she heard Dr Stark's voice. "Hi Danielle, everything ok?"

She couldn't stop the rush of love for Michael. She now understood what he'd done. He'd called for Dr Stark on her behalf. The note must've said it was urgent, William had woken her from the doctor's quarters. Yet again, she was on duty when Danielle needed her the most. Danielle had gone past the stage of lying to her doctors, so she told her the truth immediately.

"I can't sleep, Dr Stark. It's bad tonight, the memories, and the dreams. Everything Adam did, I can feel it as if it happened yesterday."

"Do you want a calming pill?" The doctor asked. Danielle again recalled how the old she would've scoffed at this. Not anymore. "Yes please," she said instead, gratefully.

When Dr Stark returned with the pill, she opened the door and entered, sitting on the desk chair. "Can I help?"

Danielle smiled at her. "I don't think so, I don't think anyone can. It's just one of those things I guess. I'm…" she touched Michael's arm. "I'm terrified of doing something to destroy this relationship. That the memories will make me insecure, distrusting and so on. I love you; Michael and I don't want that to happen."

Michael held her tighter and now put both her hands on both ears.

"I don't think Michael will let that happen," Dr Stark said. "I also don't think you'll let it happen either Danielle. I understand why you're scared, of course I do, but I think you need to let yourself trust both Michael and yourself. You've come this far. Look at the woman who interrogated Mr. Chancer a few days ago. Held a gun to his head. That's the new you, Danielle. She's not weak is she? She won't let it happen. When she wants something, she goes after it! You and Michael are now together as a result of this fact!"

Danielle knew her doctor was right, she just hoped she could prove it. "I know you're right," she said eventually. "But I just hope I can prove what you're saying, remain the woman you've helped me become."

"Why wouldn't you?" Dr Stark asked. "It's not like you're going to see Adam again. I promised you that and I fully intend to keep it. Not to mention I think a certain man next to you right now won't let that happen either."

"That's a nice thought," Danielle admitted. "But may be difficult while he's behind these walls."

"Well," Dr Stark said softly. "Maybe that will change one of these days, who knows?"

Michael lent in and kissed the top of Danielle's head. Dr Stark handed her the water and tiny pill. "Take that, it'll calm you down and help you sleep. There is no shame in asking for help Danielle, nor is it your fault you're suffering tonight. You understand that, don't you?"

"Yes Dr Stark," Danielle said immediately, reaching out to touch her doctor's arm to show she meant it. Dr Stark took her hand and squeezed it.

"That's my girl. Do you want another hot chocolate? With marsh mallows, the works?"

Danielle couldn't help smiling. She strongly suspected the consultant had asked her that deliberately, knowing she loved those. "Yes please," she said again. "Thanks Dr Stark."

"Ok. I'll go and get it now, but you swallow that pill you hear? Michael, make sure she does, please?"

Danielle couldn't help smiling as she did as she was told, swallowing the little pill with water. She remembered then the night Michael had helped her swallow a sleeping pill a long time back, after Adam had called her? Or when he'd got her number/ she couldn't remember exactly, but it'd been something to do with him of course.

A wave of hatred consumed Danielle then. Hatred for Adam, for everything he'd done to her and Charlotte, hatred for him as a man. If he even was a man. Michael Myers was more a man than he was! The feeling was so unexpected, but something of it must've shown on her face because Michael this time did softly kiss her mouth. Danielle took several deep breaths, trying to slow her heart rate which seemed to have accelerated to double speed within seconds.

"I hate him," she whispered to Michael. "I fucking hate him!"

"Hush," she was certain this time Michael said it, before repeating the exact words he'd said to her by the waterfall, all be it for a different reason.

"I know."

…

Dr Stark was just falling asleep when the alarm bell sounded in the doctor's quarters, signalling a patient needed her. She hated it, but for just a second, a wave of frustration tugged at her. Yes it was her job, but she seemed to spend her life with either she or Luke on call. He being a top heart surgeon could be needed at a moment's notice, as could she. Though when she was at home, she was on call for 3 days then had 4 off. Next month, she and Luke would have a week off together neither on call and she couldn't wait.

She glanced at the flashing alarm. MSU. So it had to be either Danielle or Michael. She hated herself for the frustration she felt, but neither could she deny she was so damn tired. But that wasn't Danielle's or Michael's fault. She took a deep breath and got out of bed. It was nearly 02:00. She enjoyed her job and the pay checks, but sometimes she got so tired just like she was now. She forced herself to quash the frustration Danielle needed her, then headed out of the door.

…

When Dr Stark returned with the hot chocolate and a black coffee for Michael, Danielle was already looking calmer.

"How can you drink black coffee at this time?" Danielle asked Michael, grinning. "You'll be awake all night!"

Dr Stark handed her the hot chocolate and the smile Danielle gave her made Gemma feel even guiltier about her brief flash of annoyance. Thank goodness Danielle would never know about it.

"Dr Stark," Danielle said slowly after taking a sip of the steaming liquid and eating a marshmallow. "I need to show you this." She picked up her phone and showed her doctor the latest message from Adam from the unknown email. Dr Stark gave no audible sign of it, but Danielle could tell she was angry.

"He doesn't give up does him?" The consultant said quietly. Danielle felt a rush of affection when Michael lent forward to look himself. Danielle was sincerely glad and thankful her name was not Adam Dawson right then. "When did you get this?"

"A few days ago," Danielle replied. "That's why I've asked for the meeting with Stacey tomorrow. I might have to change my Apple ID after all, damn it! But surely, won't he get bored of constantly creating new Email addresses just to taunt us? I bet Charlotte is getting them too. In fact as he knows I'm with Michael now, I'm concerned Charlotte may be in even more danger, as he can't target me any further."

"Don't you worry Danielle," Dr Stark said immediately. "I've got Domestic Violence Advisors watching Charlotte, and I've also spoken to her doctor in the refuge. We're working together to keep her safe."

Danielle sighed with relief. She'd long since learnt that Dr Stark was not someone you wanted against you. She and Dr Clarkson were a force to be reckoned with. Adam should be very careful.

"Also," the consultant continued. "The police are monitoring everything Adam does, including internet activity. If he keeps creating Email addresses and messaging you, he'll be arrested. Anything bigger than that and he'll be straight behind bars with no chance to defend himself."

"Damn it! I wish he already was," Danielle said fervently. Dr Stark touched her arm lightly and Danielle knew she agreed. She nearly cried then as Michael lovingly stroked the scar across her cheek, the one Adam had made when he slashed her face while raping her. She heard his words louder than if he'd shouted them. You are so brave; this scar is proof of that. Michael was the only one Danielle would let anywhere near that scar. Except maybe Dr Stark or Joanne of course, and the Avery's on the outside.

"I'm really sorry Dr Stark," Danielle said. "I know it's late, but I also can't lie I really appreciate Michael calling you. It was he who did, not me."

"Now hush," the doctor said sternly. "It's what I'm here for. You are correct, it was Michael who called me. He gave William a note which said Danielle needs Dr Stark urgently. So," Danielle just knew she was smiling at Michael. "What does that tell you?"

"Yeah, thanks Michael," Danielle hugged him. The killer started once again stroking her back. "I think I'll be able to sleep now," Danielle said.

"Perfect," Dr Stark stood up. "But you know where I am if you need me. Michael, I'm leaving Danielle in your capable hands."

This was yet another remark the old Danielle would've hated, she thought with a rush of self-loathing. Now, she smiled gratefully at the doctor, blinking back tears. "Thanks," was all she said.

…

Adam also didn't get much sleep that night, though for entirely different reasons. He was angry. Chris Leach had no God damn right to terminate his contract without notice. Of course he would say he did and Adam wouldn't dare argue with him. But it still rankled. He needed Leach's and his men's help right now. Charlotte. How the hell was he supposed to pursue her properly without help? The cops were watching everything he did. For that same reason, he didn't dare create another Email address with which to message Charlotte, Danielle or both. He didn't want to admit it but his father had been right. He was actually considering arranging another visit with his old man. He needed to speak to him again. Ask him how he was supposed to do this. Then he remembered another thing Edward had said. "There are millions of women Michael Myers will never meet. Take one of them as your toy, property, whatever."

Adam couldn't deny his father was probably right. Should he just forget both of them and get another bitch to control? It didn't by any means mean he wouldn't go for either woman again if the opportunity presented itself, but for now, he was starting to realise that another woman might be his best option. One who wouldn't even think of getting disclosure from the police about his history? Not to mention he'd make damn sure she didn't get the chance. He'd lock her in the house while he was working. He'd only let her out to get food for him on a strict time limit and he'd put a camera on her phone or something to watch her all the time. She'd cook for him, he'd fuck her whenever he wanted to, and if she dared disobey him, and she'd pay for it.

Adam's anger was so much that this time, he didn't care about leaving bruises. If the woman he picked up disobeyed him she could keep her bruises, she'd deserve them. Adam knew he wouldn't have a problem; women constantly threw themselves at him just as Charlotte had done because of his looks. He could and would use that to his advantage now. He decided that the very next day he'd go to his local bar and take the first bitch who was good looking and flirted with him. He had standards, however. He wouldn't take an ugly woman. They had to be good looking if they were going to be seen on his arm in public, the good little woman who did exactly what she was told by him. He would also cut the Mr. nice guy act down, making it as short as he could before the real him came out.

But he would keep his promise to himself. If the chance to get at Danielle and or Charlotte came along, he would take it. No way would he let those 2 bitches forget who was boss, who they obeyed. But then he thought of Danielle and Michael Myers. Fuck! That was a big problem in his plans to get at Danielle. Charlotte then. Her boyfriend wasn't a masked killer and Adam could dispose of him easily. He was still considering getting help however. Though the very thought made him a little nervous, he was thinking of contacting Leach again and asking for a new, smaller contract which just included Charlotte. Surely Michael Myers wouldn't care about her, would he? Though there was the tiny little snag due to the fact she was Danielle's best friend…

It was nearly 04:00 by the time Adam did close his eyes. He felt content now. He knew exactly what he was going to do. He was going to contact Leach and discuss a new smaller contract, then he was going to go to his local bar tonight and possibly the night club, to pick up his latest woman. Maybe he'd even make this one marry him so she had no way out. Danielle and Charlotte may have slipped through his fingers, but this woman whoever she turned out to be, most certainly would not. She would work, iron, fuck and everything else, to use his father's wise acronym for wife.