The next morning, Danielle woke early at 05:00. She couldn't tell if Michael was awake or not. As quietly as she could, she got out of bed and dressed. She was feeling agitated and couldn't sleep. She wanted to speak to Dr Stark and couldn't wait for her meeting with Stacey today. It was clear, as much as she hated to admit and face it, Adam wasn't going to stop messaging her if she didn't.

She pressed the call button and a few seconds later heard Mel's soft whisper. Michael must indeed have his eyes closed then.

"Morning Danielle, you ok?"

"Hi Mel," Danielle whispered back. "I'm fine thanks, you? Where's Jeff? I thought you were tutoring him?"

Mel didn't answer, just opened the door for Danielle to exit, and then closed it again as quietly as she could. She then took Danielle's arm and guided her towards the canteen.

"I thought breakfast doesn't start until 07:00?" Danielle asked.

"It doesn't," Mel agreed. "But I thought you'd like some tea or something and I'll stay for a chat if you like."

Danielle couldn't help but smile at this touching offer. "Thanks. I'd like that."

They entered the canteen. Mel got Danielle a hot chocolate with cream and marsh mallows, and Danielle couldn't help but laugh. "Dr Stark told you I love these?"

"Hmm, maybe," Mel said and Danielle just knew there was a smirk on her face. "Perhaps."

"So Mel," Danielle lowered her voice once they were sitting at one of the tables, even though they were currently alone bar the staff working in the kitchen on breakfast preparations. "Where is Jeff? Can I ask?"

Mel hesitated for a moment, then turned to Danielle and lowered her voice. "Jeff unfortunately failed his probation. While I was tutoring him he made… a mistake."

Danielle understood the cryptic words. Jeff had fucked up. But what had he done? Did she want to know?

"It wasn't huge," Mel said as though reading her mind. "But it could've been and he got 2 warnings. I just don't think this job was for him."

Danielle tried not to feel a stab of jealousy at this. What she wouldn't give to do this job, just as she'd said to Jack. To have all that equipment and keep people safe. Something of this must've shown on her face because Mel said softly, "you're jealous aren't you?"

"I… no!" Danielle began, but Mel squeezed her arm and Danielle stopped and sighed. "Yeah ok," she admitted. "Maybe just a little. Purely because I can't do this job. I've always wanted to be a police officer, taxi driver, all the things I can't do. I think I want them so badly because they're physically impossible and unreachable for me."

"I understand," Mel said softly and Danielle didn't find it patronising, it actually sounded compassionate, for which Danielle was grateful. "Thanks," she said softly. "I do really appreciate that."

"Then you're welcome," Mel touched her hand again, before moving so Danielle felt her equipment. The handcuffs, gun holster, radio, baton, keys, alarm and so on. Then, Danielle was mortified but couldn't help laughing as it was now Mel's turn to lower her head so Danielle felt her ears. They stuck out. Mel began to laugh. "Ah, tickles! Yes I know my ears stick out!"

"Oh God! Did a little bird named Jack tell you he'd shown me his? Equipment I mean? Well," she felt herself turning red. "And his ears!"

Mel laughed and actually hugged Danielle, who absurdly felt tears in her eyes at the affectionate contact, and hugged her back. "Maybe," Mel said again, but she was laughing. "Perhaps."

Danielle looked at her phone. It was 06:45. Mel retook her seat opposite.

"Hungry?" Mel asked, clearly guessing why she'd been looking at it.

"Yes," Danielle admitted. "Starving, if I'm honest."

Mel laughed. Danielle looked up then at the sound of whistling. It always made her ears prick up. Mel chuckled again and Danielle knew she'd noticed. Danielle must've told her she liked whistling once.

"Jordan!" Danielle called out automatically. "Your whistle gave you away again! So much for "I'll never be able to whistle again!" She made quotes in the air.

"Well I appear to have found my whistle for you," came Jordan's soft, Australian accent. "I'm always whistling when I see you."

"Oh shut up!" Danielle laughed, as did Mel. "You're such a charmer!"

"You don't know the worst of it!" Mel quipped.

"Hey come on M," Jordan said. "Don't go giving away all my secrets and dark tricks now! I'll have nothing to surprise Danielle with if you do!"

"That's a good thing right?" Mel and Danielle said in unison, laughing.

"Fine," Jordan sighed and rattled his keys. "Well as I can see you're already in capable hands Danielle, I'll leave you both to it. I and Mel here are just starting our early shifts. I'll see you both later. As he walked off, Jordan began to whistle again. Much to Danielle's delight.

Michael entered the dining room a few minutes later, crossing to sit next to Danielle. Mell was still sitting opposite.

"Morning Michael," the guard said. "Just keeping Danielle Company for you."

Danielle reached to her left and touched his arm. The killer moved his cuffed hand so it was holding hers.

"I couldn't sleep," she said quietly. "So I got up and spoke to Mel here."

"Plus encountered whistling Jordan," Mel laughed. "Looking at my protective equipment and of course, my ears!"

Michael squeezed Danielle's hand and Mel was sure he'd smiled slightly at this.

"I'm meeting Stacey today," Danielle said quietly to the pair of them. "I need to change my Apple ID. It's clear Adam isn't going to stop messaging me unless I do."

"Are you sure?" Mel asked. "That's like letting him win isn't it? Just keep blocking his Emails. If he keeps making them, the cops will know."

Danielle sighed. "I know, I've been struggling with it all night. I don't want to change it either. I've had it for years. My initials and birth year. DH78. I will be 20 on Christmas day, actually," she blushed. "Just in case you're wondering," she squeezed Michael's hand again. "The age gap between us never entered my head, as long as it doesn't bother you."

She wasn't sure why she was asking this now, a bit late for that and she knew this. But the killer just squeezed her hand again, stroking the back of hers affectionately with his thumb.

"Mel," Danielle asked. "Where's Joanne? Sorry, I've lost track of when she's working."

"She's on a late shift today, starts at one."

Danielle felt a rush of relief. Joanne would be in before her meeting with Stacey. Danielle was going to ask Dr Stark if Joanne could attend with her. She meant what she'd said, she loved Joanne like a mother.

…

Shortly after breakfast, they were once again led out in to the exercise yard. To Danielle's horror, as Michael was chained to his concrete block, she felt the sting of tears. It wasn't the first time she'd been there when this had happened of course, but this occasion seemed to get to her more than any other. She knew why, because Michael was now her lover which made it even harder to take. Mel who was still with her, put an arm around her.

"Sorry," Danielle muttered. "I think I'm just feeling a bit… emotional today. Thinking about that meeting with Stacey, everything that's going on, my future…"

Mel stopped her by squeezing her close. "He can still hold your hand," she whispered to Danielle, who nodded. As if on cue, Michael took it.

"Please could you ask Dr Stark to come over here if she's free?" Danielle asked Mel, who slipped away immediately.

"Rick and I are just the other side of the line Danielle," came Jack's voice. Danielle smiled at them. "Ok," she acknowledged.

Just over a minute later, Danielle felt a touch on her shoulder and heard Dr Stark's voice. "Hi Danielle, you wanted me?"

"Yes," Danielle turned to face her doctor. "I wanted to ask, is there any chance Joanne could come in to the meeting with Stacey today? We've become really close and I'd like her to be there."

"Of course," Dr Stark said. "If Joanne is happy to do so. She is your guard, Danielle. What happens is between you 2. She won't be needed elsewhere; she has been assigned to you entirely."

Danielle remembered her scathing words when she'd first been told this, "You mean carer," and winced. God. She'd been really rude and bitter back then. Now, she smiled genuinely at Dr Stark.

"Thanks, I'll ask Joanne then. But that's not all." She leant closer to whisper in Dr Stark's ear. "I was also wondering if Michael could be there, for obvious reasons."

"Hmm. I wonder what they are." Dr Stark said with a chuckle. "Stand by Danielle."

She walked away. Danielle turned back to Michael, who was still holding her hand. My partner, she kept thinking. My lover. I still can't believe it!

A little while later, Dr Stark returned, Dr Loomis with her. "Hi Danielle," he said. "Dr Stark has told me your second request." He approached them and spoke quietly. "Michael, Danielle has asked if you will attend her meeting today with Stacey, one of our DV advisors. Now I am more than happy to authorise this, on one condition." Mel saw him lay a hand on Michael's arm.

"I know you and Danielle have come a very long way," he was speaking in a very low voice so only Mel, Rick, Jack, Danielle and the 2 doctors could hear. The yard was full of other patients. "So I know neither Danielle nor Joanne are in any danger from you. But you may hear things which will anger you. Do we need to use glass or Chains, Michael? Just in case?"

Mel could hardly believe what she saw. The killer extended a hand to his doctor who hesitated for a moment, then took it. Doctor and patient locked eyes and Michael shook his head very slightly to Dr Loomis. The Psychiatrist waited another second, then nodded to Michael.

"I don't need to tell you there will be guards outside," he said. "But I'm trusting you, Michael. Please don't prove me wrong to do so?"

Again, the killer nodded.

…

At 13:30, Danielle and Michael were released from their cell and taken to one of the private meeting rooms. Danielle couldn't lie, she was thrilled Michael was allowed first to be with her and second without glass or chains. She knew understanding had passed between him and Dr Loomis in the exercise yard and that Michael had never taken such a big step before now. Even if he'd never be released, this would show enormous progress.

That's unless he goes out and kills someone as soon as he gets the chance, Danielle thought, then immediately chided herself for it. That wasn't fair. Michael had obviously made huge steps just as she had. But they'd done it together. To think that about him was cruel. Without him, she'd very possibly be dead after all.

They entered the room and Stacey stood up to greet them. "Hi Danielle, its Stacey. I guess you know my voice by now?"

Danielle smiled and nodded. "Yes."

"I'm flattered to hear that. Ok so Joanne and Michael are staying with us today is that correct?"

"Yes, if that's ok."

"Of course it is Danielle, this is your meeting. You have whoever you want and need present."

"Thanks," Danielle said gratefully. Joanne and Michael sat either side of Danielle, opposite the DV advisor.

"Ok. So how can I help you today Danielle? I gather you requested this meeting? So what do you need from me?"

Danielle took a deep breath. "Stacey, I think I'm going to have to change my Apple ID. I really, really don't want to as I've had it for years; it was my Email address before iPhones even existed, but here's the thing. Adam keeps messaging me creating new Emails to do so, and I don't think he's going to stop until I change it."

"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Stacey asked. "I mean, that's like…"

"Letting him win," Danielle finished wearily. "I know. Believe me, I know. Joanne, Mel and Dr Stark have all said exactly that. I know. But it's driving me mad! It won't stop until he gets arrested. I know Adam Stacey, he's a persistent and determined son of a bitch! He knows…" she stopped herself, realising she hadn't told Stacey her big news yet. "Stacey, I want to tell you something. The man sitting on my right, is my boyfriend now."

"Congratulations!" Stacey cried, with genuine delight in her voice. She stood up and shook Danielle's then Michael's hands. Danielle knew Joanne was watching carefully just in case, but she had nothing to worry about. "I'm so glad for both of you," Stacey said. "That's why you wanted him here Danielle. I knew you were friends, you told me enough. But I'm really happy for you both taking the next step and wish you the very best."

"Thanks," Danielle said sincerely. "So that's what I was about to say. Adam knows Michael and I are a couple now, and we've also finally discovered who was watching and listening to me, who passed Adam my first protected number."

"Who?" Stacey asked quickly.

"Derek Chancer," Danielle replied bitterly. "We found out a few nights ago. But thank fuck, he's on Death-Row now heading for the electric chair and can no longer reach me, us."

"I did read that on the news a few days back," Stacey said. "I'm sorry he put you in such danger Danielle. Although," she laughed. "I read something at the very bottom which said "we also did note however that Mr. Chancer had very badly bruised ears. As to how that happened, we'll never know." Hmm, I wonder! I bet I know! Anyway, did you find out how he did it?"

"I'm innocent! I know nothing of what you speak!" Danielle and Joanne laughed. "He had some kind of specially programmed iPod," Danielle said, looking at Joanne who nodded to Stacey. "I don't exactly know how it worked, but he was able to text and call Adam on it I think and could also hear me in my cell with it. Well, that is, until it was modified with heavy sound proofing. Then he couldn't."

"Yes, Dr Stark told me about that," Stacey replied. "A very good idea. We knew someone was watching you, but not who. I'm so sorry your number was passed like that. I hear one of the guards was bribed to do it and had a little… accident?"

"That's one word for it," Danielle muttered.

"But if we go back to the matter in hand," the DV advisor continued. "Adam, I really think if he keeps making Email addresses just to message you, all the evidence will stack up against him. From what you told me previously about the trial, Judge Spinner also has eyes on him. To keep making them would just be dangerous for him and more proof for you to show the court if necessary."

"That's what I said," Joanne agreed.

Danielle sighed and put her face in her hands. "Damn it! I know you're right, of course I do. But…" she hesitated. "I don't want Adam to think he's won in any way what so ever. Not even a small victory like this! But neither can I take his constant messages."

"What do they say?" Stacey asked. "How many have you had?"

For answer, Danielle pulled out her phone, brought up the messages in her blocked list and handed it to her DV advisor. There was a moment's silence while she scanned them. There were only 3 from 3 different Email addresses.

I won't give up, you're still mine.

There's nowhere to run Danielle, I own you and you are my property.

You won't escape me Danielle, one day I'll get you back. You belong to me and will obey me.

Stacey handed Danielle back her phone. "Hmm, ok. Have you received any more since Adam was told about you and Michael?"

"No," Danielle admitted. "But I don't want to use Michael as a protection card. Like, Adam isn't doing anything purely because he's afraid of Michael and if I was on my own he would. That's unfair on…" but she got no further, because Michael yet again touched her cheek. Danielle heard Stacey's and Joanne's quiet, "aww."

"I don't think," Stacey said and Danielle could hear she was smiling. "You have a choice in that Danielle. I get the feeling Michael here is going to protect you purely because he cares about you, and your words about "using him as a protection card" are totally invalid. He's going to protect you because he's your boyfriend, same as any supposed partner should. Although as we unfortunately know, some don't."

"Michael's your boyfriend, Danielle." Joanne said. "Not your protection card. I think even if you asked him not to protect you, he'd refuse. What? You'd push him away because you don't want a "protection card?" I wouldn't if I were you."

"Well said!" Stacey said firmly. Danielle knew this was one conversation she had to surrender on.

"I know you're right," she said quietly. She turned to Michael. "I'm sorry Michael, I don't mean that as it sounds, I just… shit! I don't even know how to explain it. It's just, you're Michael Myers. If I was going out with… I don't know Fred Blogs from the ward next door, Adam wouldn't care because he wouldn't know him at all and what he's capable of. But your name is well known all over America, hell the world. You just happen to be my partner now. I… God! I'm not making this very clear am I?"

"You want my advice?" Stacey asked as Michael put an arm around Danielle now and pulled her to his side. "Enjoy it. This is what it's like to be loved, truly loved. It doesn't come along often in life as you sadly know, so don't push it away by accident or on purpose."

"Well said if I do say so myself," Joanne smiled at Stacey. "I'd listen to this woman if I were you Danielle."

Danielle remembered what Charlotte had said about Joanne. "This woman talks sense, so listen." So did Stacey Allard. "Is Charlotte ok?" Danielle asked now. "Are you still working with her?"

"She's fine," Stacey said promptly. "Don't you worry Danielle? We've got eyes on her and are communicating with her via phone daily, as I'm sure you are too. She has a direct number to call if she needs us, but she also has Psychologists and DV advisors where she is so she's very safe and well protected."

"Thanks," Danielle said. "I knew that already I just wanted to see how it's going for her, but I appreciate you telling me that." She smiled at her DV advisor.

"Then you're welcome," Stacey said.

"I guess I'm just worried that if Adam thinks I'm now too hot, he'll go for Charlotte. That she'll become his prime target instead of me."

"If that's the case," Stacey said. "You honestly don't need to worry. Charlotte is very well protected and we are taking all measures possible to ensure her safety. Not to mention from what I've been told; Adam is getting close to being rearrested."