Dimly, Rick felt a gentle arm around him, then a second. He was being held securely by someone. He was fighting with consciousness. He'd almost died. He could hear shouting and loud clanking of chains, but his brain couldn't register it. Was he going into shock? Then, he was lifted up by whoever was holding him, carried forward and lay on what felt like a bed. He was still gasping for air. Then he felt the cold water pushed to mouth. His throat was agony. Something was then placed against his throbbing neck, as he continued to fight for air. Who had saved his life and was now helping him? Ryan?

"I don't believe what I'm seeing," one of the guards said in awe. "I don't fucking believe what I'm seeing…"

"Don't just fucking stand there!" Ryan snapped at him. "Call a fucking ambulance! I can't! My radio…" He couldn't finish. He was resigning, no 2 ways about it. He had to after this almost fatal mistake! Michael Myers had saved Rick's life. !

Eventually Rick's breathing calmed and he started coughing violently. He looked straight into the black eyes of his saviour. He couldn't speak, it hurt too much. That was when the hand softly squeezed his, just as it'd done 2 days ago… Rick knew then, beyond a shadow of a doubt who had saved him. He weakly grasped the hand back. He was about to lose consciousness; he was sure of it. But again the cold water was applied to his forehead, jolting him back. When the ambulance arrived, the guards could only watch in shock as did Dr Loomis, who by now was there, when Myers effortlessly carried Rick towards the ambulance. He was chained, but that didn't stop him.

"Holy shit," Jack breathed. "Myers is helping him? Why the sudden change, I wonder" Dr Loomis could only shake his head. It was something he was wondering too.

"Michael Myers," Ryan sounded weak, as he slumped onto Myers' cell bed. "He knocked Chancer out with one hit and then went straight to helping Rick. If… If he hadn't…" Again, he couldn't finish. "Dr Loomis," he said very quietly. "I resign. I have to. My radio battery was dead. I didn't check it at the start of my shift, and that's why no one heard my calls for help. I… I almost got Rick killed! If not… If not for Michael Myers, Rick would be dead."

"We couldn't get in between them," Jack said, sounding just as shocked and scared as Ryan. "Because Chancer had him by his neck with his chains. If we'd tried to shoot, gas or hit him with our batons, there's a very good chance we'd have hit Rick too. Certainly with the first 2."

Dr Loomis looked at Ryan and the guard could see the anger in the doctor's face. It was a written rule before any shift on the high care ward that radio batteries were checked. Ryan hadn't done it out of pure laziness and it'd almost cost a man his life. Ryan turned away, heading for the door. "I'll resign now," he said simply.

Ryan had only just left, when Myers entered the block, alone. He was still chained. Immediately, Jack ran over to free him. "We don't know how to thank you Michael," he said to the killer. "We really, really don't. You've just saved Rick's life."

The killer looked back at him and Jack was sure he was seeing things, but was that slight softness in the killer's usually ice cold gaze as they looked at each other? He of course said nothing as Jack locked his cell door. "Michael," Dr Loomis said. "I too am exceptionally grateful to you. I know you will not tell me, but I would really like to know what happened to make you want to save Rick's life. You 2 are close?" To everyone's surprise, Myers nodded once.

"I won't ask for details," Dr Loomis, for the first time, extended his hand through the bars, which Myers shook. Dr Loomis could hardly believe it. He sighed. Now, he had Ryan to deal with.

…

Joanne was surprised when 30 minutes after receiving the all clear, she made to guide Danielle back into the block, and for the first time, Danielle resisted her. Joanne didn't however jump into action to subdue her as her training stated she should. She knew Danielle wasn't struggling to cause trouble, but for another reason. She placed her hand on Danielle's shoulder. "Sweetheart, what is it?"

"Please can you call Dr Stark or Dr Loomis out here? I won't go back in until I've spoken to one of them. Sorry Joanne, I'm really not doing this to make your life difficult."

"Is it anything that I can help you with? We do need to head back in now."

"No, I'm sorry. Please, please just do this for me?" The guard looked into Danielle's face and saw the pleading in her eyes. Danielle had never once resisted being led anywhere, so Joanne was sure she had genuine reason. She pulled out her radio and made the call for one of the doctors to step out as Danielle wished to talk to them. To Danielle's surprise and gratitude, they both did.

"You guys may want to be more careful," Danielle said as soon as the doctor's had made it known to her that they were there. "Thank you both for coming out, I wasn't expecting that. But seriously. I heard 2 of the guards talking out here an hour ago. I know who's in the cell to the right of mine now, and I refuse to go back with him being there." She held up her phone. "Charlotte and I got a news alert yesterday that Derek Chancer had been captured. I know of him, Doctors, Joanne. Hell I think every woman in the fucking world does. He's vile, dangerous as all hell and… No. I… I can't! Please, can you let me go somewhere else?"

There was a moment's silence before Danielle felt both doctors lay hands on her arms. "Danielle," Dr Stark said. "He won't be allowed out of his cell while you're out of yours at any time and we also have a little trick up our sleeves. At the push of a button, a sheet of incredibly strong Plexiglas will slide up from floor to ceiling so Mr. Chancer won't be able to reach through his cell bars. You'll be perfectly safe. That's a promise."

"No," Danielle repeated. "Not with Derek Chancer. I can't. I don't scare easily, but that man does! I knew friends of friends who got raped, tortured and killed by that son of a bitch! Please, I'm begging you Doctors!" There was silence and Danielle was sure the 2 doctors were looking at each other. Then Dr Loomis softly spoke. "Who did you hear this from? Do you know?"

"Ryan," Danielle said. "I know his voice by now." Dr Loomis' anger toward the guard flared. So that was 2 avoidable and damn stupid mistakes he'd made. He was right. He was resigning and if he didn't he'd be terminated. "Stand by," he said quietly, before heading back into the block. Immediately he saw Derek Chancer sitting casually on his bed looking straight at him. Dr Loomis looked away. If he was honest, he agreed with Danielle. He approached Michael's cell and softly tapped on the bars. The serial killer looked at him then approached. "Michael," Dr Loomis kept his voice very low. "Danielle's found out who's on her right. She overheard a guard talking about it. She really wants to move wards, but… Well she can't yet. Are you…"? Before Dr Loomis could finish, the killer had nodded to him. "Thanks Michael," he murmured. "I need you to trust me for just a moment. Will you?" The killer silently nodded again and Dr Loomis pressed a button on the wall, causing the sheeting to slide up over Myers's cell bars.

Heading back out, he spoke quietly to Dr Stark who nodded.

"Think about it," Dr Loomis said very quietly so Danielle didn't hear. "He only killed Jefferson because he assaulted Danielle. Do you think he can help Danielle? Michael knows, I just told him." The junior consultant nodded to her boss again. Dr Loomis turned to Danielle. "Sorted," he said simply. "I need you to trust me" Danielle took a deep breath then nodded to him. Dr Loomis squeezed her shoulder. "We'd never lead you into danger Danielle," he said. "Never."

Joanne guided her into the block and up to Myers' cell. "Put your hand out Danielle," Dr Stark said. Danielle did, feeling cell bars then the Plexiglas. It stretched from floor to ceiling all the way from one side of the cell door to the other. "That's Michael's cell," Dr Stark said. "We put it up so you know what we're talking about. Michael can't reach us right now. We only use it if we have to, but that's what it looks like." They heard Myers softly knock against it. Danielle nodded mutely. Though she couldn't see him, Derek Chancer's presence 2 cells away made her blood go cold. Joanne led her back as the screen slid down, then Myers' door opened. Danielle felt his warm, strong and secure hand take hers, leading her into his cell.

"Now are you ok to stay here?" Dr Stark asked, and Danielle was sure she could hear the doctor's smile. "You knew I would be this way," Danielle said.

"Indeed we did," Dr Stark stepped away as the door buzzed closed.

Myers led her to his bed, lay beside her and pulled her softly against him. Danielle rested her head against his strong shoulder. Sure Chancer scared the shit out of her, but with Michael Myers holding her close, she felt as if no harm could come to her. She wondered if even the serial killer hated him.

As the day went on, Danielle told Michael things she'd only previously told her doctors. Her love of whistling, her parents leaving her. Then finally, Adam's abuse in detail. How Charlotte had visited her before she'd attended court. "That said, you know Charlotte was here," Danielle blushed. "Said hi to you didn't she? Did you… Did you shake hands out there?" Myers softly tapped his bedside table once. Yes. Danielle smiled at the serial killer. "I overheard Ryan mention his name," she breathed to Myers.

As night drew in, Danielle was sure she could hear Chancer masturbating. She pressed closer to Myers, unable to help herself. His arms tightened and Danielle had to blink back tears as for the first time, he stroked her cheek with one soft finger. Danielle understood his silent message as if he'd spoken in her ear. I'm here, you're safe, and I won't let anything happen to you.

"Charlotte and I lost friends of friends to him," Danielle whispered in Michael's ear. "At least 2 women we know of. They found their… Remains when he was captured…" Danielle took a deep breath. "That guy scares me so much," she whispered. "I don't even want to be in the same block as him, hell not even on the same fucking planet! He's every woman's worst and deadliest nightmare."

"You know," she added, blushing again. "Today I was standing exactly where you stand. Ok I wasn't chained to the block, but I was right there. I… I couldn't stop thinking about you these last few days…" Had Myers just softly chuckled? Danielle laughed a little nervously. "He's way more dangerous than you Mr. Myers. You kill on the spot, Mr. Chancer chooses his female targets carefully. He… He knows more about torture than most soldiers do."

Michael squeezed her hand softly and she understood. Mr. Myers?

"Sorry," Danielle blushed. "Automatic. I'm not exactly going to forget you can kill people too, am I?" Myers pulled her closer to him. "I know I'm safe, I don't doubt that, but I know your name, Michael Myers. So does everyone else in the world." She was sure she heard Myers say, "Hush," as he held her close. Danielle didn't realise it, but she was tense and couldn't close her eyes. Despite who was holding her, Derek Chancer seemed to haunt her every thought. God she wished Ryan hadn't inadvertently, or otherwise told her who he was or where he was going to be held…

…

"I'm sorry Ryan," Dr Loomis said to the guard a few minutes after Danielle had been let back in with Michael. "Not only did you not check your radio battery before the start of your shift which is a written rule, but I now know you also were overheard by Danielle. While talking to one of the other guards about Derek Chancer, and that he was going to be in the cell on her right. Due to this, Danielle is now very nervous and almost begged us to let her back in with Michael, or move her to another ward. We've done the former. Those are 2 mistakes you've made which could've been easily avoided."

Ryan said nothing. He knew his boss was right, but even so he felt like a piece of shit. The guard he'd spoken to was actually one of those who'd escorted Derek from the van. But he knew he didn't have the right to even try to stand up for himself. Regardless of who it'd been, he should've been more discrete. He felt terrible for Danielle now. She'd been through enough and here he was adding to it. "I know boss," he said. "I'll resign now. I'm already working on my resignation letter." Ryan had wanted this job for years and had worked damn hard to get it and now it was gone, all because he'd been negligent. He felt himself blinking back tears. How could he have done this? He'd studied, got all the qualifications and now they were invalid. He turned away, heading for the door, softly touching his gun and the rest of his equipment, knowing it would be the last time. It was killing him. He couldn't look at Dr Loomis, couldn't let the psychiatrist see how his heart was breaking. Because he was right. Ryan deserved this. But just as he reached the door, Dr Loomis' hand rested on his arm, stopping him. Shit, Ryan thought. "Please," he said softly and this time his voice did crack. "Please doc, just let me go so I can finish up my paperwork and leave?"

Dr Loomis looked at Ryan Jenkins and couldn't stop the rush of sympathy for the man. He was only 21, and Dr Loomis knew how much the young man had done for this, how hard he'd worked, and how much this job meant to him. He hated terminating people and he also knew that he and Rick were close and had a good working relationship. Dr Loomis knew Rick wouldn't blame Ryan for his mistake. Ryan couldn't stop the tears as they fell and they weren't for him, they were for his hospitalised colleague and friend.

Dr Loomis sighed. "Ryan, listen to me." He spoke but firmly. "I know how hard you worked for this position and I also know who the guard was that you were speaking to, one of those on the shift helping you with Chancer. I also noticed that you didn't mention it yourself, just now, as an excuse. I know it's your dream to work here. So this is what I'm going to do. Consider yourself, for want of a better word, on probation. Before you start any shift, you will come to me and check your radio battery while I watch. You will also not talk to any other guard about work in the exercise yard and I will ask all the guards to notify me immediately if you do. If it happens a second time Ryan, it really will be your job. Are we clear?"

Ryan could hardly believe what he was hearing. Damn. If he'd respected Dr Loomis before, it was nothing to how he felt for his boss now. He'd made 2 terrible mistakes and yet Dr Loomis was giving him another chance, albeit conditional. He swallowed, tried to speak, but couldn't. "I…" He started, with no idea what he was about to say. He took a shaky breath, sinking into one of the chairs. Dr Loomis sat next to him and softly touched his shoulder before leaving. He returned a minute or so later with coffee, which he pushed into the guard's hand. Retaking his seat, he again touched the young man's shoulder. He didn't speak as Ryan took several sips of the coffee. Finally Ryan looked at his boss, still deathly pale. "Are you serious?" He asked, his voice quiet. Dr Loomis nodded.

"Why though, boss? I almost got Rick killed. I deserve to leave."

"Are you saying you'd rather do so? I will not stop you if this is the case."

"No! Like you said this was my dream! But…"

"Then it still can be, Ryan. Just accept what I'm offering you and it still can be. I will write this up and ask you to sign it, but verbally I'm asking you now. Are we clear? Do we have an understanding, Ryan?"

"I… I can't believe you're willing to even consider, never mind, do this," Ryan said to his boss. "Damn, I respect you. When people said you're kind and fair they weren't joking." Ryan was sure he saw a slight smile on the Doctor's lips. "It's more than I deserve," he said finally. "But yes, clear as a bell. I… I can't thank you enough for this. May… May I please just say one thing?"

"Of course."

"I finished late last night and I knew I had to escort Chancer in this morning. I had to help some of the guards with that trouble in block H." Dr Loomis nodded. "I know you did." His voice was kinder now. "I know Ryan."

"So while not an excuse in the slightest, I wasn't thinking straight when I got in, hadn't had coffee yet," he smiled ever so slightly and was sure his boss returned it. "I just grabbed my stuff and went straight to work. In truth I didn't even think of my radio's battery. I guess I thought that I'd checked it the day before and that it'd be ok."

"You have to remember," Dr Loomis said softly. "How quickly those batteries run dry. They need to be charged every night. They only last 12 hours. Considering that they're on all the time, it's hardly surprising." There was silence for a moment before Dr Loomis sighed again. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I will attach a charger to your locker so that when you put your other equipment away you won't be able to miss it. Stick it on the charger then, ok? Instead of you coming to me, either I or one of the guards will radio you as soon as you arrive on duty to make sure that you've checked it. But you need to be honest with us. If you do, and it's dead it's no problem, we can just replace your handset. All right?"

"I don't deserve this," Ryan repeated. "Why are you doing this for me Dr Loomis?"

"Because I know how much this means to you, and as I said, I also know how close you and Rick are. He'd be just as upset if he lost you. You have a good working relationship." Dr Loomis said. "Yeah, so good I almost got him killed." Ryan muttered "No, don't say that. Yes, it was… careless. But what happened wasn't your fault. You weren't the one choking him were you?" Dr Loomis said.

"How the hell do you do that?" Ryan stared at his boss incredulously. "Read people's minds before they speak?"

Dr Loomis smiled at the young guard. "It's my job to do so," he said quietly. "That's how. I'll call you back in once I've written it up for you to sign it. Ok? I can't change the conditions, I'm afraid, if you need to talk to a guard about work, you are to use one of the offices as you're supposed to. Just to be clear, if you talk in there it's absolutely fine and I won't need to be told about it. Are you still ok with that?"

"Yes," Ryan said, still reeling from his boss' kindness, when he could be, should be, walking out the door for the last time. He took a deep breath. "I can't thank you enough for this. Maybe your job's making you go crazy and your judgement should be questioned?"

Dr Loomis actually laughed. Ryan hoped his colleague could forgive him for what he'd done, mistake, and accident or not. That was one apology he knew he had to make, but was dreading it. Yes they had a good working relationship, but this? Could Rick forgive him? Would he? If he didn't however, Ryan wouldn't blame him in the slightest. Would he still want to work with him after this? Ryan wasn't sure he would if the roles had been reversed. He saw Dr Loomis was holding out his hand and with his trembling a little, he shook it. A few minutes later, he was heading back into the block, the block he'd been sure just 10 minutes ago he'd never see again.