At 03:00 Danielle lay in bed, still unable to sleep. Eventually she got up and headed for the cell bars. Michael wasn't at her side, so he must be behind the bathroom screen. She gripped them loosely with both hands, but found herself keeping a safe distance from them, as if Chancer would be able to grab her if she didn't. Even with his own cell bars between them. She hated being this close to the rapist and murderer. She was seriously considering asking again if she could move to a different cell. She hated how selfish that sounded, given that they'd allowed her to be with Michael, but nor did she want to rely on him. That wasn't fair for him. Danielle had come very close to telling Michael about her love of ears, but at the last second her courage had failed her. Part of her shouting, you can't tell him that! But by God she wanted to. She needed to prove to him that she trusted him, as much for her own sake as well as his. So tomorrow, she decided as she finally turned from the bars, she would tell him.

…

The Shape stood behind the bathroom screen, rage coursing through him. He hadn't felt it this strongly in a long time. Adam. He was a dead man. Earmarked for death, as it were. That said, he knew of at least 6 people who would forever be safe from his rage. Danielle, Charlotte, Rick, Joanne and Dr Stark and Dr Loomis. Whether he liked it or not, his psychiatrist had gained his respect and trust and The Shape knew he wouldn't ever hurt him. Same could be said for Dr Stark, though her safety was due to the way she was helping Danielle.

Right on cue, there was a soft knock against the bathroom screen. "Mr. Myers?" Came Danielle's soft voice. She sounded almost afraid of him. The Shape felt his heart clench at that thought. Again he couldn't deny how he felt. "I'm taking a walk," Danielle continued softly. "I'll give you some space. I can't sleep."

Again, The Shape felt his heart clench. Was she leaving because she thought he needed space? No. He wasn't having that. Before he quite knew what he was doing, he'd stepped out from behind the screen and pulled Danielle into his arms. He was holding her tightly and it took him a second to realise that he was actually giving her a hug! Yet, it felt so… Good, so right…

Danielle rested her head against his chest, given that he was at least a foot taller than her. What was she? 5'6? He was 6'8. He tightened his arms around her and led her back to bed. Dr Stark had prescribed her a very strong sleeping pill following recent events and The Shape knew Danielle didn't want to take it. Why, he wasn't sure, but she would, he'd see to it. He looked up at the woman lying in his arms. He looked at her face and could see the lines that trauma had etched into her skin. Slowly, The Shape ran his thumb over the scar across Danielle's face, where her so-called boyfriend had slashed her with a knife while raping her. A slight smile crossed The Shape's lips, though of course she wouldn't see it, when she gave a sleepy "hmm," of contentment. Again, his heart clenched at the thought of her getting hurt any further. He tried to ask himself yet again why the hell he cared so much about her, but this question was getting harder and harder to answer.

He held her tightly for a moment, then stood to retrieve water and Danielle's sleeping pill. Lightly, he shook her. She looked up at him as he handed her the plastic cup and the small pill.

"I really don't want to take this," Danielle said quietly. Again, Michael knew this had something to do with Adam. He took the pill and glass back, supporting Danielle's head as he placed the pill on her tongue, then helped her swallow it. Danielle made no further protests.

He lay back down beside her and pulled her close, studying her fondly as her eyes first drooped, then closed. Within 20 minutes, she was fast asleep. But he had heard her soft, "Thank you Mr. Myers," as she'd cuddled close to him. The Shape knew that sometimes when a lover used "Mr." and a man's last name, it could be a seductive or playful gesture on her part. But not this time. That was something he would change. She was the last person who should, or would call him Mr. Myers.

He thought of how she'd wanted to leave just now. Of course she could, he'd never stop her. He wasn't Adam. But the fact she wanted to leave to give him space, made him pause. Could she sense his rage? That was why he'd stopped her. He didn't want her making any sacrifices for him. Hadn't she made enough for that prick Dawson?

…

Rick stirred for a second, not sure where he was. Then the pain in his neck hit him and it all came flooding back. The hospital, following his near fatal encounter with Derek Chancer. He'd be dead now, if not for the most unlikely person. Michael Myers. The God damn serial killer who'd just saved his life… Automatically, he touched his neck and immediately wished he hadn't. Jesus it hurt. He felt the thick bandages covering it and wondered how bad it actually was. His thoughts then went to Ryan. He'd radioed for help, shouted at least twice, but no guards had run in until Jack showed up. Why? Had Ryan not had his radio on or something? But they were friends, so surely Ryan wouldn't have thought about letting him die? No! Rick dismissed that thought straight away. There had to be another reason for the guards not appearing until Jack called for them. Rick only knew what'd happened afterwards once he was in the hospital, a nurse had told him. He was now wishing they could plastically zip cuffs. Easier to snap, but much less dangerous. Those chains are lethal.

He pushed his call button and a nurse entered seconds later. "Rick!" She smiled at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone cut my head off and put it back on," Rick gave her a small smile.

"Do you want more painkillers?"

"Please, love," Rick smiled again. "Thanks. Do we know how long they want me to stay here?"

"Just overnight, unless you feel any worse," the nurse said. "But you're off work for 2 weeks when you leave, doctor's orders. I'm sure he'll tell you that before you leave himself." At this, Rick couldn't help a grin. He knew Dr Sampson. He was a no nonsense man, but a damn good medic. Rick had worked with him before when he was treating Smith's Grove patients Rick had escorted in. "I'm sure he will," he laughed slightly then wished he hadn't as the pain ripped through his neck.

"I'll be back in a minute with your tablets. Do you want a drink?"

"Can I just have an iced water please Debbie?" Rick asked, smiling at the nurse who smiled back. He'd also met her while working.

"Of course." Debbie quietly slipped out. Rick found his thoughts going back to what'd happened earlier that day. Michael Myers had carried him into the ambulance and Rick was certain, albeit he was only half conscious that the serial killer had softly squeezed his hand again before leaving. Where was Ryan? Was he ok? Rick thanked Debbie when she reappeared with his painkillers and a tall glass of iced water.

…

"Rick," Debbie said about an hour later. "You've got a visitor. Are you up to seeing them?" Rick nodded. The door opened and Ryan came in. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt so he must've finished his shift. This surprised Rick. They weren't due to finish yet. Ryan quietly closed the door, then approached his colleague's bed. Rick looked up at him and was grateful that he came to see him. Clearly Ryan was really upset.

"Rick, please just listen to me?" Ryan begged, placing a box of chocolates and a pack of drinks on Rick's bedside table. "I'm so sorry man! It was entirely my fault! My radio battery was dead! I got off late last night and didn't check it this morning! I'm sorry! I was officially reprimanded by Dr Loomis as a result, he should've sacked me but… He was really understanding, but if I fuck up again then I'm gone. I have to charge my radio every night and they'll check my battery status every day. But I really can't even look you in the eye Rick! I almost got you killed! If not for… For Michael… Isn't that fucking ironic? Saved by a damn serial killer…"

Rick noticed that indeed, his colleague couldn't look at him. Was he expecting anger? Rick couldn't feel it even if he wanted to. He genuinely liked and respected Ryan Jenkins. They'd grabbed drinks many times together while not on duty. He'd hate to lose his colleague. He couldn't speak, it still hurt too much, so he extended his hand. Ryan stared in disbelief, then stepped forward and took it. But after they'd shook, Rick didn't let him go and pulled him to his side.

"Ryan," he whispered, which didn't hurt. "Listen to me pal. I know you got off late last night, so did I. It was a mistake, which is why I think Dr Loomis didn't sack you. I don't blame you for it. I did the same thing once when I first started. Tried to radio and realised that my battery was dead."

"But you didn't have a colleague's life on the line at the time did you?" Ryan asked.

"It doesn't matter," Rick whispered. "It wasn't your fault. I'm not angry, I don't blame you."

"You… You're not just saying that about the radio to make me feel better are you?"

"Ryan!" Ryan was sure he saw a smirk on Rick's face. "How could you think that?"

"Because it's the kind of guy you are," Ryan said. "One reason I like you so much."

"No, it really did happen. Honestly, we're cool, don't worry about it. Just make sure you keep checking it. I'll help you if you want and remind you once I'm cleared to come back."

"Thank you," was all Ryan could say. "How long do you have off?"

"They want me to take 2 weeks, but I don't want that long."

"Why not? You almost died man!"

"Just part of the job," Rick smiled weakly at his colleague and friend. "It's not like I have a girlfriend, wife or kids to worry about, yes a lot of friends but my parents are dead so I'm going to try and get Dr Sampson to let me go back after a week. He doesn't relent easily. Nor does Dr Loomis."

"Seriously Rick, take it! All of it! You deserve it after what happened."

"We'll see," was all Rick said. Ryan glared at him. "Take it man!"

"Are you not working?" Rick changed the subject. Ryan sighed. He wasn't going to win this argument. "I'm supposed to be, but Dr Loomis let me go early so I could come in and see you. I was… Well pretty traumatised myself if I'm honest and I didn't almost die,"

"Are you ok now?"

This simple question broke Ryan. He lent forward and as carefully as he could hugged Rick. Rick hugged him back in return. "Am I ok? Jesus Christ Rick! I should be asking you that! I…"

"Hey it's ok man. I'll be back fighting the good fight to help, protect, and if necessary subdue our patients before you even realise I'm gone. I mean it. To witness it is just as horrible as to go through it, maybe worse. I'll ask you again. Are you ok now?"

"Yes, now that I know you're ok," Ryan said, still hugging his friend. "But I must say this, just once. Please. I really am sorry Rick! I'll do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again."

"Don't be ridiculous," Rick squeezed Ryan. "Ok, you've said it, so let's close that door, ok? It's done, just work with Dr Loomis and the others and you'll be fine. Just sign Dr Loomis' report and do as he asked and it'll be all good."

"I really appreciate you man," Ryan said quietly. "You took me under your wing when I first started and protected me in a few scraps with patients. Once with that guy's father who got mouthy. Remember?" Rick smiled. "I do. Idiot."

Ryan laughed a little, which he couldn't lie felt good. "You're a good man Rick," Ryan said softly. "Please just do me one favour?" Rick sighed, but nodded. "What?"

"Take those 2 weeks off? Don't argue? Please?" Rick sighed again. "Fine," he rolled his eyes at Ryan, who now did finally laugh, smiling back at him. "Fine."

…

2 days later.

Charlotte sat in her parent's kitchen, drinking hot tea and trying not to get sick at the smell of cooking food. Her mother Emma was making Sunday lunch for the family. But her stomach was in knots. Danielle wasn't the only one who couldn't relax, and although Charlotte would never say this to her face, she was safe right now. Adam couldn't reach her. She, on the other hand, was out and about, an open target. When her older brother Colin arrived, he came in and hugged her tightly, Charlotte's stomach was still roiling from anxiety.

"He'll be dead before he hurts you sis," Colin promised, holding her tightly. "God help me, I'll kill him first."

You might not be alone, Charlotte thought, thinking of Michael. Her brother and the masked killer united by the same goal. Adam's death. It all sounded wonderful as far as Charlotte was concerned. She'd never hated a man more than she hated Adam Dawson. Even if she did also hate herself for falling into his trap and disregarding her best friend's warnings.

Emma and Dave hadn't told Charlotte that Adam had come to their home looking for her, nor that the police had installed an alarm system that same night. At one press of any of the buttons installed in every room, the police would be there within minutes. Although her father hadn't said as much, she was certain he too wanted Adam dead. Dave and Colin were both very tall men, close to Myers' height and not guys to mess with. Unfortunately, so was Adam.

For her part, she hadn't told them about how she'd met and shaken hands with the masked killer Michael Myers at Smith's Grove.

There was another knock on the door then and Charlotte felt her heart flip a little in spite of everything, she couldn't help it. Colin rolled his eyes at her but smiled. She'd hugged him tightly. Colin looked surprised, but had returned it just as tightly. He knew his little sister was scared and that broke his heart. If that fucker even touched her again, he was dead. No 2 ways about it.

It was Tim, her boss and now boyfriend. Charlotte thought back to that night. "Are you free to talk more over a coffee right now?" She'd asked him. Meaning just that. A coffee and no more. But next thing she'd known, right there in Adam's living room, they were kissing intensely and feelings had just come out. Tim had revealed he'd liked her, hell maybe even loved her for a long time and was trying to plan his own way of rescuing her from Adam. They'd been together since that night.

Tim came in now and kissed Charlotte on the lips. Colin pretended to throw up.

"Shut it," Charlotte playfully punched him as they finally sat down to eat.

Hours later Charlotte left her parent's house with Tim, who was holding her hand. As they stepped outside, Charlotte at first didn't see the black car parked near the house with its lights off. But when she did, she felt her blood go cold.

"What's wrong babe?" Tim asked. Charlotte gestured at the blacked out car. Tim held her hand tighter. Charlotte pulled out her phone and texted her father. Dad, please come out here? Her father, mother and brother were there within seconds and all saw the car.

"What the fuck?" Her father snarled. Charlotte felt sick. She didn't have to guess why it was there. Next second, it was gone.

"I'm calling the police," her father said as Colin and Tim both held Charlotte close and her mother kissed her cheek.

"To say what?" Charlotte asked. "There was a blacked out car parked outside our house with the lights off at 10 PM?"

"That exactly," Dave said. "That isn't right. Wait there baby girl, I'll give you a lift home. You're not walking, even with Tim there." He smiled at Charlotte's boyfriend. "Hope you understand."

"Of course," Tim smiled back at the older man. "Totally. Now I wish I would've brought my car."

"I've got it mom, dad," Colin said, taking his little sister's hand and leading her towards his car. "I'll be back in a minute and I'll have her text you as soon as I drop her off." Charlotte pretended to roll her eyes as if to point out she wasn't a baby, but secretly she was more grateful than she could ever tell her brother.

"Thanks Col," Dave smiled at his son. "I'll get on the phone then."

…

Joanne was feeling physically sick from nerves as she finally backed her black Mercedes out of her parking space at the end of her shift 3 hours later. She'd decided this was it. She had to do it. Recent events had shown her just how short life could be. She could've lost him. No way was she letting that happen again. Since they'd been working together for the last 2 years, they'd become close friends as well as colleagues. He was impossible not to like. His kindness, sense of humour and above all the way he took care of even the most dangerous patients. That was probably why a serial killer had saved his life… They'd been on what they affectionately called between them Frates. Friend dates. That was what they'd been. Dinner, movies etc., but they truly were just friends. But now Joanne wanted that to change. She had to tell him. Sure she knew their job could be dangerous, but her heart felt like it was being wrenched out of her chest when she thought of how close she'd come to losing him, as a friend or otherwise, losing her chance to tell him the truth.

If not for Michael Myers… She pulled into a supermarket and picked out a box of his favourite chocolates and an expensive bottle of wine. On second thought, she thought as she stopped halfway to the checkout and turned back, getting a box of her own favourite chocolate and a bottle of her own wine. Just in case, because if this goes wrong tonight, she'll need it.