But now, sitting in her office, she was starting to wonder if what Dr Loomis had said all those weeks ago might not be right. Or at least in part. But she also knew she had to do what was best for Danielle. It was after all, Halloween in just a few days and she didn't want more innocent blood on her hands. Her decision had been the right one and she would stick with her convictions. She was almost as experienced as Dr Loomis was and could make decisions just as well as he could.

At last, over 2 hours late, Gemma Stark finally headed home, hoping her husband Luke would still be up. She needed his arms around her and a large glass of wine with dinner. She needed him to tell her everything would be alright, even if she couldn't tell him what the problem was. She just hoped it wasn't a lie.

…

Derek Chancer was rudely woken by a loud tapping against his cell bars. He scowled at the guard. What was his name? David? He looked up. "What?" He snapped.

"You've got a visitor Mr. Chancer," David said. Chancer gaped at him. "Eh?"

"You've. Got. A. visitor," David said as if he were slow or didn't speak English. Chancer felt his anger rise. "I heard you dickhead, but who is it?"

"Mind your language, don't want Solitary do you? It's an old friend of yours, Mark Sarcozi is his name."

When visitors entered Smith's Grove, they had to show valid ID to prove who they were. Chancer's jaw dropped. Mark Sarcozi had abandoned him years ago. What the fuck was he doing here? Irritated, Chancer pulled on his uniform shirt. "Alright," he said. "I'll see him." He knew patients could refuse visitors, but he couldn't lie, he was curious. What the fuck was Mark Sarcozi doing here after all this time? Frowning, he didn't resist as David shackled him, then led him towards and into a visitor's room. Sarcozi was behind thick glass. Without a word, David unshackled him, and left.

…

Mark Sarcozi looked up at his former friend through the security glass as he entered and shivered. Those cold, calculating eyes hadn't changed a bit. What the fuck am I doing here? He thought. "Ching-Ching," Chris' cruel voice mocked again. Mark sighed. Could he, should he really do this? It wasn't too late to turn back…

"Well, well, if it isn't Mark Sarcozi." Chancer's cold, soft voice came through loud and clear. How the hell could Mark hear him through all that glass? It was then he looked up and saw the speakers in the ceiling. He assumed there must be a microphone built into the glass somewhere, but he couldn't see it. All he could see was the button to call for a guard if necessary.

"Can, can you hear me?" Mark inwardly cursed when he stuttered a little. Shit. Chancer would know he was nervous.

"Loud and clear," Chancer said softly. "My ears are working just fine, but thank you for your concern, Marky Mark." That same, bitter sarcasm Mark had known from this man all his life. He swallowed the lump in his throat. "So what can I do for you? I'm going to take an educated guess that you haven't come to drop off flowers and grapes for your old friend?"

"I…" Mark swallowed again. This was it. It was now or never. Danielle's blind, he thought. I can't… But next thing he knew, he was speaking. Ching-Ching.

"I… I've only just got out the nick," he admitted and heard Chancer's snicker. "What for Marky?"

Mark hated being called Marky and suspected those who knew him guessed that and did it all the time just to wind him up. He took a breath. "Nothing much," he said vaguely. He really didn't want to go into it with this man, even if he'd once been a friend. "Just a bit of drug stuff."

Chancer actually laughed. "Oh Marky," Mark could almost hear his glee. "You disappoint me. Such a small-time crime. I hope this means you're on the way up now?"

Mark didn't answer. Not if I can help it, he thought. But then, what would he call what he was about to do now? He was about to put a blind woman's existence and maybe even life in danger. Could he really do this?

"So what can I do for you Marky? How nice of you to drop in, but I suspect you have another reason to be here as opposed to just missing your old friend? Do tell."

Mark wondered for a moment how Chancer knew this, but then stopped. He was visibly nervous. It wouldn't take much for a man like Chancer to figure it out.

"Ok," he began. "I did genuinely want to see you Derek, that's true," he lied. "But I've also been asked to make contact with you by our old friend C.L." He heard Chancer's soft, "ah" and felt himself shiver again. Chris Leach that is a man you don't mess with. "So what did he have to say?"

Mark wondered if these visitor's rooms were wired. If so… Then oh well, it wasn't his problem. Part of him almost hoped they were, so Danielle would be warned and protected. What the fuck was he doing here? But it was too late now. He could easily walk away, consciously he knew that. Chancer couldn't get anywhere near him. But the consequences if he did… He shut that idea down as soon as it formed. Way too dangerous. Chancer also knew people. Mark wouldn't live past next week.

"He wants you to help him," he said quietly, leaning into the glass, hoping he was near the microphone that he couldn't see. "His organisation has been hired by a guy who wants reports on a patient here, on your ward. A woman named Danielle Hayward?"

Chancer laughed. "You're not serious Marky?"

Mark raised his eyebrows. "Yes I am, C.L. contacted me last night. Why would I not be serious?"

Chancer looked at him as if he was stupid, the second person to do so in less than 24 hours, Mark observed. "Marky, she's never out of her cell the same time as me, the quacks in here saw to it. I can't even get close to her. Not to mention the one guy who scares the shit out of me is protecting her. You've got to be joking. I've heard rumours that he's already killed one guy here. No thanks man. Tell C.L. He can keep his cash. Not doing it."

"What do you mean?" Mark asked before he could stop himself. He knew Smith's Grove housed dangerous people; it was a mental hospital after all. But who had killed another inmate and now protecting Danielle?

Chancer scoffed. "Come on Marky! Really? Who's the one masked killer who scares every motherfucker in Haddonfield? Jesus man, think!"

"You don't mean Michael Myers?" Mark asked in disbelief.

"Have a medal. Yes I fucking do. He won't let her leave his side and he's always watching her. No man, I'm not doing it. I want to fuck and kill more cunts when I get out of here and if I cross his path or anger him, I won't live past sunrise the next day."

"Um, I take it our client doesn't know this?"

"That his bitch is being protected by Michael Myers? How the fuck would I know? That's not my problem Marky. But you can tell both him and C.L. to go fuck themselves. I don't have a death wish."

"I don't think he's asking you to get up close to her," Mark said, his mouth going dry. Danielle was being protected by the "boogeyman" Michael Myers? Holy fuck! No wonder Chancer wasn't willing. He wouldn't be either; he'd be running as fast as he could in the other direction. "He knows you'd kill her if you could and I don't think that's the idea. Our client just wants to know what she says, who she's talking to, etc."

"I say again, you've got to be joking Marky! I'd never hear a word when she talks to that bitch quack Stark for obvious reasons, and Loomis won't tell me a damn thing, should I even try to ask, duh!"

"Just…" Mark sighed. This was actually good as far as he was concerned. It looked as if Chris' plan wouldn't work and he would be in the clear. He hadn't told Chancer anything that could hurt Danielle, nor his boss'. So far, his involvement hasn't done any damage and Mark would like to keep it that way. If Chancer wasn't able or willing to report anything, Mark wouldn't have to come back, which was just fine with him.

"Not to mention," Chancer continued. "She's in a cell up the corridor from mine, I wouldn't be able to hear anything."

"Um, yes you would," Mark said. It looked like his not causing damage was about to change. "You'd be provided with an eavesdropping device designed to look like something else."

Chancer rolled his eyes. "I'm not fucking James Bond; plus how do you plan to get it in here without being stopped by security? How do you know someone's not listening right fucking now? I don't have a phone, forget that one, they'd find it within hours Marky. So it'll have to be pretty damn good."

"But if it works," Mark said softly. "Would you?"

"I'll think about it," Chancer said finally. "Get this device in and I'll let you know then. You'll have to do that anyway, before I even consider this crazy request. What's the pay packet anyway? It's not like money is any good to me in this shit hole."

"Funds will be deposited into a secret bank account," Mark murmured. "Tax free, no questions asked."

Chancer snorted derisively. "Yeah, ok. Heard that before. But I say again, I am not tangling with Michael Myers. No fucking way! If I sense he's caught on to this, I stop. Done. Finished."

"Ok," Mark agreed. He couldn't blame Chancer for that. So would he. "I'll come back with it for you tomorrow," he said as he slowly stood up, for some unknown reason his heart was pounding. The "Boogeyman" Michael Myers was in the very building he was standing in now. It made Mark's blood go cold and Goosebumps rise on his arms and neck. Michael Myers was one scary man.

"Right," Chancer said, standing too. "Nice to see you, Marky Mark. Get this device thingy in and we'll talk more. Good day my old friend. He walked away from the glass as a guard appeared beside him. Mark only dimly saw his former friend being shackled.

…

"How did you sleep Danielle? Liking your soft cell?" Dr Stark asked the next morning as Danielle sat in her usual place in the therapy room, window once again open, speakers off.

Danielle grinned. "I love it, thanks. But I wasn't bouncing on the soft walls last night… Not yet anyway. Need more tea for that."

Dr Stark chuckled. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"A little on edge," Danielle admitted. "Not just for me, but Charlotte too. Adam won't stop until he's found us, he's a very determined man. I'm safe and I know this, but Charlotte…"

"Don't worry," Dr Stark said. "We're already putting measures in place for her security, she'll be protected every step of the way, you have my word. Just for a moment, can we talk about you?"

Danielle sighed. "It scared me," she said eventually. "I won't lie to you Dr Stark. I'd hoped he'd somehow lost my number. Sadly not. I'm going to have to change it, aren't I? That said, it's not like I've got many people I want to give it to," she sighed softly.

"One of our Domestic Violence Advisors will be able to talk to you today as soon as we're done here and can help you with all that if you're willing to work with her."

Danielle nodded. "Of course. I know I was a bit… Well, bitter when I first got here and I'm sorry for that Dr Stark. I know you guys are just trying to help me. I just… I didn't want to be saved at the time, I wanted to be dead. In the past, doctors had only let me down and I didn't trust you. Any of you. I'm sorry, I was wrong. I love Joanne, she's been nothing but kind to me, as have you. I know I was… Not the most engaging at first. Neither with you or Joanne."

"For which we don't blame you Danielle," Dr Stark said kindly. "Dr Loomis didn't switch with me because you didn't engage, I promise you. He switched because 1, I'm a woman and 2, this is more my field than his. When I told you that at the time, I was telling the truth."

Danielle nodded. "Thanks. I do trust you now Dr Stark and will do whatever you ask, because I know you truly want to help me."

"That's our girl," Dr Stark squeezed her hand. "In which case, please answer me? How did it make you feel?"

"I think I was angrier than I was scared at the time that he'd dared to call me after court and everything. But…" She sighed. "The fear did sink in afterwards, of course it did. But after that I just couldn't close my eyes. Ryan was amazing too. I'm actually glad it happened on a night he or Joanne were there. Those 2 and Rick make me feel...well, safe."

"Good," Dr Stark said. "But you know any of our guards will protect you right?"

"Perhaps not Mr. Jackass," Danielle muttered. For the first time, her doctor actually laughed.

"I know who you're referring to, he just needs a bit of…"

"A whack?" Danielle offered.

Dr Stark grinned, Danielle could hear it in her voice. "Training. But I agree, he doesn't look out for or after you very well. I intend to speak to him, don't worry about that."

Danielle smirked. She had a feeling Dr Stark could be really scary when she had to be.

"Thank you for being honest with me," Dr Stark said. "Are you ready to talk to one of our DV Advisors?" They can help you with anything, from changing your number to extra counselling if you want it. They also only tell me things I have to know. The rest is up to you. They don't tell me anything they say to you or you to them, unless it presents any risk to you or someone else. I will say this again, we already have one working with Charlotte, so please try not to worry about her. We'll protect her, I promise you Danielle."

Danielle nodded. "I know. Thanks Dr Stark, yes whenever she's ready, I am. I just have one request. A cup of tea? I think I'll need it." Dr Stark chuckled, standing up. "Done," was all she said before she walked away.

…

The Shape stood in his cell; his steady, unblinking gaze fixed and unwavering from the single one just up the corridor. He was looking for her. But why? If he didn't care for her, why was there an ache in his chest since she'd moved cells the night before? Why did he constantly need to know if she was ok? Why did he desperately need her back in his arms? She'd told him how safe she felt while he was holding her. But why was he doing so? How had she squirmed her way into his heart? He couldn't have said why he'd touched her arm, held her hand and then held her. Night after night! That had not been his intention at all, but the way she'd trusted him had done something to him that he still didn't fully understand. Then there was Jefferson. He had sexually assaulted her and that had made The Shape snap. He'd killed him because he'd hurt Danielle. He couldn't deny it, not to himself.

If he didn't care, why couldn't he look away from her cell until he saw her come back? Why did he constantly need to know where she was and if she was ok? Even her moving cells had caused a slight jolt of… Something in his chest. He was missing her. The Shape smashed his hand against his cell bars causing an echoing clang. He felt his need to kill building up in him again, but it was aimed at one specific man. Adam Dawson. He wanted to kill him slowly, painfully, creatively. All because he'd hurt Danielle?

So why was he longing and desperate for her to be in his arms, now that she'd moved? Why would his steady gaze not leave Danielle's cell door?

…

Derek Chancer lay in his bed, tossing and turning. It wasn't like him not being able to sleep. He was normally a heavy sleeper and an unapologetic snorer. It normally didn't matter because he always slept alone. He never allowed any of the women he fucked to sleep next to him and they usually ended up dead before sunrise as it was. They spent their last night alive locked in his basement, tied to what he liked to call his operating table. He smirked to himself at that thought, then sighed. All he wanted was to get out of this nuthouse, insane asylum, pick your phrase. But so far, things were not working out his way. Not only was he locked in here with no chance of getting out any time soon, as he was still deemed a danger to women, but now someone had hired his once friend Mark Sarcozi to come in and talk him into some sort of crazy job for some fucking rich guy.

Chancer stood up and walked to the bars. He could hardly see anything; it was pitch black and the small light in his cell set high in the ceiling only illuminated his bed. He couldn't see Danielle's cell at all from where he was. Maybe that was why she had moved, he thought with a brief flash of amusement. Because I snore.

This was crazy. Certainly more insane than the people he was currently occupying this hell hole with. Michael Myers was just across the way and was constantly watching the woman, and ready to jump in and protect, that he'd been asked to eavesdrop on. It was suicide! Yet… Although Sarcozi hadn't specified an exact payment amount, Chancer guessed it would have to be a pretty hefty sum for an operation like this. Too bad he wasn't allowed to kill Danielle at the end of it. Myers aside, the biggest block on that plan, is also the last thing their client wanted. He probably wants to fuck her when she gets out, he thought with a grin.

Chancer knew of Chris Leach, although he'd never met him. He knew how many people he had working for him in his criminal organisation, they weren't small time that was for sure. So how had Sarcozi wound working for them? Maybe he'd met someone while in prison. Chancer grinned to himself. Sarcozi really was an idiot. If you were going to get yourself arrested, there were way better and more fun ways to do it, not to mention more creative.

He walked slowly back to his bed, lying back down. He sighed softly. What he wouldn't give for a kill. Just one, right now. He could feel the craving for it running through his very veins. He let out a long breath. At least he and Meyers had that in common. But Myers didn't care who he killed, was silent and did so with no remorse just as he was when on the kill. Chancer suspected Myers also had some kind of supernatural abilities. How else did he know where people were and then sneak up on them the way he did? Chancer envied that. What he wouldn't give to do that. The amount of women he could get his hands on. He thought dreamily.

He forced his mind back to the here and now, the matter in hand. Sarcozi, Leach and their crazy job. Could he do it? Even if this eavesdropping device was good, state of the art even, was he brave enough to risk it? He'd meant what he'd said to Sarcozi. If Myers caught on to this, he was a goner. No arguments. He didn't fancy dying just yet, there were more women to kill for one thing.