The soft tapping of a baton against his cell bars woke Chancer up from a light sleep hours later. It was John. He glanced groggily at the clock set in the cell's ceiling. It was 22:00. Where the hell had the day gone? He'd used the iPod to listen earlier but had heard nothing. Damn it.

"Derek," John hissed, before sliding his evening meal through the door. Under his plate was a small piece of paper. Chancer grabbed it and almost laughed out loud. "How the hell?" He breathed. "So quickly?"

"Better you don't know," John said, walking away. Chancer couldn't deny he was probably right in that regard. What he didn't know couldn't hurt him. Grinning, he glanced down at the small piece of paper and almost whooped. Oh this is fantastic. There was no heading or explanation, just the digits. But Chancer didn't care. In his hand was Danielle Hayward's DV protected phone number. He picked up the so-called iPod, which in truth was much more sophisticated. He had the internet for a start and that was usually impossible on an iPod without Wi-Fi or a hotspot. His hands were shaking with excitement as he entered the app, but this time he pressed the "talk" button.

"Adam Dawson," he said softly when his call was answered. "I need to speak to him. Now."

…

"John?" Ryan asked as the 2 guards entered the block after the late briefing. Ryan was on his first night shift and John was working the day shift, finishing at midnight. It was just after 11:00. "You look really pale and you're sweating. You alright?"

The other guard just nodded, but didn't make eye contact. That was odd. Ryan's night shifts started after Joanne's, Rick's and the rest of that team's had finished. Joanne and the rest of her team had 3 days off now. Ryan met up with Sean and 2 other guards to start their shift.

"Is John ok?" Sean asked Ryan as they sipped their coffee, keeping their eyes on the 3 occupied cells. Ryan had read from the previous report that Danielle wanted to speak to Michael, but right now needed 2 guards with her. Ryan smiled grimly. Yeah, he'd only almost died. He hadn't approached the killer so far and was thinking he probably wouldn't anytime soon. Despite their interaction after what'd happened to Rick, that'd clearly meant nothing to the silent and remorseless Myers. Ryan sighed a little sadly. He'd hoped he'd made some progress with the killer. Apparently not.

"I don't know man," he said quietly to Sean. "He looks sick. Maybe he's got a fever or something."

"He was fine earlier," one of the late guards, Matt said. "Started looking ill at about 10:30 tonight." "John, do you want to go home early? I can tell the boss"

John shook his head, still not making eye contact with any of them. It was then Ryan heard the first mental alarm bells. His colleague was behaving very strangely indeed. Why?

…

"We told you this was to be used only if it was urgent," the man's voice said in Chancer's earphones.

"I know," Chancer snapped. "This is urgent, trust me. I need to speak to Mr. Dawson, like now. Believe me, he'll want to take this call."

"You'd better hope so," the voice said back. "He, or we won't be happy if you're wrong."

Oh I won't be, Chancer thought. Just you wait. You'll soon take your words back fucker.

…

After a while, Ryan finally gathered the courage and approached Myers' cell. He knew he shouldn't be doing this, the rules stated clearly 2 to 1 with Myers if he was thinking of killing, but Ryan couldn't stop himself. He stopped far enough out of reach so the killer couldn't grab him a second time. That'd been too close for comfort just under a week ago. "Mr. Myers?"

The killer was at his bars in less than a second. Ryan took yet another step backwards. How the hell did Myers move so fast yet so quietly? He couldn't deny he was saddened by the fact the killer tried to kill him. He thought they'd gotten somewhere the last time they'd spoken. But then again, was it ever possible to get somewhere with Michael Myers? Unless your name was Danielle Hayward of course.

"I…" Ryan cleared his throat, speaking quietly so Chancer couldn't hear. He appeared to be asleep. That was just fine with him. He hated the guy, plus it was 1 AM after all. "I hope I didn't do something that angered you last time I saw you? I…" He blinked and had to look twice to make sure his tired eyes weren't playing tricks. Nope, they weren't Michael Myers was holding a card through the bars. Ryan looked up at it and for the second time he had to look twice.

Ryan, I'm sorry.

Ryan slowly looked back up at the killer. "What?" He knew it was a stupid thing to say, but his mind had gone blank. For answer, Myers just kept holding the card up. Ryan, I'm sorry.

"Was it my fault?" Ryan asked very quietly. "Did I do or say something I shouldn't have? I didn't mean it if I did so." No response, but the killer held out his hand. Ryan took another step backwards. "Hang on, sorry Mr. Myers, I can't take that risk. I'm currently on my own right now and…" But he got no further because the killer somehow managed to take hold of Ryan's vest even though he was standing well back. Fear gripped him as Myers pulled him closer to the bars. Ryan scrabbled for his radio, gun, anything, but stopped dead in his tracks when the killer released his vest and grasped Ryan's hand in his.

Stunned, Ryan just stared at the killer in disbelief. The killer's grip wasn't tight, or threatening, it was gentle. Ryan slowly looked up and met the killer's eyes and it was only then he realised his legs were shaking. Fuck Michael Myers made him nervous, just like he did everyone else.

Before he'd realised what was happening, he lost his balance and he'd stumbled with a clang against the bars of Myers' cell. That was when the killer's strong arm came around him (but not by the neck,) helping him up. Ryan swayed, dizzy and reached out for anything he could get a hold of. Nothing. That was until Myers took his hand again.

Myers kept hold of Ryan as he desperately tried to find his footing. Why now when he was the only guard in the damn block? Shit. But still Myers made no move to attack him. Ryan realised that he was still shaking.

The day before when Myers had almost grabbed his throat flashed through his mind, vivid as a photograph in full colour. So what the fuck was he doing here right now when he was on his own? Madness! Yet… Ryan would never have admitted this to anyone, but there was something about Michael Myers that drew Ryan to him. Silence? Lack of feeling? He didn't know.

Even now having almost died at Myers's hands, it was there. Myers tightened his grip on him as Ryan still tried to find his feet. Before he'd realised what'd happened, the control device on his belt had opened Myers's door. The device knew whose cell you were closest to and opened the door if the device made contact with it. He wasn't expecting his feet to finally give way so he stumbled forward about to fall face down. Nor did he expect Michael Myers to catch him effortlessly. Helping him to his bed just as he'd done with Rick the day before.

"Shit," Ryan put a shaking hand to his forehead. It was soaked with sweat. "I'm sorry Mr. Myers. I didn't mean to…" The killer's gentle hand on his arm stopped him, as did the glass of water Myers handed him. Ryan looked up into the killer's usually blank gaze and could've sworn there was just a hint of warmth in it as Myers looked back at him.

Again, Myers raised the card. Ryan, I'm sorry.

"Are you trying to apologise for what happened yesterday?" Ryan asked. Myers nodded ever so slightly. Ryan could hardly believe his eyes. "Why?" He'd asked before he could stop himself. "You're a killer. It's what you do. So what makes me any different than any of your other victims?" Nothing. But Myers didn't look away from him either. Ryan took a deep breath and a long sip of the cold water. He felt himself slowly regaining his strength and composure.

That was when Myers flipped the card over. It won't happen again. Ryan looked at him and opened his mouth, but no words came out. Michael Myers was promising him, Ryan Jenkins that he was safe from his rage? Need to kill? Whatever it was? Ryan looked back at the card, up at Myers, then slowly nodded. He must be going crazy, but he believed the killer.

"Thanks," he said quietly. "I appreciate you saying that. Well," he gave the killer a small grin. "Writing it."

Myers nodded to him once. Ryan slowly stood up. "Can I get you anything?"

Myers shook his head. But Ryan saw him looking up towards Danielle's cell and felt sympathy for him. "As soon as we're given the ok," he said softly. "I promise."

…

Adam answered his phone, closing and locking his bedroom door so tonight's pussy couldn't come out. "Yes?" He barked. "This better be fucking important."

"He says it is," said, this time a man's voice on the other end. "Our man has some news for you from SG. Says it's urgent and knows we won't be happy if it isn't."

Adam's excitement grew. "Fine, put him through." There was a click and then Adam heard Derek Chancer's voice. He'd never met the guy, but knew his voice from the news.

"Mr. Dawson, I have managed to obtain Danielle Hayward's new phone number."

Adam whooped. He couldn't stop himself. This was great. He wanted to shake the woman killer's hand. "Thank you," he said softly. "I owe you pal. By the way, you're a guy I've always admired, I know your voice from the news. Go and kill more cunts for me will you? That's all they're good for. I've revered you for years and would love to meet you."

"Thanks," Derek Chancer said. Adam could hardly believe who he was speaking to. "Give me time and I will. In the meantime…"

Softly, Derek Chancer recited the eleven digits Adam had longed for. This was just too fucking perfect! Once he was done with tonight's cunt, he'd show Danielle Hayward who she belonged to. She was his, he owned her, his property, that was all there was to it.

After he wrote the number down and hung up, he went back into his room. His excitement had given him an erection all over again and luckily enough, there was a cunt ready and waiting on his bed.

When he was done, he practically dragged her towards his front door. Normally he may have robbed her considering how small she was, but not tonight. Oh no. He had other priorities on this particular evening. "Get out!"

The whore was at his gate before he could blink. He laughed out loud as he closed his door. He fucked women and they ran from him afterwards. Just how he liked it. All except Danielle Hayward of course. Oh no, she was one woman as was Charlotte who wasn't running anywhere and now it was time to show her why.

…

Danielle sat at her bolted down desk, her mind in turmoil. For the last 2 days, she'd felt… Well she wasn't even sure what she felt. Just… Off. Nervous. Uneasy. Dr Stark had assured her at least twice that she was perfectly safe, the most recent just a few hours ago. But she couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched. She knew it was ridiculous, she was in one of the safest places in the world. But still… She'd tried to put it down to Adam's persistent attempts to call and message her. Would that man ever give up? She knew the answer to that question already. No. Not a chance in hell.

With a deep sigh, she headed back to her bed. She knew she should try and sleep, it was after midnight. She just wasn't sure if she'd be able to pull it off tonight. As she lay down, she found her mind going back to a conversation she'd had with Joanne 2 days before when she'd first told her how she was feeling. She'd pressed her call button and asked Joanne if they could go for a walk at 2 AM.

…

"Where do you want to go?" Joanne asked as they left the cell block.

"I don't care," Danielle said truthfully. "I'd just really like to talk to you, if I may?"

"Now what kind of question is that?" Her guard squeezed her arm. "Of course you can. I'm all, as you love, ears."

Danielle couldn't help it and laughed at that. "I love you Joanne," she said softly, realising she actually meant it. "Thank you."

Joanne squeezed her arm again and Danielle hugged her tightly in the middle of the corridor, not caring if anyone saw them. Joanne squeezed her close for a moment then released her. "Um," Danielle said shyly. "Do you trust me now Joanne?"

"In what way?" Her guard asked.

Danielle had wanted to do this for a while now but hadn't dared asked and she and Joanne would have to be alone for it for her to feel completely at ease about doing so. Well now at 2 AM, they were. "This," Danielle said, reaching forward and beginning to softly touch Joanne's vest and equipment, feeling the handcuffs, radio and gun holster, plus notepaper, pen and a flashlight strapped to her shoulder and the compartments on her heavy belt. Joanne didn't move or make an attempt to stop her. Danielle was grateful that Joanne trusted her. Especially when Joanne pulled out each piece of equipment and handed it to Danielle, showing her where each part went in their pouches and what some of it was for. Danielle didn't recognise the feel of her panic alarm for example. "I've wanted to ask you for that for ages," Danielle admitted quietly. "But I wasn't sure how."

"You should've just asked you silly girl. Did you enjoy that?" Danielle nodded, genuinely smiling a little now.

"I thought you were going to go after my ears," Joanne said, chuckling. Danielle knew they had mutual trust and respect now so she reached up and felt her guard's ears. Danielle liked them; she couldn't lie. She was surprised to find Joanne also had short hair, though not quite as short as hers. Her ears were very small and Danielle had to admit that they were cute.

"Do I have nice ears then?" Joanne asked. Danielle could hear in her voice that she was grinning. "Yes," she blushed.

Joanne pretended horror. "Oh no! I've passed the ear test! My ears are no longer safe!"

Danielle burst out laughing. Not for the first time, she thanked Dr Loomis for giving her this woman. She was amazing. "They're cute," Danielle said when she could speak.

"Cute, huh?" Joanne mused. "Well, get off my cute ears," Danielle laughed.

"I'd love to have all that stuff on me as part of my job," she admitted as they started walking again. "It must make you feel so powerful?"

Joanne laughed. "No, it's just to protect, that's all. I don't go around thinking I'm an armed, handcuff wielding superhero."

At this, Danielle cracked up for real, unable to stop giggling. Joanne chuckled. "Sorry," Danielle said when she'd got her breath back. "That's one reason I love you Joanne. You're so funny, kind and compassionate, but scary when you need to be." Joanne touched her shoulder. "I mean," Danielle continued. "Look what happened in court with Adam when you had to shoot him."

Joanne didn't say anything until they were sitting in the restaurant with hot drinks and facing each other across the bolted down wood table. "Is that what's keeping you awake?" She asked then. "Or rather who? Adam?"

Danielle sighed. "You're just too sharp Joanne," she nodded. "But yes. Although it's not in the way you'd think. Joanne, can I talk to you… As a friend? Like, if I tell you something, will it stay here? Unless you see a risk… Damn red tape."

Joanne chuckled. "Oh you're so cynical Danielle. But yes. I think we've known each other long enough now. At the beginning I'd have had to tell one of the doctors, but it's ok. Talk away."

"Thank you so much," Danielle said, now feeling tears prick her eyes. "It's just…" She took a deep breath. "Lately Joanne, I feel like I've been stuck on a fucking merry-go-round. Adam. Michael. Adam. Michael. Complete with its fucking music."

"In what way hon?"

Danielle looked down for a moment and sipped her tea. Joanne didn't push her to her relief. "Just…" She said after a while. "I know that Michael would never treat me the way Adam has, but…" She took a breath once more, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "If I was ever to anger Michael, the consequences could be well… Lethal."

"Are you afraid Michael might kill you if you push him too hard? Is that what you're saying?"

"Shit," Danielle ran her hands through her hair. "Yes… no. I don't know! She lightly hit the table in frustration, trying to find the words for what she was trying to say. "Just that I know what Michael could do to me would and could be worse than anything Adam ever did. That said, Adam did want to kill me at the end, with that machete for example. But… I mean I don't believe for a second that Michael would try to control me or anything like that, but in some ways, as terrifying as Adam is… Michael is way more so."

Joanne touched her arm to indicate she was still listening. She didn't remove her hand as the 2 women briefly sat in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. "I don't think Michael would physically harm you," Joanne said eventually. "I think if he was angry he'd walk away. Remember that time he said you were giving him mixed signals? He just ignored you for a few days."

"I… Well I guess I just never thought of it that way. That's a good point."

"I do have them occasionally," Danielle could tell Joanne was grinning.

"Well thanks," Danielle smiled back. "You definitely did this time."

"Is there a part of you which is afraid to get into a relationship with Michael? Just in case?"

"I don't know," Danielle admitted. "But I do know I don't want to lead him on in any way shape or form. Nor do I want to lose him. I think I love him Joanne, he makes me really happy. Even though he's never said it back to me, I can almost tell by the way he treats me. It's just… Tonight I had a really bad dream."

"What happened?" Joanne stood and came back with a fresh cup of tea. "Thanks," Danielle smiled at Joanne as as the guard handed it to her. Joanne sat down with her coffee.