"I want you to go in to a secure location with a fake ID, and pass a message on for me."
"Why me?"
"I'm coming to that you fucking dwarf! Because you look like the man whose ID I'm using. Remember Alex Sparks, Williamson?"
"Alex… Alex Sparks? I don't look anything like him."
"Yes you fucking do, don't try and worm your way out of this! He's only a few inches taller than you. So listen up or else. You're going in to Smith's Grove Asylum with his ID and you're going to pass on a message to my blind, nutty ex Danielle Hayward."
"Um," Graham said and to Adam's anger, he almost sounded defiant now. "Think again Adam. I don't sound anything like Sparks. Danielle will be the first to realise that within seconds, duh! Voices are her way of looking! Surely you know that?"
"Fuck she will! She hasn't seen, yes fucking seen, and Sparks for years. There's no way she'll remember his voice well enough to realise it's not him!"
"I think you're under estimating her," Graham said quietly. "Badly, actually. I think you're very, very wrong about that."
"Well that's irrelevant to you," Adam snarled. "This is my decision and you'll do it, or else."
"Or else what?" Williamson asked, anger flaring up now. "There's no fucking way I'm going to go in there and trick Danielle Hayward for your sick games, Dawson! What you did to her was fucking horrific! I saw the whole trial, you know! Her and Charlotte Avery! You deserved everything you got and I could tell that judge wanted nothing more than to lock you up and throw away the key! I wish she fucking had! I hate you for the way you treat women! They deserve respect, certainly more than you give them, asshole! That's why I turned my back on you! You're a fucking evil misogynist and I'll be damned if I'll help feed your fucking sexual kicks! Get someone else to do it, because I sure as fuck am not!"
It took Adam a few seconds to speak following Graham's rant. Anger was surging through him. The God damn fucking… Adam was tempted to get his friends to beat the dwarf up just for his daring to speak against him. No one spoke out against Adam Dawson, no fucking one! Man or woman! He took a breath and forced himself to calm down.
"That," he said very quietly, his voice dangerous. "Is where you're wrong, Williamson. You will do it, or you'll lose your sorry excuse for a life. I know people, Williamson. People who'd gladly kill you at the drop of a hat. Remember Ray? Tony? Much taller than you for a start and who hate your fucking guts? Oh they remember you, Graham. They'd be more than happy to see you bleeding out on the floor! You know, originally I was going to offer you money for this. But now? You can forget all about that! If you want to keep your life, whatever little there is of it with your so-called criminal exploits, oh yes I know all about that, then you'll God Damn do this?"
"I don't want your fucking dirty money," Graham snapped. "But I'm not doing it! No fucking way!"
Adam faked sadness. "Then I hope you've got your funeral prepared Williamson, you'll need it."
…
Graham Williamson hardly slept that night. This time however, it had nothing to do with the metal teeth of the ankle cuff from his tag digging in to his flesh. No, it had everything to do with that evil prick Dawson and the phone call he'd just taken. He had no doubt Dawson would carry out his threats without hesitation, or get someone else to do so on his behalf. If he could treat a blind woman the way he had without a care in the world for her wellbeing, then Graham was such an easy target it was almost laughable.
He knew he had to do something to appease Dawson, at least until the son of a bitch was arrested for good that was, but to go in and trick a totally blind woman? Graham didn't have the stomach, conscience, or morals for that. So he'd have to think of something which could get him in to Smith's Grove, yes he'd take the fake ID if he had to, and he could then warn the doctors of what Adam had actually said.
He smiled a little to himself. Oh the irony! From petty crime to being the Good Samaritan… But he knew which option he preferred. He wouldn't have got in to crime at all if he hadn't been forced by 2 much taller and stronger men than he. And that was only because he'd been able to fit through a window due to his height.
Sighing, Graham looked at his clock. It was 02:30. But at least now he had an idea of what he was going to do. Take the ID, get in to Smith's Grove, though part of him hoped the ID check failed and he was escorted out, and then tell someone what Adam had said. Not Danielle though. He was determined on that. She'd been through enough because of that bastard Dawson, and he wasn't going to add any more to it. Satisfied, he at last managed to close his eyes. But it was still a long time before he actually fell asleep.
…
Derek laid the iPod on his bedside table, anger coursing through him. He'd told that fucker Dawson not to call him and what'd he done? Just that.
"You don't need to speak," Dawson had said immediately. "I know you can't. But please, just listen to me. I want you to hear this as I couldn't send it to you."
He'd then proceeded to read his plan to Derek, referring to the sender as "my writer." Derek had to admit he was being careful, but it didn't soften his anger.
Privately if he was honest, he thought Dawson was a coward and a total idiot. Why the hell was he spending all his time going after one woman? Why not just fuck and kill her before moving on to someone else? He seemed determined to make Hayward's life one of terror and fear, but why? Even if he carried out his plan and it worked, there was still all the security in Smith's Grove to think of. Dawson must be mad if he thought he could pull this off.
Derek knew what he was trying to do. Get rid of Danielle's protection before he made his move. But Derek for his part would've just fucked Hayward and killed her. He saw no point in controlling and terrorising women beyond this point. Why was Dawson fixating on Hayward, when he could just as easily find a new victim? Leach had emailed him a picture of Dawson and Derek had to admit he was a good looking guy; he'd have had women all over him if he'd wanted without trying. So why was he wasting his time on a blind woman who couldn't even appreciate his good looks? Unless he was trying to drive her to suicide or something?
Derek of course didn't know exactly why Hayward was in there, or at least he hadn't until he'd seen the trial news. Hayward had tried to kill herself because of Adam's abuse and was now in Smith's Grove as a result. Adam meanwhile, was using that as his defence, claiming he was the victim and Hayward was the one insane and abusive. Not that the court had bought a word of it.
Having heard what Dawson had to say, Derek had to admit it was good. He'd carefully thought about what he was doing, that much was clear. But there was the question of whether it'd work. Michael Myers was many things, but stupid was not one of them. But Derek couldn't deny it'd be interesting to see if he still protected Hayward after this. Whatever his reasons for doing so were.
…
Danielle was half asleep when the soft knock came on her cell door. She opened the screen and a guard spoke quietly through it. "Michael?"
The killer approached the screen and the guard handed him something. Danielle heard the rustle of paper. While he was there, Danielle asked him for another tea. He agreed and disappeared.
Danielle heard Michael opening the envelope then silence. It was a gradual feeling, but Danielle began to feel without being able to look at the killer, that something was wrong. But even if she asked, he wouldn't answer. Sure enough, he must've pressed the call button because a few seconds later, he was chained and led out.
Danielle was confused and surprised by what'd happened. Especially his abrupt departure. Maybe Dr Loomis had written to him asking to talk? But no that made no sense. He'd just come and find him surely? Danielle had an uneasy feeling in her stomach she couldn't shift.
She was glad Joanne was back today on overtime. She needed to talk about this to her, someone she trusted implicitly. She was probably being paranoid, over exaggerating the whole thing. So when the guard returned with her tea she smiled and thanked him, trying to put what'd happened out of her mind.
…
Dr Loomis stared at the piece of paper in his hand, anger growing within him. There was no way this had been written by who it claimed? He knew exactly who was behind this. It didn't take a genius to work it out. He read it again, then looked up at Michael through the security glass.
"You don't really think this was written by who it says it was, do you?"
The killer simply looked at the doctor, his gaze its usual cold self. Dr Loomis knew he was angry, but who at was another question. If it was because he believed this letter, this was very, very bad.
"You know enough about Adam," Dr Loomis said softly. "It's just him trying to get to Danielle through you. He thinks if he can stop you protecting or caring about her he'll have a clear shot. But believe me, he's wrong. God knows he's manipulative enough. There is no way Danielle would've said any of this. You know that, don't you?"
Silence. Dr Loomis sincerely hoped he was right, or everything would have to change and he didn't even want to think about the damage it could cause.
…
Danielle was feeling really uneasy by the time her phone buzzed with a text. When she read it, it only increased her fear?
Hey D, did Michael get my letter this morning? Charlotte X.
There were 2 things wrong with this text message. The first was the number didn't show up, it just said Charlotte Avery, and Danielle had her in her contacts as simply C, and the other was Charlotte never signed with her full name. It was CA, or C. Something was wrong. Immediately she phoned her friend, even though it was only 06:30.
"Hey D," Charlotte sounded sleepy, as if Danielle had just woken her up. Then she couldn't have sent that text.
"I'm really sorry to wake you C," Danielle decided to tell her best friend the truth. "But I just got a text from you, asking if Michael got your letter."
"What?" All of a sudden Charlotte sounded much more awake. "What the fuck? I haven't sent Michael anything. What did this letter say?"
The unease was building up to a climax and Danielle was sure any moment she was going to throw up. So she'd been right. Charlotte hadn't written it. So who had? Danielle was horribly sure she already knew the answer to that question.
"I swear to you Dan," Charlotte sounded just as worried as Danielle felt. "I didn't write Michael anything, or anyone else at Smith's Grove for that matter. Why would I? I'd just text you."
"Thanks," Danielle said and hung up just in time to reach the toilet. There wasn't much in her stomach and her mouth burned with stomach acid as she threw it up.
When she was done, she took several deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. Michael was angry. Danielle had known that without even having to see his face. But was it at her? Christ she hoped not. If it was…
She immediately reached for her call button, but it turned out there was no need. For Joanne appeared seconds later.
"Shit Danielle you're white as a sheet! Are you ok?"
"I think Adam's…" Danielle had to stop to take another breath and avoid wrenching again. Joanne entered the cell and put an arm around her shaking shoulders.
"I think Adam's trying a new way to get to me. I think he's written Michael a letter addressed from Charlotte. I dread to think what it says, but it won't be good I know that much. Michael's angry. Seriously angry and that makes me… well scared. Any man angry does that after Adam, but he's… he's Michael Myers."
Joanne tightened her arm around her. "Let me go and find out sweetheart," she said. "I'll bring you some breakfast in here ok?"
"You've got to be joking," Danielle shook her head. "I just threw up my whole stomach it felt like!"
"Well you've got to eat something," Joanne said, suddenly sounding as stern as a mother. "I'll bring you some dry toast. Don't argue with me, Miss Hayward."
Somehow, Danielle managed a small smile.
…
"What are we going to do?" Dr Stark asked Dr Loomis half an hour later. Michael was out in the exercise yard, once more chained to his concrete block. Of course Michael's angry. I feel really sorry for him in this, just as much as I do Danielle. How's he to know she hasn't said all this?"
Dr Stark looked down at the piece of paper in her hand, then glared up at the sky through Dr Loomis's office window. "Jesus Christ! You'd think Dawson would just give up? That bastard just doesn't care does he?"
"So you agree with me?" Dr Loomis asked quietly. "That this was Adam's doing?"
"Fuck yes!" Dr Stark said adamantly. "Charlotte Avery I'm sure would never write this. She loves Danielle! They're like sisters! We saw that much from the camera footage in court!"
Dr Loomis nodded. "I've already called the police. They're sending officers to Adam's house now to check for evidence, given his risk markers. So we need to find a way to…" he was stopped by the sound of his phone ringing. He picked it up. "This is Dr Loomis?"
"Dr Loomis," it was a female voice in floods of tears. Dr Loomis guessed she'd got his work number from Google. It was meant to be able to be easily found, but Dr Loomis could block a number if needed. He knew immediately who it was without having to ask. But he did anyway. "Charlotte?"
"Y… yes," the woman sobbed. "I just heard what's happened. Danielle called me. I'm in my car now on the way to Smith's Grove. I didn't write that letter Dr Loomis; I swear I didn't! I don't even know what it says and I'd never do that to Danielle! She's come to trust and care about Michael and I'd never do anything to endanger that!"
"I know," Dr Loomis said kindly, putting it on loud speaker so Dr Stark could hear. "Dr Stark is here as well Charlotte."
"Hi charlotte," Dr Stark said, her tone soothing. "I'm Dr Stark. We know you didn't write that letter to Michael. We know you'd never do that. Coming here won't achieve anything, however. Stay home where you're safe."
"I can't," Charlotte said. "I have to put this right!"
"But it wasn't your mistake," Dr Stark softly reminded her. "We believe, just like you do that it was Adam's and coming here may be just what he expects you to do."
"I have to!" Charlotte almost begged. "Danielle said she could tell Michael was angry when he got the letter and I have to put that right! Danielle needs him so much: he's helped her out through all this up to now! I think Adam's somehow found this out, whoever's watching her perhaps? Passing this on to him. So he's trying to take Michael's protection away from Danielle to make it somehow easier for him to get to her. Son of a bitch!"
"That's exactly what we think to," Dr Loomis said. "But honestly. You coming here Charlotte doesn't change what's happened. Right now we have no proof either way. Nothing the police would take." Before Charlotte could speak he spoke over her, raising his voice a little. "Nothing the police would take from you, anyway. I've already called them and they're going round to Adam's house as we speak to search for evidence he wrote this. Michael is indeed angry, so I really don't think you trying to see him is a good idea."
"If you won't let me see him," Charlotte said. "Please let me see Danielle? I have to comfort her, she's like my sister! I can't believe Adam would dare to use my name against her like that! It makes me feel sick! She's probably already guessed it wasn't me before she called me, but I've just confirmed it and made everything worse! I can't stand the thought of Michael being angry at Danielle for something she's never done… What did the letter actually say?"
The 2 consultants looked at each other. Eventually Dr Loomis sighed.
"If you're coming to Smith's Grove, drive carefully. Ok? We'll let you see the letter when you get here, as well as visit Danielle. But you are not visiting Michael until I have seen him and given you the OK. Please, be careful."
"Thank you Dr Loomis," Charlotte said. There was a click, before the line went dead.