"Mr. Leach wants you Dawson, the café. Now."

Adam stood immediately, trying to contain his excitement. Did this mean his plan was almost ready? His chance to finally get his hands on Danielle Hayward after months? The girl who thought she'd got away. God knew he'd told her enough times she was his, this was his chance to prove and show her this.

He got in to his car and drove to the café. As soon as he arrived, he saw Leach's Mercedes parked outside. There was also another car there, a gleaming Jaguar. Adam stopped his car after parking it and got out heading through the door, ignoring the closed sign.

Glancing at his watch, he saw it was 02:30. But he didn't care about sleep, not right then, not when he was hopefully so close…

He approached Leach who was standing by the counter with another man and a huge woman. Adam's mouth fell open. This must be Sharon, Tulip. Ashely hadn't been kidding. She looked as if she could break him in half with 2 fingers. But Adam reminded himself she was still a woman; he was the man and she'd do as she was told.

"Adam," Chris Leach drawled. "This is Tulip, and her friend Cornflake."

Adam of course knew these weren't their real names. Cornflake was a huge bloke. Adam wouldn't mess with him, but Tulip or whatever the fuck her name was, he would. Regardless of size and strength, she was still a bitch, still a woman who'd do as he said.

Before Adam could do or say anything further however, Tulip had stepped forward and grabbed him by the ears, lifting him clean off his feet as if he were a rag doll. Adam opened his mouth to tell the insolent bitch to put him down immediately or else, when Tulip spoke in a deadly whisper straight in his face.

"Alright, Dawson. Let's get one fucking thing straight right now! You might think that just because you've got a dick in your pants you can boss women around, tell them what to do, be in charge. Well I'll tell you right here and now you misogynous piece of shit, you won't pull that off with me. You even try to get your tiny cock out and force yourself on me, I'll cut the thing off and your head will get cracked like a fucking egg! The only reason you guys do this is because you've got tiny little cocks and you feel emasculated," she sneered. "So you push and bully women around to make up for your own inadequacies and insecurities. Well that isn't my problem. You even try to control me or order me around; you'll be very sorry indeed. I'll do this job for you, but you will show me some fucking respect, or die."

Adam's mouth fell open, but he couldn't speak. How fucking dare she? She showed no fear of him and Adam had never seen this before in his life. He was used to women being afraid of him, doing as he said out of pure terror. But not this one. Tulip was, just as Ashley had said, hard as nails. Adam felt briefly a grudging almost respect for her, then quickly stifled it. She was still a woman.

"Yeah," Cornflake spoke up. "She's Leach's girl Dawson and if she doesn't beat you to a pulp, we fucking will! You misogynists are allowed nowhere near her in that way. Try anything at all and you're a dead fucking man!"

Finally, Tulip released his ears and Adam found his feet. How he wanted to say something, anything. He was so angry. But Tulip spoke again. "Oh get over yourself you tiny cock! What? Going to sulk now because a woman's finally put you in your place? Oh for fuck's sake! Alright, watch this."

She picked up a fire poker and concentrated on it, holding it in her hands. Adam tried to conceal his gasp, but he couldn't. The poker was bending and was very close to snapping.

"That'll be your fucking head if you even think of trying anything," Tulip warned. She wasn't even sweating. As much as he hated it with a passion, Adam realised to this woman he'd lose. This was one bitch he could not control, dominate or terrorise. It tasted vile in his mouth, but the truth was staring him in the face. Very slowly, he nodded.

…

Danielle lay in bed, checking all the options were as she wanted them on her DASC app. She'd just found a really useful one in the menu which meant her phone couldn't be turned off without a passcode. Not a fingerprint, as it would be too easy for someone to just grab her hand, but by a passcode only she knew. She set it then sank back against her pillows, feeling a little more secure. She still couldn't rid herself of her fear that Adam was planning something, something against her now Charlotte was dealt with.

She hesitated for a second, then pressed the app's "call" button. Within a minute, her phone rang. The DASC had Domestic Violence Advisors on duty 24 hours a day.

"Hi Danielle, you're speaking to Jessica. "Are you ok?"

"Hi Jessica," Danielle said gratefully. "Thank you for calling back so fast. Um, are you able to come up and see me, please?"

"Of course. Give me 2 minutes Danielle. I'll be right there." She was gone.

Within 2 minutes, there was a soft knock on the main door. Danielle, who'd gone out to wait so Dr Stark and Joanne weren't disturbed, picked up the intercom. "Hello?"

"Hi Danielle, its Jessica."

Danielle opened the door immediately and the 2 women walked in to the lounge, sitting on 2 of the armchairs. "Do you want a cup of tea?" Jessica asked. "White 2 sugars isn't it?"

Danielle gaped at the DV Advisor. "How do you know that?"

Jessica laughed. "Ah, Danielle. That's my little secret." Danielle laughed as Jessica entered the kitchen, returning a couple of minutes later with 2 mugs, one of which she handed to Danielle.

"What are you drinking then?" Danielle asked.

"Tea, black no sugar," Jessica said. Danielle pulled a face, which made the other woman laugh. "So Danielle, how can I help you this evening?"

Danielle grinned. "More like morning," she quipped. "It's one AM."

"Fair point," Jessica laughed. "Ok smarty, this morning then?"

As much as Danielle hated it, her face now became serious. Just as Charlotte had once told her, every member of staff here from the DV advisors to doctors, psychologists and cleaners had all been nothing but lovely to her since she'd arrived.

"It's Adam," she said very quietly. "I'm really uneasy, Jessica. He's planning something, I just know he is! I've just felt really uneasy for the last few days and I don't know why! If it wasn't for Charlotte, her family and everything you lovely people are doing for me, I'd leave right now, go back to Smith's Grove! I think he knows I'm in Haddonfield that maybe part of his plan was to lure me back here."

"But Joanne's with you all the time," Jessica pointed out. "Adam won't get anywhere near you with a one to one guard."

Danielle smiled sadly. "I wish I could believe that, but I know the kind of guys he's probably got helping him. He'll know he won't be able to do this on his own, so he's probably brought in help, just like he did with Derek fucking Chancer!"

Jessica now did reach over and take Danielle's hand. "Yes, I'm so sorry you went through all that," she said. "But you are never away from Joanne's side unless you're inside this flat. Even now she's only in the room over there, not far away at all. What are you thinking he might do to you?"

"I'm not sure he himself will do anything," Danielle said bitterly. "At least not at first. But I'm scared he might get a woman to do something to me on his behalf. Adam terrifies most women Jessica, he's fucking evil! There are a lot of women who he'd bully, control or threaten to rape or kill if they didn't do as he said. What if they somehow grab me for him?"

Jessica considered still holding Danielle's hand, Danielle realised with a rush of gratitude. "Hmm. So what are you thinking? You know you have the app as well, Smith's Grove and the security companies can all monitor you 24 hours a day. If anything were and I repeat were, to happen to you they'd all know immediately?"

"That's another thing," Danielle admitted. "I've only tonight seen the option to make it so my phone can't be turned off without a passcode, so the monitoring can't be stopped except by me. What if I've missed something else?"

"Did Susy not mention this?" Danielle noticed Jessica didn't sound pleased at this mistake.

"She may have done," Danielle said quickly, keen to defend the amazing engineer who'd ensured her safety with this app. "I may have just forgotten."

"You're sweet Danielle," Jessica said. "She didn't mention it, did she? She won't get in to trouble, I promise. I won't say anything to anyone this time."

"No," Danielle said very quietly. "I honestly don't think she did. But that's what's worrying me. What if I've missed something else?"

"Give me your phone sweetie, I'll check for you." Danielle did so without hesitation.

"Can the people monitoring me hear me?" Danielle asked, as Jessica started her work.

"Not by default no. But they can all press a button on their own apps which will immediately allow them to hear via your phone's microphone. I happen to know," Danielle could hear her smile. "That your boyfriend Mr. Michael Myers is also monitoring us right at this moment. Yes?"

Danielle couldn't help but smile back. "Yes," she was blushing she realised. "Can he also activate audio?"

"Yep," Jessica squeezed Danielle's arm with her free hand. "So God help Adam if he tries anything, eh?"

"Yeah, except Michael's currently locked in Smith's Grove," Danielle said.

Jessica snorted. "Yeah, and like we both know he can also escape. I take it you weren't born when 1978 happened?"

Danielle shook her head. "No, I was born on Christmas day of 78. Just months after though. I read about the killings online."

Jessica nodded.

"I was in Haddonfield, I still live there but I don't think Mr. Myers came near my house thank God," she shivered. Danielle nodded fervently. "I hear you! Then another question occurred to her. "Jessica, can they turn on Audio at will?"

"No," Jessica replied. "They can only turn it on if the panic or emergency button is activated."

"What if…" Danielle hesitated. She hated thinking of the worst case scenario, but knew she had to. This was Adam after all. "What if I can't reach the panic or emergency buttons in time?"

"They get triggered if you have a fall as well, or just simply bash your hand against your phone, that'll activate it automatically. Plus as you've doubtless seen, the panic, alarm, torch and emergency buttons are right there on the home screen, even when your phones locked. Anything else you have to open the app itself to access."

Danielle nodded. "Yeah, I did see that."

"Ok," Jessica said a minute or so later. "I'm safe mode is on, I highly recommend you use it, just in case. I know you have Joanne sweetie, but just in case."

"Yes," Danielle said quietly. You're right.

"I'd also turn off alarm activation if I were you, so it'll go off with one press. You can't press it by accident as it takes a hard push."

"Ok," Danielle nodded. "Turn it off then please?" They heard a door open and soft footsteps. "Hello there Joanne," Jessica said. "Just helping Danielle check her app."

"I couldn't sleep," Danielle said as Joanne came to her side. "I just feel… really jumpy."

"Well I'll leave you in privacy," Joanne said. "Just wanted to make sure you're ok Danielle. I won't interrupt." But before she could leave, Danielle grabbed her arm. "No, stay, please?"

Immediately, Joanne sat down in the chair beside Danielle's. She was wearing pyjamas and Danielle knew she wasn't wearing her equipment just then of course, but that didn't matter, Danielle felt safe regardless. Not that she distrusted Jessica in the slightest nor anyone else here, but Joanne had been her guard for months.

"Ok," Jessica handed Danielle back her phone.

"Can you fill Joanne in please?" Danielle asked the DV Advisor. "Just in case I miss something?"

"Certainly," Jessica said. "So Joanne, I've re-enabled the "I'm safe" toggle, so it'll have to be pressed every hour or the monitors will call Danielle and if that fails, the police. The alarm activation is also disabled, so it'll go off with one push. Just in case it needs to be pressed fast. The buttons Danielle needs are right there on the home screen."

"Sure thanks," Joanne nodded and smiled at Jessica, glancing at her name badge. "Jessica."

"I'm just so on edge," Danielle said to the 2 of them. "I don't know why, but I have a horrible feeling Adam's planning something. I've felt it for days and it makes me feel sick. Sometimes, I'm tempted to go back to SG! I feel like Adam knows I'm in Haddonfield somehow, or he arranged Charlotte's "accident" to get me here." She sneered at the word "accident."

"But I'm here Danielle," Joanne put an arm around her. "Whenever you're out, I'm with you. Please try not to worry sweetheart? You don't really want to go back to SG do you? Charlotte needs you, as do her family. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. Anything! I swear! I want to live the rest of my life and if anything did happen, I don't fancy my chances at all if your man doesn't believe my explanation!"

Jessica chuckled. "Me neither! But seriously Danielle, you'll be fine, I promise."

"Can't I also borrow one of your guards?" Danielle blurted. "So I have 2?"

There was a short silence and when Jessica spoke again, her voice was as gentle as Danielle had ever heard it. "You really are afraid, aren't you sweetie?"

"Yes," Danielle said instantly. "This is Adam Jessica, Joanne. If you know what he put me through before, I have absolutely no doubt that he will try to get to me again. I'm his "property" you see and he wants "it" back."

Jessica appeared to consider. Danielle spoke again, the words tumbling out. "Please don't miss understand Joanne, I love you like a mother, and I told you that. But this is Adam, I think he'll be able to come up with a way to get past one guard, or whoever's working for him will, but not 2!"

Joanne put both arms around her now and hugged her close. "I know Danielle," she murmured. "No offence taken what so ever. I completely get it. Good thinking."

"Plus," Danielle said after a moment. "You're…"

"A woman," Joanne sneered. "I get it, I do."

"So you want one of our male guards with you?" Jessica asked. "The ones who normally guard the doors?"

"Please," Danielle begged. "If they're allowed to do it."

"They are, but normally a woman here is too terrified to have a man near her," Jessica said. "If you're sure, I can ask Dr Clarkson tomorrow."

"Please," Danielle nodded. "I'd be really grateful."

"No problem. Is there anything else you need from me, Danielle?"

"No, thank you so much Jessica. I can't thank you enough for this and your fast response."

"No problem at all, it's what we're here for." Jessica stood up. "Good night to you both and I'll ask Dr Clarkson tomorrow first thing. Or today, even."

"Do you think she'll allow it?" Danielle asked, suddenly nervous the doctor would refuse.

"I can't see why not," Jessica said. "You have a very good reason and it is part of their job if requested."

"It's like being a celebrity," Danielle managed a smile. "My own 2 body guards."

Jessica laughed, and then left.

"Please tell me you understand Joanne?" Danielle said as soon as the door was closed. "I…"

"Danielle," Joanne said sternly, pulling her in to another hug. "I totally, totally understand. I also completely get your reasons. If you really are certain he's trying something, then this makes perfect sense. I'm not offended at all. Plus, having a good looking male colleague in a suit and tie armed with a gun next to me… Danielle just knew she'd winked.

"Joanne!" Danielle pretended to be aghast. "You're taken, you little flirt!"

"Eh," Joanne smirked. "You can look in the window, you just can't buy."

"Well I sure as hell won't," Danielle grinned to show she was at least in part joking. "I don't think Michael would be too happy."

Joanne laughed. "I think if you had seriously fallen for someone else and were nice about it you'd be ok."

Danielle snorted. "Yeah, ok, you carry on believing that," she said, throwing her guards words of days before back at her. "I don't. However, I have absolutely no desire to leave or lose him so…"

"Good for you!" Joanne hugged her again. "Now come on Missy. You need some sleep."

"So do you," Danielle countered.

"Which I'm going to go and get," Joanne assured guiding Danielle to her bedroom door, even though she already knew the way. Danielle smiled at her. "Once you're safely tucked up."

"Yes mom," Danielle felt a rush of love for Joanne at that moment. Minutes later she was back in bed, hearing the soft click as Joanne closed her own door quietly behind her. Danielle expected to be unable to sleep, just as before. Sure enough, it wasn't long before her tears once again began to fall.