"Danielle? Sweetheart?"

Danielle raised her tear soaked face at the sound of Joanne's voice. Her guard sat on her bed and infolded her in her arms. "Oh sweetie," she murmured. "I'm here." "It's just so fucking unfair," Danielle sobbed, unable to stop herself, Joanne's gentle hug breaking her final walls down. "Seeing Charlotte like this is so fucking hard! Yes she made it to the morning which the doctors didn't think she would, but shit Joanne! I love her so much; I love her family so much! They've treated me like their second daughter after my parents fucked off on me! I can't do anything and I feel so damn powerless! I know they say people in a coma can hear you, but fuck! I keep thinking about how we went on the talking shuttles, how Dr Stark let us eat together in the staff canteen numerous times, our night in that staff suite! I can't bear to think I might have lost my…" Danielle couldn't finish. She just broke down all over again.

"Hush," Joanne said over and over again, rocking her like a child and for the first time in her life, Danielle truly welcomed it. "Hush, sweetheart, hush. Charlotte's a fighter, as are you. You didn't let Adam beat you, nor will she."

"I wasn't fucking unconscious!" Danielle almost howled.

"You still had a rope around your neck and were bleeding where he'd slashed you with a knife," Joanne murmured. "Same thing. You could've easily died that day; don't you forget that Danielle Hayward! It was predicted by some of the best doctors Charlotte would be dead by this morning and is she? No, she's not! She's still fighting and I believe she'll make it!"

"You're just saying that," Danielle snaked.

"No Danielle, I'm not. I wouldn't bullshit you. If I didn't think she would, really didn't think so, I'd tell you. I've known you too long to lie to you. Plus, friends don't lie to each other do they?" She hugged her tighter.

Danielle knew she had to admit this, even though it made her shiver. "Plus, I'm so fucking scared! Adam pursued Charlotte and now I'm terrified he's coming after me! This is Adam, Joanne! He's not fucking stupid! God, I wish Michael was here! I really, really do! Yes ok I'll surrender, partly for protection yes! He's Michael Myers for fuck sake! People see him and run for the fucking hills! Especially if he's wearing that mask and has a kitchen knife! Fuck! I read enough online Joanne; I didn't have to see it to be afraid! Now, he's only my God Damn boyfriend! The irony hasn't escaped me! A masked, silent, remorseless killer loves me! I could spend my life asking why, but I gave that up weeks ago! For some reason he does and…"

"He does," Joanne stopped her. "Because you're kind, gentle and caring Danielle. You have been through hell and you trusted him when no one else would. That's why."

"I know you're right," Danielle said slowly after a second's pause. "But shit! I miss him so bad it hurts! I'm glad he hasn't seen me in this state though!"

"Why?" Danielle could tell by Joanne's voice her guard was sneering now. "Because Adam told you not to cry? Right? Said you weren't to shed tears? Let me guess! If you cried he assaulted you?"

Danielle looked away. "Right," she whispered.

"Well Michael wouldn't," Joanne said firmly. "Instead, he'd hug, kiss you and let you touch his ears!" As she said this, she moved so Danielle was touching hers. Danielle managed a watery laugh. "I know they're not Michael's "sexy as hell" ears, I know they're small but they're all I got!"

Danielle hugged Joanne tightly and tried to smile. "Thank you, Joanne. I miss him so much," she said.

"I know love," Joanne said. "I know you do. If it's any consolation, I miss Rick too. I'm sure Dr Stark misses Luke as well, her husband."

"No offence intended what so ever," Danielle said. "But at least Rick and Luke will speak to you."

At this, Joanne did chuckle. "Fair point. Our men aren't silent."

"Or masked killers," Danielle observed. At this, both women eventually giggled.

"That's better," Joanne smiled. "That's the Danielle we know and love, just like Colin said."

"Joanne," Danielle said after a moment, her face once again serious. She really, really didn't want to ask this question, but she had to. Just… just in case. "Joanne, does Adam know about the DASC app?"

"Dr Stark asked Susy that earlier and she believes not. The only way he'd have ever seen it is if Charlotte ever had to use it around him and considering he never got close enough to her once she had it and was in the DASC's care, that wouldn't have happened."

"I'm… I'm scared," Danielle admitted. "I don't think he's given up."

"I won't let him anywhere near you," Joanne promised. "I swear it Danielle. Besides, a certain man, your lover named Michael Myers would go absolutely mad if he got to you and I don't fancy having to justify to him how."

"He wouldn't hurt you Joanne," Danielle said.

Joanne snorted. "You think? If I relaxed one second too long and let Adam get to you, you don't think Michael would hurt me? Sorry Danielle, you're so, so wrong."

"I'm sure he wouldn't," Danielle said again, but even she noticed she sounded unconvinced now.

"You carry on believing that," Joanne said. Danielle knew she was right. She was wrong. She shivered a little.

Joanne pulled out her radio and activated it. Danielle had asked her and Dr Stark how they'd brought clothes etc., and the doctor had told her they'd put cases in the back of the aircraft before they'd left SG. Now, Joanne spoke.

"Dr Loomis, this is Joanne. Danielle's missing Michael. Is he…"?

"Stand by," Dr Loomis's voice came back immediately and they could hear his smile. "One sec."

"Ok Joanne, Danielle," he said a moment later. If one of you dials this number he'll answer it."

Joanne wrote it down.

"Will it always be the same one?" Danielle asked.

"Yes," Dr Loomis confirmed. "So put it in your phone and save it."

For some reason, Danielle felt her fingers shaking slightly as she dialled, feeling something in her stomach she didn't recognise at first only having felt it once before in recent years. Then it clicked. Butterflies. Joanne must've seen something on her face because she nudged her and whistled softly.

"Thought you couldn't whistle," Danielle accused.

Her guard snickered. "I can't. That was as good as it gets. Do you want privacy?"

"Yes please, thanks Joanne."

"No worries. I'll make you a cup of tea then I'll go ok?"

"Thank you." Danielle dialled and hit call, as Joanne entered the kitchen. The phone rang twice then was answered. There was total silence, except for the calm, measured breathing Danielle knew immediately.

"Hey Michael," Danielle's voice shook a little and she cursed herself. Why? Joanne would say it was because she was in love and Danielle hoped she was right, but she felt so on edge tonight.

"Dr Loomis has just told me no one can hear you or him," Joanne whispered in her ear, setting her tea on her bedside table. "He's in your soundproof cell, you've got total privacy. Press your call button if you need me." She slipped out.

Steph had told Danielle when she first arrived the call button would buzz in either Dr Stark's or Joanne's room, depending who had it activated. Tonight, it was Joanne. Danielle was glad. She knew Dr Stark was far more tired than she was letting on. She needed and deserved her sleep and Danielle didn't want to be the one who woke her up.

"It…" Danielle started again. "It's a bit of a mess down here. Charlotte's…" she took a breath. "No change," she just managed, trying desperately not to break down all over again. "But she made it until morning, which they didn't think she would. Nigel's been absolutely fucking amazing; I see him every day. He says he wants to meet you; he knows about us. I…" she hesitated. Should she tell Michael how unnerved she was feeling, with no idea why? She knew what Dr Stark would say. Yes! He's your partner Danielle. If you want this to work you need to trust and work with him. Danielle knew she would be right, too. So she took a deep breath and spoke again, not hiding the shake in her voice this time.

"Michael, I… I feel really on edge. Joanne's being amazing of course as is Dr Stark, but I feel nervous. I can't even put my finger on why, but… well, I think Adam's planning something. I could be talking bullshit, but…"

Danielle started as a text came through on her phone. She was about to ignore it, when she realised it was from the very number she was currently connected to. Michael had just text her? Her heart sped up as she read it and she almost cried.

He'll have me to answer to if he is.

"T… thanks," Danielle stammered, totally shocked, but affection almost choked off her voice. She fought back her tears. "Oh Michael I miss you so much! I…" another text came through.

You have the DASC app installed, yes?

Danielle now did cry. Michael wasn't being particularly loving in words right at that moment, but she could read between the lines. He was checking she was safe.

"Yes darling," she assured him. "Worked with a lovely engineer called Susy tonight. It's all set up and Dr Loomis can monitor me."

Yes, as can I. Dr Loomis has connected it to this phone too.

"Seriously?" Danielle felt affection gush up inside her for Michael's doctor.

Seriously.

"That…" Danielle fought back her tears. "That makes me feel safer than you could ever understand. I… thank you Michael."

I will know immediately if something happens to you. As for feeling safe, it's a partner's job, is it not? Just because your ex didn't.

Danielle gave a shaky laugh. "Yes, I know." She took a breath, then asked what she really wanted to know. "But Michael, even if Adam did manage to do something, what are you planning on doing? It's not like…" she stopped herself quickly. Not like you could escape? Yeah, right. She may not have been born at the time of the killings in 1978, but she'd read more than enough about it. She quickly changed the subject. How are you?" She knew it was lame, but she couldn't think about those killings. Yet, she loved their killer. She felt herself shiver. God help Adam if he was indeed planning to hurt her.

Michael didn't text back this time, but Danielle didn't need him to. She felt better having spoken to him and she could hardly believe that at last for the very first time, he'd communicated with her beyond a soft whisper. She would save these texts for life. "I love you," she said a few minutes later. "I miss you. I'll see you very soon, I promise."

There was a few seconds of silence, before the call disconnected with 3 soft beeps. Danielle understood why. Michael had waited a moment so she didn't think he'd hung up too fast. In that silence before he had, she could almost hear the words he hadn't said. He loved her too. She wondered if he'd ever say or even text those 3 huge words to her. She couldn't lie, she hoped so, someday.

…

He stood at the door of Danielle's cell, holding the phone in his hand. His heart was squeezing and twisting in a way he still even now didn't fully understand. He wanted to tell her he loved her too, but didn't know how. Dr Loomis quietly approached him a moment later.

"Michael, are you ok?"

He didn't answer in any way, just looked in to his doctor's eyes. "She loves you," Dr Loomis said. "She really does. You can keep that phone with you if you want, but it can't make outgoing calls and only Danielle, Joanne and Dr Stark have that number." He gave his doctor a very slight nod.

"Do you want to stay in this cell? Winters is arriving tomorrow so it… might be a good idea."

The Shape just continued to look at his doctor. Ah, yes. Mr. Trevor Winters, a man who would randomly scream or shout insults any hour of the day or night. He'd killed his entire family in cold blood, then targeted his best friend before he was finally caught. He'd been ruled truly criminally insane and was considered a very dangerous man. Almost as much as he was.

Dr Loomis had offered him the soundproof cell to prevent him from hearing winter's screams and shouts. He was still a very violent man and would lash out without warning. Rick, Jack and Ryan had all been assigned to his care. He'd miss those guards in a way even he didn't completely understand.

"They won't be going anywhere," Dr Loomis said now, as if reading his mind. How did he do that? "They'll still be able to help you when not aiding Mr. Winters.

Detaining and keeping under control were the words he would've used, but he just looked away, moving silently across the foam to the bed he'd lane in with Danielle so many times.

His doctor got the message. "Good night Michael," he said softly. "If you need anything, call." He left.

…

2 days later.

"He's got to be joking! This is impossible!"

Sharon, Leach and the man known as Cornflake but whose real name was Stan, were sitting in the living room of Leach's huge house. When they'd become a couple, he asked her to move in with him, which she'd been thrilled to do and had done immediately.

"I still can't believe you guys aren't really married," Leach said, following the train of his own thoughts. Sharon smirked.

"Yeah, it's true we certainly fooled everyone," Cornflake said with a grin. "It was ridiculously easy, actually."

"Sorry babe," Leach said to Sharon. "I interrupted you."

"It's cool," she squeezed his inner thigh. Stan smirked. "Get a room you too," he said. The 3 of them chuckled.

"You were saying?" Leach asked.

"Yeah. Dawson. He's having a fucking laugh! Hayward's way too guarded. There's no way in hell I'm going to be able to get her in to a bathroom without what's her name? Joanne?"

"If anyone can Tulip," Cornflake said. "You can."

Sharon gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, but I still can't help wondering if Dawson's on some kind of suicide mission. I mean, her God damn boyfriend's only Michael Myers! Jesus! Does he want to die?"

"But that's not our problem," Stan reminded her quietly. "It's his."

"That's as maybe, unless Myers comes after us too. Are you seriously ruling that out?"

"We haven't done anything to Hayward," Stan said. "Adam's behind all this."

"Yeah, but he's still paying us to do this part," Sharon pointed out.

Sharon had spent the last 2 days spying on Charlotte's room and those who entered it, especially Danielle and Joanne. But she hadn't been kidding. Joanne was always with Danielle wherever she went, even the bathroom. She was watching her intently all the time.

"Maybe we could help Myers in the end," Leach murmured, a slight grin on his face. "Help him kill the little fucker."

"I can't say I'd object," Sharon said. "The guy's just… well, far more sadistic than any of us."

"I've got an idea," Stan said. "Rather than Hayward, Incapacitate her guard. Then let Dawson take Hayward. It'll take Joanne a while to come round, by which time Dawson will be gone. Your original plan was to knock Hayward out, right? That's too dangerous like you said. Joanne's too fast. So, why not knock her out instead?"

"Joanne?" Sharon considered this, then slowly nodded. "Could work," she said thoughtfully. "But it's also damn dangerous. That bitch is armed to the hilt. Are you suggesting Chloroform?"

"That or something similar," Stan said. "But Chloroform's probably your best bet. That stuff is lethal."

"I don't want to kill her," Sharon said. "That's one step too far even for me. She's not our enemy after all, she's Dawson's threat."

"Yeah I know, so only use a little. The tiniest amount of Chloroform will knock her unconscious for hours. Use it on Joanne instead of Danielle."

"You've got a point there," Sharon admitted. "Babes," she said to Leach. "Can you get hold of some?"

"Easy darling'," Leach drawled. "Easy."

"Ok," Sharon said after a second's hesitation. "I'll do it. We knock out her guard so Dawson can grab Hayward. Great idea Stan, Chloroform it is. Just please, don't let me kill her! I only want to knock her out, ok? She's done nothing to me or us."

"Done," Leach nodded. "When are we doing this?"

Dawson said as soon as possible, will you be able to get the Chloroform by tomorrow?"

"As I just said," Leach smiled. "Easy. Ok then, if you're ready babes, call Dawson and tell him tomorrow it is." Slowly, Sharon nodded.