Edward Dawson stared at the police officer sitting across the desk from him in disbelief. He hadn't been pleased when he was woken by a guard at midnight, taken from his cell and handcuffed, before being brought to this board room. He knew the guards only did that if there was something major going on and this was really fucking major. "I'm sorry, what?" He wasn't sure why he said that, but it just came out. The officer gave him a sympathetic look.

"I'm very sorry Mr. Dawson, but your son Adam was found dead late last night."

"I fucking heard you," Edward snapped. "What I want to know is, how? What the fuck happened to him?"

"I…" the officer hesitated. It was clear from the look on his face that he didn't want to tell him what'd happened to his son. The one person he truly loved. "Well?" He snapped again, when it was clear the officer wasn't going to speak again without prompting.

"He… he was murdered," the officer said eventually. "He…" the officer looked as if he was battling with his stomach. "He… I'm very sorry Mr. Dawson, he was shot, stabbed then decapitated."

"What the fuck?!" Edward asked, standing up without thinking, albeit it was impossible for him to move far as he was still handcuffed and leg chained. Fucking maximum security unit. He was only a so-called danger to women and as there were no bitches here, what the fuck were they afraid of?

"Please sit down Mr. Dawson," the guard standing behind him said. Edward scowled at him, but did as he was told. Turning back, he glared at the officer again.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

The officer looked like he really didn't want to repeat it, but Edward wasn't going to let it go. He wanted to hear this, just to make sure his ears weren't playing tricks on him.

"He was found decapitated," the officer said again, sounding as though every word was an effort. Edward felt a spark of anger. How fucking dare he. He wasn't the one who'd just lost his son!

"Fucking decapitated?" Edward repeated, still struggling to take this in himself if he was honest. "How the fuck?"

"They…" this time the officer kept his eyes level with Dawson's. "They think it was the masked killer Michael Myers, although no one has found him yet."

"Michael…" Edward felt a wave of horror and sadness wash over him. Now he understood what'd happened alright. "Michael Myers?" he croaked, not willing to share his suspicions with the officer. He didn't want to talk about what he and Adam had discussed. He wanted to say that this was impossible, but of course he couldn't. He knew it was possible alright.

Edward recalled his words to Adam. 'I advise you to leave well enough alone, if Michael Myers is indeed protecting Hayward.' But he knew his son… or rather had known him, too well. He knew Adam would never have followed that advice. He wanted Danielle Hayward too badly. To control, possess, and terrorise her. Edward understood this, as he wanted to control women too, but there were times you just had to give up and let a certain one go.

Also, like he'd said to Adam, 'there are plenty of women Michael Myers will never meet. Take one of them as your property or toy, whatever. But Danielle Hayward? Nope, too hot!'

He looked down at the table, struggling with what he'd just been told. Considering the circumstances, the idea of Adam being decapitated didn't sound so farfetched. If it had been Michael Myers, that was certainly his M.O. 'Damn it Adam' he thought. Why didn't you just listen to me?

He looked back up at the officer, but didn't know what to say. All the fight had gone out of him, and he just felt empty. He'd adored Adam, had tried to teach him the correct ways to control women, but it'd all been for nothing. He'd got his sights fixed on Danielle Hayward and had paid the ultimate price. She'd only got close to the most dangerous serial killer in Haddonfield's history, hell maybe even the country's. Again he opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"Is there anything we can do for you Mr. Dawson?" The guard asked. The question annoyed him. Why did they have to ask such stupid fucking questions? He wanted to snap 'yes, bring my son back,' but of course he couldn't, no one could. So instead, he simply just shook his head.

"Have…" he didn't know why he was asking this, talk about seeking grizzly details, but this was his son, and he had to know. "Have they found… you know, his… his head?"

The officer nodded, looking a little green around the gills himself at the question. Edward couldn't blame him. "Yes, they have, but… I don't know any more than that Sir, we can help you make funeral arrangements if you don't have anyone on the outside who can." "Yeah, thanks," Edward said, unable to think of anything else to say. He had to digest this news before he could think about what came next. "Thanks for coming to tell me so quickly," he eventually said grudgingly. The officer nodded.

When he was taken back to his cell, the guard also gave him a sympathetic look which Edward was sure was actually genuine. Had he lost a son to? Though probably not to decapitation. "Can I get you anything Mr. Dawson?"

"I'd like to say a fucking strong whisky," he gave the guard a faint smile. "But I'm pretty sure that's off limits. A strong cup of fucking coffee then."

"Of course Mr. Dawson, it's on its way." The guard said and left.

Edward slumped onto the hard and narrow bed, his mind reeling. Why the fuck hadn't Adam listened to him? If someone had told him Michael Myers was protecting a woman he was after, he'd have given up and left the whole thing alone. Why hadn't his son taken any of the other millions of women out there to torment? What the hell had been so fucking special about Danielle Hayward that had Adam so adamant about getting her back? Was it because she hadn't died when he'd tried to kill her in his garage? Or because she was blind so was extra vulnerable and easy to control? He didn't know, but whatever it was, it'd driven his son to his ultimate demise.

He pressed his face into his pillow, he'd always taught Adam that crying was showing weakness, and men never showed weakness. But right now he couldn't deny the way his heart was aching with pain and grief. At the moment, he didn't care that he was surrounded by violent and dangerous men, he couldn't get away from the agony he was in. For the very first time in his life, Edward Dawson turned his face to the pillow and gave into his tears.

Colin sat in the cafeteria of Haddonfield Memorial hospital, staring out of the windows. The sky was a thunderous grey as night drew in, it mirrored his mood perfectly.

Several times he'd tried to get some sleep, but it proved impossible. He knew there was no chance of that, with his sister in a coma and his soon to be adopted sister injured, both because of the now, late Adam Dawson. Good fucking riddance! Dawson himself might be dead, he'd still left plenty of carnage and pain behind him. Colin hoped he was burning in hell.

But if he was honest with himself, Adam Dawson's damage wasn't what was keeping him up, or what was causing him to be sitting in this hard chair at 10PM wide awake. Several times he'd considered asking one of the doctors, maybe even Dr Merrick himself for some sleeping pills to take away the terrible pain and his uncontrollable thoughts.

Because if anyone knew what he was thinking except perhaps his family, he was sure they'd condemn him for it. Because as petty as it was, he was jealous. Jealous of Michael Myers.

He'd never told anyone of his feelings except Charlotte. Now he'd definitely wouldn't be able to. Danielle was going to be his sister soon. The problem was, he wanted her, and not in a brotherly way.

He wasn't exactly sure when he first started having feelings for her, but when Danielle had started dating Adam, Colin had hoped it worked out for her. However, his feeling had only grown stronger. Perhaps it was because she was with a blatant misogynist? He didn't know. All he knew was he wished he could save her from Adam's imperious behaviour.

Now, she was with a serial killer! The irony didn't bear thinking about. It was clear even to him that Danielle loved Myers; he'd seen it in the brief interactions he'd glimpsed between them. Though silent, Myers seemed to know just what she needed and when she needed it.

'What could you off her Avery?' scoffed his mind. 'She wouldn't give you a second glance.'

The thing Colin hated most was the utter powerlessness he felt. He couldn't do anything about his feelings for her, but nor could he get rid of them. Charlotte knew, he'd told his big sister just a month or so ago. When she'd gotten with Adam, Colin had been furious. Danielle was bad enough, but Charlotte? No way in hell! She'd fallen under Dawson's spell just like many women had before her, only to learn the terrifying truth when it was too late.

He'd pulled Charlotte aside during the early days of her 'relationship' with Adam and asked her what the fuck she was doing. She'd seen how he'd treated Danielle; did she want the same thing? But it was clear Charlotte had just seen him as the over protective and annoying big brother, because she'd ignored him, only realising once more when it was too late. Ordinarily, Colin would've said it was a good thing she'd realised when she had, but not now. Not given the fact that she was lying in a coma because of that son of a bitch!

Colin sighed, fuck he was exhausted. Running a weary hand across his face, he wasn't surprised to feel stubble growing already. He needed to shave. Nor was he surprised to see that his hands were shaking. He needed another damn coffee, anything to get rid of these thoughts, and stop thinking about his feelings for Danielle which would now go absolutely fucking nowhere! He knew he would be next to have his funeral arrangements made if he pissed off Danielle's boyfriend.

He was just about to stand and head for the machine, when he felt a someone put their hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw to his surprise that it was Dr Loomis.

"Colin?" The psychiatrist's voice was gentle. "Are you ok?"

Colin cursed. This was the last person he'd wanted to find him here. He knew how good Dr Loomis was at getting people to talk, it was his job after all, and Colin trusted him. He'd only spoken to him a few times but he already knew the doctor was a genuinely compassionate man. Ironically, it'd been Danielle who'd gotten through to Michael Myers in a way even the doctor couldn't. He privately wondered what he thought of this.

"You look…" Dr Loomis began.

"Like shit?" Colin smiled without humour. "Yep, feel like it too."

"That's not…" the doctor sat opposite him. "The word I would've used, tired was what I was about to say."

"Well you're right there too," Colin agreed. "I need a shave as you can see and I feel like a damn zombie!"

"Have you considered going home and trying to get some rest away from here? Or to your hotel even?"

"You've got to be fucking joking doc! No way! Every time I even think about leaving I can't! I… I have to be here in… in case…"

"In case what? As much as we all wish we could, there's nothing we can do for Charlotte by just being here. When she wakes up, you would be contacted immediately."

"Ha! Good luck trying to persuade mom or dad to go home!"

"I have already spoken to them actually, just now in fact. They are going to take turns, one staying here with Charlotte and the other getting some rest a the hotel."

Dr Merrick had authorised the family to stay in the hospital overnight, given how serious Charlotte's condition was, instead of just one of them.

"They agreed?" Colin stared at the psychiatrist in disbelief. "You're shitting me!"

"They are as tired as you are and understood it was the best idea. None of you will be able to aid in Charlotte's recovery if you are half asleep yourselves. I didn't tell them to do anything, I just suggested it."

"Good fucking luck with me," Colin looked Dr Loomis straight in the eyes, noticing even then how kind the other man's gaze was. "I'm not going any fucking where! We don't just have Charlotte to consider, there's also Danielle. Until she goes back with you guys tomorrow, I'm not leaving. She too was injured by that son of a bitch and I'm not leaving until she's safely with you!"

"But we'll be with her overnight, me, my guards and of course Michael. You really should try to get some sleep, Colin. Once we're gone, you'll be coming back here for a long time, Charlotte needs you alert and ready."

"No fucking way! I'm not going anywhere!" Colin was aware he'd tensed when Dr Loomis had said Michael's name. By the way the doctor was looking at him, so was he.

"Do you want to talk?"

"Ha!" Colin laughed bitterly. "I can't! I'm not a patient! How much do outpatient bills cost? No thanks!"

He regretted his snark, as soon as the words left his mouth, but Loomis was still looking at him with that kind, compassionate gaze. Shit! Did he know what Colin was thinking? He wouldn't put it past him, he was a damn psychiatrist after all!

"What good would it do?" Colin lowered his head into his hands. "It's fucking pointless."

"Colin," Dr Loomis said gently. "It would just be between us, no one else would know. Come on?" The doctor stood up, walked around to his chair and laid a soft hand on his arm. Almost on autopilot, Colin found himself standing up and following the doctor out of the building and into the gardens behind the cafeteria.

"Don't drink anymore coffee," Loomis advised. "You'll never sleep otherwise. I know that was your plan, but I highly recommend you do at least try to get some sleep."

Colin shook his head and rolled his eyes at the sky. "Whatever," he muttered.

They started walking through the gardens, the only sound was the gentle tinkling of an unseen waterfall. Colin didn't say anything, waiting for Loomis to break the silence, before realising he wouldn't. He, Colin was the patient and Dr Loomis had asked if he wanted to talk. So logically, he'd have to be the one to break it. He swore mentally. How could he possibly tell Dr Loomis everything? He'd sound… well terrible, he was sure of it. But almost against his will, the words came tumbling out of his mouth. Perhaps it was the doctor's gaze? Or the fact he wasn't pushing him? Colin didn't know. But whatever it was, he found himself just blurting it all out.

"God! If I told anyone this, I'd be a terrible human being! I mean, here Danielle is alongside Charlotte, both injured, and I'm having selfish thoughts! Shit doc, I can't even kid you and say I don't understand them myself, but that's just bullshit! I understand perfectly and that's what I hate! Fuck! My head is so screwed up right now! We're going to adopt Danielle and don't get me wrong; I'm as thrilled about it as mom and dad are and I know Charlotte will be too. But… Fuck! He placed a hand against his forehead as they continued walking. "Fuck! I've loved Danielle for years and not just as a fucking brother! She doesn't have a clue. But when she got with that prick Dawson, I hoped it'd worked out for her, but then I saw how he was treating her and… fuck! It made me so fucking angry I can't even tell you! It was then I really started to realise that I… I love her! But I never told her and I fucking should've! Then she attempted suicide, which almost ripped my heart out, I might add, and went to Smith's Grove. I wanted to visit and tell her so badly, but I chickened the fuck out! Then she met Myers and…" he forced himself to stop and take a breath.

"When Charlotte told me Danielle was with Myers she was so happy for her. You know those two are like sisters, I'm sure you've notice just from Charlotte's visits. She'd do anything for Danielle, and so would we. But she was thrilled Danielle was so happy, in love and…" he looked away.

"You weren't?" Dr Loomis asked.

"Of course I fucking wasn't!" Colin exploded. "Not in the fucking least because I found out that it's Michael fucking Myers himself! Jesus Christ! From a misogynist asshole to a serial killer? Danielle sure knows how to pick them! But my own feelings were going crazy! I… fuck I love her Dr Loomis and not in the way a brother should!"

"But you are not her biological brother," Dr Loomis' voice was very kind and Colin found himself blinking fast. He'd been close to tears for days now, and given everything and this man's voice just might be what pushed him over the edge. "You have known her for years as a close friend of Charlotte's. The fact you have feelings for her is not wrong. In fact, it's totally understandable."

Colin let out a sarcastic bark of laughter. "Yeah because I can really go to her boyfriend and say 'by the way Michael, I love Danielle, yes in that way, and if you fucking hurt her I'll kill you!' That would go down well, not to mention possibly be the last thing I ever said!"

"So you're jealous of Michael,?" Dr Loomis' voice carried no hint of judgement what so ever, and Colin respected him more for it.

"Yes," he said lowly. "He got to her first, before I could. I know they've been close while in Smith's Grove, and I'm sure he's helped her out in ways I couldn't as I wasn't there, but…"

Now he stopped walking and sank onto one of the benches they were standing by, unable to meet Dr Loomis' eyes. "Danielle doesn't even know. How could I tell her? I wanted to so badly while she was with Dawson, but what good would it have done? She was besotted with the bastard at first, I mean absolutely fucking smitten doc! She wouldn't have looked twice at me; I was just her best friend's fucking brother! Then when they broke up it was because she tried to hang herself! Even then Dawson wouldn't leave her the fuck alone, messaging, emailing her, getting her new number through Adam's inside goon. I know all this, Charlotte told me. I'd never felt so fucking useless and helpless in my life! Not to mention a fucking coward!"