About forty minutes later they arrived at the restaurant. Nigel couldn't deny he was impressed. There was nothing what so ever to indicate what it really was apart from the PRIVATE sign above the double doors. Joanne and Danielle got out from the back, Michael from the passenger side.

They headed towards the doors, Michael guiding Danielle. They slid open automatically and immediately she heard soft classical music coming from within.

"Good evening guys," a cheerful female voice said immediately. "Come in!"

If Danielle hadn't known the staff really knew who they were, she would've been completely fooled. They were led up to a table with luxurious leather armchairs. They were as comfortable as the ones in the Smith's Grove conference room.

"I'm Emma, your waitress this evening. What can I get you all? Mr. Myers?"

Michael's eyebrows rose and he glanced at Emma in surprise. She smiled warmly at him. "Dr Loomis called ahead and told us you were coming, I'm so glad to see you. What can I get you for dinner this evening?"

Joanne and Nigel smiled at each other as Michael lowered his eyes to his notepad and started writing before handing it to Emma.

I had a feeling he was behind this. I will take the steak, thank you.

"Good choice ." Emma said. "Good evening Danielle," she laid a soft hand on Danielle's shoulder. Danielle smiled at her. "What would you like?" She read her the menu. As soon as she said carbonara Danielle's mouth watered. She turned towards Joanne and smiled, remembering that first therapy session right at the start of her treatment when she'd told them she loved carbonara. Joanne squeezed her arm and she knew they were once again thinking the same thing.

"I'll have the carbonara please, and can I have an apple juice to drink?"

"Of course you can! Sorry Mr. Myers, I didn't ask you what you want to drink?"

Call me Michael, no need to call me 'Mr. Myers.' I will take a sparkling water, thank you.

Emma read it and nodded. She then turned to Joanne and Nigel who gave her their orders.

The food didn't take long at all to arrive which made sense considering they were the only diners. It was piping hot and delicious. Michael's steak had of course been cut in the kitchens, just as Dr Loomis had said it would be.

"Nigel," Danielle said as they started eating. "Tell them that story about the time you got that um… wrong text."

"Oh Jesus," Nigel started laughing. "That was absolutely hilarious! I most certainly would not have wanted to be the person who sent that! To this day I don't know who it was! I got an… explicitly worded text saying something like 'I want your dick in my pussy so bad, I want you to fuck me so hard.' I had no idea who it was!"

Joanne started laughing and Nigel was certain there was a slight smirk on Michael's lips.

"Did you text them back?" Joanne said through laughter.

"Hell no!" Nigel looked at her as if she were crazy. "Can you imagine? 'Sorry darling you've got the wrong number.'"

Danielle was howling with laughter, her face buried in her glass and tears falling down her cheeks. "Oh my God," she said when she could just about speak. "Shit! You so should have replied!"

"A certain little tinker tried to persuade me to do just that," Nigel said poking Danielle's arm. "I didn't want to embarrass them. 'you've just texted a 52 year old honey., as I was at the time. 'My equipment is a bit rusty!'"

Joanne burst out laughing again at this. "You were only 52! No way it's rusty!"

"How would you know?" Danielle and Nigel said together. Michael laughed out loud at this.

Joanne blustered. "I… I wouldn't! I just meant…"

"Stop now while you're ahead Joanne," Danielle advised, clutching her stomach and wiping tears from her face. "Fuck Nigel that gets me every time!"

"You're too kind," Joanne said. "I would've so replied and told them they had a wrong number! I'm assuming they didn't text again?"

"No," Nigel grinned. "So they probably realised their mistake and thought I was either exceptionally kind, stupid or the number was dead!"

Joanne was coughing with laughter at this point. Michael reached over and slapped her gently on the back. "Thanks Michael," she gasped. "Jesus that was fucking hilarious!"

"Oh God," Nigel groaned. "That's one story I'm never going to hear the end of now isn't it? Thanks Danielle!"

"You're welcome," she smirked. Michael raised his notepad.

You should've told them you're a girl.

Joanne, Danielle and Nigel all collapsed in laughter at this. "Can you imagine?" Nigel could hardly speak. "'Sorry babes, I don't have a cock, I'm a woman!' Oh shit, I should've done that! I think maybe I was too kind after all!"

The rest of the meal past with further companionable conversation, Nigel asking Joanne to tell some of her worst experiences as a guard. Danielle was horrified to hear about the time a male inmate of the prison she'd worked at before starting at Smith's Grove, had kicked her in the face, breaking her jaw.

"Glad I didn't see that," Nigel and she said in unison.

Joanne smiled at them. "Thanks, but it was ok, bit of surgery and a few weeks off and I was just fine."

"Now that's one tough woman right there," Danielle said with pride and admiration. "You're the kind of woman I want to be. I idolise you Joanne."

"Nah," her friend squeezed her shoulder. "I'm just me. I can't say for definite that if I'd been through everything you have that I would be that 'tough' as you put it."

"I bet you would," Danielle said, squeezing Joanne's shoulder back. "I bet you'd have told those guys where they could stick their cocks and it's not inside you!"

Joanne chuckled. "Who knows?"

"Can I get you people anything else?" Emma's cheerful voice spoke beside Danielle's chair.

"Can I have another apple juice please Emma?" She asked.

"Of course you can! Dr Loomis has insisted the bill is on the Smith's Grove tab and instructed me specifically to say 'have exactly what you want' no exception.'"

"That sounds exactly like what Dr Loomis would say," Joanne and Danielle said together affectionately. Nigel and Michael smiled.

"Indeed. Anything else for anyone?"

"In that case I'll have a small wine if I may?" Joanne asked with a grin.

"Of course Joanne! White or red?"

"Just a small white thanks."

"Joanne turner!" Danielle said in mock disbelief as Emma walked away, having taken their orders for dessert. "I never would've believed it of you!"

"What?" Joanne said in mock defence. "It's just a small wine! Why boss, am I not supposed to?"

Danielle giggled. "I just never would've imagined it from you that's all. Do you like wine then?"

"No, that's why I'm ordering one."

Nigel laughed. "You walked straight into that," he said.

Danielle sighed. "Yeah fair enough. I mean, do you like all different kinds? Or just some?"

"White is my favourite," Joanne confirmed. "Do you like wine then?"

Danielle pulled a face. "Yuck, no chance! Can't stand the stuff. To be honest I don't drink alcohol as it is."

"Have you ever?"

"Um… you know what? I really don't think so. I just never liked the taste."

Following Joanne's example, Nigel had ordered half a pint of beer but no more as he was driving.

"You could always ask Michael to drive if you get too smashed," Joanne grinned.

"No!" Danielle threw her hands up. "Ask me! I'll drive!"

"Oh my God," Nigel and Joanne groaned. "Suicide mission alert!" Nigel said. "Michael if she drives kill me first!"

"That's not fair!" Danielle said as they heard Michael laugh out loud with them, for one of very few times since she'd known him. "My driving is excellent thank you very much!" Michael raised his notepad and Joanne read the message aloud.

"If she drives I'll kill myself never mind you."

The other three burst out laughing. "Yeah point taken," Danielle gasped when she could speak. "I think I'd kill myself too by driving, literally! So maybe not."

Emma arrived with the drinks and desserts, smiling warmly at them. When she'd walked away again, Nigel turned to Michael.

"What about you, Michael?"

What about me?

Nigel read the message aloud. Either he or Joanne made sure they did when Michael wrote something.

"Do you like a drink? Is it your thing?"

Since I became an adult I have been unable to find out.

Nigel picked up his beer and poured some into a clean empty glass. "Give this a go." He passed it to the killer.

Michael sipped it and Joanne saw he was thinking. "Well?" she teased.

Hmm. Not bad.

"Michael," Nigel said slowly. "I'd really like to ask you a question, but I really don't want to… you know, push it or say the wrong thing."

Nigel, read this carefully. You are one of under ten people who will forever be safe from me. Nothing you say will put you in danger.

"Well thanks," the older man was touched by the killer's message. Bluntly worded as it may be he could also hear the kindness in it. "Well, ok. Why… why did you kill your sister at just 6? That's… that's no age to kill someone is it? Had she really pissed you off or something?" Nigel had lowered his voice as he spoke. "What about 1978?"

There was silence and Nigel could see Michael thinking over his question. No one broke it, waiting.

That I do not know. I just had a rage and anger building in me beyond anything I could control. All siblings may fight this is true, but I just felt certain she had to die.

There was another long silence after Joanne finished reading the message. No one spoke. For his part Nigel could hardly believe the killer had even answered his question, let alone so honestly. "Ok," he said slowly. "It was still there obviously in the leadup to 1978?"

It was. It was a lust for blood, predatory and insatiable.

Nigel felt himself shiver and was sure Joanne and Danielle had done the same. "Now?" He asked softly.

It can be calmed, but only by one.

Danielle smiled a little on hearing this. "Who's that then Michael?" She asked, her tone teasing. For answer, he took her hand as he was sitting opposite her and squeezed it. Danielle squeezed back, blinking away tears of happiness at his words. Was this really true? Did she really hold the power to calm Michael's killing rage? Possibly saving someone's life in the process?

Look at Laurie strode, she thought. What was that all about if not? You appeared; Michael let her go.

Danielle's chocolate sponge dripping with steaming custard was gorgeous. Once they'd all finished she asked to use the bathroom. Joanne stood up immediately and they walked off.

You're a good man.

Nigel reed Michael's latest message and raised his eyebrows. "Thank you? But why? What have I done that is so special?"

You saved Danielle's life.

"Wouldn't almost anyone? Well except Adam of course."

Or me.

"You'd have killed her on first meeting?" Nigel's voice held no hostility at all.

Of course I would. If given a chance when she was first at Smith's Grove I would have done so without hesitation.

"Why?" Nigel murmured, leaning towards Michael and lowering his voice once more.

Because it's who I am.

"Or was?" Nigel whispered. "You wouldn't touch her now would you? In fact as proven you'd kill anyone who hurts her. You have done three times already."

Michael sighed but nodded, Nigel and he locking eye contact. I still do not understand what she has done to me, not completely.

"Well of course you don't, you've never felt anything like this before right? From the need to kill to the need to love, they're two completely different emotions. If I suddenly went from love to wanting to kill, I think I'd be confused as fuck too!"

Hmm.

"But you know I'll help you in any way I can, right? If you need someone to talk to or a listening ear, I'm here. You have my number, use it."

I thank you and return the offer. That said, I still do not know how or why I fell in love with her. I've asked myself this constantly and can never come up with an answer.

"Sometimes love doesn't have answers," Nigel murmured, laying a hand on Michael's arm as their eyes remained locked. "Sometimes it just hits. It can come along when you least expect it and soften even the hardest heart."

You are not talking from experience, are you?

"No, Sophie and I were childhood sweethearts who married at 17 with our parents' consent. I couldn't even imagine life with anyone else but her Michael, she was my soul, my heart, my universe. I would've done anything for her and I tried my best to do so. You'd have loved her if you could've met her, she's the sweetest woman you'd ever have had the privilege of knowing."

Again, I am sorry for your loss.

"Thanks. But while we were together for almost 40 years, we were the happiest people alive. When we moved into the house next door to Danielle Sophie had been diagnosed and knew she didn't have long left. When we were told it was terminal, all she wanted to do was relax in a nice house with a small garden. That's how we found the one we lived in next to Danielle."

You really do love her, don't you? I talk of both Sophie and Danielle. I can see why you treat her as the daughter you never had.

"Sophie was my world and Danielle; she is like my granddaughter. I am thrilled the Avery's have adopted her, no more than she or they deserve."

Agreed.

There was silence for a moment before Michael showed his notepad again.

I just wish I could stop worrying about her plans tomorrow evening.

Nigel squeezed his arm. "Like I said that's no crime, in fact it makes sense. If I'm honest I'd be a little concerned if you weren't I think. It's not like this is a wedding, graduation or something, it's an execution. Albeit of a purely evil man."

I don't know if I should tell her how I'm feeling or not?

Nigel noticed the question mark and realised the killer was asking for his advice. "There's no harm in doing so," he said after thinking for a second. "It will show Danielle someone really loves and cares about her. Just make sure it's crystal clear you're not…"

Stopping her from going, I know. I'd already thought of that, that's the last thing I want her to think, but of course I know and completely understand why she might.

"So if she asks you if she can go or tries to, don't even let her finish the question that's my advice."

Wise words.

Nigel smiled at the other man. "But also remember she has damn good reason for witnessing it. Please don't tell Danielle this, but Dr Loomis himself wrote to the prison and verified what Danielle had told them, because I think they were going to refuse as too short notice and Chancer had never been mentioned as killing one of the 'Hayward' family. But Dr Loomis put his foot down and that's why they accepted. But Danielle doesn't know that."

That makes sense, Dr Loomis is a good man too. I have a lot of respect for him.

"Of course you do, he's been your doctor for thirty-five years. But I agree with you, he's a good man. He really cares about the people he treats, works with and meets."

Now you are talking from experience aren't you.

Nigel could see this time it wasn't a question. He grinned. "Yeah, but I didn't mean to. I started talking about Sophie and he cornered me in an office and gently pushed me to talk to him, I hadn't even planned it! You know I even tried to give him money for it afterwards? He just shook his head at me and walked away! I've tried since too, but he's not having any of it. Now he's paying for my damn dinner?" Michael chuckled softly.

He is kind hearted, this is true.

Joanne and Danielle arrived back at the table at that moment but didn't speak, clearly detecting something was being discussed purely between Nigel and Michael. But as they sat down Nigel smiled at him before turning his head. "Hey ladies. Anyone want any more to drink or are we ready to hit the road?"

Unable to resist as Dr Loomis had insisted it was free, Danielle took another apple juice. Following her lead, the others ordered another drink too.

Half an hour later they were back in the car heading towards Smith's Grove. Danielle yawned softly. "Wow I'm tired and cars always make me feel sleepy."

The others chuckled. "Get your head down if you want to for a bit D," Nigel said. "It's about 40 minutes back."

"Nah, I'm ok," she smiled at him. "Just the sensation of driving makes me sleepy, plus I've just eaten a huge meal."

"Yes that was lovely," Joanne agreed. "Thank you for driving us Nigel. Do you want gas money?"

"Now don't be ridiculous," Nigel said firmly. "I won't hear that from any of you! It was my pleasure!"

Before long they were back at the gates and the guards once more checked the trunk, then let them back through.

"Daren," Danielle said, having recognised the guard's voice.

"Hey Danielle," he greeted cheerfully.

"Everyone knows you now don't they?" Nigel joked. "Once met never forgotten!"

"Why check the trunk going back in?" Danielle asked. "Out I can understand, but why back in?"

"Because we've got a list of things which are forbidden within Smith's Grove," Darren said. "Knives, weapons, explosives and so on."

"Damn!" Nigel pretended to slap his forehead. "I knew I should've put Danielle in the trunk then! She's a right little fire cracker when you pull her pin and make her angry, goes off with a bang!"

Everyone laughed including Darren as he pressed the button to open the heavy, reinforced security gates.

When they got back into the block, Dr Loomis was waiting for them.

"Thank you so much for paying for dinner," Danielle, Joanne and Nigel said together. Dr Loomis chuckled.

"You're more than welcome."

"You really shouldn't have," Nigel said in a mock stern tone. "That should've been me."

"Well it wasn't, so…" Dr Loomis grinned.

"I think Joanne enjoyed her small wine," Danielle laughed.

"Now Joanne Turner!" Dr Loomis said but they all knew he was joking. "I don't know, drinking and then coming back to work? Simply unbelievable!"

"I'm sorry Sir," Joanne said. "Then perhaps you shouldn't invite me to these lovely social events and then not give me leave afterwards?" Everyone laughed again.

"I'm so glad you all enjoyed yourselves," the doctor smiled at them. "Michael, how was it?" The killer raised his notepad.

Very nice. I too thank you Dr Loomis. Not only for the meal, but also for giving me the chance.

Joanne and Nigel looked away, clearly understanding this was private. Danielle spoke to Nigel. "Nige, can I come for a cup of tea in your suite before bed? Would that be ok?"

"Now what are you asking me for? Of course darling. I need to put the car back in the parking space anyway. Dr Loomis authorised me to park it outside the ward, but I want to put it back in the right place."

"Don't worry about it…" Dr Loomis started. "I told you you…"

"No it's fine doc honestly," Nigel smiled. "Danielle wants to have a cup of tea with me before bed anyway, so I'll drive her back and then we'll take the shuttle."

"Ok," Dr Loomis said. "But only if you're going anyway. Otherwise if you decide to drive back, you keep it there as long as you need Nigel. Ok?"

"Understood boss," Nigel mocked saluted and Dr Loomis rolled his eyes but grinned.

After dropping her bag back in their cell, Nigel and Danielle got back into his hire car to drive the short distance to his suite. "You don't mind using the shuttle?" He asked her. "I mean after… I can drive you back if you'd prefer?"

"No don't be silly," Danielle said firmly. "Charlotte wouldn't want me to avoid the shuttle purely because she showed me them. She'd probably tell me off for it actually."

"Now on that you're probably right," Nigel said affectionately as he started the car and pulled away from the block doors.