Just as they arrived at the suite Danielle's phone pinged with a text. She pulled it out and smiled slightly. "What is it babes?" Nigel asked.

"It's from Rick," she said.

Hi Danielle, this is Rick. Before I go any further I want to say save this number, it's my personal cell in case you need me. Now I'll move onto tomorrow. I will be in at about 8AM and Dr Loomis has booked us one of the big conference rooms again like you sat in earlier today. We will meet up in there and discuss how tomorrow evening is going to work. Yes before you ask, Michael can be there if you want so he's in the loop. See you in the morning, have a good night. Your friend, R.

She passed her phone to Nigel who read it and smiled. "He's a good man Rick," he said. She nodded in agreement. They got out of the car and headed towards the door of his suite, which he opened with a key card and they entered. It was pretty much the same as Danielle remembered from being in one with Charlotte. She sat on the huge leather sofa and Nigel headed into the small kitchen to put the kettle on to boil, having refused to allow her to help. Just as he laid the tray on the coffee table her phone pinged again. This time the text said three simple words.

I love you. M.

Suddenly she felt the sting of tears and before she could stop them Nigel had noticed. Immediately he sat beside her and his arms were around her as she broke down into his shoulder. "Sorry," she sobbed eventually, trying to regain control. "I think my emotions are all mixed up. I can't believe Michael Myers; the, Michael Myers loves me and has told me that." She showed him the message. "So I'm so happy, but sometimes I still feel so sad! Charlotte, everything we both went through with Adam who yes is now dead but it doesn't take away the pain sometimes, the memories, the terror…"

"Of course it doesn't sweetheart," he cradled her close. "Something like that will take a long time to completely recover from, that's if you ever can. There's no shame in that at all. None."

"I know," she sniffled. "I'm so sorry Nige, I didn't ask to come back with you for tea and a good cry, that wasn't on the agenda."

"Hey," Nigel said firmly. "You need to cry, then cry. I'm here for you always, you know that don't you?"

"Yes," she wiped her eyes on the soft tissue he handed her. "Thanks grandad, of course I do. But I still didn't plan it!" Nigel stroked her back.

"You know sometimes we all need a good cry, right? I wouldn't be surprised if even Michael has let his emotions out in one way or another in his life."

"Yeah," she smiled a little queasily. "By killing someone."

"Well…" he hesitated. "That, may be true yes."

"I just…" she stripped off her shirt then lowered her pants, showing him all her scars. "Motherfucker," she heard him growl. "Christ if Michael hadn't killed him I would've!" "It's just… she hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Now I've talked about this with Michael yes. He said all they show is that I'm a fighter, I'm brave and I shouldn't think about the cause anymore."

"On this Michael Myers is correct," Nigel said. "In every word he said to you there."

"I… I know," she slumped back onto the sofa. "It's just… they're everywhere. I hate them. Michael told me off for saying this but please don't Nige, I just have to say it. They make me feel so ugly. Now maybe I'm not, hell Michael Myers loves me for fuck sake! But… I don't know! It's like I said to Michael, I feel like even from beyond the grave Adam's taunting me, having the last laugh."

"Then don't let him honey," Nigel pulled her into his arms again. "He can't hurt you anymore, that's not possible to do without one's head. So don't even let him have that power over you, you've already won!"

"I know you're right," she admitted with a faint smile. "I just wish there was something I could do… you know about these scars."

"It's no different to being a soldier in war," Nigel said. "They've got battle scars too yet they're still the victors! That's you Danielle!" He poured out the tea and handed her a white chocolate cookie. She smiled at him properly this time. "After that dinner? Seriously? Wow thanks Nige. Where did you get them from?" He handed her the packet. "I bought them on the way up." Danielle was astonished, the package was huge. "Oh, and I should also add, I um… might have sneaked another two packets in to your cell through a certain Michael Myers, you'll find them in your big desk draw."

"Nigel," she said sternly. "You shouldn't have, I… thank you!"

"You're welcome, but I of course had to buy another one just in case this very thing happened. No keep hold of it," he added as she made to pass it back. "Take it back with you when we go back."

"I'll get really fat if I eat all these," Danielle objected weakly.

"Good!" Nigel said. "You need to get some weight back on you Madam, you're skin and bone thanks to that twat! You need feeding up! Emma agrees with me. Why do you think she gave you all that junk food to take back?"

Danielle sighed but was smiling. "You need to stop fussing over me," she muttered.

"Not going to happen kiddo," Nigel said. "We love you so that means some serious fussing. We're not sorry for it either."

"Seriously," Danielle tried to sound annoyed but failed. They hugged again tightly. "Nige," she said after a while. "Does mom know I'm witnessing Chancer's execution tomorrow?"

"Yes she does. She's right behind you believe it or not. She thinks like us that you deserve the chance."

Danielle grinned. "Ha, the chance, how appropriate!"

For a second she knew he didn't twig, but then he laughed. "Ha, pun intended! A chance to see Chancer die!" She smirked, but then grew serious again. "Really?" She was surprised. "Wow. I wasn't expecting that response."

"I think sometimes you underestimate your mom you know."

"You might be right," she chuckled a little. She didn't mean to fall asleep on the sofa, she'd only lane back for a bit as it was so comfortable. She didn't even feel it when Nigel gently placed a blanket over her and gave her a pillow, before quietly closing the door. Once in the master bedroom, he picked up his phone and texted Michael.

Danielle won't be back tonight; she's fallen asleep on my sofa and I don't have the heart to wake her. Sorry Michael. Michael's reply came back within a minute.

That does not surprise me. I will let Dr Loomis know. Good night to you both. M.

Nigel couldn't deny he was a little surprised, but at the same time felt a rush of respect for Michael. What had he expected? The killer to demand Danielle returned to him? Not likely! He wasn't Adam, Nigel knew that. He was giving Danielle the freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted, the exact thing she should have had all her life. He sat on his bed and sipped from a glass of water from a jug Dr Loomis had made sure was there for him. He wasn't even a patient, yet the doctor was treating him so kindly and really seemed to care about him and his welfare. Forcing the thoughts of Adam out of his mind, he went into the lounge again. "Honey," he murmured, softly shaking Danielle's shoulder. She stirred a little. "I've told Michael you're not coming back tonight he's fine with it. Come on, take the bed."

"I can't," she said sleepily. "That's yours."

"Babes I'll be fine on the sofa, come on you!" Before she could protest any further, he pulled her up gently by the arm and guided her into the bedroom. "Oh, no need," he smiled. He hadn't realised there were two beds there as he'd only seen the room briefly. "Perfect. Come on missy, get in that bed." She smiled at him and didn't object. Nigel stripped off and pulled on his own night clothes before taking the other one. Danielle heard her phone ping.

Sleep well, I will see you tomorrow morning. M.

She smiled at her phone, then text back. Love you. She was so tired. Putting her phone on the nightstand beside her bed she rolled over and was soon fast asleep, snoring quietly.

Nigel smiled lovingly at her as he listened to her gentle snores. He adored this woman; he'd do anything for her and he already knew this. He would tell her that whatever she needed from him he would do. He was already considering buying her and Michael a gift, something they needed or wanted. But what? He would have to speak to Dr Loomis about it in the morning. With another affectionate look at Danielle's sleeping form, he closed his eyes too and was soon fast asleep himself.

…

Death Row, 12 hours to execution:

Now, Derek was seriously trying not to panic. He had two hours remaining to himself and then… he took a deep breath and stared at himself in the tiny little mirror behind thick security Perspex. He was unsurprised to see he looked terrible. Pale, tired and gaunt. Truly a dying man. The guard had taken him for his shower when he'd asked at just after midnight and he'd then pulled on his 'death clothes.' Wearing suit pants and a white shirt again he hoped would make him feel… more like himself, like a man. But in fact it was the opposite. They purely reminded him he was about to die and that he actually had no dignity left.

He smoothed out the collar of his shirt and felt the tailored creases in his black suit pants. NO! He shouted at himself. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE LIKE THIS DEREK! YOU'RE GOING TO DIE SHOWING THE WHOLE WORLD YOU'RE STILL A MAN AND THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT FROM YOU RIGHT TO THE END! LOOK THOSE CUNTS STRAIGHT IN THE EYES AS THEY PULL THAT FUCKING SWITCH THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO! Those words sounded great now, however when he was actually strapped in the chair that was another matter. But he knew he had to stay strong and be true to his word if only to himself. He wasn't at all a believer in any kind of religion or afterlife as he'd thought previously. But now his execution was this near, he wondered if he would have to re-evaluate that position. When father Fletcher arrived at 8AM, he might have to ask him more about God, Jesus all that stuff. As it seemed he really was about to die (he couldn't deny it even to himself anymore) maybe he should make things right with him above if he even existed just in case.

"Shit," he breathed. "Fuck!" There was no other word for it, he was now absolutely terrified of the next few hours ahead and the worse part was there was absolutely nothing he could do to change what was about to happen to him. He was about to take his seat in 'old sparky' and ride the lightning. Fuck this bullshit, he thought. Can't we just get this fucking circus started now? This is so fucking unfair and cruel! How do you think your forty-two victims felt then? The thought was so unexpected he winced. Why did he care how those bitches had felt? He'd fucked, killed and tortured them and that was all there was to it. But now it's your turn boy! You're facing death just like they all did. "For fuck's sake," he said aloud. He had to stop this stupid pointless battle with his own thoughts. What was the fucking point? He was almost out of time. Arguing with his own head wouldn't help in any way. That said nothing would and he knew that.

Thompson was coming to see him soon of course, another who was allowed to be with him from 8 but couldn't follow him to the chair. Only Father Fletcher was allowed that honour. He sneered at that last word. Honour? Doubtlessly the little shit would love every second of it. He knew Derek Chancer's crimes of course he'd read his whole fucking file! It was very likely that inside past his sad and comforting persona, he'd cheer like every other fucker when that switch was pulled in twelve hours' time!" "Fucker," he whispered again. "Go and shag your wife after I'm dead asshole!" Fuck! He really was going crazy. He was talking to himself again. But as he'd thought before was it really a surprise? He was about to die after all, surely that earned him the right to go insane? Approaching the bars, he called out softly to his death guards. "Hey boys, can't we just get this fucking show rolling? We've only got just under two hours and there's no way in fuck I'll sleep, duh!"

"Sorry Derek," one of them said. "Father Fletcher isn't in until 8AM."

"Yeah I fucking know that," he snapped. "But I can't just sit here… fucking waiting! Can't you just shove me in the chair and pull the fucking switch already?" Of course the guard ignored him, but what else could he do? Inside Derek knew that, but it didn't stop him saying the words. Sitting back down on his hard bed, he felt a twinge of pain in his back. Those beds were not designed or meant to be comfortable of course, and back ache had plagued him for the last two days as a result. He picked up the legal papers, started glancing at and trying to read them, but the words just seemed to blur before his eyes. It was as though his eyes at least were accepting the battle was lost and were getting ready to die now. He slammed the papers down again in utter frustration and yes, terror. Thompson wasn't going to get him out of this and deep down he knew it. Derek Chancer, was indeed out of chances.

…

When her alarm went off at 6:30AM, Danielle at first didn't know what it was. She stretched out her hand and sleepily groped for her phone to silence it. "Good morning hon," Nigel's voice said sleepily from the other bed. "Is it that time already?"

"Sadly yes," she said reluctantly, pulling herself out of bed as Nigel did likewise. Pulling on the clothes she'd worn the previous evening, she headed into the lounge then the kitchen to put on the kettle. She needed a cup of tea before doing anything else! Nigel walked in a few minutes later and she handed him his tea. "Thanks babes," he yawned and sat beside her on the sofa. "Are you going back to the hospital today?"

"Hmm I think so. Emma said I should stay as long as you needed me and so did Dr Loomis come to that. He said every day these suites are cleaned if someone is staying in one and I could have this one as long as I needed it at no cost! He's too kind." She felt her heart lift, but was worried about asking. "What?" Nigel asked, obviously detecting what she was thinking. God! Was she that easy to read? "Would you mind staying here another night?" She asked. "Just so I can talk to you about… you know, tonight?"

"Of course hon," he said immediately. "I packed enough clothes and things I just need to phone the car company to secure the car for another day, but that's no problem of course I will." A little while later they walked towards the shuttle station. Nigel had asked her again if she was sure she wanted to take a shuttle and she'd nodded firmly. "Charlotte would want me to," she said softly. Nigel hadn't argued further and soon they were inside. Danielle hit the button Charlotte had shown her and within seconds a shuttle arrived, they climbed aboard and sat down. "Welcome to the Smith's Grove shuttle system, please select your desired destination." Nigel tapped the instructions into the touch screen having asked her if she wanted to do it with him, but she just smiled and told him it was fine. "Thank you, your journey to your desired destination will commence in fifteen seconds. Please fasten your seatbelts, relax and enjoy your trip. You will reach your destination in approximately three minutes."

"It's like science fiction," Nigel quipped as he sat back in his seat and they fastened their seatbelts. She laughed. "I said exactly the same thing!" Once again she hardly felt it as the shuttle pulled smoothly away from the station. She was surprised to find that three minutes was a hell of a long time to think. She thought about the day ahead, what she was about to bear witness too. A man dying in the electric chair. She didn't however wonder if she really wanted to do it her mind was made up. But she also knew it wasn't something she would ever forget. How many people got to witness an execution in their lives after all? But with everything Chancer had put her through which could've very easily got her killed as well as compromising her safety to the limit, she also couldn't deny there was a part of her which couldn't wait to hear that he was dead and to sit there while it happened. The son of a bitch deserved everything he was about to get. If she was honest, she was almost sorry she couldn't pull the switch herself.

When they arrived back at the high care ward Dr Loomis was waiting for them. "Good morning," he greeted. "Did you both sleep alright?"

"Like a log," they both said together and the doctor chuckled. "I'm really glad to hear that."

"Dr Loomis," Nigel said. "Danielle has asked me if I could stay tonight too so she can speak to me after… when she gets back. Is that ok?"

"Of course it is, I already told you that. I'll get your suite freshened up for you today."

"Thank you so much," the other man said gratefully. "You're too kind Dr Loomis."

"Not at all," Dr Loomis smiled. "It's my pleasure. Care to escort Danielle into the dining room?"

"Thanks," Nigel said, still flattered how far Dr Loomis was allowing him to go. Before they moved however, the doctor clarified. "You both should get some breakfast, go on with you." Neither of them argued. "Told you he's a good man," Danielle said as William escorted them towards the patient's dining room. Nigel nodded and squeezed her arm. "Indeed he is." They entered and he told her Michael was waiting at one of the tables. Something must have shown in her expression because he whistled softly and nudged her. "You're blushing, Miss Avery." They got their food and crossed to sit with Michael, who was chained by wrists and ankles. "Morning," they both said to him in unison. Nigel saw the killer look up and was that a slight smile on his lips? Nigel and Danielle began to eat and a couple of minutes later Michael made to stand. "Nah man," Nigel said immediately, standing himself. "Let me get what you need. Honest it's fine. Sit down, can't be easy to walk in those carrying stuff. What do you want?" He could see Michael was looking for his notepad, so pulled out a pen from his pocket and his diary. Tearing out a blank page, he passed it to Michael.

I appreciate it Nigel, but only if you are sure?

"Yep, it's not a problem at all Michael. What are you after?"

Then I thank you again. A black coffee please?

"Yep two secs," he was gone. Danielle stood up and approached Michael, leaning in and kissing his lips softly. She reflected that only a few weeks ago she wouldn't have dared do that. How things had changed. Michael laid his cuffed hand on her arm. "Morning darling," she murmured. "Sorry about last night I just totally crashed!" His warm hand rested on her cheek and she realised again that in his chains he was unable to reach or use his phone. "I love you," she whispered in his left ear, before affectionately pulling it. He chuckled softly as she hugged him before going back to her seat. Nigel joined them a few seconds later and passed Michael his coffee.

Thank you.

"You're welcome," Nigel smiled at the killer.