"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, we'll be there in around 20 minutes."
The voice of the driver coming through a small speaker built into the privacy Perspex between them suddenly cracked, jolting Laurie out of her thoughts. It was only then she realised with horror that Ben's hand was on her leg and slowly creeping upwards. Furious, she shoved his hand off.
"Sorry," he said. "I just wanted to make sure you're ok. You've gone very quiet."
"That's a funny way to do it," Laurie said, trying not to lose her temper. Not now, not here. "Why didn't you just nudge me or something instead of trying to feel me up?" She glared at him and looked away, but he didn't seem in the slightest annoyed.
"I just care, alright? That's all. You need someone to support you going down there, which I don't think you should do incidentally and that someone is me."
"You don't think I…" she was speechless. "Need I remind you Ben that I was there when it happened, you weren't. Where the fuck were you in fact? If you're so fucking interested in me, where were you then huh?"
"Yeah," LYNDA spoke up. "Back off Cramer."
"I don't care what 'you think,' Laurie stressed the last two words for emphases. As for 'needing' your support, that's bullshit too and you know it! Andy, Katie and LYNDA here are going to support me just fine! You shouldn't even be going down with us! Finally, who the hell put you in control of what I do and don't do?"
"You know I've always loved you Strode," he countered. "But you had another man, what could I do? But look what he did, he left you! something I would and will never do."
"Will? Need I remind you we're not together Cramer. I've only been telling you that for months!"
"I can and will wait," he said smoothly. "I know you want me really. I've waited this long; I can wait longer."
"You…" she wanted to punch him, but just managed to restrain herself. Andy however was not quite so tactful.
"I'm warning you," he growled at Cramer. "Back the fuck off her or you'll have me to deal with. Before you start getting off on a jealousy fucking horse or something, no I don't want to be with her! She's a great friend and in case you haven't noticed, I'm with LYNDA! But I truly and loyally watch out and care for my friends, so do as the lady say and back the fuck off, or you'll know about it!"
"Thanks Andy," Laurie gave him a grateful smile. "It's appreciated." Unlike with Ben, she knew he genuinely did care about her. She'd grown to like him a lot over the months she'd known him and when Michael had abruptly left, he'd been her lifeline along with LYNDA and to an extent Katie.
Don't think about Michael, she shouted at herself. Don't even think his name! Don't! You do that and you'll fall apart all over again! Jason, Patrick and Duncan deserve your respect! Even if I do love their killer!
"God damn it," she said out loud, causing all of them to look at her. LYNDA put an arm around her, instantly knowing what she was thinking about, and Laurie hugged her back tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you LYNDA," she said sincerely. "I really, really don't."
"It's what friends do," LYNDA murmured. "The true ones anyway." Laurie knew that in that moment, they were both thinking of Annie and Paul. If Townsend had also contacted them, they clearly weren't along for this particular ride. Well good! She thought. I don't want to see them anyway! Not after what they did, whether I can understand it to some degree or not.
"Back off beard," Ben shot at Andy, glancing at his growing goatee. "I don't even fucking know you, who the hell do you think you are?
"Laurie's friend," Andy repeated. "The lady said back off, so do it! I'll only warn you once."
It was a relief when the driver stopped a few moments later, announcing they had arrived. The five of them stepped out of the vehicle, and the four who'd already been there recognised the familiar sign immediately and entrance to the gift shop. They might have joked about it, but suddenly now they were here, free merch seemed like such an insignificant consolation. But then, Laurie reminded herself, Townsend didn't kill Jason, Duncan or Patrick… the man I love did. Michael God damn Myers!
"Good evening guys," a voice said, as a man in a pinstriped suit and tie stepped forward. With a shock, they realised this was none other than Townsend himself, immediately recognisable from the Haddonfield Hype. Andy appeared suddenly uncomfortable and awkward looking and Laurie understood why. He hadn't exactly been complementary towards Townsend in the newspaper.
Andy, Laurie noticed, also appeared embarrassed, clearly he was remembering the article too. But the smile on the businessman's face seemed genuine. "I'm really glad to see you all, Townsend said, and it looked, to Lynda at least that he meant it. "Pleas follow me when you're ready."
The group followed him into the familiar café. All the tables were pushed against the far wall, the chairs stacked on top. Only one was set for use, surrounded by plush leather chairs. Townsend led them to that table.
"Please take a seat, I'll get you all drinks an something to eat, whatever you like, and it's on me."
"Mr. Townsend," Andy began hesitantly. "I really… need to say this. I'm sorry for what I said about you in the Hype, you didn't kill those people after all."
The billionaire turned to Andy and gave him a warm smile. "Honestly, It's ok. It's Andy, isn't it?" Andy nodded. "Don't let it get to you lad. I deserved it, I have thought about it since and I was exceptionally arrogant about the whole thing. I was selfishly thinking of money, not lives lost. You were exactly right to say what you did; this is the compensation I want to give you. We will go and get your free merchandise as soon as you're ready. I deserved what you said, every word.
"Doesn't mean I can't apologise," Andy said quietly. "That was still out of line, you weren't holding the knives." Townsend smiled at him again and then asked the group what drinks and/or food they wanted.
When he returned to the table and sat, he turned to Ben. "What's your name, son?"
"I'm Ben Cramer, I'm here to support Laurie… and the rest of the group of course."
Yeah right, Laurie thought. You only said that to hide your real intent. You're trying to control me, that's your only priority. Getting into my fucking pants!
"Good to know," Townsend said. "I'm fully aware how difficult this will be for you all and I'll do whatever I can to make it as easy as I can."
Katie gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, Mr. Townsend. I'm Katie, my boyfriend Jason died down there."
"I know," Townsend looked at her sympathetically. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Thanks," Katie's smile was a little more genuine this time. "I'm sorry about your two instructors."
"Thank you, and please, call me Tom all of you."
Everyone nodded and began to eat and drink. It didn't take Andy long to realise he'd underestimated Townsend and even been harsh and cruel towards him. He genuinely seemed interested in the group as individuals, asking about their lives and what they were currently doing. Laurie however couldn't focus on the conversation easily. Her mind was racing at about 100 miles an hour. The weight of the secret she'd been carrying for the last few weeks, was getting heavier and heavier on her shoulders. No one knew, not even Lynda. She'd considered telling her since the very first day, straight after the first phone call was received. But of course she couldn't. How could she possibly tell her friend or anyone else something like this? It was something she still couldn't get her head around, even weeks later. So how could she expect anyone else to do likewise? The simple truth was, she couldn't.
…
"Laurie, I'm so sorry to call at this time, may we talk briefly?"
Laurie squinted at the caller Id, noticing it was a number she didn't recognise, but she was certain she recognised the voice. "Dr Loomis, is that you?" God knew she'd heard his voice enough from within Smith's Grove countless times.
"Yes, it's me. Am I ok to talk to you for just a few moments? I can call you back tomorrow with more information, but I need to get the ball rolling if you will, tonight."
"Sure," Laurie said, her tone confused. What on earth did Samuel Loomis, Michael Myers' doctor want of her? There was a pause, and she could tell the doctor was considering how to phrase his words, or even if he should. She had the sense he was also considering hanging up. The silence fell like it went on for hours before he spoke again.
"Well, it's regarding Michael, as I'm sure you've already guessed. It's…" he let out a long breath. "Complicated."
"Ok," Laurie said, feeling more confused than ever at this point. "What about him?" She felt her heart twinge. This was not a man she wanted to discuss, not after he'd ruthlessly left her in the way that he had. Loomis of course seemed to detect her thoughts and feelings.
"It… turns out we were wrong. He wasn't the one who killed those students that day. Or at least, we're pretty sure he wasn't, considering the fact someone else was found on campus with a gun and knife that night."
"But Michael was there, right?" she asked, still unable to connect the dots.
"Yes," Loomis confirmed. "That's why he was captured and apprehended that night, taken back to Smith's Grove, where he still is now."
"So, what?" She asked, feeling utterly bewildered by now. "If he did kill them, he's secure there, so why are you calling me? You know he left me; you know how that made me feel! More fucking fool me for being stupid enough to believe Michael Myers would ever feel anything for me! Michael Myers doesn't love for fuck sake, and I should've realised that, rather than letting hope in before I got hurt!"
"Because," Loomis' voice was quiet, patient. "You hold the key to his possible release."
"What the fuck?" She said before she could stop herself. "If this is a joke Dr Loomis, it's not in the slightest funny!"
"Why would I joke about something like this?" Loomis asked, no judgement or anger in his voice however. "I promise you I am completely serious."
"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I didn't mean…"
"Forget it," the doctor said immediately. "But believe it or not, it's actually because of your feelings for Michael that you hold the possible key to his release."
"What if he did kill those students though?" She asked. "Why would you want to release him if that's the case/"
"Ok, are you prepared to hear me out? Please do so and I will explain everything. Will you do that?"
"Sure," she said uncertainly. What on earth was the doctor about to say? But nor could she get away from the fact that she loved Michael Myers and always would. Her damn heart! If there was ever a time she regretted entering Smith's Grove, it was right then. Her heart hurt so much, for a calculated, cold blooded killer, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.
"There is a chance for Michael to be released," the Psychiatrist resumed. "But, and I'm genuinely sorry to say this, but all his chances… hang on you."
"Fuck off," Laurie said before she could stop herself. "How the hell do I hold the key to whether Michael is released or not? Sorry," she added sheepishly, "for my language."
The doctor chuckled. "It's ok, I think I'd be saying similar if I were in your shoes."
"Please, just say it?" She wasn't sure she could stand much more suspense or small talk. If she needed to know whatever he wanted to say, she just wanted him to get on with it and tell her.
"For," Dr Loomis took a breath. "For Michael to be released, he needs to become a married man, he needs to take a wife."
Laurie didn't think she'd ever heard such a loud silence in her life. Her heartbeat suddenly sounded so, so loud. "What?" She finally managed when she could speak. "What the hell did you just say?"
Fortunately, the doctor of course knew she'd heard, it was a rhetorical question, hence he did not repeat his words, just remained quiet, allowing her to digest what he'd said.
"Please," she said after a moment. "Please don't say you're saying… what I think you are? You're not asking me to…" She found she couldn't say it. Taking a deep breath, she tried again, feeling fear take hold. "Asking me to marry Michael?"
"I'm not saying you have to do anything," Dr Loomis said softly. "I'm just telling you that for Michael to have a chance at release, this is what he has to do. I know how much you care about him, which, incidentally is not a crime, Laurie. In spite of my arguments to the contrary, he is, I have to admit, still a man."
Laurie didn't know what to say. This had to be a dream, a nightmare, right? Sure she did love Michael and there was nothing she could do to change it, but… this? Michael had left her without a care, what good would agreeing to this craziness do? There wasn't even any guarantee Michael would accept it even if she did say 'yes.'
"Not how I imagined being proposed to," she said before she could stop herself and heard the doctor's quiet chuckle.
"No one is saying you have to do this," he said gently. "It's entirely your decision. You are under no obligation to do anything at all."
"So what if I don't?" She asked.
"Then Michael stays exactly where he is."
She couldn't resist laughing at this. Her laugh bitter, sarcastic. "Doc, this is Michael Myers, if he finds an opportunity to escape, you know as well as I do he'll do whatever he's able to take it."
"On this you are correct," the Psychiatrist conceded. "So wouldn't it be better for us all if his release is… authorised?"
"Who the hell came up with this crazy stunt?"
"The CEO," Doctor Loomis said. The words sounded like they tasted awful in his mouth. She was surprised he'd been so blunt and honest with her. But then, she reasoned, he was only asking her in effect, for her life.
"Uh, why? What is he hoping to achieve from Michael being released? Doesn't he know how dangerous he still is?"
"Money," Loomis said simply. "It's costing a lot to keep Michael here, so the choices are he's either released, or put into a section of this hospital where he has no contact with anyone, call it solitary confinement."
"Why doesn't he just do that then?"
"Again, money. He also wants to believe Michael can be rehabilitated. If he didn't kill those students, it will show that since he left you, he hasn't killed anyone. So you are obviously having, or have had an effect on him he did not anticipate what so ever. You know as I do he very probably just saw you for sex, then left. But now he has, no one else is dead at his hand, and we think you are the reason for that."
"So… what?" The CEO said 'ok, so if it is something to do with this girl, then Michael has to marry her to be released? That will make him less dangerous?' That's… that's preposterous!"
"I say again, you don't have to do anything. It's just something the CEO wanted me to speak to you about."
She snorted. "Has your CEO forgotten that even if Michael does have to do this to be released, who's to say he'll accept this… agreement? Also, what if he does attack someone even when… when married to me?"
"To your first question, if he doesn't accept it, he won't be released. Second, if he does kill anyone, he will then definitely face the death penalty."
She snorted again. "That's if you catch him first."
She could almost see his grim smile. "This is true."
"Do you need a decision now?" She still could not believe she was having this conversation. She might be marrying Michael Myers himself? If she went around calling herself Laurie Myers, she'd have people after her blood immediately.
"Well, as soon as you can," the doctor said apologetically. "If you accept, Michael will be released immediately."
"I noticed you didn't say if you say yes," she laughed grimly. "Such a romantic proposal!"
"I'm sorry," Loomis said. She felt a rush of affection for him, as she realised he meant it.
"Thanks," she said sincerely. "So… do we have to like… live together and stuff?"
"Michael has to base himself in your or his house, yes. But he cannot hurt you in any way what so ever. Even an assault could get him put back behind bars. But anyone dies, so does he. But in regards to… normal marriage actions, that is between you and him."
"What about… divorce or something?"
"Now see, this is the… catch if you like. Michael will be given two wedding bands from Smith's Grove, which only he can give to you if he wants the marriage to become… proper if you will. You, however, have the power to end the marriage if you meet someone else and Michael can't stop you from doing so. But for your part, you can only end it for another relationship, not for any other reason. As you will be doing this to aid him in the eyes of Smith's Grove and also the law."
"This is insane," she muttered. "Insane. Are you sure your CEO doesn't need to be committed himself?" The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, but to her relief, the doctor burst out laughing. "You know, I've wondered the very same thing!"
Once again, she believed him.
…
For the next few days, she'd felt numb. She'd called Dr Loomis back two days later and confirmed she would do it. Her damn fucking heart! He for his part confirmed Michael had agreed to the arrangement. But she was certain this was for no other reason than because he wanted to be released. If she was honest, she kind of hoped he stayed in his house instead of hers. She didn't really want to see him, knowing he didn't give a damn for her, she was only his fucking sex toy and now… wife!
She'd also asked Dr Loomis to keep her maiden name, no way was she going to be Laurie Myers! He'd agreed to that immediately and as a result, no one knew who she now really was.
But she also hated keeping any secret from Lynda, especially one as big as this. Lynda was and had always been her best friend. Several times she'd wondered how Annie and Paul would've reacted to this! If they didn't like her for how she felt about Myers, they'd absolutely hate her now!
"Hey, are you ok?" The gentle voice and hand of Lynda on her shoulder jolted her out of her thoughts, as if on cue. Laurie tried to smile, but she wasn't sure how convincing it was. She couldn't stand the thought of losing Lynda as well… How would she react when she knew… knew the truth? No way was she going to end even her marriage to Michael Myers for the likes of Ben Cramer! She would just have to use every excuse in the book to keep him at arm's length, do anything before she told him she was now a married… (albeit by arrangement) woman.
Then of course there was the question of whether that would even stop Cramer from his attempts to pursue her. Given his conduct lately, she doubted it. But that was beside the point, he could not, would not find out.
