For a confused second, Laurie was sure that her injury was causing her to hallucinate, concussion setting in and making her imagine things. But when she looked up, the tall masked man, the love of her life, her husband, was still there. Ben now looked absolutely terrified, which suited Laurie just fine. Blood was still running down his face from his bleeding lip. She never thought she'd see Andy Markaz and Michael Myers standing side by side, temporarily on the same team. "I said I was going to fucking kill you," Andy's voice was still very quiet. "Well I'll let the professional do it, but I'll sure as shit lend him a hand!" Again, he smashed Ben across the face.
"Please man," Ben whimpered in utter terror. "Please don't kill me?"
This time Laurie forced herself to her feet, paying no heed to the dizziness which threatened to bring her back to the ground. Townsend took her arm for support, seeing that her eyes were blazing with determination.
"Michael," her voice was weak, but clear. "Please don't kill him? I… I don't want you to face…" she couldn't finish as nausea took a death grip on her. She looked down at the ground and desperately tried to fight it off. Andy grabbed Ben's throat, pure anger and hatred in his expression. Laurie tried to take a step forward, but it proved too much. Both of Townsend's arms came around her to keep her on her feet. "No one needs to know," Townsend glared at Ben. "I am perfectly able and willing to cover it up!"
"Laurie tried to warn you," LYNDA said softly. "You were told so many times she wasn't interested, but you didn't listen. Should've thought of your life before you tried to rape Laurie not once, but twice. You made your grave Cramer, lie in it."
Ben's eyes widened in disbelief and he stared at Laurie, barely able to speak through his depleted oxygen supply. "You… this psycho… he's your…" but that was as far as he got because Andy smashed his head against the wall, just as Ben had to Laurie. "Famous last words and a big mistake," Andy said, just before Michael Myers slit Ben Cramer's throat with one lethal swipe of his knife. Andy leapt backwards to avoid the blood, Michael tilted his head as he observed his latest kill, watching his victim gargling his last breaths.
"Fuck," Townsend breathed. "Jesus! Michael Myers you don't mess around do you?"
Andy stepped forward and kicked the almost dead man as hard as he could. Ben's head lulled to the side as his body rolled over onto his back. "Motherfucker," Andy snarled. "Burn in hell!"
This time Laurie was unable to fight the oncoming dizziness and slumped backwards, her hand reaching out blindly, desperate not to hit the ground again. She felt it taken in a strong grip and didn't need LYNDA's gasp to tell her who'd just taken it.
"Holy shit," Townsend breathed, confirming her suspicions even more.
Laurie tried to slow her breathing down, desperate not to vomit. "Oh fuck," she groaned, looking up at the huge step they had to climb to the next tunnel. "Fuck no. I can't…" tears stung her eyes again. Climbing down it mere hours ago had been done so easily, now… Such a simple thing in normal circumstances was about to beat her. Her emotions were all over the place. "Go, guys. Go without me, come back with help. I…"
"NO FUCKING WAY!" Andy, Townsend, LYNDA and Katie said so vehemently Laurie stared at them in shock.
"Over my fucking dead body," Andy snarled, before shooting a look at Myers. "Uh, hypothetically that is, I hope…"
"Please," Laurie begged, feeling her eyes closing once more. "Please I can't… I…"
"OPEN YOUR GOD DAMN EYES!" LYNDA yelled as Myers squeezed her hand so hard Laurie winced, before they fluttered open.
"We'll support you all the way," Townsend promised. He knew they were all talking as though Michael Myers wasn't standing in front of them, hadn't just killed an admittedly evil man and would let them just walk out. Not likely, but he had to stay calm for Laurie's benefit. She needed medical help immediately; panic would only make it worse. So if they were in fact going to survive this, they had to move fast. If not and Michael Myers decided to kill them, then… well medical help would be pointless anyway.
"No," Laurie didn't try to hold back her tears this time. "So tired, I've almost been raped twice… please, just go… I…"
Townsend, Katie and Andy all gasped in shock, but LYNDA just smiled. Because Michael Myers then made his move. Leaning down, he lifted Laurie slowly into his arms and stood, as effortlessly as if he was carrying a toy doll.
"Fuck me," Townsend said, sounding almost in awe. The group could only watch, LYNDA blinking back tears as Michael pressed Laurie's head against his shoulder, one hand lightly resting on the top of her head. She was looking up into his masked face, and LYNDA could see something in her eyes, but she wasn't sure what it was. Hope, Love?
Townsend suddenly realised Michael's steady gaze was fixed on him. The tour owner took a breath and tried to remain calm. Usually when Michael Myers was looking at you, you were about to attend your funeral. "Mr. Myers?" His voice was cautious, unsure. The killer extended one hand towards him and Townsend took an automatic and instinctive step backwards.
"Mr. Townsend," Andy said quietly. "You might want to take that." Townsend stepped nervously forward and took the piece of paper Michael handed him. He opened it and his eyes widened. "It's the missing map page," he said very quietly. "It's the way out." He looked back at the killer. "Thank you." Then just like that, he was all business. "Ok guys, we need to get moving!"
No one spoke as the group started walking, Michael right behind them who lifted Laurie up the huge step as if stepping onto a paving slab. Andy and Townsend helped LYNDA and Katie. Before long they were back in the light, Michael still with them. LYNDA was talking quietly to Laurie and ensuring she answered to keep her awake.
Within five minutes after exiting, they were by Townsend's huge car. Everyone could only watch in stunned silence as Michael Myers laid Laurie on the back seat, then was beside her immediately. LYNDA sat on her other side and gently belted her in. Andy, Townsend and Katie were up front.
Within seconds they were off, Townsend driving with his foot almost to the floor. Andy kept shooting anxious glances at Myers and LYNDA wasn't sure if this was because he was afraid he would kill them in the end, or because he feared getting stopped by the cops. He of course didn't know Michael had been legally released, or that the woman he was now holding in his arms was his wife. As LYNDA glanced up, Michael removed his mask.
"That's fucking terrifying, that mask," Andy gave a shaky grin. "Jesus man, if you're hoping to scare, you win!"
Katie hadn't said a word, and Laurie couldn't help wondering how she was taking all this. Jason's killer was right behind her, and a friend of hers loved him. Laurie glanced at her and Katie gave her a faint smile. Laurie knew what that meant. It's not personal to you, I just hate your boyfriend.
As soon as they reached the hospital, Michael carried Laurie through the automatic doors, LYNDA behind them. Andy glanced at Katie. "Come on babe, I'll get a taxi with you, get you back home."
"Thanks Andy," she smiled gratefully at him. "It's true I don't have a clue what the fuck's going on with those two, but that man killed…" she swallowed. "Killed Jason, so I don't want to be near him."
"Gotcha," Andy nodded. "Completely get it. Come on, I'll get you safely home."
"Thanks my man," Townsend smiled at Andy, as he led Katie towards a waiting taxi at the rank. With a sad sigh, Townsend entered the hospital.
…
The next thing Laurie knew, sunlight was filtering into her hospital room. She opened her eyes slowly, they still felt so heavy.
"Morning babes," LYNDA's voice said from her side. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I got slammed into a brick wall," Laurie gave a faint smile. Her mouth was so dry. LYNDA passed her the glass of water beside the bed.
"Thanks," Laurie said gratefully. "What…" she swallowed, hesitating to ask the question for fear of the answer. "What's going on? Where is… everyone?"
LYNDA winked and smirked at her friend. "Mr. Townsend has gone home, but he didn't leave until he was sure you're alright. He's given me his cell number and asked me to call as soon as you were awake. He also wants you to call him, but only when you're ready, he said."
Laurie nodded. "Thanks, I will. He's a good man. He showed that so much last night."
"Indeed he did," LYNDA agreed. "Well, call it the day before last I would, seen as you've been asleep for over 12 hours!"
Laurie's eyes widened. "What?"
"Hey you were hurt and emotionally exhausted," LYNDA said firmly. "I think I'd sleep that long in your position too!"
Laurie really didn't want to ask her next question, but knew she had to. "Where…" she began, but LYNDA spoke before she could finish.
"Is your husband? I'm not sure, he left with Townsend a few hours ago."
"They left together?" Laurie asked in surprise, truth be told she was astonished. LYNDA nodded. "Yeah, don't ask me why though because I honestly don't know."
A few moments later, a nurse knocked and entered. "Good morning Laurie," she said cheerfully. "How are we this morning? Here's your breakfast, then Dr Gooding will be here to give you a check-up. All being well, you can go home later today."
Laurie smiled a little at this as the nurse set the food on the bedside table, gently pushed a thermometer into Laurie's mouth and questioned her about her symptoms. LYNDA looked fondly at her as good as sister, holding her free hand. She'd vowed she would never abandon Laurie the night before, and she would stick to that or die first.
…
Thomas Townsend looked up in shock as Michael Myers entered the reception of the hospital and walked to his side. He was totally silent of course, which made him even more terrifying. At least now he wasn't wearing his deathly white mask. He'd seen a tiny article on the news stating Michael Myers had been legally released, but that it was under secure measures and no one needed to panic, because if Myers killed again he would be executed. Townsend smirked. They'd have to find out about that rapist first.
"Hello Mr. Myers," he whispered. Partly because there were patients nearby, but also so as not to say Michael's name too loudly. Wrong person heard the name Michael Myers panic would spread; news be damned. Myers looked straight back at him, then gestured at the automatic doors.
"Huh?" Townsend looked at the killer, not understanding. "You asking me to come with you?" An ever so slight head tilt. Was that a nod?
"Do I need to make funeral arrangements?" He knew being flippant to Michael Myers might not be the best idea, but he was trying to show the killer he was no threat to him. Was that a slight smirk on Myers' lips?
"You sure you want to leave Laurie?" Townsend whispered. "LYNDA's with her and isn't moving from that chair," he smiled affectionately. "I think she'll be just fine, Michael." Again, that head tilt. Myers again gestured towards the doors. Not understanding but willing to comply, Townsend followed him. Hell, he thought as he followed Myers towards his car. It's not as if I have people to worry about me if I do die.
Townsend had never found marriage something he was aiming for in life. He'd made his money all by himself, and didn't want to share it with a woman who might just be nothing more than a gold digger. Ok if the right one came along maybe he'd reconsider his position, but until then, he was just fine single. Myers stopped in front of his car and looked at him expectantly. Townsend looked back, confused. "I'm sorry Mr. Myers, I'm not with you?"
Myers stepped to his side and unzipped his jacket pocket, removing the car keys. Townsend didn't even consider telling Myers he wasn't insured to drive his car; he had more life to enjoy thank you very much! So he simply nodded and got into the passenger seat. As he did so, he wondered if Myers had been intending to steal his car. But Michael didn't start driving until the doors were both closed, and he didn't drive at speed.
Townsend watched out of the window and felt a jolt of shock when he realised they were back outside 'Doom Tunnel'. Was Michael going to take him down there and kill him just like Ben? Would there be two fresh corpses down there before this was over? Myers got out and came to Townsend's door, waiting. His breathing was steady, calm. Townsend felt himself shiver a little.
"You taking me down there to slaughter me?" Again he tried to sound casual and tried to grin at the killer. It was only then he realised his hand was shaking. Shit, he was actually scared. Although considering who he was with, that was hardly surprising. Had he made a fatal mistake? He got out and faced Myers, who simply looked at him, his gaze unwavering. Townsend swallowed. Damn this guy was fucking terrifying.
Wordlessly of course, Myers gestured towards 'Doom Tunnel' entrance. Townsend now was feeling nervous. Should he run? Just leave? Why on earth did Michael Myers want him, Thomas Townsend to go back down there? Did he blame him for what'd happened to Laurie and want revenge in the form of his death? He was sure he heard Myers let out a soft huff of air, but whether amusement or impatience, he didn't know. Looking back at the killer, this time he couldn't deny what he was seeing. There was a very slight smile on the killer's lips.
Fuck it, Townsend thought. I'm trusting a masked killer! Good thing I'm not worried about dying then, eh? He gave Myers a nod and began to follow him back into the darkness of 'Doom Tunnel'.
…
"How are you feeling?" Dr Gooding asked Laurie half an hour later, entering her hospital room.
"Like I got slammed into a brick wall," Laurie said with a small laugh. Dr Gooding chuckled. "Apart from that?"
"Just tired mostly to be honest, I don't feel dizzy anymore, but I do have a fucking bad headache. Sorry," she apologised, but the doctor just grinned. "No problem, hear it all the time. I can proscribe you strong painkillers for the headache, I think the best thing you need now is rest."
"Can I go home?" Laurie was desperate to get out of there. She wasn't stupid enough to hope with absolute certainty that Michael would be waiting for her when she got home, not after the way he'd left. But maybe, just maybe…
"Yes," Dr Gooding confirmed. "I am happy to discharge you this morning. However, if your symptoms worsen, you are to come back in immediately. Not by driving unless your friend here drives, by ambulance. Understood?"
"Perfectly," Laurie nodded. "Thanks Dr Gooding."
"I'll drag her here if I have to," LYNDA threatened and the doctor smiled.
"Looks as though you're in safe hands then, Miss Strode. He looked uncertain for a minute and glanced at LYNDA. Laurie nodded for him to continue. "No it's just I wasn't sure what name to use, as your records state Laurie Myers."
She couldn't help but smile. "Yeah… it's new and I… haven't done all the paperwork yet." Had Dr Gooding made the connection? If so, he was a damn good professional not to say anything or even ask the question.
"Congratulations, no problem. Ok, let me proscribe your medication and then you can be on your way. There's always taxis on the rank, use one of them to get home, unless you have a car?" He asked LYNDA, who shook her head.
"Not here, no. I could go pick it up?" She asked Laurie, who shook her head in turn.
"Nah, that's silly. A taxi there, then drive back to get me? Nah, to be honest LYNDA I just want to get home."
"Of course you do," LYNDA smiled at her and Laurie wondered if she too was thinking of Michael, or just understood what Laurie was saying.
"Ok," Dr Gooding stood up. "Give me fifteen minutes tops, then you can be out of here."
Laurie smiled at him as he left, before LYNDA helped her dress. "Bet I've got one hell of a bruise, right?" Laurie asked as LYNDA gently pulled her top over her head, being mindful not to touch her injury.
"Just a small one," LYNDA said and Laurie smirked. "Liar! I bet it's fucking huge!"
"Ok," LYNDA laughed. "It is rather big, yes. But it's not your fault, it's that fucker… sorry, late fucker Cramer's fault."
Laurie nodded. She wished she could feel some sort of sadness at Ben's death or remorse, but the truth was she could not. After what he'd done to her not once but twice, she had no compassion left for him. She was also almost certain that Andy would've carried out his threat, or at least given it a damn good try to kill Cramer. He could've easily beaten him to a pulp without breaking a sweat.
Dr Gooding was true to his word. Within fifteen minutes they were heading out to the taxi rank, Laurie desperate to get back home, to be alone and have time to think. Or maybe she wouldn't be alone. No, she reminded herself sadly. Michael left once; he's not going to come back after that.
Then why was he down in 'Doom Tunnel' last night? Her internal voice whispered. Why did he hold your hand and carry you out to safety last night? Why did he stay with you until he knew you were safe in hospital?
Laurie had no answers.
…
"Mr. Myers?" Townsend questioned, as the killer led him right back to the ruined tractor with its attached train. Myers of course said nothing, just gestured for Townsend to take a seat in the train. Townsend looked at him in shock. "Sorry? You planning on taking me for a ride or something?" He smirked and again was sure he heard a small sound of amusement from Myers. "Um, ok…" he decided to keep cooperating and took a seat in the carriage. "But this thing won't move, the wires are…"
But he got no further because his mouth had fallen open in shock and awe, as Michael Myers started pushing the small tractor and train as effortlessly as a child pushing a toy car. Townsend was speechless. Fuck! How strong was this guy? God, if he wanted to kill him, Townsend wouldn't stand a damn chance! He remained in his seat as Myers pushed the tractor to the steps back above ground. Was this Michael Myers apologising for slashing the wires? Townsend couldn't see another way to take the gesture. Finally standing, he hopped down and came to Michael's side.
"No problem man," he said, following his thoughts. "It won't cost that much to fix and you clearly had… a reason. But I do have to ask, why take the map page from me? Was it to ensure we couldn't get out until you'd found Laurie? Or killed Ben?"
The two men's eyes locked, Myers' gaze intense, and Townsend was sure he was right. Was this Myers' way of showing Laurie he loved her, not letting her walk away from him? He didn't know, but was sure from the interaction he'd seen between them the night before, something was between them. Michael Myers had to care about someone to carry them to safety and not just kill them on the spot.
Townsend took the other side of the train. "Ready? One, two, three!" Together, he and Michael pushed the train up the steps. He was certain Michael could've done it alone easily, but he wanted to help, if nothing else than to acknowledge the gesture and show his thanks to the other man.
"Jesus," he gasped as they reached the top, wiping sweat off his face. "That's one heavy chunk of metal, and that's without me in it! Damn man, how strong are you?" He smiled at Michael in thanks. "To be honest I was wondering how I was going to get that out of there, this place is now closed to tourists." He didn't want to add the rest, but also wasn't stupid enough to think Myers didn't already understand. Myers handed him his car keys, and before Townsend could say another word, he was gone as if he'd never been there.
