The three men in the battered grey Vauxhall pulled up to the small cottage, keeping themselves obscured behind a tree. "I thought 'Bottle ' was talking bull shit at us when he said the rich bastard would come here tonight," one of the men said with a smirk. "Appears I was wrong however." None of them used their real names of course, only the top leader even knew them. For some reason, he'd decided they would all be named after containers. The man in the back of this vehicle was 'Jars,' the one in the front was 'Box' and the driver, the leader of tonight's operation, was 'Flask.'

"Bottle's tapping his phone," Flask said. "He called me an hour ago, he's meeting some friends here tonight, gave me our instructions." Jars reached to the floor by his feet and picked up a heavy backpack. Opening it, he began to check the contents. "Easy with that!" Flask snapped.

"I know," Jars rolled his eyes, glancing at the items inside. Chloroform being just one of them. There was also a crowbar and a pistol. "I'm just checking our inventory."

"If I'm honest, I hope we don't have to use that," Box said, gesturing at the lethal drug. "I just want to use that on the rich son of a bitch," he then gestured at the crowbar.

"Which we will," Flask said. "We just need a little patience, gentlemen."

"Patience?" Jars scoffed. "We don't even have a plan yet Flask! What the fuck are we supposed to do, just sit here and wait for him to come out? That could be all night!"

"Then it takes all night," Flask snapped, glaring at Jars. "You got a hot date or something?"

"I wish," Jars gestured at his crotch. "I'm so fucking horny my cock's aching!"

"Too, much, info!" Box rolled his eyes. "Jesus!"

"Just because you haven't fucked a pussy in months," Jars sneered. "Your only relationship is with your hand, right? Left or right? You know you want some pussy as badly as I do!"

"I'm married, fucking twat!"

"If I was your wife I'd have left years ago, she really lets you put your cock in her?"

Box reached behind him and grabbed Jars by the arm. "Shut your fucking mouth," he hissed. "Or die!"

"Shut up!" Flask snarled. "Look!"

All three leaned forward in their seats to watch as the black Ford Focus drew up to the cottage and the doors opened. Two men and three women stepped out. Jars' eyes went wide. "Fuck," he breathed, staring at the three women. "One of those will have my cock in her before the night's out, I swear to fucking God!"

Box rolled his eyes, Flask glared at him. "Think of something other than your fucking prick if you want this money," he snapped. "Ok, so we need to wait until he comes out."

"What about the rest of them?" Box asked. "Bottle said there would be others? But this many?"

"We call for backup if needed, plus we have our weapons."

"You planning to break in there or something? Why wait until he comes out?"

"Because," Flask looked at Box as if he were a child in elementary school who didn't understand two plus one equalled three. "We don't know what his plan is yet, we may get an opportunity to ambush him far away from here. This place isn't exactly what you'd call isolated," he gestured at more cottages just through the trees. "Here is too dangerous.

"So… what? You're hoping he takes a joyride at night and then we attack?"

"Well yes, that would admittedly be our best scenario, but we'll just have to sit here and wait, see what the rich fucker does."

Again, Jars began to inspect their inventory, but this time he looked focused and ready for action. Flask gave him an approving nod. While he did so, Flask and Box kept their eyes fixed on the cottage, waiting, watching. They were like cats with a huge mouse, and they were ready to wait as long as necessary to get this particular mouse in their claws. Box smiled to himself. When they did, it would really, really hurt, or maybe even result in his death.

…

It came as little surprise to Laurie when a few moments later, Katie asked to borrow Tom's phone to call for a taxi home. He didn't stop her of course and also gave her money for the fair. She desperately wanted to persuade the other woman to stay so they could talk, but also knew that would be a very selfish thing to do. It didn't stop her being tempted though. To her relief, Andy and Lynda made no move to leave. Once Katie was gone, Laurie confessed to the other three about hers and Michael's argument and what he'd written in response, the anger in his words.

"Well," Andy said slowly. "I can't lie, I can see his point of view."

"Oh me too," Laurie said. "But I didn't mean it like that, I… I do love him; this is true and I just really wanted him to be there. He called you guys 'your friends' in other words pointing out you aren't his."

"Well if you're going to be technical," Andy said. "We're not."

"I know," Laurie sighed. "I guess now I've had time to think about it, I can understand why Michael was angry, but he truly did have the wrong end of the stick. Nor can I deny that he did point out he killed Katie's boyfriend, so she wouldn't be happy to see him and judging by the way she's just reacted, he's right there too. I don't blame her at all," she added, catching the look on Andy's face. "I really don't. It's not like I was expecting them to become best buddies or something."

"You can't push it," Lynda said softly. "That's a decision only they can make."

Laurie looked away. "Again, that's pretty much exactly what Michael said. You pushed and pushed it, not listening to anything I wish to say. Damn it!" She lightly slapped the table. "I should have listened to him! He…" she blushed. "He was going to suggest we use Lampkin Lane as he has more space than me, but he told me after that I could forget it!"

"Your house is just fine," Townsend said and she smiled sadly at him.

"Thanks, but we both know that's not true. It was the only one I could afford if I was buying outright." She looked sadly at the wall.

"Well you'll be able to change that now," Townsend gave her an encouraging smile. "You can have a mansion if you want."

At this she couldn't help but laugh. "No thanks, not my thing. I'd certainly like more space though."

Laurie was almost relieved when Lynda pulled out a game of Monopoly and insisted everyone played. Townsend smiled at her excitement and Laurie couldn't help doing the same, it was so contagious. It was a full three hours later when Lynda of course finally won the game. Laurie suspected she'd suggested Monopoly precisely for that reason. During the game, Townsend had kept them all supplied with plenty of tea, sandwiches and cakes. Laurie couldn't stop thinking about Katie, nor help feeling guilty about the way she'd left.

"She'll be ok," Townsend murmured to her as she helped him carry out some plates. "She's just upset, I'm sure she'll talk to you when she's ready."

"You've got more confidence than I have," she smiled sadly. "I somehow think that particular friendship is over."

"You don't know that; you might be pleasantly surprised." She shrugged, not believing this. Townsend smiled at her again and headed back into the living room to collect more crockery. Slowly, she followed.

When they entered, Andy had grabbed a Twister game. Laurie groaned, but couldn't help laughing. "No way, just… no way!"

"Ah come on," Andy grinned at her and she felt a rush of affection for him. Even given what she'd just told them, he was still by her side, Lynda or not.

"Oh fuck off," Townsend said good naturedly, but he was already taking his place on the mat.

"God damn it," Laurie said, but was unable to stop herself smiling now as she took hers.

…

It was a further four hours later they finally finished playing Twister, and the clock said almost midnight. Laurie couldn't deny she felt happier, friends were indeed a beautiful thing.

Michael's missing out, she thought. Having these guys as your friends is indeed a blessing. She had a mental image of Michael in a game of Twister then and couldn't help but grin.

"What?" Andy asked. She told them and everyone laughed.

"He's too tall!" Lynda giggled. "None of us would have any space to move!" This was true.

Townsend stood up. "I need to go down into 'Doom Tunnel' tonight, check it's all ok down there, no one's tried to vandalise the gravestone or anything."

"At this time?" Laurie, Lynda and Andy said in unison. Townsend smiled.

"You trying to avoid your fans?" Andy smirked.

"You're actually not far off," Townsend confirmed. "Sometimes people do try and mob me for autographs, pictures and the rest."

"Is that annoying or flattering?" Lynda asked.

"I don't mind it sometimes, it's part of the business territory I suppose, but I want it to be when I say so, not when they do."

"Fair enough," Andy nodded. "But who do you think would try and get down there? It's closed now, isn't it?"

Townsend laughed. "Andy, you know as well as I do that if someone is determined enough, that little inconvenience won't stop them."

"Yeah ok," Andy conceded.

"I'll go with you." The words were out of Laurie's mouth before she'd really thought them through. The others all turned to look at her. "I'll go with you," she repeated, realising only now that she actually meant it. She didn't want to go home, as the thought of being there without Michael if he was still angry at her was not appealing. She wanted to reconcile with him more than anything, but she wouldn't push him as she had earlier. She'd have to wait for him to come to her, and she knew as much.

"There's no need for that," Townsend said. "It's just something I feel I need to do."

"Please," Laurie said quietly. "I'll go with you Tom. I can't face going home right now."

"Michael might be there waiting for you," Lynda said gently. "Or is that your fear, that' he's not?"

"He's… terrifying when he's angry," Laurie looked away. "He was earlier, believe me he was. All I want to do is reconcile with him, but yes ok, I'm scared."

"Then go home," Townsend said. "You might be pleasantly surprised and he's there right now waiting for you."

"I can't, I don't want to take the chance that he's not. Please Tom, I need the distraction."

"You'll have to go home sometime," Andy said softly. "You can't put it off forever."

"Look, I'm more than happy for you to come down with me, but only if you're sure. Haven't you been through enough hell in that place?"

"I agree," Lynda said. "I won't stop you if that's what you really want, but are you sure you're not just trying to run away from your heartache?"

Damn Lynda, why did she always have to be right? "Both I think," she admitted. There was no point in lying as Lynda so clearly had her number. "But I also wouldn't mind a late night outing."

Townsend grinned. "Well only if you're sure, I can always take you home first otherwise. Because quite frankly, I don't fancy having to answer to Michael if you don't get home safely on my watch."

For some reason, this really irritated Laurie. She knew Townsend didn't mean anything by it, but she was so tired of even implied sexism, especially after Ben. She desperately tried to bite her tongue, but it proved impossible. "God damn it! Michael's my husband, not my escort! If I want to be out late, I fucking can be! Everyone's talking like Michael is the boss, he's in charge, everyone's understandably scared of him, but that now includes treating me like one of his possessions! I'm his wife, not his property! If I wasn't married to Michael, you would never have said that! What about what I want? Michael isn't in control of me, you know. Also, less you forget, we've argued tonight, so I don't think Michael right now gives a fuck where I am! But please will you stop treating me like a poor little woman who answers to her serial killer husband?" As she said this last, she reflected this was exactly what Michael had been trying to avoid. Damn, she'd explained it to him in such the wrong way, she should have tried harder, or maybe accepted he was right.

There was a long silence after her rant before Townsend spoke again, his voice soft as he put an arm around her. "I mean absolutely no offence, Laurie. I did not mean to upset you. But Michael does care about you, you're right you're not property, you're the woman Michael Myers loves. Hence why I do not want to put you in danger, and by doing so anger him. But by all means you can do as you wish, I would never imply Michael makes any decisions for you or has any type of control. Of course I'm… scared of Michael Myers, who isn't? But he loves you and I care about you. I don't want you in danger either. There was no offence intended. You are a fiery character all by yourself, we know better than anyone you don't need or want a man to protect you."

Laurie suddenly felt exhausted. Sinking onto the leather sofa, she took a few breaths. "Look," she began, but Townsend was already shaking his head. "No, you were right to say what you did, I am fully prepared to accept I inadvertently came across as sexist there and I really didn't mean to."

"I still shouldn't have bitten your head off," Laurie muttered. Townsend pulled her into a hug. "I deserved it."

"Well said Laurie," Lynda said approvingly, winking at her.

"You're certainly not a woman to mess with," Andy nodded. "Fair play."

"So if you want to come down into 'Doom Tunnel' with me," Townsend said. "You are more than welcome to do so."

"I'm going," Laurie said firmly.

"Very well," Townsend nodded. Then he turned to Andy and Lynda. "I assume you two aren't?"

"No thanks man," Andy said, Lynda also shook her head. "Fair enough. Now because we are going at night, I am telling you this purely for safety reasons. We will be below ground for two hours maximum. "If we are not back and haven't called you after two hours, call the cops."

"Understood," Andy and Lynda said in unison. Laurie stepped forward and now did hug Townsend. "Thank you, I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for," he hugged her back tightly. "I completely understand. Ok then, we ready to get going? Andy, Lynda, I want to pay for your taxi home."

"No," they said together firmly. "You've already given us more than enough," Lynda finished. "You don't need to do that."

"I know I don't," Townsend nodded. "But I want to. Please don't stop me."

Andy and Lynda both rolled their eyes, but Townsend was adamant. Stepping to the phone he called a cab and handed Lynda some notes. Once it had arrived and they were getting in, Townsend turned back to Laurie.

"I'll ask you one more time. Are you sure? I will completely understand if you want to get into that taxi and go home with the others, believe me I will. I won't judge you or have any hard feelings. I still think you should go home and reconcile with Michael; I can see how much you miss and need him in your eyes."

"Thanks," Laurie said. "I'm going, I've made up my mind. But I appreciate it."

"Ok," Townsend said simply, gesturing to Andy and Lynda to go. Once the taxi had left, Laurie and Townsend walked out to his car. Or one of his cars. "How many cars do you actually have?" Laurie asked, grinning.

Townsend laughed. "Actually, just one. The Limos you've probably seen me in in the newspapers I pay to hire when I need them, because I obviously get a driver then too."

She nodded as they got into his Ford Focus. Pulling away from the cottage, they headed into Haddonfield, only to head out of the town and back towards and into the darkness of 'Doom Tunnel' once again. Laurie could only hope that this time, she and Townsend both came out unscathed. At least there was no one there who would try and rape her this time, or bang her head into the brick wall. At least they would not be in danger this time. She confidently believed they were safe, after all she trusted Thomas Townsend. They were going below ground at night specifically for safety reasons, nothing could possibly go wrong.

"You ok?" He asked her.

"Yep," she nodded determinedly. "Let's just get this over with."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Let's be real, you probably don't either, right? 'Doom Tunnel' can be one hell of a scary place as we all know! That's without manmade dangers of rape or having one's head bashed in! I respect you're even doing this specifically to check the gravestone, that's why I'm going with you."

"As long as you're sure, it's never too late to turn back. If you want to wait above ground for me when we get there, I will perfectly get it."

"Thanks," Laurie smiled at him genuinely this time. "But we're a team tonight, Tom. I'm with you every step of the way."

He smiled back at her, then continued driving, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Laurie slumped back into her seat, glancing at her watch. One AM. She yawned behind her hand and couldn't stop her eyes briefly closing. Damn she missed Michael and wanted to be with him so bad right then, it felt like physical pain.

Neither of them saw the Vauxhall behind them, following steadily in pursuit.

…

"Finally!" Flask exclaimed as their target and one of the women appeared from the cottage, the other man and woman having got into a taxi a few moments before. "Ok, let's go. Got you, you rich bastard!"

"What if he's going to his secure house or something, if he has one?" Box asked. "I don't believe for a second he lives here, he's a fucking billionaire, he wouldn't live in a place like this! Way too small! He probably has staff, servants, the lot!"

"He won't when we've finished with him," Jars grinned. "He'll be in his fucking coffin!"

"Not necessarily," Flask reminded him, as he started the car and they began to pursue the Ford. "Bottle said we're only to kill him if absolutely necessary. He can get very badly injured and close to death, but we're not to kill him unless we absolutely have to. Else, how will he give us what we want?"

"Damn it," Jars looked irritated. "Spoil my fucking party why don't you?"

"Look," Flask said, looking his colleague straight in the eye. "I totally understand why you hate him; I hate him too. But we have to be sensible here, Jars. We can't take stupid risks. Once he's dead, that's permanent, after all. We have to play this carefully if we're going to succeed. We'll be the ones who end up in our coffins if we anger Bottle and fail our mission, especially if it's because of something as stupid and ammeter as letting our hatred rule us and killing him!"

Jars sighed. "I know you're right, but… fuck I have a personal reason for hating the son of a bitch!"

"We know," Box assured him. "But you can't let that rule you. Tell you what, we promise you can have full access to him with that crowbar, but you cannot kill him! Bring him close like Flask said, but don't kill him! Not until we've got what we came for."

"Fine," Jars grunted. "But you'd better believe me when I get my chance, that fucker's going to burn in hell! I want him dead!"

"Ok," Flask nodded to him. "Once we get what we need, he's all yours. Kill away, Jars."

…

LYNDA and Andy stepped out of the taxi outside Andy's house, shivering slightly. The night had dropped in temperature and the sky showed oncoming rain. As they approached his front door they both stopped, instantly knowing the other was feeling the same as they were, a prickling on the back of their necks like they were being watched.

LYNDA pulled out her key and it was only then she realised her hands were shaking. She looked back at Andy and realised they were both thinking the same thing. Tom was right, angering Michael if Laurie gets into danger will be bad…

Opening the front door, LYNDA looked back as Andy cleared his throat and spoke the two words LYNDA would never have dared to just then. "Mr. Myers?"

She covered her mouth to stop a scream as just like magic, there he was. The masked killer seemed to have appeared from nowhere and was now standing by Andy. There was a huge chef's knife in his hand. Andy shrank back into the shadows, trying to keep his eyes on the killer's. LYNDA took two quick breaths, then stepped out to join her boyfriend.

"Laurie's not here," she said quietly. "She… she went with Tom back to… to 'Doom Tunnel'."

"We tried to stop her," Andy said quickly, as if that would help anything. "But she was adamant."

"She… she's really missing you," LYNDA said, the fear raw in her voice she realised. This was her best friend's husband, surely she was safe, right? "She really misses you Mr. Myers." (Ok she wasn't scared, but she couldn't even use his first name?) "Laurie said she needed the distraction, as she couldn't face going home in case you weren't there. She told us what happened between you tonight." She looked into the killer's eyes through his mask and now did step back. They were blank, cold, no emotion at all. But LYNDA knew he loved Laurie from everything her friend had told her, but damn, Michael Myers was terrifying!

"You're welcome to wait with us should you wish Mr. Myers," Andy said. "We can't do anything until they call us." Catching LYNDA's eye, yet again they were thinking the same. Because you look like you're in the killing mood and we really don't want innocent blood on our hands because we didn't at least try…

The killer of course made no answer and when Andy looked back to where Myers had been standing, he was gone.