The road to hell, a halloween fanfic

To her, he was a ticking human time bomb. She feared the moment he regained his senses; he'd lean across the back seat and kill her. While he remained unconscious, she was safe and unless she somehow got out of the police car before he began to stir, she was doomed. (John Passarella, Halloween Novelisation 2018.)

…

Allyson knew she was in trouble. The full gravity of which had not yet sunk in. She was alone in a locked police cruiser with the right now unconscious Psychopath Michael Myers who wouldn't hesitate to kill her, as well as his doctor who had just murdered the officer who'd been driving this car. She knew that if she didn't get out of the car before Myers stirred, she was dead. Allyson had no idea why the doctor had driven this way. They weren't near any houses that she could see. Her grandmother's compound was a long way away yet. The road they were on appeared deserted. She'd watched in horror as Sartain had murdered Hawkins in cold blood with his bladed pen, unable to help in any way. How could he have done that? Hawkins had wanted to shoot Michael to the head and Allyson had wanted exactly the same. For some crazy reason she couldn't even begin to understand, Sartain wanted to save the masked murderer. Ok he'd been his doctor, but still…

Allyson had seen Michael's old doctor's words about getting him executed. "It needs to die. I'll be with him, my ear on his chest to ensure his vital signs have stopped." He'd described him as pure evil. Said he'd kept him locked up for that very reason. Now, he was dead and Sartain had taken over. He wanted to see Michael in the wild. He'd said as much moments ago. He'd only seen him in a controlled environment. He wanted to see him uncontained. Allyson thought he'd also gone insane. Could working in a Psychiatric hospital do that?

"People want to kill Michael," Sartain said. "I won't allow it." Allyson didn't trust herself to answer. She no longer trusted the doctor's judgement given he too had just committed murder. Could being around Myers long enough do that to a person? She found herself gripping the wire mesh, desperate to find an escape. But there was none. She knew their eventual destination was Laurie's compound and she desperately wished she could warn her grandmother. Would have if her stupid so-called boyfriend hadn't just chucked her phone in a God damn cheese bowl.

Every few seconds, Allyson glanced at the unconscious killer seated next to her, trying not to look at the lethal knife in his coveralls pocket. Eventually, what she was absolutely terrified of happened. Michael's mask was no longer in his lap where Sartain had thrown it after lugging him in. Myers now wore it and was looking straight at her. Allyson wanted to shout "fuck" more than anything, but forced herself to remain silent. She had to. If she could somehow avoid the killer's intention… Laurie had survived Michael Myers, her grandmother. Allyson was determined to at least try and follow her example. Now she cursed herself for being one of those who'd thought her grandmother was just being paranoid. What the hell was Karen going to say to this?

Sartain looked over his shoulder. "Michael?" Immediately, the killer turned his head towards his doctor, who held his blank, cold gaze. Allyson was trying as hard as she could not to scream. She was sure both of them were dead. When she'd told Sartain where to go, she'd said "before he wakes up and kills us both." Well now he'd done the first. Myers turned back and grabbed Allyson's hair, slamming her against the door. For the moment it wasn't an attack, she was simply in his way. He scooted across the seat towards her and raised his boot, slamming it in to the window. The glass didn't as much as fracture. Allyson figured others had tried that before him. This part was for prison transport after all. It was a mobile prison cell. Allyson suddenly found herself somewhere she thought she'd never be. Right then she was united with Michael Myers. She wanted out of here as badly as he did, all be it for different reasons. She looked at the thick glass and considered. She had an idea, but would it work? Prisoners usually had their property taken from them before they got in the car of course, but she still had hers.

Sartain was clearly desperate to see the outcome of Michael's and Laurie's reunion, because he'd picked up speed. Allyson cowered against her door, trying to keep as far away from Michael as possible. Why the fuck had Sartain locked him in the back with her? Why not in the front? She knew there was no point thinking this, but she couldn't help it. As if on cue, he turned a sharp corner in to a narrow street and didn't see the brick wall ahead of him, as he kept looking back at the killer behind him. Allyson opened her mouth to scream a warning, but she wasn't quick enough. The police cruiser hit the wall head on, and flipped over as if it was made of plastic. It skidded along the road and smashed in to a hedge, before landing on its side and becoming still. Allyson grabbed the mesh barrier to avoid gravity pushing her straight in to Michael. Glancing in to the front, she saw Sartain had a massive head wound and he'd gone through the windscreen, landing back in his seat. She was pretty sure he was dead.

"Fucking idiot," Allyson cursed. That was what happened when wearing no seatbelt. Allyson was certain she'd gone mad, (with shock perhaps) when she turned towards Michael and softly spoke. "You ok? I've got an idea to get us out of this. I think he's dead." She couldn't believe she'd just spoken to Michael Myers. Of course, the killer made no answer. "I… I'm really sorry about this," she said softly, knowing she couldn't stop what was about to happen. She had to release the mesh to do this. As a result, she was finally forced against Myers. She could hardly believe it when the killer didn't try to push her away from him. Maybe he couldn't?

Allyson looked in her bag and pulled out hand cream. Her thinking was if she could make the edges slippery, the glass frame may have more give. Crazy, but… Grabbing the barrier, she pulled herself back to her window and began to test her experiment. Myers was still trying to violently smash the window on his side, but with no success. This was it. She took a deep breath. Again, she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "Michael, there's a knife in your pocket. I need to borrow it. I think I've got this." She could hardly believe her eyes when the masked killer withdrew it and held it out to her handle first. She knew this was only temporary, once they got out of here he'd kill her, she had no doubts about that what so ever.

"Thanks," She took the knife from him and began to slide it around the edges of the cream slippery window, cutting the rubber from the glass. "Yes!" She breathed as the glass began to slip. But how the hell was she going to open this thing? It needed smashing. She wasn't strong enough to do it. Next second, Myers had slid towards her and now he was against her. She leant back as he raised his elbow and slammed it in to the cream slippery glass. Which smashed. Allyson just had time to grab the barrier to stop herself catapulting through the window. But they'd made a start. They had an exit. She tried not to look at the dead doctor in the driver's seat. Her sympathy for him was limited. Despite the fact that right now, she and Michael Myers were kind of… Working together. The thought came then. What would grandmother say? She smiled riley. She'd have to get out of this first. This could be bad. Sharp glass everywhere and she could cut herself. She turned her head towards Myers. Without speaking, she handed him the bottle, then slowly, reluctantly, the knife.

Within a minute, Myers too had smashed his window the same way she had. To her surprise, he returned the bottle to her. She stuck it back in her bag. Now both windows were smashed. Both door handles were stuck against the ground and hedge, so neither would open. Allyson knew this. She took a deep breath. If this went wrong, she'd be cut to pieces. Lethal glass was all around her not to mention a spikey hedge. While she was still trying to find the courage to attempt this, the killer had already got out of his window and to the ground and was now on his feet. She couldn't get across to his side, because gravity would throw her straight out the window. "Shit," she breathed. This was going to be very dangerous. She cursed Sartain. This was all his damn fault. He'd put her here in the first place! Then went too fast after committing murder and crashed in to a fucking wall. She took a final deep breath and leant towards her window. That was when the strong hands closed around her left arm, pulling her towards the other side of the car. Allyson's head filled then with one absurd, but true and unstoppable fact.

I'm trusting Michael Myers. I'm, trusting, Michael, Myers! This was insane. This was suicide! Wasn't it? Myers didn't release her arm and she felt him start to pull it, tugging her towards him. She had no choice. She had to do it. She had to trust the killer. But she was afraid. Not just of Myers. She knew how lethal that glass was. Myers may be able to get out without damage, but her? She smiled humourlessly. Yeah Allyson, she thought. You want to die in a side down police car? You have to! He may very well kill you when you're out anyway so…

She took a final deep breath and released her grip on the mesh. Instantly, she slid fast towards Myers. If she hadn't felt what happened next herself, she would never have believed it. Myers released her arm and both his strong arms came around her, but not by the neck. She didn't think, she just did. She turned so her feet were on the seat and she was facing the window backwards. Myers's arms tightened around her and pulled her through the window. She was sure her head was about to make contact with the ground. But it didn't. Because as Myers pulled her out, she felt one hand rest against the back of her head so that very thing didn't happen.

She found herself on her back on concrete and brushed glass from her clothes. Thank God she was still in her Clyde costume. Her trousers and suit jacket protected her. Myers's arms came around and under her then, raising her up. She realised then her feet were caught in the seatbelt. Slowly, carefully while still being supported by Myers, she began to work them loose. Eventually, she pulled her feet through the window. Myers eased her up then so she too was finally on her feet. She swayed, dizzy, putting one hand to her head. Shit it hurt. She now noticed she had blood on her clothes. She held on to the car for support, careful to avoid glass. Sartain's door had landed facing up and she watched as Myers yanked it open, pulling the doctor out by the jacket.

"Fucking twat," Allyson glared at Sartain. As she did so, his eyes flickered open. "What?" His voice was quiet. "What happened?"

"I'll tell you what fucking happened," Allyson raged. "You crashed in to a God damn wall! Nearly killed all of us!"

"How did…" Sartain started, but his voice trailed off. Allyson again wasn't sure if she herself had gone mad, but she looked at Myers and actually smiled at him, before winking slightly in an, I won't tell if you don't gesture. Michael looked dispassionately almost indifferently at Sartain. Allyson was still glaring at the doctor. He'd endangered all their lives and even before that hers, placing her in a locked cage with a killer. A killer who'd just pulled her to safety. The voice spoke quietly in Allyson's mind and she couldn't deny it. Sartain's eyes opened again and he once more tried to speak.

"Just shut up damn it," Allyson said before she could stop herself. "Please. I really don't want to hear anything you have to say." Automatically, without thinking she pulled out her phone. The damn thing was trash. A mess. She glanced up and noticed Myers was once again looking at her. No, not at her, at the phone in her hand. "Don't worry," she actually smiled a little at him. "Doesn't work. It's covered in fucking nacho cheese!" There was no way she was going to risk goading or winding up Michael Myers. She was sticking to the truth.

"What, what happened to the car?" Sartain softly spoke again. "I think that's the least of your problems," Allyson snapped. "We're trapped out here you bastard! It's a damn long walk to get anywhere! Oh I almost don't believe this!" Sartain turned towards Michael. "Are you…"

He got no further. Allyson didn't see what happened because dizziness overwhelmed her then and she had to close her eyes, slumping to her knees on the ground and lowering her head. But when the dizzy spell passed, she looked up and had to cover her mouth. Sartain was no longer talking for one simple reason. His brains were out of his skull. His whole head was crushed. "Good fucking riddance," Allyson mumbled, unable to stop herself. She tried to stand, but her legs were shaking too badly. She grabbed the open facing up driver's door, using it to try and push herself up. She managed it but was still shaking uncontrollably. Whether from adrenaline or fear, she didn't know. All she knew right that second was she needed help. Either that, or she was seconds away from death herself at Michael's hands. Right then given her current situation, she almost welcomed it. She couldn't walk. She was scared to even let go of the damn car.

She looked up to see Myers move away from the dead doctor, blood covering the ground along with brain matter. She forced herself not to look again or she'd throw up. Next second, Myers was standing at her side. "Are you going to kill me?" Her voice shook as much as her body was. Of course, Myers didn't reply. Instead, she felt him take her arm as if to pull her away from the smashed wreck of the police car.

"I… I can't," she spoke softly. "I can't walk. If I let go, I'll hit the ground. My balance is shot. I'll never make it out of here like this." Myers continued to pull her arm, to the point where she had to let go. She stumbled backwards fully expecting to hit the ground, and that would be it. Maybe she'd have her skull crushed by Myers just as Sartain had. But again, neither happened. Instead, she was caught by Myers, her back against his strong chest. Unable to stop herself, she turned to face him, still in his grip. Their eyes met and locked. Hers scared, his cold, blank. As if she was made of plastic, Myers lifted her up in to his arms. Allyson didn't try to resist; she couldn't. She was too tired and weak. Nor did she try to when her head hit the killer's shoulder. He didn't try to move it. The last thing she saw before her eyes closed as she blacked out was Myers turning and beginning to walk away from the smashed car. The last thing she felt, were his arms tightening around her as he carried her in to the night.

…

Confusion. That was the first thing Allyson felt when she opened her eyes. It was swiftly followed by pain. Jesus her head hurt. She could feel something soft underneath her and finally realised she was lying on her own suit jacket, a thick coat under her as a pillow. She was still in her trousers, shirt and tie. She blinked, trying to get her bearings. She had no idea where she was. That was when she felt the arm around her. She turned her head slightly and saw a man in trousers and a shirt kneeling beside her. For a second, she didn't recognise him. Then it all came flooding back. The smashed police car, Sartain's death, hers and Myers's escape from it. The man beside her was Michael Myers! She looked up and felt shock crash over her. He'd removed his mask and was no longer wearing his black coveralls, just trousers and a shirt. Where he'd got them from she didn't like to think. Hopefully not by killing someone.

"M… Michael?" Her voice was quiet, hoarse. She coughed a little. Her throat was dry, she desperately needed water. Next second, she felt a bottle of it being pushed in to her hand. She took a couple of sips gratefully then handed it back to Myers. She had some painkillers in her bag so she swallowed 2 of them with the water. "Where am I?" She asked, her voice a little stronger. Then she mentally kicked herself. Duh! Because he'll answer, idiot. She glanced around her. They still appeared to be a long way from anywhere. Where the hell had Sartain driven them just now? Wait, was it just now? How long had she been unconscious? She remembered feeling Myers holding her tighter just before she closed her eyes, but how long had it been? An hour? 2?

Just then, a car approached and stopped in front of them. Allyson then realised another thing. Her head was awkwardly bandaged in what felt like a shirt. Her suit jacket was covered in blood. Was she still bleeding? Looking up at the approaching car, she saw it was another police cruiser. The passenger window slid down and she heard a female officer's voice. "You guys ok there?"

Suddenly she understood. Without his mask and coveralls, they had no idea it was Michael Myers. But why did he care about being recognised? Surely his desire was just to kill anyone he met? Well except me, she thought before she could stop herself. You're not dead yet kid.

The back door opened and the female officer spoke again. "Jump in, we'll get you guys to a hospital. That's a lot of blood Miss. We'll get you and your friend there checked out."

Allyson fought the urge to laugh. She felt like she'd burst in to crazy hysterics due to stress, tiredness and a damn bad headache. Friend? Ha! Then she realised the back door had opened and looked up to see the cage inside it. "No," she whispered, not caring who heard. "I… I can't get in another one of those… Not again… Please, I can't…"

That was when Myers's arms came around her yet again, lifting her slowly to her feet. "Michael," Allyson pleaded, unable to help herself. "I can't, not again…" But Myers didn't answer and lifted her in, getting in beside her. The heavy barrier then the door slammed shut. Allyson felt fear grip her immediately and started when Myers's hand touched her arm. He was trying to relax her? This was almost beyond belief. It was only when Myers's arm closed around her pulling her closer to him she realised she was badly shaking. She fastened her seatbelt as the officer got back in to the front and started the engine. "We just have to drop your fellow passenger home, then we'll get you to hospital." Allyson only then realised there was someone else in the cage with them. She looked to her right and drew in a sharp breath. It was Cameron.

Allyson couldn't stop herself glaring at him. If it hadn't been for him she'd have had a working phone and… Then what? Said a quiet voice in her head. Then what, huh Allyson? You'd have called the police and probably got killed all the faster. Michael hasn't killed you yet. Hell he's holding you trying to relax you right now. What the fuck? So if you had a phone, you wouldn't have this… This what? Bond? With Michael Myers? She had no other word for it. Bond.

"What the fuck happened to you?" Cameron asked, looking at her bloody clothes.

"Like you give a fuck," Allyson snapped back at him as they pulled away. "Just leave it."

"I mean Jesus!" Cameron continued as if he hadn't heard her. "You're covered in blood and your head's bandaged with a fucking shirt. What happened Allyson?" Allyson was suddenly too tired to answer. Her head was starting to hurt less thanks to her painkillers, but not by much. She still felt hammer blows of pain if she moved it too much. She suspected she was concussed. Luckily she hadn't thrown up though. That was one blessing at least. Myers's arm hadn't left her shoulders, still holding her against him. Allyson had no idea how much she'd welcome it until it happened. She found herself again resting her head on his shoulder. "Thank you," she breathed so only the killer heard. "I don't know about you but I'll never see a police cruiser cage the same way again," she gave him a small smile.

"I meant what I said you know," Cameron went on. Allyson rolled her eyes. "I didn't do anything with Kim, she came up to me. Don't cry about it. I'm trying to respect she still has feelings, I'm sorry. She already has eating issues and I didn't want to make it worse. What was I supposed to do?"

"Fucking hell Cameron," Allyson said tiredly, too tired to even sound angry. "Just please shut the fuck up?" The 2 officers in front seemed to be taking absolutely no notice of their three passengers. They were talking and laughing among themselves, not paying the slightest attention to Allyson, Cameron and Michael. Ha, Allyson thought. If only you knew who you have in your car right now. You'd have your guns on him so fast we'd miss it if we blinked.

"Don't be such a tight bitch," Cameron said and Allyson was sure Myers tensed beside her. She could hardly believe what she was doing when she softly touched his arm. "It's ok," she breathed. "He's a jerk anyway." But her head was spinning again and nothing to do with possible concussion this time. What the fuck? Why the bloody hell would Michael Myers give 2 shits what Cameron said to her? "I'm serious," Cameron pressed on, apparently not realising he was potentially winding up seriously the wrong man. "It was only a phone; anyone would think I threw you in to that cheese bowl." Allyson sighed. "Shut up," she repeated for the third time. "Please. I'm too tired."

"Just answer me bitch," Cameron snarled and this time there was no mistaking it. Michael Myers had tensed and his arm around her tightened. Uh oh, she thought. Cameron please, please, shut up? "What?" She asked him with a sigh. "Answer you what?"

"Why were you so het up about Kim? It was only a fucking kiss to the neck. What's the big deal? Anyone would think I shagged her!"

"You know I can't stand her," Allyson said. "I know she still likes you and… Oh fucking hell! It's so trivial, forget it. If you want Kim have Kim."

"Here we are Mr. Elam," one of the officers said as the car stopped. Cameron was still glaring at Allyson. "Maybe I will," he shot back at her. Then, he grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Myers and out the door before the cops could react. Allyson was so shocked, she couldn't and didn't struggle. But she did see it when Myers stepped out beside her. "We'll be fine from here," Cameron said to the officers. "Thanks. I'll give them a lift to the hospital." Allyson could hardly believe it when the male officer nodded and the cops drove away. Just shows how much attention they'd paid. Allyson glared again at Cameron. "What, the, fuck?"

"You walked away from me last night," Cameron snarled. "We're going to talk."

"Enjoyed your time in a fucking police cell?" Allyson shot back, pulling her arm from his grip. So it must've been a few hours at least. "Fuck off Cameron. You made it clear how you felt earlier. Plus you were drunk as all hell. Oscar got you fucked up. You were drinking from that flask all night. You, not Oscar. I can't face anymore shit Cameron. Just leave me alone ok?"

Allyson knew Cameron lived on his own in a street with not many houses and sure enough it was currently deserted. Maybe that was why Cameron did what he did. Next second he'd grabbed Allyson's jacket. She staggered, her balance still off and fell to the ground. This time with nothing to break her fall she did hit her head on it, hitting it for a second time tonight. She tried to get to her feet, but before she could Cameron had stepped forward and punched her straight to the face. She felt her nose shatter under the impact, immediately beginning to pour blood. Now she really did need medical help. "You bastard," she yelled as she again tried to stand up, blood pouring down her face. "What the fuck?"

"You'll be alright," Cameron snarled, leaning over her. "Just ask your boyfriend there for help! Bit old for you isn't he? Maybe I will fuck Kim. She's certainly nicer to me than you are, criticising everything I do. If I want to get drunk I'll get drunk. High I'll get high At least Kim's not a tight bitch who won't open her legs for me like you won't, or…" He stopped speaking and made a strangled sound. Allyson looked up and gasped. He was no longer speaking because Michael had him by the throat.

Holy fuck, was all Allyson could think as she struggled to her feet. He can't be doing this because Cameron insulted and assaulted me, is he? That's… That's… "Michael," Allyson said before she could stop herself. "He's not worth it…" To her complete shock, Myers eventually released Cameron, who fell to the ground gasping for breath. He was still alive! No way, Allyson stared at him. He wasn't dead. Michael hadn't killed him. Because I asked him not to? No fucking way! He's Michael Myers! He kills whoever he wants. It had nothing to do with that!

"Consider yourself fucking warned," it was Allyson's turn to snarl. "Just leave me the fuck alone because next time I won't say anything. Just fuck off!" After a minute, Cameron struggled to his feet and without another word he headed towards and in to his small house. Allyson stared at Myers, totally bewildered. What the fuck just happened?" "Ex-boyfriend," she said to Michael with a shrug. "As you can see, such a charmer." She actually grinned at him this time. "Kissed another girl at the school dance then broke my phone. It was him who threw it in to the cheese bowl. Look." Unlike before, this time she actually held it up and passed it to him and Myers took it. "It's totally fucked. Thanks Cameron." It was only then she noticed Myers was looking intently at Cameron's door. He was considering the kill after all. Allyson lightly touched his arm. "Honestly," she said quietly. "He's not worth it. He's just an idiot who by his own admission gets drunk all the time. Yeah he treats women just fabulously," she rolled her eyes. "But don't waste your time on him."

My new boyfriend? She thought. That's hilarious. Cameron almost found out who he actually was and didn't like it much! Michael Myers my new boyfriend? Jesus you've got to be joking! Myers turned back to her and put his arm back around her. This time, she found she could walk ok and they walked away from Cameron's house. "Now I do need help," Allyson said quietly to Michael. "I think he's broken my nose." Myers led her to one side and stopped, pulling her close to him yet again. She felt herself lean in to him. "Careful," she said softly. "I don't want to get blood on your shirt." Myers softly took her face in his hand, either not hearing or ignoring her. He pushed the shirt sleeve in to her mouth and she suddenly realised what he was about to do. She braced herself, then nodded to him. Yet again, she thought. I'm trusting Michael Myers. Twice in one night? Will I be right to do so both times?

But she couldn't think any further because that was when Myers made his sudden and quick move and she felt more than heard the crack! As he reset her nose. She yelled with pain against the shirt sleeve and staggered violently, trying to pull away from him. But Myers's arms tightened as she gasped for breath against the pain. Fuck it was agony. "Jesus Christ!" Allyson yelled as Myers continued to hold her. "Fuck me that hurt…" She eventually looked up, tears streaming down her face. "T… Thanks," she managed eventually. The bleeding had slowed and finally stopped after Myers had reset her nose. Yet again, she found herself asking another question for the second time tonight. What would grandmother say to this? Myers led her towards an idling but empty car. What the hell the owners were doing she had no idea. Myers pushed her in to the front seat, then got in to the driver's one and pulled away. Allyson remembered Laurie telling them Michael could drive cars. Now, she was completely at his mercy. When this realisation hit, she expected to feel fear. But she didn't. She didn't know if that meant she was crazy, but she didn't! Myers had her completely now and could do whatever he wanted with her. Yet, she trusted him. She glanced at her watch. It was half past midnight now. "Thank fuck for that," again she found herself smiling at Myers. "No cage this time huh?" Myers's face and gaze remained blank, but he looked over at her and their eyes again locked. She smiled at him again and it was genuine. She couldn't deny it. "Thank you Michael," she said softly as he picked up speed and began to drive them in to the night. She had no idea where they were going, but right now was too tired to care. She'd been through enough tonight that was for damn sure. She felt her eyes closing as she lent her head against the headrest behind her. But before sleep took her she looked over at Myers and spoke 7 words with a shaky laugh. "I think I owe you my life."

…

It was the gentle motion of breaks being applied which woke Allyson from her deep sleep. She glanced at her watch. It was 4 AM. Bloody hell. She'd slept for hours. But where was she? She stretched, trying to unstiffen her neck. She was in the passenger seat of another car. What was it with her and cars tonight? She opened her eyes slowly and looked over at him. Him. The man who'd been with her for hours now and hadn't killed her. That for Allyson was the most unreal and surprising thing of all. This whole night had just been the strangest of her life. Sartain's death, Cameron breaking her nose which still stung but not as much, Myers almost killing Cameron, her asking him not to and his releasing him. But why had he done that? There had to be another reason. Michael Myers took requests/orders from no one.

She glanced out of the window then and felt her stomach go cold. They were outside her grandmother's compound. How the hell did Myers know where it was? Also why wasn't he trying to get in and kill Laurie? It was what he'd wanted for 40 years after all wasn't it? But Myers had made no move to get out of the car. Allyson glanced at him again and was almost sure his eyes were closed. But this was after all Michael Myers. He could easily be toying with her, but somehow she doubted it. Maybe he was exhausted to. If so she understood completely. That said, she knew better than to let her guard down in this man's presence. He was still Michael Myers, a cold blooded, masked and silent killer, who was she reminded herself, in pursuit of her grandmother for that very reason. Did this mean they were now free from the fear he'd kill them? After what'd happened between them tonight, were her family now safe?

It suddenly occurred to Allyson she couldn't sit in this car with him forever. It took her 2 attempts to open her door as her hands were shaking. Myers still hadn't moved a muscle. She'd never seen anyone be so still before tonight. It was frankly unnerving. But however she felt, she had to say this to him first.

"Mr. Myers?" Her voice was as exhausted as she felt.

There was no response, but nor had she expected one. She took a shaking breath.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me tonight, including the lift home." She couldn't stop herself then. She gave him a tired, but genuine smile. Their eyes met then and Allyson could've put it down to tiredness or her imagination, but she could've sworn the killer's lips curved in to a slight smile in return from behind his mask.

Finally, she opened her door. Her legs felt weak, but she managed to transfer her weight on to them as she stepped out of the car. She glanced back just once before starting to slowly walk towards Laurie's gates.

"Happy Halloween," she said softly. She was certain of it this time. Myers gave her a very slight nod.

The sound of a car door slamming scared her out of her wits and she stifled a soft scream. She glanced back, her heart pounding just in time to see the headlights of Myers's car fading in to the distance. She raised her hand in a brief wave, before turning and she wasn't sure why, beginning to run.

…

…One year later.

The sound of the front door slamming jolted Allyson from a light sleep. Shit, shit! She hadn't put the oven on for dinner. This could be bad. Seconds later sure enough, he stumbled in to the living room. Allyson sighed. He was drunk, again. So what else was new? "Where's my dinner?" He slurred. "You being fucking lazy again?" Allyson chose to ignore the spiteful little prick and got to her feet without a word. "I'm talking to you," he snarled, grabbing her arm. "Answer me."

"If you want dinner," she said evenly. "You'll have to let me go because you won't get it if I can't move will you?"

"Bitch," he slapped her to the side of the face. Allyson didn't flinch. She was used to this now. Instead of fear however, she just felt disgust and hatred. All he was good for was beating women. What the hell had she even seen in him a year ago? Cameron may have kissed Kim's neck, but he made her current boyfriend look kind. If she could change one thing, she wouldn't have got so involved in all the drama that night. Yanking herself out of his grip, Allyson went in to the kitchen. It was a good job she didn't have any poison she reflected, or she might end up using it tonight. As she started preparing dinner for the 2 of them, she looked sadly out of the window. She had never anticipated ending up in this situation just a year ago.

Her mother and father had gone through a nasty divorce and she was left to pick up the pieces. That was how it felt anyway. It had all started to fall apart after Laurie had committed suicide. She hadn't been able to face her fears. Nor had she believed that Michael had helped Allyson out the way he had that Halloween night. She had still been convinced Myers was intending to kill her and Allyson had to remind herself that he had of course, given her no evidence to the contrary, all be it he'd been almost kind to her that night. Allyson herself wasn't afraid he'd kill her; she was afraid he… Stop it! She shouted at herself as she started cutting chicken. Stop it for fuck's sake! You'll drive yourself crazy as you have been trying to stop yourself doing for the last almost year woman!

He stumbled in to the kitchen seconds later and Allyson inwardly groaned. Why had she allowed her father to put her in this position? Karen had fallen apart following Laurie's suicide, which was probably part of what had contributed to the divorce. She'd moved out of Haddonfield, not caring if Allyson followed her or not. She was so devastated after Laurie's death, nothing else mattered to her. Allyson understood why. Her mother was regretting the way she'd treated Laurie. Allyson gave a grim smile. If she'd known what'd happened exactly one year ago, she may have completely changed her tune and perhaps Laurie would still be here. To put it frankly, Karen had been a total bitch to Laurie. Ray had sunk in to alcohol after the divorce and he hadn't exactly been nice to her either. Three months later, Allyson too had moved out of Haddonfield, straight in to his house. Why hadn't she just rented her own flat? She kept her gaze on the darkening sky, as almost against her will, she let her mind wander back to exactly one year ago.

…

"Are you going to kill me?" Her voice shook as much as her body was. Of course, Myers didn't reply. Instead, she felt him take her arm as if to pull her away from the smashed wreck of the police car.

…

"Hurry up bitch!" He said, slurring every word. "We're going to a Halloween party tonight remember?" Allyson inwardly groaned again. Shit. She'd completely forgotten. A group of his friends were throwing some kind of Halloween bash at one of their houses. Someone with money. She didn't want to go, not in the slightest. But she had no choice in the matter. She'd said she wanted to stay there and he'd point blank refused. When she'd persisted, he'd hit her. The bruise above her eye was swollen, her eye itself turning black. "No!" He'd shouted. "You're coming with me but you won't talk to any other men there! Got it?" "You were hoping I'd changed my mind weren't you?" He slurred now. "Too bad for you woman! I want you in that tank top so I can look at you all night and then fuck you when we get home. But do not talk to any other men, you're mine, end of story."

"It's freezing out there," Allyson began weekly. The top in question was very thin and hardly hid any skin. He'd "bought" it for her a few months ago. "You can wear your jacket until we get there, then you take it off," he said.

They ate dinner in silence, then he ordered her upstairs to change. He dressed in his best dark suit and tie. He'll be warm, she thought bitterly, but didn't dare say. She'd long since learnt that arguing with him was pointless. How she wished she'd played her life cards differently. Vicky had moved away with her parents and Allyson missed her something terrible. They talked by FaceTime almost every day and Vicky was the only one who knew of his abuse. Vicky had entreated her to leave him and join her and her parent's, but Allyson wasn't sure how she'd do it with all her stuff. Vicky had urged her to just leave it and her parent's would help her pick it up once she was safely away from him. Allyson had spoken to Vicky's father, who'd told her exactly the same. "We love you Ally," he'd said. "Get away from him and come to us." She'd had to cut the call short because he'd come home at just that moment, but she hoped that sooner rather than later, she could indeed join Vicky and be rid of him for good.

Soon enough they were in his car, heading towards his friend's house. The short skirt Allyson was wearing under her top also didn't hide much. She hoped their host would have heating on, or she really would freeze. When they got there, Allyson saw with a sinking feeling her fears had been right. It was a huge house and she could already see the doors leading to the indoor swimming pool. People with cash really didn't impress her. Halloween decorations of all kinds were hanging all over the houses outside and she imagined it was probably exactly the same inside. Sure enough when they entered, it was to the sight of even more decorations. Fake ghosts, skeletons, witches, the list went on. True to his word, he yanked her jacket from her as soon as they were through the doors. Immediately he was shaking hands with other suited men and kissing women's cheeks. Allyson wanted to punch him. The sleazy bastard! She couldn't talk to men, but he could kiss women. Allyson had to blink then to fight back tears. Why had she made such a stupid mistake of thinking he loved her?

Before long, people were tucking in to extravagantly prepared food, their host even had hired waiters dressed as goblins, clowns etc. to walk around carrying silver trays of food and drink. Allyson refused to take any alcohol. Drunk was one state she did not want to be in. Although, she reflected with a shiver. It might help her warm up a little. It didn't take long until he was at the side of the swimming pool, watching women in swim suits swimming lengths, his eyes fixed on all of them. She wanted to kick him to the balls. He was an abusive, controlling prick. She just wished she'd realised this before it was too late. Turning away she made to head back to the main house, but he grabbed her arm. "Stay here bitch," he hissed in her ear. But Allyson had had enough. She waited until he was distracted, or at least his dick was, by a stunning blond and quietly slipped out back in to the house. If she couldn't talk to other guys, jealous little shit! She would at least talk to some of the other girls, most of whom appeared to be around her age. Older men looking for trophy women, she sighed. Now she was one of them.

As she sat shivering on one of the huge leather sofas, she couldn't stop thinking about the letter she'd left at the old Myers house just before she'd left Haddonfield almost a year ago.

…

Dear Mr. Myers.

Don't ask me why I'm writing this as I have absolutely no idea. But it's almost like I've taken over Laurie's my grandmother's obsession with you. Laurie put a gun in her mouth last month. She was too afraid of facing you I think. She didn't believe me when I told her what happened in that car after the accident. Absolutely refused to. Or maybe it was how cruel my mother was to her. Either way, you can cross her off your list of victims. It broke my heart in to pieces. Now mom and dad are getting divorced and it's one hell of a mess. I'm glad I'm leaving Haddonfield. I've met someone so hopefully my future can look up. I may only be nineteen, but there's something about you I don't understand. I don't know what it is, I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about you. Something of you has always fascinated me. Your silence? That you're a masked killer? I don't know, but sometimes when I'm alone at night, I keep going back to what happened between us in that car, as insignificant as it undoubtedly was. Why you didn't kill me. Why you helped me out of the vehicle. Why you reset my nose, protected me, bandaged my head, Cameron… My parents have also left Haddonfield, mom has met another man. Dad's sunk in to alcoholism. So I'm hoping the lovely man I've met is my escape to move on from all this. I just wanted to thank you again for everything that happened. I really hope you see this.

Love Allyson Nelson. XX.

…

"This is so cool!" One of the girls, Rachael? Ruth? Squealed, as they lounged in chairs on one of the many outside balconies, a waiter delivering those drinks. "How the other half live!" She sighed. "I wish I was this rich."

"Money's not everything," another girl, Julie said.

"I know, but Jesus! This is the life no shit!" All the girls were dressed similarly to Allyson. Short skirts and tops. Allyson wasn't sure why. Were they all supposed to fuck their men before the night was out? Judging by his remark earlier, the answer was probably yes. Or maybe they were supposed to swap… Allyson shivered at that thought. No way in hell was she even letting him touch her tonight, never mind anyone else.

Before much longer, the men appeared on the balconies, still in their suits. Allyson turned away. He took his seat and immediately the stunning blond slid in to his lap, his hands all over her breasts, one slowly slipping between her legs. You can have him, Allyson thought with a rush of hatred. You're welcome to him love! Just be warned he's an abusive asshole!

"Drink," he shot at Allyson. "Beer." Allyson couldn't be bothered to argue. She headed in to the huge kitchen, where a waiter pored her an iced beer. She took a lemonade. Heading back outside, she handed it to him, bad for him because it meant one hand had to let go of his new fuck toy. Too bad. She smirked behind her hand.

As the night went on, the revelry grew louder and louder. Eventually, everyone retired in to the huge living rooms and she saw him start a game of snooker with their host. How old was he? Certainly older than he was, that was for sure. Allyson could see him laughing with their host, smiling at him and keeping up the charm. Sleaze ball, she thought. He's probably just trying to get in to either his wallet, or his girlfriend's pants. Or both. That said, women were throwing themselves at him, as they always did. He was a very good looking guy, but as Allyson had learnt to her detriment, a very abusive one as well.

…

It was 2 in the morning before they all heard the banging on the door. Whoever was trying to get in clearly wanted to be heard? Their host staggered towards it, drunk as hell. Then there was the smash of glass. Allyson couldn't hold back a grin. Oh dear. That would cost him a few of his precious dollars to fix. Curious to see who the hell was making such a racket, a late crasher perhaps? Allyson slipped out behind him. But she hadn't got far when he grabbed her arm again. "You're mine," he hissed in her ear. "You stay with me bitch."

"Thought you had blondie," she shot back. He glared at her and slapped her to the face. Lightly, but it made his point. "Shut up."

Their host opened the door before the intruder could smash anymore glass. "What the fuck man?" He slurred, as drunk as most of the rest of the men by this point. "What the fuck you want? That's my window you just smashed. T…" There was a strangled gargling sound and Allyson looked over his shoulder and saw blood gushing from his slit throat, before his body slammed to the ground of his porch. A couple of the women screamed. But Allyson didn't. She couldn't. Was it? She looked over her shoulder and saw it. The deathly white, pale mask. She could almost feel that cold, blank, emotionless gaze on her so-called boyfriend. Something told her he was in deadly trouble. He of course didn't care how she was, just ran out of the glass doors towards the pool.

…

Jumping in to the heated water, he tried to conceal himself in the shadows. Whoever the fuck their party crasher was he certainly had no desire to meet him. The bastard was a killer, who'd just killed their host, by slitting his throat to boot. He remembered what Allyson his bitch had told him about. That silent killer who'd been part of the reason her grandmother had killed herself. In truth he'd only half been listening; his mind was on fucking her that night too much to pay attention to what she'd been saying. He wracked his brains. Something about a guy in a white Halloween mask?

That was when the glass doors creaked open. He looked down at the water beneath him trying to be as quiet as he could. He didn't want to be one of the names ticked off this fucking killer's hit list. Silence. He couldn't hear anything. But he knew that if he made the slightest splash, the Psychopath would hear it. As slowly and quietly as he could, as if he was trying to avoid a shark out at sea, which he reflected he was, a land killer shark in this case, he edged towards the side of the pool, feeling around for the marble. It was darker than he'd first thought in here and he couldn't see much. He'd just almost reached it when the hands closed tightly around his neck in a suffocating grip. He desperately tried to fight them off, but it was impossible. Next thing he knew his head was being pushed towards the dark water. Just before he was forced under, he looked up and the last thing he saw in his life was a pale, white mask and a huge knife.

…

Allyson couldn't see a thing. She couldn't confirm who'd broken in, but she could think of only one killer. But it couldn't be could it? Once again for one of many times in the last year she felt her heart rate pick up, but not with fear. Oh no, this was a totally different emotion. Longing.

The house was now totally silent. Allyson couldn't hear a thing. A quietly as possible, the rest of the guests crept towards the front door and out in to the night. Whoever the killer was, he seemed to be allowing them to leave. But Allyson wasn't so quick to move for the exit. She kept her eyes peeled as she headed through the house. She had to know, she had to.

It didn't take her long to find him, floating lifeless in the swimming pool. She felt nothing. No sadness, just relief. She tried to hate herself for feeling it, but she couldn't. He'd treated her like nothing but shit on his shiny dress shoes. He'd deserved it. He was a womaniser and abuser.

Just beside the pool, she saw the blond girl who'd been all over him. She winced when she did so. The girl's face appeared to have been cut off with a knife. She couldn't look at the floor or she'd throw up. It looked just as it had when Michael had crushed Sartain's skull a year ago. The house which had been so loud just hours ago was now completely silent.

Allyson forced herself in to action. Whether it was Michael or not was actually irrelevant. The fact was there was a killer in the house and she didn't want to be next. Even if all the facts were pointing it towards being Myers, she couldn't be certain. Yes only those 2 and the host had died, but it was always possible someone had had a grievance with those three which had nothing to do with her. She needed to get out and now.

Glancing to the side of the pool, she saw he'd dumped his suit jacket before jumping in. Of course he had. He'd hoped to get out alive. She grabbed it and felt the heavy weight of his phone, stuffed wallet and the keys for his gleaming silver Jaguar. She put it on, for warmth if nothing else and almost ran out of the pool room.

…

Allyson lay on her surprisingly soft bed in a room at Haddonfield hotel half an hour later, her mind whirring. The last hour had been a bit of a blur. The front door of the house had remained open and she'd rushed out towards the Jaguar. No one had tried to stop her and she had a feeling that the killer, whoever he was had gone. Oh you know who it was, said a voice in her conscience. You just won't admit it.

Allyson had looked in his wallet and could hardly believe her eyes. He was carrying over 2000 dollars in cash. Who the hell carries that much around with them? But it suited Allyson just fine. She had no qualms about spending it given all he'd put her through for the last 10 months. She booked a room then grabbed some dinner in the restaurant. Luckily the party had only been a 10 minute drive from the hotel. He'd never let her drive his Jag of course, but had insisted she take lessons. Probably so she could drive him around when he was drunk, she thought with a bitter smile. Don't think he'd counted on her driving his car in these circumstances.

On her way out, she'd also picked up her own jacket, containing her phone and keys. By pure luck, she'd found a shirt of his in the boot of the car and had changed from her skimpy tank top, throwing it in to a nearby bin. She never wanted to wear the horrible vile thing again.

…

Next thing she knew, her phone was ringing. She glanced at her watch. It was mid-day. Christ! She'd slept almost 10 hours? That said it was no wonder really after the night before. She glanced at the display but didn't recognise the number. For a second, she felt hope. Could it be mom after all this time? She answered the call.

"Allyson," said a voice she instantly recognised and she felt her heart sink. It was Cameron. "Please," he said quickly, as if sensing she was about to hang up. Which indeed she was. "Please I'm begging you, just hear me out? Then I'll never bother you again."

"You've got 2 minutes," she said.

Cameron started speaking quickly. He knew Allyson well enough to know she was indeed a woman of her word.

"I took a gamble you'd have the same number. That was all I had to go on. Listen Allyson, I want to apologise for what happened that day. Punching you and everything. I was a drunken idiot who deserved what he got. When Michael Myers didn't kill me that day, I realised I'd been given a second chance and didn't want to throw it away. I… Well I've been in jail for the last 6 months, that's why I couldn't contact you before now. Drugs and being drunk and disorderly. But while I was behind bars I had time to think. I want to turn my life around. I knew your ex; I was devastated when I found out you'd got together with him. Nothing to do with us, but because he's a nasty piece of work who sees women purely as sex objects. I tried to write to you but I had no doubt he would've got to the letter before you could so didn't send it. He's not with you now, is he?"

In spite of everything, Allyson felt her anger which she had held towards him for so long soften. "No," she said quietly. "He's dead. Someone killed him at a Halloween party tonight."

"Someone?" Cameron asked, a slight quiver in his voice. On Halloween? Don't you think…?"

"That's exactly what I think," Allyson replied. "But I have no proof as I didn't actually see it. Or him. But someone drowned him in the host's pool."

"Good fucking riddance," Cameron snarled. "He was an arrogant, spiteful bully."

"I can't disagree with you there," Allyson said. "I don't know what I saw in him. I can't lie." Even if right now I have almost 2000 dollars and his phone and car, she didn't add. Nor did she tell Cameron that her ex's latest sex toy had also been brutally murdered. Cameron didn't need to know those details. Plus, she didn't really want to see the gruesome picture in her mind again.

"I wish you good luck then," Allyson said genuinely. "Stay away from drugs and crime Cameron, they only cause suffering."

"I know," he said quietly. He chuckled a little. "God. If I'd known that was Michael Myers sitting next to you in that car that day, I…"

"Wouldn't have punched me and wound me up?" Allyson asked, her tone not hostile but simply curious.

"Well I wouldn't have said that about him being your boyfriend for a start," Cameron laughed quietly and Allyson couldn't help doing the same. "But I can't believe he didn't kill me because you asked him not to. That's just… Well not him."

"I know," Allyson admitted. "I couldn't believe it either. I've wondered about that for the last year."

"But like I say if he's given me a second chance then I fully intend to take it. But I really am sorry for how I treated you. Plus your phone. I want to give you some money towards your new one. Please?"

"Forget it," Allyson said, feeling her anger towards him melting away entirely now. He genuinely did seem sorry for his actions a year ago. "You were drunk and an idiot, but it seems you've wised up. Honestly, it's fine."

"A drink then?" he asked. He sounded pleading and Allyson felt sympathy for him then. He was desperate to do something for her. "Please? Let me take you out for a drink and/or meal? Not a date," he added quickly. "Just to say sorry?"

Allyson sighed, but couldn't stop a small smile. "Ok, you're on."

…

"So purely out of interest, are you back with Kim now?"

It was 6 hours later and Cameron and Allyson were sitting in the restaurant of her hotel, about to order an evening meal together which Cameron again insisted on paying for. Allyson had taken a hot shower after ending her call with him. She'd just got out when she'd received a call from the police, stating at present they couldn't find her late ex's next of kin, so unless someone came forward, she owned everything of his.

If she was honest though, Allyson didn't much care. She just wanted to get her stuff back and would probably sell everything of his if no one claimed it. Even his Jaguar, which he'd loved more than her. That said given how he'd treated her, that didn't say much. All his suits she would definitely sell. She'd driven back to his… Her house in her Jaguar and grabbed most of her things, throwing them in the boot. She would get the rest later. She'd dumped his Blackberry there but kept his cash filled wallet and found the rest hidden in his safe. She didn't know the code of course, but the override key was on his keyring. It was almost too easy. She could afford to stay at this hotel for weeks if she had to, hell, almost her own flat. But right now, she had to think, give herself time.

She privately suspected the reason no one had come forward was because they agreed with her. Her late ex had been an abusive bastard and they'd done what she should've months ago and disowned him. Good riddance, she privately thought. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

Then there was the question of who had killed him. But no. She couldn't think about that right now. Not if it'd been him…

"God no!" Cameron's voice jolted her out of her thoughts. He chuckled. "I've wised up behind bars. Kim? You've got to be joking!"

Allyson had asked "purely out of interest," but now he'd confirmed he was indeed not, she wondered if that meant he was single, and… He was nothing like the Cameron she'd known a year ago. Could she? Would she?

"Fair enough," she smiled back at him, just as their waitress came over to take their orders.

…

2 hours later they were still there. They'd talked about the last year in detail. Allyson had told him everything that'd happened, how her ex had treated her. Cameron pulled a face in disgust.

"Son of a bitch. I used to know him. I wish I'd been able to warn you. He's a fucking womaniser. You can do so much better, Allyson. I…" He looked away for a second. "I know I didn't exactly treat you well but compared to him…"

Allyson smiled at him again, wanting to show there were no hard feelings. Since their phone call that afternoon, she'd realised there indeed weren't. She meant it.

"Compared to him you were a saint?" She finished, chuckling back. "You weren't to know; you were in prison after all. I don't know what I saw in him if truth be told. I even wondered if it was just to get out of Haddonfield after… Well, everything that happened."

"What did happen if I can ask?" Cameron's voice was quiet, sympathy. Allyson looked him straight in the eye.

"Oh Jesus! It was absolute hell. When I got back to grandmother's house last Halloween…" She trailed off and took a breath. Cameron wouldn't know what'd happened.

"You mean after I broke your nose?" Cameron couldn't hold her gaze. This time Allyson found herself actually reaching over and touching his hand.

"Cameron, it's ok. I was in for worse although I just didn't know it."

"God! Like I said earlier. If I'd known the man sitting next to us in that car was Michael Myers…" Cameron let out a low whistle. "Jesus Christ! Talk about stupid! Yet he didn't kill me. He could've done, almost did. I refuse to believe that was because you asked him not to? Seriously?"

"You know, I thought the exact same thing. Michael Myers doesn't take orders from anyone, or listen to anyone come to that."

"So why…" Cameron trailed off. Allyson could only shrug. She didn't have a clue either.

"God that was a strange night," she continued. More to herself than Cameron. "After you went in to your house, Michael reset my nose and then pushed me in to some stranger's car. He drove me back home to Grandmother's. There was so much I wanted to say to him, but how could I? He just sat there in the driver's seat looking at me and you can never tell with him. He could've reached over and killed me at any second. So I got out and he closed my door behind me and drove off. I just ran for Laurie's gates."

"Wo!" Cameron said softly. "Talk about trusting a killer."

Allyson nodded. "I know right? But then everything went to hell."

"Why?" Cameron asked again. Allyson took a second to gather her thoughts before she spoke.

"I told grandmother what'd happened and her… Fuck! She didn't take it well. I'm not sure whether she thought I was lying, was in some kind of shock or what. But she called a doctor to come straight round and talk to me. I repeated the same story to her and she told grandmother I didn't seem to be in shock at all and was telling the truth about what'd just happened. But she…" Allyson ran her hands through her hair. "She still didn't believe it and I can't entirely blame her. Things were never the same for a couple of weeks after that. It was early November when…" She blinked fast and took a deep breath. "When she put a gun in her mouth one night. I was staying with her at the time and had gone to get some stuff from the shops. When I came back she'd left a note saying "sorry I love you" and the rest, telling me to look after my family and myself, take care and so on. I went inside and found her in her bedroom. She'd put towels out to clean up the blood."

"Fuck," Cameron said and this time it was he who reached out for her hand. "I'm so sorry Allyson. That must've been…"

"It was," Allyson smiled sadly at him. "But… Not entirely unexpected if I'm honest. She knew Michael was still on the loose and I don't think she could face her fear of him anymore, or the fact he'd helped her granddaughter out like that. Not him, not Michael Myers."

Cameron nodded. "But she'd spent so much time and energy since 78 getting ready to face him. Why would she give up now?"

Allyson laughed a little. "I've asked myself the same question time and time again since. I don't know. Perhaps because she knew something would've changed after Michael helped me and so she wasn't sure she'd be able to now? Shit I don't know."

Allyson paused for a moment, then continued. "So I left Haddonfield. I'd already met my ex at a party so it just seemed… Well the next step. Of course he was really nice to me then, kind and all the rest of it, supporting me through my grief. God I was a fool!" She lightly struck the table. "A total fool! He pretended kindness and support and I was putty in his damn hands!"

"You weren't to know," Cameron repeated quietly.

"Yeah whatever," Allyson looked at the floor for a second. "Anyway," she went on with her story. "Mom and dad… Well, struggled with it. Laurie's death I mean. They accepted I'd moved in with him, having met him a few times. But their marriage was doomed. Mom couldn't cope with how she'd treated Laurie all these years I don't think and left dad. He then sank in to alcoholism. Neither of them live in Haddonfield anymore. Mom has another man I've never met and dad…" She sighed. "I think he intends to drink himself to death. He adored mom, but didn't like Laurie much due to her paranoia and that was what finished them in the end."

"I'm sorry," Cameron said. Allyson smiled at him. "Thanks. But I haven't spoken to either of them. I don't know dad anymore. Alcohol has changed him so much and mom…" She sighed. "I think she blames me for Laurie's death."

"But that's ridiculous!" Cameron exclaimed. "You met Michael Myers on Halloween night and he helped you out! Laurie struggled very heavily with this fact and killed herself. How the hell is that your fault?"

Allyson shrugged. "Grief I guess, she can't cope with how she treated Laurie and now she's dead, so it's probably that and guilt talking. She wants to blame someone."

"Then why not Michael? Why her daughter?"

Again, Allyson could only shake her head. "God knows!" I don't hate her for it and hope someday we'll talk again, but right now…" She shrugged again. "It's her call."

"What about Michael?" Cameron asked then. Allyson looked up.

"What about him?"

"Well if I'd been in your shoes, I'd want to know why. I'd want to see him again. Hell I kind of do! He didn't kill me and has given me a second chance. I almost want to thank him for it. If he'd killed me…" It was Cameron's turn to look away.

"To tell you the truth, I have thought about him. A lot. Especially since last night. I'm almost certain it was him in that house. Why was only my ex and his sex toy killed? Everyone else got out. I didn't see him, but come on! How many masked serial killers do we know?"

Cameron chuckled a little. "Point taken."

…

It was now 2 in the morning and they were sitting in the hotel bar, the restaurant having closed but the bar was twenty-four hours. Allyson was sipping a strong coffee, Cameron tea. She could feel the cold fingers of exhaustion trying to grab her but she was determined not to give in to them yet. If truth be told, she'd thoroughly enjoyed Cameron's company this evening and wasn't ready to let it end just yet. By the looks of things neither was he.

Cameron had just gone up to the bar to get himself another tea and her a coffee, when Allyson happened to glance out of one of the room's large windows. That was when she saw it. The black station wagon sitting at the front of the building. She couldn't see the driver, but just the site of the car made her feel… What? She wasn't even sure. Longing to see and thank him? Just to talk to him in general? But why else would there be a station wagon outside at this time? If it was one of the guests they'd come in. Surely.

"You want to see him don't you?" Cameron's voice made her jump. She looked up at him and he again took his seat and set their hot drinks down. She already knew by that last statement he too had seen the car.

"Yes," Allyson admitted. "So do you. Right? Cameron could only nod.

"But why would Michael Myers be sitting outside a hotel?" Cameron asked. "Why is he not in here slashing all of us?"

"Why did he help me last Halloween?" Allyson countered. They both knew it was a rhetorical question. They both glanced out at the same time. The vehicle was still there and hadn't moved.

Without speaking, they simply looked at each other and stood up, heading out of the doors. Quietly and a little tremulously, Allyson knocked on the driver's window. It wound down.

She had been right. It was the masked killer.

"Michael?" Allyson said quietly. "Just… Just the man I wanted to see."

"Me too," Cameron said, looking the killer straight in the eye through the hole in his mask.

Silently as if Myers had instructed them, Allyson slid in to the front, Cameron in to the back behind her. As soon as the doors were closed, Myers pulled away from the hotel and drove down a dark street. Allyson glanced back at Cameron and mouthed, "Talk about trusting a killer." Cameron smiled back at her.

Eventually, Myers stopped in a deserted road. He left the engine idling and Allyson noticed he'd turned the heating up. She was grateful. It was freezing outside tonight.

Slowly, Cameron leant towards the killer. Allyson slipped out of the car to give them privacy.

…

"Mr. Myers… Michael… I… Shit! I don't know how to say this. But I wanted to thank you for the last year. You didn't kill me that night and you so easily could've done. Probably should've done. I was a drunken twat who punched a woman in the face breaking her nose! What kind of man does that?" As he spoke, Cameron reflected he was only talking to a killer. But he pushed the thought away.

"I've done time in jail since that night," he continued. "Drugs and fighting. Small shit, but it taught me a lesson. I wanted to thank you because if you'd killed me that night, I'd never have had the chance to learn those lessons. I haven't drunk, taken drugs or anything since I got out. You've given me a second chance; I thoroughly intend to take it!"

Myers simply looked at him and then Cameron could've sworn he gave him a slight nod and his lips had twitched in the beginnings of a smile. Cameron could hardly believe what he was doing and who to, when he extended his hand to the killer. "Thank you," he said again, softly. "And you don't have to worry about me mistreating Allyson ever again. She's been through enough shit thanks to that bastard! I'll deserve you to kill me if I ever did! If it was you who killed him, thanks! I'd shake your hand for that too!"

Cameron was at least hoping he and Allyson could maintain a friendship. He still cared about her but wasn't going to even mention the possibility of a relationship. Not after what he'd done to her for one and also because she might not be ready for or want one with any man for a while after all her ex had done.

There was a second of silence and Myers didn't move, but then Cameron felt himself smile back at him as the masked killer took his offered hand in a brief shake. Cameron hadn't even expected that much. He'd thought Myers would ignore his gesture. "Good luck man," Cameron said as he prepared to get out so Allyson could speak to Myers. "Be careful won't you?" He closed the car door.

…

Allyson wasn't sure how she felt when she slipped in to the car beside the killer. Her heart was beating surprisingly fast, which she didn't understand at all. She turned to face him, Cameron standing by the vehicle's back window.

"Michael," she began. Trying to find her words. "I have to ask, was that you? Last night? Who…"?

She got no further. Because the killer, as he'd done exactly a year ago, put a strong arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. Allyson smiled at him genuinely this time, as their eyes met. She could hardly believe what happened then. Myers removed his mask.

Allyson looked him straight in the eyes then at the rest of his face. She knew she was one of very few to see this. Did that mean he was about to kill her? She shook that thought off.

Slowly, haltingly at first, she started to speak, telling Michael everything that'd happened over the last year. She told him exactly what she'd told Cameron. Laurie's suicide, the note, Allyson finding her body. How she believed Laurie couldn't deal with the fact her mortal enemy had helped her granddaughter. Then how her parents had gone their separate ways and how she Allyson believed Karen blamed her in some screwed up way for Laurie's death.

"Cameron's changed hugely," she said eventually. "I don't recognise him. He insisted on buying me dinner and drinks tonight to say sorry for destroying my phone and the rest."

The killer's arm had tightened around her when she'd told him about discovering Laurie. He still hadn't released her now. Allyson had embraced him back.

"Please tell me,"Her voice was quiet, close to his ear. "I have to know. Did you…" She couldn't finish. She then saw his slight nod.

"I should hate it," Allyson murmured. "But I can't. All I can say to, is thanks. He was an abusive prick! Were you watching me for the last year? Did you know? How he'd treated me?"

The killer did nothing this time, just held her to him. Allyson only then realised she had rested her head on his shoulder once again, just as she had a year before. She also realised she was now genuinely smiling at the masked killer. She was sure the answer to her previous question was indeed yes.

"Thank you for watching out for me," Allyson felt a lump in her throat at that moment. Gratitude? Emotion over Laurie? She wasn't sure. That was when both Myers's arms came around her. She pressed her head to his shoulder and blinked fast once, twice.

"Sorry," she said in to his shoulder, as Myers hugged her close. "I think it's just everything Grandmother, my parents… Why I wasted a year of my life thinking I loved a total…"

Myers stopped her and Allyson wouldn't have believed how if it hadn't happened to her. His warm hand rested softly on her cheek. Without thinking, Allyson leant forward and kissed the killer's. He squeezed her close and she felt him kiss the top of her head. She smiled at him again and pulled back.

"I don't think Cameron would treat me like that again, he seems to have learnt…" She stopped herself. She hadn't meant to say that but as she thought about it, she realised she had indeed been thinking it. Could she? Should she? Would she be obviously a yes if her thoughts were anything to go by?

She was certain Myers smiled back at her then. Slight, but there. God help anyone who hurts me, she thought. She waved through the window and Cameron slipped back in to the car.

"Fuck its cold out there," he said. Allyson grinned. "Tell me about it!"

"Looks like snow on the forecast if my phone is to be trusted," Cameron said as Myers pulled away and turned back towards the hotel.

"Damn!" Allyson said. "Not a fan of snow. That said I'll probably be behind a computer for most of next week trying to find a job."

"Yeah," Cameron snarled. "Because that controlling son of a bitch didn't want you working did he? I'll bet anything!"

"You would be correct," Allyson said. "Shit. I should've stood up to him. Talk about weak!"

"Hey!" Cameron said sharply. "You're not weak. If I've learnt one thing about you Allyson Nelson, it's that. Weak is one thing you most certainly are not!"

Allyson was sure she was imagining it, she was tired, but she could've sworn Myers nodded in agreement to Cameron. This was only confirmed when Cameron said "see? I'm not the only one who thinks that."

When they reached the hotel, Allyson slipped out of the car. Cameron however turned to look back at Myers.

"I'll never hurt her again," he said very quietly. "However she wants me in her life that will never be repeated in any way. Mr. Myers… Michael. I don't want to die just yet…" He grinned at the killer. "I promise, you have my word." There was silence, before the killer again nodded to him. Cameron stepped out of the car and turned towards the hotel. When he looked back, Myers was gone.

…

He and Allyson headed back through the sliding doors. Allyson yawned. "Shit I'm tired."

"Me too," Cameron agreed. "By the way, I've paid for you to stay another night here."

"You shouldn't have!" Allyson said sternly. Cameron just smiled at her.

"Well I have. So, sorry."

"Where do you live then?" Allyson asked, surprised she hadn't asked that all evening.

"I've got a little flat just across the road from here actually. Stupidly tiny, but it's all I can afford right now as I build my life back up."

Allyson reached in to her pocket and handed him 500 dollars. His eyes widened.

"Take it," she said firmly as he made to hand it back. "It's the least I can do."

He took a little persuading, but finally he smiled at her and pocketed the money. "Thanks. I've got no qualms about spending his cash that's true. But yours, that's another story. Thank you, Allyson." Cameron turned towards the doors.

"Call me tomorrow?" They said together, then laughed.

"Done," they said together.

"Ok, ok." Allyson held her hands up. So one of us will call the other. Brilliant." They smiled at each other.

"I just have one small thing to ask," Allyson said as Cameron made to leave. He turned back. "Yes?"

Allyson then realised she was blushing. She welcomed it. She hadn't felt this in way too long. The butterflies, the excitement. The possibility her life was once again getting back on track.

"May I be the one to buy you dinner this time? Tomorrow night if you're free? I know this lovely restaurant I'd like to take you too?"

The smile he gave her nearly swept Allyson off her feet. She was sure he knew exactly what she was thinking. "I'd love that," he said. "But why are you asking me? You don't need to ask."

"Yes I do," Allyson smiled at him again. "Because," she leant in to and hugged him. How she wanted to kiss him, but that would have to wait. "I want it to be a date."

Cameron hugged her tightly back and then all of Allyson's previous thoughts were swept away as it was he to lean in and briefly but full of promise kiss her lips, before quietly repeating 2 words she'd said to him just hours before, then slipping out of the doors. "You're on."