Chapter 79, Double Dawson damage
…
"Am I making a mistake, Dr Stark? I feel a bit nervous all of a sudden."
"No, Danielle. You're not, I've told you I can understand your decision, but it's not too late if you just want to make up an excuse or something, wait for a bit longer until, you're sure."
Danielle sighed. It was two days later and she, Joanne, Michael and Dr Stark were sitting in Dr Stark's office. Danielle could hardly believe it when Michael was allowed to come in with her. She hadn't asked, Dr Stark had just let it happen. She must've nodded to him to guide Danielle into her office. "You are voluntary now, remember?" She'd said when Danielle looked at her in surprise. "You are in a lot more control as a result. Why would I stop your Fiancé from hearing this? I know you'd want him here, so here he is." Danielle had thanked her at least twice.
Now, she hesitated. "Damn it! I know I have to do this, for my own wellbeing if nothing else. Is that selfish?"
"No!" Joanne and Dr Stark said together. "Remember what Nigel and Mel said?" Joanne finished. "You told me yesterday. They're right. You have to think about yourself too, you know. Haven't you had enough of someone not caring?"
"Exactly," Dr Stark agreed. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Michael, who was sitting beside her, put his arm around her and pulled her to him. She rested her head on his right shoulder, as he was sitting on her left. Joanne and Dr Stark both smiled. "The…" she took a moment, gathering her thoughts. "The thing is, Michael here is also right," she hugged him. "It's not Aiden or Lisa I'm trying to cut ties with the most, if you will. It's Josh."
"Because he has Adam's voice?" Dr Stark asked, her voice only gentle, no judgement in it at all.
"Yeah," she said very quietly. "That really does sound bitchy doesn't it?"
"No, it doesn't," Dr Stark said, and this time her voice was a little firm. "I can totally understand that too."
"Me too," Joanne said, and Danielle felt Michael nod.
"I know it's not his fault they are… were twins, but it makes it very difficult to talk to him. Don't get me wrong, I'll always be grateful of the help he's given me by using his voice, but now… I can't… I don't want to do it anymore. My Fiancé here, however, hasn't trusted Josh from day one. He doesn't believe he has my best interests at heart."
"I…" Joanne said slowly. "I sincerely hope you're just being paranoid Michael, but… but to tell you the truth I'm not sure either."
"Really?" she was genuinely surprised by this. "He's not Adam though, and after everything his mother went through?"
"I'm not talking about physically, but mentally… damn I don't know, I just… I can't put my finger on it, but just… something doesn't sit right with me about him." Michael raised his notepad and Dr Stark read it aloud.
That's what I've been saying all along. See? It is not just me. Joanne feels it too. I hope we're wrong, believe me I do, but I have never trusted him.
"Are you saying… what? You think he's interested in me or something?" Danielle held up her left hand. "He can move along! I'm very happily taken thank you very much!" She leant in and kissed Michael.
"I know that" Joanne said. "But yes, I have started to wonder if he has a crush on you or something. But if I was him, unless he wants to commit suicide, I'd back the hell off!"
Dr Stark smiled grimly. "As would I."
"Just for a second, let's say I am single. I would not be interested in him… I'm not interested in him. Speaking briefly from a single mindset, I could not go out with someone who sounds just like Adam. I know of sighted people who haven't gone out with a new guy because he looks like someone from their past, or that they're trying to avoid. It's the same for me. I could never make a go of it with Josh."
"Ok, well you might need to gently tell him that," Joanne said.
"Why the hell should I? I'm taken anyway! If I was single maybe I would tell him, but I'm not! Is he as blind as I am?" She held up her engagement ring again. "Ok I know he hasn't seen it yet, but hopefully when he does, if that is indeed the case, he will back the hell off like you said! Hell even without a ring, he knows I'm with Michael. I like Aiden and Lisa, I genuinely do, and yes Josh does seem like an ok guy, but… but…"
"I know," Dr Stark and Joanne murmured, as Michael squeezed her to him.
"The only thing I would say," Dr Stark said after a moment. "Is that Josh was told when you and Michael briefly broke up. He might not know you're back together yet. But regardless, if that is his intention, he'll know soon enough he doesn't stand a chance."
It was almost five in the afternoon, and Danielle had been extremely grateful when Joanne had swapped her nightshift to work a four until two to be with her for this. Jack was also working the same shift. She'd told her about her conversation with Nigel and then with Mel and Michael when she'd come in for her first late shift two days previously. Joanne had agreed with them completely.
"How is Nigel?" Joanne asked now. "Did you speak to him this morning? He texts me from time to time you know, he's a good guy."
"He sure is," Danielle said affectionately. "I love him to pieces. He's fine, he's being an absolute angel to our family, bringing them food in the hospital, going to the canteen to get coffees and so on. He's got a heart of gold. If I'd been Sophie, I'd have married him too." Everyone smiled. "There's no change in Charlotte's condition though, but we're all still hoping. Apparently, Dr Merick, remember him? Has taken charge of her case completely now. He's a good doctor, he treated me really well, so I'm confident Charlotte's in good hands with him as her doctor."
"Yeah, me too," Joanne said.
There was a quiet knock on the door and one of the assistants stuck her head around it. "The Dawson's are here," she said.
"Thanks Emily," Dr Stark smiled at her. "Can you take them into visitors room three please?"
"Sure," Emily said and was gone. Danielle took a deep breath.
"You don't have to do this if you can't yet," Dr Stark said softly. "We're all right behind you whatever choice you make. Also, I can see what you're thinking, of course Michael will be there with you. I don't want my life cut short because I kept you away from your husband when you needed him." At this they all chuckled, including Michael.
"Thanks," Danielle said, turning to Joanne. "Can you come in with me as well please? I don't mean as a guard, I'm not… I'm not afraid of Josh, but…"
"No, I get it," Joanne assured her, coming over and hugging her as she stood up. Michael took her left hand; Joanne took her right arm. "Come on then."
"You know what to do if you need me," Dr Stark said. "Just grab Joanne's radio… if you dare." Now Danielle did laugh, she couldn't help it. "No! I don't want to go into solitary, thanks Dr Stark."
…
Detective Ray Peters glanced up from his mountain of paperwork when there was a knock on his office door. "Who is it?" He called.
"It's Hawkins," said the person on the other side. Peters inwardly sighed. This was surely not going to be good. "Come in, Sir?"
Hawkins stepped into the room and sat opposite Peters' desk. Peters was surprised to see that his boss looked very tired, his suit not as immaculate as it usually was, and he also needed a shave.
"Dr Loomis has finally given us the ok," he said without preamble. "I spoke to him this morning; we are finally able to interview Myers."
Uh oh, Peters thought. "Ok Sir, are you going to assign Rickets and I?"
"I am," Hawkins confirmed. "Dr Loomis has promised us this time it is not going to be cancelled. Are you ok to contact Rickets and let him know? I'd like you both up there tomorrow please. To meet at 7 in reception then take a marked vehicle up there."
"Yes Sir," Peters nodded. What the hell was it with Hawkins and Myers? Hawkins obviously had a thing about this guy, ever since he'd arrested him in 1978. He'd driven him back up to Smith's Grove, handcuffed and shackled to the hilt, and since then it almost seemed to Peters as though Myers was haunting his boss's life.
"I can't go," Hawkins said as if reading his mind. "I have to be in court tomorrow, otherwise I would."
"Sir, what is it about you and Myers?" Peters asked before he could stop himself, then immediately regretted it. Hawkins would probably tell him he was out of line or something. To his surprise though, his boss sighed, and stood up to close the door completely before sitting down again.
"He brutally and mercilessly massacred almost ten people on Halloween night in 1978, including my partner, peter McCabe. They tried to cover it up, saying Peter shot himself! He didn't! I…" he swallowed audibly. "Myers had him by the neck with a rope, and I pulled my gun and ordered Myers to drop Peter, or I'd shoot. Of course, Myers ignored me, and… fuck! I shot, and the bullet hit Peter in the neck! He… he died right in front of me. Myers just walked away casual as you like! He's one evil, cruel motherfucker!"
"Jesus," Peters whistled softly.
Hawkins sighed. "We were in the Myers house trying to find him. Peter had just said 'Haddonfield, where nothing exciting ever happens.' Ha, ironic last words of his life. My boss took my gun and gave me his, to make it look like Peter shot himself. Fucking shit! God damn Myers! If I had my way, he'd be dead now! I couldn't drive fast enough taking that evil fucker back to Smith's Grove! All the way there I wondered if I was about to die. I had two officers in the back with him, but you think Michael Myers gives a damn. If you're names on his list, you're fucked!" Hell; if he comes across you, you're fucked."
"I'm sorry Sir," Peters said quietly and realised he meant it.
"Peter was a good guy," Hawkins said sadly. "Wife and two young kids, he was only thirty… something. Myers rushed him from across his old bedroom and slammed him against the wall. I was in another room so wasn't… wasn't fast enough." He took a breath, then appeared to pull himself together and back to the present. "So, that's why we need to find out if Myers killed Dawson and Griffin. We need to close the case out."
"Are you seriously expecting an admission?" Peters asked. "Michael Myers never speaks, and it's not likely he'll admit to it, is it? I'd say no fucking chance in hell actually!"
"We just need to ask him the questions," Hawkins sighed. "Just so we cover ourselves and can write we've done so."
"Can't we just make it up?" Peters almost whispered, hardly able to believe what he was saying. "I mean put it on the forms and no one will ever know the truth?" Again, to his surprise, Hawkins smiled at him softly.
"If only it was so simple," he said. "Believe me, I'm not asking you and James to do this lightly. I'm sorry I've been a bit of a prick lately; I've just been so… so tired and stressed. I want this case closed. Myers and Hayward… Danielle are the only ones who have answers. I know Danielle is blind, but she may be able to tell us… something."
Peters couldn't help it when his irritation towards his boss softened. "It's ok Sir," he said quietly. "That would give me some form of PTSD too, seeing my partner die right in front of me."
"The last question he asked me with his last breath was if we'd caught Myers. I told him we had. So… at least he died with that knowledge. Now? I strongly believe he killed again. Dr Loomis told us Myers stole a car and escaped from Smith's Grove, again! What the fuck?"
"So… wait," Peters said slowly. "Danielle was Dawson's number one target, so… what? You think Michael Myers escaped purely to go down to Haddonfield and kill Dawson? Hell, we know Danielle was sent to Smith's Grove after she tried to commit suicide because of Dawson, but…" he laughed. "What? Michael Myers cares about her or something? That's fucking absurd! Michael Myers doesn't care about anything or anyone! He just kills, end of story. So why in the fuck would he want to kill Dawson? How does he even know his name? But he specifically targeted that fucking house when she was being held prisoner there! The guards came down as fast as they could to catch Myers, but I refuse to believe Michael Myers knows or even cares about Danielle, never mind enough to commit a fucking kill for her!"
"I know," Hawkins said simply. "I hear you, Ray. "However, something must… be between them, because he escaped and killed Dawson. Not only that, but he specifically killed Dawson when he was holding her prisoner. How did he know? How does he even know who Dawson is? They must have communicated to… well some degree! How else do you explain it?"
"If that's the case, how in God's name is Danielle not dead?" Peters asked incredulously. "She would be the easiest God damn kill Myers would ever have! Hell; she wouldn't see him fucking coming! Jesus! If what you're saying is true, how the holy hell is she still alive?"
"I know," Hawkins said again, this time in just above a whisper.
When his boss left a few moments later, Peters picked up his phone with a sigh. What was it about people with double initials he had to encounter? Michael Myers and Anthony Atkins? He had a funny feeling Rickets was not going to be happy about this last-minute change of plan. Sighing again, he dialled Rickets' number.
"Oh fantastic," Rickets said sarcastically when Peters told him. "I knew this would happen eventually, but already?"
"Hey at least we can get it over with," Peters said encouragingly.
"But it's fucking pointless!" Rickets exclaimed. "We both know Michael Myers isn't going to answer us in any way, shape or form! We're just ticking a God damn box! It's stupid and a huge waste of time!"
"I know," Peters said, and he meant it. He understood completely how his junior officer was feeling. "I agree 100 percent, but we've got to do it to close the case out."
"Fine," Rickets sighed now. "Guess I'd better make sure my suit's ok. Least I don't need to pick it up at 06:30 this time, I already picked it up and haven't worn it since. See you in the morning boss."
"Quit with the boss Junior," Peters said, but this time he was teasing.
"Quit with the 'Junior' Sir," Rickets said, and was surprised but pleasantly when both of them chuckled.
"Good night," Peters said. "See you in the morning." He hung up.
…
"Are you ready?" Dr Stark asked. She nodded, standing. Why was there a sinking feeling in her stomach right now? Something must have showed on her face because Michael pulled her close, and Dr Stark squeezed her shoulder. "You don't have to do this now," she murmured.
"Yes, I do," Danielle said. "Mel, Nigel and Michael are right. Her guard and friend came to her other side. "I won't be able to rest until this is over with. I'm not sleeping properly because of it. I'm sorry for Lisa and Aiden, this is not their faults at all, whatsoever. But…" Dr Stark nodded. "You're the boss," she squeezed Danielle's shoulder again. "Michael and Joanne will be right with you, and you know seriously what to do if you need me. Press the panic button or use Joanne's radio. I'm not kidding. Good luck."
Taking a deep breath, Danielle walked out of the office and into visitor's room three, Joanne and Michael right beside her. Aiden, Josh and Lisa were waiting for her. "Hello Danielle," Aiden said warmly, stepping forward to shake her hand. This if anything only made her feel even worse about what she was about to do.
"Hello, Mr. Dawson," she tried to smile at him, but wasn't sure how convincing it was.
"Hey, how many times have I told you? It's Aiden," he squeezed her hand in his before releasing it.
"Hello Danielle," Lisa's computerised voice said, causing a rush of affection to hit Danielle for the older woman. She knew Lisa hated speaking but had done so purely for her. "Hi Lisa," she said to her surprise blinking back tears. Joanne and Michael both squeezed her hands.
"Hey Danielle," this time it was Josh who'd spoken, and Danielle felt guilty when she had to stop herself shivering. God, she was making the right choice, there was no doubt about it. She had to get Josh Dawson out of her life. Hearing his voice and thus Adam's, would mean she would never be free to move on.
"Hi Josh," she said quietly, before sitting down on one of the comfortable seats, her hand almost casually checking where the panic button was, just in case. Joanne must've clocked it though, because she sat beside her and touched her shoulder, Michael sitting on her other side.
"Lisa, Aiden, Josh," she began, immediately clocking she'd used Josh's name last, again. "I… I need to talk to you about something, if that's ok?"
"Sure, go ahead," Aiden and Josh said together. "We're all ears," Josh finished, and she tried to smile. It didn't work.
"Thanks. Guys, I… oh shit! I am probably going to sound like the world's worst bitch, and I am so, so sorry, but… but I think I was… I think I need to cut ties with you. It's not you," she said quickly, knowing now she had to continue before she lost her nerve. "Your lovely people," she was sure Michael tensed and just knew he was looking at Josh. "But the thing is… you… you're tied…"
"To Adam?" Lisa said, stopping her in her tracks. "Danielle, I at least was expecting this." Danielle could almost hear her sadness, even through the computer. Now she did feel a tear sliding down her cheek. Joanne put her arm around her, as did Michael. "Believe me, I understand," Lisa Dawson continued. "I would not be tied to Adam either if I'd had a choice. He is, was, no son of mine. From the moment Edward showed his true colours and Adam started following him, they were no relations of mine. I was just waiting purely for my chance to escape. Believe me, I have absolutely no hard feelings towards you for your decision, and as I said, I have been expecting this. It is absolutely no crime to want to escape violence and abuse, you know that just as well as I do."
This was the longest thing Lisa had ever said to her, and Danielle couldn't help it. Standing, she walked towards the older woman, who pulled her into a gentle hug. "I'm sorry," Danielle blinked fast, unable to hold back the tears this time. "I really don't want to be a bitch Lisa, but…"
"You're not being a bitch," Aiden said, coming to her other side and also putting his arm around her. "We totally, totally understand. Edward is no brother to me, and Adam is no nephew. We don't blame you in the slightest for your decision, you deserve to be free of him, and if that includes cutting ties with us, so be it. I see that ring on your hand," now he too hugged her. "So, even more reason for you to get out from Adam's shadow and away from his ghost. We're with you completely."
"Thank you," Danielle said gratefully; however, she couldn't help noticing that throughout this entire exchange, Josh had remained perfectly silent. Was that purely so she didn't have to hear his, and thus Adam's voice? If so, she appreciated it, but still felt bad about it. However, he didn't make any move to console her either. "I'm sorry," she said again. "I really feel bad about it."
"Well don't," Aiden said firmly. "You have our phone numbers, so if you need us, you know how to find us. You are more than welcome to text Lisa and I any time. We totally understand. We are also taking measures to try and forget Adam and Edward."
"How?" She couldn't stop herself asking.
"We're leaving Haddonfield," Lisa said, again speaking for one of very few times. "As we've said, we knew this was probably going to happen, so we'd decided that once we'd given you all the help we could, we had to get out of Haddonfield and maybe even the USA. We are considering maybe moving to Europe."
"Good for you," Danielle said and meant it. "I wish you all nothing but the best."
It was at this point Josh finally spoke. "It's because of me, isn't it?" He took a step forwards, towards Danielle. "It's because I have Adam's voice, isn't it? You're not hearing me speak, you're hearing Adam. That's why you want to cut ties." She could tell by his tone it wasn't a question.
"I…" she started, feeling very uncomfortable. He was, after all, correct.
"I thought so," he said, stopping her before she could continue. He took another step towards her. "Josh," Aiden warned, but Josh ignored his uncle completely. "Tell me the truth, Danielle."
The way he was currently speaking to her, was indeed starting to sound more and more like Adam. She took an automatic step backwards and felt Joanne immediately grab her arm, Michael her other. She turned to face them, her heart thumping. She was about ready to tell her guard and Fiancé she wanted to get out of there.
"You owe me that," Josh continued, taking another step until he was right in front of her, face to face. There was no doubting it this time, Michael had tensed. Putting his arm around Danielle, he pulled her to him.
"Stop!" This time it was Lisa who'd spoken, and now Danielle could almost hear anger through the computer. Affection swelled for Lisa Dawson all over again. If anyone in this room understood her fear of Domestic violence as well as she did, it was Lisa Dawson. "Danielle owes us nothing, Josh. It was your brother and father who caused this damage, there is no need to be so aggressive."
"Thanks," Danielle said softly.
"I have worked with you for weeks," Josh said, taking yet another step. Danielle was now almost against the wall; she was starting to panic. "All I want to know is, is it because I have Adam's voice? I hate Adam too, you know, and I don't want to be tarred with the same brush as him. I am not Adam."
"You might not be him Sir," Danielle said and cursed herself. Fuck! Josh's voice had indeed affected her, hence the 'Sir.' "But yes, you do have his voice. I'm not trying to tar you with the same brush as you put it, but I can't move on when every time you speak, Adam's voice comes out of your mouth. I can't…"
"That makes you a real bitch," Josh said, and Danielle visibly flinched. "You are blaming me for something which is not my fault and I have no control over." Joanne must've pressed a silent alarm or something on her radio, because the door opened a moment later and Jack and Dr Stark entered. Josh however appeared not to see them. Unknown to Danielle, his eyes were moving up and down her body, resting on her breasts. "I have done nothing but try to help you, and this is how you repay me?"
"JOSH!" Aiden shouted the word this time, stepping towards his nephew. "QUIT GOD DAMN IT! WHY ARE YOU BEING SUCH AN IMATURE PRICK?"
"I would never hurt you," Josh continued, it was as though he'd forgotten about everyone in the room except for her. "I do not deserve to be treated like this by you." The door opened again, and Adam Hughes came in, but quietly. "Just because I have Adam's voice, does not mean I deserve you to do this to me. I like you Danielle, I want to see what might happen between us."
"You… you what?" Danielle was aghast. "Um, Josh, didn't you see this?" She raised her left hand, showing her engagement ring. "I'm marrying Michael."
"That's what you think," Josh said, now stepping the final step, so Danielle felt her back hit the wall. Immediately Michael turned her around quickly, so she was facing him. She couldn't thank him enough for his protective gesture. "But Michael himself told me he'd broken up with you. That was when I knew I was in with a chance. You're damn sexy and I want to get to know you better, if you know what I mean."
"BACK OFF!" Joanne and Jack shouted in unison, just as Michael held up a message which said the exact same two words. "You only get one warning," Jack finished softly. Danielle's heart was hammering in her chest, and she was fighting down panic. Immediately detecting this, Michael leant down and kissed her, a long, lingering kiss.
"Circumstances have changed Mr. Dawson," Joanne said, her tone distinctly cool. "You were not to know that granted, but now you do, step back please."
"You're fucking gorgeous," Josh said. Danielle gaped at him. Did he have a death wish and was he deaf? He was not only disobeying the guards who were incredibly protective towards her, but Michael Myers was standing right in front of him, and Josh was seriously saying the wrong things. "I want to fuck you, Danielle. I was really hoping we could've made a go of things, I'm not Adam, and I wanted to show you that."
Danielle laughed, unable to stop herself. "You're not Adam, but 'I want to fuck you?' So romantic, Josh! Even if I were single, I'm almost swept off my feet by those words! Or not!"
"Well said," Lisa's computerised voice said. Aiden grabbed Josh's arm. "Back, the fuck, off," he growled.
"Well," Adam Hughes said, alerting Danielle to his presence for the first time. She turned to face him still in Michael's arms, shocked. "In all my years of being a DV worker, I have never been so disgusted or sad to be wrong about someone. I vouched for you Josh, saying you were not like Adam. From what I've just seen and heard however, I am seriously starting to think I was indeed wrong, and Danielle here was right all along. What you are doing is a form of abuse. She's said no, she's getting married, and you dare talk to her like that?" She doesn't owe you a damn thing! I thought you were helping her because you cared, but it turns out you just wanted her between the sheets! So now if I were you, I would heed Lisa, Aiden's and the guard's advice, and back off. Not to mention Michael's. Michael Myers is not known for giving multiple warnings, you see. I actually think you've been lucky to get one from him. You deserve none. I said just because you had Adam's voice, you weren't like him. You said it yourself to Michael, Rick and I. Was that all pretence, Josh? So, you could try to charm Danielle? I bet you couldn't wait when Michael confided in you, right? Just waiting for your chance to use it to your advantage? You may not be planning to hurt Danielle physically, but mentally, you indeed are. You are one cold hearted man. That makes me feel sick, not only for that reason, but also because of how wrong I was, and I feel terrible about it."
Danielle stepped towards Adam and put her arm around him, still being held by Michael. Adam returned her embrace. Michael raised his notepad again.
Back off Dawson, I haven't trusted you from day one. Now, I've been proved correct. Adam here is right; you only get this one warning. Do not put Aiden and Lisa through anymore pain by causing me to act. I think you know what that could mean. I too hoped I was wrong, but it would appear not. Step back.
"I'd do as he says if I were you," Jack warned. "Because I for one sure as hell won't try too hard to hold him back."
"I'm so sorry," Aiden said to Danielle, glaring at Josh. "I can certainly tell you Lisa and I are nothing like Adam or Edward!"
"I know Sir," Danielle said, her voice shaking with shock from what had just happened. "But thank you."
Totally unafraid, Aiden stepped forward again and laid his hand on her shoulder. "Uh uh, don't call me sir," he murmured. "You're a brave woman, you've been through a very similar hell to Lisa, that kind of thing makes you strong. We meant what we said, we here if you ever need us, Danielle. Please ignore my selfish dick thinking excuse for a nephew." She tried to smile at him but failed. Now, Aiden drew her into a hug with Michael. Now she did manage a watery smile, squeezing the older man's hand. She almost started crying when Aiden leant down, so she was touching his ears. She let out a tremulous laugh.
"We're going to be having words with you," Lisa said, and again Danielle knew she would've heard cold fury in a human voice had Lisa had one. Stepping forward herself, she grabbed Josh's arm. "What the fuck is wrong with you? I expected better of you, considering you ran away from home to get away from Adam and Edward. You're starting to act just like them! All because you lust after Danielle. I can hardly believe it." Turning, she practically frog-marched Josh from the room.
"Nice," Danielle's smile was a little more genuine this time. "That's him told. Aiden, please give my very best to Lisa, will you?"
"Count on its kid," Aiden hugged her again, before gently turning her back to Michael, who pulled her to him instantly. "Thank you."
"No, thank you Aiden, I don't know what Josh was… was planning, but you and Lisa stepped in incredibly quickly, and I'm very grateful for this. I will keep both of your phone numbers, and maybe we can text someday. Sorry, but I won't be keeping Josh's though."
"Oh, believe me, I'm tempted not to either," he assured her. "I wish you nothing but the best, Danielle Myers." Finally, she smiled at him for real, before Aiden Dawson turned and left the room.