Within his sight

by Whistle-78

After a totally blind teenager is committed to Smith's Grove having attempted suicide following horrific domestic abuse, the only cell available is the one right next door to the masked and silent killer Michael Myers. But as time passes, something slowly begins to form between the two. Meanwhile, her abuser has absolutely no intention of letting her go.

83. Q&A

Chapter 83, Q&A

…

Danielle was feeling unaccountably nervous all of a sudden as they stepped into the visitor's room, with the huge pane of security glass across its centre which Michael would very soon be standing behind, beyond her reach.

"You alright?" Adam murmured. "You look a little pale." Behind her, Mel squeezed her shoulder, Goodwin her other arm.

"Yeah," she sighed. "It just makes me sad Michael standing behind that, like he's a danger. I mean… ok to them he is, but I… I don't know it just… I don't like it. I'm just… a bit nervous, I think. I hate interviews like this, especially with police when I'm damn sure they consider me a suspect for a crime I did not commit."

"It's not too late if you want to be on his side instead," Cutter said, but she slowly shook her head. "Thanks, but your reasons for me not make more sense."

"Just remember I'm right here," Goodwin assured. "You are not a suspect, and I will speak up if they treat you as such!" She smiled faintly at him. "Thanks."

"Got a little treat for you first though," Dr Loomis said. Taking her hand, he guided her into a tiny booth at the back of the room. Inside there was a single chair, and a control panel with only three buttons. "Take a seat," he said, placing her hand on the back of the chair. She sat down, and Dr Loomis took her finger and placed it on the first button. "Give that a push."

She did so, and there was a soft, but still audible whooshing sound. She didn't have to think too hard to guess what'd just happened. The huge pane of glass had smoothly separated down the middle, the panes splitting to each side so someone could step through. She couldn't help smiling, as Michael stepped up to her side, leant down and kissed her, before moving her hands to his ears and wiggling them. He then raised his notepad, which Dr Loomis read out loud. "Uh oh, please don't keep me locked behind there for longer than you have to? Seeing as you have total control? It'll be ok, I'm here. I love you."

Tears sprang to her eyes as she kissed him again. "I'll let you out if you're good," she quipped, and everyone laughed. "Thanks darling, good luck."

"Not that you need it, you're innocent, remember? But same to you." He kissed her again, whistled a little tune then stepped away from the booth and when Dr Loomis tapped her shoulder, Danielle pressed the button again, and the glass whooshed shut. "What are the other two for then?" She asked, unable to help herself. She loved things like this and of course Dr Loomis knew it.

He chuckled. "This one the second is to turn on the audio and video, so you can see and hear Michael behind the glass, otherwise it would be impossible to do either, the glass is too thick." She pressed it and there was a click, immediately Dr Loomis told her he could see Michael, and they could both hear the killer's calm breathing. "The third?"

The doctor smiled. "If you feel it, it's a lot bigger than the others. Now for once in your life I'm unfortunately going to have to ask you not to press this one."

"Oh," she said in mock sadness, but grinned. He chuckled again. "It's a panic button, it's bright red. If you press that, guards will be here from medium and high security within seconds. That's why there's a bolted down chair in here, a guard can sit here if they wish. The speakers we can hear Michael through are above your head in the ceiling, and the screen is here." He placed her hand on a small screen beside the three buttons. "There is a huge screen in the main room itself, but this is the small one the guard can use."

"Thanks Dr Loomis," she smiled at him. "I appreciate that, but I'm still a bit nervous."

"Uh oh, Danielle's taken our place," Mel said from outside the booth. "We're out of our jobs! Watch out for that huge red button!" Danielle smirked. "I wish," she said a little sadly. "I'd love to be a guard."

"Why?" Mel asked, taking her hand and helping her out of the booth. Ceiling speakers within the room meant they could still hear Michael perfectly clearly, and microphones also in the ceiling meant he could hear them. They would also be used to record the visit and allow Dr Loomis and Cutter to hear everything said. "Why would you want to put yourself in danger every day when you come into work?"

"I'm not that dangerous, am I?" She laughed and Mel joined her, hugging her. "No of course not! Um well actually… let me rethink that one!"

"Shut up!" Danielle grinned, then sighed. "I don't know, all your equipment I guess." She touched Mel's handcuffs, gun and radio.

"Yeah, but they're just tools of the trade," Mel said. "You also have to undertake a hell of a lot of training, it's not an easy job, believe me. Plus, some patients are seriously very dangerous indeed."

"Yeah, I guess like I've said before, it's probably just because I can't do it that I want to, like I'd love to be a taxi driver and obviously… I can't do that!"

"Death trap alert," Goodwin said and all of them laughed.

"Exactly. So maybe if I could do it, I wouldn't want to."

"Even on medium it's no joke," Adam said, gently moving her so she was standing beside the glass, her left shoulder touching its cool surface. "It's challenging and like the lovely Mel here said, dangerous. Ok, Michael is just beside your left shoulder, where it's touching the glass. Mr. Goodwin is just in front of you, I'm on your right, and Mel is behind you."

"Right here my girl," Mel and Goodwin said together, squeezing her shoulder and arm respectively. She nodded and managed a faint smile at them.

"Is our little… surprise active?" She asked Goodwin in a low voice, but it was Mel who answered.

"Yep, Dr Loomis just told me in my earpiece, my sticky out ears pieces… that it is!" Danielle laughed. "Thanks Mel. Now please, can we just get this over with?"

…

Detective Ray Peters was not in the least happy when told by one of the guards at the main gate that he and Rickets would have to hand over their side arms and tasers. "I'm a police officer," he protested. "Hell, a Detective even! Why should I have to hand over my weapons?"

"It's the rules, Detective," the guard said smoothly. "You are entering the high security ward, where the patients are the most dangerous. If you refuse, you won't be given access and will have to leave. After all, we would have to hand over ours if entering the PD, would we not?"

Rickets, not wanting any trouble, handed his over without argument. He couldn't deny the guard had a fair point. They were after all on Smith's Grove's territory, they had rules for a reason and yes, they would be searched if entering the PD. But his boss still didn't look happy about it.

"Fine," Peters snapped eventually, unholstering and handing over his service weapon and taser as Rickets had done. The guards however did not ask for their concealed handcuffs, batons, radios or pepper spray. Just as well, because he was not prepared to hand those over.

"Follow me, officers," the guard said, leading them into a small shuttle station.

"I'm Detective," Peters snapped. Rickets glanced sideways at him. Being aggressive from the outset would hardly help them, but he didn't dare say anything. They might have a good working relationship as of recently, but Peters was still his boss. They boarded a small shuttle with black leather seats. Rickets raised a mental eyebrow. Sitting down and doing up their seatbelts, the guard touched a touch screen at the front of the vehicle, and an automated female voice told them they would be at main reception in two minutes.

"Reception?" Peters asked. "Are we not going straight to the ward?"

"No Sir," the guard said. "Someone wishes to speak with you there first." Peters sighed. How long would this damn thing take?

They got off at the reception and walked through the automatic sliding doors. As soon as they did so, a man in an impeccably tailored suit and tie stood and approached them. His name tag read Oliver Cutter, CEO. Peters' heart sank.

"Good morning, Detective, Officer," the CEO said. "As you can see, I am Oliver Cutter, CEO of Smith's Grove. I wished to speak with you before you conduct this interview."

"For what reason, Sir?" Peters asked, knowing disrespecting this man would get them nowhere except out of the exit doors, fast.

"Because I am the CEO," Cutter said evenly, not in the least intimidated. "Because I know Danielle Avery, the young woman you are about to interview, and while she is a lot stronger than the woman who first walked through our doors, you will still treat her with respect and curtesy. She is understandably nervous about this interview; I trust you will show her the utmost compassion?"

"Has she told you that, Sir?" Peters asked. Rickets inwardly winced. Like Cutter would answer that.

"That is my business," Cutter said, proving him right. "Any conversation I may or may not have had with Miss Avery is between us. But remember, whether you think she is guilty or innocent, you must conduct this interview fairly, impartially and not jump to any conclusions until your investigation is complete."

Peters bristled. Who the hell did Cutter think he was to tell him how to do his job? He wasn't telling Cutter how to run Smith's Grove! He took a breath and forced himself to nod. "Of course, Sir."

"I will tell you now that Danielle has requested a guard with her," Cutter continued. "This is her right and can not be denied by us or you. It makes her feel safer, so it's done. She's totally blind remember and doesn't even know you."

Plus, Michael Myers will be standing just a few feet away, Rickets thought and shivered a little. I'd want a damn guard too!

"She will also have her DVA with her, Domestic Violence Advisor, she has again requested this for the same reasons, plus all the horrific abuse she went through."

Peters felt his anger rise. I know what a DVA is, idiot! So now you're saying we're going to domestically abuse her? For fuck's sake! Why does she need them there too?

Cutter shot him a warning look, clearly detecting his mood shift. Peters took another deep breath. "You will be interviewing Miss Avery and Mr. Myers together at the same time," Cutter said. "Mr. Myers will be behind glass of course, but Dr Loomis has denied your request for separate interviews. What you ask one, you can ask both. Also, if you ask anything which I deem is out of line or crosses boundaries, you will know about it, as will your boss's."

Peters was getting more and more irritated by the second and with every word the CEO spoke. This was not how he'd requested it, but he knew he had to bite his tongue, Smith's Grove were after all allowing the interviews at the end of the day, and pushing would only get them thrown out incredibly quickly. He really wanted to snap 'what the hell are you implying?' But knew he couldn't. Instead, he tried not to grit his teeth as he spoke. "Understood, Sir," he said, trying to keep his voice friendly.

"Good," Cutter nodded to them. "In that case gentlemen, please follow me?"

They once again boarded the shuttle, but this time the guard was not with them. Cutter pressed the touch screen, and the automated voice told them they would reach the Maximum-Security Unit in approximately four minutes. James was feeling nervous now but couldn't put his finger on why. The attitude of his boss, maybe? Or simply being face to face, (albeit through security glass,) with Michael Myers? That would make anyone nervous, that was for sure! No wonder Hayward was nervous!

The shuttle eventually came to a gentle stop, and the three of them disembarked. Cutter produced a swipe card from his suit jacket pocket and swiped them into ICU. James felt his heart pick up speed. No, he didn't want to do this. He really, really didn't want to do this…

…

"They've just entered the Maximum-Security Unit," Mel murmured. "Dr Loomis is watching the CCTV." Danielle took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Adam squeezed her hand. "I'm here," he said. She forced a smile.

"I do have one question," she spoke very quietly now. "What if this… makes Michael, you know… angry?"

Of course, the sensitive microphones picked her up and a few seconds later the screen beeped. Mel read out Michael's reply. "Then I will request to stay behind this glass until such time as I'm not. Don't worry, you'll be perfectly safe, as will every one of you involved in this. I will also make no move to harm the officers. On that, you have my promise."

"Thanks Michael," the four said together, smiling at him.

"That means a lot to me pal," Adam said. "It really does."

Danielle knew Michael had phrased it that way because the feed was now active, and Dr Loomis could also hear this, as could Cutter. She felt a rush of affection for him all over again at this. This was all her doing. She still couldn't stop thinking that at times like this. Something must've shown on her face because Mel squeezed her shoulder, Adam her arm. She knew they knew what she was thinking. She managed another small smile at them. Now she just wanted these guys to hurry the fuck up and get this over with.

As if on cue, the visitor's room door slid silently open, and Cutter entered. "Hello Danielle," he said, making sure he was the first to speak as she knew his voice. "It's me, Oliver. I have Detective Peters and Officer Rickets here to speak with you and yourself, Mr. Myers. Do you have any questions for me before I leave?"

"No, thank you Oliver," she smiled at him.

"No problem," the CEO squeezed her shoulder, then was gone.

Peters took a breath. He did not trust that Cutter would not be listening somehow to this interview, so knew he had to be careful. All they could hear was Myers calm breathing through what must've been built-in speakers and see him on a huge screen. There was no way they would've been able to hear or see him through that glass otherwise. Thank God the silent bastard couldn't reach them! He'd kill them in a second! Pulling out his extensive notes, he turned towards Hayward and Myers, separated from him by the glass, whereas Hayward was right in front of him. She was seated in a soft chair, her left shoulder touching the glass. Peters privately would've snapped at them to move her the fuck back, but hell, he wasn't in charge here. Plus, it wasn't as though Myers could reach her either.

"Good morning, Miss Hayward, Mr. Myers," he began. "My name is Detective Peters, I am from the Haddonfield PD. I need and wish to speak with you about the events of a few weeks previously. First off, I am very sorry for what Adam Dawson did to you Miss Hayward, you did not deserve that. However, it is the events which took place during I wish to discuss with you."

"First off Detective," Danielle said, her voice perfectly steady. "Please stop calling me Miss Hayward. I'm not Hayward anymore. I was adopted a few weeks ago, while recovering from the events you've just mentioned. I am now Danielle Avery."

"Very good," Peters nodded, but James was sure his boss hadn't heard a word Danielle had just said, his eyes on his notes. Uh oh, he thought. This isn't a good start. I just hear as Peters' fucking bodyguard.

"I appreciate… your account will be… somewhat limited due to your sight issues," Peters continued. "But I would like you please to tell me what happened? Before you do however, I need to read this to both of you. 'You have the right to remain silent, anything you do say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an Attorney before and during questioning and to have an Attorney present during questioning if you wish.'"

"Hold on," Danielle interrupted. "Those are Miranda rights! I at least am not under arrest!"

"No, you're not," Peters agreed. "But it is to protect yourselves and us. As for you Mr. Myers, well you're obviously… not going anywhere." So you are under arrest, he didn't add.

"Funny you should mention an Attorney Detective," Danielle said. "Because…" Peters gaped in shock as Alan Goodwin himself stepped forwards, so they saw him for the first time. God knew Peters had met him in court several times on cases, but this time, he and Goodwin were on opposite sides. How the hell had Hayward afforded him? He was the best damn prosecutor in Illinois! An opinion shared by many in the courts, PD and elsewhere.

"Good morning, Detective," Goodwin said smoothly. Danielle was now exceptionally glad Cutter and Dr Loomis had done this for her. If Peters was going to read her her damn rights, she was sure as shit going to act on them to 'protect herself,' as Peters had put it.

Peters was now seriously pissed. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to play dirty, but he had questions he wanted to ask Hayward, and her having an Attorney made that incredibly complicated. Not to mention why was it Alan Goodwin himself? Bad! Looking behind Hayward, he saw her DVA and a Smith's Grove guard beside her. Fuck! Smith's Grove was sure as shit prepared, and he didn't like that.

"So, to start my question again," he said, keeping his voice friendly. "Can you tell me about what happened the night Dawson kidnapped you from the hospital please?"

"Can I ask a question first? Why are you only hear asking me this now, when it was three weeks ago at least?"

"We had investigations to conduct," Peters said. But James couldn't help thinking Danielle had a good point. "I am very sorry for what Dawson did to you, but now we need… the full details, if possible, please?"

"Relevance!" Goodwin snapped. "What Danielle went through at Adam Dawson's hands has nothing to do with his death. You don't need a play by play of her horror that night to know why he died!"

"Actually, we do," Peters said. "We need to know who killed Dawson and how he died, and the details of what you went through could have a lot to do with that, Miss Hayward."

"Only if you're implying, I killed him," Danielle said. "Which I most certainly did not."

"Well of course you would say that, wouldn't you? This is why we need to investigate. You were kidnapped by him and then that same night he's dead?"

"You… you're joking right?" She was legitimately speechless. "Hold on just a second! I'm totally blind, you idiot! You all know how quietly Adam could move and hide from me; Nigel manning testified at trial! I wasn't there, but Mr. Goodwin here told me everything today and Nigel himself told me before! So, if you think I could kill him, think again!"

"Ok, well perhaps you didn't kill him, but had… someone to do it for you?" She just knew Peters was now looking at Michael.

"So… what?" She laughed, unable to stop herself. "I just strolled up to Michael in the exercise yard one day and said 'Hello Mr. Myers, how are you? I know you don't know me, but please could you kill my ex-boyfriend Adam Dawson if he ever kidnaps me, or you get the chance?' By the way, he'll be holding me at this address?'"

"Exactly Miss Hayward, how do we know you didn't do just that? You have been at Smith's Grove long enough, after all."

"I can't believe this, is your concern my welfare, or to prosecute and see me in jail? Please may I remind you that I'm only here because I tried to commit suicide as a result of Dawson's horrific abuse?"

"Which is precisely why we're talking to you now, Miss Hayward. That gives you a huge motive to want Dawson dead, does it not? He drove you to try and kill yourself, kidnapped you from the hospital after Charlotte's… accident, not to mention kept contacting you while you were here. I'd say that gives you plenty of reason, wouldn't you?"

"Stop!" Goodwin almost shouted. "How dare you accuse without proof! You, Detective Peters, are speculating! As Danielle just said, she's blind, how would she cut Dawson's head off? Get more evidence before you throw accusations at an innocent victim!"

"The autopsy also showed multiple stab wounds," Peters countered. "Who's to say that didn't kill him before he was decapitated? You could've easily stabbed him, could you not?"

Danielle wanted nothing more than to shout the truth at this insensitive prick, but knew she had to be careful how she did it. Adam's hateful last words, the swish of the knife, the thud… she briefly closed her eyes. Even now it still haunted her. God knew how Rick and Jack were coping. She made a mental note to talk to them when they came in tonight. That was one question she'd never asked them, at least not directly or alone, she'd fix that. "I'd have to find him to stab him," she said, keeping her voice as calm as she could. She thought back to Michael's promise not to harm the Detective and wondered if that still stood. Doubtless this was making him furious; it was her, that was for sure! "To repeat myself, you know how quiet Adam Dawson could move! Plus, no matter what he did, I could never kill someone! Not even him! Think what you will Detective Peters, I'm not and could never be a murderer!"

Rickets looked at Myers and shivered. "Sir," he said, speaking for the first time. Peters turned to him. "I think you're forgetting who the actual killer is." He knew he shouldn't have spoken, but in truth his boss was making him just as angry as Danielle. Why was he acting like this towards her? He was taking a hostile approach normally only used on suspects, and Danielle wasn't a suspect.

"Michael Myers escaped," Danielle said, her voice quieter now. "He stole a car and drove down to Haddonfield. It took Dr Loomis and at least 6 guards to chase and track him down."

"Really?" Peters' tone was sceptical. As much as she disliked him, Danielle had to hand it to him, he was a smart cop then. "If that is true, tell me how he knew where you were being held by Dawson?"

"I have absolutely no idea," she said truthfully. At the time after all, she hadn't until Leach had told her during the rescue. So, it wasn't really a lie. At least at the time it hadn't been. "Why don't you ask him? He's standing right there!"

"Because if you know anything about Michael Myers, you'll know as well as I do Miss Hayward he will not answer," Peters said cooly.

"I believe Danielle has asked you to stop calling her 'Miss Hayward,'" Goodwin said. "She has recently been adopted; her name is Danielle Avery."

Danielle felt another rush of affection towards the man who'd prosecuted Adam so successfully, but for one stupid Juror. She had to ask him about that before he left, whether there was an update on Duckworth. For now, though, he was protecting her all over again and not charging anyone, not even Smith's Grove to do it. Damn, he was one kind man! Yes, the trial had been a mess, but that hadn't been his fault. Yet here he was, doing this for her as an apology he did not owe. She had also noticed he was using her name, not calling her 'my Client' as some Lawyers would've done. Yet another thing she was grateful for. It made this feel like the personal representation it actually was.

"Well, you don't know for sure until you at least try," she said, and Peters scoffed. James however stepped towards the security glass. For some reason his boss was being an absolute dick to someone who didn't deserve it, he would show at least he wasn't.

"Hello, Mr. Myers," he said quietly. "My name is James Rickets." He did not introduce himself as 'Deputy Rickets,' which he would've been entitled to do. He never used that if he could help it, he wasn't after power. The killer's gaze rested on him, and James Rickets received a huge shock. The gaze of Michael Myers had previously been described by some, (Laurie Strode a prime example,) as the abyss, and one only saw it when they were about to die. That, however, was not what he saw in that exact moment. Michael Myers was looking at him, and there was no hostility in his gaze, just… what, respect? No, that was probably pushing it a little too far considering who they were talking about, yet… "Do you know anything about what my boss is asking?" He continued; his voice still low. He wasn't sure why. "Adam Dawson's death? We're not out to prosecute anyone for it, we are just looking for answers." He was sure he heard Myers scoff through the speakers. "Ok well I'm not," he amended, now speaking very quietly.

"Perhaps if you spoke to Danielle and Michael with a little more respect as your colleague is now doing," Goodwin said just as cooly to Peters. "Then you might get some answers. Just a suggestion, Detective."

Peters turned and glared at James, but the deputy did not acknowledge him just then. He knew he'd get into trouble for that later, Peters was telling him with that one look to back down and he oversaw this interview. Privately James thought that if he was, he was doing an absolutely shit job thus far. He looked back at Myers and received probably the biggest shock of his life. The screen beeped softly, and a message from Myers flashed up. Michael had actually answered. Peters spun around at the beep and stared at the screen in just as much shock as James felt.

You are blaming completely the wrong person. Put two and two together and make four, idiot. I escaped down to Haddonfield, what else do you need to know? Incidentally Mr. Rickets, 'idiot' is not address to you.

"Thanks," the deputy smiled at Myers, another thing he would never have expected to ever do in his life. Hell: just seeing Michael Myers would probably have ended it just months previously. What the hell? Did Danielle have something to do with it? He remembered scoffing at that notion when talking to Peters, yet now, he couldn't do so so quickly anymore.

The Detective opened his mouth furiously, but stopped when Goodwin laid a firm hand on his shoulder. Remember who you're talking to, that grip seemed to say, and Peters closed his mouth. He didn't want to die today, security glass or not. This was still Michael Myers, and Peters wouldn't put anything past this man. "Did you have anything to do with his death, Miss Avery?" He asked, now he was talking through gritted teeth. This was not going at all the way he'd wanted it to go.

"No," Danielle said simply.

"We have spoken to a couple of the other men who were there that night," Peters continued, and Danielle felt another rush of hatred for the at least three unknown men who'd sexually assaulted her and made her cook their food as well as Adam, plus Ashley, the guy who'd raped her, who was now dead. "They have told us that yes they hate women, made no secret about it actually." James felt another rush of disgust. Idiots. "One even admitted they made you cook their food but said nothing else happened. Not from them anyway, and that Adam was the only one who did anything to you."

"Well, that's total and complete bullshit," she exclaimed furiously. "They all sexually assaulted me, every one of them. One of them even raped me! Which I might add Adam was in the process of doing when I got rescued. No thanks to you fucking useless cops, I might add!"

"That was not…" Peters began.

"Your fault?" Danielle was glaring at him now, unable to help it. "Yeah, whatever, spare me the legal shit! Talk to my Lawyer for that!"

"It actually wasn't," James said, his voice gentle. "We didn't get notified of your location by the DASC, which makes no sense. We only knew when Mr. Evans called us. Something must have been wrong with your monitoring equipment. I believe the DASC are investigating that part of it?"

"If you mean trying to deny all wrongdoing, then yes," she snapped, before taking a deep breath. If Rickets and Peters were playing good cop bad cop, she wouldn't let them know she'd twigged. However, James did seem like he genuinely did care, but with cops you never knew for sure. "Sorry Mr. Rickets, but I'm still really angry about it."

"Understandable," James touched her arm briefly. "I would be too."

"As I was saying," Peters continued. "The other men are denying all involvement in abusing you, apart from making you cook their food."

"So that isn't abuse?" Goodwin and Danielle said in unison and Goodwin and Adam were delighted to see Peters flush. "That's… not what I meant. Of course, it is abuse. But sexually or with physical violence, they didn't harm you."

Danielle laughed out loud. "Again, total bullshit! Didn't you look at my hospital records Detective? If you didn't, do your fucking job properly and then talk to me damn it! I was covered in small cuts, which all of them did with fucking sharp knives! I was lucky I didn't bleed to death or have permanent nerve damage as a result! Jesus Christ! They all played a part in that!"

"We know about that yes, but we have been told it was just done by Adam. As for being raped by someone else, they've also told us that never happened."

"So let me get this straight," she said slowly, desperately trying to control her anger. Adam put his arm around her, and she couldn't deny it felt good. Reaching for Mel's hand, she squeezed it, desperately trying not to do so too hard, but she needed to hold her anger in check. Mel squeezed back tightly, clearly understanding. Damn, Danielle loved her. "You are believing the suspects behind this more than the victim? Yes, ok people can lie to get others in trouble, but I didn't even know these men, Detective. Plus, I would not make something like this up to get any man in trouble! I don't appreciate that even being implied."

"Mr. Dawson is deceased," Peters said. "So, he can't tell us anything."

Danielle snorted with laughter. "Like he'd tell you the truth? Detective, are you for real? How in God's name did you even get to that rank? You're an idiot! If you've seen police records, the trial coverage, you know better than anyone… well perhaps except me, that Adam Dawson would lie and sell his own mother to the devil to save his own skin! You really would be, if he was alive, expecting him to tell the truth? Say 'yes officer, I kidnapped and attempted to rape Danielle, I've controlled her for years, I made her cook mine and their food that night. Oh, and by the way, one of my friends raped her too.' You've got to be joking! Fucking hell!"

"Well said," Goodwin said in approval. "Answer that, Detective."

"I am just stating the fact that two of the men who held you are now dead. Ok maybe you didn't kill them, but your kidnap is beyond doubt the reason they are dead."

"Which goes back to what I said before. You think I communicated with Michael and asked him to do it? Give me a break! I had no damn idea where I was that night, how would I? I can't fucking see God damn it! Are you serious?"

"So, you didn't know the address?" It was James who asked, his voice still gentle.

"No, I had no clue where I was! I was drugged to my fucking ears with Chloroform for fuck's sake! Remember? Or haven't you looked at that either? I just knew I was being held prisoner, raped and sexually assaulted, not to mention treated like a slave! I'd say that was far more important to me than asking for the fucking postcode!"

"That's a fair point," James nodded.

"So, I ask you again, how did Mr. Myers know where you were? If it was him who killed Adam and one of the other men, how did he know where to find you?"

"That is the second time you have asked that question," Goodwin said. "Danielle has already told you she does not know, or even where she was. Please change the question."

"Do you know who any of the other men were?" James asked. "Had you ever met any of them before that night?"

"No, I didn't have a clue who they were. Didn't hear any names, either except one."

"Which was?"

"I heard the name Ashley; I knew by his voice he was the one who'd raped me. One of the other guys yelled something at him while I was being rescued." Danielle caught herself just in time. Chris Leach could not come into this. After everything he'd done for her, she would protect him in return. "But I didn't know him or the others, well accept Adam of course."

"Of course," James said. Danielle couldn't deny she was starting to like and respect him, this didn't seem to her like a good cop bad cop game. He seemed for real. "No other names?"

"Sorry, no. I didn't catch any of them. They were careful not to use them in my earshot."

"Makes sense," he nodded. "Of course, descriptions are out of the question."

"From me, yes." She couldn't help smiling at him at this and he chuckled. "Sorry. What name did you hear?"

"Ashley," Danielle replied. "I heard the name Ashley."

"Funny that," Peters started again, and she inwardly groaned. Would he just shut the fuck up? James was a way better interviewer than he was, he actually seemed to care about victims! "Two males were killed that night, Adam and believe it or not, the other male was named Ashley."

"How strange," she said, her tone sarcastic. "So now you're going to say I killed him too?"

"Well considering you have just told us he was the one who raped you and suddenly he's dead, what would you think in my shoes?"

"Speculation, again!" Goodwin snapped. "You need to investigate before you 'think' anything. I sincerely hope your investigations are not centred around what you 'think,' Detective Peters."

Peters glared at him but forced himself to take a deep breath. Damn, why did she have to have an Attorney? Especially Goodwin? He gritted his teeth.

"Do you know anyone named Ashley?" Rickets asked. Peters glared at him now. What the hell was the point of that question?

"No, I don't. I take it you mean before that night?"

"Correct."

"No. The only Ashley I knew was the one who raped me, I don't even know his last name."

"Ok," James nodded. He glanced at Myers, and now the killer's gaze was cold, intense. He understood. Michael Myers was getting angry, bad. He knew he had to wrap this up sooner rather than later, for the safety of the Smith's Grove guards if nothing else. Peters glanced over then and saw the exact same thing. Mel laid a hand on Danielle's shoulder, and she felt her blood run cold. These officers, no correction Peters, was seriously pushing and testing Michael's patience, always a bad idea. Mel was assuring her she was safe from her own Fiancé, again. She was protecting her.

"But wait just a second," Peters snapped. "As you appear to be answering, what a surprise, I did not expect that I admit, how the fuck did you know where he was holding her, Myers?"

"Because he's Michael Myers, perhaps?" Goodwin said quietly. Peters spun to look at him now. "Come on Detective. We all know Michael Myers has… abilities which aren't… human. Just ask Hawkins about what happened in 1978 if you want proof man!"

This made Peters fall silent for a moment, thinking. He remembered Hawkins telling him about McCabe, and exactly how his partner had died. It clearly still haunted his boss to this very day. Hawkins did have one thing bang on the money; Michael Myers was one cruel motherfucker. "I did Mr. Goodwin," he said finally. "About Peter McCabe, you mean?"

Goodwin laughed. A bitter, disdainful sound. "No Detective, I'm talking about what happened between Michael and Dr Loomis. Surely you know about that?"

Peters hesitated. In truth, he didn't. Hawkins hadn't mentioned anything after McCabe had died. But he'd be damned if he'd admit he didn't have this knowledge. Unfortunately, Goodwin seemed to detect something on his face.

"Fine, then I will tell you, please allow me that honour," his tone was sarcastic now. Sorry Michael. "Dr Loomis tried to shoot Michael here six times in 1978, and what would you expect to see? Michael dead on the ground, right? Well obviously, wrong, as he's standing right here. Michael was just… gone."

"Excuse me?" Peters gaped at him. "What?"

"You heard me," Goodwin said. Ask Hawkins, he knows all about that. So, this is Michael Myers we're talking about. So only he knows how he knew where Danielle was being held, and if I were him, I sure wouldn't tell you that! Not now." James looked at the lawyer, completely believing him. When it came to Michael Myers, nothing was impossible it seemed. He gave Goodwin a single nod.

"It seems like your colleague is convinced," Goodwin said to Peters. "Wise man. If I were you, I'd follow in his footsteps, Detective. I would ask please, to look at those notes of yours at this point. You and I both know perfectly well I am allowed to do so." This was true, Peters could not say no. Glaring, he and Goodwin walked to the other side of the room.

"Have you and Michael become friends?" James asked Danielle very quietly. "Is that what's really happened? Look, my boss is being an absolute dick to you, and I don't understand why. I'm not going to tell him anything you say to me right now."

"What do you think, Officer?" Danielle said. "You seem to be a little smarter than your boss, so use your brain."

"Got it," Rickets nodded to her, touching her arm lightly again.

A few minutes later, Peters and Goodwin walked back to them. Peters did not look happy, and Danielle got the distinct impression the interview was almost over. Thank God! Peters felt exceptionally frustrated. Michael had admitted to both kills, which was what they'd been after all along, but he wasn't getting any of the answers he wanted from Avery. He would have to try again, maybe arrest her and bring her in for questioning, without Goodwin! She clearly knew something she wasn't telling them. There was, pun not intended, more to this than met the eye.

…

"Damn it, she knows something she's not telling us!" Peters fumed half an hour later, when they were back in their squad car, the interview having ended just minutes after Goodwin read his notes. "There's more to this going on than she's saying! She might be blind, but she's keeping something from us, and damn it I want to know what it is! I am seriously considering having her arrested when she returns to Haddonfield, to get that information from her properly!"

"Sir," James said, not meeting his boss's eyes. "We can't. We have the answers we need, Michael Myers actually confirmed he'd committed both kills. The case is closed, we can't complicate it further. Adam Dawson is dead, what will arresting Danielle do? What will it accomplish? It's not going to bring the men back, is it? Plus, you did take…" he hesitated. "A rather hostile approach, so that probably stopped her from wanting to talk. Danielle doesn't deserve us to inflict anymore trauma on her by arresting her, come on Sir, that's not right or fair."

To his surprise, Peters sighed. "You're right, but God damn it! Michael Myers makes me so fucking nervous! Not only that, but why the fuck did she have to have an Attorney? Not just any Attorney, but Goodwin? That said to me she's guilty of… something! I just don't know what! Knowing more than she's saying, at the very least."

"It is in her rights like you yourself read to her," Rickets said. "But we weren't there to interrogate Danielle, we were there to get answers. We've got those answers, come on Sir, let's just get back?"

Peters sighed again. "Damn it, you're right. Fine, let's get the fuck back to Haddonfield, and as far from Michael fucking Myers as possible!"

"I'm all for that," Rickets nodded, but in truth he privately was stunned. Michael Myers had nodded to and written to him? What the hell? Plus, Danielle had admitted to him privately that she and Michael were at the very least friends. Who would've thought? But that particular piece of information he would keep to himself, probably taking it to his grave.

…

"Thank fuck for that!" Danielle fumed, as the visitor's doors slid closed. "Jesus Christ! That Detective had it in for me from minute one! Got to hand it to him, he's a smart cop, he clearly knew there was more to this."

"I still did not like his tactics," Goodwin said. "That was out of line."

"I'm no Lawyer," Adam said, "but I agree. He did exactly what the good Lawyer here said he might, treated you like a suspect. That pissed me off!"

Everyone who could looked around at Michael, still standing behind the glass. He was very still, his gaze intense, but they were sure that for the very first time, they could also see some kind of emotion in it. "Michael?" Adam murmured. "You alright man?"

The killer shook his head, locking eyes with the DVA. Adam understood, Michael was angry, just as Danielle had feared. But he also remembered Michael had promised all of them they were safe. A few seconds later, the door opened again, and Dr Loomis and Cutter entered. "Hi Danielle," Cutter said. "Well done, you handled that very well."

"Indeed, you did," Dr Loomis agreed, taking her hand and squeezing it. There was a soft buzzing sound, and Dr Loomis turned to the glass.

"What was that?" Danielle asked.

"There's a button behind the glass," Cutter explained. "A patient behind it can press it and that buzzer goes off, attracting the attention of those on the other side. There's also one on this side for the same the other way around." Smiling, he took her finger and placed it on the little square button built into the glass. She pressed it and the same buzz sounded again. Dr Loomis smiled, but his attention was still firmly on his patient. "Do you want to stay here for a little while?" He asked Michael softly. The killer gave him a tiny nod, Dr Loomis nodded back. "Come on guys, Michael has asked for space."

"Understood," Cutter said. "Let's go into the staff canteen, we can talk safely there. Michael, press the call button next to the buzzer when you're ready, ok man? Take your time, no rush." The screen beeped, and Cutter looked over at it.

Thank you, Sir. Please may I request a coffee?

"It's Oliver, and absolutely," Cutter said, and Mel was already running out of the room to fetch it.

"Can I do anything for you, babe?" Danielle asked.

Michael looked back at Cutter, who hesitated, but only for a second, before heading into the booth Danielle had seen before the interview. Pressing the 'open' button, the glass slid back, and Dr Loomis guided Danielle towards and through it. For the first time ever, Danielle stepped onto the other side of the security glass. The part of the room on the other side was not carpeted, and there was a bolted down chair and table, with no other furniture. Dr Loomis had told her once there were also little slits in the glass for papers to be passed back and forth if necessary.

The glass slid closed again, and immediately Michael had her in his arms, holding her close. She couldn't help wondering if she was just calming his need to kill again, but that didn't last long when he kissed her and put her hands on his ears once more.

"Are you ok?" she murmured, knowing those on the other side could hear her, but she didn't care. She trusted every one of them with her life. Michael sighed and held her tighter, kissing her again.

"You guys handled that like pro's," Cutter's voice said through the speakers on their side. "I'm very proud of both of you. Danielle, would you like a tea?"

"Yes please," Danielle said.

"No problem, coming right up."

She was certain that only Cutter could've authorised for her to be allowed to stand with Michael, on the other side of the glass, and she was very grateful for it. A few minutes later, the glass opened again, and Mel stepped through with their drinks.

"You both ok?" She asked, placing the cups on the table. Danielle couldn't help noticing they were once again plastic, but she supposed it made sense here. Michael had gently pushed her into the single chair, and was standing beside her, holding her hand.

"That fucking Peters," she muttered. "Dick!"

"I know," Mel said sympathetically. "He certainly took the aggressive approach as soon as he entered. But like the CEO himself said, you guys handled it like pro's. Listen, press the call button next to the buzzer like he said when you're ready." She showed Danielle the small control panel built into the table, containing two buttons. The buzzer and the call button. The buzzer was square, the call button round. Maybe that was an unconscious accessibility thing, just in case someone such as her needed them? She was grateful for it either way.

"Take care," Mel said softly, stepping back through and a few seconds later the glass slid shut once again. Just because it cheered her up, Danielle couldn't resist pressing the buzzer again, hearing it sound. Mel turned back and grinned at Danielle. "You're such a mischief," she chuckled. "You and your buttons, at least those that cause a sound!"

Danielle laughed, then hesitated before speaking again. "Mel, please can you stay?" She wasn't sure why she'd asked that, probably for the simple reason Mel was their friend. Michael had chuckled with her, and now nodded to the guard.

"Sure if you want," Mel said. "Let me just go grab a drink then." A minute or so later she was back, sitting on the chair Danielle had just vacated on the other side of the glass. "Right here then, I'm not going anywhere."