Chapter 18: Visitation

…

In spite of his situation, Derek Chancer woke up from a brief sleep feeling incredibly horny. God, he wanted to fuck then kill a woman. Any woman, he no longer cared. But first, he had to get out of this place, alive. He could hear Hayward's voice as she was led away by Joanne and Rick and wanted more than anything to cut off her waggling tongue. After he'd made her lick and suck his cock with it of course and swallow every drop of his cum. His cock hardened even further at that thought, so much so it was starting to hurt. Standing, he moved to his toilet where he had the most privacy. He didn't give a fuck who was watching him, but if he came all over the floor he'd be in trouble. He'd done it once already and that fucker Rick had told him he'd face solitary if he did it again. Damn Chancer wished he'd killed him that day.

Now he was imagining his cock buried in Hayward's tight pussy. Her screams of pain because he was fucking her so hard. Then killing her in the most painful way possible. He thought of his extensive collection of tools. Gutting her, cutting her throat… With this image running through his mind, it wasn't long until he came with a quiet groan into his cell's metal toilet.

…

"Hello," Dr Stark said. It was now 7AM. She looked quite frankly terrible. She was pale and looked exhausted. "You asked for me?"

"I did. I want to talk to you for a minute Dr Stark, but are Joanne and Rick still here?"

Right on cue, the two guards walked past and Dr Stark called them back. "Yes, they're right here."

"Hi," Rick and Joanne said together.

"Dr Stark, I know this probably goes against guard and patient relationships, but before these two leave, I really want to buy them breakfast in the staff canteen to thank them for coming in so fast when they knew I was in trouble. They've been amazing tonight and ever since I got here. Please can I have some money from the ATM in reception to do this?"

"It's ok," Joanne began. "There's no n…"

"I'll do you one better than that. You don't need money, I'll use my ID so they get it for free and there won't be two of them, but three. If you want to go, I am more than happy to allow you to do so."

"The staff canteen?" her mouth fell open. Here was further proof that they trusted her.

"Indeed," Dr Stark said. "I think breakfast is the least you deserve for what you've been through tonight. Same for Joanne and Rick. Come on."

Dr Stark buzzed open her door. Joanne opened her mouth but Dr Stark said firmly, "end of discussion Joanne. Take her arm, one of you please?"

For the first time and to her enormous gratitude, they both did. She felt a huge rush of affection for the pair of them. Which only intensified when Dr Stark buzzed them through several doors and she heard the guards removing their equipment vests once outside the block. Yet further proof if she needed it, that she was trusted. This said to her at least, 'we're not your guards, we're your friends.' She felt a sudden rush of tears and tried to quickly blink them away.

"Thank you," was all she could manage and knew by the way they both squeezed her arms, they understood.

…

Forty-five minutes later they were back and Dr Stark approached her in her cell. She asked her how Adam had gotten her number. When Myers slipped past her to Danielle's side and pulled her into his arms, it didn't even occur to Gemma Stark to separate them. Not now, not this time. Instead, she simply passed her a sleeping pill and water, persuading her to take it and get some sleep, assuring her she was not separating her and Michael. She was sure the killer gave her an almost invisible smile. She returned it.

An hour later Dr Loomis had arrived and told Gemma she should go home. She'd shaken her head and said "Not yet. But I will soon Sam, I promise."

She began to fill him in on what'd happened with the exception of what Michael had written to her, albeit a mere three words. She'd promised herself she wouldn't tell him this. Dr Loomis looked as horrified as she felt and silently slipped to the cell door, slid open the hatch and looked through. Finally she was fast asleep in Michael's arms.

"Who'd have thought," Dr Loomis whispered and Dr Stark was sure she could see the glint of a tear in his eye. "Turned out I was indeed wrong. There is certainly something left of Michael, she appears to have found it."

…

"He's got to be joking!" It was after 8AM and Dr Loomis had just told Dr Stark what Andrews had just said. "That could do so much damage and I mean psychologically! She…"

"I know Gemma," Dr Loomis said quietly. Dr Stark privately loved his British accent but had never told him. It made her think of the place so far away she'd always wanted to visit, but as yet hadn't done. England. Her brother had moved over there two years ago and Gemma desperately wanted to see him.

"That's why I'm speaking to you now," Dr Loomis continued. They were once again sitting in his office. "We need to find a way to stop this from happening, by fair or foul means. This can't happen. Yes Michael has killed two people in a short period of time. But Andrews would never understand even if we tried to tell him."

Dr Stark snorted. "Of course he wouldn't. He's a narrow minded, selfish prick."

"Quite," Dr Loomis agreed. "So we have to think of something, t…" He was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Excuse me Dr Loomis," it was Andrews' secretary. What timing. "Mr. Andrews wants to see you again, now please?" The door closed behind her before Dr Loomis could even answer.

"Bastard," Dr Loomis muttered. "Thinks he can order us around whenever the hell he likes. Who are the doctors around here? The patients need us and he damn well knows it."

"Well no one is in the yard from our blocks right now," Dr Stark said, standing. Dr Loomis opened his mouth. "What are you…?"

"She is asleep," Dr Stark continued as if she hadn't heard him. "Michael is with her as you just saw and the others are in their cells. The guards know their jobs. In short, I'm coming with you and if he doesn't like it…"

"Gemma," Dr Loomis tried but she glared at her boss so firmly he shut his mouth.

…

She was woken at mid-day by a soft buzzing sound. Her phone. Immediately she felt a jolt of panic she couldn't suppress and automatically reached for the call button as she picked her phone up. Michael tightened his arms around her. She read the ID and immediately relaxed. It was Charlotte.

"Charlotte!" she said in relief, putting it on speaker. "How are you girl?"

"Even better now that I'm talking to you," Charlotte said. "Listen babe, my parents and I want to come see you tomorrow and we need your consent. Dr Stark has already cleared it from her end, but…"

"Are you kidding?" she said happily. "Oh my God! I'd love that so much! I haven't seen Colin, Emma and Dave for years it feels like!"

"Awesome! We'll be there at 11 AM tomorrow morning then? You can fill me in on any gossip then!"

"Like what?" she asked, feigning innocence.

"Oh I think you know damn well what Mrs.!" she couldn't help it when she started to laugh. It felt so good. It was also nice to know she could still laugh after everything that'd happened in the last twelve hours.

"I can't talk for long now," Charlotte said when both girls finally stopped laughing. "I'm about to go to work. But I'm excited for tomorrow, see you then!"

"You got it! I love you so much Lottie!"

"You too D, see you tomorrow babes." The call disconnected.

She turned back to Michael, unaware of the huge smile on her face. The killer held her close, again leaning down so she touched his ears. She couldn't help giggling at this too. This was the closest she'd come to feeling happy in a very long time.

Though if she could've seen how the killer's eyes looked straight through the open hatch and out into the block, it may have been punctured slightly. Or if she had seen what he did. But as it was of course, she was totally oblivious of the pending danger.

…

Chancer tried not to laugh out loud. She'd only put her damn phone call on speaker phone! Stupid bitch! He'd heard every word of both sides of the conversation. He picked up his iPod and entered the password. He may not be able to get her number again yet, but this was almost as good. As he waited for the call to connect, he suddenly realised for the first time that Dawson's name had never been used in writing via the iPod. It was always "our client." Chancer now realised this was very probably deliberate to prevent a security risk.

He spoke softly. The microphone was so sensitive he didn't need to shout. "I need to speak to Mr. Dawson. Now." This time the man on the other end didn't question him and within seconds, Adam Dawson's voice was in his ears. "Hello?"

"Hello Mr. Dawson, I just thought you'd want to know that Charlotte is visiting her in Smith's Grove tomorrow at 11AM with the rest of her family. Not sure if or how you want to use this information but there it is."

"Great," Dawson said softly. "Thank you so much Mr. Chancer."

Chancer grinned as he hung up. He wasn't sure what kind of bomb he'd just set to go off, but he had the feeling Charlotte Avery was now in very grave danger. If she was as well with the information he'd just provided, even better. Perfect, in fact.

…

To Dr Loomis' and Dr Stark's surprise, Andrews didn't react at all when they both reached his office five minutes later. "Ah, Dr Loomis, Dr Stark come in," he said. Not rising from behind his polished desk. Dr Loomis felt another rush of dislike and hoped it didn't show. Glancing briefly at Dr Stark, he saw it also reflected in her expression. Without a word, the two consultants entered and sat down.

"Perhaps it is good you are both here for this," Andrews began. "I take it Samuel has filled you in Gemma? Regarding our meeting earlier this morning?"

"Yes Sir," Dr Stark nodded.

"Fine then. Since I spoke to you an hour ago Samuel, things have changed. It would appear at this moment; Glass Hill has no spaces and this could possibly last for the next few months. This being the case, I am therefore unable to transfer Myers at this time. So, I am ordering him to be placed in solitary with minimal food and water and no contact with anyone until he can be transferred to Glass Hill."

Dr Loomis had to fight every muscle in his body not to stand up and punch the suited little prick in the face. God this man truly didn't care about anything except money! Michael was just a number to him, not a person. Albeit Dr Loomis himself had considered Michael as "it '' only months ago, pure evil even. But a woman named Danielle Hayward had changed all that… He forced himself back to the here and now.

"Sir, that won't work. Michael needs his therapy with me and no contact would no doubt make his… urges worse."

"Well you have already proved your guards can't protect anyone from him," Andrews said evenly. "Do tell me. Do I have any other choice? You'll just have to go down there to talk to him if he needs it so much."

Dr Stark spoke up. "Sir, putting him in solitary could do unspeakable psychological damage. Not just to him, but to others on the ward."

Andrews burst out laughing. "Do me a favour! He's a damn killer! How would his not being there damage others psychologically? If anything, they'll be glad he's no longer around! Psychological damage? Give me a break! That statement makes me question your own sanity, Dr Stark."

Dr Loomis tensed in his chair. Son of a bitch. But Dr Stark of course remained calm.

"Sir, as you know, we of course can't tell you what our patients have gone through or say to us. But I need you to trust me when I say putting Michael in solitary is a very, very bad idea."

"Seriously Dr Stark? Explain to me why. If Michael Myers had been in solitary already, those men would still be alive."

Not necessarily, Dr Loomis thought and just knew his colleague was thinking the exact same thing.

"Sorry Sir, but if we do this, someone else's life could be in danger. One of our patients has already attempted suicide once."

"Oh yes," Andrews interrupted. "The blind one. What's her name?" He consulted his files. Dr Stark felt a rush of anger. The blind one? How fucking dismissive and patronising. Not to mention he had to check for her name? "Danielle Hayward," Dr Stark snapped before she could stop herself.

"Right. Yes. Hayward. The one with the abusive boyfriend. Yes. But surely you're not telling me her life could be endangered if Michael Myers isn't there? If anything, surely it's the opposite? She'd be so easy to kill its almost laughable! She wouldn't even see him approaching for God's sake! Easiest kill he'd ever have."

"But he hasn't killed her yet," Dr Loomis said very quietly. "He's had his chance. She appears to be… bringing out his previously lost human side."

Andrews laughed again. "Seriously? And you are two of my best psychiatrists? I think you're losing your damn minds!

Prick, Dr Loomis thought. Selfish, uncaring prick.

"Sir," Dr Stark said quietly. "If you have so many questions about why Michael should not be in solitary, might I suggest you come down to the block sometimes? You might get the answers you seek, then you might understand why Michael killed those men a little better. Plus how strong he is and how hard it is to regain control when he has the urge to kill, whether for a reason or not."

Andrews bristled. "How dare you talk to me like that? I am your boss and you will respect the decisions I make."

"Sir, if those decisions compromise someone's safety, wellbeing and maybe even life, I'm afraid we can't do that. You employed us to care for the patients. We are experienced professionals, so might I suggest that you show us a little more respect when it comes to their daily care? Ok it's your choice to transfer Mr. Myers, again a huge mistake, but we can't change that.

But while you are unable to do so, he is in our care and I can tell you now that putting him in solitary would cause tremendous damage. Plus let's not beat around the bush. Jefferson was a nasty sexual son of a bitch, and the guard… Well he got too close to Myers and we couldn't pull him back. God knows all the guards tried except Joanne who was looking after her. That is her assigned duty."

Andrews looked at her, his mouth opening and closing with indignation, she'd dared to speak to him that way! Dr Loomis gave Dr Stark a mental pat on the back. Well said! Plus, she was right.

"You haven't heard the last of this Dr Stark," Andrews said eventually. "Your insubordination. But for now, I will take your word for it and trust your albeit insane judgement. But I will be keeping an eye out. I will get some of my staff to come down and check on your ward every so often and report back what they see. If I see anything I shouldn't, I will not hesitate to act this time."

"Yes Sir," Dr Stark and Dr Loomis said together and almost ran out of the room.

"Great!" Dr Stark said bitterly. "Stupid idiot! His staff members won't know what's hit them! I'd like to hear them report that back! Michael Myers is holding her in his arms every night and he killed those people because they hurt her in some way. I certainly wouldn't want to be the person who gave Dawson Danielle's number. They're a dead man if Myers finds out and gets hold of them. I for one won't stop him."

Dr Loomis didn't answer, he just nodded. That said everything, he didn't need words this time.

…

The next morning, she was surprised when she realised that she'd slept all night, despite having slept most of the day before thanks to the sedative. Nor could she deny that she felt a lot better for it. At 10:55, Dr Stark and Joanne arrived to take her to the visitor's room. Silently, Myers slipped out past them and Rick let him back into his own cell.

"Just so you know, the visiting rooms are monitored and recorded," Dr Stark said. "But we only listen if we have a reason to do so, a very good one at that. We know that we won't need to come near your visit. There are signs in the room which warn its being monitored but of course you wouldn't see them which is why I'm telling you now. If you need anyone, press the call button built into the wall beside the door, it's the same as the one in your cell."

She smiled at the doctor gratefully. "Thanks Dr Stark."

Dr Stark and Joanne guided her down corridors and through beeping doors into the visiting room, where Charlotte and her family were already waiting.

…

As soon as Danielle was in the visiting room with Charlotte and her family, Dr Stark turned away, the smile falling from her face. It'd been genuine while it was there but now it was slipping. She had a meeting with Dr Loomis this morning, one reason for having Danielle distracted. She had actually called Charlotte the day before, asking her if she wanted to bring her family to see Danielle and was genuinely happy when they'd all immediately said yes. But she hated the fact that she also had an ulterior motive for doing so and didn't want Danielle anywhere near there. She'd asked Charlotte not to tell her that she'd called and say it was their idea. Charlotte had agreed instantly, trusting the therapist and saying they'd been planning to come anyway.

Heading down the corridors and back through the doors, she finally reached Dr Loomis' office and knocked. "Enter," Dr Loomis called.

"Thanks for working with me on this Sam," Dr Stark said as soon as the heavy door was securely closed. "So fast I mean."

"Of course," Dr Loomis gave her a small smile, then a serious look. "I totally understand why we're here and I agree this is what we have to do. Someone passed her number on to Dawson once and that is once too many for my liking." He gestured at a machine on the table. "I've downloaded the audio footage from visiting room six those two days," he said. "Let's see what Mr. Chancer and his friend had to say to each other."

"You think it might be related?" Dr Stark asked in horror. Dr Loomis touched his junior consultant's arm.

"Yes, I do. But I couldn't listen unless we had a reason. Well you can't get much better reason than a possible security risk. I almost listened to them that day, but I didn't have enough grounds to do so. Damn laws and I hate the fact she's suffered as a possible result. But let's see what we hear first, shall we?"

"I just…" Dr Stark looked at him. "Was hoping you'd say it probably wasn't related. That's what horrifies me so much. If we both agree, even you, then…"

"Gemma." Dr Loomis touched her arm again. It was one of very few times he'd ever used her first name and Gemma Stark now understood why he was so good at calming his patients, some of the most dangerous men on the planet. Like Michael Myers… "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together. Ok? You're not alone in this. You are a very good therapist and she trusts you. I'll always have your back, you know that."

"No wonder your patients trust you," Dr Stark gave him a faint smile, tears pricking at her eyes. "You know how to get through to the most dangerous men around."

Dr Loomis smiled back at her. "Just doing my job, Gemma. But you know I'm always here for you, should you need to talk about anything."

"I've wanted to," Dr Stark admitted. "But you're a busy man and I didn't want to be a bother."

"Well forget that," Dr Loomis said sternly. "If you need me at any point, I'm here. That's what I'm here for, Gemma. If you need to, come and find me. You do the same job as I and I know how stressful it can be. I know you have Luke, but you're obviously limited to what you can tell him. You're not with me. If you need me, I'm here."

"But then who do you talk to?" Dr Stark argued. Dr Loomis smiled at her.

"I can ask you," he said.

…

"Danielle!" Emma Avery cried, running to pull her tightly into her arms.

"Hi mom," she said, also close to tears and Emma hugged her as tightly as she could, then kissed her cheek.

"You're so thin, are you eating enough? Aren't they looking after you? Have you been truthful and answered all their questions honestly? Are…"

"Let her breathe Mom!" Charlotte said but was also smiling. "Although we do want those questions answered," she added sternly. "That said, you've got more than just the doctors to answer to." She could hear that she was grinning.

"Yes," she said, pretending as if she was rolling her eyes but in truth more grateful than she could ever tell Emma Avery. She hadn't released her from the hug. "The food is ok and I eat what I can. When I first came here I obviously had no appetite, but I'm getting better now, thanks. I didn't trust the doctors at first either, but they've been amazing Mom and I'm not being sarcastic or bitter either. Dr Stark and Dr Loomis have been absolutely fabulous, as have most of the guards. The female guard I came in with is Joanne Turner, my assigned guard and she's almost become a friend."

"Yeah she's awesome," Charlotte agreed. "She's the one who shot Adam in the shoulder when he wouldn't move out of our way at the courthouse."

"She sounds great just for doing that," Dave Avery stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "Hey my girl, how are you?"

"Hey dad," she hugged him back and Charlotte saw her father blinking back tears. "I'm getting there. How are you? It's so nice of you all to come here today. Thank you so much."

"Hey! What about me sis?" Colin stepped forward and pulled her to him. She rested her head against his shoulder and kissed his cheek as she had with Dan and Emma. "Hey bro." Damn it's so good to see you all again! When it first happened, I wasn't sure if…"

"Hey darling don't," Emma said softly, as they all sat down in comfortable chairs facing the glass window. They then placed loads of chocolates and drinks in front of her, along with a CD player and lots of her favourite books on CD. She blinked back tears again. They were spoiling her rotten. "Thank you," she just managed to say. "I love you all so much."

"As do we!" Colin barked. "We weren't losing you for that prick Dawson! No way!"

"How's Nigel?" she asked. "Is he ok?"

"He's moved into a new house, he wanted to be away from Adam too. But I have his new number," Colin pulled out his phone. "He changed it to be safe, just in case. He says he'll come in and see you sometime soon. Those chocolates are from him." He showed her the box in question. "He misses you. He said to text him." she copied Nigel's new number into her phone. The man who'd saved her life and seen through Adam's lies.

"I will. I can't thank him enough for what he did," she admitted. "I would've been dead now. But I would like to know, was it him who whistled in court?"

"Yep," Colin smiled. "He was telling you he was there."

"Were you guys there too? I'm sorry I didn't see you afterwards,"

"Only me," Colin said. Mom and Dad had to work. That's why I texted you afterwards. You did so well in there sis, I can't even begin to tell you."

"Agreed," Charlotte said quietly. Colin looked at her. "So did you, my other sis." They all smiled.

…

It was the best few hours of her life recently. When she finally went back to her cell, she was exhausted, but so happy. She had to ask for a couple of bags to carry all the gifts back. Joanne helped her put them on her desk. She was sure that in normal circumstances the guards would take them and give them to her in moderation, but not this time. She lay down on her bed and started listening to one of her new books. She was still reading it at midnight. Michael hadn't joined her that night, but she didn't mind. Just the knowledge he was only down the corridor was enough for her. Just as her eyes were closing, she heard the ping of a new message, but she was too tired to check it. This was probably a good thing. If she had, she wouldn't have slept at all.

Did you enjoy having visitors today? I'm watching you. Happy Halloween.

…

It was pitch black by the time Adam reached the narrow streets situated exactly halfway between his house and the psychiatric hospital. He knew Charlotte would have to come this way and she'd drive right past him. He had a plan, based on the information Derek Chancer had given him and he was damn well going to use it.

It felt like he'd been waiting for hours when suddenly, there! There was Colin Avery's car and his bitch was right there in the backseat. He had to make sure she at least saw him; he couldn't give a fuck about the rest of them. Picking up the long sharp nail he'd brought with him from his toolbox, Adam stepped out of the car and deliberately punctured his back left tire. There was a bang then the hiss of escaping air. This made Adam even angrier. His bitch would pay for this. She'd just made him lose a tire and it was all her fault. If she hadn't moved out, without his express permission, this wouldn't have happened. This was money he could've used on a whore. She'd pay for it with her pussy if he had anything to say about it.

He felt himself harden just at the thought, as he slowly and methodically began to change his tire. Now he was angry. Charlotte Avery would pay for this alright.

…

"No fucking way!" Colin Avery shouted, stomping on the brakes. Charlotte, who'd been half asleep, jolted awake. "What?"

"Nothing sis," Colin said, turning to his father. "Dad," he breathed, "look out the window!"

Dave Avery did and saw Adam Dawson standing beside his car, changing what looked like a punctured tire. He was almost willing to bet the son of a bitch had done it on purpose, giving him an excuse for stopping there. He had no reason to be here. None at all. Before they could stop her, Charlotte too had looked out.

"Shit," she paled. "It's Adam…"

"Don't you worry sis," Colin pulled out his phone and pressed three buttons fast. 911. "He isn't getting anywhere near you!" Charlotte listened as he asked for the police, then told them who he was and what was happening. That his sister was now in considerable distress and Dawson had no excuse to be there.

…

Adam risked a glance up and saw that Charlotte had seen him. She was ghostly white. He smirked. At that moment, Dave Avery jumped out of the car and Colin had to physically restrain him, pulling him back.

"No dad," Colin hissed. "You're going to get yourself in trouble! That misogynistic prick is not worth you going to prison! We and mom need you!"

"He's right!" Charlotte agreed, still very pale.

Adam's hands were shaking a little now. He had no doubt whatsoever that those bastards had called the pigs. He had to change his tire fast before the heat really came down on him. Two minutes later, he was back in his car, driving away as fast as he could.

…

"No Cole," Charlotte begged as Colin was about to go after him. "Don't! Like you just said, he's not worth it!"

"Fucking bastard," Dave growled. He called the police back and told them the direction Adam had gone.

"Are you ok?" He asked his shaken daughter; even though she was trying to hide it.

"Yeah," Charlotte said quietly. "But fuck. He's a determined guy. He probably blames… Scratch that. He'll blame us for the punctured tire. It'll be all our fault and he…"

"Over my dead body!" Dave and Colin said together. "He won't punish you for something he did," Dave finished.

"I'm willing to bet he punctured that fucking tire himself when he saw us coming," Colin said. Charlotte nodded with tears in her eyes.

Colin stopped the car immediately and Dave slipped into the back beside her and Emma, pulling Charlotte into his arms along with her mother. In any other circumstances, Charlotte would've rolled her eyes and said "dad I'm an adult now," but not in this case. She simply rested her head on her father's shoulder as she finally let her tears fall. Would Adam Dawson ever give up? The answer was clearly no.

…

By the time the police came looking for him an hour later, Adam was already back in his apartment. There was absolutely no evidence he'd been anywhere that night. When the police saw his punctured tire in his trunk, Adam told them it'd been there for ages and the cops couldn't disprove that. A job well done, Adam thought with a satisfied smirk as tonight's whore finally arrived at his door.

…

"Jesus Christ!" Dr Stark burst out, frustrated and exasperated. "Fucking hell! I was there when the company installed these so-called top of the line microphones. "You won't miss a thing," the manager guy said. Total bullshit! They're a pile of crap! No wonder he was wearing such a cheap suit if this is the kind of shit he sells! Trust Andrews to go for the cheapest option and make them look expensive! I mean shit! You couldn't hear Michael speak with these things!"

Dr Loomis raised his eyebrows and Dr Stark could tell he was amused by her uncharacteristic outburst and dark, sarcastic humour. "Very eloquently put," he said and she could see he was trying not to smile. Dr Stark couldn't help it and smiled a little herself.

"Shut up! I asked Andrews if we could integrate the recording microphones into the ones built into the glass so people can hear each other. He said no. Said they needed to be separate so it was obvious it was being recorded! Total crap! He just didn't want to pay the extra money! Look where we are as a result!"

For the last hour, they had tried to listen to the recordings of Chancer and Sarcozi, but they could barely hear anything. The two men were whispering, keeping their voices low. This time, the "this is being recorded signs" had become a security risk in and of themselves, rather than an aid.

"We could ask one of the guards to listen," Dr Loomis suggested. "Maybe if they have well-tuned ears."

"She would love that," Dr Stark smiled, unable to stop herself. "The ear reference."

Dr Loomis grinned. "To be honest, if this wasn't about her, I may have considered asking her to listen in. Her hearing is undoubtedly very good seeing as she obviously depends on it so much."

Dr Stark nodded. She mimicked Andrews's voice. "The microphones need to be visible Dr Stark, as do the signs. We are not putting them into the glass. Those mics need to be separate. They have the best range and will pick up anything said. End of discussion. Although the truth is I'm a tight, selfish bastard who has no desire to spend more money than I have to!"

For one of very few times since she'd known him, Samuel Loomis started to laugh. Dr Stark tried to keep up her annoyed glare at him, but it didn't work and within seconds she was doing the same.

…

By the time he woke up the next morning, Adam was cursing himself. He shouldn't have sent that message to her last night. Even using a new Apple ID he shouldn't have. He knew it. He'd just been so angry that she'd dared change her number a second time and he wanted her to know it. She had no right to do so without his express permission once, never mind twice. But to put that about her having visitors? That'd been a mistake. Now she would know for certain someone was working for him on the inside. I'm watching you? Stupid. But, he reminded himself. What was done was done. He couldn't change it or take it back now and there was no way she or the quacks would find out who his man in SG was. So far, it seemed Derek Chancer had been very careful in covering his tracks and Adam commended him for it. He was taking this seriously. That said, given the amount of money on the table for him if he succeeded, that wasn't surprising. More tools to kill women with no doubt, Adam thought with a grin. Good.

Adam himself had had a long night. Rolling over, he went back to sleep.

…

"You can see on the video cameras Mark Sarcozi hands Chancer something," Dr Stark said, peering intently at the screen. "I just can't make out what it is. All I can see is a small rectangular package from this camera angle. But a guard definitely opens the glass so the exchange can take place. We need to find out who the guard was and what was in that package."

"Yeah," Dr Loomis said quietly. "That's the key word here Gemma. Was. Don't you recognise him? He ended up zipped into a body bag after Michael was finished with him. It's… Correction, it was, John Baker."

"Ah." Dr Stark said, deflating. "Well, um, bollocks!"

"Bollocks?" Dr Loomis said, sounding amused. "Well who'd have thought you'd know and use such British expletives Gemma?"

Dr Stark threw her pen at him. Dr Loomis deftly caught it. "I learnt them from you!"

"Hmm." Dr Loomis mused. "But yes, I would agree that bollocks is a pretty good word to sum up our current position. After all, talking to a dead guard is impossible. Wouldn't you say?"

Dr Stark couldn't help laughing. It was good to know they could have at least a little banter in a situation like this. Stepping forward, Dr Loomis handed Dr Stark back her pen. It was a heavy silver one with her initials GS engraved into it. Luke had given it to her as a gift. "Just because I love you," he'd said. "I know you'll get a lot of use out of it."

She had almost cried. It'd been at the end of a particularly stressful day. Luke had told her he'd been saving it, but when she'd come home in tears he had decided to give it to her then and there.

"Nice pen," Dr Loomis remarked. "Luke really loves you; you know."

Dr Stark smiled back at him. "I know. I love him so much too! Best decision I ever made was marrying him. I just wish sometimes I could tell him some of this shit. He's out there trying to save people's lives and keep their hearts beating and I'm…" She took a breath. "Jesus I don't know! Trying to save a woman from an abusive ex and she's now very possibly falling in love with a serial killer?" She sank into one of the chairs, running her hands through her hair. "Andrews' wish to transfer said killer aside, someone out there is out to get her, working for Dawson and I damn well want to know who it is!"

"We need to search Chancer's cell." Dr Loomis said. "That's the only way we're going to find out what was in that package from Sarcozi. Before you ask, we don't need a reason, Gemma. This is a high security ward full of very dangerous men. I think that's good enough. How do we know it wasn't something to kill someone with?"

Dr Stark shivered a little. Dr Loomis actually put his arm around her. "Sorry," he said quietly.

"No," Dr Stark shook her head and hugged him back. She deeply loved Samuel Loomis in the way only close friends understood. "You could be right on the money. He's just… One scary guy and an evil asshole to boot."

"We'll wait until morning when we have the specially trained guards. I could call them in tonight, but I think she will be safe for the next few hours. We'll just keep a careful eye on the situation. I also want more guards here because, it goes without saying, however well trained you are, that you, her and Joanne will be nowhere near the block when the search is conducted," Dr Loomis said, so firmly that Dr Stark decided against arguing. She just gave him a small smile of gratitude and simply said, "I love you Sam. Thanks."

Dr Loomis squeezed her again and said quietly, "ditto."