Chapter 25: Tricked!

…

Derek laid the iPod on his bedside table, anger coursing through him. He'd told that fucker Dawson not to call him and what'd he done? Just that.

"You don't need to speak," Dawson had said immediately. "I know you can't. But please, just listen to me. I want you to hear this as I couldn't send it to you."

He'd then proceeded to read his plan to Derek, referring to the sender as "my writer." Derek had to admit he was being careful, but it didn't soften his anger.

Privately if he was honest, he thought Dawson was a coward and a total idiot. Why the hell was he spending all his time going after one woman? Why not just fuck and kill her before moving on to someone else? He seemed determined to make Hayward's life one of terror and fear, but why? Even if he carried out his plan and it worked, there was still all the security in Smith's Grove to think of. Dawson must be mad if he thought he could pull this off.

Derek knew what he was trying to do. Get rid of her protection before he made his move. But Derek for his part would've just fucked Hayward and killed her. He saw no point in controlling and terrorising women beyond this point. Why was Dawson fixating on Hayward, when he could just as easily find a new victim? Leach had emailed him a picture of Dawson and Derek had to admit he was a good looking guy; he'd have had women all over him if he'd wanted without trying. So why was he wasting his time on a blind woman who couldn't even appreciate his good looks? Unless he was trying to drive her to suicide or something?

Derek of course didn't know exactly why Hayward was in there, or at least he hadn't until he'd seen the trial news. Hayward had tried to kill herself because of Adam's abuse and was now in Smith's Grove as a result. Adam meanwhile, was using that as his defence, claiming he was the victim and Hayward was the one insane and abusive. Not that the court had bought a word of it.

Having heard what Dawson had to say, Derek had to admit it was good. He'd carefully thought about what he was doing, that much was clear. But there was the question of whether it'd work. Michael Myers was many things, but stupid was not one of them. But Derek couldn't deny it'd be interesting to see if he still protected Hayward after this. Whatever his reasons for doing so were.

…

Danielle was half asleep when the soft knock came on her cell door. She opened the screen and a guard spoke quietly through it. "Michael?"

The killer approached the screen and the guard handed him something. She heard the rustle of paper. While he was there, she asked him for another tea. He agreed and disappeared.

She heard Michael opening the envelope then silence. It was a gradual feeling, but she began to feel without being able to look at the killer that something was wrong. But even if she asked, he wouldn't answer. Sure enough, he must've pressed the call button because a few seconds later, he was chained and led out.

She was confused and surprised by what'd happened. Especially his abrupt departure. Maybe Dr Loomis had written to him asking to talk? But no that made no sense. He'd just come and find him surely? She had an uneasy feeling in her stomach she couldn't shift.

She was glad Joanne was back today on overtime. She needed to talk about this to her, someone she trusted implicitly. She was probably being paranoid, over exaggerating the whole thing. So when the guard returned with her tea she smiled and thanked him, trying to put what'd happened out of her mind.

…

Dr Loomis stared at the piece of paper in his hand, anger growing within him. There was no way this had been written by who it claimed? He knew exactly who was behind this. It didn't take a genius to work it out. He read it again, then looked up at Michael through the security glass.

"You don't really think this was written by who it says it was, do you?"

The killer simply looked at the doctor, his gaze its usual cold self. Dr Loomis knew he was angry, but who at was another question. If it was because he believed this letter, this was very, very bad.

"You know enough about Adam," Dr Loomis said softly. "It's just him trying to get to her through you. He thinks if he can stop you protecting or caring about her he'll have a clear shot. But believe me, he's wrong. God knows he's manipulative enough. There is no way Danielle would've said any of this. You know that, don't you?"

Silence. Dr Loomis sincerely hoped he was right, or everything would have to change and he didn't even want to think about the damage it could cause.

…

Danielle was feeling really uneasy by the time her phone buzzed with a text. When she read it, it only increased her fear?

Hey D, did Michael get my letter this morning? Charlotte X.

There were two things wrong with this text message. The first was the number didn't show up, it just said Charlotte Avery, and she had her in her contacts as simply C, and the other was Charlotte never signed with her full name. It was CA, or C. Something was wrong. Immediately she phoned her friend, even though it was only just past 6.

"Hey D," Charlotte sounded sleepy, as if she had just woken her up. Then she couldn't have sent that text.

"I'm really sorry to wake you C," she decided to tell her best friend the truth. "But I just got a text from you, asking if Michael got your letter."

"What?" All of a sudden Charlotte sounded much more awake. "What the fuck? I haven't sent Michael anything. What did this letter say?"

The unease was building up to a climax and she was sure any moment she was going to throw up. So she'd been right. Charlotte hadn't written it. So who had? She was horribly sure she already knew the answer to that question.

"I swear to you," Charlotte sounded just as worried as she felt. "I didn't write Michael anything, or anyone else at Smith's Grove for that matter. Why would I? I'd just text you."

"Thanks," she said and hung up just in time to reach the toilet. There wasn't much in her stomach and her mouth burned with stomach acid as she threw it up.

When she was done, she took several deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. Michael was angry. She'd known that without even having to see his face. But was it at her? Christ she hoped not. If it was…

She immediately reached for her call button, but it turned out there was no need. For Joanne appeared seconds later.

"Shit you're white as a sheet! Are you ok?"

"I think Adam's…" she had to stop to take another breath and avoid wrenching again. Joanne entered the cell and put an arm around her shaking shoulders.

"I think Adam's trying a new way to get to me. I think he's written Michael a letter addressed from Charlotte. I dread to think what it says, but it won't be good I know that much. Michael's angry. Seriously angry and that makes me… well scared. Any man angry does that after Adam, but he's… he's Michael Myers."

Joanne tightened her arm around her. "Let me go and find out sweetheart," she said. "I'll bring you some breakfast in here ok?"

"You've got to be joking," she shook her head. "I just threw up my whole stomach it felt like!"

"Well you've got to eat something," Joanne said, suddenly sounding as stern as a mother. "I'll bring you some dry toast. Don't argue with me, Miss Hayward."

Somehow she managed a small smile.

…

"What are we going to do?" Dr Stark asked Dr Loomis half an hour later. Michael was out in the exercise yard, once more chained to his concrete block. Of course Michael's angry. I feel really sorry for him in this, just as much as I do Danielle. How's he to know she hasn't said all this?"

Dr Stark looked down at the piece of paper in her hand, then glared up at the sky through Dr Loomis' office window. "Jesus Christ! You'd think Dawson would just give up? That bastard just doesn't care does he?"

"So you agree with me?" Dr Loomis asked quietly. "That this was Adam's doing?"

"Fuck yes!" Dr Stark said adamantly. "Charlotte Avery I'm sure would never write this. She loves Danielle! They're like sisters! We saw that much from the camera footage in court!"

Dr Loomis nodded. "I've already called the police. They're sending officers to Adam's house now to check for evidence, given his risk markers. So we need to find a way to…" he was stopped by the sound of his phone ringing. He picked it up. "This is Dr Loomis?"

"Dr Loomis," it was a female voice in floods of tears. Dr Loomis guessed she'd got his work number from Google. It was meant to be able to be easily found, but Dr Loomis could block a number if needed. He knew immediately who it was without having to ask. But he did anyway. "Charlotte?"

"Y… yes," the woman sobbed. "I just heard what's happened. She called me. I'm in my car now on the way to Smith's Grove. I didn't write that letter Dr Loomis; I swear I didn't! I don't even know what it says and I'd never do that to her! She's come to trust and care about Michael and I'd never do anything to endanger that!"

"I know," Dr Loomis said kindly, putting it on loud speaker so Dr Stark could hear. "Dr Stark is here as well Charlotte."

"Hi charlotte," Dr Stark said, her tone soothing. "I'm Dr Stark. We know you didn't write that letter to Michael. We know you'd never do that. Coming here won't achieve anything, however. Stay home where you're safe."

"I can't," Charlotte said. "I have to put this right!"

"But it wasn't your mistake," Dr Stark softly reminded her. "We believe, just like you do that it was Adam's and coming here may be just what he expects you to do."

"I have to!" Charlotte almost begged. "Danielle said she could tell Michael was angry when he got the letter and I have to put that right! She needs him so much: he's helped her out through all this up to now! I think Adam's somehow found this out, whoever's watching her perhaps? Passing this on to him. So he's trying to take Michael's protection away from her to make it somehow easier for him to get to her. Son of a bitch!"

"That's exactly what we think to," Dr Loomis said. "But honestly. You coming here Charlotte doesn't change what's happened. Right now we have no proof either way. Nothing the police would take." Before Charlotte could speak he spoke over her, raising his voice a little. "Nothing the police would take from you, anyway. I've already called them and they're going round to Adam's house as we speak to search for evidence he wrote this. Michael is indeed angry, so I really don't think you trying to see him is a good idea."

"If you won't let me see him," Charlotte said. "Please let me see her? I have to comfort her, she's like my sister! I can't believe Adam would dare to use my name against her like that! It makes me feel sick! She's probably already guessed it wasn't me before she called me, but I've just confirmed it and made everything worse! I can't stand the thought of Michael being angry at her for something she's never done… What did the letter actually say?"

The two consultants looked at each other. Eventually Dr Loomis sighed.

"If you're coming to Smith's Grove, drive carefully. Ok? We'll let you see the letter when you get here, as well as visit her. But you are not visiting Michael until I have seen him and given you the OK. Please, be careful."

"Thank you Dr Loomis," Charlotte said. There was a click, before the line went dead.

…

Derek Chancer had heard the entire conversation between Hayward and the other girl. He wasn't sure how, perhaps some door in her modified cell hadn't been closed properly? Either way, now he couldn't help but congratulate Dawson, if only grudgingly. The guy was certainly causing a lot of distress to these two women. He'd wanted to ask him the night before what the point of all this was. He personally just believed in fucking and killing women. But he couldn't deny that perhaps mental torture had its merits after all.

It still didn't mean he liked Dawson. In fact, he thought he was a stupid, arrogant prick. But there was no doubt he'd clearly thought this through carefully and so far it was working. He'd also seen the killer's face as Myers had left Hayward's cell and although it showed its usual no emotion, Chancer knew he was angry. Very angry. He'd silently thanked whichever God or Gods existed that he was safe in his cell at that moment.

As if on cue, a text came through on his iPod. Chancer picked it up and was immediately sure it was Leach.

Our client wants the fallout of this. We've already heard her call to the other woman from your iPod recordings and told him. Pass on anything else you see/hear.

This reminded Derek of Adam's promise to give him a lot of money when they met up. Derek still hadn't made up his mind for certain yet, but he was almost certain Dawson's meeting with him would be the last of Dawson's life. Chancer quite fancied taking his cash then putting him on his newly restored operating table. Just for a change, just to see… well, how strong he really was when not beating on women.

…

Samuel Loomis stepped out in to the exercise yard ten minutes later. What he'd said to Dr Stark was true. He had called the police and told them of the letter and their suspicions Adam Dawson had written it. They'd told him they'd send someone to his house as soon as they could. Dr Loomis hoped they were fast or the slimy son of a bitch could and would just delete the evidence.

Taking a deep breath, he focused on the task at hand. Michael was standing in the yard chained to his concrete block, and he was utterly still. Dr Samuel Loomis wasn't, or rather hadn't ever been afraid of Michael Myers, mostly because the killer had been behind glass from him. But now, Samuel Loomis just knew he was angry. Very angry. If he was going to do this, really going to do this, he had to be very careful.

He stepped up to the yellow line and stopped just in front of it. The killer turned his head ever so slightly and met his doctor's gaze. Dr Loomis had to force himself not to shiver. God. That stare… he had to stay professional.

"Michael," he said very softly. "Please will you listen to me?"

Just as he'd expected, there was total silence. But neither did the killer look away.

"Michael, I need to tell you this. I can't make you believe it, but you deserve to know. She doesn't yet know what that letter said, but I know for a fact that when she does she'll be devastated. We do not think Charlotte wrote it, or she said any of the things contained within it. From conversations I've had with her, she really cares about you Michael, you've been a huge help to her while she's been here. I totally understand why you believe it was her, you've never trusted nor had any reason to trust anyone before. We believe this is Adam's work and I think deep down you do too. I've already phoned the police and they're hopefully at his house by now to look for evidence. We're trying to hold off showing her the letter for as long as we can. We're worried about her reaction. Also if she knows or even believes you're angry at her, it could make her slide backwards incredibly quickly. I think you know what I mean."

Still the killer didn't move. Dr Loomis didn't know if he was crazy or stupid, but he slowly stepped over the yellow line. Two guards ran over immediately and Dr Loomis felt a rush of affection for them. They stood at the edge of the yellow line. There if needed, but not interrupting. Dr Loomis stepped forward and laid a hand on the killer's arm.

"Michael," he murmured quietly. "Listen to me. Are you angry because you think she said all these things? Or is it because you like us, suspect this wasn't her or even Charlotte's doing?"

…

"DAMN IT, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT SAID!"

Danielle was standing in Dr Stark's office, Joanne at her side. She was furious and upset.

"OK SO YOU BELIEVE ADAM FUCKING WROTE IT NOT CHARLOTTE, SO WHY ARE YOU SO UNWILLING TO TELL ME WHAT THAT BASTARD'S SAID TO MICHAEL ABOUT ME?"

"Think about it," Dr Stark said quietly. "Why do you think? Take a second and think about your own question."

There were a few seconds of silence, then her mouth fell open and she sank in to a chair Joanne quickly guided her to, as if her knees would no longer support her.

"Jesus Christ," she breathed. "You're worried about my reaction aren't you? That it'll bring me back to the brink of suicide like when I first came here."

Dr Stark and Joanne both touched her arms. "Well?" Dr Stark said. "Are we wrong?"

She let out a long breath. "I just… I can't believe Adam is still trying. I know what he's doing. He's trying to stop Michael from protecting me, to make attacking and probably killing me even easier. He's scared of Michael Myers, just as we all are! Yes including me! Where is Michael?"

"Dr Loomis is with him now," Dr Stark replied.

"He's angry isn't he?" she sounded resigned. "He thinks I said all that stuff. I'm not stupid enough to think he'd trust me that fast. He's a masked killer for fuck's sake! You know angry men terrify me, and Michael Myers…" She trailed off.

"Is more dangerous than most," Joanne finished flatly. "Yes. That's why we're keeping you apart. I don't think Michael truly believes you said it all, but…"

She too trailed off.

"We don't know for sure," Dr Stark finished for her.

She gave a humourless smile. "Yeah, I get it. It's not my turn to die today."

…

Unlike most mornings, Adam was whistling away happily as he got out of his bed and dressed. Normally he wanted to throw his alarm clock, phone, out of the window. But not today. Things were going just as he'd planned. His text had stirred things up just as he'd hoped. It seemed his plan was working perfectly. Michael Myers had indeed got the letter he'd sent from Charlotte, or apparently from Charlotte, and judging by the information he'd received from his inside man, the killer was very angry.

Adam continued to whistle as he headed downstairs. Oh yes, this was absolutely brilliant. Turning on the coffee machine, state of the art naturally he'd have it no other way, he headed out to his van to double check his tools for work, as he did every day. He had a job to attend in an hour. Some guy Adam hardly knew had broken his shed door. Adam didn't care as long as he was paid.

Everything with his van was fine, so he headed back inside to start sorting his coffee. The delicious smell hit him as the steaming liquid poured in to his cup. He opened his fridge and pulled out milk and some bacon to fry for breakfast. Bacon sandwiches sounded just perfect right now.

As he pulled out a saucepan and plates, he once more found himself thinking of his father. The man Adam had idolised, looked up to and loved. The only thing he and now his son had wanted a woman for, was to fuck, and cook them their breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Adam sighed. Well as he didn't currently have one, yet, he'd have to cook this bacon by himself. Not that she'd get any of it if he did of course. She'd have to stick with cereal or something. Only men got the good stuff.

Smirking to himself, he was just about to turn on the cooker, when he heard the hammering on his door followed by the shouts of "POLICE! Mr. DAWSON, OPEN UP!"

Fucking hell! What did the pigs want now? He'd done nothing. He hadn't even written a letter. Charlotte had. Surely this could have nothing to do with that? Not this fast? He'd written the letter at a shady internet café he knew; the owners were friends of his and about as anti-police as you could get. There was no way they'd help the pigs out. Adam knew he was safe. He'd printed it there to, before paying the whore he fucked that night an extra fifty dollars to post it for him. Just as he'd hoped, she'd asked no questions and done it at that price. Adam would've been willing to pay her more if he'd had to, just this once of course.

No. He knew here, he was safe. He strolled to his door, to show the pigs they wouldn't rush him in his own home and pulled it open.

"Good morning officers," he gave them his most charming smile. "I was just about to make some bacon sandwiches. Would you like one?"

Not fucking likely he'd give them anything.

"No thank you Mr. Dawson," the officer at the front said. There were three of them. Adam noticed they were all male and suspected strongly that was deliberate. "We need to come in if you please?"

"You can't," Adam said. "Not without a warrant."

"Then this is your lucky day Sir," the officer said and produced the order from the court. Adam rolled his eyes. "We have reason to believe you have breached your order regarding contacting Danielle Hayward. That gives us enough evidence to come in."

The officer then produced his warrant card. Adam sighed. He knew that if he wanted to appear innocent, his best chance was to co-operate with the cops, even if he hated it.

"I've done nothing," he smiled at them again. "But sure, come in. How can I help?"

The officers didn't answer, just entered his address. Adam could see their guns, batons and handcuff's on their stab and bullet prove vests, and wondered if this too was deliberate. He wasn't intimidated by these fuckers. What was the worst they could do? Chuck him in a cell? Big fucking deal. It wasn't like they could execute him or something.

Just as he'd expected, the officers entered his living room and headed straight for his laptop, which was on the coffee table. Idiots. Did they really think he'd be that stupid as to leave evidence right in front of them?"

"I'm afraid we need to take this Mr. Dawson," another officer said and before Adam could argue, now did produce a warrant to seize any electronic devices they found within his address. "We also require you to hand over your phone."

Adam cursed internally. Fuck. So they obviously suspected he'd written the letter. But they'd have to prove it first.

"If I don't?" The words were out of his mouth almost before he could stop them.

"Do I really have to answer that Mr. Dawson? I think you know. You'll be arrested. It's only because we have no proof yet that you're not being arrested right now. This is your last warning."

Adam sighed, but handed over his phone as requested. He'd already told his client he was coming and at what time the night before. But it was never the less highly annoying. He'd already deleted the app he'd used to send the text to her with, plus any other evidence. He'd also formatted his phone, erasing all data before he'd written the letter, knowing this might be coming. Now, he praised himself for his quick thoughts and preparation. The pigs had nothing on him. Not this time.

"Do you have any further phones Sir?"

"No," Adam said, handing over his iPad which had had the same treatment as his phone the night before.

"Your pin?"

"4285," Adam answered.

"We are going to need to search your van I'm afraid Mr. Dawson."

Adam sighed. Damn they were thorough, he had to give the cops that. "Fine," he said, handing an officer the keys. Two of them left, but one of the fucking pigs stayed in the lounge with him.

Acting entirely unconcerned, Adam re-entered the kitchen to make his bacon sandwiches. Stay calm, he told himself. There is absolutely no way the pigs can link me to this. Just carry on as normal.

The officer followed him in to his kitchen. This infuriated Adam. He wasn't under arrest at this time, so the officer had no right to follow him. This was his space, his home. "Can I help you?"

The cop ignored him. Shrugging, Adam carried on with making his breakfast. He decided not to kick up a fuss. Acting defensive would probably just make things worse, make it seem like he had something to hide after all. He'd pretend to co-operate with them and thus the court and that bitch of a judge. But he could see the officers gaze sweeping around his kitchen and knew he was searching for something. He then walked in to the living room and did the same thing before heading upstairs. Shit. The pig was searching his house. Once again, Adam forced himself to calm down. Let him, he thought. There's nothing to link me to any wrong doing. Not this time. I've been way too careful.

Before long, the smell of frying bacon filled the house. The officer returned and stood stiffly by the counter, looking out of the window at his colleagues, occasionally putting a hand to his earpiece. Had they found something? Adam couldn't stop himself wondering. He consoled himself with the fact they couldn't have. The only things in there were his tools and the safe box he kept his cash in.

He'd just sat down with his sandwich when the other two cops re-entered the house. Sure enough, one was carrying his lock box. Adam felt anger take hold in spite of himself.

"That has nothing to do with her or anyone else ," he snapped. "I keep my money in it I make from my work."

Once again, he thanked any God up there that he'd emptied it the night before. The cash was now in his bank account, and the joint of weed which had been in there had already been smoked.

"We need you to open it please Sir," the officer said and produced another warrant saying they could ask him to open any lock they required while in the course of their search. Adam rolled his eyes and sighed. The last thing he needed was to be arrested today, not when he had work soon.

He pulled out his keys and unlocked the box. It was empty, just as he knew it would be. The officers looked at it carefully, then nodded. "Ok Sir, thank you."

Adam relocked it again. "Are you done? I have to get to work."

"For now yes," one of the officers said, looking sternly at Adam. "But we are taking your laptop, iPad and phone to be examined. We will return if we need to speak to you again."

"How long will you be?" Adam demanded. "I need my phone for work."

"Hopefully not long. If you have nothing to hide however, then you have no need to worry do you?"

When they'd left, Adam sighed. "Fuck," he said under his breath. Thank God he'd thought about his plan carefully this time and not done something stupid which would incriminate him. The pigs would find nothing on his phone or his iPad, and his laptop would also be clear as far as what they were looking for was concerned. Now if they wanted porn…

He walked out to his van half an hour later and set off towards his next client's house. The pigs were smart, he had to give them that, and fast. They clearly suspected him, but hadn't it occurred to them that the two bitches might just have had a fallout and that was what this was? The letter hadn't even mentioned his damn name.

…

"Hey," one of the guards Daren said two hours later. "Charlotte's here."

She stood up and nodded to him. He guided her down the corridors and in to a visitor's room. With a stab of horror, she wondered if she was going to be separated from her friend by security glass. But soon realised this was not going to be the case. As soon as she entered, Charlotte threw her arms around her.

"I had to come when you called me," she sobbed. "I promise you; I didn't write any letter to Michael and I don't know what it said! I was so upset when you called I had to tell you to your face! I love you to the moon and back, you're like my sister and I would never do that to you! Even if you had said something Michael wouldn't like, I wouldn't have told him! That's between us!"

"I know C," she hugged her friend fiercely back. "I knew straight away. This is Adam's doing and we both know that."

"Now we just need to convince Michael of that," Charlotte said sadly. "I phoned Dr Loomis on the way here. Michael's angry by all accounts."

"Yeah, he is. I can kind of understand it though. He's never trusted anyone before, if he does even trust me that is. Of course he's unsure whether it was you or Adam, or if I even said… whatever the letter says."

"You don't know yet?"

"No, Dr Stark said she'd tell us both to our faces."

"Which indeed I shall," came Dr Stark's voice. The women both turned. The doctor entered the huge room. "Joanne's here too," she added. The two women sank in to chairs opposite the consultant and guard.

"The police have attended Adam's house and seized his phone and laptop," Dr Stark said. "Looking for evidence."

"Ha," both women laughed bitterly in unison. "They won't find anything," Charlotte said. "He's not stupid. He'll have written it on another machine, used someone else's printer or something. They won't find anything on his personal devices."

"Perhaps not, but it might lead them to something. We'll just have to wait and see. Now I have to ask," Dr Stark began. "Please just let me finish. Are you both absolutely sure you want to hear this?"

"Yes," both women said in unison.

"I know you're trying to protect me Dr Stark," she said. "For which I thank you and acknowledge this. But please. I'm not the woman I once was who came through these doors and it won't make me slide back. I'm determined on that. Adam won't make me give in. Not again! Not this time!

"That's my girl," Joanne said.

"Indeed," Dr Stark agreed. "Well ok, just don't say I didn't warn you. We will willingly talk to either of you afterwards if you need it. Understand?"

Both women nodded. Dr Stark sighed and both felt a rush of respect and affection for her. She didn't want to read it any more than Charlotte had written it. She was a damn good professional, but also a damn good woman.

"Ok," Dr Stark said, her tone making it very clear this was the last thing she wanted to read to them. Danielle, Charlotte and Joanne all smiled at her, acknowledging this. Dr Stark took a deep breath. "If you want me to stop, just say so. Ok?" She took another breath before beginning to read.

"Dear Mr. Myers,

I write this to you with a heavy heart. The last thing I want to do is betray my close and dear friend, but neither can I stand by and just listen to her talking about you this way. I know you have done nothing but try to help her since she entered Smith's Grove hospital, and she's told you she appreciates it, even that she doesn't know what she'd do without you."

"How the fuck does he know that?" she exploded. "His fucking mole whoever they are! They must've heard me say it!" She looked angry though, not sad. "Motherfucker. God I hope you find out who it is and stop them! Execute them if I have anything to do with it!"

Dr Stark and Joanne both gave a quiet, "hmm," of sympathy, before Dr Stark continued reading.

"I'm afraid Mr. Myers, this is a lie. Danielle doesn't appreciate you at all. She's terrified of you. That is no crime, everyone is including me. But the things she has said to me about you I can't keep to myself. I don't feel right doing so when you're trying to help her like this. She doesn't care about you Mr. Myers. She might say she does, but this is also untrue. In fact, she is just using you if you will to keep herself safe. She knows she's in a dangerous ward and the fact you have noticed her is something she is using to her advantage. She would be happy to see you executed, I promise you. But of course she had to pretend she meant it, the last thing she could afford to do was make you angry. She's scared of angry men given her past and you being angry would be by far the worst for her. She called you a Psychopath, a dangerous killer and a remorseless, evil man. If he's even a man, she added. As I say, my heart is heavy writing this. I love her like my sister, but nor can I stand by and listen to this when you're doing so much for her. She's told me everything you've done and I can't believe she doesn't appreciate you."

"He's fucking bluffing!" It was Charlotte's turn to burst out. "He's guessing! Someone's told him Michael's protecting her and he's making this up! Yes Dan you have told me what Michael's done," she squeezed her friend's hand. "I have to say Adam's not stupid, he probably worked out what he didn't get from his fucking spy!"

"I would really like to get to know you Mr. Myers, I would treat you a lot better than she has. I respect and thank you for everything you've done for her and wish I could tell and show you that to your face. I wish you nothing but the best.

Charlotte Avery. X."

Dr Stark placed the paper on the table and there was silence. "Fucking hell!" Charlotte exclaimed. "He even put a fucking kiss on the end! Jesus Christ! I'd like to get to know you? WTF? Does he think I want to get together with Michael or something? God he's a sick fucker! Not that I'm saying being with Michael is sick," she added quickly. "It's the fact that you really care about him and he's using it like this, even hinting to Michael I'd like to 'get to know you!'"

I knew what you meant," she assured her friend. It's the, 'she'd see you executed' which hurts the most I think. The, 'she never appreciated you.'"

"Well don't let it," Joanne said. "If you do, Adam wins. That's what he wants."

"Well said!" Dr Stark and Charlotte said together.

She sighed. "I know. You think I don't know all that already? But… Shit! What makes him think he has the right to do something like this? He thinks he owns me, but this is taking it to an entirely new level."

"It's because he has to be careful," Charlotte said. "He's got so many conditions on him now thanks to our, your, testimony, and he's running out of options. He's angry and getting desperate. That'll make him careless, he'll make mistakes. I bet you the cops will find something incriminating, however well he's tried to hide it."

"I hope you're right; God I hope you're right. I want to see him sent down for life. It's him I'd happily see fucking executed! A million times come to that!"