Chapter 32: Terminated

…

Adam was seriously pissed off when his phone rang at 2AM. He answered, prepared to give his caller a fucking piece of his mind when the man's words stopped him dead. "Look at the news, Mr. Leach wants to see you, café, ten." He was gone. If Adam had felt uneasy the last time he'd met the crime Lord, now it was even worse. He dressed, trying to stop his hands from shaking as he did so. He picked up his phone and stared in horror. So it was true. The headline was there for all to see. Even Danielle wouldn't miss this. Derek Chancer was indeed going to the electric chair. That meant that every text he'd received the night before was true. Not to mention the second one really had been from Dr Loomis. This was very, very bad.

Yet again he thought of his father and suddenly, he wanted to see him so badly it almost hurt. Fuck he missed his old man. How could he get himself out of this? Edward would know, but he was miles away behind bars, and Adam had no chance of reaching him without arranging it first.

"Fuck," he said aloud as he headed for his front door. "Oh fuck, dad you might have been right… I should've listened…"

When he reached the internet café, Chris Leach was already there. "Sir," Adam began.

"Cut it out Adam," Leach snapped, his tone brisk and to the point. "We're terminating your contract with immediate effect."

"Why… What?" Adam stared at the crime boss; sure he'd miss heard. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," Leach snapped. "But in case your little ears missed it, I'll say it again. We're, terminating, your, contract. Right now."

"But…" Adam desperately tried not to sound pleading. "But why, Mr. Leach Sir?"

"Um, let's think. Perhaps because everything you got last night on your iPod is true. Perhaps because Chancer is in fact going to the chair. Perhaps because the risk to us has got too high and the prophet no longer outweighs the risk. Your father was correct. She is too hot. Leave well alone. Well now we're doing just that. You're more than welcome to keep pursuing her should you wish, but we won't be helping you any further."

Leach handed Adam back his envelope of cash he'd handed over the day before. "Nine hundred bucks," the crime boss said. "One hundred taken for our troubles, but we are not posting the bug or camera to Smith's Grove. There is no point. You may have missed this, Adam." Leach pulled out a phone and bought up a photo. "It came through on the iPod's connection just now. One of the quacks or guards must've sent it. But take a look."

Adam did so and felt everything go numb. He hardly even had the energy to feel anger and hatred towards her now. This was something he could not change. The photo showed her and Michael Myers kissing to the lips. Adam hadn't wanted to believe it, but here was indisputable evidence.

"You see?" Leach put his phone away. "I expect you will find said photo on your phone as well. Chancer is going to the chair; your target is now in a relationship with Mr. Myers. Both of those facts are leading to the termination of your contract. What you do from here on in is your choice. But our organisation is done with your case. You will take out your phone in front of me right now and delete our number in a way the pigs can't find it and you are not to call it again."

Adam Dawson had never before considered himself a beaten man. But that picture of her and Michael kissing had broken the last of his resolve. Charlotte however, now she was another story. He could still pursue her and would do. He once again thought of Edward. Fuck he needed his old man right now, he felt so desperate and frankly, alone for the first time in his life. It was not an emotion he was used to or liked in the slightest.

Numbly, he took out his phone and did as the crime Lord instructed. He had it memorised, but regardless he would not be calling it again. Making Chris Leach angry was not a good idea. For so long, Adam hadn't wanted to admit defeat, but that fucking picture…

He took several deep breaths, trying to keep calm. This was it; he was on his own. Leach regarded him, his cold blue eyes without a shred of warmth, mercy or sympathy. "Face it Adam," he said, standing. "You've lost."

What made that statement worse, was that Adam new Leach was right. He'd lost a shit load of money for nothing and as for her… What the fuck had made Michael fucking Myers fall in love with her of all people? He was a damn killer, not a lover! Why hadn't she been dead long ago? Now, Adam was the one who would be dead if he kept pursuing her. If it wasn't too late already that was. Michael Myers was bound to know everything she'd been through from him, considering he was her God Damn man now! That picture proved it. Adam wouldn't have been surprised if one of the guards or quacks had sent it precisely for this reason. Shit! That pic had done irreparable damage and very probably ended his life.

"So if you'll excuse me," Chris Leach said, making to head towards the door. "I'll wish you a good life, Adam, however short it may be."

That last angered Adam, but he also knew Leach was correct. He might not have long left if Michael Myers was after him. He didn't like it, but now he thought about it he could kind of understand why Leach was doing what he was. Michael Myers was a too dangerous enemy. Leach wanted out before his blood was on Myers' hands.

"Mr. Leach," Adam had called out the crime Lord's name before he'd really thought through what he was about to say. Leach looked back, a cold and mocking smile on his lips. "Why… What do I do now?"

Leach actually laughed in his face and Adam didn't dare say anything. Leach had him where he wanted him and knew it. Adam would never dare argue with or challenge Chris Leach.

"If you want my honest opinion Adam," Leach said, his voice as relaxed and casual as if they were discussing tomorrow's weather. "If I were you, I'd start praying now and arrange your funeral."

…

For the very first time, Danielle and Michael removed all their clothes and lay together in her bed as opposed to on it. Michael pulled the covers over them and pulled her tightly close to him. She smiled at him sleepily. Her head still ached a little, but on the whole she felt complete. A lot more had been accomplished this night than her happiness. Derek Chancer had been brought to justice, Adam was probably terrified, and all was well.

"Guys," Dr Loomis had said just before they'd gone to bed. "Can you stand very briefly for me?"

She did so immediately and Michael pulled her close. "I'm sure this won't be a problem for you, Dr Loomis said and was smiling. "Can you kiss, please?" she was surprised, but leant towards her lover and their lips met once more. There was the click of a camera. "Thank you," Dr Loomis said.

It was only a little later as Joanne bad them good night that she understood. Dr Loomis had sent that picture of their kiss to Adam. She yawned and snuggled sleepily against Michael. Adam would almost definitely be afraid now. Yes, things could not be better for her tonight if she'd planned it. "I love you Michael Myers," she said quietly, just before her eyes closed in sleep.

…

Two days later.

Danielle completed her fifth circuit of the exercise yard running track, gasping for breath. Joanne by contrast, wasn't even sweating.

"Whew," she gasped eventually. "I am so damn out of shape! You by contrast are fit as a fiddle! I know you have to be for this job, but you put me to shame!"

Joanne laughed and guided her back through the security barrier and towards Michael's yellow warning line. The few patients who said hi to her whenever they saw her out here had done so again, she was touched by this.

"The guy who really freaks me out is the one who thinks he's covered in insects," she whispered to her guard. "Keeps picking them off and saying "too many" constantly. I wonder what on earth caused that." she knew Joanne of course couldn't tell her anything, but she couldn't help but ask the question aloud. Knowing this, she spoke again, changing the subject.

"I still remember the first time I crossed Michael's line with my cane totally accidentally. I never thought back then that I'd be able to cross it willingly and Michael even wants me to."

Joanne squeezed her arm and guided her towards it. "You're stepping over it now," she murmured. The line was purely painted in the concrete and could not be felt under foot. A couple of seconds later, she felt Michael's hand close around hers, pulling her to him. she made slight contact with his concrete block. Michael moved her back so she didn't hit it hard enough to hurt, before pulling her slightly away from it.

She could hear the clinking of his chains as he did so. Joanne made to step back, but Michael must've looked at her because she stopped.

"Michael, would you mind? I've always wanted to know what the chains feel like."

Of course the killer said nothing but neither did he move, which she took as consent. She realised then why he couldn't hold her; he was wearing handcuffs. One chain extended from his waist, attaching him to the block. Further heavy metal around his waist led down to his ankles, which were also cuffed.

"Isn't that uncomfortable?" Michael lovingly squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry," Joanne said. "He's got enough flexibility to move. This concrete block is huge and he can move to just about up to his warning line. Michael, did you want something from me?" She could've sworn the killer shook his head and smiled. Did he just want her to stay?

Michael lowered his head so her hands came in to contact with his ears. She couldn't help but laugh, but also for some reason felt the slight sting of tears. Was it just because he couldn't hold her? She blinked rapidly trying not to let them show. She couldn't.

"Hey," Joanne said and she knew her guard had seen them despite her best efforts to hide them. "It's ok, he'll be able to hold you soon."

That was when she felt the killer's warm hand against her cheek for only the second time since she'd known him. The cold metal of the cuffs touched the side of her neck and she couldn't help but flinch, feeling like one does when an ice cube is put down their back.

"Ah! Cold," she laughed. Joanne chuckled and she was sure Michael deliberately did it again. "Oi! Don't be mean!" she could tell herself she was imagining it, but she was certain Michael had also softly chuckled. She rested her head against his chest. Michael lowered his head again so she touched his ears and she couldn't resist raising hers and giving him a quick kiss to the lips. She knew Michael wouldn't be overly affectionate in public, but neither did he stop her. As she pulled back and laid her head back on Michael's chest, she heard Dr Loomis' soft voice. "Go on, Joanne."

She heard the soft clinking of keys, then chains. Next moment, Michael's left arm had closed tightly around her, pulling her close. Dr Loomis had allowed Joanne to release one of the handcuffs. She couldn't help wondering if any of the other patients were looking at them and if so what they were thinking if anything, or if they were even sane and aware enough to have noticed. The ones that said hi to her were of course, but some others…

The last two days had been the happiest of her life. Of that she was certain. Michael had held her close every night as they lay in her bed. As Derek Chancer was gone, she didn't put the screen up anymore. She had no need of it now, no one was reporting on her to Adam. She was safe.

"I wouldn't get too close I'm all sweaty," she said now and grinned. "I just ran five times around that running track, you probably saw me."

The exercise yard had a partitioned running track separated from the rest of the patients by a barrier. Armed guards watched anyone in there, to make sure they were indeed running and nothing else. But Dr Loomis had told the armed guards they weren't needed for this run and she'd almost cried with affection and gratitude for him. The thought of being watched by men with guns, real ones, was intimidating to say the least.

"I only managed five damn laps," she said now. "Joanne probably could've done ten! I'm so damn unfit! Hardly surprising I know, but still!"

Joanne chuckled softly. "I don't know about ten. Also don't be so hard on yourself. You haven't had much chance of exercise for the last few months, you have to start somewhere!"

"I know, I just miss it, that's all. I used to go to the gym at college all the time. Well, before Adam. They gave me an induction and also put Braille signs up and modified it to make it easier and safer for me to use. They were amazing. Exercising was like my freedom. Mind you," she smiled sadly. "I suppose you could say I did get plenty of exercise with Adam, because I was always running around doing what he wanted."

"Don't talk about him," Joanne said. "He doesn't matter anymore." Michael squeezed her against him, she knew it was his silent agreement to what Joanne had just said.

"Sorry, you're right."

"Of course it'll take time, but this is your new life now. Like Rick said last night. So enjoy it."

…

Derek Chancer lay in his tiny cell, trying to keep control of his emotions. He couldn't deny it anymore, fear was beginning to set in. Now he was actually here, 70 long steps from the electric chair, it all felt so terrifyingly real. His Lawyer, Aiden Thompson had visited him earlier that day, which he'd only done a few times while Derek had been in SG.

"I can't lie to you Derek," he'd said without preamble. "It's not looking good for you. I'm still working as hard as I can to appeal this, but…" he paused as if awkward. "I don't like your chances."

Derek glared at him. "That a fucking pun on my name?" He snarled through the security grill. He hated Death-Row already and had only been there just over a day. True to Dr Loomis' word, the van had turned up at 07AM exactly. Derek had sat in a secure cage for the three hour drive handcuffed and ankle chained, three armed guards in front of him one sitting just outside the cage. Derek was surprised they hadn't turned the fucking siren on. They looked at him like a piece of rotten meat they couldn't wait to get away from. Mind, why was he surprised?

"No," Thompson said. "It was the only way I could explain our position. Your surname is just… unfortunate."

Derek glared at the be-suited Lawyer again and wished like hell he could get his hands on him. Perhaps he'd even kill him. The son of a bitch was making fun of him. He could say he wasn't all he liked, but Derek was sure he hated him just like everyone else. The Death-Row guards had also treated him like something disgusting. Also just as Dr Loomis had said, his death sentence had been all over the news the very next day. Derek himself had seen it.

He despised Thompson in his undoubtedly expensive suit and tie, probably tailored to boot. What did he care? He wasn't close to being strapped in to the electric chair and having fifty thousand vaults put through his body in a deliberately lethal dose. Once this case was over he'd probably go home to his girlfriend, wife, man, (Chancer felt disgust at the last,) and forget about him entirely. Unless of course it was to further his career. I represented the woman killer Derek Chancer and if I'm honest got the verdict he deserved.

That said, if Thompson won the case and kept Derek out of the chair, it might do even more for his job prospects. He didn't care about Derek; Derek knew that already. He was only talking to him because he had to as his client.

"Then keep fucking trying," Derek said, trying to get comfortable, which was difficult considering he was chained to the hilt. "I'm not letting this fucking state have me, Mr. Thompson!"

"I am doing the very best I can," the Lawyer said smoothly. "But I would be lying to you if I said there was much hope left. They now have recorded evidence of some of the things you've said in Smith's Grove, plus written accounts from doctors Dr Loomis and Dr Stark among others. You still want to kill and rape women. This fact makes it very difficult for me to have much ammunition to successfully appeal your death sentence with."

"Fine! Then just get me life imprisonment!" Derek said. "I just don't want to fucking die in that chair!"

Thompson scribbled something on his legal pad. Lawyers were the only visitors there was no time limit with. Everyone else got two hours a day. Not that Derek had anyone who'd want to visit him of course. That suited him just fine. He cared for no one and if he did have to die, he wanted to do it alone and on his terms.

Now, back in his cell, Derek reflected his cell at Smith's Grove had been almost luxurious by comparison. He also knew his execution must be at least some time away, as he wasn't yet in one of those suicide watch cells. Fuckers! They just didn't want him to kill himself. They wanted the prise! Death-Row was growing relatively quiet by now as it was getting late. Not that it was ever totally silent. Flushing toilets, the soft whirr of fans in the tiny cells, TV's and radio's, of which Derek had neither.

The other inmates had hardly spoken to him, treating him with mingled hostility and distrust. Derek guessed it was always the same for new men coming in to Death-Row. Or perhaps they just didn't let themselves get emotionally close, knowing they were all very probably going to die soon barring a miracle reprieve, and didn't want the pain it caused when a friend was executed.

The man next door to him was also a vicious killer and rapist, Derek recognised his face from the news. He was now over 60 and had viciously raped and killed three women in the course of one night. He'd met them at a night club, bought them drinks which he'd spiked with the "date rape" drug, before raping and killing them by decapitation with an axe which he'd had at his house, which was where he'd taken them.

Derek remembered how the judge had called it a "remorseless, meditated and merciless massacre, for no reason." How he'd called the man "pure evil and very dangerous." The jury by all accounts had only been out for forty-five minutes before they returned a guilty verdict and the death sentence was given.

How long ago had that been? He hadn't been executed yet and Derek was sure he'd only been a boy when it'd happened. He'd only remembered the case because he felt the same way about women. He never dreamed that years later he'd be right next door to the guy on fucking Death-Row of course!

The guy had cold, almost calculated black eyes, short and spikey blond hair. Derek had seen his face as he was led out of his cell earlier. Apart from seeing his Lawyer or anyone else who'd visit, they were only allowed out of their cells for an hour's exercise a day. Even meals were served in their cells.

Derek tried to conceal it, but he was feeling a little regret at some of his actions at Smith's Grove. At least there he wasn't about to die, they had a dining room he ate in, which was considerably more than he had now. Not to mention the money he'd lost… Adam Dawson's plan had failed. He couldn't help wondering what the prick was going to do now. He knew Danielle and Myers were together, would he still continue to pursue her? He was a stupid fucking idiot if so, but then Derek considered him one anyway.

…

Adam lay in his bed, totally unable to sleep. For the first time in his life, sex was not on his mind. He hadn't ordered a whore for the last two nights. Everything that'd happened recently spun round and around in his head. Leach terminating his contract, Danielle and Myers were a couple, Chancer was going to the chair. His plan had failed. He'd been so sure his letter idea would work. Why the fuck hadn't it? It'd made perfect sense! Michael Myers was a killer, not fucking man material! Why hadn't he believed what Adam had written? How had she managed to persuade him she hadn't said any of it?

Whether Myers believed Charlotte had actually written it or not was irrelevant to Adam. It hadn't been Charlotte he'd been trying to get at, but her. However as that plan had failed, Charlotte was now his prime target. If a chance came for him to get to her he'd grab it, but for now, Charlotte was his best shot at success.

He thought back to seeing her with her man and brother. The very fact she'd dared to find another man when she belonged to him made Adam hot with anger. He knew it was her boss, the man who'd dared to call her "babe" in that text message. A grin spread across his face as he remembered punishing Charlotte for that text by fucking her three times that night, after she'd sent the one on his orders stopping that fucker calling his property "babe."

Not that it'd done much good," Adam thought bitterly. "She was now in some kind of secure refuge. This fucking Domestic Violence thing was a laugh! Why were women so well protected from doing what they were made to do? Obey men? Didn't even the bible say something about obeying and honouring their husbands? So why wasn't it happening? Well, Charlotte Avery would honour and obey him when he found her again, or she'd pay for it with her life.

She too had had her number changed by those Domestic Violence people, but like her he still had her apple ID. Seemed like neither of his bitches were willing to change it. More fool them. However, Adam's problem with this was every time he made a new email to contact them, they blocked it. He couldn't keep making new addresses, he knew the cops were watching everything he did including his internet activity. He knew he was on thin ice, close to being arrested again. He couldn't let that happen now. He had a woman to teach who was boss and punish for daring to defy him this way.

But how? This was the question he was asking himself now. How could he get to Avery? Her man wasn't a silent, masked killer, but she was still like her, locked behind secure gates. He had to figure out how he was going to get to her.

His last message to her, you are still mine she hadn't responded to. There was no proof she'd even read it. How fucking dare she? But Adam forced himself to stop thinking about that. Whether he liked it or not, there was nothing he could do about her. Leach, his father, they'd been right. She was too hot, he had to leave her well alone, unless a miracle of a chance presented itself. It was Charlotte he had to concentrate on, so that was exactly what he would do.

…

"How are you, babe?" Tim asked Charlotte as they lay in his bed. Charlotte had got home from Smith's Grove the day before and was in the process of putting some of her things in Tim's house. She hadn't yet been released from the Refuge, but had spoken to Dr Clarkson on the phone, who'd allowed her to stay with Tim that night, as Adam didn't know that address. Yet, said a dark voice in her conscience, but Charlotte had ignored it. He wouldn't find this address… He couldn't…

"I'm fine darling," she snuggled against him and kissed his neck. "Just tired."

"I did tell you I'd come and pick you up you know," Tim said.

"I know," Charlotte kissed him again. "But I wanted some time on my own, the drive back gave me time to think."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Charlotte felt a great swell of love for Tim. He was such a kind man, so caring and she knew with him there were no true colours later down the road, what she saw was what she got. She smiled at him. "It's just…" she sighed. "She's doing so well. I told you a few hours ago she and Michael are a couple now?"

Tim nodded. "Yes. Michael Myers? Who'd have thought it?"

Charlotte grinned. "I know right? I could hardly believe it when she told me on the phone last night. I'm so happy for her. God help Adam if he tries anything now. I also saw that Derek Chancer is going to the chair. Fucking good riddance!"

"I agree. I saw that too. So?" He asked her softly, pulling her closer. "Given all that, what's bothering you sweetheart?"

Charlotte sighed. "It's just stupid stuff. I could spend all the rest of my life saying I wish I'd got with you months ago instead of Adam, but I know that's pointless. I just hope… she's grown so much being at Smith's Grove, I just hope I can do the same. I know before you say it, Dr Stark is right, abuse is abuse however bad it is. But hers was still much worse than mine and look where she is now!"

"So, what? You're worried you won't grow as she has? Recover? She has Michael, I'm here for you babe you know that! As for wishing we'd got together months ago, me too, but like you said that's pointless to think about. We're together now and I have no intentions of ever letting you go!" He lent close and kissed her lips.

"I know, thanks babe. It's just… everything Adam did is still haunting me. Dr Stark told me before I left that I seemed to have forgotten that I'm a victim of Adam too." I hate to admit it, but she's right. I wanted her to get better as she was the one who nearly killed herself because of him. But now I've had a chance to think, everything he did is coming back to me in vivid fucking colour!"

"Why don't you speak to someone then? I'm more than willing to listen you know that. But maybe talk to a Domestic Violence Advisor?"

"I spoke to one in SG, but… what? You think I should go back and ask to do so again?"

"Not necessarily SG, but given what you said about how Dr Stark helped you, I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to do so again. Why don't you phone her and ask to talk to her?"

"You know," Charlotte said slowly. "I just might do that. I honestly thought I was ok, but sometimes it's… so clear," she shivered a little. Tim tightened his embrace.

"Shh babe," he soothed. "It's ok. No matter what, I'm here for you. Understand?"

"Well that's another thing that worries me, Charlotte admitted. "I don't want to inadvertently sabotage our relationship because of him. I know abused women sometimes do that out of fear. I don't want to be…"

But Tim stopped her with another kiss and she heard him murmur as he did so, "never." Charlotte couldn't help but believe him.

…

Although Charlotte of course didn't know it, Danielle was lying in her bed beside Michael, struggling with memories of her own. The rapes, assaults, controlling behaviour. She didn't know why it was so bad tonight. She'd seen Adam's last message, "I won't give up, you're still mine," but had ignored it, blocking the Email. She'd asked Dr Stark if she could have another meeting with Stacey which was scheduled for the next day. She wanted to discuss with the DV Advisor re changing her Apple ID after all. She didn't want to, but she was sick of Adam's constant taunting. If truth be told, it still scared her somewhat. She knew why this was. Because she didn't want to see Michael as her protection card. She'd grown enough from treatment to know this. She would look out for number one, Michael or no Michael. She suspected the killer knew this, because his loving embrace and soft kisses when they were alone seemed to communicate this. She felt almost as if he were saying 'I respect you for this, but I'm here and will protect you whether you want it or not, while not stopping your independence. You deserve it.'

Of course he'd never actually said as much, but he didn't have to. Now, he placed her hand on his left ear and she chuckled quietly.

"Sorry, I just can't sleep. I don't know why everything's so bad tonight. I know people with PTSD for whatever reason sometimes badly suffer, and this is one of those nights."

Michael moved his head so his ear moved in her hand and she smiled at him tiredly. She didn't even know Michael had pressed the call button until she heard William's voice. "Everything ok?"

She had wondered several times what the guards outside their little circle thought of her and Michael, if they even knew. But they were obviously too professional to say anything. She heard the rustle of paper and realised Michael had handed the guard a note. There was a second of silence, then William spoke again. "Ok, stand by." He was gone.

She raised a mental eyebrow and of course Michael didn't explain, he just held her, her hand on his ear. A few minutes later, she heard Dr Stark's voice. "Hi, everything ok?"

She couldn't stop the rush of love for Michael. She now understood what he'd done. He'd called for Dr Stark on her behalf. The note must've said it was urgent, William had woken her from the doctor's quarters. Yet again, she was on duty when she needed her the most. She had gone past the stage of lying to her doctors, so she told her the truth immediately.

"I can't sleep, Dr Stark. It's bad tonight, the memories, and the dreams. Everything Adam did, I can feel it as if it happened yesterday."

"Do you want a calming pill?" The doctor asked. She again recalled how the old she would've scoffed at this. Not anymore. "Yes please," she said instead, gratefully.

When Dr Stark returned with the pill, she opened the door and entered, sitting on the desk chair. "Can I help?"

"I don't think so, I don't think anyone can. It's just one of those things I guess. I'm…" she touched Michael's arm. "I'm terrified of doing something to destroy this relationship. That the memories will make me insecure, distrusting and so on. I love you; Michael and I don't want that to happen."

Michael held her tighter and now put both her hands on both ears.

"I don't think Michael will let that happen," Dr Stark said. "I also don't think you'll let it happen either. I understand why you're scared, of course I do, but I think you need to let yourself trust both Michael and yourself. You've come this far. Look at the woman who interrogated Mr. Chancer a few days ago. Held a gun to his head. That's the new you. She's not weak is she? She won't let it happen. When she wants something, she goes after it! You and Michael are now together as a result of this fact!"

She knew her doctor was right, she just hoped she could prove it. "I know you're right," she said eventually. "But I just hope I can prove what you're saying, remain the woman you've helped me become."

"Why wouldn't you?" Dr Stark asked. "It's not like you're going to see Adam again. I promised you that and I fully intend to keep it. Not to mention I think a certain man next to you right now won't let that happen either."

"That's a nice thought," she admitted. "But may be difficult while he's behind these walls."

"Well," Dr Stark said softly. "Maybe that will change one of these days, who knows?"

Michael lent in and kissed the top of her head. Dr Stark handed her the water and tiny pill. "Take that, it'll calm you down and help you sleep. There is no shame in asking for help, nor is it your fault you're suffering tonight. You understand that, don't you?"

"Yes Dr Stark," she said immediately, reaching out to touch her doctor's arm to show she meant it. Dr Stark took her hand and squeezed it.

"That's my girl. Do you want another hot chocolate? With marsh mallows, the works?"

She strongly suspected the consultant had asked her that deliberately, knowing she loved those. "Yes please," she said again. "Thanks Dr Stark."

"Ok. I'll go and get it now, but you swallow that pill you hear? Michael, make sure she does, please?"

She couldn't help smiling as she did as she was told, swallowing the little pill with water. She remembered then the night Michael had helped her swallow a sleeping pill a long time back, after Adam had called her? Or when he'd got her number/ she couldn't remember exactly, but it'd been something to do with him of course.

A wave of hatred consumed her then. Hatred for Adam, for everything he'd done to her and Charlotte, hatred for him as a man. If he even was a man. Michael Myers was more a man than he was! The feeling was so unexpected, but something of it must've shown on her face because Michael this time did softly kiss her mouth. She took several deep breaths, trying to slow her heart rate which seemed to have accelerated to double speed within seconds.

"I hate him," she whispered to Michael. "I fucking hate him!"

"Shh," she was certain this time Michael said it, before repeating the exact words he'd said to her by the waterfall, all be it for a different reason. "I know."

…

Dr Stark was just falling asleep when the alarm bell sounded in the doctor's quarters, signalling a patient needed her. She hated it, but for just a second, a wave of frustration tugged at her. Yes it was her job, but she seemed to spend her life with either she or Luke on call. He being a top heart surgeon could be needed at a moment's notice, as could she. Though when she was at home, she was on call for three days then had four off. Next month, she and Luke would have a week off together neither on call and she couldn't wait.

She glanced at the flashing alarm. MSU. So it had to be either Danielle or Michael. She hated herself for the frustration she felt, but neither could she deny she was so damn tired. But that wasn't their fault. She took a deep breath and got out of bed. It was nearly 2AM. She enjoyed her job and the pay checks, but sometimes she got so tired just like she was now. She forced herself to quash the frustration they needed her, then headed out of the door.

…

When Dr Stark returned with the hot chocolate and a black coffee for Michael, she was already looking calmer.

"How can you drink black coffee at this time?" she asked Michael, grinning. "You'll be awake all night!"

Dr Stark handed her the hot chocolate and the smile she gave her made Gemma feel even guiltier about her brief flash of annoyance. Thank goodness she would never know about it.

"Dr Stark, I need to show you this." She picked up her phone and showed her doctor the latest message from Adam from the unknown email. Dr Stark gave no audible sign of it, but she could tell she was angry.

"He doesn't give up does he?" The consultant said quietly. She felt a rush of affection when Michael lent forward to look himself. She was sincerely glad and thankful her name was not Adam Dawson right then. "When did you get this?"

"A few days ago, that's why I've asked for the meeting with Stacey tomorrow. I might have to change my Apple ID after all, damn it! But surely, won't he get bored of constantly creating new Email addresses just to taunt us? I bet Charlotte is getting them too. In fact as he knows I'm with Michael now, I'm concerned Charlotte may be in even more danger, as he can't target me any further."

"Don't you worry," Dr Stark said immediately. "I've got Domestic Violence Advisors watching Charlotte, and I've also spoken to her doctor in the refuge. We're working together to keep her safe."

She sighed with relief. She'd long since learnt that Dr Stark was not someone you wanted against you. She and Dr Clarkson were a force to be reckoned with. Adam should be very careful.

"Also," the consultant continued. "The police are monitoring everything Adam does, including internet activity. If he keeps creating Email addresses and messaging you, he'll be arrested. Anything bigger than that and he'll be straight behind bars with no chance to defend himself."

"Damn it! I wish he already was," she said fervently. She nearly cried then as Michael lovingly stroked the scar across her cheek, the one Adam had made when he slashed her face while raping her. Michael was the only one Danielle would let anywhere near that scar. Except maybe Dr Stark or Joanne of course, and the Avery's on the outside.

"I'm really sorry Dr Stark, I know it's late, but I also can't lie I really appreciate Michael calling you. It was he who did, not me."

"Now Shh," the doctor said sternly. "It's what I'm here for. You are correct, it was Michael who called me. He gave William a note which said Danielle needs Dr Stark urgently. So, what does that tell you?"

"Yeah, thanks Michael," she hugged him. The killer started once again stroking her back. "I think I'll be able to sleep now,"

"Perfect," Dr Stark stood up. "But you know where I am if you need me. Michael, I'm leaving Danielle in your capable hands."

This was yet another remark the old her would've hated, she thought with a rush of self-loathing. Now, she smiled gratefully at the doctor, blinking back tears. "Thanks," was all she said.