Chapter 33: DV meeting
…
Adam also didn't get much sleep that night, though for entirely different reasons. He was angry. Chris Leach had no God damn right to terminate his contract without notice. Of course he would say he did and Adam wouldn't dare argue with him. But it still rankled. He needed Leach's and his men's help right now. Charlotte. How the hell was he supposed to pursue her properly without help? The cops were watching everything he did. For that same reason, he didn't dare create another Email address with which to message either of his bitches. He didn't want to admit it but his father had been right. He was actually considering arranging another visit with his old man. He needed to speak to him again. Ask him how he was supposed to do this. Then he remembered another thing Edward had said. "There are millions of women Michael Myers will never meet. Take one of them as your toy, property, whatever."
Adam couldn't deny his father was probably right. Should he just forget both of them and get another bitch to control? It didn't by any means mean he wouldn't go for either woman again if the opportunity presented itself, but for now, he was starting to realise that another woman might be his best option. One who wouldn't even think of getting disclosure from the police about his history? Not to mention he'd make damn sure she didn't get the chance. He'd lock her in the house while he was working. He'd only let her out to get food for him on a strict time limit and he'd put a camera on her phone or something to watch her all the time. She'd cook for him, he'd fuck her whenever he wanted to, and if she dared disobey him, and she'd pay for it.
Adam's anger was so much that this time, he didn't care about leaving bruises. If the woman he picked up disobeyed him she could keep her bruises, she'd deserve them. Adam knew he wouldn't have a problem; women constantly threw themselves at him just as Charlotte had done because of his looks. He could and would use that to his advantage now. He decided that the very next day he'd go to his local bar and take the first bitch who was good looking and flirted with him. He had standards, however. He wouldn't take an ugly woman. They had to be good looking if they were going to be seen on his arm in public, the good little woman who did exactly what she was told by him. He would also cut the Mr. nice guy act down, making it as short as he could before the real him came out.
But he would keep his promise to himself. If the chance to get at either came along, he would take it. No way would he let those two bitches forget who was boss, who they obeyed. But then he thought of Danielle and Michael Myers. Fuck! That was a big problem in his plans to get at her. Charlotte then. Her man wasn't a masked killer and Adam could dispose of him easily. He was still considering getting help however. Though the very thought made him a little nervous, he was thinking of contacting Leach again and asking for a new, smaller contract which just included Charlotte. Surely Michael Myers wouldn't care about her, would he? Though there was the tiny little snag due to the fact she was Danielle's best friend…
It was nearly 4AM by the time Adam did close his eyes. He felt content now. He knew exactly what he was going to do. He was going to contact Leach and discuss a new smaller contract, then he was going to go to his local bar tonight and possibly the night club, to pick up his latest woman. Maybe he'd even make this one marry him so she had no way out. Those bitches may have slipped through his fingers, but this woman whoever she turned out to be, most certainly would not. She would work, iron, fuck and everything else, to use his father's wise acronym for wife.
…
The next morning, Danielle woke early at 5AM. She couldn't tell if Michael was awake or not. As quietly as she could, she got out of bed and dressed. She was feeling agitated and couldn't sleep. She wanted to speak to Dr Stark and couldn't wait for her meeting with Stacey today. It was clear as much as she hated to admit and face it, Adam wasn't going to stop messaging her if she didn't.
She pressed the call button and a few seconds later heard Mel's soft whisper. Michael must indeed have his eyes closed then.
"Morning, you ok?"
"Hi Mel," she whispered back. "I'm fine thanks, you? Where's Jeff? I thought you were tutoring him?"
Mel didn't answer, just opened the door then closed it again as quietly as she could. She then took Danielle's arm and guided her towards the canteen.
"I thought breakfast doesn't start until 7AM?"
"It doesn't," Mel agreed. "But I thought you'd like some tea or something and I'll stay for a chat if you like."
"Thanks. I'd like that."
They entered the canteen. Mel got her a hot chocolate with cream and marsh mallows and she couldn't help but laugh. "Dr Stark told you I love these?"
"Hmm, maybe, perhaps."
"So Mel," she lowered her voice once they were sitting at one of the tables, even though they were currently alone bar the staff working in the kitchen on breakfast preparations. "Where is Jeff? Can I ask?"
Mel hesitated for a moment, then too lowered her voice. "Jeff unfortunately failed his probation. While I was tutoring him he made… a mistake."
She understood the cryptic words. Jeff had fucked up. But what had he done? Did she want to know?
"It wasn't huge," Mel said as though reading her mind. "But it could've been and he got two warnings. I just don't think this job was for him."
She tried not to feel a stab of jealousy at this. What she wouldn't give to do this job, just as she'd said to Jack. To have all that equipment and keep people safe. Something of this must've shown on her face because Mel said softly, "you're jealous aren't you?"
"I… no!" she began, but Mel squeezed her arm and she stopped and sighed. "Yeah ok," she admitted. "Maybe just a little. Purely because I can't do this job. I've always wanted to be a police officer, taxi driver, all the things I can't do. I think I want them so badly because they're physically impossible and unreachable for me."
"I understand," she didn't find it patronising, it actually sounded compassionate. "Thanks," she said softly. "I do really appreciate that."
"Then you're welcome," Mel touched her hand again, before moving so she felt her equipment. The handcuffs, gun holster, radio, baton, keys, alarm and so on. Then, she was mortified but couldn't help laughing as it was now Mel's turn to lower her head so Danielle felt her ears. They stuck out. Mel began to laugh. "Ah, tickles! Yes I know my ears stick out!"
"Oh God! Did a little bird named Jack tell you he'd shown me his? Equipment I mean? Well," she felt herself turning red. "And his ears!"
Mel laughed and actually hugged her, and Danielle absurdly felt tears in her eyes at the affectionate contact, and hugged her back. "Maybe," Mel said again, but she was laughing. "Perhaps."
She looked at her phone. It was almost 7. Mel retook her seat opposite.
"Hungry?" Mel asked, clearly guessing why she'd been looking at it.
"Yes," she admitted. "Starving, if I'm honest."
She looked up then at the sound of whistling. It always made her ears prick up. Mel chuckled. She must've told her she liked whistling once.
"Jordan!" she called out automatically. "Your whistle gave you away again! So much for "I'll never be able to whistle again!" She made quotes in the air.
"Well I appear to have found my whistle for you," came Jordan's soft, Australian accent. "I'm always whistling when I see you."
"Oh shut up! You're such a charmer!"
"You don't know the worst of it!" Mel quipped.
"Hey come on M," Jordan said. "Don't go giving away all my secrets and dark tricks now! I'll have nothing to surprise Danielle with if you do!"
"That's a good thing right?" Mel and Danielle said in unison, laughing.
"Fine," Jordan sighed and rattled his keys. "Well as I can see you're already in capable hands, I'll leave you both to it. I and Mel here are just starting our early shifts. I'll see you both later. As he walked off, Jordan began to whistle again. Much to her delight.
Michael entered the dining room a few minutes later, crossing to sit next to Danielle. Mell was still sitting opposite.
"Morning Michael," the guard said. "Just keeping her Company for you."
She reached to her left and touched his arm. The killer moved his cuffed hand so it was holding hers.
"I couldn't sleep," she said quietly. "So I got up and spoke to Mel here."
"Plus encountered whistling Jordan," Mel laughed. "Looking at my protective equipment and of course, my ears!"
Michael squeezed her hand and Mel was sure he'd smiled slightly at this.
"I'm meeting Stacey today," she said quietly to the pair of them. "I need to change my Apple ID. It's clear Adam isn't going to stop messaging me unless I do."
"Are you sure?" Mel asked. "That's like letting him win isn't it? Just keep blocking his Emails. If he keeps making them, the cops will know."
"I know, I've been struggling with it all night. I don't want to change it either. I've had it for years. My initials and birth year. DH78. I will be 20 on Christmas day, actually," she blushed. "Just in case you're wondering," she squeezed Michael's hand again. "The age gap between us never entered my head, as long as it doesn't bother you."
She wasn't sure why she was asking this now, a bit late for that and she knew this. But the killer just squeezed her hand again, stroking the back of hers affectionately with his thumb.
"Mel, where's Joanne? Sorry, I've lost track of when she's working."
"She's on a late shift today, starts at one."
She felt a rush of relief. Joanne would be in before her meeting with Stacey. She was going to ask Dr Stark if Joanne could attend with her. She meant what she'd said, she loved Joanne like a mother.
…
Shortly after breakfast, they were once again led out in to the exercise yard. To her horror as Michael was chained to his concrete block, she felt the sting of tears. It wasn't the first time she'd been there when this had happened of course, but this occasion seemed to get to her more than any other. She knew why, because Michael was now her lover which made it even harder to take. Mel who was still with her, put an arm around her.
"Sorry," she muttered. "I think I'm just feeling a bit… emotional today. Thinking about that meeting with Stacey, everything that's going on, my future…"
Mel stopped her by squeezing her close. "He can still hold your hand," she whispered. As if on cue, Michael took it.
"Please could you ask Dr Stark to come over here if she's free?" she asked Mel, who slipped away immediately.
"Rick and I are just the other side of the line," came Jack's voice.
"Ok," she acknowledged.
Just over a minute later, she felt a touch on her shoulder and heard Dr Stark's voice. "Hi, you wanted me?"
"Yes," she turned to face her doctor. "I wanted to ask, is there any chance Joanne could come in to the meeting with Stacey today? We've become really close and I'd like her to be there."
"Of course," Dr Stark said. "If Joanne is happy to do so. She is your guard. What happens is between you two. She won't be needed elsewhere; she has been assigned to you entirely."
She remembered her scathing words when she'd first been told this. 'You mean carer' and winced. God. She'd been really rude and bitter back then. Now, she smiled genuinely at Dr Stark.
"Thanks, I'll ask Joanne then. But that's not all." She leant closer to whisper in Dr Stark's ear. "I was also wondering if Michael could be there, for obvious reasons."
"Hmm. I wonder what they are." Dr Stark said with a chuckle. "Stand by."
She walked away. She turned back to Michael, who was still holding her hand. My partner, she kept thinking. My lover. I still can't believe it!
A little while later, Dr Stark returned, Dr Loomis with her. "Hi," he said. "Dr Stark has told me your second request." He approached them and spoke quietly. "Michael, Danielle has asked if you will attend her meeting today with Stacey, one of our DV advisors. Now I am more than happy to authorise this, on one condition." Mel saw him lay a hand on Michael's arm.
"I know you two have come a very long way," he was speaking in a very low voice so only their little group could hear. The yard was full of other patients. "So I know neither she nor Joanne are in any danger from you. But you may hear things which will anger you. Do we need to use glass or Chains, Michael? Just in case?"
Mel could hardly believe what she saw. The killer extended a hand to his doctor who hesitated for a moment, then took it. Doctor and patient locked eyes and Michael shook his head very slightly to Dr Loomis. The Psychiatrist waited another second, then nodded to Michael.
"I don't need to tell you there will be guards outside," he said. "But I'm trusting you, Michael. Please don't prove me wrong to do so?"
Again, the killer nodded.
…
At 1:15PM, they were released from their cell and taken to one of the private meeting rooms. She couldn't lie, she was thrilled Michael was allowed first to be with her and second without glass or chains. She knew understanding had passed between him and Dr Loomis in the exercise yard and that Michael had never taken such a big step before now. Even if he'd never be released, this would show enormous progress.
That's unless he goes out and kills someone as soon as he gets the chance, she thought then immediately chided herself for it. That wasn't fair. Michael had obviously made huge progress just as she had. But they'd done it together. To think that about him was cruel. Without him, she'd very possibly be dead after all.
They entered the room and Stacey stood up to greet them. "Hi, its Stacey. I guess you know my voice by now?"
"Yes."
"I'm flattered to hear that. Ok so Joanne and Michael are staying with us today is that correct?"
"Yes, if that's ok."
"Of course it is, this is your meeting. You have whoever you want and need present."
"Thanks," she said gratefully. Joanne and Michael sat either side of Danielle, opposite the DV advisor.
"Ok. So how can I help you today? I gather you requested this meeting? So what do you need from me?"
"Stacey, I think I'm going to have to change my Apple ID. I really, really don't want to as I've had it for years; it was my Email address before iPhones even existed, but here's the thing. Adam keeps messaging me creating new Emails to do so, and I don't think he's going to stop until I change it."
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Stacey asked. "I mean, that's like…"
"Letting him win," she finished wearily. "I know. Believe me, I know. Joanne, Mel and Dr Stark have all said exactly that. I know. But it's driving me mad! It won't stop until he gets arrested. I know Adam Stacey, he's a persistent and determined son of a bitch! He knows…" she stopped herself, realising she hadn't told Stacey her big news yet. "Stacey, I want to tell you something. The man sitting on my right, is my man now."
"Congratulations!" Stacey cried, with genuine delight in her voice. She stood up and shook their hands. "I'm so glad for both of you, that's why you wanted him here. I knew you were friends, you told me enough. But I'm really happy for you both taking the next step and wish you the very best."
"Thanks, so that's what I was about to say. Adam knows Michael and I are a couple now, and we've also finally discovered who was watching and listening to me, who passed Adam my first protected number."
"Who?" Stacey asked quickly.
"Derek Chancer," she replied bitterly. "We found out a few nights ago. But thank fuck, he's on Death-Row now heading for the electric chair and can no longer reach me, us."
"I did read that on the news a few days back," Stacey said. "I'm sorry he put you in such danger. Although," she laughed. "I read something at the very bottom which said "we also did note however that Mr. Chancer had very badly bruised ears. As to how that happened, we'll never know." Hmm, I wonder! I bet I know! Anyway, did you find out how he did it?"
"I'm innocent! I know nothing of what you speak! He had some kind of specially programmed iPod. I don't exactly know how it worked, but he was able to text and call Adam on it I think and could also hear me in my cell with it. Well, that is, until it was modified with heavy sound proofing. Then he couldn't."
"Yes, Dr Stark told me about that," Stacey replied. "A very good idea. We knew someone was watching you, but not who. I'm so sorry your number was passed like that. I hear one of the guards was bribed to do it and had a little… accident?"
"That's one word for it," she muttered.
"But if we go back to the matter in hand," the DV advisor continued. "Adam, I really think if he keeps making Email addresses just to message you, all the evidence will stack up against him. From what you told me previously about the trial, Judge Spinner also has eyes on him. To keep making them would just be dangerous for him and more proof for you to show the court if necessary."
"That's what I said," Joanne agreed.
She sighed and put her face in her hands. "Damn it! I know you're right, of course I do. But…" she hesitated. "I don't want Adam to think he's won in any way what so ever. Not even a small victory like this! But neither can I take his constant messages."
"What do they say?" Stacey asked. "How many have you had?"
For answer, she pulled out her phone, brought up the messages in her blocked list and handed it to her DV advisor. There was a moment's silence while she scanned them. There were only three, from three different Email addresses.
I won't give up, you're still mine.
There's nowhere to run, I own you and you are my property.
You won't escape me, one day I'll get you back. You belong to me and will obey me.
Stacey handed her back her phone. "Hmm, ok. Have you received any more since Adam was told about you and Michael?"
"No," she admitted. "But I don't want to use Michael as a protection card. Like, Adam isn't doing anything purely because he's afraid of Michael and if I was on my own he would. That's unfair on…" but she got no further, because Michael yet again touched her cheek.
"I don't think you have a choice in that. I get the feeling Michael here is going to protect you purely because he cares about you, and your words about "using him as a protection card" are totally invalid. He's going to protect you because he's your man, same as any supposed partner should. Although as we unfortunately know, some don't."
"Michael's your man." Joanne said. "Not your protection card. I think even if you asked him not to protect you, he'd refuse. What? You'd push him away because you don't want a "protection card?" I wouldn't if I were you."
"Well said!" Stacey said firmly. She knew this was one conversation she had to surrender on.
"I know you're right," she said quietly. She turned to Michael. "I'm sorry Michael, I don't mean that as it sounds, I just… shit! I don't even know how to explain it. It's just, you're Michael Myers. If I was going out with… I don't know Fred Blogs from the ward next door, Adam wouldn't care because he wouldn't know him at all and what he's capable of. But your name is well known all over America, hell the world. You just happen to be my partner now. I… God! I'm not making this very clear am I?"
"You want my advice?" Stacey asked as Michael put an arm around Danielle now and pulled her to his side. "Enjoy it. This is what it's like to be loved, truly loved. It doesn't come along often in life as you sadly know, so don't push it away by accident or on purpose."
"Well said if I do say so myself," Joanne smiled at Stacey. "I'd listen to this woman if I were you."
She remembered what Charlotte had said about Joanne. 'This woman talks sense, so listen.' So did Stacey Allard. "Is Charlotte ok? are you still working with her?"
"She's fine," Stacey said promptly. "Don't you worry, we've got eyes on her and are communicating with her via phone daily, as I'm sure you are too. She has a direct number to call if she needs us, but she also has Psychologists and DV advisors where she is so she's very safe and well protected."
"Thanks, I knew that already I just wanted to see how it's going for her, but I appreciate you telling me that." She smiled at her DV advisor.
"Then you're welcome," Stacey said.
"I guess I'm just worried that if Adam thinks I'm now too hot, he'll go for Charlotte. That she'll become his prime target instead of me."
"If that's the case," Stacey said. "You honestly don't need to worry. Charlotte is very well protected and we are taking all measures possible to ensure her safety. Not to mention from what I've been told; Adam is getting close to being rearrested."
"Good!" she said fervently. "Apart from getting with Michael, that's the best thing that I've heard in weeks!" Except it means Michael can't kill him, she thought bitterly.
"So," Stacey asked. "Are we changing your Apple ID or not? It's entirely up to you, entirely. Just bear in mind what we've said. Why should you lose an Email address you've had all your life for one man? That's what he wants after all."
She turned to Joanne then Michael, as if expecting him to speak.
"I agree with Stacey," Joanne said. "I'm sure Michael does too." The killer slightly nodded. "He just nodded," Joanne said, as Michael squeezed Danielle's hand. "I think you're outvoted on this one Danielle, sorry!"
"Don't let him have even a small victory," Stacey said. "Isn't that what you just said? Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy to help you change it if that's really what you want, we can do it right now and get it changed instantly. But…"
"No," she said determinedly. "You're right. Even that would feel like a victory to the self-important little prick, and I don't want that! He's getting nothing from me!"
"Perfect," Stacey said. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
She hesitated. There was one thing she wanted to speak to Stacey about, but should she in front of Michael? As if reading her mind, Joanne whispered in her ear.
"It should be said in front of Michael, honesty is key in a long lasting relationship. If you're worried about sabotaging it, then Michael hearing will also help. If he knows, he can work with you to ensure it doesn't happen."
"Would you like me to leave?" Joanne asked.
"No, please don't?" She began to speak and before she'd realised it, the words were tumbling out.
"I'm worried about sabotaging this relationship. From a small way to a big. I don't mean with insecurity or jealousy, I mean by waiting for Michael to say or do something to control me, being afraid to take my phone anywhere, calling him "sir" if I detect he's angry, not to mention he's a very dangerous man anyway!"
She hadn't meant to say that last out loud, but to her relief, Michael's arm tightened around her and he kissed the top of her head. Stacey spoke.
"I think from the reaction you just got; you don't need to worry. He's hardly going to attempt to kill you if you have an argument. All couples argue, just ask my husband."
She chuckled; she couldn't help it. "Plus," Stacey continued. "Of course you're going to struggle somewhat for a while so don't be too hard on yourself. It's totally understandable after what you went through, but then you also need to do your part and let Michael show you that you don't need to worry or fear him. The two of you need to work together on that. Do not try to do it all alone, or you might very well make a mistake you'll regret. There's no shame in needing your man, none at all. I've been married for twenty years and I still ask my husband for help and love seeing him every day. A relationship takes two. Not one person who thinks she has to prove she has everything under control."
There was a short silence. "I… can't argue with that," she said weakly.
"Nope," Stacey laughed. "You can't. Take it from one who knows."
"To quote Charlotte," Joanne said, grinning. "This woman talks sense, so listen."
When the meeting concluded a few minutes later, she couldn't believe how much better she felt. She was not letting Adam win by changing her ID, and she knew Stacey was right re working with Michael when things got tough.
"So tell him when you feel insecure," Stacey had said. "So tell him when you fear him. Let him soothe you if you slip up and call him "sir." Let him hand you your phone if you leave it behind thinking you can't take it with you. You need to let him help you in this, not think you have to do it all by yourself. You're a couple now, that's the key word. Couple."
Joanne led them back out in to the exercise yard and to the waterfall, where they sat on the bench beside it. Joanne adjusting it to Danielle's favourite setting once more.
"Well that went better than I thought it would," she said. "I know Stacey's right with everything she said. I just hope I can do it. I hope I'm strong enough."
"After what we saw that night with Chancer?" Joanne said incredulously, as Michael put both arms around Danielle now and pulled her close, placing her hands on his ears. "After you pointed a gun at his head and interrogated him like a pro? I think you're more than strong enough. Don't start doubting yourself, because that will also count as a win for Adam. Don't let it!"
She couldn't answer, because Michael leant in then and softly kissed her to the lips.
"You see?" Joanne said. "He's here for you through good and bad, rough and smooth. You just need to let yourself trust him and believe that."
She knew both Joanne and Stacey were right. With Michael Myers at her side, together they would get through anything Adam Dawson could throw at them, mental or physical. It may take time, but she knew they had years. She smiled at both of them and hugged Michael tightly. There would undoubtedly be tough times ahead but she was ready for them, whatever they were. What would come would come, and she, they, would face it head on when it did.
…
There were only a handful of occasions Chris Leach could remember when he'd actually, seriously considered killing someone. He might be a respected and feared crime boss, but he didn't want too many murders against his name. If he was caught, the consequences could be his own death by lethal injection or the electric chair. He didn't respect the police, judges or any form of authority, accept perhaps other crime bosses. Right now however was one of those times he was close, very close to committing murder. His probable victim was Adam Dawson. The guy had seriously pissed him off. Leach had told him quite clearly the night he'd terminated the guy's contract not to call their number again and to delete it from his phone. Evidently he'd written it down somewhere or had it memorised. Because Leach had seen him delete it as instructed, yet he'd just called again.
His man who'd answered had recognised Dawson's voice and told Leach straight away. Apparently Dawson had begged for Leach himself to meet with him. Leach was about to do just that, but could very well end up putting Dawson in an early grave for the privilege.
When he entered the internet café Dawson and he had met in before, Dawson was already there. Leach made it very obvious instantly he was angry. "What is it, Adam? I thought I'd made it quite clear and told you your contract was terminated, and not to call us again. You'd better have a damn good reason for doing so, or you won't live past tonight."
"Sir," Adam said immediately. "Please just hear me out? I do have a reason and I really need your help."
Leach considered. Kill him now? Or listen? He decided on the latter, for this moment at least. He couldn't deny Dawson gave them good money for their work and he'd never turn that down, but this guy really got under his skin. He sat down. "You've got five minutes," he said briskly. "Start talking and this better be fucking good, Adam!"
"Mr. Leach Sir, I agree with both you and my father. She is too hot; I'll leave well alone. What I'm here for tonight has nothing to do with her at all. I wanted to ask you whether you'd be willing to give me a much smaller contract which just focuses on Charlotte, as it did at the very start of this. You would still get well paid for it though. She is out and about, free. She'd be much easier to watch and listen to. Yes ok Sir, I admit Danielle was my number one target at first, but you're right, she's too dangerous now. Charlotte isn't though. Which is why I wondered if you'd at the very least consider this Sir?"
Leach forced himself to clamp down on his anger and spoke calmly. Dawson really was a stupid idiot. "Adam, in case you've forgotten, target two is only target one's best friend?" Let Adam use their names if he wanted, but Leach wasn't going to. He'd told Adam long ago not to do that, the guy really was an ammeter. "Did you seriously just say it has nothing to do with target one, it… kind of does, don't you think? She too will be protected by target one's man, just as target one is. No, Adam. I won't consider that. She too, is too hot."
There was silence for a moment and Leach watched his words sink in across Dawson's face. Jesus! Was the man really that slow? He couldn't have forgotten this, surely? Eventually, Dawson spoke.
"Yes, Sir, that's as maybe, but target one's man won't be getting out of that place. He's there for life. What are the chances he'll escape and find me?"
Leach snorted. Seriously. "Adam," he said as if speaking to a stupid child. "If that's your opinion, why are you still not pursuing target one? If you really think you're safe from her man, why is she too hot for you? You don't think he'll escape ever? Fine, go after her then! Alone!"
Leach was pleased to see Dawson blush. "Good point, Sir," he muttered, looking down at the dirty café table rather than meeting Leach's eyes. Leach was glad watching him squirm. Stupid twat. But then he thought of a question he genuinely wanted to know the answer to. "Why do you not just pick up someone else, Adam? Why are you so obsessed with these two bitches? Is it because you dated them? Humour me, I genuinely want an answer."
Adam looked surprised for a moment, as it was the first time Leach was addressing him as an equal. Leach smirked to himself. Don't get used to it, it would also be the last. Adam looked up now, finally meeting the crime Lord's eyes.
"I… I don't know," he said. Leach knew he was telling the truth this time. "I think target one because she tried to kill herself because of me. I want to see her miserable, suffering. Also because I hate women, full stop. Always have done."
"So you're a Misogynist?" Leach asked.
"Very much so," Adam nodded fervently. "My father Edward brought me up to control women. Make them do as they tell you, obey you, work for you, let you fuck them whenever you want. They are property, not people, he said. He treated mom like property the whole of their marriage until he was fucking arrested," he said the last through gritted teeth.
"Purely because your father told you so?" Leach didn't know why he was asking Dawson all this, but he was genuinely interested he realised with surprise.
"My father is everything to me," Dawson said. "I've always wanted to earn his love, approval and respect. Plus he's right. I never liked women anyway. I had my first incident with one when I was 12. She dared to turn away from me while I was eyeing up her tits. I grabbed her ponytail and swung her round, before squeezing her tits so hard they bruised. I was legitimately angry she'd dared to turn away from me. Insolent bitch! I think dad was proud of me to boot. Took me for a meal in his Jag that night and when we were in private he told me so. I felt so good then. I'd made dad proud of me!"
"Hmm," Leach said slowly. "What happened?"
Dawson shrugged. "Nothing, I just got yelled at by the police. No big deal. It was when I was 16 I made a stupid mistake. But damn it I wanted her! It was another bitch, she was fucking gorgeous, Mr. Leach. Gorgeous. I had to fuck her like crazy. I came in my bed every night thinking about her cunt. Jesus man! So one day after school I got her alone behind the bike sheds and fucked her. At knife point of course, so she couldn't get away, didn't struggle or scream. I didn't even know her name. That was bad. Cops were at my house within two hours and I got sent to a fucking detention centre. But she remembers me," he smirked. "She's got severe PTSD last time I heard, terrified of men now thanks to me."
Leach kept his mouth shut. Personally, he thought that was a little too far, but he wasn't going to tell Dawson that. "Did you not consider a mask?" He asked him instead. Dawson shook his head.
"No, I was just so fucking horny! I couldn't think straight Sir. I just had to get my cock inside her that was all I could think about. A mask and so on occurred to me later of course, but by then it was too late. Plus I said to her "if you scream I'll slit your throat," so chances are she recognised my voice considering I'd pretended to be Mr. nice until that point. To gain her trust and all that."
Leach nodded. If he was honest with himself, this information only made his dislike of Dawson intensify. The guy really was an outright misogynist. Leach had suspected it before now, but here was the proof from the man's own mouth. But maybe there was something Leach could do for him, for a price of course.
"Listen Adam," he said slowly. "I'm sorry I stand by what I said. We can't and will not reinstate your previous contract, it's too dangerous. Both Targets one and two are. However, I happen to have a gang of misogynists who are just as hating and scathing of women as you are. I could put you in touch with them and you could work together against other women if that's your plan. It'll cost you of course, but I am willing to do this for you. Pick up another woman to control, terrorise. But we are not getting involved in your pursuit of the targets. Should you wish to continue it; you'll do so alone."
Adam nodded. "Yes, Sir. Thank you, I'll take you up on that offer. I of course don't know many men like me, because we have to keep our heads down as the stupid authorities won't make it law for women to be put in their proper place in society. Underneath men in every way not just in bed! They instead arrest us and call it fucking Domestic abuse! What the fuck?"
Leach didn't answer. Privately, he wouldn't want it to become law. Not that he particularly cared about women one way or the other, but he still didn't think that was the right way to do things. He thought again of Tulip, and smirked. God he wished he'd asked her to attend this meeting with him. Adam would get one hell of a shock meeting her! She'd knock him for six and show him quite plainly that not all women were there for the obeying and fucking. Leach smiled to himself at that glorious vision. Chances are Adam would be on the floor bleeding before he'd even unzipped his pants. Yep, shame she wasn't here right now.
This time he actually considered calling her right now to join them, just to see the look on Dawson's face. But no, he decided. Not right now. Next time though? Hell yes! Because there would be a next time Chris Leach decided then and there. He'd make sure there was just to put Adam and Tulip in the same room. All he'd bring was the popcorn! It'd be one hell of a show. Hell he'd pay to see it!
Five minutes later, Leach left the café, having given Dawson the phone number of the head of that particular gang he had in his huge ring. What did he care? It was more money for their well mainly his pockets. He'd charged Dawson two hundred dollars just for the number after all! Now though, he couldn't deny he was truly interested in how this would play out. He'd watch, he decided. Use one of his men to see how Adam and his misogynistic friends got on. What they did and who they targeted. But if Adam dared even mention the previous targets to them, Leach would once again terminate his business. He'd made that very clear to Adam just now too. Dawson had just nodded and said, "Yes Sir. I understand, thank you."