Chapter 38: The monitoring app

…

"Michael?" Rick wasn't sure if he was mad or stupid in what he was about to do, but he felt he had to before he left. It was almost midnight and he should've left an hour ago, but he couldn't. Not yet. Not until he'd done this. It was really important to him. The masked killer approached the bars silently and Rick started. He hadn't heard or seen a thing.

"Michael," he began again. "I… I wanted to check; are you ok? I'm really sorry about earlier, I… I had to at least warn you. Do you think I wanted to shoot? Seriously? After everything you did for me that terrible day? No of course I didn't! But that was the CEO… well ex-CEO now you had by the neck! What was I supposed to do? Just stand and watch? If he hadn't just been arrested an hour ago, he'd have had us all for that, including you! You'd have probably been given the death penalty or something! I was trying to protect you as well as us."

There was total silence, apart from Michael's calm, measured breathing. Rick felt himself swallow. "I was supposed to be at home by now," he said. "But I wanted to see if you were ok first. I… I care about you Michael. I really do. On that you have to believe me."

Rick saw Dr Loomis approaching, the psychiatrist tactfully stepped back when he saw Rick speaking to the killer. Rick gave him a silent nod of thanks. This was private between the two of them and Rick could tell Dr Loomis knew as much.

"I don't think I could have shot you if it came to it," Rick continued, speaking softly. "But I don't know and quite frankly Michael, I didn't want to find out. Not after all the progress you've made and especially not after you saved my life. Let's not bullshit here man! We both know if you hadn't done what you did, chances are I'd be dead now. Ryan made a huge mistake and I know he's very sorry for it and we're cool, but that doesn't take away the facts. If you hadn't knocked Chancer out, I'd now be dead."

Michael simply looked at him, his gaze blank, emotionless as always, but whether it was because Rick knew him or because he was genuinely seeing it, the guard was certain there was a tiny flicker of… something in the killer's gaze. Acknowledgement? Softness? Rick took a breath. "Remember the time we had to pretend to subdue you when you were killing Jefferson? Baker? I don't know if it would've been like that this time, but I really didn't want to take the risk of finding out. I saw the challenge in your eyes when you looked at me, as if you were saying 'go on then but I know you won't.' The scary thing is Michael, you may very well have been right. My fucking hand was shaking on that gun you know and I know you saw it! Nothing gets past you, does it Michael Myers? Let's be real here. You're… You're not a… for want of a better word normal man and everyone knows this. Even Andrews, which is why he was so afraid. But for what it's worth, just as you believe I wouldn't have shot you, so I believe you wouldn't have seriously harmed Jack or me."

Silence. Rick looked in to the killer's face. "Listen man, I'm absolutely exhausted, so I'm going home to bed. But I'll be back on my first night shift tomorrow, so if you want, we can… communicate then. But I just had to say all this, ok? Try and get some sleep. I'm sure Dr Loomis has already told you this, but Danielle's fine, settling in well. Joanne and Dr Stark are staying with her. She's perfectly safe."

Was that a slight nod? Even a glimpse of a smile? Rick turned to go when the killer's hand touched his arm. It wasn't a firm grip, but it stopped him in his tracks. Again their eyes met. Michael was looking at him intently this time. Then for only the second time since Rick had known him, the killer released his arm and held out his hand. This time unlike before, Rick didn't hesitate. He gave Michael a genuine if tired smile, and took the killer's offered hand in a shake.

"Good night pal," he said softly. "You did the right thing back there, truly. He'll go to prison now and pay for his crimes." Rick was just about to turn away again, when he heard the rustle of paper as the killer pushed a note in to his hand. Rick was shocked. Michael had never written him a word before. He glanced down at the paper. Get home safely. You look exhausted. Could you ask someone for a black coffee? But don't get it yourself, go.

Rick turned to Michael and this time the smile was completely genuine. "Ok man," he said simply. "I'm going, and coming up."

…

Dr Loomis smiled to himself as he watched Rick leave. He'd purposely turned off the microphones in the corridor so Rick and Michael had total privacy. He didn't have to guess too hard to figure out what Rick had been saying either. Would his guard really have shot him if push came to shove? If Dr Loomis was honest, he didn't think so. Some kind of bond had been formed between the guard and killer after Michael had, ironically, saved Rick's life the day Derek Chancer had almost killed him with his chains.

"Michael's asked for a black coffee," Rick said simply as he walked past Dr Loomis.

"Ok done," Dr Loomis said. "Now get home Rick. Get some sleep."

Rick considered showing his boss Michael's message, then changed his mind. This was between him and the killer alone.

This time when Chris Leach reached the internet café, he was determined. Adam Dawson had finally pushed him too far. He'd been patient with the prick, even tried to help him putting him in touch with Ashley, and now here he was again. Leach had even authorised the killing of Adam's bitch. But that still wasn't enough for the little asshole! Chris Leach was very, very close to finishing him off permanently. A quick kill and that would be it. He reflected if he'd done so previously, Charlotte would still be up and well. Not that it concerned him, what was done was done. But still… If Adam Dawson didn't have a very good reason for this meeting, Leach would very probably kill him this time.

So when Adam entered the café, Leach felt his temper snap. Before he'd even considered it through, he had Adam against the wall by the throat.

"What the…" Adam gasped.

"Shut the fuck up," Leach snarled, close to his ear. "Just listen to me Dawson. You are seriously pissing me off. I terminated your contract and yet you still asked us to kill that woman for you! Ok so I authorised it purely for the money, which you still fucking owe us by the way! Where the fuck is it? But now here you are yet again, wanting 'help' from us." Leach sketched quotes in the air. "Well you know what, Dawson? I'm just about at the end with your fucking 'help!' I told you targets one and two were both too dangerous, yet you still asked us to kill two for you! Which we tried and it failed. Or at least didn't kill her instantly, she's in a coma. But we still did as you asked! Now, you're back and wanting us to 'help' you with a plan for one, when I told you categorically she was off limits and your contract with us regarding her was over. Yet you haven't listened to a word I've said. Start talking and if you don't have a damn good reason for this meeting, your head will hit this concrete. You have thirty seconds."

…

Out of pure exhaustion, Danielle slept like a log the first night in Charlotte's DASC flat. When she woke the next morning, it took her a few seconds to remember where she was and why. But when it all came flooding back, grief and pain washed over her. Before she had a chance to think about this further however, there was a knock on the door.

"Hey, it's Joanne. Can I come in?"

She walked to the door and opened it for the guard to step over the threshold. "How are you?" Joanne asked, real concern in her voice.

"Slept well, but then I remembered why I'm here and…" she stopped. She knew if she went down this path she'd start crying. "Have you heard anything this morning?"

"Well the good news is Charlotte's still alive," Joanne said. "She's still unconscious, but she proved the doctors wrong by surviving until morning. You see? she's a fighter, just like you. She won't be beaten by Adam easily."

The mention of their ex's name made her flinch. Joanne must've seen it because she pulled her in to a hug.

"Nigel will be here in an hour to pick you up and take you to the hospital. Well, us. Dave and Colin were going to, but Nigel insisted. I think the poor man wants to be involved any way he can. I think he feels guilty Charlotte suffered Adam's abuse too."

"It wasn't his fault," she argued.

"Perhaps not, but I think he thinks he should've done something to stop it. He'd moved house by the time Charlotte moved in with Adam. He talked with Dr Stark and I for a little while last night after you'd gone to bed. He seems like a really nice man and he truly cares about you, you and Charlotte both."

"He is, he saved my life that day and was something small to look forward to while Adam was working. If I could just get out and talk to him for a little while, things were better. He always warned me when Adam was coming back, so he never caught me."

"Caught you!" Joanne snorted with contempt. "Fucking hell! You should be allowed to do what the fuck you like! These men who live in the old days where women were second class and subordinate is really getting old and I'm glad it's fucking illegal."

Danielle smiled a little more genuinely at the fire and passion in her guard's voice. "Tell me about it," she said. "Adam thinks it should be legal the other way round. That men should be allowed to control women and the rest."

"That's because he's a dick," Joanne remarked.

She managed a small chuckle. "Yep, right in one."

"I'll make you a cup of tea," Joanne said, heading in to the surprisingly large kitchen. Meals were made by the refuge so it didn't have a cooker but did have a kettle and other small appliances including a coffee machine. She followed her guard in to the kitchen.

"Hey, you tried the coffee machine yet?" She teased. "I know you love your coffee."

Joanne laughed. "Caught me, I tried it last night."

"And?"

"Meh, its coffee."

"Not up to your usual standard then Madam?" she mock saluted. "Not good enough for the queen of coffee? At least Michael's simple, he just has it black. No fancy frills, bells or whistles."

Joanne snickered and handed Danielle her tea made just as she liked it, white with two sugars, before she now did approach the coffee machine. "Shut it you," she muttered, starting to prepare her coffee. They both knew Charlotte would want her to carry on, try to continue with life, but it was hard. At least Joanne and the others were trying to help her, if only with temporary distraction from the pain, grief and anger storming her heart.

"Where's Dr Stark?" She asked.

"I think she's in a meeting with the staff, working with them so they can help you better."

"God!"

"What?" Her guard asked.

"It's just… the old me way back then would've demanded to be there, said they shouldn't be talking about me behind my back, it would've made me really angry and I would've felt seriously patronised."

"Now?" Joanne asked quietly.

"Now I'm really grateful and touched," she admitted. "I know full well Dr Stark is only trying her absolute best to help me, and I know whatever she's saying in there is for my own good. I'm not angry or anything now."

"That's good, isn't it?" Joanne touched her arm.

"Yes," she agreed. "I have Michael to thank for that. The help he's given me has been invaluable. Shit, that thing with the chains and Andrews though…" she shivered a little. "That guy was really up his own ass. Dr Stark said no, but he wouldn't have it. I honestly thought I was going to be chained regardless at one point."

"We wouldn't have let it happen," Joanne said simply. "Dr Loomis phoned me last night and he's actually under arrest now for pulling that gun out on us and patient cruelty. Dr Stark knew you had a very good reason for being scared and Andrews walked all over you. There's a new CEO now, Mr. Cutter, who Dr Loomis says is a hell of a lot nicer than Mr. Andrews."

"Doesn't take much trying," she muttered.

"This is true," her guard agreed. There was a knock on the door. "That'll be your breakfast. Come on Missy, sit down, you need to eat something."

She gave an exasperated sigh. "Yes mom," and slumped down in to a seat as Joanne went to open the door for the breakfast delivery. She knew they were only trying to help, but it was a struggle to eat anything these days. She remembered Charlotte nagging her to eat in Smith's Grove. 'I'll force feed you if it comes to it,. she blinked back tears but also started eating, this thought sustaining her. She remembered Joanne's reply. 'With me restraining you' and managed another small smile. That threat she considered all too real.

"What?" Joanne asked, clearly seeing her face. She told her what she'd just remembered and Joanne chuckled sadly. "Yep, she'd probably say the same thing now, so eat your breakfast for Charlotte. She'd want you too."

"I know," I know you're right, but Jesus it's hard. I keep thinking of her unconscious in that damn hospital bed and I feel so powerless, as do the other Avery's and Tim. I just wish there was something I could do!"

"But you're seeing her every day," Joanne said. "You're a lot closer to her now, so that's a huge thing you're doing for her right there."

"Thanks purely to you and Dr Stark. Plus Dr Clarkson I guess. I wouldn't have been able to without you."

"Now don't you start giving us credit for this," Joanne said sternly. "We're just doing the right thing. You're the one who cares so deeply for your friend you were able to leave Michael's side. I know that was hard for you."

"Is Michael ok?"

"He's fine. Dr Loomis told me he's doing well. Rick told Michael you were safe and settling in well. We're making sure he's kept up to date, don't worry. It'll also give his ears a chance to recover!"

"Shut it," she muttered, but was trying not to smile.

Half an hour later when Nigel arrived and they entered the hospital however, smiling was the last thing on her mind. As Emma Avery hugged her tightly along with the rest of the family, Colin and Dave shaking Nigel's hand and thanking him sincerely for coming, she listened to the beeping of Charlotte's machines and felt sick all over again, as if the accident had only just happened. She hated even using the word accident, as that was far from what this was. This was planned, pre-meditated, attempted murder. She just hoped the "attempted" wouldn't be taken away, caused by Charlotte's death. No! She told herself firmly. Remember what you thought last night Hayward. Charlotte's a fighter and she's not dead yet. You didn't let Adam kill you, so nor will she. But as the steady beeping and hiss of oxygen continued, she found it harder and harder to hold on to her certainty. Charlotte would make it, wouldn't she?

…

Eight hours earlier.

"Mr. Myers? Michael?"

Oliver Cutter had known this would be different to anything he'd experienced before. This was Michael Myers after all, the cold-blooded, silent masked killer who'd killed his sister at the age of 6 before committing another merciless massacre at 21 in 78. But even he wasn't prepared for how almost unnerved he felt. Michael may respect Dr Loomis, Rick and Jack, judging by what'd happened today, but he didn't know him from Adam. The killer approached the bars of his cell and looked out at Cutter; his gaze steady, cold, emotionless. Oliver took an uncertain step forward.

"Hi Mr. Myers. My name is Oliver Cutter, I'm the new CEO of Smith's Grove, following Mr. Andrews's… mistake today. He's now under arrest as you may know. I, unlike him, care about the patients in this hospital, and as such wanted to check you are ok. Today must've been hard on you as well as the guards and of course, Danielle."

Silence. Oliver gave the killer a nervous smile. "I might be the CEO, but money and rules are not top of my list as they were with Mr. Andrews, yours and the rest of the patients welfare is. I told Andrews several times that we're running a hospital, not a business. He never seemed to be able to tell the difference between the two. But anyway, I simply wanted to introduce myself and apologise most sincerely for today's events."

Michael simply looked back at him, unmoving, unspeaking. Oliver didn't know if Michael was listening to him or planning the best way to kill him. He felt his blood run cold. He would certainly not want to be this man's enemy and from everything he'd read, a certain man named Adam Dawson had thoroughly achieved that status. Oliver was very glad his name wasn't Adam Dawson just then.

"Can I do anything for you Michael?" He asked eventually. "Is…" he knew this question was stupid, but had to ask it. "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

Of course, silence, but the killer didn't look away from Oliver's face either. After a moment, the CEO spoke again, his voice very low this time.

"I think you did us all a favour by what you almost did to Andrews. The arrogant guy's had a reality check, knows he's only mortal like the rest of us and not invincible like he always thought. I hope he remembers that whilst he's in prison. I'm glad you didn't kill him, because it means he'll suffer for what he's done. He's in a police cell tonight. He'll probably do anything and everything in his power to make sure you two don't meet again."

Myers just continued to look at him. Oliver gave the killer a small smile. "Dr Loomis is a good man," he said after a moment's pause. "He really cares about you Mr. Myers, that's obvious. I've seen it and I've only been in this job ten minutes. You made huge progress by not killing Andrews tonight, not to mention coming back from Haddonfield to Smith's Grove. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Dr Loomis, or myself. Well done, Michael."

Still, silence. Oliver turned and made as if to walk away from the bars. "Good night," he said softly over his shoulder. "If I can do anything for you Mr. Myers, just let me know, ok?" He walked away.

…

Adam fought down the panic as he looked in to Leach's furious face. He had no doubt what so ever the crime Lord would be true to his word, carry out his threat and kill him if he didn't start speaking and fast. He just hoped his plan would be good enough to appease the crime boss if only temporarily. He took a breath and began talking trying not to let the panic be heard in his voice, though this was difficult.

"I want to get in to the hospital when she's is there, posing as a doctor. Get her to go to the bathroom or something without her guards and then grab her. All I'm asking from you Mr. Leach Sir, is the equipment and disguise a fake doctor needs. ID badge, white coat and so on. But I need them without a purchase trail leading to me. The pigs are already watching me like hawks and I don't want to give them anymore proof against me, or I'll be behind bars before I can blink. I know I can make this work; I just need the kit. I'm not asking for any help, any resources, just the items I'll need."

"What makes you think we'll do it, when you still haven't paid us for Charlotte's accident?" Leach snarled. "I don't trust you Adam Dawson, not as far as I could throw you. So why the fucking hell should I even consider this? Everything you've tried before has failed. Your inside man was caught and is now on death-Row, and the dwarf is dead. Granted that was our decision, but what choice did we have? You put us in that position Dawson with your careless planning and lack of forethought!"

"What do you mean?" Adam asked, the panic in his voice coming out in a squeak. Shit. Leach had doubtlessly heard it just as he had. Sure enough…

"I always suspected you were a fucking cry-baby," Leach said in utter disgust. "Listen to you now, squeaking like a fucking mouse! What I mean, twat, is that your little plan for our man to check the iPod was working was ultimately what led to your man being caught! The quacks were already suspicious and you knew that! But you just went ahead anyway, consequences be damned! You're not careful enough, Dawson. You're careless, which in turn leads to mistakes! I don't do mistakes, nor do I work with idiots like you who consistently make them!"

Adam was speechless. Anger, and the knowledge the crime Lord was once again right were doing war inside him. How dare he speak to him like that, but then again this was Chris Leach, not someone Adam would dare to challenge and of course the son of a bitch knew that. He also got things done, for a price of course and Adam knew that if he spoke out against him now there would be absolutely no way Leach would do what he needed this time.

"I swear to you Mr. Leach Sir," Adam said, after taking a few seconds to gather his thoughts. "I'm not asking for any practical help this time. No people, equipment or resources. I'm literally just asking if you can get hold of a doctor's disguise and I'll pay you whatever you ask for it. The only reason I haven't paid you yet for Charlotte's accident is because the pigs were all over me. I told Ashley that yesterday. Did he not tell you?"

Leach glared at him. "He did, but I won't wait long, Adam. Give me that money or…"

"I will, Sir," Adam said quickly before Leach could finish. He knew what the other man had been about to say. Or you die with Charlotte. "I can give it to you tonight."

"Then get it," Leach snapped. "There's a cash point just across the road. I'll wait here. You've got five minutes or I'm coming after your fucking blood. Get moving."

Adam didn't dare argue, he knew the threat was literal. He did as he was told and returned with the cash Leach had asked for. He just thanked God (whether he existed or not) that his bank allowed him to take out however much he needed. He handed over the fifty thousand dollars in bundles of one hundred dollar notes.

"Fine," Leach said when Adam was at last done. Adam was relieved the crime Lord didn't hold him to the wall upon his return. "Now sit the fuck down Dawson, we need to discuss this stupid fucking idea of yours."

Adam felt his heart lift a little. Did that mean the crime Lord was indeed considering helping him after all? He sank in to one of the café's tattered chairs, Leach sitting opposite him.

"Let's just say we get you this doctor's outfit," Leach began. "How the holy fuck do you intend to get her in to a bathroom away from her guards? She's totally blind for fuck's sake! She's hardly going to walk alone is she? Never mind somewhere she doesn't know? Duh!"

Adam had his answer ready for this question. "I was going to ask a nurse for help."

Leach began to applaud sarcastically, once again mocking him Adam realised. "Oh awesome! Fucking bravo! So you're just going to walk in there, find a pretty nurse and say "excuse me darling, but I need to grab my ex-partner because I'm a misogynist son of a bitch and want to kidnap her to show her who's boss. But I need to get her guard and doctor out of the way first. Please could you help me babe? By the way, what's your number, are you free for a drink and a fuck tonight?" Fucking awesome plan, Adam. I can really see that working. She won't call the police at all will she?"

Adam flushed. Again, Leach was right. All be it in a cruel, sarcastic way. "Didn't think of that tiny little flaw did you?" Chris Leach was openly sneering at him now. "Slight little snag there Adam. What's your master plan B? Oh let me guess! You're going to ask to borrow one of the misogynist gang's women aren't you? Knowing they'll be too scared to refuse, as their man, boss, whatever, will threaten them with a beating or something if they don't do exactly what you say. Am I correct?"

"I…" Adam felt very small all of a sudden. How the fuck did Chris Leach do this to him so easily? "Well yes, I was considering that."

"So all that stuff you said about not needing resources or people," Leach said. His voice was calm, but Adam felt dread rising again. "Was a load of total and complete bullshit? See this is another reason why I don't trust you Adam. You lie to me. Ok so in yours and the gang's view, women are disposable property, nothing more than objects to be used. Fine! But they're still people you'd need. So you don't pay them and pay their man instead, you are still taking a risk with one of our pieces of property, as you put it! What if she then runs to the police? Listen to me Dawson. I'm no fucking misogynist and I privately hate the way you bastards treat women. Yes they're great for sex if they're good looking, but otherwise I leave well alone. You on the other hand take it to a whole new level and I fucking hate it! It's disgusting. But what the fuck ever, it's your lives and it makes me money. So," he shrugged. "So, what? You're planning to kill this woman too when she's done what you want? So she doesn't run to the cops?"

"I don't know," Adam admitted. "I hadn't thought that far ahead yet."

"THAT'S YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM!" Leach shouted, slamming his fist against the table, making Adam cringe with dread. Shit! "YOU DON'T THINK FAR ENOUGH AHEAD! JESUS YOU DON'T THINK AT ALL! THIS IS WHY YOU'VE MADE SO MANY MISTAKES! I BET IF YOU'D TRIED TO KILL CHARLOTTE YOU'D HAVE FUCKED IT UP! YOU TOLD ASHLEY WE "CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT!" I THINK THAT'S YOUR POSITION, ADAM. YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT AND YOU ACT ON PURE IMPULSE, NOT THOUGHT!" When he spoke again, Leach's voice was deadly soft. "Something, in essence, which could and will very probably if you carry on like this, get you killed. Consider this your last warning. You, Adam Dawson, are skating on very thin ice indeed."

…

"Good evening my name's Susy, I'm another of the engineers here. Only if you feel up to it, are you ready to install the DASC safety app on your phone? We've done work with it and changed it so it's accessible with Voiceover. We had a blind person test it for us who isn't a victim, so she was able to test it freely."

She felt so tired and drained following another visit with Charlotte and still no change in her condition, but she also knew her friend would have some serious words to say to her if she didn't work with the DASC. "Sure," she replied. "How long will it take?"

"Hopefully not too long," Susy said. "We'll get it installed on your phone and show you how it works. If you'd like to follow me, we'll go in to one of the suites."

"Joanne, Dr Stark, would you…"

"Now what are you asking for?" Dr Stark interrupted. "We're right beside you."

They followed Susy in to one of the engineering suites, similar to the one she'd set up her ID in when she'd first arrived.

"Ok," Susy began. "So you have an iPhone… five I believe? Dr Stark told me, "She added, in response to her puzzled, "How do you know that?"

"Yep," she pulled it out of her pocket.

"Ok so I need you to open the app store and type in DASC, please?"

Immediately she found the app, downloaded and installed it.

"Ok perfect," Susy smiled. "Ok so this login screen I need you to type in DASC in the username box and Shelter 2175 as the password."

"What if I forget it?" She asked. "Or the phone loses the data?"

"Won't happen, because as soon as your phone is on, the app will check you're logged in and if you're not, it'll give you a new password and do so automatically. Your phone number and IMEI will be put on our profile, so the app knows your phone needs constant access."

"Impressive," she said quietly. "It's just a shame there's women and men out there who need this stuff."

"Indeed it is," Susy agreed. "Ok, so can I have your phone please? I'll get the monitoring activated for you."

Before she'd even finished speaking, she handed it over. She trusted all the staff here.

"Thank you," Susy took it. "Can I get you a tea? Coffee? This won't take long, but I also need to set it up to make sure Smith's Grove can monitor you as well I believe?"

"Please," Dr Stark said.

"Of course, no problem."

"Can I have a tea, milk two sugars please? But be careful when asking Joanne here about her coffee! It has to be of a required standard!"

"Be quiet you," Joanne gave her a playful poke. "Coffee, white no sugar, thanks Susy."

"Dr Stark?"

"Just a glass of water thank you."

Susy pressed a button on the desk and a nurse entered.

"Hi Debbie, can you get me a white tea two sugars, a white coffee no sugar and a glass of water please?"

"Of course Susy. No problem at all."

"You're a darling, thanks."

As soon as the door closed behind Debbie, Susy went straight back to what she was doing. She'd asked her to disable Voiceover. Now she stayed quiet so the engineer had silence to work in. Debbie quietly re-entered a couple of minutes later and handed over the drinks.

"Thanks," Dr Stark, Joanne and Danielle said together.

"Ok," Susy said finally about ten minutes later. "So I need you to test it. You're being monitored by the Haddonfield Security companies right now, so we need to make sure you can contact them. If you move locations, you'll automatically be monitored by the nearest security companies." She handed back her phone. "Can you see the buttons on the screen? The woman who tested it says you're more than welcome to contact her if you need any help with it from an accessibility angle."

"Thanks," she was genuinely touched. She checked the buttons in front of her. Emergency, call, I'm safe, panic, contact, alarm, torch.

"Ok. So can you see them all? Sorry, I mean…"

"It's ok," she smiled at Susy. "You can say 'see' I don't mind and actually prefer that."

"Ok. So what can you see in front of you?" she told her.

"Awesome. Ok so the emergency button will tell the monitors something is wrong and they will call the police for you immediately, who will come on an immediate response to your location. They can obviously track you with your phone's GPS. A monitor will also call you to make sure you're alright. Panic will do the same, but no one will call you in case you are under duress or in danger. They will just call the police. Call will ask one of the monitors to contact us, one of our DV advisors will then call you. That's for non-urgent use. I do need to tell you, that we do have a warning system for miss use of the app."

"If I use panic or emergency and it's not urgent once, you'll ring and warn me, second you'll call me in and warn me to my face, third you'll write me a warning and fourth I'll lose it?"

"That's correct," Susy nodded. "Stacey told you?"

"Yeah, she installed some kind of system on my phone number. I can use eight and nine for it. Does that still work?"

"Yes it does. But you won't need them with the app, but it's good you have them as backup just in case. Finally, I should add that the panic button is covert, your phone won't give any indication you've sent a message, so if you're under duress it won't be seen. Emergency makes it obvious. Got that? the alarm and torch speak for themselves. The alarm sets off a very loud siren, which can only be turned off by you using your fingerprint so no one else can stop it. The torch is separate and is purely a bright light if you need to see in the dark, so I know you won't use that. Ok, hold on one second?" She pressed a button and they heard an announcement chime.

"Ladies and gentleman," Susy's voice echoed around the complex. Danielle had been told there were even speakers in all the flats in case an emergency announcement needed to be piped in. "One of our app users is about to test the alarm, please do not panic. Thank you." She turned off the PA system. "Ok, go for it. Guys you might want to cover your ears."

She smirked at her doctor and guard, who chuckled and she knew they understood why. After a few seconds, she pressed the alarm button.

It was deafening. She wanted to cover her own ears. She had no idea a phone could make so much noise. After a few more seconds, she pressed her finger to the home button for her fingerprint. There was a vibration and the alarm stopped.

"Damn! that, is loud!"

Susy laughed. "Yep, it is rather isn't it?"

"The contact button will ask one of the monitors to phone you immediately. They also have trained DV advisors with them if you need one urgently before ours can get back to you. The "I'm safe" button is used when you're out or with someone. During the day when you are active, you will need to press it every hour or the police will be called. You'll get an alert when you need to do so."

"Wow this is seriously advanced, did…" she didn't want to ask this, but she had to. "Did Charlotte press one of the buttons when…?"

"Unfortunately she couldn't as she was immediately unconscious," Susy said compassionately. "However, this app can also detect a fall. If it does, you'll get an alert asking if you're ok. If you don't respond within thirty seconds, the monitors will try calling you. If that doesn't work, they'll call the police and ambulance. That's how we got to Charlotte so fast. However, they can also see you via your phone's camera, even in a pocket. They can and will also record video and audio footage of whatever is happening, as soon as you press panic or emergency. That's how they got the car details. Got all that?"

She couldn't deny she was impressed, she just wished it could've saved her friend.

"Ok, could you press the contact button for me please?"

She did so and within ten seconds, her phone rang. She answered it and put it on speaker. "Hello?"

"Hello Miss Hayward, this is Martin from Haddonfield security. Is everything ok?"

Susy spoke up. "Hello Martin, I'm Susy from the DASC. This is a test while setting up Miss Hayward's DASC app. My ID is 217SR85."

"Ok, thank you Susy, that is all verified. Miss Hayward, I can confirm everything is working correctly and we can see and are monitoring you right now and will be twenty-four hours a day."

"Thank you Martin," she said. "Have a good day."

"The same to you, we're here if you need us, take care." He was gone.

"Perfect," Susy said. A second later, her phone rang again.

"Hello, came Dr Loomis' voice. "We got the contact with the monitors; I heard your call over my radio. I can speak at the same time as them if needed."

"Result," Susy smiled. "Thank you Dr Loomis."

"I can also see and monitor you. If I'm not on duty, one of the other doctors will be monitoring you twenty-four hours a day. We will keep our promise, your other half will be told if anything happens. Ok?"

"Thanks Dr Loomis, how's everything up there?"

"We're all good," he said warmly. "Perfectly fine thank you. It sounds like you're doing as well as can be expected?"

"Yes thanks, I'll see you soon?"

"Indeed you will. Please give my best to Charlotte and her family. Don't give Joanne and Dr Stark too much trouble eh?" they laughed and he hung up.