Chapter 40: Snatched!

…

Joanne pulled out her radio and activated it. Danielle had asked her and Dr Stark how they'd brought clothes and other essentials, and the doctor had told her they'd put cases in the back of the aircraft before they'd left SG. Now, Joanne spoke.

"Dr Loomis, this is Joanne. A certain someone's missing Michael. Is he…"?

"Stand by," Dr Loomis' voice came back immediately and they could hear his smile. "One sec. Ok guys," he said a moment later. If one of you dials this number he'll answer it." Joanne wrote it down.

"Will it always be the same one?" Danielle asked.

"Yes," Dr Loomis confirmed. "So put it in your phone and save it."

For some reason, she felt her fingers shaking slightly as she dialled, feeling something in her stomach she didn't recognise at first only having felt it once before in recent years. Then it clicked. Butterflies. Joanne must've seen something on her face because she nudged her and whistled softly.

"Thought you couldn't whistle!" she accused.

Her guard snickered. "I can't. That was as good as it gets. Do you want privacy?"

"Yes please, thanks Joanne."

"No worries. I'll make you a cup of tea then I'll go ok?"

"Thank you." She dialled and hit call, as Joanne entered the kitchen. The phone rang twice then was answered. There was total silence, except for the calm, measured breathing she knew immediately.

"Hey Michael," her voice shook a little and she cursed herself. Why? Joanne would say it was because she was in love and she hoped she was right, but she felt so on edge tonight.

"Dr Loomis has just told me no one can hear you or him," Joanne whispered in her ear, setting her tea on her bedside table. "He's in your soundproof cell, you've got total privacy. Press your call button if you need me." She slipped out.

Steph had told Danielle when she first arrived the call button would buzz in either Dr Stark's or Joanne's room, depending who had it activated. Tonight, it was Joanne. She was glad. She knew Dr Stark was far more tired than she was letting on. She needed and deserved her sleep and she didn't want to be the one who woke her up.

"It…" she started again. "It's a bit of a mess down here. Charlotte's…" she took a breath. "No change," she just managed, trying desperately not to break down all over again. "But she made it until morning, which they didn't think she would. Nigel's been absolutely fucking amazing; I see him every day. He says he wants to meet you; he knows about us. I…" she hesitated. Should she tell Michael how unnerved she was feeling, with no idea why? She knew what Dr Stark would say. 'Yes! He's your partner. If you want this to work you need to trust and work with him.' She knew her doctor would be right, too. So she took a deep breath and spoke again, not hiding the shake in her voice this time.

"Michael, I… I feel really on edge. Joanne's being amazing of course as is Dr Stark, but I feel nervous. I can't even put my finger on why, but… well, I think Adam's planning something. I could be talking bullshit, but…"

She started as a text came through on her phone. She was about to ignore it, when she realised it was from the very number she was currently connected to. Michael had just text her? Her heart sped up as she read it and she almost cried.

He'll have me to answer to if he is.

"T… thanks," she stammered, totally shocked, but affection almost choked off her voice. She fought back her tears. "Oh Michael I miss you so much! I…" another text came through.

You have the DASC app installed, yes?

She now did cry. Michael wasn't being particularly loving in words right at that moment, but she could read between the lines. He was checking she was safe.

"Yes darling," she assured him. "Worked with a lovely engineer called Susy tonight. It's all set up and Dr Loomis can monitor me."

Yes, as can I. Dr Loomis has connected it to this phone too.

"Seriously?" she felt affection gush up inside her for Michael's doctor.

Seriously.

"That…" she fought back her tears. "That makes me feel safer than you could ever understand. I… thank you Michael."

I will know immediately if something happens to you. As for feeling safe, it's a partner's job, is it not? Just because your ex didn't.

She gave a shaky laugh. "Yes, I know." She took a breath, then asked what she really wanted to know. "But Michael, even if Adam did manage to do something, what are you planning on doing? It's not like…" she stopped herself quickly. Not like you could escape? Yeah, right. She may not have been born at the time of the killings in 1978, but she'd read more than enough about it. She quickly changed the subject. How are you?" She knew it was lame, but she couldn't think about those killings. Yet, she loved their killer. She felt herself shiver. God help Adam if he was indeed planning to hurt her.

Michael didn't text back this time, but she didn't need him to. She felt better having spoken to him and she could hardly believe that at last for the very first time, he'd communicated with her beyond a soft whisper. She would save these texts for life. "I love you," she said a few minutes later. "I miss you. I'll see you very soon, I promise."

There was a few seconds of silence, before the call disconnected with three soft beeps. She understood why. Michael had waited a moment so she didn't think he'd hung up too fast. In that silence before he had, she could almost hear the words he hadn't said. He loved her too. She wondered if he'd ever say or even text those three huge words to her. She couldn't lie, she hoped so, someday.

…

The Shape stood at the door of the cell, holding the phone in his hand. His heart was squeezing and twisting in a way he still even now didn't fully understand. He wanted to tell her he loved her too, but didn't know how. Dr Loomis quietly approached him a moment later. "Michael, are you ok?"

He didn't answer in any way, just looked in to his doctor's eyes. "She loves you," Dr Loomis said. "She really does. You can keep that phone with you if you want, but it can't make outgoing calls and only very few have that number." He gave his doctor a very slight nod.

"Do you want to stay in this cell? Winters is arriving tomorrow so it… might be a good idea."

The Shape just continued to look at his doctor. Ah, yes. Mr. Trevor Winters, a man who would randomly scream or shout insults any hour of the day or night. He'd killed his entire family in cold blood, then targeted his best friend before he was finally caught. He'd been ruled truly criminally insane and was considered a very dangerous man. Almost as dangerous as he was.

Dr Loomis had offered him the soundproof cell to prevent him from hearing winter's screams and shouts. He was still a very violent man and would lash out without warning. Rick, Jack and Ryan had all been assigned to his care. He'd miss those guards in a way even he didn't completely understand.

"They won't be going anywhere," Dr Loomis said now, as if reading his mind. "They'll still be able to help you when not aiding Mr. Winters.

Detaining and keeping under control were the words he would've used, but he just looked away, moving silently across the foam to the bed he'd lane in with Danielle so many times.

His doctor got the message. "Good night Michael," he said softly. "If you need anything, call." He left.

…

Two days later.

"He's got to be joking! This is impossible!"

Sharon, Leach and the man known as Cornflake but whose real name was Stan, were sitting in the living room of Leach's huge house. When they'd become a couple, he asked her to move in with him, which she'd been thrilled to do and had done immediately.

"I still can't believe you guys aren't really married," Leach said, following the train of his own thoughts. Sharon smirked.

"Yeah, it's true we certainly fooled everyone," Cornflake said with a grin. "It was ridiculously easy, actually."

"Sorry babe," Leach said to Sharon. "I interrupted you."

"It's cool," she squeezed his inner thigh. Stan smirked. "Get a room you too," he said. The three of them chuckled.

"You were saying?" Leach asked.

"Yeah. Dawson. He's having a fucking laugh! Hayward's way too guarded. There's no way in hell I'm going to be able to get her in to a bathroom without what's her name? Joanne?"

"If anyone can Tulip," Cornflake said. "You can."

Sharon gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, but I still can't help wondering if Dawson's on some kind of suicide mission. I mean, her God damn man's only Michael Myers! Jesus! Does he want to die?"

"But that's not our problem," Stan reminded her quietly. "It's his."

"That's as maybe, unless Myers comes after us too. Are you seriously ruling that out?"

"We haven't done anything to Hayward," Stan said. "Adam's behind all this."

"Yeah, but he's still paying us to do this part," Sharon pointed out.

Sharon had spent the last two days spying on Charlotte's room and those who entered it. But she hadn't been kidding. Joanne was always with her wherever she went, even the bathroom. She was watching her intently all the time.

"Maybe we could help Myers in the end," Leach murmured, a slight grin on his face. "Help him kill the little fucker."

"I can't say I'd object," Sharon said. "The guy's just… well, far more sadistic than any of us."

"I've got an idea," Stan said. "Rather than Hayward, Incapacitate her guard. Then let Dawson take Hayward. It'll take Joanne a while to come round, by which time Dawson will be gone. Your original plan was to knock Hayward out, right? That's too dangerous like you said. Joanne's too fast. So, why not knock her out instead?"

"Joanne?" Sharon considered this, then slowly nodded. "Could work," she said thoughtfully. "But it's also damn dangerous. That bitch is armed to the hilt. Are you suggesting Chloroform?"

"That or something similar," Stan said. "But Chloroform's probably your best bet. That stuff is lethal."

"I don't want to kill her," Sharon said. "That's one step too far even for me. She's not our enemy after all, she's Dawson's threat."

"Yeah I know, so only use a little. The tiniest amount of Chloroform will knock her unconscious for hours. Use it on Joanne."

"You've got a point there," Sharon admitted. "Babes," she said to Leach. "Can you get hold of some?"

"Easy darling'," Leach drawled. "Easy."

"Ok," Sharon said after a second's hesitation. "I'll do it. We knock out her guard so Dawson can grab Hayward. Great idea Stan, Chloroform it is. Just please, don't let me kill her! I only want to knock her out, ok? She's done nothing to me or us."

"Done," Leach nodded. "When are we doing this?"

Dawson said as soon as possible, will you be able to get the Chloroform by tomorrow?"

"As I just said," Leach smiled. "Easy. Ok then, if you're ready babes, call Dawson and tell him tomorrow it is." Slowly, Sharon nodded.

…

The next thing Danielle knew, someone was knocking on her door. Groggily, she stood and headed for it. "Hello?" She asked blearily in to the intercom.

"Hi, its Dr Clarkson and Dr Stark, plus a visitor. Can we come in?"

"Hold on one sec," she called, having a pretty good idea who the visitor was. She felt a rush of gratitude towards Dr Clarkson as she quickly dressed, then opened the door.

"Hi," Dr Stark said as the two doctors entered. She was about to speak, when she heard a soft, yet authoritative male voice.

"Hello Miss Hayward, my name is Jason. I gather you asked for an extra security guard for your hospital trips? Well that's me."

"It's really nice to meet you Sir," she said sincerely, holding out her hand which the guard took. His grip was firm, strong and secure, immediately making her feel she was in very safe hands.

"No need for the Sir," he said warmly, still holding her hand in his. She felt a swell of gratitude and respect. He undoubtedly knew lots of women had to call men 'sir' in the past just as she had, so was immediately putting her at ease. "Jason or J is just fine."

"Thank you, Jason. I really appreciate you saying that. Do you mind?" She asked, feeling the man's radio, handcuffs and other equipment, her hand resting on the gun on his shoulder. She just knew by the solid metal and weight; this one was real. She let out a low whistle. "I wouldn't mess with you," she said quietly.

Jason squeezed her arm. "Hey I'm soft as a cat me unless someone endangers the one I'm protecting or pisses me off!"

She laughed. She liked him already. "I think I've heard your voice on the door sometimes?" She asked.

"Yep, you certainly would have. Sorry if I haven't told you my name before."

"You may have done," she admitted, blushing. "I probably just forgot."

"It's ok," Jason pretended sadness. "I'm used to being forgotten."

"Shut up," Dr Clarkson said as they began to laugh. Joanne stepped forward and also shook Jason's hand. She remembered her guard's words from the night before about a good looking guard and nudged her in the ribs. Joanne nudged her back. She grinned at her guard.

…

Sharon glanced doubtfully at the tiny syringe in her hand. "Are you sure that'll be enough?"

"Babes," Leach said, but not patronisingly. "This stuff's Lethal. Any more than that and you'd kill the guard."

"Ok," Sharon nodded. Leach after all understood this kind of stuff a little better than she did.

"Good luck, Stan, Cornflake said, giving her a hug. Sharon smiled at her fake husband. "Cheers Stan, I'll see you later ok? I'll let you know how it goes."

"You'd better," Stan warned. "I want to know you're ok. Got it?"

Sharon smiled and kissed his cheek. Stan's London accent was if anything even stronger than hers. He was one hell of a violent man, but if he cared about you you'd think and see the exact opposite.

"Where's Dawson meeting you?" Leach asked.

"Outside the hospital doors," Sharon said. "I called him last night and told him what we discussed and how I'd watched the hospital the last two days."

"That fucking Misogynist didn't say anything he shouldn't to you did he?" Stan growled.

"No," Sharon laughed. "He knows better after my… warning."

"That was fucking amazing babes," Leach smiled at her. "I meant to say. The way you grabbed him by the ears and lifted him clean off his feet, before you told him straight! Respect!"

"I agree," Stan said. "Fucking awesome if I do say so myself."

"So who am I looking for again?" Sharon asked, smiling her thanks to the two men for their compliments. "Who is he disguised as? What does his name badge say?"

"Dr Fuller," Leach confirmed.

Sharon grinned. "Suits him. He's full of himself and shit!"

The two men chuckled. Sharon kissed Chris to the mouth and Stan on the cheek, then got in her car and left for the hospital, hoping she'd get back to them tonight, either alive or not having been arrested.

…

"Ok?" Jason asked after Danielle had finished breakfast with Joanne, and they were standing in the DASC's foyer. "We ready to go?"

"Yes J," Danielle affirmed with a grin.

"Ok, let's hit the road." They climbed in to the DASC car Dr Clarkson had lent them for the duration of their stay. Joanne and Jason were both insured to drive it. Danielle lent her head against the window as they drove, trying desperately to empty her spinning head. Why did she feel so nervous? She was up front beside Jason, Joanne behind in the back. Just as they reached the hospital, she received an 'are you safe?' alert. Immediately she hit the "yes" button. There wasn't a "no" button, she just wouldn't be able to respond to the alert if she was in trouble.

"Hello, you must be Danielle?" A nurse asked as they stepped through the doors. She had a very thick London accent; she couldn't help noticing.

"Yes, I am. Here to see Charlotte Avery?"

"Of course," the nurse said. "I'm just here to tell you that one of our doctors, Dr Fuller has seen the rest of Charlotte's family, to give them something for the emotions and lack of sleep. He's asked to see you as well?"

"Ok," she agreed. "After I've seen Charlotte's… how she's doing." She'd almost said still alive.

"He's requested you see him as soon as possible," the nurse said. "He's going off duty soon. I can tell you there's be no change in Miss Avery's condition I'm very sorry to say. But Dr Fuller has seen the rest of the family today and wishes to see you before he goes off duty in an hour."

Danielle turned to Joanne, then Jason. "It's entirely up to you babe," Joanne said quietly.

…

Sharon stood there, praying the girl in front of her would do as she asked. If she had time to speak to the family, they'd tell her she was lying. After all, there was no Dr Fuller in this hospital. Nor was she even really a nurse. This had to work. She also hadn't banked on two security guards. Shit! The bloke was huge, as big as her. How the hell could she get Hayward passed him? Knocking Joanne out was all very well, but this guy? All of a sudden this didn't seem so easy, or such a good idea after all.

…

"Fine, how long will it take?" Danielle asked.

"Only a few minutes," the nurse assured her. "Please follow me?"

She led them to the consultation room where Dr Fuller was waiting. They reached the door and the nurse knocked.

…

"Come in?" Called a voice. It was deliberately not Adam's; she would recognise it instantly. Instead, one of the other Misogynist gang members had come with them purely to say those two words. He was a tiny bloke, but terrorised women with ease just as Adam did.

…

The nurse opened the door and the three entered.

"This really should be in private," said the doctor's assistant.

"I'm sorry Sir," Jason said. "I am here to protect Miss Hayward and I will do my job."

"Same here," Joanne said. "It's with us, or not at all Dr Fuller."

The nurse slowly moved to Joanne's other side, while the guard's eyes were fixed on the doctor's assistant.

"So?" Jason asked. "Where's this Dr Fuller then?"

"He's in his office," said his assistant. He'll be in very shortly."

Danielle felt the first twinge of unease and stepped closer to Jason, who took her arm. "You alright?"

…

Joanne felt the prick of a needle to her left arm and grabbed for her gun, but was too slow to react. Instantly she felt drowsy and her vision began to swim. She groped for anything to grab hold of, but wasn't fast enough as the wave of blackness consumed her, and she plunged in to darkness.

…

"I…" Danielle began, but was unable to continue, her words breaking off in to a scream, as she felt Joanne release her arm and hit the floor. Jason leapt forward immediately to see why and was just in time to see the nurse pocketing the used needle Joanne had just been injected with.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Jason raised his gun. "STAY WHERE YOU ARE, DON'T MOVE! HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD!"

Danielle knew immediately something was wrong. She didn't know exactly what, but she'd take her first warning if it turned out her instincts were incorrect. Putting her hand in to her pocket, she hit the unlock button and bashed "panic" as hard as she could. There were three very fast vibrations, which told her it'd been activated. She knew the monitors would now call the police immediately, she just hoped they were fast enough…

"Hello," said a horribly familiar voice. "I am Dr Fuller." It was Adam.

…

The shape stood in his cell with the screen down, hearing the erratic screams from Mr. Winters across the corridor. He was tempted to kill the man just to shut him up. In the brief interaction he'd seen between them, Dr Loomis had been more patient with the lunatic than he ever would think of being. He closed the screen, his thoughts going back to her. He hoped she was ok, Charlotte too. He missed her so much it was almost painful. He wished he could be with and protect her, but also knew why Dr Loomis wasn't taking that risk. She after all, was in Haddonfield. The town he longed to return to and… He clenched his hand, as though holding his beloved knife. What he wouldn't give to…

His breathing remained calm and measured, even as the desire and lust for blood stormed through him. He hadn't felt the call of the kill this strongly for months. He knew why too. Because Danielle wasn't with him. She somehow was able to calm it down. But right now, it was as real as his feelings for her. His murderous rage coursed through him. He wanted someone's, anyone's blood on his hands, the euphoria and pleasure of taking a life, his knife slicing through delicate flesh. In the very back of his mind, he knew Dr Loomis would not be pleased. This was a step backwards for him. But most of him didn't care. If anyone came near him now, anyone at all, he'd… Accept her.

That was when the phone on his bedside table vibrated fast three times, and a loud siren sounded. He grabbed it knowing immediately why. Danielle had pressed the panic button.

…

Danielle felt as though she was about to faint, scream, or both. She knew Jason couldn't point his gun at both of them. As if reading her mind, there was the crack! Of a gunshot and a scream. He'd shot the fake nurse. How had they not realised she was fake. She heard the woman fall to the ground, blood gushing from her shoulder. But before she could move, run or scream for help, another man grabbed her.

"Here's your bitch," he said, as Adam approached fast and grabbed her around the neck. Jason pointed his gun straight at Adam's head, but the other man ran at him and stood between Adam and the guard. In that brief second while Jason was distracted, Adam moved. She also felt the prick of a needle and desperately tried to scream, beg, anything, but within seconds, Sound was beginning to fade and fast. She felt herself being lifted over someone shoulders just before her world also, went completely black.

…

The police were at the hospital within five minutes, but they were already gone.

"Who took her?" One of them barked at Jason. "What did he look like?"

Sharon meanwhile was receiving medical treatment and was also handcuffed, having been arrested for faking a nurse's identity. The police knew her role was only a small part of the picture however. Even Jason was a little shaken up.

"He… he looked like a doctor. White coat, stethoscope, the works. He had a beard, was about six foot,"

The police exchanged looks. "FUCK!" One of them shouted. "IT WAS DAWSON, I KNOW IT! OK TROOPS, LISTEN UP! WE HAVE TO GET OUT THERE, SEE IF WE CAN TRACE THE VEHICLE HE'S USING, BECAUSE I'D BET ANYTHING IT'S NOT HIS! INTERVIEW THIS WOMAN HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! SHE HOLDS THE ANSWERS. MOVE!"

As the police ran out except two officers, Joanne was lifted on to a stretcher towards and in to a waiting elevator.

"She's unconscious," a nurse said. "If I had to guess what she was injected with, I'd say Chloroform or something very similar to it."

"Fucking son of a bitch!" Jason growled. "I shot her and then tried to shoot him," he told the medics and officers. "But he was too fast. Plus his fucking goon helped him. Dawson ran with her before I could get to him."

"We've got the other guy," one of the officers assured him. "You did the best you could son. The other guy we fucking know him! Member of a misogynist gang in Haddonfield."

"Jesus," Jason looked devastated. One of the officers patted him on the back.

"You did everything you could Jason. You couldn't have done any more than you did. Joanne will be fine, she's just unconscious. Come on, get in the elevator, and let these guys treat you for shock."

"I'm o…" the guard began. But the officer almost pushed him towards the elevator doors and with a small smile, the guard gave in.

…

"Wake up, rise and shine."

For a few seconds, Danielle felt nothing but complete disorientation. Where the hell was she? She felt so groggy, tired and confused.

"Time to wake up," taunted a voice right beside her left ear. That was when it all came flooding back. Adam! He had her! Where the fuck was she? She started to remember. Joanne being knocked out or maybe killed… no! She wouldn't let herself go there, she wouldn't! Joanne was a fighter, she was fine! Just unconscious, she thought desperately. Please dear God please just unconscious… Now, she clung to the hope that her app was working and the monitors had turned on audio. Then it hit her with a jolt, as if she'd been electrocuted. Michael could monitor and hear everything! Please, she begged inwardly. Please Michael, please…

"Well hello Darling," Adam's voice said. "Waking up now are we? Nice sleep eh? Welcome home. I told you I'd get my property back and that you are mine, tut, tut. You ignored my warnings. Aww," he mocked. "How's Charlotte? Not dead yet then? Well it's only a matter of time."

"Adam," she croaked, determined on one thing. No fucking way in hell was she calling him Sir! Michael had helped her with this and she was not falling back the way Adam wanted her to. As she'd said to Joanne, she wasn't the woman who'd walked through Smith's Grove's doors the first time. Not anymore. This time, she would fight back.

…

The shape heard everything. Adam's taunting voice, her defiance and despite the murderous rage coursing through him, he felt a twinge of pride. Danielle was fighting the little prick back. Within seconds, Dr Loomis approached his cell, speaking softly, but fast.

"Michael, please listen to me. The police are on the case right now, I'll help in any way I can. But please…" The Shape noticed his doctor was standing a long way away from him, doubtless sensing his need for the kill. He simply looked back at him. He knew Dr Loomis knew that if he got his chance, he was getting to Haddonfield one way or the other, to commit the very kill he was longing for.

Rick and Jack ran over, both looking very worried. "Please tell us it's not true?" Rick almost begged. "The DASC just called us on our radios. Dawson hasn't got her after knocking out Joanne, has… has he?"

"I'm afraid so," Dr Loomis said grimly. "I've spoken to Dr Stark within the last five minutes and they've arrested a woman who posed as a fake nurse to get to them. A guard with them Jason managed to shoot her, but was unable to shoot Adam. The bastard had another guy with him who distracted Jason while Adam made a run for it with…"

"FUCK!" Jack shouted. "FUCK, FUCK NO!"

"We can't just stand here," Rick said desperately. Dr Loomis could see his guard was trying not to panic. "We have to do something!"

"Like what, Rick?" Dr Loomis asked compassionately. "We're hours away. What exactly are you suggesting?"

Rick looked at his boss as if he were stupid. "DUH! THAT WE GET ON THAT FUCKING PLANE AND FUCKING GO! WE CAN'T JUST LEAVE THEM! IT'S… IT'S NOT RIGHT! WE HAVE TO GET DOWN THERE, LIKE NOW, LOOMIS!"

It was the first time the guard had ever called him that, but Dr Loomis knew his panic was genuine. Stepping forward, he put an arm around both Rick and Jack's shoulders, while looking straight at Michael. "Gents," he murmured to the three of them. "What can we exactly do? We have no idea where Adam has even taken her. By the time we get there, she may have been found and rescued. As for Joanne she's now safe in hospital, being well looked after. She was injected with Chloroform to knock her unconscious. What will we being there do? How can we possibly help them more than the police are right now?"

"SO YOU'RE PREPARED TO JUST FUCKING STAND THERE?" It was Jack's turn to shout. "LET HER GET RAPED, KILLED? WHAT THE FUCK DOC? WE CAN'T DO THAT! WE'VE BEEN HER GUARDS FOR FUCKING MONTHS! NOT JUST THAT, BUT HER FUCKING MAN'S STANDING RIGHT THERE! WHAT ABOUT Joanne TOO? WE HAVE TO help them! YOU SERIOUSLY EXPECT RICK AND Michael TO JUST STAND HERE WHEN THEIR PARTNERS ARE IN DANGER? YOU'RE DELLUDED!"

Before Dr Loomis could say another word, Rick had pulled out his keys and opened Myers' cell. He was shaking with anger.

"RICK!" Dr Loomis warned, but the guard ignored him. The shape stepped out and Rick didn't even consider chains. "Come on pal," Rick's voice too shook with anger and emotion. "I'm right behind you! Let's go kill his ass!"

Jack followed at a run after him, leaving William and Dave in charge of winters. After a second's hesitation, Dr Loomis did likewise. As they ran through the small kitchen of the block to take the shortcut out, Rick briefly stopped and Jack wasn't sure if the temperature itself had dropped, or just his body one as he saw what his colleague did. Breathing fast with anger, Rick slowly slid open a kitchen drawer, slipping a huge and lethal kitchen knife in to Michael's hand. But it was the second object which really made Jack shiver. He glanced at Dr Loomis who was also looking pale. Because Rick Evans had just handed Michael Myers who was now wearing his infamous, deathly pale, white mask.

…

"I can't fuck her like this," Ashley said, he and the rest of the group having joined Adam where he was holding Danielle prisoner in one of the gang's houses, where hopefully, the Pigs wouldn't think to look. Idiots. Ashley climbed atop her, putting on a condom. "I can't get hard for this pussy, look at her! Fucking scarred to hell and not in the slightest attractive. Go get me some porn will you? I need help getting the man hard!"

Danielle had no chance of struggling, because she was like many times before, now chained and handcuffed. "Shame," Ashley said to Adam. "I normally like it when they put up a fight, but hey she's your bitch. But I get the first fuck because I'm the leader of this gang."

"Of course Sir," Adam said. "She's all yours."

As the loud sexual moans of women began from someone's phone as well as the gorgeous picture of a stunning naked woman, Ashley grabbed the phone and within seconds was erect. Still with his eyes fixed on it, he thrust his cock in to Danielle as hard as he could and began to fuck her.

…

Rick grabbed the keys to one of Smith's Grove's cars and he, Jack, Michael and Dr Loomis ran towards it. At the sight of Myers with a kitchen knife and wearing his mask, Jack had instinctively shrunk back. "Fuck," he breathed, sounding terrified. "He's so fucking dangerous…"

"We're cool, Jack," Rick said, but Jack was sure he heard his colleagues voice also shaking slightly. "Remember? He promised."

"Yeah," Jack moved even further from Myers. "When he saved your life that day. But Jesus! I…"

Dr Loomis placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "It's ok," he murmured. "I honestly think the three of us are safe."

"You carry on doing so," Jack looked over his shoulder, casting a terrified look at Myers. "I'll believe it when we get back alive!"

Rick was glad Dr Loomis hadn't tried to stop him or Michael. They were both hurt because of Dawson and God knew how much danger Danielle was now in. Michael had activated the audio on his phone the moment she'd hit "panic," and they didn't in the slightest like what they saw and heard.

"HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" Jack shouted, sounding close to tears as he, Dr Loomis and Michael saw Danielle chained and handcuffed, a man atop her putting on a condom. "I can't fuck her like this. I can't get hard for this pussy! Look at her! Scarred to hell and not in the slightest attractive! Go get me some porn will you? I need help getting the man hard!"

"NO! FUCK NO! PLEASE…" Jack glanced at Dr Loomis and were his eyes playing tricks, or did the doctor now look just as angry? He then looked at Michael and could almost feel his murderous rage. Rick didn't wait for anyone's permission. He just started the car, activated the lights and siren and sped towards Smith's Grove's gates. The guards wouldn't stop them in an SG car with lights and sirens on as it was clearly an emergency.

Hold on, Jack thought desperately. We, Rick and Michael are on our way. Just please Danielle, please hold on?

They screamed through the day, Dr Loomis pulling out his phone and calling James, the pilot. "It's an emergency," he said over the whale of the siren. "We need you, now. Please. You'll get paid whatever you want and we'll give you as much leave as you ask for."

James must've heard the siren and known his boss wasn't kidding, because he said "ok, I'll be at the airport in five."

Dr Loomis felt a terrible stab of guilt knowing James was very probably with his wife and children right now, but this had to be done. With a heavy heart, he then phoned Oliver Cutter, telling him what'd happened.

"Shit," the CEO cursed. "Dawson's got her?"

"Yes," Dr Loomis said heavily. "Michael's with us. It's Rick, Jack and I. I'll take whatever consequences come my way Sir, as will Rick. He said as much. He let Michael out of his cell, gave him a knife and his mask."

"Consequences be damned," Cutter said immediately. "I know enough about Dawson to know he deserves this. Hope Michael kills him slowly, painfully and inventively. Dawson's put that poor girl through hell."

Dr Loomis stared at his phone in astonishment, then with a wave of gratitude. "Thank you, Sir."

"Can I do anything for you?"

"I've called James off leave; can you please make sure he gets a big cheque for this and also time off on us not from his time card?"

"Done," the CEO said and hung up.

…

"Joanne? Joanne? Can you hear me?" The voice seemed to be coming down a very long tunnel. Joanne blinked, trying desperately to open her eyes. She felt like shit. So tired and groggy. What the fuck had happened? Last thing she remembered… where had she been?

"Sweetheart, can you hear me?" The voice was female and soft. Then Joanne felt a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, Joanne. Welcome back."

The first thing Joanne noticed was she was no longer wearing her stab vest and protective equipment. Where was she? Joanne blinked at the nurse. "What… where am I?"

"You're still in the hospital," the nurse said. "You were knocked unconscious with chloroform three hours ago."

"What?" Joanne stared at her. Then, slowly, horrifyingly, it started coming back. She'd been guarding Danielle in the hospital with Jason. Dr Fuller, the injection… she let out a soft scream and tried to stand, but a doctor a real one this time, soothingly held her down.

"Just lie still Joanne," he murmured. "Your body's taken one hell of a shock and there's still chloroform in your blood. You'll be alright, just lay still."

"Fuck," Joanne gasped. "Please, is Danielle alright? Where is she? What happened?"

The doctor and nurse looked at each other, neither wanting to be the one to break the news. "Well?" Joanne demanded, despite orders sitting up against her pillows. "God damn it! Tell me! Where the fuck is she? Is Danielle ok?"

"Joanne," said another quiet voice as a police officer stepped to her bedside. "I'm Detective Wickard. Remember? You met me at Charlotte's room." Joanne felt cold, numbing terror grip her heart. Detective Wickard's words reminded her she was now floors or maybe only corridors away from a critically ill Charlotte. "No," she begged the detective. "No, please?"

Detective Wickard sat by her bedside and touched her arm. "You were knocked out by the fake nurse you met who we now have in custody. The doctor wasn't a doctor at all, it was Adam Dawson. He now has Danielle prisoner but believe me, we're doing absolutely everything we can to find her as fast as possible. She hit her panic button just before she was knocked out herself, so the security companies can see and hear everything, which they are passing back to us. One of the officers also has the same facility."

Joanne stared at Detective Wickard in horror. "No," she said faintly, feeling tears rushing to her eyes. She'd failed her, failed to protect her. She'd never forgive herself. She remembered her assurances to Danielle. 'I won't let anything happen to you; I swear. Plus, I don't fancy my chances at all if your man doesn't like my explanation.' Well, Joanne turner thought as she buried her head in her pillow. She deserved Michael to kill her for this. She should've been more prepared, more alert, asked more questions, moved faster. Now she was in danger and it was all her fault. What kind of guard was she? She was surprised to feel Detective Wickard's arm around her, as she finally started to cry. "I'm so, so sorry…"