Chapter 43: Brush with death
…
"MICHAEL!" Dr Loomis yelled again. "PLEASE, THIS ISN'T HELPING ANYONE!"
The masked killer hadn't released Laurie and it was clear she didn't have long left. She was turning slowly but surely deathly blue and her struggles had ceased as she'd lost consciousness. Joanne, Rick and Jack were still trying desperately to pull Michael back, but without success. Laurie Strode's life depended on them and they were failing her. Joanne felt sick. Michael Myers loved Danielle but right now, he was demonstrating, as if any of them had ever doubted it, that he still had the urge to kill as much as he ever had. What if one day something happened which did make him target her? Joanne didn't want to think about that, but the possibility was staring her straight in the face. Finally, Rick managed to pull Michael back just enough for Laurie to snatch in one harsh breath, just as the stairwell door creaked open.
If Samuel Loomis hadn't seen who was standing there with his own eyes, he wasn't sure he'd have believed it. It was Danielle. She was still wired to machines, wires trailing out in to the corridor and was wearing an oxygen mask over her face. How the hell had she found them? But then again, the shouting was probably a good indication. How the hell had she got out of her room with all those wires on? She looked very weak and unsteady on her feet. Unable to stop herself, Joanne ran forward to catch her before she fell. For a few seconds, all they could hear was the soft hiss of her oxygen mask and the distant beeping of her monitors. They could tell by the speed of the beeping that her heart was racing very fast. Too fast. Had she guessed what was happening?
For a fraction of a second, everything appeared suspended. Then, Myers threw Laurie from him and to the floor. She gasped for air as Rick ran to her and Jack towards Michael. Jack's suspicions had been right. The chains had been applied so loosely that the killer had managed to free one hand. As they watched, Michael's strong arm came around her, catching her as she fell against his chest. She gasped for breath behind her mask and a loud alarm began to sound from her machines, signalling a too fast and dangerous heartrate.
As Michael easily and effortlessly helped her back towards the door, Laurie opened her eyes. She stared at them as they retreated, shock all over her face.
"What the fuck?" She just managed to say, her voice hoarse with pain and oxygen loss.
"That," Dr Loomis said quietly. "Is Danielle Hayward, Michael Myers' partner."
"I thought," Laurie tried to stand, but she was too dizzy. Rick gently helped her up. "I thought you were lying. I… I think she's just saved my life. What the fuck is that girl doing? Does she want to die?"
Michael was now holding her to his chest, his hand holding hers as he now shouldered open the door back towards her room. she looked only half conscious herself.
"As soon as she appeared," Laurie murmured, watching them go, "he let me go and went straight to her. He hates me, has wanted to kill me since Halloween night 1978 and yet one look at her and… who the hell is she?"
"I just told you, Dr Loomis said evenly. "She's Danielle Hayward, Michael's partner."
"What the hell's happened to her? Has Michael hurt her as well?"
"No, Laurie," Dr Loomis said. "As I've already explained, it is not my story to tell. If you want my advice I say go, get out of here. Go!"
Laurie looked back through the still open door and saw Michael helping Danielle back in to her bed. Her mouth opened in pure shock, but she didn't need telling twice. Rick and Jack followed her through and ran into Danielle's room after Michael. Dr Loomis followed Laurie.
"I'll ask the doctors to move Karen to a different corridor. Bear with me." He walked away fast.
But as Laurie passed the door heading back towards Karen's current room, she couldn't stop herself looking in. The two male guards now surrounded Michael and the killer was now securely chained. What'd happened? Had his chains broken or something? They were thick God damn steel! They never broke! Laurie couldn't resist looking through at the pale faced woman lying in her bed. Glancing at her face, Laurie had to hold back a gasp of shock. The woman was blind.
"What happened?" The female guard, Joanne? Said.
"I heard you shouting," Danielle replied weakly. "I heard Laurie's name and knew what'd happened. So I managed to follow your voices. I was hoping…" her voice trailed off.
"It worked," Laurie said quietly from the doorway. Immediately Rick and Jack tightened their grips on Michael's arms so he couldn't move towards her. For extra security and for the first time ever, Jack attached another manacle to the killer's chains and then to his own wrist. "I am Laurie Strode."
"I know, I recognise your voice from the news. If you want my advice Miss Strode, get the hell out of here."
"That's what I said," Joanne muttered.
"There are so many things I could and want to say to you Miss Hayward," Laurie said, her tone incredulous. "I don't think you have to guess too hard what they are."
"No, but I really don't advise it. You've already come close to death tonight, don't make it worse. I know exactly what you want to say to me, but if I were you, don't. Just go, go back to whatever reason you're here for. Apart from the obvious, I'm really not in a mood for talking just now. I'm hurt too, Miss Strode."
"I can see that," Laurie replied dryly. "But I do have to ask you, do you have a Death wish?"
"I could ask you the very same question seeing as I just saved your life. Please, just get out of here!"
"You know Michael Myers isn't capable of loving or caring for anyone, right?" Laurie continued, ignoring Danielle's warning. "You're walking in to a trap, and one day you'll pay for it with your life. He just kills, that's it. That's all he lives for. Love? You're deluded. You should be in Smith's damn grove!"
"FYI I was, it's my story and I have no wish to talk about it right now Miss Strode. I'm recovering from something tonight, no, Michael had nothing to do with it, unless you're counting rescuing me. So please, just leave? I may, I said May, consider talking to you at some point, but now is not that time. Just get out of here before Michael loses his patience and tries again. I really don't want to see these guards hurt, because they're also my friends. I'm done, Miss Strode. You saw the way he moved so fast when I appeared, doesn't that tell you something? Now please, go?"
As if on cue, a nurse stuck her head around the door. "Miss Strode, please follow me? We're moving your daughter to another location."
"Thank fuck for that," she muttered, though quietly enough so only Joanne heard her.
When the door closed, she turned her head towards Michael. She wasn't sure why she spoke these next words as there was no way for Michael to answer, plus he'd just tried to kill his most wanted victim so was probably not in a communicating frame of mind, but she had to try regardless. "Michael, are you ok?"
She knew it was a stupid question the second it left her mouth, but by then it was too late to take it back. Of course, she got nothing in response, but nor had she expected anything.
"He's chained to Jack," Joanne said very quietly. "Are you ok? What happened there?"
"I got scared waiting for my scans and then I heard Rick and Jack shouting "Michael!" Then Dr Loomis shout Laurie's name. I knew immediately what had happened so I managed to find my way out there. I figured if I could get to Michael before… before it was too late, I might be able to save Laurie's life. I don't think she likes me much though."
"I think she's just in shock," Joanne murmured. "As Michael's been after her since Halloween 1978, she can't believe he could or would ever love someone. But neither does she know your story. Or how many months it's gone on for, or how much progress you and Michael have made together. Nor do you have to tell her. No one else will, it's your decision but frankly, I don't see it as any of her business."
Joanne had already tidied up her wires, so it looked to the nurses like she hadn't moved from her bed. A minute or so later, a nurse finally entered. "Hi, we ready for your scans now?"
"Not really," she managed a small smile. How the hell had the medical staff not heard all the shouting from the stairwell? She wondered. But then, this was a hospital, so perhaps they'd just dismissed it as normal. The nurse stepped to the door. "Ok, I'll just get a couple of strong men to help me wheel your bed down there, ok? I'll be just a minute." She was gone.
Rick and Jack looked at each other. "Do we draw straws on being the one to tell Michael he can't be beside her in her scans due to his metal chains?" Rick asked in a whisper.
Jack shook his head fervently. "Are you kidding? After what Michael's just done? I'm not saying a fucking word about it!"
"Well we need to make a decision," Rick murmured. "If we try and stop him from going with her, I… don't much like my chances of survival, whatever has happened between us before."
Jack nodded in agreement. He turned to look at Dr Loomis who'd just re-entered the room. "Doc?"
Dr Loomis stepped up to the killer and looked him straight in the eyes. Michael had by now removed his mask once more. "Michael," he said softly. "Look at me."
To Jack and Rick's, even Joanne's surprise, the killer returned his doctor's eye contact. Dr Loomis continued. "What the hell were you doing? I get it, you saw Laurie, you reacted but damn it Michael! What about Danielle? The woman you love? Jesus! If you'd killed Laurie tonight that would've been it for you, you wouldn't have seen her for a very long time! You're just lucky Danielle did what she did." He turned to Danielle. "Which was brave if not a little stupid," he said gently.
"Yeah, I know. But what was I supposed to do?"
"I'm sure Laurie is very grateful to you," Dr Loomis murmured.
Rick snorted. "You think? That woman isn't capable of gratitude."
"Michael," Dr Loomis began again. "I know you want to be beside her during her scans, but I can't lie, I'm really reluctant to allow this after what has just happened. How do I know you won't try and target someone else? One of the nurses perhaps?"
In spite of everything, even what Michael had just done, the thought of him not being with her during this unknown procedure hurt. It hurt like hell. She pressed her face into her pillow, hoping they wouldn't see her blinking back tears. But it was clear Dr Loomis had when he sighed. "I've told you this before Michael, she needs you. This will also mean my guards will have to remove their guns, handcuffs and other metal equipment. I am damn well trusting you Michael Myers and if you break my trust, you will be locked back up on your own for a long time. Do we have an understanding?"
Doctor and killer looked at each other, before Michael slowly nodded his head once. Without a word, Jack and Rick removed their protective equipment and all other metal including watches, and Jack his wedding ring.
"Hate taking this off," he said softly. "I never do unless I have to."
"I'm sure Gill will understand," she said. Jack squeezed her arm. "You're a sweetheart, thank you."
30 seconds later, a group of male nurses came in with the nurse and upon her agreeing she was ready, began to wheel her bed down the corridor, Michael and the three guards behind them. As they walked, Jack pulled out his keys and unchained the killer, Dr Loomis taking the chains and putting them in his bag as he would not be entering the scanning room.
"Is… is there any way," she spoke quietly to Joanne who was walking beside her now. "That it could just be Michael and I in there? Of course I understand if Rick and Jack have to be there, but…"
Joanne shot a glance over her shoulder at Dr Loomis, who nodded. Joanne could see his thinking. If it was only her in the room, Michael would never target her. Plus, it would also mean they wouldn't have to take off all metal.
"Rick, Jack," Dr Loomis murmured. "Stand down."
The two guards stared at him as though he'd gone crazy, but Dr Loomis nodded firmly. After a second's hesitation, both men nodded, Jack immediately slipping his wedding ring back on before any of his equipment. Dr Loomis smiled at him, as did Joanne. It was clear to all of them how much he adored Gillian.
They reached the scanning machine and both were checked for metal and cleared. She was helped up on to the moveable bed which entered the machine and Michael stood at her head. The radiologist spoke to her through the headphones she and Michael were both wearing and she nodded to show she could hear him. The nurse placed the rubber bulb in her hand she could squeeze if she wanted the scan stopped, then stepped out.
"I'm nervous Michael," she blurted as the heavy door clanged shut. "I know this is going to be loud and I know the CT scan part moves! I don't know what to expect and…"
She was stopped, as Michael reached forward and took her hand in his. She squeezed it as hard as she could without thinking and felt the killer squeeze back.
How has he just tried to kill someone? she wondered as the deafening buzzing began and the scans commenced. "Now he's holding my hand? How is that possible? But it's happening, right now!
Michael didn't release her hand all through the MRI and he continued to hold it as the CT began and the machine told her to remain calm and breathe slowly. Only when the machine began to slowly turn her to examine her brain did Michael release her hand, but as she turned, he moved with her so his hand was constantly resting on some part of her body. She couldn't lie, it relaxed her more than she could ever tell him.
This guy's a killer, she thought over and over again. He's a killer, yet he's doing this for me right now! He loves me! I know Laurie Strode will never believe it, but do I care? I don't have to tell her a damn thing! Why should I? She doesn't know our story, nor does she need to.
As the scans continued and Michael kept his hand on her as the machine turned, she rested her head against the head support and lay still. With Michael Myers at her side, she could face these scans, they weren't so bad after all. When he comforted her with his touch this way, she could almost forget he was a silent, masked killer. All she could see was her lover, at her side when she needed him the most.
She couldn't deny she was relieved when the buzzing finally stopped and the radiologist's voice came through the headphones, telling her they were done. Before he could even enter the room though, Michael had lifted her out of the high machine and back onto firm ground, then onto her hospital bed. The nurses appeared again within seconds and wheeled her back towards her room, Michael and the guards behind them.
"Was it as bad as you feared?" Joanne asked quietly as they walked. "Or did a certain man named Michael Myers stop that from happening?"
"Perhaps," she said simply.
When they reached her room, the nurses made sure all the monitors were back in place before leaving. Joanne, Rick, Michael and Jack remained with her.
"Where's Dr Stark?" she asked suddenly, aware she hadn't seen the consultant since she was rescued.
"She had to go back to Smith's Grove," Joanne said. "Something came up. But she was fine to do so as you're perfectly safe now that the late Mr. Dawson is no longer a threat."
"Yeah, not much you can do without your head!"
She heard Joanne stifle a gasp and guessed that although her guard knew Adam was dead, no one had actually told her how it'd happened. "Sorry," she said somewhat sheepishly. "Should've spared you the gory details."
"Hell no!" Joanne said fervently. "I wish we had pictures!"
At this she laughed, she couldn't stop herself. Rick and Jack both murmured in disagreement. All joking aside, it must've been horrific to actually see it happen right in front of you.
A few minutes later, another nurse came in. "Hi," she said. "How's the pain now?"
"Moderate," she said after a moment's pause. "God. I didn't know so many small cuts could sting so badly! I almost wish they'd cut me less and with bigger ones,"
Joanne shook her head angrily. "Shouldn't have fucking done it at all," she muttered.
"You still getting that tingling?" The nurse asked.
"Yes. That's why I asked if you guys were sure they hadn't nicked an artery or something."
"Dr Merrick is looking at your scans now, that'll tell us if anything like that has happened."
"One of your colleagues told me they were positive that it hadn't."
"Yes, I know. That was unwise. We can never be sure until we check the scans. I brought you some more tea, and some cookies to make up the blood you lost. Will you eat and drink it for me?"
"Yes," she said reluctantly. How many damn cookies would she have to eat? She felt like she'd eaten a life time's worth in just the last few hours!
The nurse seemed to guess what she was thinking because she chuckled. "Sick of cookies already are you? Don't worry, I promise these will help. They are, after all, white chocolate chip! Your favourite I believe?"
"Ok got me. Yum! You're the experts," she took the cookies and tea with a smile of thanks.
"Ok, so Dr Merrick will be in shortly to talk to you about the results of your scan. In the meantime I'll leave you to it. There are two painkillers on your bedside table, take them." With that the nurse left.
She turned to Rick, Jack and Joanne. But she didn't have to say anything. Either the guards knew her well enough by now or something had shown on her face. Because they moved as one towards the door, it softly closing behind them. They were alone.
"Damn," she slumped back against her pillows. She'd already decided she wasn't going to say anything to Michael about what'd almost happened with Laurie Strode, knowing that could potentially be a very dangerous idea.
Instead, she started nibbling on a chocolate cookie and took a sip of her scalding tea. Putting the cup down on the nightstand, she rubbed a tired hand across her face. "Shit," she said softly. "I hope these pills help me sleep. Not a chance with the pain and this constant beeping. I know these machines are for my own good but…" she sighed. "Fuck they're so loud."
Michael stepped to her side and once again took her hand in his. She was grateful the guards hadn't put his chains back on. She smiled wearily at him. "Thanks for being there during my scans," she said after a while. "It meant a lot to me."
Of course Michael didn't say anything, but he did tighten his grip. She swallowed the painkillers with some water and lay back against her pillows. Before she closed her eyes though, she couldn't help but think back to what'd almost happened.
Michael would've killed Laurie if she hadn't stepped in, that much was certain. She couldn't help wondering why Michael hated Laurie so much. What had made him go after her in the first place in 1978? There was no reason for it that she could see, yet they clearly hated each other.
She inwardly shivered. She wouldn't want to be Michael Myers' enemy as Adam had found out tonight, because she'd lose. She didn't much like the thought of having her head chopped off! If she was honest, she didn't think the terrible noise of Adam's head hitting the floor would leave her anytime soon. Just as the sight of it wouldn't leave Rick or Jack. The sickening, gory thud of decapitation.
God! She thought. I really need to think about something else… or just go to sleep!
Despite this, she found herself thinking over everything Laurie had said, or perhaps more accurately hadn't said. she had no doubt she hadn't heard the last of this and Laurie Strode would make a valiant effort to speak to her again. Probably to lecture her on her stupidity or something. She didn't think she could face that conversation, apart from anything as Joanne had said, it wasn't even Strode's business. But then, she reasoned, you don't have to if you don't want to. But still, something told her Laurie was be a very forceful person, you don't survive Michael Myers without becoming tough as a result.
In spite of this though, she found herself speaking quietly. "Michael, are you ok?"
Of course there was no answer, nor did Michael release her hand. She moved a little in her bed and winced in pain. Michael's hand tightened on hers and he gently but firmly stopped her moving any further.
"Sorry, those fucking bastards cut me to shreds." As she said it, she reflected that was yet another thing Michael Myers was very good at. Cutting people to shreds.
With her free hand, she tentatively felt her bandages, looking for any sign of blood. It didn't seem that she'd bled through them, thank God. That was when Michael pulled her hand back, effectively telling her not to touch them and make them worse.
Her emotions were all over the place. She didn't know if she wanted to cry, scream or burst into hysterical laughter. Everything was spinning around and around in her head. Adam, Laurie, the events of that night… The last thing she wanted to do was to anger Michael by talking to his number one target. She would make every effort to avoid it, but knew she couldn't say the same about Laurie Strode. The woman was nothing if not determined.
She should tell her to mind her own business, just as Joanne had said. It was her life, her story, Laurie didn't need to know any of it. Although, she thought. Maybe if I tell her she'll see that Michael Myers really can change…
Well, if you discount the fact that he just tried to kill Laurie tonight… not to mention cutting Adam's head clean off! She was almost thankful when the painkillers finally kicked in and carried her off to sleep.
…
Chris Leach sat in his living room, staring out of the window. His mind was all over the place. He knew in his heart he'd done the right thing tonight, even criminals had feelings. But as he stared out, he couldn't stop thinking about Sharon. He loved her, he couldn't deny that and now she was in police custody because of that fucker Adam Dawson.
Leach was glad the misogynistic prick was now dead. He'd meant what he'd said to Michael. He wanted to turn his life around, at least to some extent, and he definitely was going to disband the misogynist gang. What good did they even achieve? They didn't make him much money and all they did was bully women. Both from a business and personal standpoint, they were useless.
Leach sighed. Targeting a blind person had been a mistake. He'd known that almost ever since Adam had hired them to spy on her through Derek Chancer. Leach smiled grimly. That'd worked hadn't it? Now the 28 year old woman killer was on death-row facing the chair. As far as Leach was concerned that was just fine.
But Adam Dawson had struck him as an idiot who acted impulsively, didn't think and moved too fast without considering the consequences. Well, that'd certainly proved true in his case because now he was dead. He'd been warned Michael Myers was protecting her, but he hadn't believed it and boy had he paid the price. The ultimate price too.
Chris knew he'd been lucky Myers hadn't killed him. He could've done so easily and part of Chris knew he'd deserve it. The irony didn't escape him that it'd been her the very woman he'd been paid to work against, who'd interceded for him, begged the masked killer to spare his life.
He couldn't deny she had a good heart and now he'd met her for himself, agreed she hadn't deserved any of what Adam had done to her. As for him, it'd all been about money. Nothing more, nothing less. He was almost ashamed of this now. Almost.
Chris had always kept his hands clean. Never did his own dirty work. Dr Loomis had suspected he was involved in some way, but had still stopped the police from arresting him.
Before now, he'd always been happy that someone else would take the fall when it came to the consequences of his orders. This time though, was different. She would and was undoubtedly suffering a lot of mental and physical distress as a result of Adam's instructions, which Leach's organisation had followed albeit for a price.
Leach told himself he shouldn't feel guilty, he hadn't actually done anything. On the contrary, he'd stepped in to save her after it was clear how far Adam was… had been prepared to go to get his hands on her.
Then there was Charlotte. Another near fatal accident. Leach recalled how he'd almost not authorised it to take place. Thinking back on it now, he knew he shouldn't have. That'd been a big mistake.
Apart from anything else, it'd been ridiculously dangerous. But again, he'd let money make his decision. Now he had no way of knowing if Sharon would be back tonight, or tomorrow, or when he'd see her next. Hopefully not in court.
Chris remembered when he'd really started to dislike Dawson. He'd almost killed him that night in the café, and part of him wished he had.
Ok maybe not, because it meant the professional, Michael Myers, had given the little prick what he really deserved.
A murder on Leach's name wouldn't do him any favours, but still… The little prick might've hated women, but he also spoke to men like they were his minions, to do as he instructed. He'd thought he was invincible, the king of men and every woman's nightmare.
Even if the second of those was true. Chris knew many women had been terrified of Adam Dawson, not just those two. There would sure as fuck be no tears at his funeral.
Adam had told him once that his old man was in prison, so someone would have to tell him that his son was dead, a task Leach wouldn't have wanted.
He remembered Adam telling him how his father had warned him to leave well enough alone if Michael Myers was involved. He smiled grimly again. Hadn't he said the same thing? To Chris, that just confirmed his initial impression.
Adam had been hot-headed, thought too fast and then acted. He would never have made a good gang leader, way too much risk. I hope you rot in hell Dawson, he thought savagely. May you never, ever rest in peace?
…
"Darling, are you awake?"
She stirred, at first unsure if she'd even heard the voice. Had it just been a dream?
"Sweetheart? It's me, Emma."
At this, she woke completely. Emma Avery was at her bedside? "Mom," she said, and heard Emma fight back a sob. "You should be at Charlotte's bedside! Not here. I…"
"Now you listen here missy!" Emma Avery began, sounding almost angry. "You just called me mom, and that's because you are just as much our daughter as Charlotte is.
You've been through hell tonight courtesy of that bastard Dawson! You both were hurt because of him, I'm not sorry to hear that he's no longer with us! Nor do I have to guess as to who killed him! Dr Loomis didn't say as much, but he didn't have to! It was the man who really, truly cares about you, loves you, as do we.
Colin and Dave are with Charlotte as we speak, I came here to talk to you. How are you feeling sweetheart? Your other half is outside with the guards. He left when I came in. He's been by your side the whole time."
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Three hours," Emma said. Danielle's mouth fell open.
"Shit! How strong are these painkillers?"
Emma lent forward and gave her a gentle hug. "Please tell me, how are you feeling? Are you in pain?"
"A little," she admitted. "I'll ask the nurses for some more painkillers after four hours have passed."
"Good," Emma said firmly. "If you don't, I will."
She knew her as good as mother wasn't kidding. "I will," she said. "I promise."
"Ok," Emma relented, sitting in the chair beside her bed and taking her hand. "As I said, I came into talk to you. I just ask you to listen, ok? Are you up for that?"
"Of course mom," she said. "I'm all ears."
Emma smiled with a soft chuckle. "Of course you are, you and ears!"
"Whoops, pun not intended."
"Yeah whatever," Emma said sceptically. "Of course it wasn't. So, I talked with Dr Stark and Joanne earlier, both of whom agreed with what I'm about to say. I told them that I wanted to be the one to talk to you about it for obvious reasons. You're my other daughter and I love you."
She blinked back tears and despite the pain, reached over and hugged Emma as tightly as she could. "I love you too, mom."
Emma put her arms around her and they continued holding each other as she started speaking again. "Dr Stark went back to Smith's Grove today, as soon as she knew you'd been rescued. Now Colin, Dave and I, as well as your friends and doctors. By friends I mean the guards, all agree with this, but you need to do so as well. We all want to help you; you understand that right?"
"Of course," she said, touched beyond words that the guards had called her a friend. Of course she'd always known this, but for them to actually say it to someone else she loved meant more than she could ever tell them.
"We want to ask you to go back to Smith's Grove," Emma said. "To get more treatment I mean. Undoubtedly what you went through tonight will have an effect on you if it hasn't already. Dr Stark genuinely wants to help you. Listen, Dave and I even offered to pay for your treatment, but Dr Stark wouldn't hear of it."
This did make her blink back tears. Emma hugged her tighter, while being mindful of her many cuts. "She said no?"
"She did indeed, I think she really wants to help you get better. Plus, it also means you won't have to leave a certain man's side, doesn't it?"
Now she did smile back, she couldn't help it. "You know, the old me would've said, get lost, don't patronise me, the one before and during Adam. But not anymore mom. I was actually considering asking Dr Loomis or Dr Stark if I could do just that and I would've paid them for it too. I want to move on and I know I will in time, now that Adam is dead, but…" she ran a shaking hand across her forehead. "I know it won't happen overnight."
Emma took her hand. "Listen to me," she said, totally serious now. "All of us including Charlotte know full well you're not the same person who walked through Smith's Grove's doors months ago after trying to kill yourself. You're stronger, much more independent and determined to fight for what's yours. The guards have told us some of the ways in which you've grown and we are all so proud of you for it! You were one tough cookie before Adam and now you're getting this back! We love you and we've all seen it! I wouldn't be surprised if Michael is also proud of you."
Now she did start to cry, hugging Emma as tightly as she could, uncaring of the pain. "Thanks mom," she said when she could speak again. "I love you all so much!"
"So does that mean you're willing to go back for further treatment?" Emma asked eventually, after a few minutes of just holding each other in silence. They didn't need to speak; they were as close as mother and daughter.
"Yes, I really think it would help me and I really like Doctor's Stark and Loomis, plus the others of course. Not to mention the guards, who've been nothing short of amazing since I got there. But I do have one request."
"What's that?" Emma asked, and from the playful tone of her voice it was clear she already knew what it might be.
"I'd like Joanne to stay as my guard."
"That's already a done deal kiddo, that was the first thing Dr Stark said when we spoke. That isn't changing whatsoever."
"Good," she gave a genuine if tired smile.
"But I bet that's not all, I'm betting anything you also have an ulterior motive, named Mr. Michael Myers? Right? Dr Stark also said you wouldn't be separated at all this time unless you asked for it and would share the same room you were in before, the one with the sound proofing."
"Dr Stark told you about that?"
Emma hugged her again. "Yes. While the others were…" she hesitated. "On their rescue mission, Dr Stark came to see us and told us everything that'd happened. How Adam had used someone on the inside to spy on you with a listening device. And how your room had been soundproofed as a result. But she didn't tell us who it was, did you ever find out?"
She felt another rush of affection for Dr Stark. She was leaving that part for her to tell and her alone. "Yes," she said after a moment, her tone bitter. "It was Derek Chancer."
"Derek Chancer?" Emma sounded horrified. "The woman killer? The one who's now on death-row?"
"The very same," Danielle said heavily. "Adam managed to get through to him somehow and he was paid to spy on me with some kind of app on an iPod. But we found him out in the end. I ended up holding Jack's, one of the guard's guns to his head and asking him how he did it."
"That's my girl, see? You've grown so much back into the Danielle we all knew and loved before that bastard got his claws into you!"
"I didn't do it alone; Michael Myers had a lot to do with it too."
"I'm sure he did," Emma hugged her a final time before releasing her and lovingly pushing her back against her pillows. "But it shows one thing, you don't need a man to be your own woman. Yes Michael helped you, but from what I understand you didn't get together for a long time after meeting him."
"That's true."
"Just remember darling," Emma said as she stood up to leave, saying she'd let her get further rest and would call a nurse for her for a drink and more painkillers. "In your relationship, Michael Myers is not in control, or in charge, you're a team. Got that?"
"Yes mom," she said, closing her eyes. "Loud and clear."
Emma looked back as she headed out of the door, just long enough to speak one last time. "I love you."
"Love you too mom," she said just before the door clicked softly closed.