Chapter 60: Joanne's apology

…

"Hey guys we're really glad you're back safely." They both smiled as Dr Loomis jogged towards them, Michael at his side who pulled Danielle into his arms immediately. "Nigel, Michael and I heard the trouble over your radio. Are you both alright?"

They nodded. "Stupid twats," she muttered.

"Yes but you stood up for yourself did you not?" Dr Loomis' voice was full of pride and she smiled at him tiredly, before Michael kissed her and placed her hands on his ears. She knew this was his silent pride and love gushed up within her. "We guessed you opened your locket?"

"I did," she confirmed. "I like how it has both of us in the picture." She opened her locket to show the picture in question before leaning in for another kiss.

"That's a good picture, good photography Mel. That was going to be my very next point. It wasn't just Michael; it was the two of you as a couple. Now you make the choice. We can talk briefly now those of us who are here, or we can use the conference room again in the morning all buttons included," he poked her arm. Rick and Michael chuckled. "Which we would've done anyway I might add. Jerry has already promised you he will bring a platter of his white chocolate muffins!"

Her mouth watered immediately. "Oh my God he makes those too?"

"Yup. Not only that but we will have breakfast in there. Yourself, Jack, Nigel, Michael, Dr Stark, I, Joanne and Rick. Mel is on lates or she would be there too."

"In which case I don't think it's a choice," they said together and laughed.

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis and Michael chuckled.

"To be completely honest and I probably speak for Rick too I just want to get to bed," she admitted, leaning her head against Michael's chest as he kissed the top of her head.

"You do speak for me," Rick agreed. "Although my favourite pillow is not here lucky for some," she blushed but smiled. "It's been a long day."

"Ain't that the truth," she muttered.

"Perfectly understandable. Rick as you know Joanne is on early shifts tomorrow as she's swapped from nights to be here for the morning, but I've set you up one of the staff suites for tonight. Oh, look," he added. "Your taxi is here!"

"Hello," said Nigel's voice as he approached. He whistled their little tune and kissed her cheek as Michael still held her close. "You two ok?"

"Shattered," they said in unison.

"Hardly surprising. Rick I'm in the suite next door to yours so I'm here to give you a lift quicker than using a shuttle. My car's outside."

"You don't have to…" She could almost feel Nigel's stern look. Rick shut up and sighed. "Thank you Nigel."

She was conflicted. Part of her knew she should stay with Michael, but another really wanted to be with Nigel for his last night here. That was when her phone pinged.

Go on, I will see you in the morning. Go be with Nigel. M.

She was astonished, old habits die hard. Something must've shown on her face because Michael kissed her again and wiggled his ears. Everyone chuckled affectionately. "Not every man expects his woman to be with him every night," Nigel murmured and saw the other three men nod in approval at his words.

"Thanks darling, Dr Loomis. I'll see you all tomorrow then. For what it's worth it went… well, if an execution can go well that is. He sat down, spoke his last words and died. Right rick?"

"Yep," Rick confirmed with a yawn. "Perfectly smoothly."

"Well that's good at least. That's settled then, we'll meet in the conference room at… 9? I'm sure you both could use a lie in."

"No shit," they said in unison once more.

"Are you twins?" Dr Loomis, Nigel and Michael chuckled. "You speak together a lot."

"Maybe," they both said and laughed. She and Michael kissed again before he guided her to Rick and shook the guard's hand, who took her arm after removing his equipment vest and handing it to Dr Loomis.

"Good night twins," Dr Loomis laughed as he closed the block doors.

The three of them stepped over to Nigel's hire car. "No it's ok," Rick said as she made to get into the back. "Take the front I got the back seat kid."

"Yes boss," she mock saluted. Rick sighed. "Honestly Nigel how do you put up with her?"

"With a lot of practice," Nigel smirked. She punched him playfully to the arm. Chuckling, he started the engine, tooted the horn and drove away from the block. Within a minute they reached the suites and got out. She pulled Rick into a long, tight hug.

"Thank you so much Rick," she murmured into his ear, before affectionately pulling his left one.

"Get off you," he laughed and pulled hers back. "Of my 'normal-sized' ears!" She smiled remembering that day just minutes after she and Michael had become a couple, Jack asking if Rick had 'passed the ear test yet.' "They're huge aren't they?"

"I did wonder how we picked up Haddonfield radio! Now it makes sense! With aerials that size it would've been easy from Australia!"

"Oh my God you cheeky bastard!" She pretended to slap him but the effect was ruined by the fact she was laughing into his shoulder, as she hugged him again.

"Sorry," he said when he could speak. "Give me that shirt and I'll take it to the laundry where they wash our uniforms in the morning before the meeting and they'll wash it for you."

She handed over the garment from the floor of the car. "That's really kind of them but can they?"

"Yeah, it's only tear gas it'll come out I promise. God knows the kit guys have got it out of enough shirts before."

"I can't believe Chris Leach was kind enough to give me his spare shirt," she said feeling suddenly close to tears again. Shit she was tired.

"Hey come on Don't cry."

"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "I think it's just… everything tonight. Those twats outside the gates, relief Chancer is dead… I'm just so damn tired!"

"I know sweetheart so am I," he stroked her back. "So get to bed and we'll debrief the others in the morning. As for those idiots outside you were absolutely fabulous and don't you forget it!"

"Thanks Rick," she kissed his cheek. He squeezed her tighter and she was surprised but touched as he kissed hers in turn. "Go on with you hon," he said, directing her towards the door of Nigel's suite. Nigel had gone ahead to give them privacy. "That's your suite. Get to bed."

"Thank you so much for today Rick, I couldn't have done it without you. Also for arranging for me to see the chair. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. It meant I could really understand what was happening."

"It was my pleasure. I take it the reason they didn't pull the switch was because they hadn't charged the battery?"

"Oh fuck off," they started laughing as they hugged again. Nigel opened the door at the sound of their laughter and smiled at them. She finally released Rick and stepped towards the suite's door.

"Meet you at 08:30?" Nigel asked. "We'll get the shuttle back together?"

"Sounds like a plan," Rick smiled. "See you in the morning."

"Night," they called after him as he entered his suite and the door clicked shut.

"You ok hon?" Nigel asked as they entered the bedroom. She yawned.

"Yeah, just so tired. I can't believe Chris Leach helped me out yet again."

"You see? You can change anyone it seems."

"I don't know how and I can't stop wondering about that."

"My advice? Don't think about it too much just enjoy it."

"Yeah fair enough."

"You and Chris must be a similar size," he observed as she pulled off Leach's shirt.

"Yeah I thought that, I was actually surprised how well it fit."

"I loved your 'it won't kill me if put on the wrong way three times will it?' joke."

"Yeah well if he can programme a deadly iPod," she yawned again. "Can't be too careful. She slipped into bed. He chuckled. "Good night darling."

"Night grandad," she smiled and within seconds was fast asleep. He looked lovingly down at her for a moment then sent a text to Michael.

She's sound asleep already, see you at 08:30 or just after. The three of us are getting a shuttle back and we'll meet you at the conference room. Night.

Slipping into the other bed, he looked back over at her sleeping form listening to her gentle snores. He hoped it had gone ok. They'd had trouble at the gates and she'd put up a damn good fight, but neither had said anything about the execution itself other than it'd gone 'well.' Affection rows in him again for Dr Loomis for organising the conference room she loved with breakfast included for the debrief. He was certain Dr Loomis would 'need' her to press the call bell and microphones at some point, as well as controlling the doors. The Psychiatrist was damn good at making up excuses to do so knowing it cheered her up, as was Dr Stark. Picking up his phone, he put in his earphones and googled the story. Yup there it was. He clicked on a link which would play a recording of Derek Chancer's last words and disgust filled him as he listened. 'I may have murdered bitches, but you are now murdering me.' Seriously? The guy was an evil, cruel misogynist right to the end. He found himself thinking of Chancer's forty-two victims, not to mention Danielle and Rick who too had suffered because of the killer. He'd almost strangled Rick to death with his chains, may have succeeded if not for Michael and as for her… It made Nigel feel sick just thinking about it. Chancer had deliberately and calculatedly contacted Adam Dawson through that fucking iPod thing, endangering her safety and maybe even life, all for money or maybe even the satisfaction of raping and killing her himself… anger surged up in him just at that thought.

They're dead, he reminded himself. They can't hurt anyone from beyond the grave. Maybe they'll meet up while screaming in hell. Michael had cut Adam's head clean off and Derek Chancer had just been fried. Perfect. That thought made him smile and he finally rolled over preparing to sleep. His heart ached with sympathy for the victim's families and hoped they would now get the closure they deserved from Chancer's death. True it would never bring the women back, but maybe it would give them some sense of relief and the ability to move on with their lives.

…

Joanne could not deny she was feeling slightly apprehensive as she entered the block at just after 7AM. She knew she had to do this it was long overdue, but she still felt a shiver of… fear? She knocked quietly on Dr Loomis' office door having pulled on her equipment vest.

"Good morning Joanne," Dr Loomis greeted with a warm smile. "How are you this morning?"

"Fine thanks," she smiled back at him, but wasn't sure how convincing it looked. She thought of what she was about to do and remembered the Avery's assurances that Michael would react just the same as they had. She just hoped they were right and once again she hated herself for how long overdue this was.

"Are you ok?" Dr Loomis' soft voice broke her out of her thoughts. She wondered how the hell he did that?

"Sorry," she smiled a little more sincerely this time. "I was just thinking. Dr Loomis, is it ok if I have a word with Michael? In private?"

If Dr Loomis was surprised by her request, he of course didn't show it. "Of course it is. Where? Do you want…"

"No!" She said firmly before the doctor could finish his sentence. No security glass, no guards, just the two of us. I need to show Michael I trust him and that would completely shatter it."

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis didn't sound ruffled at all. "Use one of the private offices near the conference rooms." He glanced at a sheet on his wall. "Number five is free; I'll ask Michael to meet you there." She made to speak, but Dr Loomis stopped her. "No, we won't use chains. Go on, we'll see you there in a few minutes. I'll also bring you both a coffee, take as long as you need. We're not meeting the others until 9 so you have plenty of time."

"Thanks Dr Loomis," she said sincerely and he smiled back at her. "No problem, see you in a few minutes in room five."

Joanne entered the office and sat down at the desk which unlike in the patients areas was not bolted down, nor were the chairs. She'd also taken off her equipment and left it in her locker, wanting to show Michael still further she trusted him. There was a panic button under the desk, but she knew she wouldn't need it.

"Michael?" The Shape looked up at the sound of his doctor's voice and was immediately in front of the door. "Joanne has asked to speak to you in private. Are you ok to come with me?"

He nodded once and his doctor opened the door. "No chains," Dr Loomis said with a smile. "Come on."

The Shape followed Loomis out of the block and through several doors until they reached one of the offices he'd been in with Rick and Nigel the day before. Dr Loomis knocked on the door and Joanne called "I'm here Sam."

Loomis opened the door and Michael stepped through. Just before he closed the door, Dr Loomis put the coffees on the desk then pushed a notepad and pencil into Michael's hand.

Joanne couldn't stop that same shiver of fear as Michael Myers sat down across from her. Whether he'd assured her she was safe or not, this was still Michael Myers the masked, silent serial killer.

"I'm sorry this is unexpected Michael," she started. "But I wanted to speak to you in private before we meet up with the others. I wanted to take this chance as Danielle isn't here, as…" she paused. "As I've wanted to say this to you for a long while now, too long as far as I'm concerned." She saw Myers' eyebrows rise a little and smiled nervously. "Please, can you simply hear me out?" She asked him. That single nod. Taking a long sip of her steaming coffee, Joanne Turner took a breath then started to speak.

"Michael, I have to say this to you. I'm so, so sorry about how easily Adam got to Danielle. I feel like it was at least in part my fault. I should have asked more questions, reacted faster, been more alert. I was too relaxed as was Jason. I feel like both of us are equally accountable. I spent a couple of days in hospital afterwards with Chloroform poisoning. They injected me with it to knock me out. I'm just damn lucky they didn't kill me with it! That said, I fully expected you to kill me when it happened! I was in the hospital and I even said to Dave how scared I was of your reaction, I said I'd deserve whatever you did to me. I tried to say this to her too, but she wouldn't even listen to me. But I was supposed to guard her and look at the job I did of that!"

There was silence, apart from Myers' calm, measured breathing, before he raised his notepad.

Tell me something. Do you have an immunity to Chloroform?

She flushed. "Uh no, but…"

Then tell me. How was it your fault? As soon as that needle was injected, you did not stand a chance.

"That's not the point!" She lightly hit the desk. "I should've reacted before we even got to that stage! I shouldn't have even let her past that so-called fucking nurse! What nurse says 'you need to see this doctor now?' Hospitals don't do that! Not real kind hearted nurses! How did I not…"

Joanne.

It was the first time Michael Myers had ever written her name and she stared at him, momentarily speechless.

How were you to know? If I blame anyone it's the other guard, Jason. He is by far more accountable than you are. I know how much you care about her, so does she. You have nothing to apologise to me for. Neither of us blame you in the slightest. Now if he'd been the one injected and you hadn't reacted, it might have been a different story. But as the facts stand, I do not blame you and neither does she.

This was the first message Michael Myers had ever written her. She read it once, twice, then unable to stop them her tears again began to fall silently. She'd thought she was past this, but when she thought of Adam Dawson grabbing Danielle like the piece of property he'd considered her as, how she'd been unconscious, oblivious and unable to help when she'd needed her the most still hurt her more than she realised. She didn't of course hear Michael even move, but next moment he was kneeling beside her chair and she only knew this when his arm closed around her, pulling her close. She tried to smile, but it probably looked even less convincing than the one she'd given Dr Loomis earlier. Nor did she expect her head to rest on Myers' shoulder, as he pressed some soft tissues into her hand. "Thanks," she sniffled, trying to wipe her eyes. "I just felt so useless, I'm a trained guard and the one time when she was in the most danger where the fuck was I? On the floor out cold. She even asked for two God damn security guards and what fucking good did that do? Jason did fuck all! Ok he shot that bitch of a fake nurse, but… damn it he should've shot at that bastard's fucking head!"

That's as maybe, but I then relieved him of said head.

She let out a shaky laugh. "Yes I know, God I wish I'd seen that! Hell fucking yes I wish I had! Too bad no one took a picture! Clean off in one cut wasn't it?" Myers nodded and she felt a surge of pride and elation. She never thought she'd rejoice at anyone's passing, but Adam Dawson's? She'd have paid to see it! "I just feel so bad," she said finally. "I was assigned to her and I let her down when she needed me the most! Jason or no Jason. That's unforgivable in my opinion! I'm not going to lie, I fully expected you to make an attempt on my life when we met up again! I failed your lover, I'd deserve it!" She heard his soft affectionate chuckle and felt his arm around her tighten. But it was what he did then which stunned her into silence. Michael Myers softly kissed her cheek. She stared at him, seeing the slight smile on his lips.

What? Were you expecting me to strangle you now or something?

He was still chuckling as she read this message and she blushed.

Ok then, fine.

He put his hands very gently around her neck, but instead of squeezing he tickled her. "Ok stop!" She squealed, squirming out of his grip. "Damn it I'm so ticklish! I think I'd rather be strangled!" For only one of very few times, she heard him laugh out loud with her as she regained her breath. "Oh my God I hate being tickled!" Still chuckling, he pulled her back into a hug. Joanne Turner looked straight into the eyes of Michael Myers; the same ones Laurie Strode had once described as 'the abyss.' But to her they looked kind, almost tender at that exact moment.

Ok, so you've apologised to me. Totally needlessly I might add, but you have. Can you let your guilt go now, Joanne? You have absolutely nothing to feel sorry for. Nothing. Remember, that's very probably why Dawson took you out of the picture as fast as he did. He knew how dangerous to his plan you were and how protective of her you are. So you should see that almost as a compliment.

She stared at him; this time really speechless. She had never even once considered it from that angle Myers had just put to her, not once. "Seriously?" She managed when she could speak. "I… I never thought of it like that, Michael."

Well that is what makes the most sense to me. He knew you'd protect her to the death, so dealing with you was his first priority. Think of it that way if you have to still think about it at all, that is. He saw you as a huge danger, so delt with that as his top priority. He knew if he didn't he would get nowhere near her.

"I…" she tried again, with no idea of what she was trying to say. "Thank you Michael Myers," she blinked back tears again and then before she could think about it any further, it was her to stand now and hug him as tightly as she could. Michael got to his feet and his strong arms came around her as he reciprocated. "I thought you were a silent, masked killer," she said when she could speak again, feeling him softly wipe away her falling tears she wasn't even aware of. "Could've fooled me Michael Myers! No wonder she loves you so much! I can see why!" She looked up and the killer was smiling at her, as he leant down and kissed the top of her head. There was a soft knock on the door and Dr Loomis stuck his head in. They did not break their embrace.

"I'm sorry," the doctor said and was that emotion even in his voice. "I heard you in tears Joanne and…" she could tell he was as speechless as she was. He smiled at Michael and was that a tear in even his eye now? "I told you Michael wouldn't blame you," he said, coming to her other side having closed the door.

"You knew what…" she started.

"Of course I did," the doctor murmured. "Unless you are immune to Chloroform, then I don't know why you're carrying that guilt with you." She and Michael both chuckled. "Michael said the exact same thing," Joanne managed, still hugging the killer tightly.

"Then I rest my case," Dr Loomis smiled. Joanne looked into Michael's eyes. "Can I show him?" She breathed. Michael squeezed her again and nodded.

She past Dr Loomis the piece of paper Michael had written on. The doctor's eyes widened. "Michael, that is a point I cannot dispute and had not even considered. But you know what Joanne? He's right."

"I can't lie," she admitted as Michael now affectionately pushed her back into her seat. But he didn't return to his, instead he knelt back at her side. "Nor had I! It hadn't even entered my mind.

"Well it's true and it makes sense," Dr Loomis smiled.

"Damn," Joanne smiled at Michael. "I know who I'm going to talk to if I have a problem I can't solve!"

Dr Loomis chuckled. "Me too actually!"

Michael's arm closed once again around her shoulders in an affectionate squeeze. Joanne spoke from against his shoulder. "Dr Loomis, can we please both have another coffee? I want to talk to this charming gentleman a little longer."

The doctor smiled at both of them. Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers? He thought. It was almost beyond belief. "Certainly. Just give me a few minutes," he was gone.

Are you ok now?

"Thank you so much Michael," Joanne said sincerely. "I really appreciate that. Of course I should've known you'd look at it from the practical rather than emotional angle." The killer chuckled. "Just don't you dare tickle me again Mr. Myers," she warned. "Or God help you!" They smiled at each other.

So, who's this 'charming gentleman' you wish to speak to for a while longer? I can't see him yet?

"Oh shut it," she playfully slapped his arm. "Duh." Again, he chuckled. Unable to stop herself, she now felt his ears for herself.

Oh, are you another Danielle?

She burst out laughing. "No, but I just had to see what she means by 'sexy as all hell!'"

And?

She couldn't stop laughing as she spoke. "Well… I'm not blind and I don't have a thing for ears… but…" she was overcome with the giggles at that point and pressed her head into his shoulder again. She looked up and he was smiling at her and were her eyes playing tricks, or was that unmistakable affection in his usually cold gaze?

So you can't agree or disagree with her statement about my 'sexy as all hell ears?'

"No," she gasped, tears of laughter now on her cheeks. "Jesus Michael Myers you've got a wicked sense of humour! It has even shown when you've killed people I know that much! Christ I wouldn't want to be your enemy!" Dr Loomis appeared then with their second coffees and smiled warmly at them both as he past them their drinks. When he was gone, Michael once again wrote.

So, there's still no sign of this 'charming gentleman' you are seeking, I don't think Rick's joining us until 9.

"Oh stop!" She smirked and nudged his shoulder. "It's you, you idiot." He chuckled and now did return to his seat. For the next hour, she and Michael Myers talked in a way she never would've believed when first meeting him. He really would've strangled her then, never mind faked it to tickle her! She told him a bit about her life and asked him the question she really wanted to know the answer to. How did he maintain feeling blank, emotionless until Danielle had come along? The killer just shook his head and she understood. She wouldn't know the answer to that question in his shoes either.