Chapter 69, Twin reactions.
…
One week later.
Danielle could hardly believe how happy she felt over the next few days. She and Michael were getting closer all the time, including physically. He had brought her to orgasm twice more and she had returned the favours. Her orgasm when Michael first performed oral sex on her was nothing short of explosive. Softly pulling his ears as he'd done so had only made it even better. The other nights they had just talked about whatever was on their minds. Even now she found herself still asking the age old question. 'Is this really Michael Myers?'
"Michael," she said quietly one night as they sat on their sofa, eating some late night chocolates. "Could you please do me a favour if you don't mind? Can you answer the question I asked you in my letter? I really would like to know the answer, if you're willing to give it."
He didn't answer by text, instead she heard the rustle of paper and realised he was reading her letter once again. She waited for about a minute or so before his reply came.
Are you referring to where you ask if I heard Jack's words while I was killing Dawson?
"Yes," she nodded. She guessed he was thinking because the silence was a couple of minutes this time before he replied.
To be completely honest with you Danielle, I can't remember. I do know all I was feeling was rage, and I did hear Dr Loomis tell you I was keeping Dawson's eyes well away from you. This is true and was not an accident. I didn't want that slimy little worm to see you any longer, or get any further satisfaction out of everything he'd done to you.
"Thanks," she hugged him. "So you didn't hear Jack commentating, if you like?"
I did not, no. I guess you could say that by that point, everything was indeed blocked out accept my need for this particular kill.
She nodded again. "That makes sense. Thanks for answering that, Michael."
You're welcome. Sorry, I forgot until you mentioned it. However I will say this. The rush of pride I felt when you stood up to him the way you did, that I heard loud and clear. I was so proud of you in that moment, and in several since, too. Chancer's execution, for example.
She blushed. "Thanks, but I didn't really…" He stopped her by covering her mouth with his.
No, don't say that. Don't put yourself down, I don't want to hear that from you. You know as well as I do you stood up to those guys so don't try to play it down.
"That's me told," she smiled. "Ok, I'll try not to."
That's all I can ask.
She smiled at him, snuggled into his arms and within minutes, she was fast asleep.
…
Two days later.
Dr Loomis smiled at the two besuited men, the one in trousers and a dress shirt, and the woman in the smart trousers and blouse waiting in reception. "Good morning," he greeted them. "Thank you so much for coming."
"How could we not?" One of the men asked. "After we found out, we had to."
Dr Loomis glanced at the fourth man who was standing quietly behind the other three. "Mr. Leach," he nodded.
"Dr Loomis," Chris Leach acknowledged. "Nice to see you again."
"Mrs. Dawson," Dr Loomis extended his hand towards the woman. "How are you?"
The woman simply nodded, but didn't speak. Dr Loomis understood why. "Don't be embarrassed," he murmured. "No one here would or will ever judge you."
"Well said," the older man of their party smiled at him. Lisa Dawson just managed to smile back, but still remained silent.
"Are you all ready?" Dr Loomis asked. "It's at your pace." The four nodded, and Dr Loomis led them towards one of the Smith's Grove meeting rooms.
…
Joanne, Rick, Jack and Dr Loomis stopped outside Danielle and Michael's room and Dr Loomis knocked lightly on the unlocked door. "Danielle, Michael," he called softly. "There are some people here who want to meet you, especially you Danielle. Michael, I would like you to be there, purely both because of your relationship with Danielle but also the part you have played in these people's lives. However, due to who is in the meeting room, I am going to ask Rick to apply chains. If all goes well, they will be removed shortly."
Danielle wasn't quite sure what made her do it, but she found herself speaking. "Dr Loomis, no disrespect, but isn't that sending the wrong message? If you chain Michael but you want him there, how is that going to show any change or progress?" Michael held up a message and Joanne read it aloud.
As much as I appreciate what you are saying and trying to do for me Danielle, this is not your fight. This is something Dr Loomis and I are working on; you can't influence this.
"While I wouldn't have put it quite so…" Dr Loomis hesitated. "Bluntly…" Danielle shook her head. "No, you're right Michael, sorry. It… it was automatic. God knows you've helped me enough times!"
Michael put his arm around her and drew her into him, kissing her lips once. It was a lingering, tender kiss and she understood what he was really trying to say. She smiled at him and hugged him tightly, before stepping back so Rick could apply the hand and leg shackles.
"It will make sense," Rick said to Michael. "Believe me you'll understand soon enough." The killer gave him the slightest nod.
They walked down the corridors and entered meeting room one. Joanne, Rick and Jack also stayed, Dr Loomis placing Danielle's hand on the button to close the doors. She couldn't help smiling at this.
"Please put the meeting sign on for me?" He asked. Danielle did so.
"Hello Danielle," said a completely unfamiliar voice. "Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aiden Dawson, I'm Edward Dawson's brother." She felt fear threaten to hit but desperately tried to clamp down on it. As if sensing this, the man continued. "Please, I understand, but you must believe me I am nothing like Edward! Nothing! I rescued my sister in law Lisa from his clutches. When he was arrested we fled the country for a couple of years. One of my nephews was the most vile, evil man on the face of this planet."
"One of, Sir?" Danielle asked, the word coming out automatically.
"No please," Aiden stepped forward. "No need for Sir, Danielle. None! I helped Lisa get out of that; I can help you too if you need it!"
"If you really are related to him," Danielle couldn't help spitting out the last word in disgust. "Why didn't you come back and testify in his trial?" She then heard something which made her stop dead. A voice spoke two words and she received the shock of her life. Because this voice was computerised. She knew exactly what this meant. Lisa Dawson was in the room. Edward had done some serious damage to her throat and voice box, meaning she now had to speak through a computer system. Adam had gloated about it many times. 'Good way to shut the bitch up, I'll do the same to you if you're not careful,' he'd threatened Danielle many times.
"We did."
"Mrs.… Mrs. Dawson?" Danielle was speechless. "I…" Adam's mother was mere feet away from her.
"We were there when you testified," Aiden said, and if her ears weren't deceiving her, Danielle could hear pride in the voice of a man she'd just met. "We were in a safe room in the court house watching via live link. You were fabulous, Danielle. Absolutely amazing." She felt a rush of gratitude for him, she couldn't help it. "Thank you, Sir."
"Now, now," Aiden admonished gently. "I know it's difficult, but I am the last person you need to call 'sir.' The very fact they both made you call them that is despicable."
"Aiden is the last person you need to call 'Sir,' Lisa's computerised voice spoke then. Danielle could understand it perfectly due to using screen readers most of her life.
"Mrs. Dawson," Danielle began again weakly. "I…" What the hell could she say? 'Sorry about your son?' Even though she most certainly fucking wasn't? Lisa seemed to detect her thoughts though and stopped her in a way Danielle hadn't expected, a gentle hand falling on her shoulder.
"Can you understand me?" She asked. Danielle nodded immediately. "Yes mam."
"Call me Lisa. Don't say you're sorry about Adam. For one because I know damn well it's a lie, and two, because I most certainly am not. He was his father's son, in every evil way. I in turn am so sorry for everything he did to you. We know about that stunt at the hospital, and your suicide attempt which landed you hear in the first place. I wanted to meet you before Danielle, but we had to wait for Dr Loomis' say so."
Even through the computer, Danielle could almost hear the emotion behind Lisa's words. She gave her a small, but sincere smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Dawson."
"Oh, please!" This time Danielle couldn't help smiling as she could almost imagine the tone of Lisa's voice, even computer generated. "Call me Lisa!"
"Understood," Danielle smiled at her again and this time it was truly real.
"Danielle, I said one of my nephews," Aiden said after a moment. "My other nephew is also right here, Josh. But there is a reason he hasn't spoken up to now. He, too, is nothing like Adam! Nothing at all! Ok?"
Danielle nodded uncertainly. "Yes…" What the hell could that have to do with Josh not speaking? Then, she got her answer.
"Hi Danielle, I'm Josh."
Adam's back from the dead!
That was Danielle's first immediate and stupid thought, followed by maybe Michael hadn't done the job properly? Josh sounded just like Adam, right down to the final detail! He might as well have taken Adam's voice! She felt someone grab her shoulder and pull her almost violently to them, and only knew who the holder was when she felt chains. It was Michael. Even now, his automatic need to protect her had taken over. She squeezed his arm in thanks, her heart hammering with the shock.
"He and Adam are… were identical twins," Aiden said quietly. "Even their voices were identical. But believe me, Josh is not Adam! Never has been, never fucking will be!"
"Over my fucking dead body," Josh snarled and hearing that in Adam's voice made Danielle shiver, she couldn't help it. "Fucking hell," she managed. "Did you steal Adam's voice box?" She turned immediately to apologise to Lisa, but the other woman's hand touched her shoulder again, stopping her, and Danielle knew she understood.
"I'm sorry," Josh said quietly. "But I spoke to Dr Loomis and asked if I could help you. I know I have his…" he too said 'his' with utter disgust. "Voice, so maybe I could use it to your advantage?"
"My…" Danielle was astonished. "What are you talking about, Sir?"
"That right there," Josh murmured. Adam had never spoken to her so gently, not once. He moved so he was right in front of her, and she felt Michael pull her back a little. She felt a rush of affection for him. "So I can use my… once his, voice to tell you not to call me Sir, the exact opposite of what my so-called brother said to you."
"This is fucking insane," Danielle muttered and heard Aiden, Josh and the guards soft chuckles.
"I know," Aiden said. "But Josh means what he says. He really does want to help you with the use of his voice, and Dr Loomis also agreed it was a good idea, to help you try to let go of all the pain that voice once inflicted upon you through his brother."
"I do agree," Dr Loomis now touched her shoulder. "I think it is a very good idea for the reasons Mr. Dawson just outlined. He is more than willing to work with Adam Hughes, so you have both the name and the voice to help you."
"Sir," Danielle took a tentative step towards Josh and this time Michael didn't pull her back. "I don't mean this with any disrespect…" she was stopped as Josh reached out and took her hand in his. She forced the words out. "But where the hell were you when Adam was making my life hell, Sir?"
"Now come on, no need for the Sir," Josh said again, his voice just as gentle as before. Danielle could hardly believe it wasn't Adam standing in front of her. If she didn't know for absolute certainty he was dead, she'd be sure he was playing some cruel and twisted trick on her.
"To answer you," Josh continued. Jesus it was Adam's voice entirely! "I was in hiding from our son of a bitch father! I ran away from home when I was 10, I knew what he was doing was wrong, but the police wouldn't listen to me. Then when Adam grabbed that girls breasts at 12, they finally started to take notice. By then I was long gone, no way in hell was I going back there! When my so-called brother got arrested for that rape at 16," Danielle nodded, indicating she knew what he was talking about. Adam had boasted to her about it several times, proud of his work. Bastard! "The police finally helped me. I was able to locate mom and Aiden who were in hiding. Mom is now with the right brother this time," He smiled at Aiden."
"I'm so glad for you," Danielle said sincerely.
"Um," Josh turned to face Michael then. "This is why I wanted to meet you." Michael was glaring at him; Danielle could almost feel it and she was astounded Josh didn't flinch back. On the contrary, he took a step closer to Myers. "No one wants to hate their family, their flesh and blood, but we had no options left. He was… they were, evil, vile misogynists who would never have changed, no matter what. Thanks to you, mom is out of danger, as are Aiden and I. He would've come after us, mark my words. With dad… I'm sorry Edward, he's no father of mine, being in prison, I was Adam's next target. He blamed me, you see."
"For Edward being in prison?" Danielle was incredulous but not surprised. "Jesus! Mind you, this was Adam we're talking about! He'll blame everyone but himself and his father! He wanted violence and control against women to be legal." She stepped back as Josh approached Michael. This was between the two of them.
Josh could hardly believe it when Michael Myers slowly extended his hand and took his offered one. He looked into the killer's eyes, but he didn't feel fear, just enormous gratitude. "You hear the damage my evil fucker of a father did to mom," he murmured to Michael. "Adam would've finished the job if you hadn't stopped him. Yes we know it was because of Danielle, but you also helped us and we are exceptionally grateful. The only reason I'm staying as a Dawson now is because mom is now married to the right Dawson, Aiden!"
"Congratulations," Danielle and the guards said in unison. Aiden smiled and hugged Lisa. "Thank you."
"Mr. Myers," Lisa's computerised voice spoke from beside them. Michael turned. From Joanne's soft sob, Danielle was certain Michael had just taken her hand, smiled at her, or given some kind gesture.
"We cannot thank you enough for what you've done for us," Lisa said. "What Josh says is correct. We would've been next on Adam's hit list if it wasn't for you. I have no doubt his plan was to kill Danielle this time after his first attempt failed, he drove you to it in our eyes, that counts as attempt murder. Then come after us."
"Figures," Danielle said in disgust. "His own damn mother!" Lisa squeezed her shoulder again.
"We have one final person in the room," Dr Loomis said after a moment.
"Hi Danielle, Michael," said another voice which Danielle was shocked to hear. "Chris?"
"Yes it's me," the ex-crime Lord said.
"We took a damn long time to trust him," Aiden said, glancing at Leach. "I'm still not sure I do completely! But after he rescued you that night Danielle, he made contact with us through his… resources. It was he who told us Adam was deceased."
"That's fair Sir," Leach said, nodding to the older man.
"So while I still question your true motives," Aiden continued. "We thank you for contacting us to let us know. God fucking knows how you found us… but you did, and we can't pretend we are not grateful for it."
"Don't say that was because of me," Danielle said. "Please, I can't take any more people saying it was because of me!"
"Oh of course not," now Aiden stepped forward and hugged her, and Danielle didn't stop him, she hugged him back, feeling his soft suit beneath her fingers. "I know about you and men in suits," he chuckled. "Feel away. As for it not being you, of course it is! But we should be careful before your head gets too big for your neck, eh?" She couldn't help touching his expensive suit, shirt and tie, then his solid platinum tie pin. "Josh is also in a suit," Aiden murmured. "But he kept his distance on purpose. Dr Loomis told us about that because he had to obviously, considering we were both in suits." She nodded.
"Josh," she said hesitantly after a moment as Aiden stepped back.
""Yep," Josh said, stepping towards her. She was starting to feel affection for him, Aiden and Lisa. Such kind people who had been through the same hell as she had due to Adam and Edward, now here they were, treating her almost like family. "Can you come here a second, please?"
He stopped in front of her and she reached out and put her hand on his arm, feeling his suit jacket. If he spoke now, it would be Adam's voice, while he was wearing a suit. Something Adam had teased her about constantly, used as a cruel lever to pull on her emotions and once, (she'd told no one about this not even Michael,) he'd actually worn it as he'd raped her, but she was chained down so she couldn't touch him. Seeming to detect where her thoughts had gone, Josh remained silent. Damn, he was one kind man.
"Please Sir, could you say something?" She managed eventually.
"I can indeed," Adam's voice said. She couldn't stop the slight jolt of fear even though she tried. She knew it would take time. But that was when she felt Josh's arms around her in a tight hug. "I can say don't ever call me Sir again Danielle, and that you'll have a friend for life." He moved then, so she was touching his tie and tie pin. For all intense and purposes in her world, it was Adam in a suit. Josh had Adam's voice, and she obviously couldn't see to tell if they looked different.
"They don't," Aiden said, clearly reading her mind. Damn, how did people do that so easily, let alone people who were almost strangers? Yet, she was coming to love them already, which wasn't really surprising considering they were all united by horrific abuse and violence. "He has Adam's hazel eyes and spikey black hair. But unlike Adam, he also has a beard. Apart from that though they're identical. Or should I say, they were."
"More's the pity," Josh said in disgust, still hugging her. "Sadly I can't change my face or voice, not without a lot of money anyway. But I meant what I said. If I can use my voice to help you in any way, please just ask, ok?" Danielle was mortified then, as Josh lowered his head so she felt his ears. They were identical to Adam's.
"Dr Loomis!" She said in mock fury, turning to the Psychiatrist. "What did you tell them?"
"Ah now Danielle," Dr Loomis said amiably. "I didn't say one word."
"Actually it was me," Chris Leach confessed. She turned to him, shocked. "Really?"
"Yes. I wanted them to know something about you which would help put you at ease. I knew as well as these guys did that you hearing Adam's voice again, albeit from someone who isn't Adam would be difficult for you to deal with, so I wanted to try and do my bit to help."
She was surprised, but appreciated his honesty and that he'd done it all the same. "Well, thanks," she said after a short pause.
"You're welcome."
"Now you're going to ask if I can…" Josh began, before he was whistling a happy little tune. Now Danielle did smile, she couldn't help herself. It seemed Josh could whistle just as well as his brother had once done, accept it also appeared she didn't have to do everything he wanted just to get a one second whistle from him.
"Oh my God," she was truly blushing now. "That… I… thanks."
"So he's in a suit, has 'nice ears' and can whistle," Joanne teased. "Everything you need and like."
Danielle laughed. "Not as nice as Michael's ears," she moved towards Michael and felt his hand on her shoulder. Josh smiled at them. "Yes, Mr. Leach here also told me about you two. I wish you both nothing but the best. I sure wouldn't want to be your enemy, Danielle!"
"Oh, be quiet!" She said it sternly but was smiling a little. "Michael's not here as my protection."
"I know," Josh grinned and touched her arm. "But still, my late brother found out the hard way what happens when you hurt someone Michael Myers cares about."
"Um," Danielle began hesitantly, unsure if she should proceed with this train of thought. "I don't know if I should ask this, I mean after all, he was still your brother and nephew…"
Josh and Aiden scoffed in unison. "No he fucking wasn't," Aiden snarled. "We don't miss him at all Danielle, as we've said he would've killed us next! Please, don't worry about hurting our feelings for the little prick, as there aren't any there to hurt!"
"Well said!" Josh agreed.
"Did…" still, she hesitated. "Did they ever find his head?"
"I stuck it on a tree branch a short way from the property," once again it was Leach who spoke. "So yes, the police found it a little while later. Saved them having to do an autopsy."
"True," Danielle nodded, feeling a little nauseous. "Cause of death kind of… obvious I'd say and I'm no autopsy expert!"
She pulled out her phone and took Josh's, Aiden's and Lisa's phone numbers. If she were in Lisa's shoes, she'd want to copy Michael and text as opposed to speaking, and she was proved right. Once Lisa had her number, she didn't say another word. Lisa then held up a piece of paper and Jack read it aloud.
Mr. Myers, Sir, I can't thank you enough for what you've done, you've saved our lives. I will forever be grateful to you, Sir. Edward won't be out of prison for a long time, I will be long gone by then, only you, Danielle and a few others will know our location.
This time Joanne whispered to Danielle that Michael had just taken Lisa Dawson's hand in his. She sounded close to tears. Dr Loomis must've nodded to Rick and/or jack, because the next thing Danielle heard were Michael's chains being removed. It was then Joanne told her Michael was now holding Lisa Dawson. Now, Danielle too was close to tears. This kind man was really Michael Myers, and she'd played a big part in his transformation?
"The biggest," Dr Loomis murmured, squeezing her hand. Again, he'd known what she was thinking.
Don't call me Sir, please, Mrs. Dawson. My name is Michael.
Don't call me Mrs. Dawson, please, Michael. My name is Lisa.
Danielle smiled as Lisa countered back to Michael, Jack reading all messages. Everyone else chuckled too. Michael continued to hold Lisa in a gentle hug, and Joanne whispered to Danielle she'd rested her head against his shoulder. Following her lead, Danielle walked to Aiden and did the same thing. The older man hugged her close in turn.
"When Dawson does get out of prison," Dr Loomis said. "I personally along with my staff will see you have top security, Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Dawson."
"Thank you," Aiden smiled at the doctor. "From all of us. But please, call us Josh, Aiden and Lisa?" The other two nodded.
"Dr Loomis," Leach said after a few moments of silence, clearly unsure when his cue was to speak. "I'm here to obviously meet these fine people, but I also have a request of you. That iPod, please may I have it back?"
"Flattery will get you nowhere Leach," Aiden muttered, glaring at him. Leach looked abashed. "Sorry, no offence intended, Sir." He turned back to Dr Loomis. "I programmed it, so I want to be the one to get rid of it. That thing's dangerous, and I want no further part of it." So I ask you please to return it to me so I can do just that. I don't want to risk someone else getting hurt by it. It's… it's done enough damage already."
"Ain't that the truth," Danielle muttered before she could stop herself. If it hadn't been for that iPod, Derek Chancer would not have been able to listen to, or report on her to Adam. She would not have needed the sound proofing to her cell either. Leach turned and touched her hand. "I'm so sorry, Danielle. You've been damaged the most by it, and I truly regret this. This is why I want to personally see it is destroyed and discarded. Danielle, Mrs. Dawson, I cannot apologise enough to either of you for the part I played in letting him go as far as he did. I want to do this to show I mean every word I say."
"Can you open the doors please Danielle?" Dr Loomis asked. She did so and he walked out of the room, returning a minute or so later with the iPod. "See that you do Mr. Leach," he said as he handed it over. "Maybe you can programme a real iPod for music next time."
Leach nodded. "Yes Sir, thank you." He took the iPod and pocketed it. "If I can do anything for any of you," he continued. "You have my number Danielle, call me if you need me. Mr. Dawson's, Mrs. Dawson, you are also more than welcome to get it from Danielle. I mean every word I said. I'm so sorry for everything."
Lisa sighed, holding out her hand to Leach. "Just give us time, ok?" Aiden said, also holding out his.
"Of course," Leach nodded, accepting the offered handshakes.
…
The 10 of them had lunch together in the meeting room, Danielle showing her new friends all the buttons and what they did, explaining about her love of gadgets like this. In turn, they asked her questions of their own, about her life before Adam and what she intended to do next. She also told them she had just been adopted and they all applauded.
"You deserve it," Aiden said warmly. "Couldn't have happened to a nicer woman. I'm sorry about your biological parents though."
Danielle snorted. "I'm not! I feel almost the same about them as you guys do about Adam, Mr. Dawson."
"That's enough of that," Aiden said. "It's Aiden, Danielle."
…
Chris Leach approached Michael on the other side of the room. "Mr. Myers?" He said cautiously, as the killer turned to face him. "I also wanted to apologise to you. I really am sorry for what I put Danielle though, and I really appreciate you sparing my life that night, or I wouldn't have been able to do all the things I have done now to change my life around. I know if you hadn't met Danielle you wouldn't have cared if Adam or I were alive or dead at your hand, but as it stands now, I am really grateful to you. You have no idea how close I was to killing Adam one day myself." He looked up as Michael raised a piece of paper.
It doesn't mean I like nor trust you, Mr. Leach. In fact, if Danielle hadn't interceded for you, I would have killed you that night, with no hesitation.
"I know," Leach nodded. "I would've deserved it, too. I wasn't going to try and stop you; I meant what I said in regard to that back then too."
It is your fault Dawson was able to grab her, it is your fault Chancer was able to listen to and report on her to him. It is your fault Danielle's cell had to be modified so heavily to stop this. So why are you even trying to apologise to me? It's Danielle you should be apologising too. She told me you already have, fine. But I certainly will not be so quick to forgive you. Yes you are correct that if I hadn't met and developed… feelings for her the way I have I wouldn't care, but the facts are the facts and they can't be changed. You put her life through hell, you allowed Dawson to get as far as he did, you did all that for money. I would still gladly kill you, Mr. Leach. You would do well to keep that in mind and not come too close to me if we're alone on the street.
Chris Leach nodded. "Understood, Sir."
You say you want to get to know me properly, just because Danielle has forgiven you, it does not mean I have to. Yes I may well have to try eventually for her sake not yours, but that will take time. I have absolutely no desire to speak to, know or even look at you at this moment. Yes you helped us rescue her and I won't deny I was grateful for that, but I am still certain you had an ulterior motive for doing so. Guilty conscience, perhaps?
"Perhaps," Leach nodded. "I just knew Dawson had gone too far."
Which you allowed and did not try to prevent until it was too late. What about Charlotte, Mr. Leach? I am certain you authorised the hit and run too, correct? I would be willing to bet anything you have not told Danielle that part of your role in all this.
Leach looked away. "I think she guessed," he said quietly. "She's far from stupid."
Indeed. This conversation is over, Mr. Leach.
The killer turned away, and Chris Leach walked back to the others. He knew everything Michael had just said was right, he just hoped he could prove to him but most importantly to Danielle, that he'd meant every word he'd said, and still be alive at the end of it.
…
Over the next few days, Josh was as good as his word. It turned out the three of them had booked a hotel near Smith's Grove, precisely for this purpose. He and Adam Hughes worked well together, just as he'd said. Adam with the name, Josh with the voice. Danielle's biggest treatment test came when Adam wrote something down for Josh to read to Danielle. It was just like hearing Adam speaking all over again, which was clearly the point. But Josh constantly whistled and let her touch his ears, plus wore a suit one day to make his point. He was not Adam and never would be. On the few occasions she did slip up and call him 'Sir' as she was hearing Adam's voice, Josh immediately stopped her. It felt so strange to her to hear Adam's voice gently telling her not to call him 'sir,' when she'd heard the very same voice yelling at her for not doing that very thing for years.
Lisa also showed her the computer she used to speak. She wore a little pad on her chest, which she could type into and her message would come out of a small speaker, or she could speak into a little microphone. Without her voice box, she could whisper, but she was very hard to hear. She even aloud Danielle to try it. Danielle was reluctant at first, because she didn't want to make light or fun of Lisa's situation,, considering she had a perfectly working voice box, but Lisa was adamant. She spoke into the tiny microphone and heard her words come back through the speaker, read by the computer. It was weird to say the least.
"Do you have people asking you to repeat yourself a lot?" She asked.
"Sometimes," Lisa said, she had become a lot more comfortable using her voice in front of Danielle, and this really touched Danielle's heart. She couldn't see, Lisa couldn't speak without help. She was sure that was why they'd bonded in this way. Danielle also found that she could almost hear in her head the tone Lisa would've used, if she did have her own voice. "But most of the time people can understand what I'm saying."
"Did you have a choice of voices to choose from?"
Lisa squeezed her hand and Danielle knew she was grinning. "No, sadly not. It's not like I would've chosen a sexy male one!"
"Aw why not? I would have!" The two women laughed.
…
Two days later.
"I don't know what you're talking about Michael," Danielle said as they faced each other across the cell's table. "I haven't even seen him."
Don't lie to me Danielle, I know for a fact you have. You can tell me whatever you like, but I know you are lying to me.
"No, I swear to you I'm not, I haven't and don't want to see him."
Michael stood and approached her, sending another text.
I loved you Danielle, I truly did. But this is a step too far.
She felt his lips lightly brush hers, before the searing pain of the knife slitting her throat.
…
Danielle woke up, desperately trying not to scream. Shit that nightmare had been vivid. She put a hand over her mouth, her heart was hammering. It took her a few seconds to realise Michael was not beside her either. She felt a terrible premonition hit her then. Jesus, was Michael needing the kill? Was that why he wasn't with her and had her nightmare been linked to that? The thought was so terrifying she had to stand up and cross to the desk, and was unsurprised to feel her legs shaking. Reaching it, she poured a glass of water, spilling some in the process. Shit she felt on edge. She could hear Michael's calm breathing from across the desk and almost did scream this time. It was just like her nightmare; except he wasn't accusing her of seeing another man. But it made her even more horribly certain that she was correct, Michael was indeed hearing the call of the kill. Setting down her glass which rattled against the desk top as her hand shook, she headed back to bed. She didn't say a word to Michael, something deep within her telling her this would be a very bad idea. Despite his assurances and promises to her she would forever be safe from him, it was just like before where she could feel his deadly stare upon her, and she wasn't going to risk anything by speaking.
Reaching over, she pressed the call button and immediately Mel was there. Danielle knew she was one of the 'safe people' just as she was. "Mel," she breathed, standing by the unlocked door. "I think…" Mel took one look at Michael, took Danielle's arm and escorted her out immediately. "I'm right aren't I?" Danielle asked once they were almost at the patience canteen.
"I… It looked like it," Mel said. "I'm working overtime today, which means Jack, Rick and Joanne are in. Let me just… oh hi, Joanne."
"Are you two ok?" Joanne asked and just those four kind words from someone she trusted like a mother made Danielle almost weak with relief. "Michael's, you know," she said. Joanne took her other arm with a soft, "ah. Go on Mel, tell Dr Loomis. Danielle and I have got this."
Mel nodded and disappeared, walking pretty fast. "Is she worried?" Danielle asked her friend and guard. "She's not hanging around."
"I think we just can't take chances," Joanne said, squeezing her arm. "But he promised us that Mel, you, I, Rick and Jack are safe, as are the two doctors. I think Dr Loomis will send those two men in to him this morning for obvious reasons."
"I had a nightmare this morning," Danielle said as they sat down. "Michael was accusing me of being with another man. He kissed me and then slit my throat. That was literally just before I woke up. What the hell brought that on? I'm wondering now if it was some kind of… premonition, as stupid as that sounds." She was surprised when Joanne didn't answer immediately, and realised she was giving it some serious thought.
"Possibly," she said eventually. "Very possible."
"You really think so? It felt just as it did that night before Halloween, when he looked at me and I knew he was needing the kill. Remember? When Nurse Hathaway talked to me."
Joanne nodded. "I do."
"Before you say it, I know I probably would've been safe to reach out to him, but when Michael Myers is looking at you like that…" she shivered.
"I get it, believe me, I get it."
"I can't even see it and it's fucking terrifying," Danielle almost whispered. "Fuck! It must be a million times worse if you can see that stare!"
Joanne squeezed her arm. "It is," she said bluntly. "Come on you, let's go and sit by the waterfall, shall we?"
…
Dr Loomis didn't even hesitate when Mel passed on Danielle's message. If anyone would know by now, it was her. "Rick, Jack," he called over the two guards. "Danielle strongly believes Michael is needing to kill this morning, but he has assured you two that you are both safe from him. Please can you go in and escort him out? I will trust you to use your experience and judgement. Be careful."
Rick and Jack looked at each other but nodded. Now, they were truly trusting Michael Myers' promise of safety. "You are good men both," Dr Loomis murmured, touching their shoulders. "Michael likes and trusts you, Rick he saved your life, he's hardly going to take it from you after that is he? Jack, you were there when everything with Dawson went down, Michael trusts you too. Remember that."
The two guards walked to the unlocked cell and entered. Myers was now standing by the far wall, and before they even walked in they felt his ice cold gaze upon them. Rick took the lead. Dr Loomis was right, after chancer, would Michael really attack him? Also the way they'd recently talked in the exercise yard, when Michael had promised him yet again he was safe? "Hey pal," he murmured. "You ok?" Michael's cold gaze didn't leave Rick's face. Jesus! Rick thought. If he hadn't promised me I'm safe, I'd be running for the door right now! Glancing at Jack, he was sure his friend and colleague was thinking the exact same thing.
Michael turned to face him and Rick almost ran right there. The temperature in the room felt as though it had just dropped by several degrees. Tentatively, Rick laid his hand on Michael's arm. He knew it was probably a stupid thing to say as Michael would not communicate when needing a kill, but he did anyway, just in case. "I'm your friend, do you want to talk?"
Michael just looked at him, his breathing calm and measured, he didn't move. Jack stepped to Rick's other side. "Hey man," he said, also keeping his voice soft. "Danielle's worried about you."
Rick didn't know if he was mad or stupid, but he stepped in front of Myers and very gently grasped the locket around the killer's neck, opening it to reveal Danielle's picture. While she had one of them as a couple, Michael had specifically asked for one of just her, Mel had told him and now Rick understood why. The killer's eyes flicked to the picture, then back up to Rick's face. There was no change at all in his expression.
"She needs you," Jack said quietly. "She knew you were… are needing a kill, she's worried about you, that's all. She wants to see you."
Michael didn't move, but neither did he resist as Rick and Jack shackled him. Jack the ankles and Rick the arms. All the while, the killer dubbed as 'The Shape' didn't look away from either man. Jack finally understood why he had that nickname, as well as the 'boogeyman.' Some had even called him 'death' himself. Yet, he'd promised both him and Rick they were safe… but when he was looking at them the way he currently was, it sure didn't feel like it…
"Come on pal," Rick gently pulled on the chains and Michael followed him. They were using the system Jack had shown Danielle, Rick was holding a bar far enough out of Michael's reach. Jack glanced at him and saw the sadness in his colleague's eyes that it had come to this. "It won't last," he said in Rick's ear. "A certain someone knows how to calm him." Rick tried to smile but couldn't, so he just nodded.
When they headed out into the exercise yard, they saw Dr Loomis and Danielle standing there. Danielle was standing well back as she held the doctor's arm, and Rick felt a jolt of sympathy for her. She loved Michael, but right now she was seeing his dangerous side. Rick pulled gently on the chains, a request, not a use of force and he and Jack led Michael over to his yellow warning line, then across it, chaining him to his concrete block.
Danielle felt a flash of panic. She didn't want to stay out here alone, not knowing whether it was safe to approach her own partner and also with no knowledge of the way back in. Joanne guided her over to the bench Rick had previously sat on and she slumped onto it, letting out a long breath. She suddenly felt very close to tears.
"It's ok sweetheart," Rick said, sitting down next to her. "I'm staying right here with you." He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her. She could feel his handcuffs against her cheek. She couldn't help it after his kind gesture and began to cry quietly.
"Shh," it's alright," Rick soothed. "I'm here."
Joanne ran inside and came back a minute or so later with a box of tissues which she handed to Danielle. "Dr Loomis is organising a hot chocolate for you," she murmured. "He'll bring it out in just a minute."
Dr Loomis was true to his word. It was less than five minutes later when he himself arrived, handing Danielle a steaming hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and a coffee for Rick.
"Come on then," Jack said. "Danielle and Rick have got this under control Joe." She smiled at him and nodded.
"Danielle, if you need me, ask Rick to borrow his radio, she hugged her too. "Jack and I are going back into the block, but Rick and you stay here as long as you need, ok?"
"Well said," Dr Loomis smiled.
"Got it," they said together, as Joanne and Jack walked inside.