Chapter 70, too dangerous to love

…

Detective Ray Peters sat in his office on the eighth floor of the Haddonfield PD Headquarters, gazing out of the window. Usually of a morning he enjoyed doing this before starting his work in earnest, watching all the besuited men and women with their briefcases, newspapers and coffees hurrying towards their offices for another long and tiring work day. This morning however, Peters' eyes were not taking in a single thing. The Email from his boss blinked on his computer screen, feeling more like an accusing eye than a simple digital message.

Peters rubbed a hand across his forehead before standing, removing his suit jacket and tie and placing them on the back of his chair with the tie in his jacket pocket. He then reached into his bag and pulled out his flask, looking again at his engraved initials and thinking fondly of his family.

His wife had asked him just the night before if everything was ok, stating he looked too tired and needed more rest. He smiled lovingly now thinking about Karen. They'd been childhood sweethearts, as cliché as that phrase was, in their case it was the truth. They'd married at 18. He'd kissed her, assured her he was fine and had then insisted it was his turn to cook that night for them and their children.

The truth was, he'd known for a long time this Email was show up in his inbox, it had just been a matter of when. Well now, here it was. The Adam Dawson murder case. Since they had apprehended three of the misogynists who'd held Danielle Hayward prisoner and inflicted horrific assaults on her both mentally and physically. It made him feel sick just to think about it.

Surprisingly though, to him at least, two of the men had sung like birds. He just wished he knew why. They'd been interrogated for hours, finally being asked if they'd killed Dawson. They'd emphatically denied it, but neither had they given up who had. When asked if they were scared of someone they'd denied that too, but apparently had looked terrified even as they shook their heads.

This had the PD puzzled. Who on earth could they be so scared of that they were terrified to talk? The killer? Another member had also been killed, which was why Peters had asked Rickets to speak to Culshaw a month or so back. Ashley Griffin. They still had no location for his family, and Peters was starting to think it might be a hopeless and fruitless effort. It just didn't sit right with him, even if the man had been a complete piece of shit, not to at least to do all he could to tell his family he was deceased.

That also begged the question of how that had even happened? His throat had been viciously slit from ear to ear, that had been the cause of death. There were no further stab wounds or any other injuries found during his autopsy. So whoever had done it had done so quickly, not hanging around. Were they in a hurry for some reason? Had the cops been closing in and they'd just missed Adam and Ashley's actual killer? Now though, reading the Email on his screen, it all started to make sense, just as his hands had started to shake.

Ray/James,

I'm sure you are aware by now of the story which was told to our deputies who attended Benjamin Stokes' house the day Adam Dawson and Ashely Griffin were murdered. It was Michael Myers who was responsible. I know, I didn't believe it either, until I spoke to Dr Samuel Loomis himself, who has been Myers' doctor for the last thirty something years. Apparently Myers escaped Smith's Grove hospital and stole a car to get down to Haddonfield. He then killed Griffin and Dawson. As to why, we don't yet know. Nor how he knew where Dawson was, or why he even cared enough to commit those two particular kills.

Given how savage Dawson's death was with his head cut off, Myers must have had a reason for killing Dawson in this way. Plus, why was Griffin's throat slit, yet none of the other three were harmed?

So this is what I need you to do. I spoke again to Dr Loomis just last evening, and he finally agreed. You remember I told you I was speaking to him, but didn't wish to disclose why at that point? Well, I am now.

I need you to go into Smith's Grove, but not undercover and speak to both Miss Hayward and Mr. Myers. Dr Loomis has assured me that all safety and security measures will be taken very seriously, but this has to be done. We need to know if he definitely did kill Dawson and Griffin. That way, we can close our case. Dr Loomis has authorised the visit for tomorrow, you will meet at 7AM in this building's reception before driving up in a marked police vehicle. Any questions, you know where I am.

Good luck.

SGT. Hawkins.

Just as Peters finished reading the Email for what felt like the hundredth time but must surely have been only the third, there was a perfunctory knock on the door before it flew open. "He's got to be kidding," James Rickets said without preamble, stepping into the room. He was as white as a sheet. "Please Sir, tell me he's kidding?"

Usually Peters would've reprimanded anyone below his rank for entering without his permission, but now he just sighed and gestured for Rickets to close the door and take a seat. He couldn't deny he'd grown a lot of respect for Rickets since the Kevin Wheeler stunt.

"Sadly," Peters said wearily once James had sat down, "he's not. Have you ever known SGT. Hawkins to crack a joke?"

"Well no," Rickets admitted. "Wasn't he a deputy back then and the one who arrested Michael Myers in 1978? So clearly he's got a bee in his bonnet about this guy! Probably pissed off he escaped again! But… but this is fucking insane! How can he expect us to go up there and try and interview that… psychopathic killer? He's out of his fucking mind! If he's so confident it'll work, why doesn't he go up there his fucking self and do it?"

"I agree," Peters nodded. "I can't pretend to you I don't. But he's our boss, he's able to delegate… less than pleasant tasks to us, it's our job."

"But Michael fucking Myers?" James lowered his voice but sounded as if he was struggling to get the words out. "That's… literal suicide!"

"I happen to trust Samuel Loomis," Peters said softly. "A hell of a lot more than I do SGT. Hawkins actually if truth be told, that's between you and I of course. So if he says our safety will be top priority, then I'm inclined to believe him."

"I…" Rickets stammered. "I can't do it, Sir!"

Peters sat beside him and again laid a hand on his shoulder. "You said very similar with Wheeler," he said gently. "Then look how well you pulled that off!"

"But… but… this is Michael Myers! He scares the shit out of me!"

"That's no crime either, he scares a lot of people. Me included, again if truth be told. I no more want to do this than you do James, but we have our orders. It's this or get fired from the Haddonfield PD."

"Right now the second option is tempting," Rickets said. "Does he want us dead too?"

Peters smiled humourlessly. "I think it's more he's of the opinion that we can pull it off. After what you did with Wheeler, I believe it too. On that same note, I want to apologise for my constant addressing you as 'Junior' before the Wheeler thing. That was wrong of me. You are a much better and braver officer than I ever gave you credit for."

Rickets scoffed. "Don't try and flatter me into doing this Sir, because it won't work."

Peters looked back at him; his expression totally serious. "There's no flattery here James, that was a genuine apology. To tell you the truth, you have greatly owned my respect since the Wheeler thing. I don't doubt your courage or determination to bring justice to victims."

"Ok, thank you Sir, apology accepted. So what," Rickets laughed but without humour. "We're supposed to go up there and arrest Michael Myers? You can apply the handcuffs then!"

Peters grinned a little at that. "No, Michael Myers isn't going anywhere, we don't need to arrest him, we just need to know if he committed that kill."

"So… what? Is Hawkins… apologies, SGT. Hawkins, expecting Myers to give us a full and honest admission? The guy hasn't spoken for over 30 years for Christ's sake!"

Peters sighed. "I think he just wants to…"

"Tick a box," Rickets glared at the wall. "I'm telling you; he should go up and interview Myers himself!" He took a deep breath, then looked back at his boss. "Ok Sir, when are we going down there to line up for execution? Also, your apology, was that just in case we don't make it back alive tomorrow night?"

…

Danielle and Rick sat on the bench next to Michael's yellow warning line in silence, neither knowing what to say, if there was indeed anything that could be said. Michael hadn't moved at all and was standing with his back to them, perfectly still. Rick was privately thankful for this. Friends they might be, but the last thing he wanted was that cold, blank gaze fixed on him, which usually foretold the seers imminent death. Although he didn't know it, Danielle was thinking the exact same thing, and was thanking anyone who could hear that she couldn't see it. She remembered how she'd felt it, and that had been terrifying enough. After a few moments, Danielle slowly stood up. Rick joined her, but did not try to stop her. "We're safe Rick," she said quietly. "He promised."

Rick swallowed but nodded, following her as Danielle used her cane to step over Michael's yellow warning line. She felt a huge sense of déjà vu as she did so, remembering the very first time she'd done this. That time, Michael would've killed her without a second thought, or so she'd believed. Yet instead, he'd held her hand and the rest as they say, was history. Seeming to detect what she was thinking about, Rick smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. She stopped when her cane hit Michael's concrete block. He made no move to turn towards her and she didn't even hear his chains clink slightly. She shivered inwardly. How could someone stand so still?

"You ok?" Rick murmured to her, clearly having seen something on her face. She nodded. "Yeah, it's just…" she didn't finish her sentence because she wasn't sure which words to use, but she could tell by his touch to her arm he understood completely.

A few moments later, Dr Loomis came out and placed a cup of coffee on Michael's concrete block. It was what was known as a secure cup, because the lid could not come off and there was only a small hole to drink it from, thereby making it much harder to use as a weapon. The killer didn't even acknowledge him.

"Have you seen Mr. Hughes yet this morning?" Danielle asked Dr Loomis quietly. She still could not use his name freely, but knew she was making progress.

"Not yet," Dr Loomis said. "But it's only half past seven and he normally comes in at nine." Danielle nodded to him. "Josh and Aiden will be in then too," Dr Loomis continued. "How is that going? Josh using his voice to help you?"

Danielle let out a shaky breath. "It's… challenging," she said eventually. "It's like Adam's standing right there again, how he was at the beginning when he was pretending to be kind to me. Although he never spoke as quietly and gently as Josh does. Aiden genuinely seems like a good guy too. Too bad his brother and other nephew were such evil men. If it wasn't for what's happened for me now, I'd almost wish I'd met Josh first."

Dr Loomis touched her shoulder and then squeezed it. "I understand," he murmured. "Totally."

"As for Lisa," Danielle continued. "She's a sweetheart. I'm so glad I met her, and not just because we've both been through the same hell and back. We now both have men who care about us." Even if one of them is a killer. "So we're both starting to know what love is again."

"Indeed," Dr Loomis smiled. "She won't be coming in today though; she's not feeling too good."

"Give her my best and hope she gets better soon?"

"You got it."

"Morning all," said the voice they were just talking about, as Adam Hughes appeared the other side of Michael's line. Instantly, Rick stepped back to make sure he came no closer. He, Danielle, Jack and Joanne might be safe, but Michael had made no promises regarding the DV worker.

"Hi Mr. Hughes," Danielle smiled at him, trying to keep her tone normal. But it was what Hughes said next which confirmed to her that he knew the potential danger he could be in if he came any closer. "I'll meet you inside when you're ready, ok?"

"Mr. Hughes," Danielle called to him and he turned back. "Can you ask Joanne to come back out here, please?"

"I'm right here," Joanne's voice said, as she did step over the line to Danielle's side. "You ok?"

"What do you think," Danielle murmured. "I'm on edge, nervous and yes, scared. But I have to be here for him. God knows he's been there for me often enough! I knew who he is when I fell in love with him, and my feelings will and have not changed."

"Of course not," Joanne murmured back. "He's still your partner, like you say."

Danielle had no idea what changed, but very suddenly Jack was running towards them as fast as he could, as Rick gently but firmly pushed Danielle back a little. Joanne immediately took her arm but didn't make to move her away from Michael, for which she was grateful. What the hell had happened? She got her answer a few seconds later, when she heard Josh's… Adam's voice.

"Hey Danielle, Michael, everyone."

God, he sounded just like Adam and Danielle could not stop herself shivering. Jack had confided to her recently that he was indeed Adam's spitting image. Two further guards ran over to ensure Josh did not step over Michael's line, neither did Hughes.

HE'S NOT Adam, Danielle shouted to herself again and again. HE'S NOT Adam…

Dr Loomis had told her that Josh hadn't worn a suit and tie since the first day she'd met him, for which she was extremely grateful. That first time had been hard enough.

No one was prepared for what happened next. Not the guards, Dr Loomis or Danielle. Josh turned to Hughes and spoke again. "Hey Adam, ready when you are pal," before they headed inside.

That was when Michael made his move. He turned so fast that no one saw him actually do it. Danielle was not expecting it anymore than the rest were, so she didn't move. That was her mistake. Because next moment, she felt the hands close around her throat and start to squeeze.

MICHAEL'S GOING TO KILL ME…

The hands of the man who'd held, kissed comforted her, touched her in their most intimate moments, who's ears she'd touched so many times were now around her throat, cutting off her air.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Jack shouted. "HE PROMISED US! NOT DANIELLE, NOT DANIELLE!"

Through her fast fading oxygen supply, Danielle thought fast. Hearing Adam's voice through Josh must've tipped him over the edge, and she was closest. Michael wasn't thinking and she knew when he realised he'd be devastated by his actions. Knowing she had only a few seconds left before she started fading, she reached up and did the most unlikely thing, something no one outside their little circle would understand or expect. She gently pulled both of his ears.

Like a spring being released, Michael released her throat immediately. Her plan had worked. She staggered back against his concrete block, gasping for air and putting both hands to her neck, which she knew would bruise.

"Breathe Danielle," Rick murmured, catching her in his arms as she staggered. "Breathe, just breathe! If you think you're going to faint, it's ok I've got you."

"WATER!" Joanne shouted at one of the guards who handed a bottle over to Rick immediately, the guard tipping some onto Danielle's forehead, as unconsciousness threatened to pull her down. It didn't escape Danielle that Michael himself had done exactly this for Rick just months ago, now he was the cause of her suffering the same thing. Still in Rick's arms, she slumped to her knees against Michael's concrete block and lowered her head. Jack however was looking at the killer who'd turned to look at Dr Loomis, and the doctor had never once seen what he was seeing on his patient's face now before. Michael Myers was white, his eyes wide with shock, disbelief and guilt. Dr Loomis approached him and lightly touched his arm. "She's ok," he whispered in Michael's ear. "She'll be fine."

After a moment, Danielle shakily took the water bottle from Rick, and took a few sips of the ice cold liquid. It stung her throat, but also soothed the burning sensation which was filling it. She made to step towards Joanne, when she felt Michael grab her collar and pull her almost violently to him. She didn't stop him. That was when she felt something hit her cheek, and for a second thought it was raining. It was only when Dr Loomis murmured, "it's ok," that she realised exactly what it was, and her heart surged with love, but also shock. Because what had hit her cheek, was a tear from the eye of Michael Myers. She still didn't trust her voice to work, so she rested her hand on his arm, trying to show she understood. That was when she, the three guards and Dr Loomis heard the soft male voice which spoke five words and it was far from steady, it was shaking.

"I'm so, so sorry, Danielle."

She took his cuffed hand and squeezed it lightly, hoping he understood she was trying to tell him it was ok.

"Was it hearing Josh's voice?" Dr Loomis asked softly. "What's made you need to kill?"

Michael glared at his concrete block. After a few moments he released Danielle, and raised a piece of paper and pencil Dr Loomis passed him. Dr Loomis knew Michael had written Danielle a letter before, but this one was the hardest he would have to read to her. His heart broke for her, she wasn't going to like at all what she was about to hear.

"Danielle, I'm so, so sorry for what almost happened. There are several reasons I'm feeling such rage, but you should never, ever have been the recipient of it, even for a second.

Because of this, I can't allow our relationship to continue. I'm too dangerous to love. Meaning I am too dangerous to be loved by you. I will always love you, but I cannot let you be in that danger again. If it happened once, how is there no risk of it happening again? As you once said to me, you will always have a friend for life, someone to talk to, you can fiddle with my ears as much as you like always, but I can not allow you to love me, we can't stay together. The guilt is ripping me apart.

Just remember, I'm always here for you, always. But I can't let our relationship go on after this. I really, really hope you can understand with time.

I will always love you, but I can't take the risk again. You've already gone through enough violence, and now I'm inflicting more? I'm no better than Dawson. Someday you'll find someone who is not dangerous and can love you far better than I can, without any risk of violence. I will still stay with you while you're here if you want me to and I will always be contactable when you leave, but we cannot continue as lovers. I cannot risk your precious life again. I will always be exceptionally grateful for everything you have done for me, everything you have shown me, taught me. The kindness you have shown me, in spite of who I am, and the dangers of this exact thing.

I wish you nothing but the best, and I always will.

With all my love, M."