Chapter 71, Beyond the call of duty

…

Danielle sat in her cell about half an hour later, trying to process her feelings. In spite of the shock, disbelief and hurt, she also could not deny that she felt very sad for Michael. It must have been the worst feeling in his life when he realised he'd almost killed her, just as she'd known it would be. But she was not ready to accept the relationship was over, no way in hell! So while she was hurt by Michael's words, she also understood them to some degree, although that didn't mean what so ever she agreed with or liked them. She would sure have something to say to him when they did talk.

Joanne was sitting beside her, her hand resting on Danielle's arm to show she hadn't moved. Neither woman had spoken since they'd entered the cell, and Danielle was really grateful for this. Joanne was waiting for her to speak only when she was ready to. "The worst thing about all this is I kind of understand," she said finally, her voice quiet, as talking normally was way too painful just then. "I can see exactly where Michael's coming from. But damn it, he's not Adam! He talks about inflicting more violence on me, Adam enjoyed inflicting violence, Michael feels terrible about it, that's the difference, huge difference."

"I know," Joanne murmured. "I can tell you now he was white in the face after he realised and that was his tear you felt hit your cheek."

"Yeah I guessed that," she nodded. "I feel bad for Dr Loomis as well having to read that out."

"Yeah, he didn't look happy about it. But would you rather he'd lied about what it said?"

"Oh no, I appreciate he didn't. I just feel sorry for him having to read that." That was when the wave of tears hit her. Before she could help herself, she was crying, hard. Joanne immediately put her arms around her and pulled her into a hug, just as she had done before. Murmuring soothing words she gently rubbed her back. "Men are idiots," she said and Danielle managed a tiny laugh. "Maybe Michael didn't mean it, he was just upset."

"No, I know he did," Danielle sobbed. "That letter made too much sense to have been written in cold blood so to speak. But damn it! I want him to understand that I don't care! He didn't mean to do it; I was just closest. I love him, get it? He can't leave me at the first hurdle!"

"If that's how you feel, then you should tell him. There's no crime in doing so. It might not change his mind, but at least he'll know how you feel."

Danielle dissolved into tears again, and Joanne resumed rubbing her back. "Shh. Do you want me to call Dr Stark, sweetheart?"

"No," Danielle just managed when she could speak again. "I know she's on leave today and as I'm now voluntary I don't want to run to her every time there's a problem, I have to deal with it myself! I know there's no shame in talking to her, but I'll wait until she's back in to do that if I need to."

"Ok, but Dr Loomis told me to tell you he's more than happy to talk to you if you want to."

"I'm in no fit state right now," Danielle said, unable to stop crying. "Look at me, I'm a mess!"

"There's no shame in crying," Joanne said sternly. "Let me guess, that piece of shit told you not to cry, right? I think you mentioned that before. He's a cruel… sorry, he was a cruel bastard! Now he's a beheaded cruel bastard!"

This time Danielle's laugh was a little more genuine. "Fair point," she sniffled. After a moment, she asked the question she was afraid of asking, because she knew she'd feel her heart break again then and there. "Where is Michael?"

"I think he's talking it through as well, or writing it. I'm not sure to who though. Probably Rick or Jack."

Danielle nodded. "That makes sense. Joanne, please can I have a hot chocolate?"

"Of course you can! Coming right up. Who needs a man, just drink hot chocolate!" Again, Danielle managed to chuckle. Joanne headed to the door.

"Do you mind coming back with it? I… I don't want to be alone right now."

"Of course, I was already planning on it. Give me two ticks." She was gone.

Danielle leant against the soft wall, the very one against which Michael had once kissed her hungrily. Damn, memories of him were all over this room. She appreciated his promise she would have a friend for life, but damn it she didn't want him as just a friend! He was her best friend, the man she loved, and Danielle Avery decided right then she wasn't going to let him go without a damn good fight. When Joanne returned with her hot chocolate including whipped cream and marshmallows even chocolate buttons on top, Danielle took a sip of it. Even now she couldn't resist a soft "yum" of pleasure as the warm liquid soothed her throat, which made Joanne chuckle. Then, standing, Danielle walked to the door and pulled it closed, putting up the soundproof screen from the control panel by the bed. Sitting down next to Joanne, (they were sitting on the bed not the double seat that would've been too painful and they both knew it,) Danielle started talking through her plan to get Michael Myers back at her side as the love of her life.

…

"Adam?"

Adam Hughes turned at the sound of his name and saw Dr Loomis walking towards him, Josh at his side. He'd told both of them most of what had just happened and they had been horrified, but he assured them Danielle was ok as was Michael, just very upset. He did not tell them about the letter Michael had written to Danielle, that was theirs to tell, not his.

"Hello Dr Loomis, how can I help you?"

"Michael wishes to talk to you."

"Michael does?" Hughes was surprised. He hadn't expected Michael to ever ask to speak to him. Sure he'd thanked him for helping Danielle, but Hughes had got the distinct impression the killer still didn't trust him.

"Yes," Dr Loomis smiled a little. "Now if you're not willing to do it right now I'll more than understand, but we will put glass between you and…"

"Ok let me stop you there Doc," Adam smiled at the Psychiatrist. "I have no problem talking to him if that's what he wants, no need for glass. From what you're saying, he truly regrets it."

"Oh yes," Dr Loomis confirmed. "He couldn't have made that up, he was white as a sheet. Michael Myers is not an actor."

Adam chuckled. "So based on that I'm sure I'm safe. Where is he?"

Dr Loomis hesitated for a moment before replying. "He's in one of the offices. But Adam, I'm seriously tempted to have some kind of security considering…" he stopped as Adam gave him a 'don't,' look.

"Listen, I'm a DV worker. If there is security while talking to me it'll hardly make Michael trust me, will it? I know those offices have panic buttons, I'll be fine doc. Please don't, I want to help Michael, I really do."

The doctor sighed. "Ok, I take your point. But I am going to handcuff him, ok? No leg shackles, no glass, just handcuffs."

"That's fine," Adam nodded. Dr Loomis could tell Hughes didn't like it, but he could not leave Michael with the DV worker alone without at least cuffs and keep a clear conscience.

They entered the office where Michael was sitting at the table, a secure cup of coffee in front of him. He hardly looked up as the two men entered. Dr Loomis had asked Rick for his handcuffs and now he gently cuffed Michael, and the killer made no attempt to resist.

"Are they too tight?" Dr Loomis murmured. Michael couldn't look at him and Loomis felt his heart crack. "Michael?" He received an ever so slight shake of the head in response, and squeezed his patient's shoulder. "Ok." He left, closing the door behind him, but not locking it. Adam sat down across from the killer with his own coffee. "Are you ok?" He asked.

Michael's eyes rested on his face, and Hughes was shocked, though he tried to hide it. Michael's gaze was not cold, intense as it had been before. Now, it was shocked, disbelieving, agonised. Adam felt his own sympathy rising. He couldn't stop himself when he reached over and laid a hand on Michael's cuffed arm. "Danielle's ok," he said softly. "She'll be fine. She's just upset, and she misses you."

Michael scoffed and his eyes narrowed in a glare. "No I'm serious," Adam said, still not removing his hand from Michael's arm. "She does. She wants you to be beside her."

Michael looked at him sceptically, then raised a piece of paper.

She told you that?

"Not in so many words, but it's obvious just from looking at her. You asked to talk to me, I'm here to listen.

Have you been told what happened?

"Between you two? Yes. That's why I told you she's fine, just a bit shocked.

I bet she hates me, right?

Adam actually laughed; he couldn't help it. "Hell no! Michael, she wants you beside her right now, she's in floods of tears! Dr Loomis told me. Joanne's with her now trying to comfort her. She's not crying because of what happened, she's crying because you're not with her."

You don't know the whole story do you?

"Is there more to it?" Michael scoffed again.

You could say that! I ended our relationship because of this! I can't let her love me if I've tried to kill her! She was just closest to me and…

Adam didn't press him, just waited as Michael slammed his hand down on the desk so hard it shook. Adam didn't flinch, and a few seconds later the door opened slightly and Rick looked in. Michael gestured to him and the guard came in and sat down beside Adam. Adam couldn't deny he felt gratitude for Rick, the guard would've protected him if he'd had to. But Adam hadn't flinched because he didn't think Michael would hurt him at all.

"What made you need to kill?" Adam asked very quietly. "What brought it on?"

Michael slammed the table again, almost knocking over the coffee cups. Rick moved to his side and actually put an arm around his shoulders. Normally a patient would've been reprimanded for signs of violence like hitting a table, but Rick felt nothing but sympathy and would never have even dreamed of doing that. The first thing Danielle had done was beg Dr Loomis not to put Michael in solitary, and she'd almost knelt at his feet. He'd pulled her into a hug to stop her.

"Don't, Danielle," he'd said, hugging her and lowering his head so her hands were on his ears. "Feel my 'nice' ears instead. Of course I won't put him in solitary, it's ok." Dr Loomis was a good man.

"Can you tell me that?" Adam murmured. "What made you so angry?"

Michael made to hit the table for a third time, and Rick gently restrained him by holding his cuffed arms. Michael didn't try to struggle, he just slumped back and sighed.

Dawson! I don't trust him!

"Josh?" Adam asked.

The very same. He has Dawson's voice and he damn well knows it! I don't trust him not to use it to hurt her further. Yes she may not be my partner anymore, but I deeply, deeply care about her, and he could do so much damage so easily! It's him I wouldn't hesitate to kill if he tried a single thing. So I heard his voice and it just… I snapped.

"Thank you for telling me that," Adam said. "I appreciate it. But you could've argued so could I have, with my name. Josh has his voice; I have his name. Yet I haven't done."

Why do you think I didn't trust you? But when I saw Danielle really starting to, I did the same. You are a trained Domestic Violence worker; this is your job.

"Which I also appreciate, thanks. So by that same token, Dawson won't harm her either."

How can you be so sure?

"Just because he's Adam's brother, doesn't mean he's like him. Is that why you think he might?"

Damn it, no! It's his voice! He sounds and looks, although Danielle wouldn't know that of course, just like Adam! Yes ok you could've done damage with your name, but he could and might do considerably worse having Adam's voice! Don't you understand?

"Of course I do," Adam nodded. "But I really don't think he will. Listen, Josh and I have worked really well together, and Danielle's made huge progress since we started working with her as a duo. She was doing well before, but Josh having Adam's voice has helped enormously."

She did say that.

"That she was making good progress?" Michael nodded. "There you go then, why would she make that up?"

I'm not saying she made it up, damn it! I'm saying that he could just be waiting to make his move and then hurt her really, really badly! As I say she's not my partner anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't want to protect her!

"You want what I truthfully think, Michael?" The killer nodded again. "I think you are the one who could do the most damage by doing as you have and ending the relationship. She adores you we all can see that. You ending it because of this could do way more damage than Josh Dawson ever could." He looked up and saw Rick nodding to him in agreement. Michael saw it too.

You're both crazy!

"Michael," It was Rick who spoke now. "She loves you, my man. You have helped her through so much since she's been here, and let's not forget," he lowered his voice. "You also killed Adam Dawson, not to mention two others who did things against her. You ending your relationship could do so much more damage than anything else." Michael sighed again.

I can't let her love me; I almost killed her. She deserves much better than that!

"That's what you think," Adam said. "But have you asked her if that's how she feels? Again just being honest Michael, you are almost… I said almost, doing as Adam did. You are taking the decision away from her whether she can love you or not." Rick was nodding for a second time. "I know you don't want to hear this," Adam continued. "But that's how I see it. You haven't even spoken to Danielle about it? You just ended the relationship?"

With a sigh, Michael produced the letter Dr Loomis had read to Danielle and handed it to Adam. There was silence as the DV worker read it. "Yep," he said finally. "That's exactly what you're doing. You should talk to her at least."

Even if she says she still loves me, I can't let that change anything! I can't! Like I've said, hasn't she had enough violence already?

"But isn't that her choice to make?" Adam murmured. "Or at least discuss with you? You're taking every decision away from her, without even giving her a chance to say her piece to you."

There was a long silence, but neither of the two men broke it, waiting. The killer's face was its usual blank, but they were sure he was thinking over Adam's words. Finally, he glared at both of them. Damn you.

Rick and Adam chuckled. "Is it hard when you know we're right?" Rick said. Now Michael reached over and lightly slapped Rick's arm, his cuffs clinking slightly.

So what, exactly, are you suggesting? That I go back to her and say I'll be with you if you really want, but I don't think it's a good idea?

"No," Adam shook his head. "You say you are apprehensive about continuing the relationship, that you still love her deeply, but after what happened you are afraid. That's the real emotion here Michael and we all know it! There is absolutely no shame in fear, even for Michael Myers! I'm sure Danielle knows that too. She's very sharp. You ask her what she thinks, how she feels about it."

So you're honestly telling me that you think I should let her be with a killer who almost took her life?

"Michael," Rick said. "I was there, remember? She wasn't even unconscious. I don't really think you would've been able to kill her if it came to it. She was just the closest one in reach. It could've been me, Joanne, Adam, any of us and the same thing would've happened."

That's not the point, I still attacked her.

"Ok," Rick nodded. "I'll give you that. But if Danielle says she still wants to be yours, I don't think you have the right to take that away from her, at least not without discussing it. It's not like you've had a row or something, maybe then I'd understand if you were angry, but this is totally different. If you love her as deeply as you say and we've all seen you do, then you can't sit here and tell us you don't want to be with her."

Damn it, you are correct.

"I know," Rick said, but with no sign of smugness or teasing. "So go with it, Michael. She loves you; you love her. Ok this is rather… different to other relationship issues, but if you truly love each other you'll get through it. Plus, like I know Adam here would say, it's not like your planning on doing it again, are you? It's not like it's an abuse cycle or something?"

No damn chance in hell.

"Exactly," Rick smiled at him now. "So don't let her get away, Mr. Myers."

Adam smiled at him. "You should consider a career as a DV worker Rick, that was a good argument." Rick grinned. "I'm just curious," Adam said after a moment, "as I wasn't there. What exactly did she do which made you release her? Or did you just realise it was her and let go?" Now Rick was sure he heard Michael chuckle a little, as did he.

What do you think? She pulled both of my ears.

Adam burst out laughing. "Sorry," he said when he could speak. "But of course she did. Good old Danielle," he said affectionately. "What else would she do to make you realise it was her? That's awesome! I love it!" Finally, he saw Michael giving him a very small smile.

"May I suggest you speak to Josh?" Adam said quietly after a few moments of silence while drinking their coffees. Both the other two men looked around at him in surprise.

"No I'm serious," Adam continued. "It was so damn obvious you didn't trust me when you first met me, I'll never forget how cold your gaze was on me when we sat in the canteen that first night just before Ryan got hurt. I could almost hear you shouting KILL! But like you yourself said, Josh could do a lot more damage having the same voice as Adam, but just because he's his twin brother, doesn't mean he's anything like him. He's even working with Danielle and I to try and prove this to everyone. He's devastated by what Adam did. Also, look at their mother! She's got an artificial voice because of Domestic Violence for Christ's sake! Don't you think that family have been through enough? I honestly think you should give him a chance. I completely get why hearing Adam's voice might have made you snap, but he's, not, Adam!"

"He's got a point," Rick said after a second.

"We can stay here with you but I really think you should talk to him," Adam continued. "At least give him the chance he deserves. Ok if he ever did do anything to Danielle, I don't think anyone here would try too hard to stop you attacking him. But he hasn't, and I don't believe he will. Yes he looks and sounds identical to Adam, he would, they were twin brothers! But I say again, he's not Adam! Please, just humour me?"

Very slowly, Michael glanced over at Rick. The guard and his friend looked straight back, then nodded to him.

Fine. Where is he?

The two men read Michael's reply, before Adam stood up and left the office.

…

"How are you doing?"

Danielle looked up at the sound of Dr Loomis' voice from where her head was resting on Joanne's shoulder. "Not great," she admitted, her voice a hoarse whisper. Fuck her throat hurt!

"Can I come in? I've got some cream here I can apply to your neck to soothe the pain and help with bruising."

"Of course you can, why are you asking me? Hell yes, if it's like the cream you used on my vagina after I was raped that night, give me all you've got!"

Dr Loomis chuckled and entered. Joanne pushed Danielle's head back to her shoulder and Danielle gave her a grateful smile. Dr Loomis carefully began to apply the cream. "Cold," Danielle gasped, causing the other two to laugh.

"Drink this cold water," Dr Loomis instructed, handing her a huge flask. "It'll cool the inside of your throat down."

"Thanks Doc," she managed to smile at him. Even while he was applying the pain relief, she was opening the flask and drinking.

"Is it bad?" She asked quietly, talking too loudly was exceptionally painful. "The bruising? Please tell me the truth?"

"It's…" Joanne hesitated. "It's pretty bad, but it's nowhere near as bad as it could've been."

Danielle chuckled. "Understatement of the century Joanne, I could've ended up in my coffin, that's how bad it could've been." The other two smiled a little. "Fair point," Joanne squeezed her.

"You do have finger marks on your neck," Dr Loomis said. "But that's to be expected and it will bruise, as might your windpipe. But you're going to be ok. It'll take you a few days to get your voice back properly, so don't push it. You have Joanne's number, so I suggest if you need anything, text her even though she's right next to you." Joanne nodded in approval.

"Good idea," Danielle whispered.

"Starting now," Dr Loomis said mock sternly. She gave him a small smile again. "Yes Doc, sorry," she mouthed, before taking out her phone and finding Joanne's number.

It's a good thing I'm not texting Michael right now, her first text read. Because if I was, I'd so be giving him a piece of my mind! Don't get me wrong we'll most certainly talk soon, but I'm going to give him some home truths! I'm not the Danielle who entered this hospital months before!

"Don't we know that sweetheart," Joanne said affectionately, pulling her into another hug. "You are so much stronger and a real fighter."

"Indeed, well said," Dr Loomis agreed. "As for telling Michael some 'home truths,' I think you should do that. Tell him exactly how you feel. Can I ask you Danielle, how do you feel about what just happened?" Danielle sighed softly.

To be completely honest Joanne, Dr Loomis, I don't know. I don't hate Michael for what happened, because I truly don't believe he meant to do it. But he is sure one stubborn bastard! I get that he's never loved before, but he's taking the decision of how I'm going to deal with it out of my hands. What if it was the other way round, I'd grabbed his throat and then I said we can't stay together? What would he do? That's the only thing that's annoying me. Yes it was terrifying, but I know something made him snap. I don't know what it was, but something did.

"You're right," Dr Loomis said. "He told Adam that hearing Josh's voice and by association Adam's, made him snap."

He told Adam? Hughes?

"I know," Dr Loomis smiled. "I was surprised too. But Michael obviously has come to trust him, and that's purely because of the help you have given him, and everything Adam has done for you."

So I was right in what I thought, I was just closest?

"That's what I think too," Dr Loomis said. He finished applying the cream, washed his hands at the sink and came back over to them. Now Danielle did laugh weakly as he knelt in front of her, took her hands and put them on his ears, before she softly pulled them. "Ow," Dr Loomis said in mock agony and the three of them laughed in earnest. Even though it damn well hurt, Danielle couldn't stop. Now Dr Loomis hugged her.

I really don't want to be alone right now," Danielle admitted as he released her. I'm a mental and physical mess. Yes I can't deny there is some anger at Michael, but not for the reasons you might think.

"Well you have nothing to worry about there," Joanne said. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

Doesn't your shift end at…

"Now that's enough of that," Joanne said sternly. "Don't even type the rest of that. I'm staying as long as you need me too, even if that's until tomorrow. That's a promise.

I love you Joanne, with all my heart.

"You know sweetheart, I'm starting to think that might just be mutual. Now drink that water you hear? Do as the good doctor here orders."

"Looks like you're in safe hands then, but of course I already knew that," Dr Loomis moved so she touched his ears again, gave her shoulder a squeeze and then left, as usual leaving the door unlocked.