Chapter 72, Text talk

…

Dr Destiny Hazard glanced at her laptop screen, overwhelmed but not surprised by the mountain of emails awaiting her. Although after a year's leave, she supposed it was to be expected. She had to give it to Smith's Grove's laptops, they weren't rubbish. She just to log in and connect to her home internet, and any updates came through along with the Emails. Hmm, a blind patient, Danielle Hayward. That was a new position for Smith's Grove to find itself in, and she hoped they were still following all the rules, disability or not. If she returned and found out they were being lenient with her, she would very quickly change that. She was only one exam away from being at Dr Loomis' level, so she would be respected just as he was.

Although she would never admit it, she also couldn't wait to get another look at Smith's Grove's incredibly sexy CEO, Barry Andrews. If she could just pluck up the damn courage, she would make her move. Yes he was married and she had a boyfriend named Richard, but, as she often thought at night as she fantasised about Andrews fucking her in various different ways, just because I can't buy doesn't mean I can't borrow. Damn, she lusted the pants off that man. Apart from his good looks, he was the best CEO she'd ever worked for. He didn't take any bullshit and did not show leniency to any patient, no matter what. Rules were rules, and they were there to be followed.

She also couldn't wait to stop the guards from using a nickname for her she hated and which was very disrespectful. How they'd found out, she didn't know. Because her father had been a medical examiner and her mother an undertaker, they'd had a dark sense of humour. Therefor, her full name was Destiny, Ella, Allyson, Tanya Hazard. So when her whole name was put together it spelt D.E.A.T.H. As a result, she was dubbed 'Dr Death' by the guards (behind her back of course,) but she was determined to catch them in the act and put them in their places for daring to disrespect a superior. Just because she'd been gone a year, if Smith's Grove had dared to relax, she'd work with Andrews to make damn sure every rule was being followed according to the book, no exceptions at all.

…

"Come on D, I have a surprise for you," Joanne said a few hours later. Danielle had been lying in her cell, going between crying and anger. She couldn't pretend she wasn't angry at Michael for his decision to end it without even talking to her. When they spoke, she'd tell him as much too.

"What?" She asked, standing from her bed. Michael was now in the cell directly next to hers and Joanne had whispered to her that it was locked. That had made her sad too. She could only hope Michael hadn't taken too big of a step backwards due to today's events.

"Well if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise would it?" Joanne said with a grin. "Come on and I'll show you."

Curious, Danielle stepped to the door, Joanne took her arm and led her out of the block, before a few minutes later they were boarding a shuttle. Danielle raised a mental eyebrow, but didn't ask. However she couldn't supress a slight leap of excitement. She loved surprises and of course Joanne knew this, and had probably organised whatever she had purely to cheer her up.

"A certain Michael Myers couldn't take his eyes off you as you left," Joanne said to her in a confidential whisper as they pulled away, even though they were the only ones aboard. I'm telling you; he won't let this last."

Danielle scoffed. "Stubborn idiot. I know this is all new to him, believe me I get it, but… ug! It was my throat he grabbed, I'm the one who got hurt, and now he's making it even worse! God damn it!"

"I know," Joanne consoled. "How is your throat now?"

"Hurts like a motherfucker," Danielle admitted. "Bet it looks bad too, right?"

"Not… great," Joanne said hesitantly, and Danielle knew she was understating the truth. She wanted to be annoyed, but all she felt was love. Reaching over, she hugged her guard and friend as tightly as she could.

"Oof! Major squeeze!" Joanne gasped, but Danielle knew she was faking it and only hugged her tighter.

When the automated voice told them a few seconds later they were at the staff suites, Danielle really was surprised. Joanne guided her off and into one of them, unlocking it with a key. They walked into the lounge, through it and into the small kitchen, where Joanne put her hand on the huge table. Danielle now did gasp. It was covered in platters of food with steam rising from them. They were clearly freshly made. "What the…"

Joanne hugged her this time. "Dinner for just you and I, then we stay the night here. Figured you needed to get out of that block for a while."

"Thank you," Danielle felt suddenly close to tears again, but these ones were of gratitude. "Thank you so much."

"Hey," Joanne chided, but while hugging her again. "No more tears, come on now. Not tonight, forget about him!"

"Michael Myers isn't exactly easy to forget about," now Danielle managed a watery grin. "He's only 'the Boogeyman. 'The Shape,' and so on. Some people have even called him death himself."

"Fair point," Joanne smiled back. "But forget about him in a partner sense. Just give yourself time to think and cool off. If you want to talk further about it, I'm all ears, ears!" As she said this, she moved her head so Danielle touched her ears. Now Danielle did laugh, she couldn't help it, before for the first time, she gently pulled them.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Joanne exclaimed. "I've lost my ears!" Danielle now burst out laughing, it was real, genuine and felt so good. Joanne laughed with her, before leading her to a seat at the table.

…

"Michael?"

When Dr Loomis had asked Rick to go and collect Michael from his cell, even the Psychiatrist had been apprehensive. Rick knew they were friends, but this was still Michael Myers. You didn't mess around with him if you wanted to live to tell about it. The killer looked up at him now, his face blank as usual, impassive. But Rick knew him better by now, and could almost see through it to the pain, guilt and regret he was really feeling.

"Come on my man," he said softly, opening the door and handcuffing Michael. Not tightly, but enough so if he absolutely had to, he'd have control. "You wanted to speak to Josh, he's in the office waiting."

The killer made no response of any kind, just followed the guard silently. Rick found himself thinking what it would be like if he was Michael's enemy and the killer was stalking him. In the dark, completely silent, shit the very thought was terrifying! He'd probably be dead within minutes, guard or not.

That was when to his surprise, Michael lightly nudged his shoulder. Not a hard gesture what so ever, but clearly trying to get his attention. "Hmm?" Rick asked, not realising how lost in his thoughts he'd been. As far as he could due to the limit of the cuffs, Michael raised a piece of paper towards him. Dr Loomis had given him a notepad which he now always kept in his pocket with a pencil. No pens for obvious reasons.

I can see it in your face again, you are afraid of me.

"Um well yes," Rick said before he could stop himself. "You just grabbed someone's throat today pal. I'm not even talking about it being Danielle, it was fucking scary as hell! It could've been me! Like Adam asked, what made it so strong on this particular occasion? I'm your friend, you can talk to me if you want."

Not when you are looking at me like death is breathing down your neck.

"It kind of is," Rick thought, then realised with horror he'd actually said it out loud. "Look pal," he said, trying to amend his mistake. "You're Michael Myers, ok? Just your name brings fear to the ears of anyone who hears it spoken and with damn good reason! I…" he took a deep breath. "I'm not saying I believe you'll hurt me now, but that was some scary shit dude!"

How do you think I feel about it then?

"I know," Rick said. "I totally understand."

No Rick, you don't. I would feel just the same way had it been you, Jack, Joanne or Dr Loomis. Ok obviously not from the partner angle, but it would still be tearing me apart inside, and damn it we both know why! Or should I say who, is responsible for that! I still wonder what on earth she has done to me?

Now Rick couldn't help himself. Stopping, he pulled his friend into a hug. "Oh Michael," he said softly. "I know you would pal and we all do. We care about you too. But…" he ran a hand through his hair. "Please you have to understand… you have a… legacy, a name everyone knows and most people fear. Yes we are among the lucky and privileged ones who know the real Michael Myers, but that doesn't make you any less scary!" Michael sighed.

Ok, I'll give you that. But please stop looking at me like I'm going to attack you any minute. It's Pretty damn hard to do so with these cuffs on you know.

"Ha ha," now Rick smiled weakly, recognising Michael's dark humour. "But fair enough. I… I'm sorry. I'm not afraid you'll hurt me right now, I promise you I'm not."

Then relax, will you? As we walk on, stop looking over your shoulder as if for constant backup. Stop touching your holster. Your hand is shaking on these cuffs. Stop.

Rick stared at him, unable to speak for a second. He hadn't even realised he'd been doing any of those things. "Shit, I'm sorry," he said after a second. "I didn't even realise I was! I…" he was stopped, as Michael squeezed his arm.

Well now I've told you that you are, quit.

"Ok boss," Rick nodded, with no smile on his face this time. He truly would respect Michael's wishes. "Understood." They resumed walking.

When they reached the office, sure enough Josh and Adam were waiting for them. Josh to his credit Rick noticed, did not look nervous, just uncertain. Rick could understand that, he'd feel at the very least uncertain if Michael Myers wanted to talk with him. The two men took their seats across the table from Josh and Adam, and Michael took out his notepad.

"Hi," Josh said softly. "How can I help you, Mr. Myers?"

I am just going to tell you straight, cut to the chase if you will. I do not trust you, Mr. Dawson.

"I… I can understand that," Josh nodded. "Is it because I have Adam's voice?"

It is indeed, plus I do not believe you have Danielle's best interests at heart. We all know, all four of us in here, the damage you could cause to her with just your voice alone. I'll tell you now, if you attempt to do anything against her what so ever, I will not hesitate to act. I think you understand what that means.

Josh swallowed hard, but nodded. "Yes Sir, of course I do. But I can assure you I have absolutely no intentions of doing anything against Danielle. I've seen too much Domestic Violence in my own lifetime to want to commit any on anyone. Least of all Adam's biggest victim."

Then you'd better hope for your sake that you are telling the truth.

"Come on Mr. Myers," Josh kept the killer's eye contact, in spite of his cold glare. "I'm not Adam. I know I sound and look just like him man, but I'm not him."

"That's exactly what I said," Hughes said.

"Thanks," Josh smiled at him. "I appreciate the vote of confidence."

Would you rather I had lied?

"Well, no of course not," Josh shook his head. "I also understand why you feel as you do, believe me. But I can only do one thing, and that is to assure you that I have no desire to hurt Danielle in any way what so ever. Hasn't she been hurt enough by my bastard of a brother? Just because I am his twin, please don't stereo type me without proof." Michael looked at him, his glare not softening. To his credit, Josh did not look away.

Fine. I will give you the benefit of the doubt, as I accept that you are not your brother. However, do not ignore this warning, it is not an empty threat.

"Understood," Josh nodded to Michael. "I know it's not an empty threat, not from you! You don't do empty threats! But you have no need to worry at all Mr. Myers, may I please gently remind you of what happened to my mom? That was all because of my misogynist of a father, so there's no way in hell I'm going to follow him. I ran away from home because of it." All three men were sure the killer's gaze softened just a little. "I'm the last person who would want to hurt Danielle," Josh continued, his own voice gentle now. "Adam's done that enough thank you very much. So, I'm sure as shit not going to do it! I like Danielle, even respect her. She almost killed herself because of my brother, believe me, I have only genuine motives to help. If we all hadn't been in so much danger, we would've got to her a long time ago."

Their eyes remained locked as the two men looked at each other, before very slowly, Michael nodded to him. Josh held his gaze and nodded back.

"I saw you hug mom," Josh said after a while. "You saw how injured she is because of what my fucking father did! She can't even speak without the aid of a computer now! Why would I do the very thing my mom, who I love dearly I might add, is running and will never recover from? Please, don't put me with Adam. She's now married to my uncle, it was easy to do as she kept the name Dawson, which she already had. I was the only one there, plus the officiator and a witness. They adore each other, Mr. Myers. Aiden's not Edward, I'm not Adam." There was a long silence, before Michael raised his notepad again.

Ok, I apologise. This is all new to me I admit it, but just because Danielle and I are no longer together, doesn't mean I don't deeply care about and want to protect her.

"Wait, what?" Josh stared at him. "You've broken up?" Michael sighed.

I… I heard your voice, as in Adam's earlier and I… I snapped. I accidentally grabbed Danielle's throat, purely because she was closest to me. It wasn't you Josh; it was the voice of your damn twin brother.

"Shit," Josh breathed. "I'm really s…" Michael knocked against the table.

No, stop. That's what I'm saying. Please don't apologise, it wasn't you. Just…

"My voice," Josh said with a grim smile. "Great."

I apologise once again.

"I hope you're not planning to stick to it," Josh said. "I hope you reverse your decision. Danielle needs and loves you, Mr. Myers." They were sure a slight smile touched Michael's lips.

Don't you start.

Now Josh grinned back at him. "Why, getting it from these two as well, are you? Well good! Don't let a mistake ruin your relationship, you clearly love each other, I've seen that in the short time I've known you both! Don't be a stubborn idiot and let her go!"

"Well said!" Rick and Adam said together. Michael sighed again.

Do you men not understand?

"Yes," Adam said. "Of course we do. But just because you feel guilty, Danielle doesn't deserve to have her heart broken. How do you know this is what she wants? Like we've said to you before. Talk to her, Mr. Myers. Do that for her at the very least."

Mr. Myers?

Adam looked at him, confused. "Huh?"

Stop calling me Mr. Myers, my name is Michael, All of you.

"Understood," the other three said in unison.

Ok ok, I will talk to her when she's ready.

"Good!" Adam said.

"Where is Danielle right now?" Josh asked.

"She's with Joanne," Rick replied. "She's got a little surprise for her to cheer her up," he smiled. Michael raised an eyebrow. "She's taken her to one of the staff suites for the night, they're having dinner and sleeping there, just the two of them."

The others smiled, including Michael. "She's a good woman Joanne," Adam said. "I've known that since the night you guys spoke to me in the parking lot," he looked at Rick. "You, Joanne and Jack." Michael pulled out his phone, and tapped in a text message.

…

Are you ok? M.

"Now he's worried?" Danielle burst out, showing the message to Joanne. Straight away though she knew that was unfair, Michael would be worried about her of course he would, he'd almost strangled her to death. She sighed, and slumped back at the table.

"there's more chocolate pie," Joanne said, in the tone of one trying to tempt someone else. "The bedroom you're in has a bath with a built-in jacuzzi…"

"Oh my God Stop!" Danielle groaned, unable to help smiling. "I love those!"

"Which?" Joanne teased. "Chocolate pies or jacuzzi baths?"

"Both!"

Joanne laughed, poured her another tea and put another huge slice of pie on Danielle's plate. "Wo, I'll never eat all that! That carbonara and garlic bread was absolutely gorgeous! How did you arrange this so fast? Like to get the food over here and so on?"

"Ah, that's my little secret."

"Oh come on?" Danielle pouted. Joanne chuckled.

"Ok, ok! Jerry and Anne came over in one of the shuttles. I contacted them, told them what I wanted to do for you, that you were upset but didn't say why! Jerry immediately started making the chocolate pie… and…" she raised a package with a "Tada! Jerry's white chocolate muffins! You said they were better than the cookies, so we have some for breakfast in the morning, they will bring over hot food!"

"You're spoiling me," Danielle stood up and hugged Joanne again. In spite of her words, she did finish her second slice of pie, it was too good to resist.

"Damn that was fucking amazing," she groaned. "I'm stuffed now!"

Joanne grinned. "Come on then you, ready for your jacuzzi bath? I also um… sneaked into your cell while Dr Loomis distracted you earlier, and grabbed your favourite soft pyjamas and clothes for tomorrow. The bathroom already has shampoo, soap, towels and the rest. Dr Loomis has also provided more pain relief cream if you need it. Come on!

Danielle grinned, she couldn't help it. "I should've known Dr Loomis had an ulterior motive when he took me to the staff canteen and bought me some lunch! He's a sneaky man! Never trust a doctor!"

"Thought you'd know that by now," Joanne laughed, taking her arm and guiding her into the bedroom, to show her how to control the jacuzzi.

…

"Wow, that was amazing," Danielle sighed two hours later, as she lay down in her huge king-sized bed. She had stayed in the bath full of hot water and bubbles for ages, washing herself thoroughly. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so good. She was relaxed and now heading towards sleep. She knew she would have to reply to Michael's text, she didn't want to be rude, but she also didn't want to say everything she wanted to him via text message. She didn't do things that way.

"Good," Joanne stroked her hair. "Good night, see you in the morning. I'm just next door if you need me." Quietly, she closed Danielle's door. The suite they were in was huge, Joanne had told her it was the biggest. Two bedrooms, a lounge and small kitchen, both bedrooms had en-suite bathrooms in them. After her bath, she and Joanne had sat on the leather sofa in the lounge in their pyjamas, drinking tea and sneaking a cheeky chocolate muffin as they'd talked. The suite had a kettle and supply of tea and coffee, and Jerry had provided them a jug of fresh milk and bowl of sugar. They hadn't discussed her and Michael at all and Danielle was thankful for this. This was a girls night and she didn't want to think about her relationship problems just then. But now, she knew she had to say something to Michael. Opening her messages, she typed a reply.

Hi Michael, I'm fine, thanks. Sorry, got distracted eating lovely food and hanging out with Joanne. Are you ok?

His reply came back within a minute, and she realised with a rush of love she couldn't deny that he'd clearly been waiting for her response.

I am. Glad you enjoyed yourself. How are you feeling? How's your throat? M.

She sighed. She'd known this would come up, but again of course he'd ask, he'd inflicted her injuries after all. She wasn't going to lie to him, that was one thing she would never do.

It's still quite painful, but Dr Loomis gave me some more of the cream he used to take with me tonight, I can put it on if I need it.

That's good. Danielle, please listen to me. We need to talk tomorrow. M.

Understatement of the century Michael, if you think I'm just going to lie down and accept this, you've got another thing coming! I love you, you stubborn bastard!

As soon as she hit send, she regretted it. She hadn't meant to say that, not by text at least but her emotions had got the better of her and now it was too late. There were a few minutes with no reply, and she was worried she'd angered him. But when he did respond, she was once again brought to tears.

I… I know. I love you too, Danielle. But what I did is… well it's killing me, and I… I'm scared. It will never happen again, but I fear that one day when I feel that rage again, I… Damn! I just don't want to risk it; I love you very much and that would and does really hurt me! M.

Michael, granted our relationship is… different to others, I'm in love with a serial killer! You know what? So what? You're still a man Michael and I love you with all my heart! You had damn good reason for what you did and you know what? If it protects someone else, I'll take it any day of the week!

Don't say that! Please! M.

I mean it! Hell; look at what happened at the hospital with Laurie. Ok you didn't grab my throat you grabbed hers, but I was still there in time to save her life. It's the same thing! If I have to step in to stop someone innocent, like Josh for example from being hurt or worse, then fine! I love you Michael Myers and if that's what it means to be with you, then so fucking be it! I'd do anything for you.

I don't mean to control you by taking the decision from you. How's this? I'm not saying we are back together right now, but we will talk tomorrow, you have my promise. Will you accept that? M.

Yes, because we will be back together tomorrow or soon after! I'm not letting you go without a damn good fight, Myers! That's not how love works, you see! So fine, I will accept your compromise… for tonight!

Oh, Danielle… I… I love you. M.

I know darling, so we have to set things back to how they should be. I belong to you; you belong to me. Don't push me away because of this, that's not what either of us want. I'll be back tomorrow and we'll sort this out. I love you, you idiot."

I don't deserve you. M.

Well you have me, so that's irrelevant. You do deserve me, and I'll show you how much I love you! I felt I didn't deserve you for a while, while Adam was doing his shit! I couldn't understand how you cared about me; you know. But for some reason you did, and I sure as hell wasn't going to stop it because you were giving me the strength, desire and capability to love which I never thought I'd feel again. So that's why I'm not letting you go, without a damn good fight. You might kill physically, but I won't let you kill us mentally, I will fight for the life of our relationship!

Do you know how corny that sounded? M.

She could almost hear his smile through his message. Unable to stop herself, she grinned.

Yep, that's why I said it. But it is also the truth.

Good night, Danielle. Sleep well, and please use the pain relief if you need it. Please, I have to say this, just once. I'm so, so sorry. M.

Fine, you've said it, don't say it again! It's ok, it really is. My partner has no further need to apologise to me.

You're really not giving up, are you? M.

This time, she smirked.

Nope, sorry! Keep trying, Mr. Myers! I love you, night.

I… I love you too, Danielle. Good night. M.