Adam sat in his living room, his mind racing. The fact Charlotte was still alive angered him beyond anything else. These were supposed to be high ranking criminals he was paying and yet they couldn't even kill Charlotte correctly. What kind of shit organisation was this? Ok she was in hospital, ok she was fighting for her life, but that wasn't enough for Adam. He wanted to see the bitch dead and, in her coffin, where she belonged. Right now, Adam wasn't even in the mood to torment let alone fuck Claire, currently upstairs in the bedroom. He was still playing the, "I'm Mr. nice guy," card with her now and that too was pissing him off. But those bitches. The two women he was determined to show who was boss, even given everything that'd happened. In fact, if anything Charlotte's failed murder made him even more resolved to do so. But how? Dislike it as he might, he couldn't do it on his own. He had the beginnings of a plan, but it would require help. He cursed. He knew Chris Leach was getting tired of him, his demands, requests, call them what he liked. But Adam also knew Leach was a dangerous man, not one you wanted as an enemy. If Adam pushed him too far, Leach might very well kill him never mind Myers. Scowling, Adam picked up his phone.
"You've got to be fucking joking!" Ashley said without preamble when Adam told him what he was thinking. "The girls as guarded as Fort fucking Knox Adam! Are you out of your fucking mind? Anyway, Mr. Leach said no! she's too hot! You can pursue her on your own, remember? We're not going anywhere near her!"
"All because you're worried Michael Myers will escape. How likely is that after last time?"
"JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!" Ashley bellowed in Adam's ear. "DAWSON, YOU'RE MY FUCKING AGE! YOU REMEMBER 1978 AS WELL AS I DO! HE KILLED TEENAGERS AND ADULTS ALIKE IN COLD, FUCKING, BLOOD! I MEAN, HOW MUCH OF AN IDIOT ARE YOU?"
Adam was furious the guy dared talk to him like that. But before he could say so, Ashley continued, thankfully not shouting now. "Michael Myers has some kind of supernatural abilities, I'm sure of this. Dr Loomis is sure of it for fuck's sake and he's the man's God Damn quack! If you honestly don't believe Myers will escape, then fine! Target her. Show her who is boss! Adam, I'm the head of a misogynist gang! You know then that I fucking hate women! I'm all for showing them who the boss is when it's safe to do so! But the woman you're trying to target now is not safe to do so! Mr. Leach will go nuts if we even consider trying to help you! Forget it man! If you keep pushing this, Mr. Leach might very well kill you before Myers gets the chance!"
There was a long silence before Adam spoke again. "I did consider that," his voice was quieter too now. "But damn it, Ashely! I want her dead! Charlotte wasn't even killed properly! This time I want to do it, get something done right around here! Yes, she's in a coma according to the news, yes, she's fighting for her life, but damn it that's not enough for me! I want her finished! Both!"
Ashley sighed. "Then do it! What are you telling me for? I am having nothing to do with it, Adam. None of us are. It's too dangerous."
"I'm telling you," Adam tried to keep the anger out of his voice. Getting angry with Ashley would only make things worse and would hardly lead to the other man even listening to what he had to say, never mind helping him. "Because I need a little bit of help. Not practical help," he added quickly before Ashley could speak. "Just… things. I can't do it without them, and I need them delivered to me with no purchase trail."
"You don't give up do you?" Ashley said and Adam couldn't tell if that was respect or exasperation in his tone. "I'll talk to Mr. Leach. You're probably better meeting with him face to face to discuss this given the… state of your contract regarding her."
Adam felt a jolt of dread. He knew the crime Lord was getting close to the edge with him and would this meeting push him over it? But he also knew Ashley was right. Chris Leach was the boss and whether Adam liked it or not would have to be the one to give permission before anything was done, due to Adam's terminated contract. Shit. Adam just hoped he could persuade the crime Lord his plan would work and get him on side. Because if he couldn't, he truly would be on his own.
"Fine," he said to Ashely. "Ask him if he'll meet with me as soon as possible please."
"Done," the misogynist leader said and was gone. But as Adam finally climbed the stairs to bed, sex for once not even on his mind, he wondered. Was he making a huge and possibly fatal mistake? If Leach decided enough was enough, Adam could be playing this game with his life. Well so be it, he thought as he got in to bed beside Claire, who stirred and gave him a sleepy smile which Adam did not return. So be it. He had to at least try. He just hoped that, as Leach himself had once said, this wouldn't get him killed. "If you continue down this path, it could very well be your funeral."
…
Oliver Cutter sat across the desk from Dr Loomis, looking at the CCTV and listening to the doctor's report of what'd happened that day. Rick and Jack had also provided separate witness statements. Cutter ran his hands through his spikey hair and suddenly looked years older.
"Shit," he said quietly after a while. "I'm sorry, Dr Loomis. Andrews was always…" he hesitated, searching for the right words. "Playing by his own rules."
"That's one expression for it," Dr Loomis said. "He had this coming for a long time it seems Sir."
"Please, call me Oliver?" The previous deputy and now top CEO said.
"Ok, Oliver. Thanks. Call me Sam?"
"Done, Sam. But shit. What a fucking mess. Michael Myers nearly killed Andrews tonight. But by the sounds of things, he was asking for it."
"Just a little," Dr Loomis nodded. "He had never even met her before, and he immediately demanded Danielle was chained. Dr Stark declined this for a very good reason, and he just wouldn't have it, hating not knowing why. Which is when he pulled the gun out on us."
Oliver sighed. "I've always disliked him," he said. "But I didn't have any say in his appointment at the top. The previous board members seemed to think he was the man for the job."
"Now?" Dr Loomis asked. Oliver smiled a little. "Well considering he's now under arrest, I'd say not. I've told the board what happened, and they've all agreed I'm in charge, at least on a temporary basis."
"Good," Dr Loomis said. "You really care about the patients Oliver, unlike your former colleague. This hospital needs someone like you at the top, who's not concerned primarily with rules, money, and the rest."
"Speaking of which, I would like to see Mr. Myers if that's ok? I wish to speak with him."
"Tonight?" Dr Loomis asked, genuinely surprised. His beliefs that Oliver cutter genuinely cared about the patients had just been proved.
"If possible, yes," the CEO said. "Use whatever security you think is necessary, glass, and chains, whatever. But I would really like to do this tonight."
Dr Loomis considered. While he was reluctant to deny the new CEO's request, he also had to see how Michael was before allowing this. When he spoke, it was carefully. "Ok, but I need to check if Michael is… ok before I agree to this. He nearly killed someone tonight and I think it was only out of respect for my guards and I that he didn't. If everything seems ok, I'll let you know. Can you give me thirty minutes?"
Cutter nodded. "Of course. I totally understand. You're very good at your job, Dr Loomis. You and Dr Stark both. I won't go against your decision."
"Thanks," Dr Loomis managed a small smile. "You've been in charge five minutes, and you've already been nicer to me than Andrews ever was."
Cutter smiled a little sadly and left the room. Dr Loomis followed him as they headed in different directions. Cutter to his office and Dr Loomis to Michael's cell.
…
"Michael?" Rick wasn't sure if he was mad or stupid in what he was about to do, but he felt he had to before he left. It was almost midnight, and he should've left an hour ago, but he couldn't. Not yet. Not until he'd done this. It was important to him. The masked killer approached the bars silently and Rick started. He hadn't heard or seen a thing.
"Michael," he began again. "I… I wanted to check; are you ok? I'm sorry about earlier, I… I had to at least warn you. Do you think I wanted to shoot? Seriously? After everything you did for me that terrible day. No of course I didn't! But that was the CEO… well ex-CEO now you had by the neck! What was I supposed to do? Just stand and watch. If he hadn't just been arrested an hour ago, he'd have had us all for that, including you! You'd have probably been given the death penalty or something! I was trying to protect you as well as us."
There was total silence, apart from Michael's calm, measured breathing. Rick felt himself swallow. "I was supposed to be at home by now," he said. "But I wanted to see if you were ok first. I… I care about you Michael. I really do. On that you must believe me."
Rick saw Dr Loomis approaching, the psychiatrist tactfully stepped back when he saw Rick speaking to the killer. Rick gave him a silent nod of thanks. This was private between the two of them and Rick could tell Dr Loomis knew as much.
"I don't think I could have shot you if it came to it," Rick continued, speaking softly. "But I don't know and quite frankly Michael, I didn't want to find out. Not after all the progress you've made and especially not after you saved my life. Let's not bullshit here man! We both know if you hadn't done what you did, chances are I'd be dead now. Ryan made a huge mistake and I know he's very sorry for it and we're cool, but that doesn't take away the facts. If you hadn't knocked Chancer out, I'd now be dead."
Michael simply looked at him, his gaze blank, emotionless as always, but whether it was because Rick knew him or because he was genuinely seeing it, the guard was certain there was a tiny flicker of… something in the killer's gaze. Acknowledgement? Softness? Rick took a breath. "Remember the time we had to pretend to subdue you when you were killing Jefferson? Baker? I don't know if it would've been like that this time, but I really didn't want to take the risk of finding out. I saw the challenge in your eyes when you looked at me, as if you were saying, go on then but I know you won't. The scary thing is Michael, you may very well have been right. My fucking hand was shaking on that gun you know, and I know you saw it! Nothing gets past you, does it Michael Myers? Let's be real here. You're… You're not a… for want of a better word normal man and everyone knows this. Even Andrews, which is why he was so afraid. But for what it's worth, just as you believe I wouldn't have shot you, so I believe you wouldn't have seriously harmed Jack or me."
Silence. Rick examined the killer's face. "Listen man, I'm exhausted, so I'm going home to bed. But I'll be back on my first night shift tomorrow, so if you want, we can… communicate then. But I just had to say all this, ok? Try and get some sleep. I'm sure Dr Loomis has already told you this, but Danielle's fine, settling in well. Joanne and Dr Stark are staying with her. She's perfectly safe."
Was that a slight nod? Even a glimpse of a smile? Rick turned to go when the killer's hand touched his arm. It wasn't a firm grip, but it stopped him in his tracks. Again, their eyes met. Michael was looking at him intently this time. Then for only the second time since Rick had known him, the killer released his arm and held out his hand. This time unlike before, Rick didn't hesitate. He gave Michael a genuine if tired smile and took the killer's offered hand in a shake.
"Good night pal," he said softly. "You did the right thing back there, truly. He'll go to prison now and pay for his crimes." Rick was just about to turn away again, when he heard the rustle of paper as the killer pushed a note in to his hand. Rick was shocked. Michael had never written him a word before. He glanced down at the paper.
Get home safely. You look exhausted. Please could you ask someone for a black coffee? But don't get it yourself, go.
Rick turned to Michael and this time the smile was completely genuine. "Ok man," he said simply. "I'm going and one black coffee is on its way."
…
Dr Loomis smiled to himself as he watched Rick leave. He'd purposely turned off the microphones in the corridor, so Rick and Michael had total privacy. He didn't have to guess too hard to figure out what Rick had been saying either. Would his guard really have shot him if push came to shove? If Dr Loomis was honest, he didn't think so. Some kind of bond had been formed between the guard and killer after Michael had, ironically, saved Rick's life the day Derek Chancer had almost killed him with his chains.
"Michaels asked for a black coffee," Rick said simply as he walked past Dr Loomis.
"Ok done," Dr Loomis said. "Now get home Rick. Get some sleep."
Rick considered showing his boss Michael's message, then changed his mind. This was between him and the killer alone.
…
This time when Chris Leach reached the internet café, he was determined. Adam Dawson had finally pushed him too far. He'd been patient with the prick, even tried to help him putting him in touch with Ashley, and now here he was again. Leach had even authorised the killing of Adam's bitch. But that still wasn't enough for the little asshole! Chris Leach was very, very close to finishing him off permanently. A quick kill and that would be it. He reflected if he'd done so previously, Charlotte would still be up and well. Not that it concerned him, what was done was done. But still… If Adam Dawson didn't have a very good reason for this meeting, Leach would very probably kill him this time.
So, when Adam entered the café, Leach felt his temper snap. Before he'd even considered it through, he had Adam against the wall by the throat.
"What the…" Adam gasped.
"Shut the fuck up," Leach snarled, close to his ear. "Just listen to me Dawson. You are seriously pissing me off. I terminated your contract and yet you still asked us to kill that woman for you! Ok so I authorised it purely for the money, which you still fucking owe us by the way! Where the fuck is it? But now here you are yet again, wanting, "Help," from us." Leach sketched quotes in the air. "Well, you know what, Dawson. I'm just about at the end with your fucking, "Help!" I told you targets one and two were both too dangerous, yet you still asked us to kill two for you! Which we tried and it failed. Or at least didn't kill her instantly, she's in a coma. But we still did as you asked! Now, you're back and wanting us to, "Help," you with a plan for one, when I told you categorically, she was off limits and your contract with us regarding her was over. Yet you haven't listened to a word I've said. Start talking and if you don't have a damn good reason for this meeting, your head will hit this concrete. You have thirty seconds."
…
Out of pure exhaustion, Danielle slept like a log the first night in Charlotte's DASC flat. When she woke the next morning, it took her a few seconds to remember where she was and why. But when it all came flooding back, grief and pain washed over her. Before she had a chance to think about this further however, there was a knock on the door.
"Hey, it's Joanne. Can I come in?"
Danielle walked to the door and opened it for the guard to step over the threshold. "How are you?" Joanne asked, real concern in her voice.
"Slept well, but then I remembered why I'm here and…" she stopped. She knew if she went down this path she'd start crying. "Have you heard anything this morning?"
"Well, the good news is Charlotte's still alive," Joanne said. "She's still unconscious, but she proved the doctors wrong by surviving until morning. You, see? she's a fighter, just like you. She won't be beaten by Adam easily."
The mention of their ex's name made Danielle flinch. Joanne must've seen it because she pulled her into a hug.
"Nigel will be here in an hour to pick you up and take you to the hospital. Well, us. Dave and Colin were going to, but Nigel insisted. I think the poor man wants to be involved any way he can. I think he feels guilty Charlotte suffered Adam's abuse too."
"It wasn't his fault," Danielle argued.
"Perhaps not, but I think he thinks he should've done something to stop it. He'd moved house by the time Charlotte moved in with Adam. He talked with Dr Stark and I for a little while last night after you'd gone to bed. He seems like a nice man, and he truly cares about you, and Charlotte both."
"He is, he saved my life that day and was something small to look forward to while Adam was working. If I could just get out and talk to him for a little while, things were better. He always warned me when Adam was coming back, so he never caught me."
"Caught you!" Joanne snorted with contempt. "Fucking hell! You should be allowed to do what the fuck you like! These men who live in the old days where women were second class and subordinate are really getting old and I'm glad it's fucking illegal."
Danielle smiled a little more genuinely at the fire and passion in her guard and friend's voice. "Tell me about it," she said. "Adam thinks it should be legal the other way round. That men should be allowed to control women and the rest."
"That's because he's a dick," Joanne remarked.
She managed a small chuckle. "Yep, right in one."
"I'll make you a cup of tea," Joanne said, heading into the surprisingly large kitchen. Meals were made by the refuge, so it didn't have a cooker but did have a kettle and other small appliances including a coffee machine. She followed her guard into the kitchen.
"Hey, you tried the coffee machine yet?" She teased. "I know you love your coffee."
Joanne laughed. "Caught me, I tried it last night."
"And?"
"Meh, its coffee."
"Not up to your usual standard then Madam?" Danielle saluted. "Not good enough for the queen of coffee? At least Michael's simple, he just has it black. No fancy frills, bells, or whistles."
Joanne snickered and handed Danielle her tea made just as she liked it, white with two sugars, before she now did approach the coffee machine. "Shut it you," she muttered, starting to prepare her coffee. They both knew Charlotte would want her to carry on, try to continue with life, but it was hard. At least Joanne and the others were trying to help her, if only with temporary distraction from the pain, grief and anger storming her heart.
"Where's Dr Stark?" She asked.
"I think she's in a meeting with the staff, working with them so they can help you better."
"God!"
"What?" Her guard asked.
"It's just… the old me way back then would've demanded to be there, said they shouldn't be talking about me behind my back, it would've made me really angry, and I would've felt seriously patronised."
"Now?"
"Now I'm really grateful and touched," Danielle admitted. "I know full well Dr Stark is only trying her absolute best to help me, and I know whatever she's saying in there is for my own good. I'm not angry or anything now."
"That's good, isn't it?" Joanne touched her arm.
"Yes," she agreed. "I have Michael to thank for that. The help he's given me has been invaluable. Shit, that thing with the chains and Andrews though…" she shivered a little. "That guy was up his own ass. Dr Stark said no, but he wouldn't have it. I honestly thought I was going to be chained regardless at one point."
"We wouldn't have let it happen," Joanne said simply. "Dr Loomis phoned me last night and he's under arrest now for pulling that gun out on us and patient cruelty. Dr Stark knew you had a very good reason for being scared and Andrews walked all over you. There's a new CEO now, Mr. Cutter, who Dr Loomis says is a hell of a lot nicer than Mr. Andrews."
"Doesn't take much trying," Danielle muttered.
"This is true," her guard agreed. There was a knock on the door. "That'll be your breakfast. Come on Missy, sit down, you need to eat something."
Danielle gave an exasperated sigh. "Yes mom," and slumped down into a seat as Joanne went to open the door for the breakfast delivery. She knew they were only trying to help, but it was a struggle to eat anything these days. She remembered Charlotte nagging her to eat in Smith's Grove. "I'll force feed you if it comes to it," she blinked back tears but also started eating, this thought sustaining her. She remembered Joanne's reply. "With me restraining you," and managed another small smile. That threat she considered all too real.
"What?" Joanne asked, clearly seeing her face. She told her what she'd just remembered, and Joanne chuckled sadly. "Yep, she'd probably say the same thing now, so eat your breakfast for Charlotte. She'd want you too."
"I know," I know you're right, but Jesus it's hard. I keep thinking of her unconscious in that damn hospital bed and I feel so powerless, as do the other Avery's and Tim. I just wish there was something I could do!"
"But you're seeing her every day," Joanne said. "You're a lot closer to her now, so that's a huge thing you're doing for her right there."
"Thanks purely to you and Dr Stark. Plus, Dr Clarkson, I guess. I wouldn't have been able to without you."
"Now don't you start giving us credit for this," Joanne said sternly. "We're just doing the right thing. You're the one who cares so deeply for your friend you were able to leave Michael's side. I know that was hard for you."
"Is Michael doing, ok?"
"He's fine. Dr Loomis told me he's doing well. Rick told Michael you were safe and settling in well. We're making sure he's kept up to date, don't worry. It'll also give his ears a chance to recover!"
"Shut it," Danielle was trying not to smile.
Half an hour later when Nigel arrived and they entered the hospital however, smiling was the last thing on Danielle's mind. As Emma Avery hugged her tightly along with the rest of the family, Colin and Dave shaking Nigel's hand and thanking him sincerely for coming, she listened to the beeping of Charlotte's machines and felt sick all over again, as if the accident had only just happened. She hated even using the word accident, as that was far from what this was. This was planned, pre-meditated, attempted murder. She just hoped the "attempted" wouldn't be taken away, caused by Charlotte's death. No! She told herself firmly. Remember what you thought last night Hayward. Charlotte's a fighter and she's not dead yet. You didn't let Adam kill you, so nor will she. But as the steady beeping and hiss of oxygen continued, she found it harder and harder to hold on to her certainty. Charlotte would make it, wouldn't she?
…
Eight hours earlier.
"Mr. Myers? Michael?"
Oliver Cutter had known this would be different to anything he'd experienced before. This was Michael Myers after all, the cold-blooded, silent masked killer who'd killed his sister at the age of 6 before committing another merciless massacre at 21 in 78. But even he wasn't prepared for how almost unnerved he felt. Michael may respect Dr Loomis, Rick, and Jack, judging by what'd happened today, but he didn't know him from Adam. The killer approached the bars of his cell and looked out at Cutter, his gaze steady, cold, emotionless. Oliver took an uncertain step forward.
"Hi Mr. Myers. My name is Oliver Cutter, I'm the new CEO of Smith's Grove, following Mr. Andrews' mistake, for want of a better word, today. He's now under arrest as you may know. I, unlike him, care about the patients in this hospital, and as such wanted to check you are ok. Today must've been hard on you as well as the guards and of course, Danielle."
Silence. Oliver gave the killer a nervous smile. "I might be the CEO, but money and rules are not top of my list as they were with Mr. Andrews, yours and the rest of the patient's welfare is. I told Andrews several times that we're running a hospital, not a business. He never seemed to be able to tell the difference between the two. But anyway, I simply wanted to introduce myself and apologise most sincerely for today's events."
Michael simply looked back at him, unmoving, unspeaking. Oliver didn't know if Michael was listening to him or planning the best way to kill him. He felt his blood run cold. He would certainly not want to be this man's enemy and from everything he'd read, a certain man named Adam Dawson had thoroughly achieved that status. Oliver was very glad his name wasn't Adam Dawson just then.
"Can I do anything for you Michael?" He asked eventually. "Is…" he knew this question was stupid but had to ask it. "Is there anything you want to ask me?"
Of course, silence, but the killer didn't look away from Oliver's face either. After a moment, the CEO spoke again, his voice very low this time.
"I think you did us all a favour by what you almost did to Andrews. The arrogant guys had a reality check, knows he's only mortal like the rest of us and not invincible like he always thought. I hope he remembers that whilst he's in prison. I'm glad you didn't kill him because it means he'll suffer for what he's done. He's in a police officer cell tonight. He'll probably do anything and everything in his power to make sure you two don't meet again."
Myers just continued to look at him. Oliver gave the killer a small smile. "Dr Loomis is a good man," he said after a moment's pause. "He really cares about you Mr. Myers, that's obvious. I've seen it and I've only been in this job ten minutes. You made huge progress by not killing Andrews tonight, not to mention coming back from Haddonfield to Smith's Grove. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Dr Loomis, or me. Well, done."
Still, silence. Oliver turned and made as if to walk away from the bars. "Good night," he said softly over his shoulder. "If I can do anything for you Mr. Myers, just let me know, ok?" He walked away.
…
Adam fought down the panic as he investigated Leach's furious face. He had no doubt whatsoever the crime Lord would be true to his word, carry out his threat and kill him if he didn't start speaking and fast. He just hoped his plan would be good enough to appease the crime boss if only temporarily. He took a breath and began talking trying not to let the panic be heard in his voice, though this was difficult.
"I want to get into the hospital when she's there, posing as a doctor. Get her to go to the bathroom or something without her guards and then grab her. All I'm asking from you Mr. Leach Sir, is the equipment and disguise a fake doctor need. ID badge, white coat and so on. But I need them without a purchase trail leading to me. The pigs are already watching me like hawks, and I don't want to give them anymore proof against me, or I'll be behind bars before I can blink. I know I can make this work; I just need the kit. I'm not asking for any help, any resources, just the items I'll need."
"What makes you think we'll do it, when you still haven't paid us for Charlotte's accident?" Leach snarled. "I don't trust you Adam Dawson, not as far as I could throw you. So why the fucking hell should I even consider this? Everything you've tried before has failed. Your inside man was caught and is now on death-Row, and the dwarf is dead. Granted that was our decision, but what choice did we have? You put us in that position Dawson with your careless planning and lack of forethought!"
"What do you mean?" Adam asked, the panic in his voice coming out in a squeak. Shit. Leach had doubtlessly heard it just as he had. Sure enough…
"I always suspected you were a fucking cry-baby," Leach said in utter disgust. "Listen to you now, squeaking like a fucking mouse! What I mean, is that your little plan for our man to check the iPod was working was ultimately what led to your man being caught! The quacks were already suspicious, and you knew that! But you just went ahead anyway, consequences be damned! You're not careful enough, Dawson. You're careless, which in turn leads to mistakes! I don't do mistakes, nor do I work with idiots like you who consistently make them!"
Adam was speechless. Anger, and the knowledge the crime Lord was once again right doing war inside him. How dare he speak to him like that, but then again this was Chris Leach, not someone Adam would dare to challenge and of course the son of a bitch knew that. He also got things done, for a price of course and Adam knew that if he spoke out against him now there would be absolutely no way Leach would do what he needed this time.
"I swear to you Mr. Leach Sir," Adam said, after taking a few seconds to gather his thoughts. "I'm not asking for any practical help this time. No people, equipment, or resources. I'm literally just asking if you can get hold of a doctor's disguise and I'll pay you whatever you ask for it. The only reason I haven't paid you yet for Charlotte's accident is because the pigs were all over me. I told Ashley that yesterday. Did he not tell you?"
Leach glared at him. "He did, but I won't wait long, Adam. Give me that money or…"
"I will, Sir," Adam said quickly before Leach could finish. He knew what the other man had been about to say. Or you die with Charlotte. "I can give it to you tonight."
"Then get it," Leach snapped. "There's a cash point just across the road. I'll wait here. You've got five minutes or I'm coming after your fucking blood. Get moving."
Adam didn't dare argue, he knew the threat was literal. He did as he was told and returned with the cash Leach had asked for. He just thanked God (whether he existed or not) that his bank allowed him to take out however much he needed. He handed over the fifty thousand dollars in bundles of one-hundred-dollar notes.
"Fine," Leach said when Adam was at last done. Adam was relieved the crime Lord didn't hold him to the wall upon his return. "Now sit the fuck down Dawson, we need to discuss this stupid fucking idea of yours."
Adam felt his heart lift a little. Did that mean the crime Lord was indeed considering helping him after all? He sank in to one of the café's tattered chairs, Leach sitting opposite him.
"Let's just say we get you this doctor's outfit," Leach began. "How the holy fuck do you intend to get her into a bathroom away from her guards? She's totally blind for fuck's sake! She's hardly going to walk alone, is she? Never mind somewhere she doesn't know. Duh!"
Adam had his answer ready for this question. "I was going to ask a nurse for help."
Leach began to applaud sarcastically, once again mocking him Adam realised. "Oh awesome! Fucking bravo! So, you're just going to walk in there, find a pretty nurse and say "excuse me darling, but I need to grab my ex-partner because I'm a misogynist son of a bitch and want to kidnap her to show her who's boss. But I need to get her guard and doctor out of the way first. Please could you help me babe? What's your number, are you free for a drink and a fuck tonight?" Fucking awesome plan, Adam. I can really see that working. She won't call the police at all will she?"
Adam flushed. Again, Leach was right. All be it in a cruel, sarcastic way. "Didn't think of that tiny little flaw, did you?" Chris Leach was openly sneering at him now. "Slight little snag there Adam. What's your master plan B? Oh, let me guess! You're going to ask to borrow one of the misogynist gang's women, aren't you? Knowing they'll be too scared to refuse, as their man, boss, whatever, will threaten them with a beating or something if they don't do exactly what you say. Am I correct?"
"I…" Adam felt very small suddenly. How the fuck did Chris Leach do this to him so easily? "Well, yes, I was considering that."
"So, all that stuff you said about not needing resources or people," Leach said. His voice was calm, but Adam felt dread rising again. "Was a load of total and complete bullshit? See this is another reason why I don't trust you, Adam. You lie to me. Ok so in yours and the gang's view, women are disposable property, nothing more than objects to be used. Fine! But they're still people you'd need. So, you don't pay them and pay their man instead, you are still taking a risk with one of our pieces of property, as you put it! What if she then runs to the police? Listen to me Dawson. I'm no fucking misogynist and I privately hate the way you bastards treat women. Yes, they're great for sex if they're good looking, but otherwise I leave well alone. You on the other hand take it to a whole new level and I fucking hate it! It's disgusting. But what the fuck ever, it's your lives and it makes me money. So," he shrugged. "So, what? You're planning to kill this woman too when she's done what you want? So, she doesn't run to the cops?"
"I don't know," Adam admitted. "I hadn't thought that far ahead yet."
"THAT'S YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM!" Leach shouted, slamming his fist against the table, making Adam cringe with dread. Shit! "YOU DON'T THINK FAR ENOUGH AHEAD! JESUS, YOU DON'T THINK AT ALL! THIS IS WHY YOU'VE MADE SO MANY MISTAKES! I BET IF YOU'D TRIED TO KILL CHARLOTTE, YOU'D HAVE FUCKED IT UP! YOU TOLD ASHLEY WE "CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT!" I THINK THAT'S YOUR POSITION, ADAM. YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT AND YOU ACT ON PURE IMPULSE, NOT THOUGHT!" When he spoke again, Leach's voice was deadly soft. "Something, in essence, which could and will very probably if you carry on like this, get you killed. Consider this your last warning. You, Adam Dawson, are skating on very thin ice indeed."
…
"Good evening my name's Susy, I'm another of the engineers here. Only if you feel up to it, are you ready to install the DASC safety app on your phone? We've done work with it and changed it so it's accessible with Voiceover. We had a blind person test it for us who isn't a victim, so she was able to test it freely."
Danielle felt so tired and drained following another visit with Charlotte and still no change in her condition, but she also knew her friend would have some serious words to say to her if she didn't work with the DASC. "Sure," she replied. "How long will it take?"
"Hopefully not too long," Susy said. "We'll get it installed on your phone and show you how it works. If you'd like to follow me, we'll go in to one of the suites."
"Joanne, Dr Stark, would you…"
"Now what are you asking for?" Dr Stark interrupted. "We're right beside you."
They followed Susy in to one of the engineering suites, like the one she'd set up her ID in when she'd first arrived.
"Ok," Susy began. "So, you have an iPhone… five I believe? Dr Stark told me, "She added, in response to Danielle's puzzled, "How do you know that?"
"Yep," Danielle pulled it out of her pocket.
"Ok so I need you to open the app store and type in DASC, please?" Immediately she found the app, downloaded, and installed it.
"Ok perfect," Susy smiled. "Ok so this login screen I need you to type in DASC in the username box and Shelter 2175 as the password."
"What if I forget it?" Danielle asked. "Or the phone loses the data?"
"Won't happen, because as soon as your phone is on, the app will check you're logged in and if you're not, it'll give you a new password and do so automatically. Your phone number and IMEI will be put on our profile, so the app knows your phone needs constant access."
"Impressive," it's just a shame there's women and men out there who need this stuff."
"Indeed, it is," Susy agreed. "Ok, so can I have your phone please? I'll get the monitoring activated for you."
Before she'd even finished speaking, Danielle handed it over. She trusted all the staff here.
"Thank you," Susy took it. "Can I get you a tea? Coffee? This won't take long, but I also need to set it up to make sure Smith's Grove can monitor you as well I believe?"
"Please," Dr Stark said.
"Of course, no problem."
"Can I have a tea, milk two sugars please? But be careful when asking Joanne here about her coffee! It must be of a required standard!"
"Be quiet you," Joanne gave her a playful poke. "Coffee, white no sugar, thanks Susy."
"Dr Stark?"
"Just a glass of water thanks."
Susy pressed a button on the desk and a nurse entered. "Hi Debbie, can you get me a white tea two sugars, a white coffee no sugar and a glass of water please?"
"Of course, Susy. No problem at all."
"You're a darling, thanks."
As soon as the door closed behind Debbie, Susy went straight back to what she was doing. She'd asked Danielle to disable Voiceover. Now Danielle stayed quiet, so the engineer had silence to work in. Debbie quietly re-entered a couple of minutes later and handed over the drinks.
"Thanks," Dr Stark, Joanne and Danielle said together.
"Ok," Susy said finally about ten minutes later. "So, I need you to test it. You're being monitored by the Haddonfield Security companies right now, so we need to make sure you can contact them. If you move locations, you'll automatically be monitored by the nearest security companies." She handed back Danielle's phone. "Can you see the buttons on the screen? The woman who tested it says you're more than welcome to contact her if you need any help with it from an accessibility angle."
"Thanks," Danielle was genuinely touched. She checked the buttons in front of her. Emergency, call, I'm safe, panic, contact, alarm, torch.
"Ok. So, can you see them all? Sorry, I mean…"
"It's ok," Danielle smiled at Susy. "You can say, see, I don't mind and actually prefer that."
"Ok. So, what can you see in front of you?" Danielle told her.
"Awesome. Ok so the emergency button will tell the monitors something is wrong, and they will call the police for you immediately, who will come on an immediate response to your location. They can obviously track you with your phone's GPS. A monitor will also call you to make sure you're alright. Panic will do the same, but no one will call you in case you are under duress or in danger. They will just call the police. Call will ask one of the monitors to contact us, one of our DV advisors will then call you. That's for non-urgent use. I do need to tell you, that we do have a warning system for miss use of the app."
"If I use panic or emergency and it's not urgent once, you'll ring and warn me, second you'll call me in and warn me to my face, third you'll write me a warning and fourth I'll lose it?"
"That's correct," Susy nodded. "Stacey told you?"
"Yeah, she installed some kind of system on my phone number. I can use eight and nine for it. Does that still work?"
"Yes, it does. But you won't need them with the app, but it's good you have them as backup just in case. Finally, I should add that the panic button is covert, your phone won't give any indication you've sent a message, so if you're under duress it won't be seen. Emergency makes it obvious. Got that? the alarm and torch speak for themselves. The alarm sets off a very loud siren, which can only be turned off by you using your fingerprint so no one else can stop it. The torch is separate and is purely a bright light if you need to see in the dark, so I know you won't use that. Ok, hold on one second?" She pressed a button, and they heard an announcement chime.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Susy's voice echoed around the complex. Danielle had been told there were even speakers in all the flats in case an emergency announcement needed to be piped in. "One of our app users is about to test the alarm, please do not panic. Thank you." She turned off the PA system. "Ok, go for it. Guys you might want to cover your ears."
Danielle smirked at her doctor and guard, who chuckled, and she knew they understood why. After a few seconds, she pressed the alarm button.
It was deafening. She wanted to cover her own ears. She had no idea a phone could make so much noise. After a few more seconds, she pressed her finger to the home button for her fingerprint. There was a vibration and the alarm stopped.
"Damn! that, is loud!"
Susy laughed. "Yep, it is rather, isn't it?"
"The contact button will ask one of the monitors to phone you immediately. They also have trained DV advisors with them if you need one urgently before ours can get back to you. The "I'm safe" button is used when you're out or with someone. During the day when you are active, you will need to press it every hour or a monitor will call to check your welfare. If you don't answer, the police will be called. You'll get an alert when you need to do so."
"Wow this is seriously advanced, did…" Danielle didn't want to ask this, but she had to. "Did Charlotte press one of the buttons when…?"
"Unfortunately, she couldn't as she was immediately unconscious," Susy said compassionately. "However, this app can also detect a fall. If it does, you'll get an alert asking if you're ok. If you don't respond within thirty seconds, the monitors will try calling you. If that doesn't work, they'll call the police and ambulance. That's how we got to Charlotte so fast. However, they can also see you via your phone's camera, even in a pocket. They can and will also record video and audio footage of whatever is happening as soon as you press panic or emergency. That's how they got the car details. Got all that?"
Danielle couldn't deny she was impressed, she just wished it could've saved her friend and sister.
"Ok, could you press the contact button for me please?"
She did so and within ten seconds, her phone rang. She answered it and put it on speaker. "Hello?"
"Hello Miss Hayward, this is Martin from Haddonfield security. Is everything ok?"
Susy spoke up. "Hello Martin, I'm Susy from the DASC. This is a test while setting up Miss Hayward's DASC app. My ID is 217SR85."
"Ok, thank you Susy, that is all verified. Miss Hayward, I can confirm everything is working correctly and we can see and are monitoring you right now and will be twenty-four hours a day."
"Thank you, Martin," she said. "Have a good day."
"The same to you, we're here if you need us, take care." He was gone.
"Perfect," Susy said. A second later, her phone rang again.
"Hello, came Dr Loomis' voice. "We got the contact with the monitors; I heard your call over my radio. I can speak at the same time as them if needed."
"Result," Susy smiled. "Thank you, Dr Loomis."
"I can also see and monitor you. If I'm not on duty, one of the other doctors will be monitoring you twenty-four hours a day. We will keep our promise, your other half will be told if anything happens. Ok?"
"Thanks Dr Loomis, how's everything up there?"
"We're all good," he said warmly. "Perfectly fine thank you. It sounds like you're doing as well as can be expected?"
"Yes thanks, I'll see you soon?"
"Indeed, you will. Please give my best to Charlotte and her family. Don't give Joanne and Dr Stark too much trouble now!" they laughed, and he hung up.
…
Chris Leach groaned as he ejaculated, then rolled off Sharon throwing the used condom in to his bin. Unable to help himself, he pulled his deputy into his arms. The sex might be casual, but he genuinely cared about her. Sharon had a thick London accent, having spent a lot of her life in Brittan's capital, only moving to the states three years ago after meeting her husband. As Leach had often said, she was hard as nails and not a woman to mess with. The Misogynist gang knew all too well she wasn't afraid of them and didn't try to control her. If anything, she was one woman they respected. One member had tried to control her once and had ended up in hospital with broken ribs and a fractured skull.
"You only ever ask me for a fuck Chris when you are horny, or you want something. What is it this time babe?"
"Sharon! You underestimate me!"
"No, I don't, I just know you!"
Leach chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Yeah, alright. Caught me. It's the latter. I need your help if you're willing?"
"I am not going back to those misogynistic pieces of shit! I don't care what they want or pay, I am not going!"
Leach smiled at her. "No, granted the man who needs your… services are a misogynist, but he won't dare touch you. He knows you're protected. Plus, if he does, you'll beat him to a fucking pulp! Or we will if you don't do it first!"
Sharon snickered. "Right there! What the fuck does he want? Fuck I hate Misogynists!"
"Me too," Leach agreed. "Not much, he just needs you to dress as a nurse."
"Fuck no! Forget it! I sure as fucking shit am not going to be some kind of twisted sex slave for him! He can order a whore for that; I am not having it!"
Leach pulled her close again. Sharon looked surprised but smiled. "No babe, not a nurse like that! A Literal nurse in a hospital. He needs a woman to enter a hospital with him as a nurse, while he's disguised as a doctor."
"Why?"
Leach took a breath. This was a long story. "He's got an ex-partner who's totally blind. Her best friend who's also this guy's ex has been run over and in a coma in the hospital. The blind girl, she's got a guard with her having been in Smith's Grove hospital after she tried to kill herself because of him."
Sharon tutted in sympathy. "I feel for her. Poor bitch."
"I agree," Leach nodded. "But he needs a nurse to pretend to guide her to the bathroom to get her doctor and guard out of the way, he then wants to grab her. To kidnap her and rape her, kill her, I don't fucking know! But something. He's paying a shit load for it! He paid for us to run the other woman over as well!"
Sharon winced. "Fucking hell! This guy's for real then!"
"Sadly yes," Leach said. "I wouldn't be very sorry to see him die if I'm honest with you darling. But the money for this will set you up for life! He's so fucking sexist he'll give it to me not you, but I'll give it straight back to you afterwards."
Sharon appeared to be thinking it through. "Hmm. You know, I don't know if I can do it Chris. I mean, trick a blind woman? Who's already been bullied by a misogynist? I don't think I've got it in me."
"I understand babe, but if you can't or don't, the little prick will borrow one of the Misogynist Men's women and make her do it. He won't dare treat you like shit on his shoes, which is why I'm asking you."
"I get that," Sharon said. "I just… I don't like it. Is there anything I can do to sort of… help her afterwards?"
"See this is why I love you," Leach smiled at her. "You might be a seriously tough bitch, but you have a heart. We'll figure something out I promise to make it right."
"I just don't hurt disabled people," Sharon said. "It's fucked up!"
"It's business babe," Leach said. "But I do understand. I don't think I'd be able to hurt her if it came to it. But think about it. We won't be hurting her, he will."
"Yeah alright," Sharon nodded slowly. "Fine, but I am not going to hurt her in any way!"
"Thanks love. Are you going back to hubby tonight?"
Sharon snorted. "Fuck no! I don't even know where the fuck he is! Chris, I've been meaning to tell you this for a while. We're not even really married."
Leach gaped at her. "What the fuck?"
Sharon started to laugh. "I came over with him because I wanted adventure. We're friends, but we're not married really. Some of our… associates set up the fake papers to get me into the states."
"Fucking hell!" Leach looked half astonished; half impressed. "You even fucking fooled me!"
"You, see? The great Crime Lord Mr. Christian Leach was fooled by little me!"
"Jesus," Leach said again. "Are you… well, seriously serious?"
Sharon smirked. "I'm very seriously serious," she winked.
"So, every time we've had sex, it…"
Now, Sharon's face did turn serious. "It wasn't an affair, no. Nor to me was it casual. I… well I… hell. I think… fuck! I think I'm falling in love with you! The man I pretended to be married to have met a girl out here, they're happy. We're friends, we talk a lot! I… shit! I planned on telling you sometime soon, but not like this. You thought it was a casual fuck with a married woman, nope, sorry!"
Leach just stared at her in stunned silence for a moment. He couldn't believe his ears. He couldn't deny he was impressed though. Sharon had totally fooled him for months.
"I know you're not a misogynist," Sharon continued after a while. "I also happen to know you hate them! You're a damn dangerous man and I find that incredibly exciting and erotic! Several times I wanted to ask you for time together more often. Not just sex, though that's fucking awesome too, but just to spend time with you. I'm doing this for one reason Chris. Because I love you. If it wasn't for you, I'd refuse."
"You're serious, aren't you?" Leach said, pulling her closer to him.
"Completely," Sharon confirmed. "I don't mess with emotions Chris. Hell, I think I'm the only one who knows your name is Christian. I know you like black coffee first thing in the morning, a beer at night, curry is your favourite meal. I bought you your Rolex because I really wanted to tell you this, but I didn't know how. I…"
But Leach stopped her buy pulling her completely against him and taking her lips in a long kiss. The smile which lit up her face as he drew back was beautiful as far as Leach was concerned. How had he not noticed how beautiful she was before? Tough yes, but gorgeous.
He'd often privately thought to himself would he make a move on her if she wasn't married? Now this? It was almost beyond belief.
"I promise you, no joke," Sharon said as if reading his mind. "I'm not messing with you Chris; I don't have a death wish!"
Leach chuckled and kissed her again. "Then," he said. "While I've said to you before will you stay with me tonight, this time I'll ask, will you stay with me, Tulip?"
Sharon smiled at him, and Chris Leach felt his heart skip a beat. A high ranking and dangerous criminal he may be, but this woman meant the world to him. If anyone at all hurt her, they'd pay for it with their fucking life.
"Are you still willing to do this, babe? If not…"
"You mean just because I've told you I love you, and from what you've just done I'm assuming we're a couple now; you're saying I now don't have to do it?"
"No babe," Leach smiled at her, pulling her in for another kiss. "You never had to do it from the very start. But I mean, I must ask my partner what she wants, don't I? I'm not a Misogynist after all!"
"Why thank you Mr. Leach," Sharon gave him a mock salute. "I'm honoured!"
"Oh, shut up," Leach smirked at her.
"It's fine, I'll do it, but I need to do something to sort of… ease my conscience afterwards. I want the money, I can't lie! But that doesn't mean I like the morals of this stunt!"
"Understood," Leach nodded.
"Now," Sharon said. "It's your turn to shut up Leach! I've got something for you, man of mine."
This time, she kissed him. It was deep as her hands began to move across his body. Chris Leach knew this wasn't a fuck, this was love making. He could still hardly believe everything that'd happened tonight and how lucky he was. But when Sharon finally took him in her hand, his mind went blank.