"Ok so Mr. Leach has authorised this, and he's got a woman who's agreed to be a nurse for you."
It was the following morning and Adam had just been woken up by Ashley's call. "Fab!" He spoke. "Who's the bitch?"
Ashley smirked, which of course Adam wouldn't see through the phone. "You'll see," he said simply. "But I'd be careful before you try and be a misogynist to this chick Dawson!"
"I take it that means it's Leach's deputy… Tulip or whatever the fuck her name is?"
"Yeah! So fucking watch yourself Adam! She's hard as nails! You try and be sexist towards her, I wouldn't be surprised if she kills you!"
Adam snorted contemptuously. "Fuck off! She's a woman! I'm a man, we're way stronger than her!"
Ashley laughed out loud. "You haven't seen her yet have you? Just you wait! She's got more fucking muscles than most men! One of my men tried to control her and show the bitch her place as a woman and ended up in hospital with a fucking fractured skull! Plus, Mr. Leach has said she's protected, we're not to touch her!"
"Fuck that," Adam said. "If she doesn't do as I tell her, I'll fucking fuck her! Quite literally! I don't care what Leach says! She's still a woman, a bitch and will do exactly as I, a man tells her! I don't buy any of this bullshit! Especially that she could overpower me! She'll do as she's told, or she'll be very sorry! I might even fuck her anyway!"
There was a second of silence before Ashely spoke again, his voice very quiet. "That, Adam, will be the biggest and probably last mistake of your life. You want my advice? If you're intent on treating Tulip like that, you'd better plan your funeral tonight."
…
On her second night however, Danielle wasn't so lucky with sleep. She lay awake tossing and turning, thinking of everything Susy had said once the app was completely installed and active.
"The menu button allows you to enable and disable the active button, you can also change the alarm sound. I should also add that when you do this, it'll be quiet, just loud enough for you to hear what it'll sound like. The button next to it is a test button. You see that alarm safety mode toggle button? That enables you to decide whether to confirm alarm activation or not before it goes off."
"I think I'll use it," she smiled a little. "I don't want to set it off by accident! It'll deafen everyone around me!"
"This is true," Susy chuckled. "So, the active toggle you need to enable first thing every day and turn it off when you get in for the night or a long period of time. That will tell the monitors you are asleep and/or not moving. Put it back on when you either leave again, or you have someone round you're not sure about."
"Should've had this for months then," she joked, poking Joanne.
"Ha-ha," her guard rolled her eyes, she was almost certain. "Very funny."
Susy chuckled again. Danielle activated 'alarm safe mode.' "What's this I'm safe toggle?"
"Ah, yes. That means you don't have to press I'm safe every hour. You can turn that off if you want, some people like that option, makes them feel safer. It's your choice, but we highly recommend it's on if you're on your own."
"I've got Joanne," she said totally seriously this time. "I'm safe." She turned it off. Joanne squeezed her arm.
Now she lay in Charlotte's bed, desperately trying to close her eyes. But she couldn't. Her emotions were all over the place. Fear for Charlotte, missing Michael and if she was honest, fear for herself too. She had no doubt Adam would continue relentlessly pursuing her, she just didn't know how. She'd felt so safe when at Michael's side, now he was hundreds of miles away. She desperately tried to fight it off, but before she knew quite what was happening, she'd pressed her head into her unconscious friend's pillow which had no smell of her at all and started to cry.
…
"Mr. Leach wants you Dawson, the café. Now."
Adam stood immediately, trying to contain his excitement. Did this mean his plan was almost ready? His chance to finally get his hands on his bitch after months? The girl who thought she'd got away. God knew he'd told her enough times she was his, this was his chance to prove and show her this.
He got into his car and drove to the café. As soon as he arrived, he saw Leach's Mercedes parked outside. There was also another car there, a gleaming Jaguar. Adam stopped his car after parking it and got out heading through the door, ignoring the closed sign.
Glancing at his watch, he saw it was nearly 3AM. But he didn't care about sleep, not right then, not when he was hopefully so close…
He approached Leach who was standing by the counter with another man and a huge woman. Adam's mouth felt open. This must be Sharon, Tulip. Ashely hadn't been kidding. She looked as if she could break him in half with two fingers. But Adam reminded himself she was still a woman; he was the man and she'd do as she was told.
"Adam," Chris Leach drawled. "This is Tulip, and her friend Cornflake."
Adam of course knew these weren't their real names. Cornflake was a huge bloke. Adam wouldn't mess with him, but Tulip or whatever the fuck her name was, he would. Regardless of size and strength, she was still a bitch, still a woman who'd do as he said.
Before Adam could do or say anything further however, Tulip had stepped forward and grabbed him by the ears, lifting him clean off his feet as if he were a rag doll. Adam opened his mouth to tell the insolent bitch to put him down immediately or else when Tulip spoke in a deadly whisper straight in his face.
"Alright, Dawson. Let's get one fucking thing straight right now! You might think that just because you've got a dick in your pants you can boss women around, tell them what to do, be in charge. Well, I'll tell you right here and now you misogynous piece of shit, you won't pull that off with me. You even try to get your tiny cock out and force yourself on me, I'll cut the thing off and your head will get cracked like a fucking egg! The only reason you guys do this is because you've got tiny little cocks and you feel emasculated," she sneered. "So, you push and bully women around to make up for your own inadequacies and insecurities. Well, that isn't my problem. You even try to control me or order me around; you'll be very sorry indeed. I'll do this job for you, but you will show me some fucking respect, or die."
Adam's mouth dropped open, but he couldn't speak. How fucking dare… she showed no fear of him, and Adam had never seen this before in his life. He was used to women being afraid of him, doing as he said out of pure terror. But not this one. Tulip was, just as Ashley had said, "Hard as nails." Adam briefly felt a grudging almost respect for her, then quickly stifled it. She was still a woman.
"Yeah," Cornflake spoke up. "She's Leach's girl Dawson and if she doesn't beat you to a pulp, I fucking will! You misogynists are allowed nowhere near her in that way. Try anything at all and you're a dead fucking man!"
Finally, Tulip released his ears and Adam found his feet. How he wanted to say something, anything. He was so angry. But Tulip spoke again. "Oh, get over yourself you tiny cock! What? Going to sulk now because a woman's finally put you in your place? Oh, for fuck's sake! Alright, watch this."
She picked up a fire poker and concentrated on it, holding it in her hands. Adam tried to conceal his gasp, but he couldn't. The poker was bending and was very close to snapping.
"That'll be your fucking head if you even think of trying anything," Tulip warned. She wasn't even sweating. As much as he hated it with a passion, Adam realised to this woman he'd lose. This was one bitch he could not control, dominate, or terrorise. It tasted vile in his mouth, but the truth was staring him in the face. Very slowly, he nodded.
…
Danielle lay in bed, checking all the options were as she wanted them on her DASC app. She'd just found a useful one in the menu which meant her phone couldn't be turned off without a passcode. Not a fingerprint, as it would be too easy for someone to just grab her hand, but by a passcode only she knew. She set it then sank back against her pillows, feeling a little more secure. She still couldn't rid herself of her fear that Adam was planning something, something against her now Charlotte was dealt with.
She hesitated for a second, then pressed the app's "Call," button. Within a minute, her phone rang. The DASC had Domestic Violence Advisors on duty twenty-four hours a day.
"Hi, you're speaking to Jessica. "Are you ok?"
"Hi Jessica," she said gratefully. "Thank you for calling back so fast. Are you able to come up and see me, please?"
"Of course. Give me two minutes. I'll be right there." She was gone.
Within two minutes there was a soft knock on the main door. Danielle had gone out to wait so Dr Stark and Joanne weren't disturbed. Now she picked up the intercom. "Hello?"
"Hi, its Jessica."
She opened the door immediately and the two women walked into the lounge, sitting on two of the armchairs. "Do you want a cup of tea?" Jessica asked. "White two sugars, isn't it?"
She gaped at the DV Advisor. "How do you know that?"
Jessica laughed. "Ah. That's my little secret." She laughed as she entered the kitchen, returning a couple of minutes later with two mugs, one of which she handed to Danielle.
"What are you drinking then?"
"Tea, black no sugar," Jessica said. Danielle pulled a face, which made the other woman laugh. "So, how can I help you this evening?"
"More like morning, it's one AM."
"Fair point," Jessica laughed. "Ok smarty, this morning then?"
As much as she hated it, her face now became serious. Just as Charlotte had once told her, every member of staff here from the DV advisors to doctors, psychologists and cleaners had all been nothing but lovely to her since she'd arrived.
"It's Adam," she said very quietly. "I'm uneasy, Jessica. He's planning something, I just know he is! I've just felt uneasy for the last few days, and I don't know why! If it wasn't for Charlotte, her family and everything you lovely people are doing for me, I'd leave right now, go back to Smith's Grove! I think he knows I'm in Haddonfield that maybe part of his plan was to lure me back here."
"But Joanne's with you all the time," Jessica pointed out. "Adam won't get anywhere near you with a one-to-one guard."
Danielle smiled sadly. "I wish I could believe that, but I know the kind of guys he's probably got helping him. He'll know he won't be able to do this on his own, so he's probably brought in help, just like he did with Derek fucking Chancer!"
Jessica now did reach over and take her hand. "Yes, I'm so sorry you went through all that, but you are never away from Joanne's side unless you're inside this flat. Even now she's only in the room over there, not far away at all. What are you thinking he might do to you?"
"I'm not sure he himself will do anything," she said bitterly. "At least not at first. But I'm scared he might get a woman to do something to me on his behalf. Adam terrifies most women Jessica, he's fucking evil! There are a lot of women who he'd bully, control, or threaten to rape or kill if they didn't do as he said. What if they somehow grab me for him?"
Jessica considered, still holding her hand. "Hmm. So, what are you thinking? You know you have the app as well, Smith's Grove and the security companies can all monitor you twenty-four hours a day. If anything were and I repeat were, to happen to you they'd all know immediately."
"That's another thing, I've only tonight seen the option to make it so my phone can't be turned off without a passcode, so the monitoring can't be stopped except by me. What if I've missed something else?"
"Did Susy not mention this?" she noticed Jessica didn't sound pleased at this mistake.
"She may have done," she said quickly, keen to defend the amazing engineer who'd ensured her safety with this app. "I may have just forgotten."
"You're sweet," Jessica said. "She didn't mention it, did she? She won't get in to trouble, I promise. I won't say anything to anyone this time."
"No. I honestly don't think she did. But that's what's worrying me. What if I've missed something else?"
"Give me your phone sweetie, I'll check for you." Danielle did so without hesitation.
"Can the people monitoring me hear me?" she asked, as Jessica started her work.
"Not by default no. But they can all press a button on their own apps which will immediately allow them to hear via your phone's microphone. I happen to know that your man Mr. Michael Myers is also monitoring us right at this moment. Yes?"
"Yes," she was blushing she realised. "Can he also activate audio?"
"Yep," Jessica squeezed Danielle's arm with her free hand. "So, God help Adam if he tries anything."
"Yeah, except Michael's currently locked in Smith's Grove."
Jessica snorted. "Yeah, and like we both know he can also escape. I take it you weren't born when 1978 happened?"
"No, I was born on Christmas day of 78. Just months after though. I read about the killings online."
Jessica nodded. "I was in Haddonfield, I still live there but I don't think Mr. Myers came near my house thank God," she shivered.
"I hear you! Then another question occurred to her. "Jessica, can they turn on Audio at will?"
"No," Jessica replied. "They can only turn it on if the panic or emergency button is activated."
"What if…" she hesitated. She hated thinking of the worst-case scenario, but knew she had to. This was Adam after all. "What if I can't reach the panic or emergency buttons in time?"
"They get triggered if you have a fall as well, or just simply bash your hand against your phone, that'll activate it automatically. Plus, as you've doubtless seen, the panic, alarm, torch, and emergency buttons are right there on the home screen, even when your phones locked. Anything else you must open the app itself to access."
"Yeah, I did see that."
"Ok," Jessica said a minute or so later. "I'm safe mode is on, I highly recommend you use it, just in case. I know you have Joanne sweetie, but just in case."
"Yes, you're right.
"I'd also turn off alarm activation if I were you, so it'll go off with one press. You can't press it by accident as it takes a hard push."
"Ok, turn it off then please?"
They heard a door open and soft footsteps. "Hello there Joanne," Jessica said. "Just helping this lovely woman check her app."
"I couldn't sleep," Danielle said as Joanne came to her side. "I just feel… really jumpy."
"Well, I'll leave you in privacy," Joanne said. "Just wanted to make sure you're ok. I won't interrupt." But before she could leave, Danielle grabbed her arm. "No, stay, please?"
Immediately Joanne sat down in the chair beside hers. She was wearing pyjamas, and she knew she wasn't wearing her equipment just then of course, but that didn't matter, she felt safe regardless. Not that she distrusted Jessica in the slightest nor anyone else here, but Joanne had been her guard for months.
"Ok," Jessica handed back her phone.
"Can you fill Joanne in please?" she asked the DV Advisor. "Just in case I miss something?"
"Certainly," Jessica said. "So, Joanne, I've re-enabled the "I'm safe" toggle, so it'll have to be pressed every hour or the monitors will call and if that fails, the police. The alarm activation is also disabled, so it'll go off with one push. Just in case it needs to be pressed fast. The buttons needed are right there on the home screen."
"Sure thanks," Joanne nodded and smiled at Jessica, glancing at her name badge. "Jessica."
"I'm just so on edge," Danielle said to the two of them. "I don't know why, but I have a horrible feeling Adam's planning something. I've felt it for days and it makes me feel sick. Sometimes, I'm tempted to go back to SG! I feel like Adam knows I'm in Haddonfield somehow, or he arranged Charlotte's "accident" to get me here." She sneered at the word "accident."
"But I'm here," Joanne put an arm around her. "Whenever you're out, I'm with you. Please try not to worry sweetheart. You don't really want to go back to SG, do you? Charlotte needs you, as do her family. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. Anything! I swear! I want to live the rest of my life and if anything did happen, I don't fancy my chances at all if your man doesn't believe my explanation!"
Jessica chuckled. "Me neither! But seriously, you'll be fine, I promise."
"Can't I also borrow one of your guards? So, I have two?"
There was a short silence and when Jessica spoke again, her voice was as gentle as Danielle had ever heard it. "You really are afraid, aren't you sweetie?"
"Yes," she said instantly. "This is Adam. You know what he put me through before, I have absolutely no doubt that he will try to get to me again. I'm his, "Property" you see, and he wants "it" back."
Jessica appeared to consider. Danielle spoke again, the words tumbling out. "Please don't miss understand Joanne, I love you like a mother, and I told you that. But this is Adam, I think he'll be able to come up with a way to get past one guard, or whoever's working for him will, but not two!"
Joanne put both arms around her now and hugged her close. "I know," she murmured. "No offence taken whatsoever. I completely get it. Good thinking."
"Plus," Danielle said after a moment. "You're…"
"A woman," Joanne sneered. "I get it, I do."
"So, you want one of our male guards with you?" Jessica asked. "The ones who normally guard the doors?"
"Please," she begged. "If they're allowed to do it."
"They are, but normally a woman here is too terrified to have a man near her," Jessica said. "If you're sure, I can ask Dr Clarkson tomorrow."
"Please, I'd be really grateful."
"No problem. Is there anything else you need from me?"
"No, thank you so much Jessica. I can't thank you enough for this and your fast response."
"No problem at all, it's what we're here for." Jessica stood up. "Good night to you both and I'll ask Dr Clarkson tomorrow first thing. Or today, even."
"Do you think she'll allow it?" Danielle asked, suddenly nervous the doctor would refuse.
"I can't see why not," Jessica said. "You have a very good reason, and it is part of their job if requested."
"It's like being a celebrity," she managed a smile. "My own two bodyguards."
Jessica laughed, and then left.
"Please tell me you understand Joanne?" Danielle said as soon as the door was closed.
"Stop it," Joanne said sternly, pulling her into another hug. "I totally, totally understand. I also completely get your reasons. If you really are certain he's trying something, then this makes perfect sense. I'm not offended at all. Plus, having a good-looking male colleague in a suit and tie armed with a gun next to me… she just knew she'd winked.
"Joanne!" she pretended to be aghast. "You're taken, you little flirt! What would Rick say?"
"Eh," Joanne smirked. "You can look in the window, you just can't buy."
"Well, I sure as hell won't," Danielle grinned to show she was at least in part joking. "I don't think Michael would be too happy."
Joanne laughed. "I think if you had seriously fallen for someone else and were nice about it, you'd be ok."
Danielle snorted. "Yeah, ok, you carry on believing that," she said, throwing her guards words of days before back at her. "I don't. However, I have absolutely no desire to leave or lose him so…"
"Good for you!" Joanne hugged her again. "Now come on Missy. You need some sleep."
"So do you," she countered.
"Which I'm going to go and get," Joanne assured guiding her to her bedroom door, even though she already knew the way. Danielle smiled at her. "Once you're safely tucked up."
"Yes mom," she felt a rush of love for Joanne at that moment. Minutes later she was back in bed, hearing the soft click as Joanne closed her own door quietly behind her. She expected to be unable to sleep just as before. Sure enough, it wasn't long before her tears once again began to fall.
…
"Hey, Sweetheart."
Danielle raised her tear-soaked face at the sound of Joanne's voice. Her guard sat on her bed and infolded her in her arms. "Oh sweetie," she murmured. "I'm here."
It's just so fucking unfair," Danielle sobbed, unable to stop herself, Joanne's gentle hug breaking her final walls down. "Seeing Charlotte like this is so fucking hard! Yes, she made it to the morning which the doctors didn't think she would but shit Joanne! I love her so much; I love her family so much! They've treated me like their second daughter after my parents fucked off on me! I can't do anything, and I feel so damn powerless! I know they say people in a coma can hear you, but fuck! I keep thinking about how we went on the talking shuttles, how Dr Stark let us eat together in the staff canteen numerous times, our night in that staff suite! I can't bear to think I might have lost my…" she couldn't finish. She just broke down all over again.
"Shh," Joanne said repeatedly, rocking her like a child and for the first time in her life, Danielle truly welcomed it. "Shh, sweetheart, Shh. Charlotte's a fighter, as are you. You didn't let Adam beat you, nor will she."
"I wasn't fucking unconscious!" she almost howled.
"You still had a rope around your neck and were bleeding where he'd slashed you with a knife," Joanne murmured. "Same thing. You could've easily died that day; don't you forget that hear me? It was predicted by some of the best doctors Charlotte would be dead by this morning, and is she? No, she's not! She's still fighting, and I believe she'll make it!"
"You're just saying that," she snarked.
"No, I'm not. I wouldn't bullshit you. If I didn't think she would, really didn't think so, I'd tell you. I've known you too long to lie to you. Plus, friends don't lie to each other, do they?" She hugged her tighter.
Danielle knew she had to admit this, even though it made her shiver. "Plus, I'm so fucking scared! Adam pursued Charlotte and now I'm terrified he's coming after me! This is Adam, Joanne! He's not fucking stupid! God, I wish Michael was here! I really, really do! Yes, ok I'll surrender, partly for protection yes! He's Michael Myers for fuck's sake! People see him and run for the fucking hills! Especially if he's wearing that mask and has a kitchen knife! Fuck! I read enough online Joanne; I didn't have to see it to be afraid! Now, he's only my God Damn man! The irony hasn't escaped me! A masked, silent, remorseless killer loves me! I could spend my life asking why, but I gave that up weeks ago! For some reason he does and…"
"He does," Joanne stopped her. "Because you're kind, gentle and caring. You have been through hell, and you trusted him when no one else would. That's why."
"I know you're right," she said slowly after a second's pause. "But shit! I miss him so bad it hurts! I'm glad he hasn't seen me in this state though!"
"Why?" she could tell by Joanne's voice her guard was sneering now. "Because Adam told you not to cry? Right? Said you weren't to shed tears? Let me guess! If you cried, he assaulted you?"
"Right," she whispered.
"Well Michael wouldn't," Joanne said firmly. "Instead, he'd hug, kiss you and let you touch his ears!" As she said this, she moved so Danielle was touching hers. She managed a watery laugh. "I know they're not Michael's, "Sexy as hell," ears, I know they're small but they're all I got!"
She hugged Joanne tightly and tried to smile. "Thank you, Joanne. I miss him so much," she said.
"I know," Joanne said. "I know you do. If it's any consolation, I miss Rick too. I'm sure Dr Stark misses Luke as well, her husband."
"No offence intended whatsoever, but at least Rick and Luke will speak to you."
At this, Joanne did chuckle. "Fair point. Our men aren't silent."
"Or masked killers," Danielle observed. At this, both women eventually giggled.
"That's better," Joanne smiled. "That's the Danielle we know and love, just like Colin said."
"Joanne," she said after a moment, her face once again serious. She really, really didn't want to ask this question, but she had to, just in case. "Joanne, does Adam know about the DASC app?"
"Dr Stark asked Susy that earlier and she believes not. The only way he'd have ever seen it is if Charlotte ever had to use it around him and considering he never got close enough to her once she had it and was in the DASC's care, that wouldn't have happened."
"I'm… I'm scared," she admitted. "I don't think he's given up."
"I won't let him anywhere near you," Joanne promised. "I swear it. Besides, a certain man, your lover named Michael Myers would go crazy if he got to you and I don't fancy having to justify to him how."
"He wouldn't hurt you, Joanne."
Joanne snorted. "You think? If I relaxed one second too long and let Adam get to you, you don't think Michael would hurt me? Sorry, you're so, so wrong."
"I'm sure he wouldn't," she said again, but even she noticed she sounded unconvinced now.
"You carry on believing that," Joanne said. She shivered.
Joanne pulled out her radio and activated it. Danielle had asked her and Dr Stark how they'd brought clothes and other essentials, and the doctor had told her they'd put cases in the back of the aircraft before they'd left SG. Now, Joanne spoke.
"Dr Loomis, this is Joanne. A certain someone's missing Michael. Is he…"?
"Stand by," Dr Loomis' voice came back immediately, and they could hear his smile. "One sec. Ok guys," he said a moment later. If one of you dials this number, he'll answer it." Joanne wrote it down.
"Will it always be the same one?" Danielle asked.
"Yes," Dr Loomis confirmed. "So put it in your phone and save it."
For some reason, she felt her fingers shaking slightly as she dialled, feeling something in her stomach she didn't recognise at first only having felt it once before in recent years. Then it clicked. Butterflies. Joanne must've seen something on her face because she nudged her and whistled softly.
"Thought you couldn't whistle!" Danielle accused.
Her guard snickered. "I can't. That was as good as it gets. Do you want privacy?"
"Yes please, thanks Joanne."
"No worries. I'll make you a cup of tea then I'll go, ok?"
"Thank you." She dialled and hit call, as Joanne entered the kitchen. The phone rang twice then was answered. There was total silence, except for the calm, measured breathing she knew immediately.
"Hey Michael," her voice shook a little and she cursed herself. Why? Joanne would say it was because she was in love and she hoped she was right, but she felt so on edge tonight.
"Dr Loomis has just told me no one can hear you or him," Joanne whispered in her ear, setting her tea on her bedside table. "He's in your soundproof cell, you've got total privacy. Press your call button if you need me." She slipped out.
Steph had told Danielle when she first arrived the call button would buzz in either Dr Stark's or Joanne's room, depending on who had it activated. Tonight, it was Joanne. She was glad. She knew Dr Stark was far more tired than she was letting on. She needed and deserved her sleep, and she didn't want to be the one who woke her up.
"It…" she started again. "It's a bit of a mess down here. Charlotte's…" she took a breath. "No change," she just managed, trying desperately not to break down all over again. "But she made it until morning, which they didn't think she would. Nigel's been absolutely fucking amazing; I see him every day. He says he wants to meet you; he knows about us. I…" she hesitated. Should she tell Michael how unnerved she was feeling, with no idea why? She knew what Dr Stark would say. Yes! He's your partner. If you want this to work, you need to trust and work with him. She knew her doctor would be right, too. So, she took a deep breath and spoke again, not hiding the shake in her voice this time.
"Michael, I… I feel really on edge. Joanne's being amazing of course as is Dr Stark, but I feel nervous. I can't even put my finger on why, but… well, I think Adam's planning something. I could be talking bullshit, but…"
She started as a text came through on her phone. She was about to ignore it, when she realised it was from the very number she was currently connected to. Michael had just text her. Her heart sped up as she read it and she almost cried.
He'll have me to answer to if he is.
"T… thanks," she stammered, totally shocked, but affection almost choked off her voice. She fought back her tears. "Oh, Michael, I miss you so much! I…" another text came through.
You have the DASC app installed, yes?
She now did cry. Michael wasn't being particularly loving in words right at that moment, but she could read between the lines. He was checking she was safe.
"Yes darling," she assured him. "Worked with a lovely engineer called Susy tonight. It's all set up and Dr Loomis can monitor me."
Yes, as can I. Dr Loomis has connected it to this phone too.
"Seriously?" she felt affection gush up inside her for Michael's doctor.
Seriously.
"That…" she fought back her tears. "That makes me feel safer than you could ever understand. I… thank you Michael."
I will know immediately if something happens to you. As for feeling safe, it's a partner's job, is it not? Just because your ex didn't.
She gave a shaky laugh. "Yes, I know." She took a breath, then asked what she really wanted to know. "But Michael, even if Adam did manage to do something, what are you planning on doing? It's not like…" she stopped herself quickly. Not like you could escape. Yeah, right. She may not have been born at the time of the killings in 1978, but she'd read more than enough about it. She quickly changed the subject. How are you?" She knew it was lame, but she couldn't think about those killings. Yet, she loved their killer. She felt herself shiver. God help Adam if he was indeed planning to hurt her.
Michael didn't text back this time, but she didn't need him to. She felt better having spoken to him and she could hardly believe that at last for the very first time, he'd communicated with her beyond a soft whisper. She would save these texts for life. "I love you," she said a few minutes later. "I miss you. I'll see you very soon, I promise."
There were a few seconds of silence, before the call disconnected with three soft beeps. She understood why. Michael had waited a moment, so she didn't think he'd hung up too fast. In that silence before he had, she could almost hear the words he hadn't said. He loved her too. She wondered if he'd ever say or even text those three huge words to her. She couldn't lie, she hoped so, someday.
…
The Shape stood at the door of the cell, holding the phone in his hand. His heart was squeezing and twisting in a way he still even now didn't fully understand. He wanted to tell her he loved her too but didn't know how. Dr Loomis quietly approached him a moment later. "Michael, are you ok?"
He didn't answer in any way, just looked into his doctor's eyes. "She loves you," Dr Loomis said. "She really does. You can keep that phone with you if you want, but it can't make outgoing calls and only very few have that number." He gave his doctor a very slight nod.
"Do you want to stay in this cell? Winters is arriving tomorrow so it… might be a good idea."
The Shape just continued to look at his doctor. Ah, yes. Mr. Trevor Winters, a man who would randomly scream or shout insults any hour of the day or night. He'd killed his entire family in cold blood, then targeted his best friend before he was finally caught. He'd been ruled truly criminally insane and was considered a very dangerous man. Almost as dangerous as he was.
Dr Loomis had offered him the soundproof cell to prevent him from hearing winter's screams and shouts. He was still a very violent man and would lash out without warning. Rick, Jack, and Ryan had all been assigned to his care. He'd miss those guards in a way even he didn't completely understand.
"They won't be going anywhere," Dr Loomis said now, as if reading his mind. "They'll still be able to help you when not aiding Mr. Winters.
Detaining and keeping under control were the words he would've used, but he just looked away, moving silently across the foam to the bed he'd lane in with Danielle so many times.
His doctor got the message. "Good night, Michael," he said softly. "If you need anything, call." He left.
…
Two days later.
"He's got to be joking! This is impossible!"
Sharon, Leach, and the man known as Cornflake but whose real name was Stan, were sitting in the living room of Leach's huge house. When they'd become a couple, he asked her to move in with him, which she'd been thrilled to do and had done immediately.
"I still can't believe you guys aren't really married," Leach said, following the train of his own thoughts. Sharon smirked.
"Yeah, it's true we certainly fooled everyone," Cornflake said with a grin. "It was ridiculously easy, actually."
"Sorry babe," Leach said to Sharon. "I interrupted you."
"It's cool," she squeezed his inner thigh. Stan smirked. "Get a room you too," he said. The three of them chuckled.
"You were saying?" Leach asked.
"Yeah. Dawson. He's having a fucking laugh! Hayward's way too guarded. There's no way in hell I'm going to be able to get her into a bathroom without what's her name. Joanne?"
"If anyone can Tulip," Cornflake said. "You can."
Sharon gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, but I still can't help wondering if Dawson's on some kind of suicide mission. I mean, her God damn man's only Michael Myers! Jesus! Does he want to die?"
"But that's not our problem," Stan reminded her quietly. "It's his."
"That's as maybe unless Myers comes after us too. Are you seriously ruling that out?"
"We haven't done anything to Hayward," Stan said. "Adam's behind all this."
"Yeah, but he's still paying us to do this part," Sharon pointed out.
Sharon had spent the last two days spying on Charlotte's room and those who entered it. But she hadn't been kidding. Joanne was always with her wherever she went, even the bathroom. She was watching her intently all the time.
"Maybe we could help Myers in the end," Leach murmured, a slight grin on his face. "Help him kill the little fucker."
"I can't say I'd object," Sharon said. "The guy's just… well, far more sadistic than any of us."
"I've got an idea," Stan said. "Rather than Hayward, Incapacitate her guard. Then let Dawson take Hayward. It'll take Joanne a while to come round, by which time Dawson will be gone. Your original plan was to knock Hayward out, right? That's too dangerous like you said. Joanne's too fast. So, why not knock her out instead?"
"Joanne?" Sharon considered this, then slowly nodded. "Could work," she said thoughtfully. "But it's also damn dangerous. That bitch is armed to the hilt. Are you suggesting Chloroform?"
"That or something similar," Stan said. "But Chloroform's probably your best bet. That stuff is lethal."
"I don't want to kill her," Sharon said. "That's one step too far even for me. She's not our enemy after all, she's Dawson's threat."
"Yeah, I know, so only use a little. The tiniest amount of Chloroform will knock her unconscious for hours. Use it on Joanne."
"You've got a point there," Sharon admitted. "Babes," she said to Leach. "Can you get hold of some?"
"Easy darling'," Leach drawled. "Easy."
"Ok," Sharon said after a second's hesitation. "I'll do it. We knock out her guard so Dawson can grab Hayward. Great idea Stan, Chloroform it is. Just please, don't let me kill her! I only want to knock her out, ok? She's done nothing to me or us."
"Done," Leach nodded. "When are we doing this?"
Dawson said as soon as possible, will you be able to get the Chloroform by tomorrow?"
"As I just said," Leach smiled. "Easy. Ok then, if you're ready babes, call Dawson and tell him tomorrow it is." Slowly, Sharon nodded.
…
The next thing Danielle knew, someone was knocking on her door. Groggily, she stood and headed for it. "Hello?" She asked blearily into the intercom.
"Hi, its Dr Clarkson and Dr Stark, plus a visitor. Can we come in?"
"Hold on one sec," she called, having a pretty good idea who the visitor was. She felt a rush of gratitude towards Dr Clarkson as she quickly dressed, then opened the door.
"Hi," Dr Stark said as the two doctors entered. She was about to speak, when she heard a soft, yet authoritative male voice.
"Hello Miss Hayward, my name is Jason. I gather you asked for an extra security guard for your hospital trips. Well, that's me."
"It's really nice to meet you Sir," she said sincerely, holding out her hand which the guard took. His grip was firm, strong and secure, immediately making her feel she was in very safe hands.
"No need for the Sir," he said warmly, still holding her hand in his. She felt a swell of gratitude and respect. He undoubtedly knew lots of women had to call men, "sir," in the past just as she had, so was immediately putting her at ease. "Jason or J is just fine."
"Thank you, Jason. I really appreciate you saying that. Do you mind?" She asked, feeling the man's radio, handcuffs and other equipment, her hand resting on the gun on his shoulder. She just knew by the solid metal and weight; this one was real. She let out a low whistle. "I wouldn't mess with you," she said quietly.
Jason squeezed her arm. "Hey, I'm soft as a cat me unless someone endangers the person I'm protecting or pisses me off! That's when I get my claws out!"
Danielle laughed. She liked him already. "I think I've heard your voice on the door sometimes?" She asked.
"Yep, you certainly would have. Sorry if I haven't told you my name before."
"You may have done," she admitted, blushing. "I probably just forgot."
"It's ok," Jason pretended sadness. "I'm used to being forgotten."
"Shut up," Dr Clarkson said as they began to laugh. Joanne stepped forward and shook Jason's hand. She remembered her guard's words from the night before about a good-looking guard and nudged her in the ribs. Joanne nudged her back. Danielle grinned at her guard.
…
Sharon glanced doubtfully at the tiny syringe in her hand. "Are you sure that'll be enough?"
"Babes," Leach said, but not patronisingly. "This stuff's Lethal. Any more than that and you'd kill the guard."
"Ok," Sharon nodded. Leach after all understood this kind of stuff a little better than she did.
"Good luck, Stan, Cornflake said, giving her a hug. Sharon smiled at her fake husband. "Cheers Stan, I'll see you later, ok? I'll let you know how it goes."
"You'd better," Stan warned. "I want to know you're ok. Got it?"
Sharon smiled and kissed his cheek. Stan's London accent was if anything even stronger than hers. He was one hell of a violent man, but if he cared about you, you'd think and see the exact opposite.
"Where's Dawson meeting you?" Leach asked.
"Outside the hospital doors," Sharon said. "I called him last night and told him what we discussed and how I'd watched the hospital the last two days."
"That fucking Misogynist didn't say anything he shouldn't to you, did he?" Stan growled.
"No," Sharon laughed. "He knows better after my… warning."
"That was fucking amazing babes," Leach smiled at her. "I meant to say. The way you grabbed him by the ears and lifted him clean off his feet before you told him straight! Respect!"
"I agree," Stan said. "Fucking awesome if I do say so myself."
"So, who am I looking for again?" Sharon asked, smiling her thanks to the two men for their compliments. "Who is he disguised as? What does his name badge say?"
"Dr Fuller," Leach confirmed.
Sharon grinned. "Suits him. He's full of himself and shit!"
The two men chuckled. Sharon kissed Chris to the mouth and Stan on the cheek, then got in her car and left for the hospital, hoping she'd get back to them tonight, either alive or not having been arrested.
…
"Ok?" Jason asked after Danielle had finished breakfast with Joanne, and they were standing in the DASC's foyer. "We ready to go?"
"Yes J," Danielle affirmed with a grin.
"Ok, let's hit the road." They climbed into the DASC car Dr Clarkson had lent them for the duration of their stay. Joanne and Jason were both insured to drive it. Danielle lent her head against the window as they drove, trying desperately to empty her spinning head. Why did she feel so nervous? She was up front beside Jason, Joanne behind in the back. Just as they reached the hospital, she received an 'are you safe?' alert. Immediately she hit the yes button. There wasn't a "no" button, she just wouldn't be able to respond to the alert if she was in trouble.
"Hello, you must be Danielle?" A nurse asked as they stepped through the doors. She had a very thick London accent; she couldn't help noticing.
"Yes, I am. Here to see Charlotte Avery?"
"Of course," the nurse said. "I'm just here to tell you that one of our doctors, Dr Fuller has seen the rest of Charlotte's family, to give them something for the emotions and lack of sleep. He's asked to see you as well?"
"Ok," she agreed. "After I've seen Charlotte's… how she's doing." She'd almost said still alive.
"He's requested you see him as soon as possible," the nurse said. "He's going off duty soon. I can tell you there's be no change in Miss Avery's condition I'm very sorry to say. But Dr Fuller has seen the rest of the family today and wishes to see you before he goes off duty in an hour."
Danielle turned to Joanne, then Jason. "It's entirely up to you babe," Joanne said quietly.
…
Sharon stood there, praying the girl in front of her would do as she asked. If she had time to speak to the family, they'd tell her she was lying. After all, there was no Dr Fuller in this hospital. Nor was she even really a nurse. This had to work. She also hadn't banked on two security guards. Shit! The bloke was huge, as big as her. How the hell could she get Hayward passed him? Knocking Joanne out was all very well, but this guy? Suddenly this didn't seem so easy, or such a good idea after all.
…
"Fine, how long will it take?" Danielle asked.
"Only a few minutes," the nurse assured her. "Please follow me?"
She led them to the consultation room where Dr Fuller was waiting. They reached the door and the nurse knocked.
…
"Come in?" Called a voice. It was deliberately not Adam's; she would recognise it instantly. Instead, one of the other Misogynist gang members had come with them purely to say those two words. He was a tiny bloke, but terrorised women with ease just as Adam did.
…
The nurse opened the door and the three entered.
"This really should be in private," said the doctor's assistant.
"I'm sorry Sir," Jason said. "I am here to protect Miss Hayward and I will do my job."
"Same here," Joanne said. "It's with us, or not at all Dr Fuller."
The nurse slowly moved to Joanne's other side, while the guard's eyes were fixed on the doctor's assistant.
"So?" Jason asked. "Where's this Dr Fuller then?"
"He's in his office," said his assistant. He'll be in very shortly."
Danielle felt the first twinge of unease and stepped closer to Jason, who took her arm. "You alright?"
…
Joanne felt the prick of a needle to her left arm and grabbed for her gun but was too slow to react. Instantly she felt drowsy, and her vision began to swim. She groped for anything to grab hold of but wasn't fast enough as the wave of blackness consumed her, and she plunged into darkness.
…
"I…" Danielle began, but was unable to continue, her words breaking off into a scream, as she felt Joanne release her arm and hit the floor. Jason leapt forward immediately to see why and was just in time to see the nurse pocketing the used needle Joanne had just been injected with.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Jason raised his gun. "STAY WHERE YOU ARE, DON'T MOVE! HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD!"
Danielle knew immediately something was wrong. She didn't know exactly what, but she'd take her first warning if it turned out her instincts were incorrect. Putting her hand in to her pocket, she hit the unlock button and bashed "panic" as hard as she could. There were three very fast vibrations, which told her it'd been activated. She knew the monitors would now call the police immediately, she just hoped they were fast enough…
"Hello," said a horribly familiar voice. "I am Dr Fuller." It was Adam.
…
The shape stood in his cell with the screen down, hearing the erratic screams from Mr. Winters across the corridor. He was tempted to kill the man just to shut him up. In the brief interaction he'd seen between them, Dr Loomis had been more patient with the lunatic than he ever would think of being. He closed the screen, his thoughts going back to her. He hoped she was ok, Charlotte too. He missed her so much it was almost painful. He wished he could be with and protect her, but also knew why Dr Loomis wasn't taking that risk. She after all, was in Haddonfield. The town he longed to return to and… He clenched his hand, as though holding his beloved knife. What he wouldn't give to…
His breathing remained calm and measured, even as the desire and lust for blood stormed through him. He hadn't felt the call of the kill this strongly for months. He knew why too. Because Danielle wasn't with him. She somehow was able to calm it down. But right now, it was as real as his feelings for her. His murderous rage coursed through him. He wanted someone's, anyone's blood on his hands, the euphoria and pleasure of taking a life, his knife slicing through delicate flesh. In the very back of his mind, he knew Dr Loomis would not be pleased. This was a step backwards for him. But most of him didn't care. If anyone came near him now, anyone at all, he'd… Accept her.
That was when the phone on his bedside table vibrated fast three times, and a loud siren sounded. He grabbed it knowing immediately why. Danielle had pressed the panic button.
…
Danielle felt as though she was about to faint, scream, or both. She knew Jason couldn't point his gun at both. As if reading her mind, there was the crack! Of a gunshot and a scream. He'd shot the fake nurse. How had they not realised she was fake. She heard the woman fall to the ground, blood gushing from her shoulder. But before she could move, run, or scream for help, another man grabbed her.
"Here's your bitch," he said, as Adam approached fast and grabbed her around the neck. Jason pointed his gun straight at Adam's head, but the other man ran at him and stood between Adam and the guard. In that brief second while Jason was distracted, Adam moved. She also felt the prick of a needle and desperately tried to scream, beg, anything, but within seconds, Sound was beginning to fade and fast. She felt herself being lifted over someone shoulders just before her world also, went completely black.
…
The police were at the hospital within five minutes, but they were already gone.
"Who took her?" One of them barked at Jason. "What did he look like?"
Sharon meanwhile was receiving medical treatment and was also handcuffed, having been arrested for faking a nurse's identity. The police knew her role was only a small part of the picture, however. Even Jason was a little shaken up.
"He… he looked like a doctor. White coat, stethoscope, the works. He had a beard, was about six feet,"
The police exchanged looks. "FUCK!" One of them shouted. "IT WAS DAWSON, I KNOW IT! OK TROOPS, LISTEN UP! WE HAVE TO GET OUT THERE, SEE IF WE CAN TRACE THE VEHICLE HE'S USING, BECAUSE I'D BET ANYTHING IT'S NOT HIS! INTERVIEW THIS WOMAN HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! SHE HOLDS THE ANSWERS. MOVE!"
As the police ran out except two officers, Joanne was lifted on to a stretcher towards and into a waiting elevator.
"She's unconscious," a nurse said. "If I had to guess what she was injected with, I'd say Chloroform or something very similar to it."
"Fucking son of a bitch!" Jason growled. "I shot her and then tried to shoot him," he told the medics and officers. "But he was too fast. Plus, his fucking goon helped him. Dawson ran with her before I could get to him."
"We've got the other guy," one of the officers assured him. "You did the best you could son. The other guy we fucking know him! Member of a misogynist gang in Haddonfield."
"Jesus," Jason looked devastated. One of the officers patted him on the back.
"You did everything you could Jason. You couldn't have done any more than you did. Joanne will be fine, she's just unconscious. Come on, get in the elevator, and let these guys treat you for shock."
"I'm o…" the guard began. But the officer almost pushed him towards the elevator doors and with a small smile, the guard gave in.
…
"Wake up, rise and shine."
For a few seconds, Danielle felt nothing but complete disorientation. Where the hell was she? She felt so groggy, tired, and confused.
"Time to wake up," taunted a voice right beside her left ear. That was when it all came flooding back. Adam! He had her! Where the fuck was she? She started to remember. Joanne being knocked out or maybe killed… no! She wouldn't let herself go there, she wouldn't! Joanne was a fighter, she was fine! Just unconscious, she thought desperately. Please dear God please just unconscious… Now, she clung to the hope that her app was working, and the monitors had turned on audio. Then it hit her with a jolt, as if she'd been electrocuted. Michael could monitor and hear everything! Please, she begged inwardly. Please Michael, please…
"Well hello Darling," Adam's voice said. "Waking up now, are we? Nice sleep, eh? Welcome home. I told you I'd get my property back and that you are mine, tut, tut. You ignored my warnings. Aww," he mocked. "How's Charlotte? Not dead yet then? Well, it's only a matter of time."
"Adam," she croaked, determined on one thing. No fucking way in hell was she calling him Sir! Michael had helped her with this, and she was not falling back the way Adam wanted her to. As she'd said to Joanne, she wasn't the woman who'd walked through Smith's Grove's doors the first time. Not anymore. This time, she would fight back.
…
The shape heard everything. Adam's taunting voice, her defiance and despite the murderous rage coursing through him, he felt a twinge of pride. Danielle was fighting the little prick back. Within seconds, Dr Loomis approached his cell, speaking softly, but fast.
"Michael, please listen to me. The police are on the case right now, I'll help in any way I can. But please…" The Shape noticed his doctor was standing a long way away from him, doubtless sensing his need for the kill. He simply looked back at him. He knew Dr Loomis knew that if he got his chance, he was getting to Haddonfield one way or the other, to commit the very kill he was longing for.
Rick and Jack ran over, both looking very worried. "Please tell us it's not true?" Rick almost begged. "The DASC just called us on our radios. Dawson hasn't got her after knocking out Joanne, has… has he?"
"I'm afraid so," Dr Loomis said grimly. "I've spoken to Dr Stark within the last five minutes, and they've arrested a woman who posed as a fake nurse to get to them. A guard with them Jason managed to shoot her but was unable to shoot Adam. The bastard had another guy with him who distracted Jason while Adam made a run for it with…"
"FUCK!" Jack shouted. "FUCK, FUCK NO!"
"We can't just stand here," Rick said desperately. Dr Loomis could see his guard was trying not to panic. "We have to do something!"
"Like what, Rick?" Dr Loomis asked compassionately. "We're hours away. What exactly are you suggesting?"
Rick looked at his boss as if he were stupid. "DUH! THAT WE GET ON THAT FUCKING PLANE AND FUCKING GO! WE CAN'T JUST LEAVE THEM! IT'S… IT'S NOT RIGHT! WE HAVE TO GET DOWN THERE, LIKE NOW, LOOMIS!"
It was the first time the guard had ever called him that, but Dr Loomis knew his panic was genuine. Stepping forward, he put an arm around both Rick and Jack's shoulders, while looking straight at Michael. "Gents," he murmured to the three of them. "What can we exactly do? We have no idea where Adam has even taken her. By the time we get there, she may have been found and rescued. As for Joanne she's now safe in hospital, being well looked after. She was injected with Chloroform to knock her unconscious. What will we being there do? How can we possibly help them more than the police are right now?"
"SO, YOU'RE PREPARED TO JUST FUCKING STAND THERE?" It was Jack's turn to shout. "LET HER GET RAPED, KILLED? WHAT THE FUCK DOC? WE CAN'T DO THAT! WE'VE BEEN HER GUARDS FOR FUCKING MONTHS! NOT JUST THAT, BUT HER FUCKING MAN'S STANDING RIGHT THERE! WHAT ABOUT Joanne TOO? WE HAVE TO help them! YOU SERIOUSLY EXPECT RICK AND Michael TO JUST STAND HERE WHEN THEIR PARTNERS ARE IN DANGER? YOU'RE DELLUDED!"
Before Dr Loomis could say another word, Rick had pulled out his keys and opened Myers' cell. He was shaking with anger.
"RICK!" Dr Loomis warned, but the guard ignored him. The shape stepped out and Rick didn't even consider chains. "Come on pal," Rick's voice too shook with anger and emotion. "I'm right behind you! Let's go kill his ass!"
Jack followed at a run after him, leaving William and Dave in charge of winters. After a second's hesitation, Dr Loomis did likewise. As they ran through the small kitchen of the block to take the shortcut out, Rick briefly stopped and Jack wasn't sure if the temperature itself had dropped, or just his body one as he saw what his colleague did. Breathing fast with anger, Rick slowly slid open a kitchen drawer, slipping a huge and lethal kitchen knife into Michael's hand. But it was the second object which really made Jack shiver. He glanced at Dr Loomis who was also looking pale. Because Rick Evans had just handed Michael Myers who was now wearing his infamous, deathly pale, white mask.