Within his sight

by Whistle-78

After Danielle Hayward, a totally blind teenager is committed to Smith's Grove having attempted suicide, the staff realise to their horror the only cell available is next door to the silent, masked, infamous serial killer. The Shape, Michael Myers. But as time passes, something slowly begins to develop between the two.

31. Chapter 31

"Darling, are you awake?"

Danielle stirred, at first unsure if she'd even heard the voice. Had it just been a dream?

"Sweetheart? It's me, Emma."

At this, she woke completely. Emma Avery was at her bedside. "Mom," she said, and heard Emma fight back a sob. "You should be at Charlotte's bedside! Not here. I…"

"Now you listen here missy!" Emma Avery began, sounding almost angry. "You just called me mom, and that's because you are just as much our daughter as Charlotte is. You've been through hell tonight courtesy of that bastard Dawson! You both were hurt because of him, I'm not sorry to hear that he's no longer with us! Nor do I have to guess as to who killed him! Dr Loomis didn't say as much, but he didn't have to! It was the man who really, truly cares about you, loves you, as do we. Colin and Dave are with Charlotte as we speak, I came here to talk to you. How are you feeling sweetheart? Your other half is outside with the guards. He left when I came in. He's been by your side the whole time."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Three hours," Emma said. Danielle's mouth dropped open.

"Shit! How strong are these painkillers?"

Emma lent forward and gave her a gentle hug. "Please tell me, how are you feeling? Are you in pain?"

"A little," she admitted. "I'll ask the nurses for some more painkillers after four hours have passed."

"Good," Emma said firmly. "If you don't, I will."

She knew her as good as mother wasn't kidding. "I will," she said. "I promise."

"Ok," Emma relented, sitting in the chair beside her bed and taking her hand. "As I said, I came into talk to you. I just ask you to listen, are you up for that?"

"Of course, mom," she said. "I'm all ears."

Emma smiled with a soft chuckle. "Of course you are, you and ears!" Leaning forward, Emma moved so Danielle's hands came into contact with hers. Danielle grinned and the sight nearly brought Emma to tears. "Ow, my ears!"

"Whoops, pun not intended."

"Yeah whatever," Emma said sceptically. "Of course it wasn't. So, I talked with Dr Stark and Joanne earlier, both of whom agreed with what I'm about to say. I told them that I wanted to be the one to talk to you about it for obvious reasons. You're my other daughter and I love you."

Danielle blinked back tears and despite the pain, reached over and hugged Emma as tightly as she could. "I love you too, mom."

Emma put her arms around her, and they continued holding each other as she started speaking again. "Dr Stark went back to Smith's Grove today as soon as she knew you'd been rescued. Now Colin, Dave, and I, as well as your friends and doctors, by friends I mean the guards, all agree with this, but you need to do so as well. We all want to help you; you understand that right?"

"Of course," she said, touched beyond words that the guards had called her a friend. Of course she'd always known this, but for them to say it to someone else she loved meant more than she could ever tell them.

"We want to ask you to go back to Smith's Grove," Emma said. "To get more treatment I mean. Undoubtedly what you went through tonight will influence you if it hasn't already. Dr Stark genuinely wants to help you. Listen, Dave and I even offered to pay for your treatment, but Dr Stark wouldn't hear of it."

This did make Danielle blink back tears. Emma hugged her tighter, while being mindful of her many cuts. "She said no charge?"

"She did indeed, I think she really wants to help you get better. Plus, it also means you won't have to leave a certain man's side, doesn't it?"

Now Danielle did smile back, she couldn't help it. "You know, the old me would've said, get lost, don't patronise me, the one before and during Adam. But not anymore mom. I was considering asking Dr Loomis or Dr Stark if I could do just that and I would've paid them for it too. I want to move on, and I know I will in time, now that Adam is dead, but…" she ran a shaking hand across her forehead. "I know it won't happen overnight."

Emma took her hand. "Listen to me," she said, totally serious now. "All of us including Charlotte know full well you're not the same person who walked through Smith's Grove's doors months ago after trying to kill yourself. You're stronger, much more independent and determined to fight for what's yours. The guards have told us some of the ways in which you've grown, and we are all so proud of you for it! You were one tough cookie before Adam and now you're getting this back! We love you and we've all seen it! I wouldn't be surprised if Michael is also proud of you."

Now she did start to cry, hugging Emma as tightly as she could, uncaring of the pain. "Thanks mom," she said when she could speak again. "I love you all so much!"

"So does that mean you're willing to go back for further treatment?" Emma asked eventually, after a few minutes of just holding each other in silence. They didn't need to speak; they were as close as mother and daughter.

"Yes, I really think it would help me and I really like Doctor's Stark and Loomis, plus the others of course. Not to mention the guards, who've been nothing short of amazing since I got there. But I do have one request."

"What's that?" Emma asked, and from the playful tone of her voice it was clear she already knew what it might be.

"I'd like Joanne to stay as my guard."

"That's already a done deal kiddo, that was the first thing Dr Stark said when we spoke. That isn't changing whatsoever."

"Good," she gave a genuine if tired smile.

"But I bet that's not all, I'm betting anything you also have an ulterior motive, named Mr. Michael Myers? Right? Dr Stark also said you wouldn't be separated at all this time unless you asked for it and would share the same room you were in before, the one with the sound proofing."

"Dr Stark told you about that?"

Emma hugged her again. "Yes. While the others were…" she hesitated. "On their rescue mission, Dr Stark came to see us and told us everything that'd happened. How Adam had used someone on the inside to spy on you with a listening device. And how your room had been soundproofed as a result. But she didn't tell us who it was, did you ever find out?"

She felt another rush of affection for Dr Stark. She was leaving that part for her to tell and her alone. "Yes," she said after a moment, her tone bitter. "It was Derek Chancer."

"Derek Chancer?" Emma sounded horrified. "The woman rapist and killer? The one who's now on death-row?"

"The very same," Danielle said heavily. "Adam managed to get through to him somehow and he was paid to spy on me with some kind of app on an iPod. But we found him out in the end. I ended up holding Jack's, one of the guard's guns to his head and asking him how he did it."

"That's my girl, see? You've grown so much back into the Danielle we all knew and loved before that bastard got his claws into you!"

"I didn't do it alone; Michael Myers had a lot to do with it too."

"I'm sure he did," Emma hugged her a final time before releasing her and lovingly pushing her back against her pillows. "But it shows one thing, you don't need a man to be your own woman. Yes, Michael helped you, but from what I understand you didn't get together for a long time after meeting him."

"That's true."

"Just remember darling," Emma said as she stood up to leave, saying she'd let her get further rest and would call a nurse for her for a drink and more painkillers. "In your relationship, Michael Myers is not in control, or in charge, you're a team. Got that?"

"Yes mom," she said, closing her eyes. "Loud and clear."

Emma looked back as she headed out of the door, just long enough to speak one last time. "I love you."

"Love you too mom," Danielle said just before the door clicked softly closed.

…

The next thing Danielle knew there was another knock on her door. Had she fallen asleep again? Reaching over for her phone, she checked the time. It was 8 AM. Her jaw dropped in shock. Last thing she'd known it'd been 9PM the night before. For a second, she was disoriented, not at first certain where she was. Then it all came back to her. She was in the hospital because of Adam, who was now dead. She gingerly got out of bed and headed towards the tiny bathroom. It was then she felt the warm hand on her arm.

"Michael?" her voice was hoarse. Her throat felt as dry as paper and she was thirsty. The killer guided her towards the bathroom door. She reached up and touched the hand that was on her arm. "Thanks," she said. When she came out, Michael took her hand and led her back to the bed. "Have you been here all night?" she was sure she already knew the answer. She felt another rush of affection for him, unable to stop it.

Yes, he was a masked killer who'd just cut a man's head off and slit another's throat last night, but he loved her, and she loved him. That she could and would not change. Michael must've pressed the call button while she was in the bathroom as a few minutes later, a nurse tapped on the door. As she entered, she could smell the delicious smell of cooked breakfast.

"Good morning, how are we this morning?"

"Stiff," she said truthfully. "I ache everywhere and feel like I got hit by a bus!"

The nurse made a sympathetic sound. "I'm sure you do. Dr Merrick will be in soon to talk to you about your scans and injuries. He would've done so last night but you were out like a light."

"Sorry."

"Don't be silly," the nurse chuckled. "It's hardly surprising after what you went through. I've brought your breakfast. Sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits."

"Oh my God," she smiled. "Thank you, I'm hungry and that's my favourite! Again! How do you guys do that?"

The nurse laughed. "A little bird told us." She didn't have to think too hard about who that little bird was. Joanne. Her heart swelled with love for her guard and friend all over again.

"Can I get you anything else?"

"Please can I have some more water? Did you bring me more painkillers?"

"I did indeed, and your water pitcher is right here, there's enough for a glass in it, but I'll refill it for you right now." She poured water into the glass then picked up the empty pitcher.

"Thanks."

"No problem," the nurse said cheerfully and left.

She picked up the two pills and swallowed them with the water. What she'd said to the nurse was true. She was aching all over and felt very stiff. Michael rested a hand on her arm, so she knew he was there and within five minutes the nurse was back with her refilled water pitcher.

About 30 minutes later, there was another soft knock. The door opened and she heard Emma's voice. "Hey sweetheart, it's me, Joanne, Colin, and Dave, with Dr Merrick. Are we ok to come in?"

"Of course," she was surprised. Where were Rick and Jack and why were none of them at Charlotte's bedside?

As if reading her mind, Colin spoke. "Rick and Jack are grabbing coffee and Tim's watching Charlotte. We all wanted to be here for this if you don't mind."

This? She didn't like the sound of that.

Dr Merrick came up to her bedside. "Hello, how are you doing?"

"I'm aching," she admitted. "Your nurses have been amazing, but I'm really stiff and I feel like I'm stoned!" She laughed a little at this.

"That'll be the painkillers," Dr Merrick said. Joanne closed the door.

"Um…" she started. "Should I be worried that so many of you are here?"

"Not exactly," Dr Merrick said slowly. "But they all wanted to be here for you while I speak with you."

"Thanks, I really appreciate this."

She could hardly believe what happened then. Michael must've tried to step out because she heard Colin's voice. "Nah man, you should be here for this too, you love her as much as we do."

"If you want to talk to me alone," Dr Merrick said. "You only have to ask, ok?"

"Got it, thanks doc."

"No problem. Ok. So, I need you to be honest with me please. Did you hit your head at any time during your… ordeal?"

She'd been hoping this wouldn't have to come up. She hated thinking about it. "I hit my head on the cupboard door," she admitted. "Adam and his cronies were insisting I cook them dinner and they left a cupboard door open which was exactly my head height."

"Motherfuckers," Colin muttered. Dave slammed his hand against the wall.

But she was pretty sure that wasn't the instance Dr Merrick was talking about. She'd obviously done some damage, would a cupboard door do that much? "I also hit it when…" she took a breath. "When Ashley and Adam were…" she swallowed. She felt Michael take her hand and squeezed it in thanks. "When Adam and Ashley were raping me," she started again. "They got… their dicks inside me and my head slammed against the wall when they started thrusting. In total I think I hit my head at least ten times during the two attacks. W… why, Dr Merrick?"

"Now you have no need to, and I don't want you to panic," Dr Merrick said. "But you do have a little bruising on the inside of your skull, and you also suffered a very slight bleed on the brain. I wanted to know how that was caused."

"Is it serious?" she was almost afraid of the answer.

"No not at all," Dr Merrick assured her. "It'll heal perfectly and by itself, you just need to be careful about the next forty-eight hours or so. But I know you have plenty of people to keep an eye on you."

"Isn't that the truth," Dave said.

"Will I have a scar?" she blurted before she could stop herself. "Yet another one to add to my collection?"

"You'll have a small one yes, but it'll be hidden by your hair. Please don't worry, no one will see it, I promise. Other than that, you're going to be just fine. Apart from your cuts of course which we will give you painkillers for as long as needed, we just must look after your head, and you'll be good as new."

Danielle felt herself very close to tears. Immediately, Dave and Emma joined Michael, all three hugging her close. Joanne laid her hand on Danielle's shoulder. Danielle took a breath and forced herself to speak again. "Thank you, Dr Merrick. How long will I need to stay here?"

"We'll just keep you here for another night," Dr Merrick said. "To keep an eye on your head. If you start feeling at all nauseous, dizzy or suffer memory loss, please tell one of the nurses immediately. We will monitor you tonight just in case. If you feel fine tomorrow, I will discharge you. Do you have any questions for me?"

She hesitated, then asked what she really wanted to know. "Dr Merrick, when can I come off all these monitors? They're loud and it's hard to sleep without the help of medication."

"Aha," Dr Merrick touched her hand. "You beat me to it. Nurses are going to come in as soon as I've finished and remove them for you. You have no need of them anymore. We only put them on last night as a precaution, just to check on you."

"Thank you," she said gratefully. "I really appreciate that, but now can you get rid of them?" She smiled as she said this.

As if on cue, the door opened, and two nurses entered beginning to unhook the many wires and monitors. Within a couple of minutes, they were done. "Anything else?" Dr Merrick asked as the door closed behind them.

"No, thank you so much, Dr Merrick."

When the doctor had left, she gave into her tears at last. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I don't even know why I'm crying! I know I'll be ok, it's just… fuck! I… I never thought I'd ever be glad someone was dead!"

"Wish we could bring him back to life," Colin muttered. "Purely so I can have a go at him!" Neither Dave nor Emma contradicted their son's statement. "Didn't record it did you?" Colin asked. "That fucking sucks!"

"Agreed," Dave said.

"How…" Colin started, glancing hesitantly at Michael. "How did he die?"

"Got his head cut off," said a quiet voice. It was Jack. Danielle hadn't heard him come in.

"Fucking awesome!" Colin said and she was certain he slapped the killer on the back. "Amazing Michael! Fucking amazing! I hope he felt every second of it!"

"Considering he got stabbed several times first," Jack said. "I would imagine he probably did."

"Not to mention slammed against the wall headfirst," said Rick's voice. She knew Adam's body would have a lot more than a bruised skull in the autopsy reports. That was if they could even find his head.

"So," Dave said after a few moments. "There's another reason we all wanted to be here. I know your birthday isn't until next month, but we have a present for you and we wanted to give it to you in person, now."

"You didn't have to…" she began.

"Oh yes we did," Colin took over and she was sure he was close to tears himself. "We love you as does Charlotte. When she wakes up, we want to give her a present too."

"Do you want us to leave?" Joanne, Rick, and Jack said in unison. Danielle, Dave, Colin and Emma shook their heads. Then Dave spoke. "Michael, you're Danielle's other half, you're part of this too."

Danielle felt a rush of love for every one of them, including Joanne, Rick, and Jack. Now Emma started to speak. "Last night you called me mom, which is appropriate considering you are as good as our daughter. Well," now her voice broke with emotion. "Well, we want to make it official, legal."

"What?" she asked, unable to believe her ears.

"None of us have any idea where your biological parents are," Dave said. "Dr Loomis made considerable effort to contact them when you were admitted to Smith's Grove but had no success. As far as we're concerned and Dr Loomis agrees, that makes it all too clear they don't want you in their lives anymore. Plus, they sent that text good as telling you as much. Well, we do. Their loss is our gain if you'll let us. We want to adopt you."

"Are… are you serious?" It was all she could say.

"Absolutely," Dave, Emma and Colin said together.

"That's why we're all here now," Dave said. "When Charlotte wakes up, we want to tell her that you're her real sister now. Dr Loomis has helped us pull some legal strings and all we need is your consent. We have the documents here and if you sign them, Dr Loomis can have them submitted in under twenty-four hours. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Doctors such as Dr Loomis and Dr Stark can do this, if it'll help with someone's treatment."

For a few seconds she was literally speechless. Ignoring the pain, she got out of bed and hugged Emma, Dave then Colin, before they hugged as a family. She blinked back tears as she heard Colin speak. "Hang on we're missing someone," before grasping Michael's arm and pulling him into the hug. She was certain she heard Joanne sob, and Rick and Jack draw in sharp breaths. She reached out and grabbed Joanne's arm, then softly called Rick and Jack's names, pulling them into the group too. Joanne sobbed and Rick and Jack both murmured, "oh, Danielle."

"Once you've finished your treatment at Smith's Grove," Dave continued after a while. "We got you an apartment close to our house. Tim's and Charlotte's house isn't very far away either. Tim is with Charlotte as we speak, but we will tell him as soon as we go back. It's a perfect apartment for two."

"Oh my God!" She said when she could speak, her voice choked with emotion. "I… I can't thank you enough for this! I knew you thought of me as a daughter, I think of you as my parents! But I… I mean I never thought…"

Dave and Colin stepped forward and hugged her together. Then she turned and felt Michael's arms close around her. She smiled up at him, the tears still sliding down her face. Was she about to become Danielle Avery? Michael leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"You might not be Danielle Avery for long though," Dave said as if reading her mind. She couldn't deny that was an amazing thought. Danielle Myers? She smiled as Colin and Michael eased her back into bed.

"But you take your time with treatment Missy," Emma said sternly. "You're not coming out until you're ready, you hear? Michael, please keep an eye on her for us, we know what she's like!"

"Yes mom."

With another quiet knock, Dr Loomis entered. "Hi, how are you feeling?"

"Did Dr Merrick tell you?"

"Yes," Dr Loomis said, squeezing her hand. "But don't you worry ok? The bleeding has already stopped and the bruising on your skull just needs to heal."

"Those motherfucking bastards," Colin's voice shook. "Thought they could… could just rape her whenever they wanted, like she was just, "property"," he made air quotes around the last word. "How fucking hard did they hit your head into that wall? How fitting Adam lost his! I hope the other guy is dead as well?" Dave, Joanne, and Emma murmured in agreement. She knew by Colin's soft, "Yes!" That Michael had very slightly nodded, or Rick and Jack had.

"Dr Loomis, is there a risk that it could start again?" This was one of only two doctors she truly trusted, the other being Dr Stark. "The bleeding?"

"My medical training isn't as good as Dr Merrick's," Dr Loomis answered. "My field is Psychiatry. But based on what I do know, it's highly unlikely, unless you deliberately do something silly like smash it into something on purpose. As long as you're careful about the next couple of days, it'll be just fine." "Anyway," he continued, and she knew he was deliberately changing the subject. "I'm here because I believe you have some papers to sign?"

Dr Loomis handed them over to her and Dave showed her where she needed to sign. "Do my biological parents even know?" she wasn't sure why she asked the question or even why she cared, but something in her wanted an answer.

"I…" Dr Loomis hesitated. "I did manage to get hold of Mrs. Hayward by phone a few days ago and… she was…" he hesitated again.

"Please just tell me."

"Indifferent," Dr Loomis finished reluctantly. "Said she didn't care what happened to you. She didn't have a daughter as far as she was concerned."

"Wow!" Emma sounded furious. "What a bitch!"

"Agreed but as I said, their loss is our gain," Dave said.

"Indeed," Dr Loomis smiled.

With her hand shaking, Danielle signed the papers.

"Ok," Dr Loomis said when she was done. "I'll have these submitted and you, Mr., Mr. and Mrs. Avery, will be notified when it's official."

"Please," Dave said. "Dr Loomis, call us Emma, Dave and Colin,"

"Done," Dr Loomis smiled again. "Dave, Emma, Colin, you'll be notified when its official, and I or Dr Stark will notify you immediately."

"Thank you, thank you so, much guys." After a second, she spoke again. "Would you mind if I had a minute alone with Michael, please?"

"Of course not," her family said together. Dr Loomis, Joanne, Rick, and Jack joined them heading out the door which softly closed behind them.

…

Danielle lay back against her pillows, as Michael came to her side. This time she reached out an arm so it came around the killer's waist, as far as she could reach from her bed as he was so tall. The killer rested his hand on her shoulder and lovingly stroked it.

"Michael, I wanted to tell you something. Mom…" her voice shook with emotion at the word "mom" knowing it'd just become real. "Mom wants me to go back to Smith's Grove so do dad and Colin. They want me to get some more treatment after what… what happened two days ago. I've agreed, I think I need it I can't lie. Dr Stark has apparently already gone back, but before she did, she told mom that we would be in the same room as before and would not be separated again. Would you be ok with that? I assume I'll be going back when I'm discharged."

Of course, without a word, Michael leaned down and softly kissed her lips. She couldn't help herself when she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. The killer kissed her again.

"Please don't move yet?" she pleaded. This was the closest she'd been with Michael since Adam's death and what'd almost happened with Laurie. She was sure she heard Michael quietly chuckle, but he didn't straighten up. Danielle raised her head ever so slightly and this time it was her to take his lips in a long, deep kiss. "I love you Michael," she whispered when she finally pulled back. "I love you."

The killer straightened up but kept his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it. She hesitated for a few seconds, then decided she had to. She had to say this to him if their relationship was ever going to stand a chance. Holding back was not an option, not with this man.

"Michael," she started, then took a second to get her words straight before saying them. "Michael, why are you so determined to kill Laurie Strode? Why do you hate her so much? What made you go after her in the first place in 1978?"

She heard the killer take a breath and let it out in a quiet sigh before he leaned down to her again and put his arms around her. She wasn't sure why she'd even asked the question, after all it wasn't like Michael would answer, was it? He was affectionately stroking her back as he held her and unable to resist, she tentatively moved in for another kiss and Michael didn't stop her.

"I'm sorry," she said after a while, "I didn't mean…" Michael pressed his lips tenderly against hers, silencing her. This time though, their mouths opened, and their tongues touched as they kissed. As they drew back, her phone buzzed with a text. She checked it, having been able to turn it back on when the monitors were removed. Yet again her heart gave a jolt of longing and love. Because it was Michael. She hadn't realised he still had his phone with him.

Not now. I want to focus on you.

"If I hadn't turned up," her voice was quiet and shook slightly. "She'd be dead Michael and we both know it. I heard you throw her from you when I appeared. I know I saved her life. I just can't help wondering why?" There were a few seconds of silence, before another text came through from the killer.

Later, not now.

She sighed, but knew better than to pursue it, not with Michael Myers. So, she simply nodded. Michael must've realised how she'd interpreted his words though because he immediately leaned down and kissed her again, lingering a little.

I'm not angry, I just have more important things to focus on at this moment, meaning you.

She read this text and smiled up at him. Michael knew her so well already and knew exactly the right words she needed to hear. She felt tears fall once again and Michael lovingly wiped them away with a soft tissue.

"I love you Michael Myers, I love you so, so much." …

…

Edward Dawson stared at the police officer sitting across the desk from him in disbelief. He hadn't been pleased when he was woken by a guard at midnight, taken from his cell and handcuffed, before being brought to this visitors room. He knew the guards only did that if there was something major going on and this was really fucking major. "I'm sorry, what?" He wasn't sure why he said that, but it just came out. The officer gave him a sympathetic look.

"I'm very sorry Mr. Dawson, but your son Adam was found dead late last night."

"I fucking heard you," Edward snapped. "What I want to know is, how? What the fuck happened to him?"

"I…" the officer hesitated. It was clear from the look on his face that he didn't want to tell him what'd happened to his son. The one person he truly loved. "Well?" He snapped again when it was clear the officer wasn't going to speak again without prompting.

"He… he was murdered," the officer said eventually. "He…" the officer looked as if he was battling with his stomach. "He… I'm very sorry Mr. Dawson, he was shot, stabbed then decapitated."

"What the fuck?!" Edward asked, standing up without thinking, albeit it was impossible for him to move far as he was still handcuffed, and leg chained. Fucking maximum security unit. He was only a so-called danger to women and as there were no bitches here, what the fuck were they afraid of?

"Please sit-down Mr. Dawson," the guard standing behind him said, but not agressively. Edward scowled at him but did as he was told. Turning back, he glared at the officer again.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

The officer looked like he really didn't want to repeat it, but Edward wasn't going to let it go. He wanted to hear this, just to make sure his ears weren't playing tricks on him.

"He was found shot, stabbed and decapitated," the officer said again, sounding as though every word was an effort. Edward felt a spark of anger. How fucking dare! He wasn't the one who'd just lost his son!

"Fucking decapitated?" Edward repeated, still struggling to take this in himself if he was honest. "How the fuck?"

"They…" this time the officer kept his eyes level with Edward's. "They think it was the masked killer Michael Myers, although no one has found him yet."

"Michael…" Edward felt a wave of horror and sadness wash over him. Now he understood what'd happened alright. "Michael Myers?" he croaked, not willing to share his suspicions with the officer. He didn't want to talk about what he and Adam had discussed. He wanted to say that this was impossible, but of course he couldn't. He knew it was possible alright.

Edward recalled his words to Adam. "I advise you to leave well enough alone, if Michael Myers is indeed protecting Hayward." But he knew his son… or rather had known him, too well. He knew Adam would never have followed that advice. He wanted the bitch too badly. To control, possess, and terrorise her. Edward understood this, as he wanted to control women too, but there were times you just had to give up and let a certain one go. Like he'd also said to Adam, "There are plenty of women Michael Myers will never meet. Take one of them as your property or toy, whatever. But her? Nope, too hot!"

He looked down at the table, struggling with what he'd just been told. Considering the circumstances, the idea of Adam being decapitated didn't sound so far fetched. If it had been Michael Myers, that was certainly his M.O. Damn it Adam, he thought. Why didn't you just listen to me?

He looked back up at the officer but didn't know what to say. All the fight had gone out of him, and he just felt empty. He'd adored Adam, had tried to teach him the correct ways to control women, but it'd all been for nothing. He'd got his sights fixed on Hayward and had paid the ultimate price. She'd only got close to the most dangerous serial killer in Haddonfield's history, hell maybe even the countries. Again, he opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"Is there anything we can do for you Mr. Dawson?" The guard asked. The question annoyed him. Why did they have to ask such stupid fucking questions? He wanted to snap, yes, bring my son back, but of course he couldn't, no one could. So instead, he simply just shook his head.

"Have…" he didn't know why he was asking this, talk about seeking grizzly details, but this was his son, and he had to know. "Have they found… you know, his… his head?"

The officer nodded, looking a little green around the gills himself at the question. Edward couldn't blame him. "Yes, they have, but… I don't know any more than that Sir, we can help you make funeral arrangements if you don't have anyone on the outside who can."

"Yeah, thanks," Edward said, unable to think of anything else to say. He had to digest this news before he could think about what came next. "Thanks for coming to tell me so quickly," he eventually said grudgingly. The officer nodded.

When he was taken back to his cell, the guard also gave him a sympathetic look which Edward was sure was genuine. Had he lost a son too? Though probably not to decapitation. "Can I get you anything Mr. Dawson?"

"I'd like to say a fucking strong whisky," he gave the guard a faint smile. "But I'm pretty sure that's off limits. A strong cup of fucking coffee then."

"Of course, Mr. Dawson, it's on its way." The guard said and left.

Edward slumped onto the hard and narrow bed, his mind reeling. Why the fuck hadn't Adam listened to him? If someone had told him Michael Myers was protecting a woman he was after, he'd have given up and left the whole thing alone. Why hadn't his son taken any of the other millions of women out there to torment? What the hell had been so fucking special about that bitch which had Adam so adamant about getting her back? Was it because she hadn't died when he'd tried to kill her in his garage? Or because she was blind so was extra vulnerable and easy to control? He didn't know, but whatever it was, it'd driven his son to his ultimate demise.

He pressed his face into his pillow, he'd always taught Adam that crying was showing weakness, and men never showed weakness. But right now, he couldn't deny the way his heart was aching with pain and grief. Now, he didn't care that he was surrounded by violent and dangerous men, he couldn't get away from the agony he was in. For the very first time in his life, Edward Dawson turned his face to the pillow and gave into his tears.

…

Colin sat in the cafeteria of Haddonfield Memorial hospital, staring out of the windows. The sky was a thunderous grey as night drew in, it mirrored his mood perfectly.

Several times he'd tried to get some sleep, but it proved impossible. He knew there was no chance of that, with his sister in a coma and his soon to be adopted sister injured, both because of the now, late Adam Dawson. Good fucking riddance! Dawson himself might be dead, he'd still left plenty of carnage and pain behind him. Colin hoped he was burning in hell.

But if he was honest with himself, Adam Dawson wasn't what was keeping him up, or what was causing him to be sitting in this hard chair at 10PM wide awake. Several times he'd considered asking one of the doctors, maybe even Dr Merrick himself for some sleeping pills to take away the terrible pain and his uncontrollable thoughts.

Because if anyone knew what he was thinking except perhaps his family, he was sure they'd condemn him for it. Because as petty as it was, he was jealous. Jealous of Michael Myers.

He'd never told anyone of his feelings except Charlotte, now he wouldn't be able to. Danielle was going to be his sister soon. The problem was, he wanted her, and not in a brotherly way.

He wasn't exactly sure when he first started having feelings for her, but when she'd started dating Adam, Colin had hoped it worked out for her. However, his feelings for her had only grown stronger. Perhaps it was because she was with a blatant misogynist? He didn't know. All he knew was he wished he could save her from Adam's imperious behaviour.

Now, she was with a serial killer! The irony didn't bear thinking about. It was clear even to him that she loved Myers; he'd seen it in the brief interactions he'd glimpsed between them. Though silent, Myers seemed to know just what she needed and when she needed it.

What could you offer Avery? scoffed his mind. She wouldn't give you a second glance.

The thing Colin hated most was the utter powerlessness he felt. He couldn't do anything about his feelings for her, but nor could he get rid of them. Charlotte knew, he'd told his big sister just a month or so ago. When she'd gotten with Adam, Colin had been furious. Danielle was bad enough, but Charlotte? No way in hell! She'd fallen under Dawson's spell just like many women had before her, only to learn the terrifying truth when it was too late.

He'd pulled Charlotte aside during the early days of her relationship with Adam and asked her what the fuck she was doing. She'd seen how he'd treated Danielle; did she want the same thing? But it was clear Charlotte had just seen him as the overprotective and annoying big brother, because she'd ignored him, only realising once more when it was too late. Ordinarily, Colin would've said it was a good thing she'd realised when she had, but not now. Not given the fact that she was lying in a coma because of that son of a bitch!

Colin sighed; fuck he was exhausted. Running a weary hand across his face, he wasn't surprised to feel stubble growing already. He needed to shave. Nor was he surprised to see that his hands were shaking. He needed another damn coffee, anything to get rid of these thoughts, and stop thinking about his feelings for her which would now go absolutely fucking nowhere! He knew he would be next to have his funeral arrangements made if he pissed off her man.

He was just about to stand and head for the machine, when he felt someone put their hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw to his surprise that it was Dr Loomis.

"Colin?" The psychiatrist's voice was gentle. "Are you ok?"

Colin cursed. This was the last person he'd wanted to find him here. He knew how good Dr Loomis was at getting people to talk, it was his job after all, and Colin trusted him. He'd only spoken to him a few times, but he already knew the doctor was a genuinely compassionate man. Ironically, it'd been Danielle who'd gotten through to Michael Myers in a way even the doctor couldn't. He privately wondered what he thought of this.

"You look…" Dr Loomis began.

"Like shit?" Colin smiled without humour. "Yep, feel like it too."

"That's not…" the doctor sat opposite him. "The word I would've used, tired was what I was about to say."

"Well, you're right there too," Colin agreed. "I need a shave as you can see, and I feel like a damn zombie!"

"Have you considered going home and trying to get some rest away from here? Or to your hotel even?"

"You've got to be fucking joking doc! No way! Every time I even think about leaving I can't! I… I must be here in… in case…"

"In case what? As much as we all wish we could, there's nothing we can do for Charlotte by just being here. When she wakes up, you would be contacted immediately."

"Ha! Good luck trying to persuade mom or dad to go home!"

"I have already spoken to them, just now in fact. They are going to take turns, one staying here with Charlotte and the other getting some rest at the hotel."

Dr Merrick had authorised the family to stay in the hospital overnight, given how serious Charlotte's condition was, instead of just one of them.

"They agreed?" Colin stared at the psychiatrist in disbelief. "You're shitting me!"

"They are as tired as you are and understood it was the best idea. None of you will be able to aid in Charlotte's recovery if you are half asleep yourselves. I didn't tell them to do anything, I just suggested it."

"Good fucking luck with me," Colin looked Dr Loomis straight in the eyes, noticing even then how kind the other man's gaze was. "I'm not going anywhere! We don't just have Charlotte to consider, there's also Danielle. Until she goes back with you guys tomorrow, I'm not leaving. She too was injured by that son of a bitch and I'm not leaving until she's safely with you!"

"But we'll be with her overnight, me, my guards and of course Michael. You really should try to get some sleep, Colin. Once we're gone, you'll be coming back here for a long time, Charlotte needs you alert and ready."

"No way! I'm not going anywhere!" Colin was aware he'd tensed when Dr Loomis had said Michael's name. The doctor was looking at him, so was he.

"Do you want to talk?"

"Ha!" Colin laughed bitterly. "I can't! I'm not a patient! How much do outpatient bills cost? No thanks!"

He regretted his snarky words as soon as they left his mouth, but Loomis was still looking at him with that kind, compassionate gaze. Shit! Did he know what Colin was thinking? He wouldn't put it past him, he was a damn psychiatrist after all!

"What good would it do?" Colin lowered his head into his hands. "It's fucking pointless."

"Colin," Dr Loomis said gently. "It would just be between us, no one else would know. Come on." The doctor stood up, walked around to his chair, and laid a soft hand on his arm. Almost on autopilot, Colin found himself standing up and following the doctor out of the building and into the gardens behind the cafeteria.

"Don't drink anymore coffee," Loomis advised. "You'll never sleep otherwise. I know that was your plan, but I highly recommend you do at least try to get some sleep."

Colin shook his head and rolled his eyes at the sky. "Whatever," he muttered.

They started walking through the gardens, the only sound was the gentle tinkling of an unseen waterfall. Colin didn't say anything, waiting for Loomis to break the silence, before realising he wouldn't. He, Colin was the patient and Dr Loomis had asked if he wanted to talk. So logically, he'd have to be the one to break it. He swore mentally. How could he possibly tell Dr Loomis everything? He'd sound… well terrible, he was sure of it. But almost against his will, the words came tumbling out of his mouth. Perhaps it was the doctor's gaze? Or the fact he wasn't pushing him? Colin didn't know. But whatever it was, he found himself just blurting it all out.

"God! If I told anyone this, I'd be a terrible human being! I mean, here Danielle is alongside Charlotte, both injured, and I'm having selfish thoughts! Shit doc, I can't even kid you and say I don't understand them myself, but that's just bullshit! I understand perfectly and that's what I hate! Fuck! My head is so screwed up right now! We're going to adopt her and don't get me wrong; I'm as thrilled about it as mom and dad are and I know Charlotte will be too. But… Fuck! He placed a hand against his forehead as they continued walking. "Fuck! I've loved her for years and not just as a fucking brother! She doesn't have a clue. But when she got with that prick Dawson, I hoped it'd worked out for her, but then I saw how he was treating her and… fuck! It made me so fucking angry I can't even tell you! It was then I really started to realise that I… I love her! But I never told her and I fucking should've! Then she attempted suicide, which almost ripped my heart out, I might add, and went to Smith's Grove. I wanted to visit and tell her so badly, but I chickened the fuck out! Then she met Myers and…" he forced himself to stop and take a breath.

"When Charlotte told me she was with Myers she was so happy for her. You know those two are like sisters, I'm sure you've notice just from Charlotte's visits. She'd do anything for her, and so would we. But she was thrilled she was so happy, in love and…" he looked away.

"You weren't?" Dr Loomis asked.

"Of course I wasn't!" Colin exploded. "Not in the fucking least because I found out that it's Michael fucking Myers himself! Jesus Christ! From a misogynist asshole to a serial killer? She sure knows how to pick them! But my own feelings were going crazy! I… fuck I love her Dr Loomis and not in the way a brother should!"

"But you are not her biological brother," Dr Loomis' voice was very kind and Colin found himself blinking fast. He'd been close to tears for days now and given everything and this man's voice just might be what pushed him over the edge. "You have known her for years as a close friend of Charlotte's. The fact you have feelings for her is not wrong. In fact, it's totally understandable."

Colin let out a sarcastic bark of laughter. "Yeah, because I can really go to her man and say, "By the way Michael, I love her, yes in that way, and if you fucking hurt her, I'll kill you!" That would go down well, not to mention possibly be the last thing I ever said!"

"So, you're jealous of Michael?" Dr Loomis' voice carried no hint of judgement whatsoever, and Colin respected him more for it.

"Yes," he said lowly. "He got to her first, before I could. I know they've been close while in Smith's Grove, and I'm sure he's helped her out in ways I couldn't as I wasn't there, but…"

Now he stopped walking and sank onto one of the benches they were standing by, unable to meet Dr Loomis' eyes. "She doesn't even know. How could I tell her? I wanted to so badly while she was with Dawson, but what good would it have done? She was besotted with the bastard at first, I mean absolutely fucking smitten doc! She wouldn't have looked twice at me; I was just her best friend's fucking brother! Then when they broke up it was because she tried to hang herself! Even then Dawson wouldn't leave her the fuck alone, messaging, emailing her, getting her new number through Adam's inside goon. I know all this, Charlotte told me. I'd never felt so fucking useless and helpless in my life! Not to mention a fucking coward!"

"Why a coward?" Dr Loomis asked, sitting beside Colin now.

"Because I didn't say something when I could have! I had the perfect opportunity to tell her how I felt, and I blew it! I should've known it was too good to be true! I guess I was hoping while in Smith's Grove she wouldn't meet someone else, I could wait until she got out. Then holy fuck! She only goes and meets Michael damn Myers himself! It's fucking unreal! A script writer himself couldn't have made this up!"

"You're right, Michael does care about her and has helped her out in a lot of ways. But trust me, they didn't fall in love overnight, it took months for them to get to the stage they're at, months. I don't think Michael realised he was in love with her at first, in fact I know he didn't. Michael Myers has never felt love before in his life."

"Yeah, considering he killed his own fucking sister," Colin scoffed. "What the fuck Michael? I'd kill them if anyone even touched Charlotte! That's why I'm so fucking pissed, I don't know who was driving that fucking car, and I didn't get a shot at Adam before he died either!"

"Is that another reason you're jealous of Michael? Because he got to do what you wanted to do yourself?"

"Jesus' doc! How the fuck do you do that? Am I that easy to read? A fucking open book or something?"

Now the psychiatrist laid a gentle hand on his arm. "No Colin, it's because it's my job, and has been for over twenty years. I only read you this way because it's what I've been trained to do. Nothing more, nothing less. No one else would be able to, I assure you."

"Small fucking comfort," Colin looked away. "But yes, I wanted a shot at him damn it! But I shouldn't have mentioned the 1978 killing to Michael like I did. I'm not even sure why I did that."

"Do you think it was another dig at Michael if you will, an unconscious one? I'm not saying deliberate by any stretch of the imagination."

"Well, if it was it was unconscious," Colin confirmed. "I don't have a death wish."

Dr Loomis smiled at him. "I understand."

"But now I feel so damn childish, selfish, and petty! I'm jealous of Michael Myers because he got the girl, I wanted first! Oldest cliché in the book! He got the girl I've loved for years, the girl I was too much of a chicken to reveal my feelings to! I guess you could say this is my fault, karma, and all that."

"How is it your fault she fell in love with Michael?" Dr Loomis asked. It had nothing to do with you, you weren't even there."

"That's the fucking problem!" Colin stood up and tried not to shout. "I wasn't, even there! If I had been…" He trailed off.

"Michael wouldn't have gotten close with her?" the psychiatrist finished.

Colin turned back to him, almost glaring now. "Yeah! Damn fucking right! So now I must be nice to Michael Myers, a fucking killer and pretend we're cool, my one-day brother-in-law I fucking expect. Pretend nothing's wrong and that I'm happy for them."

"If it helps you any, she really is happy with Michael. I really don't think he'd hurt her given all the interaction they've had with each other. He even lets her touch his ears!"

At this, Colin gave a faint smile. "Seriously? Ha. Michael Myers letting someone touch his ears. Wow! She used to touch mine all the time, said I have, "Nice ears." God! If only I'd…" he again stopped speaking.

Both men turned in unison as they heard footsteps approaching them. "Shit!" Colin breathed. It was Rick, Jack, Joanne, and Michael.

"She's out like, a light," Joanne said as she reached them. "Emma's sleeping in her room with her tonight, Dave and Tim are with Charlotte."

"You see Colin?" Dr Loomis murmured. "They're both safe, go and get some sleep."

"Fuck that, that's not going to happen."

"Sorry," Rick said. "Are we interrupting something private?"

Colin was purposely avoiding Michael's eyes. Inside he was shouting at himself to grow up; that there was nothing he could do now, but it was a hell of a lot easier said than done. Dr Loomis gently took his arm. "Come on," he said, pulling him to his feet.

"Colin, are you ok?" It was Joanne, and the look of sympathy in her eyes was almost too much. He remembered how he'd comforted her earlier, now it looked like the tables were turned. He considered. Should he say something or not?

"No," he said truthfully. "I'm tired, I feel and probably look like shit and I'm a fucking mess!"

"Do you want to talk?"

"You're a sweetheart, thank you. But your boss here has already gone through that hell."

"Again, not the word I would've used," Dr Loomis said softly. "I'm here if you need me."

Colin wasn't even aware he'd moved to stand in between the male guards until Rick's hand fell on his shoulder. "You alright?" He whispered.

Colin's stomach was reeling. How he wanted to confront the killer right now. Tell him exactly how he was feeling. Warn him that this time he meant business. He'd been a stupid coward to act before she hooked up with Dawson, he wouldn't be a second time, even if it was Michael Myers.

"Colin," Dr Loomis murmured. "It's alright."

He took several deep breaths, unsure if he was going to throw up or start shouting. He would not meet the killer's gaze, he couldn't. Rick and Jack glanced at each other, then at him. Had they seen something in his face? Colin realised suddenly he no longer cared who knew the truth, it wasn't like he could do anything about it now.

"Mr. Myers," he spoke quietly, finally turning to face Michael. "I don't know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it straight man. I love Danielle! And I don't mean as a fucking brother, ok? Yes, I mean really love her! I did not act in time to say something with Dawson, but God help me if you fuck with her in any way I will retaliate and fight you to the fucking death! You have no idea how much I care about her, and you never will. Just put it this way, she's everything to me and I won't see her hurt again. Not even by you. Want the truth? It's fucking killing me that you got to her first! Think whatever you will of me, I don't care. My sister's laying there dying because of that fucker Dawson, we all know he was fucking involved. I didn't get a shot at the man who terrorised, raped, and degraded the two women apart from mom I love most in the whole fucking world! You did that for me and while I meant what I said, it was fucking awesome you cut his head off, I wanted to be the one to get him damn it! I'm genuinely sorry I mentioned 1978, that was wrong of me. But Mr. Myers I… Jesus I… I love her! I'm thrilled we're adopting her, but my feelings for her go way beyond brotherly love and I must put them to rest because she loves you. I would never do anything to jeopardise this for her, but I swear to any God out there, if you fuck with her Michael Myers, I'll take you down or die trying!"

Michael of course hadn't moved during Colin's rant. Colin took a deep breath and turned away. He felt sick. Dr Loomis took his arm again.

"She could've been my wife by now," Colin said, loudly enough so the others heard him. "If I'd just been braver. How do I know she never felt the same for me? She might have but been too afraid to tell me because of that motherfucker!"

He turned back and that was when he saw it. Michael was looking at him, his stare was blank, cold, emotionless. Colin could see the challenge in his eyes. He knew he was no match for Michael Myers, but he had also meant what he said.

"Yeah?" He challenged back, his voice a dangerous whisper. "What? You'll kill me if I come any closer? Or are you just warning me you could? Newsflash for you Mr. Myers, I know that. We found that out back in 1978, didn't we? Not to mention fucking 63! How… how could you kill your sister? What the fuck man? If anyone even touched Charlotte, I'd fucking kill them, not kill Charlotte herself! That's some fucked up shit."

"Colin!" Dr Loomis' voice was sharp now. "Come on!"

But he refused to move. "What Mr. Myers? You're angry because Danielle's brother is putting you in your place? Surely if you love her like I'm told you do, you'd understand where I'm coming from."

If he was honest, Colin wanted to cower from that ice cold stare, knowing it was a clear warning. But he couldn't. Danielle meant too much for that, way too much. "I love her just as you apparently do, so what's the problem? Is it because I'm challenging you about your past? Or because I'm threatening you? Hey, if you really care about Danielle, you've got nothing to worry about, have you? Yeah, ok I admit it, I'm jealous of you Myers! In fact, I hate you. But you make her happy, so I will not stand in her way! But I mean what I fucking said…"

"COLIN!"

This time it was the guards shouting in unison and now he felt their hands on him, pulling him back. Glancing at Joanne, she looked near tears as she stood beside Michael with a restraining hand on his arm, but Michael hadn't shrugged it off. Colin just hoped that was a good sign, not that Michael Myers was biding his time before moving in for the kill.

"That was unwise," Dr Loomis chided quietly, as he led Colin a short distance away, the guards watching them anxiously. "Please do not misunderstand me, I completely understand where you're coming from, but you're tired, not thinking straight, and your emotions are high. It's probably not the best time to tell Michael how you're feeling."

"If I hadn't done it now, I'd probably have fucking chickened out again," Colin snarled. "I'm not doing it a second time! I saw that look in his eyes, a clear warning. I know what that look means, I could kill you. But he probably would've killed me no matter what I said."

"You have to remember Michael has never loved before," Dr Loomis said. "This is as new for him as it is for Danielle, true love that is. I know," he added as Colin opened his mouth. "If you'd told her, Michael would never have met her. But we can't change the past however much we might want to. Michael loves her and she loves him. On this, you need to trust me."

"BULLSHIT!" Colin turned back and before he could even think it through, he was shouting. "HEY, Mr. MYERS, I CAN'T HELP THINKING THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT I WAS QUESTIONING YOU! WHY WOULD YOU GET ANGRY AND THREATEN ME WITH THAT GAZE WHEN YOU SUPPOSEDLY UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL? ANSWER ME! BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE THE FACT, I'M CHALLENGING YOU! YOU TARGET ME, AND YOU WILL LOSE Danielle! YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT?"

"Colin," he heard Joanne whisper. "Please, please, shut, up?"

"Come on Michael," he heard Jack say. "Let's get back inside. It's getting cold out here."

"I really want to believe I'm mistaken," Dr Loomis said. "But you wouldn't cause Michael to target you in order to get her to leave him, would you?" He was speaking quietly so only Colin heard. Colin didn't answer.

"OR WHAT Mr. MYERS? WHAT KIND OF SICK FUCK KILLS HIS OWN SISTER AT 6 YEARS OLD? JESUS MAN! THAT'S LOW! SERIOUSLY FUCKING LOW AND FUCKED UP TO BOOT. WHAT ABOUT 1978? THOSE BABYSITTERS, WHAT'D THEY DONE WRONG? LAURIE STRODE? WHY ARE YOU SO ADAMANT TO SEE HER DEAD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS? I HEARD WHAT HAPPENED HERE TODAY! SHE'S CERTAINLY ON YOUR HITLIST! WHAT WAS IT MYERS? YOU HAD FEELINGS FOR HER AND SHE TURNED YOU DOWN? WAS THAT IT? IS THAT WHY YOU WANT HER DEAD?"

Before Dr Loomis could do anything, Michael had silently walked right up to Colin, slamming him against the garden wall. Rick, Jack, and Joanne all sprinted towards them.

Surprisingly, Colin showed no fear. The two men stared each other down, neither moving. Inside though, Colin was close to shitting himself. Why the fuck had he been so stupid? Admittedly, talking about Danielle was one thing, but 78 and 63? Judith? Fucking idiot, he shouted at himself. Stupid, stupid idiot!

Even while he knew this though, his mouth kept talking of its own accord, as if his brain had taken over. "So, what now? Thinking of the best way to kill me? Ha, you're Michael Myers! You don't run out of ways to kill people!"

"COLIN!" Now Dr Loomis was shouting in earnest. "STOP, JUST STOP! I TOLD YOU THAT YOU SHOULD GET SOME SLEEP, THIS IS WHY! DON'T BE SO DAMN STUPID! MICHAEL, LET HIM GO. COLIN, GET TO YOUR HOTEL OR WHEREVER YOU'RE STAYING AND CALM DOWN! EMOTIONS ARE HIGH, WE ALL UNDERSTAND THAT I'M INCLUDING MICHAEL IN THAT. BUT THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER! OF COURSE, YOU'RE SCARED FOR CHARLOTTE, OF COURSE YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT DANIELLE, YOU LOVE THEM! THERE'S NO CRIME IN THAT! BUT THIS? ATTACKING MICHAEL ON A PERSONAL LEVEL? THAT'S NOT RIGHT OR APPROPRIATE! I UNDERSTAND IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT Danielle, BUT MICHAEL'S PAST? NOT RIGHT OR FAIR!"

All Colin could hear was the killer's calm breathing but did notice Michael hadn't put on his terrifying mask. Nor did he make any move to. Colin wasn't going to beg for his life after all he'd just said. Now that he was trapped, the anger was slowly leaking out of him and all he felt was incredibly tired. Finally, he slumped to the ground, his legs giving out even while Michael still held him against the wall. He caught a glimpse of himself in one of the windows and saw he was as white as a sheet.

"Just get on with it," he said, his voice flat and totally defeated. "Just kill me."

"Which would make your parents happy I'm sure," Joanne pointed out. "Not to mention Danielle, Charlotte and us!"

Colin could hardly believe what happened next. Michael grabbed him by his coat's collar and pulled him to his feet. He fully expected to hit the wall headfirst, but it didn't happen because Michael turned him away from the wall then shoved him with such force, Colin staggered and would've fallen to the ground had Rick not caught him. "I'd take that as a warning," he whispered in Colin's ear.

Colin couldn't meet anyone's eyes. Without a word, he turned and started to walk away. He'd come close to death; he knew that much. Michael could've easily killed him, then and there. Had he been thinking about it, while he'd held him against that wall? Colin wasn't sure he wanted the answer to that.

"Well done, Michael," he heard Dr Loomis say and he understood why. Michael had indeed let him go; he was still alive.

It wasn't until he was at the other end of the garden that he slumped down on one of the benches, put his head between his knees and struggled with the dizziness which was threatening to cause him to pass out. Shit that'd been close! What the fuck had he been thinking of, winding up Michael Myers that way? Hadn't he just said to Dr Loomis just minutes before, "I'll die if I piss off her man?" That was just what he'd done and by some miracle he wasn't dead.

He was still fighting against succumbing to the tears he'd been holding in for what felt like days. His sister was dying, his other was injured, and he loved her the wrong way to how a brother should. Not to mention he'd just told her man as much. He knew he would've been forgiven for talking about Danielle and how he felt towards her but bringing up Michael's past kills had been wrong and as Loomis had said, unfair. Was the psychiatrist, right? Had he deliberately tried to anger Michael so he would try on his life, thereby causing her to leave him? There was no way he was that selfish.

Was there?

"Colin, are you ok?"

He started when he heard the soft voice beside him, then felt the gentle hand on his shoulder. Glancing up, he saw it was Joanne and Dr Loomis.

"I… I don't know," he replied truthfully. "Fuck! Maybe I do have a death wish after all. You're right though Dr Loomis, I shouldn't have mentioned Michael's past, which was stupid, and like you said unfair. What kind of person am I? I even wondered if I was trying to deliberately anger Michael, so he'd do something to me, thereby causing her to leave him! Please tell me I'm not that selfish?" He was almost pleading he realised.

"Were you?" Dr Loomis asked gently.

"Fuck I don't know!" Colin started to cry, and he felt Joanne put an arm around him. "I don't know anything anymore! I think I'm falling apart. My biological sisters in a coma and my adopted one's also injured! I feel so damn powerless!"

"But angering Michael won't help you," Joanne murmured, pulling him into a hug. Colin rested his head on her shoulder, unable to stop himself.

"I know," he tried to hold back tears, but Joanne's hug finally pushed him over the edge, and he started to cry in earnest. He didn't try to hide it, why should he? His sister could very well be dying after all.

"Come on," Joanne murmured after a while. "Let's get you back inside and to bed."

This time, Colin didn't try to fight it. He hated to admit it, but maybe they were right. Maybe sleep was what he really needed after all.

As they walked towards the doors, he saw Rick, Jack and Michael standing beside them. He felt his heart turn to ice and glanced nervously at Dr Loomis.

"It's ok," the psychiatrist assured him. "Michael let you go, didn't he? You're safe. Come on."

But as they reached the doors Colin stopped, looking Michael straight in the eyes, his own puffy, red, and bloodshot. "What do you want me to say?" He croaked, his voice a weak whisper. It was only then he noticed the guards had stepped back out of earshot but were still watching just in case. "I'm sorry? Of course, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have mentioned your past like that! That was wrong of me. I even wondered if it was to piss you off to the point, you'd attack me, and Danielle would leave you as a result. Fuck! What kind of man am I? I didn't tell her how I felt and then, she fell in love with you! I know I should be happy for her, I'm just…" he ran his hands through his hair. "I'm just such a mess! I know I must move on, know she's yours now, I just…" he blinked once, twice and took a deep breath. "I just love her so much in every damn way possible! She and Charlotte both suffered because of that asshole, and I wasn't there to see him die."