Danielle was just on her way to breakfast guided by Ryan, when she heard a voice, she hadn't expected to hear at all.
"Hello! Can you stop a second?" It was Joanne.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, as she and Ryan came to a Holt beside her.
"Hi Ryan," Joanne said. "I'm here to pick up Rick."
"I did wonder why he didn't go home last night?"
"He wanted to work an extra night shift, I've got leave our first day back and he wanted to swap so he was off too."
"Aww, cute!"
Joanne chuckled. "Anyway, Rick, Jack and I all clubbed together, and we got you a present."
"You shouldn't have…" she began but was stopped as Joanne pressed a round bucket into her hand. She felt it and noticed the Braille on the lid immediately.
The Chocolate Treasure Chest.
She gasped. She'd seen these online but had never been able to afford one. This bucket contained over three kilograms of chocolates and the layers had Braille inside, so a blind person would know which chocolate was which. They were also different shapes. White chocolate, caramel, milk, dark, nut, toffee, the list went on.
"Wo," she whistled, speechless. "Why…"
"We thought you deserved it," came Ricks' voice as he walked up beside them. "God knows you've been through enough recently."
"You didn't… I mean… thank you," she stuttered, stepping forward and pulling them both into a hug. "I will say thanks to Jack as soon as I see him next."
"Your bravery when facing Adam was amazing," Rick said quietly. "I was so proud of you for that, not one show of fear. That takes a damn lot of courage."
"Also," she could hear Joanne was smiling. "A little bird told me you and a certain man have the day alone together today, so we thought you might like to share them, romantic and all. Although," she lowered her voice to a dramatic whisper. "I won't blame you if you decide to eat them all yourself!"
"I heard that," Rick said with a chuckle, as both women and Ryan laughed.
"I… wow. I can't thank you enough for this, I've seen these online but never been able to afford one, not able to justify the price tag. Plus… well let's just say… someone would have gone crazy if…"
"Ok that's enough," Joanne and Rick said loudly in unison. She smiled at them gratefully. She didn't want to think or talk about Adam Dawson either... Holding the huge bucket, she automatically took Joanne's arm without thinking. "Sorry," she began, but Joanne was already guiding her towards the dining room.
"Oh! I'm hurt, I'm out of a job!" Ryan said, chuckling.
After breakfast, Mel guided her back to her cell, Michael right behind them. They reached the cell door, and she stepped through, setting the bucket on the desk. Mel followed her and stopped at the doorway.
"Ok guys, this is how today's going to work. Dr Stark and Dr Loomis are leaving you two to it, to talk or whatever you wish. They feel you both deserve it after everything. Now I, William and Daren are here along with two guards named Peter and Andrew, who are assigned entirely to the MS cell. We're purely here to help them but if you need anything, as per usual just hit that call button. Danielle, there is a flask of tea on your side of the desk, the one Dr Stark showed you before, with milk and sugar next to it. Michaels got a huge one of black coffee."
"Wow," she smiled, absurdly blinking back tears. "Thanks, I for one really appreciate this."
"You're welcome," Mel said. "Dr Stark has also said you can have dinner alone together tonight, just buzz when you're ready and we'll give you private space in the canteen ok? I'll see you both later." With that, she was gone.
The door to the corridor closed quietly behind her, meaning there were two doors between them and the Maximum-security cell. She sighed with relief. Just the thought of it made her shiver. Crossing to the bed, she sank down onto it just as Michael did so at her side, putting his arm around her. She cuddled into him and leant in for a kiss. Automatically, she snuggled her head into his shoulder, and felt him stroke her hair. "Hmm," she murmured contentedly. "I love that, and I love you too."
For the very first time she felt him kiss the side of her neck, before he moved so she was touching his ears. She hugged him back just as tightly. A few minutes passed this way, before her phone buzzed with a message from him.
I need to tell you something, but it is nothing for you to worry about.
"Ok babe," she kissed his neck in turn, her head still on his shoulder. "What's wrong, are you ok?" There was another silence, before he replied. Upon reading it, her heart surged with love and affection for him despite the words. That Michael Myers himself was telling her this and why, she was still getting used to.
I need to kill someone.
"Oh Michael, come here." She pulled him to her this time and kissed him. "Do you know what's brought that on? Was it the killing of Adam?"
I am Michael Myers, it… it was what I do.
"Was, eh?" She smiled at him and kissed him again. "Am I to assume from that, that it isn't now?"
Damn you. What have you done to me Danielle?
It was only the second time he'd ever used her name, and she blinked back tears. "Not guilty Mr. Myers," she smiled at him, before doing something she thought she'd never be brave enough or able to do again. She slowly eased them backwards, so they were both lying down on the bed, and he immediately pulled her back into his arms.
Wow, she thought. I would never have dared to do that just a month or so ago. Michael must have read her mind, because his next text did finally bring her to tears. These, however, were ones of love.
See? This is the control you always should've had. With me, you always will.
"Thanks darling," she held him as tightly as she could as they kissed again. "So, tell me, how can I help you with this? Your need to kill?" She heard his soft sound of surprise and chuckled. "What babe? You thought I'd just say shit, you want to kill someone then I'm out of here? Sorry to disappoint you Michael, but that isn't happening. You help me when I struggle with calling you, "sir," and so on, what's different about this? You need me, I'm here for you. Now, and always." He tried to wipe away her tears. This only made her cry harder. "Fuck Michael Myers, I love you," she just managed to say through her tears. "I love you so much it almost hurts! Of course, I knew the danger I might face when Jefferson told me it was Michael Myers next door to me, I knew you could kill me with stupid ease! Fuck I wouldn't even see you coming! I remember the first time I crossed your line, as I'm sure you do. "Are you Mr. Myers?" I spoke. You just touched my arm, and I felt your shirt sleeve. You didn't try to kill me that day, did you? You could have all too easily. Ok there were guards everywhere and do you know how much trouble Joanne got into for letting me cross your line accidentally? Dr Loomis went crazy." Michael made no response, so she continued, her voice soft right next to his left ear, which he'd made sure she was continuously touching as he held her tightly in his arms. "I knew your name, of course I did. Doesn't everyone in Haddonfield? Hell, even beyond? Michael Myers is a serial killer, that's no secret. But you cared about me! The only thing I've wondered is why you sent me that letter about giving you mixed signals. Why did you care? At least back then? You would've casually killed me if given the chance, right? no," she whispered, leaning in for another long kiss. "Don't misunderstand me babe. Of course, you would have, you're Michael Myers it's your existence to kill or maybe I should say it was. So of course, I was a little scared when you sent me that letter, but I also understood it. Fuck Michael, I didn't even know what was going through my damn mind! Close to you one minute, then I avoided you. I mean shit, all the stuff with Adam was the cause, of course it was. But I didn't even know what drew me to you in the first place, probably the most dangerous man here! I knew you could kill me, so did everyone else which is why they were so watchful. That day when Jefferson tripped me up, it was you who looked after me. Ever since I've wondered why, I even wondered if you were trying to lull me into a false sense of security. But that didn't make sense, I know that isn't your M.O. You just kill, end of story. But you were so protective of me and to this day I've wondered why.
In truth, as have I.
"I'm not surprised," she smiled at him lovingly. "You're someone who doesn't care about anything except killing, then suddenly along comes this girl you find yourself protecting! I'd be confused too. So, tell me darling, do you have a specific victim in mind? Or do you just need to kill?"
He held her tighter, and she heard his breath hitch. Was this emotion at her reaction? She hugged him fiercely and awaited his response if he chose to give one.
I love you.
Only the second time he'd said it. She read it and hugged him tightly as her tears dripped onto his face. "Sorry," she tried to wipe them away and gave a watery smile, but the killer was kissing her again as he wiped her eyes as lovingly as he could. "What?" She said after a moment. "Did you think I'd just say, fuck! You want a kill? In that case I don't love you anymore, I'm leaving. Is that what you thought I'd say? How I'd react? Darling, let me tell you something. No way in hell. You're here for me, I'm here for you. Simple as that. Is there anything I can do to help you with this? I really don't want to ask this question, but am I…"
I will die before I harm you.
"Ditto," she squeezed him close as hard as she could. "I love you so much, Michael Myers. I'd do anything for you."
It would appear the feelings are mutual.
She smiled. She was fast getting used to his blunt, seemingly unaffectionate way of speaking to or rather messaging her, but she could read between the lines and knew what he was trying to say. "You are still unsure?" She joked. She was certain he chuckled back.
Not a chance.
"Well, that's good," she kissed him again. "Because nor am I."
I want you to read this carefully and listen to me. When you are in my arms, my need to kill is silenced. You are one person who will forever be safe from me. You and your whole family. But I cannot ask you to come to me every time this need hits me.
She looked up from her phone. "But I would," she said vehemently. "I want you to know this, Michael. I'd be there whenever you need me. Nothing or no one would stand in my way! You're my everything, Michael Myers!" He kissed her. She read on.
So, I would ask you if I can have a picture of you not just for this, but because I want to be able to look at you all the time even when you aren't near. But neither can I deny it will help with this more than I think you know.
"Um, of course you can," she blushed. "Wow. It's been a long time since a man asked me for my picture! I know this is going to sound silly as I can't see it, but can I have one of you in return to keep with me?"
Of course.
"Thanks," she smiled at him as they leant close and began to kiss once more but this time they didn't stop. She pressed as close to him as she could get as their kisses said what they could not, their tongues dancing lovingly against each other. This time, the desire she felt was unmistakable. She was seriously wondering whether she was ready to let things continue. But could she, at least here? She had wanted it to be somewhere romantic on the rare occasions she'd thought about it since they'd got together, and each time it had been far in the future. But when he was kissing her like this, she didn't care where it happened…
Eventually, they drew back at the same time. Had he read her mind again? She was starting to think that was entirely possible. "Damn," she gasped. "You know how to kiss Mr. Myers!" He chuckled softly, as they continued holding each other. "You really thought I'd say we were over, didn't you?" She murmured after a while of just lying in each other's arms. "You seriously thought if you told me you needed to kill, I'd leave, didn't you? Well, I'm sorry, but you're wrong. That isn't how love works, Michael. Honestly? I thought you'd leave if I called you, "sir," too many times. So…"
She was stopped as he kissed her intensely, just as he had done the night before when he'd pressed her against the wall. "Unless you want me to pounce on you right here and now, stop kissing me that way," she tried to sound stern but failed as her voice shook with love and yes, desire. Which after Adam, she thought she'd never even think about again let alone feel. He held her tighter, and she was certain he was smiling at her. "Seriously, please listen to me. If I can do anything to help you, please just say and I'll do it, no matter what it is. I mean it," whatever you need Michael Myers, tell me! That's how love works you see. You help each other through hard times, no matter what they may be. I know this even though I haven't experienced it much."
That, I would like to and will be the one to change. You have my word.
"Sounds good to me," she snuggled her head back on his shoulder. Automatically she made to touch his ears but stopped herself. Every time she had previously, he'd instigated it by moving so she was. Should she, could she do so herself? She never had yet. Yes, she'd whispered in his ear but had never actively moved to touch them without his permission or indication she could.
Don't. You're doing it again. I know what you want, but you're holding back. Don't. I believe you just said that's what love is, did you not? Helping each other and being there for each other, yes? I believe it's also about embracing each other's likes, needs and so on. So why are you hesitating? Don't.
"That's me told, I'm sorry s…" again she caught herself in time, before tentatively and for the very first time moving her hands, so they were on his ears, without his moving first. He held her tighter, and they started to kiss once more.
You want to touch my ears? They're right here for you and always will be. Sadly, I don't think I'm able to take a tactile picture of my ears, should I not be here when you need them.
At this, she started to cry. She couldn't help it. Who would've thought Michael Myers would ever say that to her?
"Fuck I love you Michael Myers," she sobbed. "I love you so fucking much!"
Now on this one, I can assure you the feelings are most definitely mutual.
A few more contented minutes past in silence between them, before with another kiss Michael stood. A second later, the smell of coffee filled the room.
"Yuck," she grinned. "Coffee, disgusting." She heard him chuckle. Swallowing her pride, she spoke again. "Michael, would you mind pouring me a tea while you're there please? I can use that flask as you just hold the button, but I'm not the best with hot liquid."
Milky, two sugars, is it not?
She smiled at her phone, then at him. "Well remembered."
He carefully slipped the mug into her hands. "Thank you darling," she squeezed his hand before he pulled his away.
You're welcome. If you need anything from me, just ask me.
"Same here."
They sat on the two chairs opposite each other with the desk between them. Though they were bolted down, they were surprisingly comfortable.
Goodies, eh?
He tapped the chocolate tin. She smirked. "Hands off, you!" Chuckling, she pushed it towards him. "Can you open it, please?"
Oh, so I must keep my hands off, now you're asking me to open it? That doesn't make any sense.
"Oh, be quiet!" She slapped his arm. She heard his soft sound of amusement through his nose, before she heard him peeling off the tape around the huge bucket. "Joanne bought us these," she said. "Along with Rick and Jack. Yes Michael, I told us. That wasn't a mistake. They said we both deserve it after everything we've been through."
That's a lie. They're yours. You went through it all, not I.
"No darling, what's mine is yours, that's what is said in relationships. So no, they're ours." She reached out and put her hand on his arm, this time leaving it there. She heard the rustle of the first layer of paper being removed.
Wow.
"I know right? She smiled at him. "That'll take us some time to get through, eh? Although Joanne did say she wouldn't blame me if I ate them all myself!"
He chuckled. She stood up and crossed to him, and he took her hand immediately. "Look at this sweetheart," she took his first finger and placed it on the Braille. "That's Braille, blind people read. I've seen these things online, but I… well, let's just say I could never have one before." Picking up the lid, she showed him the Braille on that too. "Reads the chocolate treasure chest. Is that what it says in print too?"
It is.
"Each chocolate has Braille beside it, so I know what's which. That's what makes it such a thoughtful gift, they knew that I think." Reaching down, she picked up the file she'd been given what felt like a lifetime ago, containing her welcome document when she'd first entered Smith's Grove. God! How her life had changed since then for the better in a way she never would've believed until it happened. She passed it to him and heard him open it. "That's in Braille too," she smiled at him. "Did you get one of these?"
He made a soft scoffing sound. She understood. Michael Myers would never have read it; he'd have been far more interested in killing the guard who handed it to him. As if to confirm this, he replied.
Of course, I didn't. I don't even think Dr Loomis gave me one. I would have tried to kill him for even doing so.
"Fair point," she blushed, embarrassed. But he stood this time, walked to her side and kissed her, moving so she was touching his ears. Kneeling in front of her chair, he cradled her face in his hands. The gesture was so tender and loving, she blinked back tears. How she wanted to reciprocate it. "May I?" She breathed.
What do you think?
"Sorry," she understood his gentle rebuke. Leaning forward, she took his face in her hands in turn. It was the first time she'd ever properly felt it and she wanted to capture and memorise every detail. Her hands slowly and affectionately went across his cheeks feeling his slight stubble, to his eyes, nose and chin. She heard him chuckle again. "Tickles, does it?" She smirked. "Oh, you so should not have told me that!" She felt his eyebrows and high forehead, before touching his short spikey hair. "For some reason I always thought you had a beard," she murmured. She felt him shake his head. "I didn't realise your hair was that short either." She then felt around his ears.
I knew you wouldn't take long to get back to my ears.
"Oh, shut up!" She was blushing. He leant in and took her mouth in a slow, loving kiss. "What do you think of my face?" The question was out of her mouth before she could stop herself and she silently cursed. Adam had of course told her she was beautiful when they'd first met, now her face had scars because of the very man who'd called her that. As if on cue, Michael's gentle finger rested on the long scar on her cheek. "That makes me feel so ugly," she said, again unable to stop herself.
I don't ever want to hear you say that again. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Now you are mine, ugly will never leave your lips again in reference to yourself. Got it?
"Yes S…" again she caught herself. Shit. Would Adam's controlling ghost ever stop haunting her? Would she ever be able to be free of him even in his death?
"Shh," he said, before his lips were on hers once more. His arms tightened around her as he kissed her. Taking her right hand, he placed it on his right ear. "Shh," he said again, continuing to kiss her. Still doing so, he texted her again.
That is not an order. I am sorry if you took it as such. I just mean you are so beautiful, and I don't want to hear you put yourself down. Don't call me sir, ok? Please? I know it will take time, but I will be with you every step of the way.
"Thanks," she blinked back tears.
You are so beautiful.
"Who would've thought," she let out a shaky laugh as tears fell down her cheeks. Michael was immediately wiping them away. "Sorry," she sniffled. "I just mean I never thought I'd hear that from Michael Myers. You even said it yourself; you would've killed me if given half a chance." He didn't reply in any way, he just kissed her again. She rested her head on his shoulder as again their tongues slipped into contact. She put her arms around his neck and held him as tightly as she could, she never wanted this moment to end. "You're the blind one if you think I'm beautiful," she said eventually after they pulled back, letting out a watery laugh.
Ha ha.
She smiled and continued to hold him. "Isn't that uncomfortable? She touched his shoulder to indicate his current kneeling position.
Not on this foam no. Even if it was, I'd stay here for you.
"You are the most hansom man I've ever met," she breathed. "You are gorgeous, Michael Myers."
Says a blind woman.
At this, she burst out laughing. "This is true, but I know I'm right!" She heard him chuckling with her, before they kissed again.
"Um, Michael," she hesitated. "I have two questions I… well I really want to ask you."
If you are going to ask me if you can, don't. Ask me anything always.
"It's just… I'm a bit nervous about asking you these ones. I've thought about it for a couple of days, but…"
Why are you nervous? Are you afraid I'll be angry?
"Um yes," she admitted.
You have my word I will not. Even if I do not like the question, I will answer it because you and you alone have earned my heart and along with it the right to know.
"Wow…" She felt tears well up again at this response. "Thanks Michael."
You're welcome. Ask away.
She took a second, taking a long sip of tea. Could she? Should she do this? But then she thought of what Dr Stark would say. Communication was key in a relationship, and if she wanted them to get closer, she had to ask him. Especially now she'd mentioned to him she had questions to ask. "Um," she started, taking a deep breath. "Does your mask have ears, Michael?"
At this and for the first time ever, she heard him laugh out loud. It was music to her ears. He pulled her back into a hug, still chuckling. She was bright red.
I do not know. I've never tried to talk to it to see if it can hear me.
"Oh, shut up!" She slapped his arm. "I mean artificial one's you idiot!"
She could still feel his chest shaking as he chuckled, even as he kissed her again. Happiness surged up inside her. She had made Michael Myers laugh, something she was sure no one had ever done before. They wouldn't have lived long enough to even try. "Stop it you!" She pulled his left ear. "I knew you'd make fun of me!"
I apologise Sorry, but that was rather amusing. In answer, yes it has artificial ears. You felt them that day.
"I…" she hesitated. "I know the mask is a… sensitive subject, I don't want to say the wrong thing."
You could never say the wrong thing.
"Ha," she laughed. "I wouldn't bet on that."
I would.
"You're too kind Mr. Myers," this time she kissed him.
So, upon learning my mask has ears, what is your second question?
"Oh God," she groaned. "I am never going to live that down now, am I?" Chuckling, he tweaked her ears. It made her smile. "I promise I'm not procrastinating," she leant into his shoulder again. "But I really want you to know this, as like you said, you and you alone have earned my heart and with it the right to know. My love of ears… Dr Stark asked me right at the beginning where it came from, and I had to think about it. When I was in distress as a child, Charlotte's parents would rub my ears and it comforted me. Even though my ears are huge!"
I did wonder. That is sweet.
She smiled at him again. "Actually, I have three questions to ask you Michael. That was the first one."
Ok, I'm all ears. Ears, ears.
She could hardly believe what happened then, she started giggling. Michael held her tightly and she just knew he was watching her with an affectionate amused smirk. Eventually, he stifled her giggles with another kiss." I love you Michael Myers," she said once she got her breath back. "I love you so much. My next question is well… um, can you whistle?"
Can I whistle?
"Yes," she was aware she was blushing again. "I don't know if you heard me say it, but it's my favourite sound in the world. Whenever someone's whistling and I hear it, it makes me happy."
Hmm… let's see.
Next moment, a tuneful whistle echoed beautifully around the room. She gasped. "Wow! That's so sexy! I had no idea you could whistle, Michael!"
That might be because you never asked, don't you think?
He started to whistle again. Absurdly, she felt tears rushing to her eyes. Michael Myers the masked serial killer, was whistling for her! She never would've believed it just a few months ago. Continuing to whistle, he stood up and gently pulled her with him. She couldn't help herself. She crossed to the desk as he still held her and put on her favourite music CD, which luckily was currently in the player. She again had to pinch herself to check she wasn't dreaming, as they started to sway together in each other's arms. She rested her head against his chest, unable to reach his shoulder when he was standing as he was so tall. Leaning down, he kissed her and placed her hands back onto his ears. To her the cell seemed to fade into the distance. She didn't care where they were, she felt as if she had gone to a whole new place, a paradise where only she and Michael existed.
This is a dream, right? Michael Myers, yes Michael Myers the masked silent serial killer can whistle, has whistled for me and now he's dancing with me? How? I fully expected I'd be dead soon the first time I heard he was next door to me, hell I wanted to die! I'd just tried to kill myself after all! Now? My god! Michael gently nudged her.
What are you thinking?
"How happy I am," she replied immediately. "How much I love you. You're Michael Myers, the, Michael Myers, yet you're whistling for me and now you're dancing with me! Not just that, but you love me, you aren't wanting to kill me!"
Never, never.
When the song ended, Michael sat down and for only the second time lifted her into his lap.
"Aww," came Mel's voice from outside the door. "I'm so sorry you two but I just had to watch, that was so sweet!" She sounded close to tears. "I'm so happy for you both, I really, really am."
"Thanks Mel, I don't suppose you have a camera, do you? I was wondering if you could take a picture of this stunningly hansom gentleman right here for me?"
"Of course, I can," Mel buzzed open the door and entered. "Michael, I believe you want a picture of Danielle too?" Michael must've nodded because Mel said, "ok." Mel snapped the two pictures several times, trying to get the perfect shots. She then said she would take one of them together. Michael pulled her into his arms, and they held each other, as Mel snapped several pictures.
"Perfect. I will get them developed within the hour for you both."
"Thanks Mel," she slowly reached for her handbag. "Mel, Michael, I want to show you something."
Reaching in, she pulled out a heart shaped locket on a gold chain. "Mom gave me this as an adoption present just before we left," she blinked back tears again. "I could put a picture of Michael in it so he's with me all the time, just like mom suggested. Mel, would you…"
"You don't even have to ask," Mel said immediately. "Do you want me to take the locket now and bring it back with the picture inside it?"
"Yes please."
"Of course," the guard gently took it from her hand.
"Um, Michael, dad gave me this to give to you." she pulled out a second locket, this one a lot heavier and clearly designed to be worn by a man. "Dad suggested one for you, for the same reason… I… if you want a picture of me…" Her phone buzzed. Without hesitation, she passed it to Mel to read the text for her.
"I have already asked you for a picture, this is the perfect excuse to need one."
She started to cry again, purely out of happiness. Michael pulled her back into his arms, and she heard his soft, "shh." Mel, she noticed also sounded very close to doing so.
"Sorry Michael," Mel said as if reading her mind. "We women can get very emotional around romance sometimes. Especially if a kind and caring man is giving it to us, and any woman watching can too!" They both heard Michael softly chuckle.
"Michael, do you want me to fit Danielle's picture into your locket too?" Danielle's phone buzzed again. She passed it to Mel.
"Don't read it aloud," she said to the guard. "It's private between you two, Mel."
"You're a sweetheart," Mel said. "But I will. It says, "thank you, Mel." You're welcome, Michael."
They asked Mel if she would join them for a cup of tea. Mel tried to argue saying this was their day alone, but they were adamant. With a soft smile, Mel sat on the edge of the bed as there were only two chairs. Michael made to stand to give her his, but Mel shook her head. "You're such a gentleman Mr. Myers, but honestly I'm fine thank you good sir." She smiled and poured them all a drink. "Michael, can I have some of your coffee please?" Again, he must've nodded because Mel said "Thank you. But you wouldn't like it, because I'm putting milk and sugar in it!"
"Yuck!" Danielle grimaced, and Michael made a soft sound of disgust, which made both women laugh. "Yes ok," Mel teased. "I know."
"Come on let's get into these!" she said happily, pulling the chocolate bucket towards her.
"Wow!" Mel whistled.
"Joanne, Rick and Jack got them for us," she smiled, opening the lid. "I've always wanted one of these but couldn't have one before."
"That'll take you a while," Mel said.
"Not if you're helping us," she smirked. "Help yourself Mel, Michael. Please."
"Thanks. Hmm," Mel hesitated. "I think I'll go for a dark hazelnut. Oh wow, they've even got Braille next to them, so you know what they are."
"I know. Cool, eh?"
"I think they should do that for every box."
"Ha, tell me about it. Too expensive I suppose. They can put print on, but not Braille."
"Sarcasm?" Mel chuckled.
"Uh, yeah. It pisses me off."
"I can understand that."
There was a contented silence as they drank and ate some chocolates. She scanned the Braille labels. "Orange? Nope, not for me."
"Not a fan?"
"I just don't think they go well together. Oh, look!" She'd found a coffee cream. Standing, she slipped to Michael's side and lightly touched his lips, just as he had done when he was asking her to open her mouth. Michael did so, and she popped the chocolate inside. Again, she could hardly believe what she was able to do, feeding chocolate to a silent serial killer. She still had to shake herself at times to make sure she was here, and this was really happening.
"That was so cute, so romantic," Mel said.
"I never thought I'd…" her voice trailed off. Be here again, was what she'd been about to say.
"Well, you are," Mel said firmly, stopping her before she could even try. "So, my advice to you? Enjoy it, live it, love it." Her phone buzzed. She again passed it to Mel.
Well said, Mel.
"Thanks Michael, Mel smiled at him. It was about an hour later before Mel stood up to leave. "Can I get you two anything? As I'm your slave for the day?"
"I'm ok, thanks." Michael again must have given Mel a nod because she said "ok," before heading to the door. "Pictures on the way right now," she said as she buzzed it open. I'll leave you two love birds to it until they're ready!" She was gone.
Michael stood again, knelt back in front of her and pulled her close, her head snuggled contentedly on his shoulder as he leant in for a kiss.
Enough procrastinating. I believe you have a final question to ask me?
"Damn, I thought you'd forgotten," she admitted.
Nope, so ask me, please?
"Michael Myers," she said completely seriously, as she wrapped her arms around him again, her head still on his shoulder. He held her even tighter. "This question has taken me months and months to pluck up the courage to ask, and I'll totally understand if you say no, but I feel ready to ask."
I'm all ears, do so.
"Michael Myers," she said again. "Please… would it be possible if… can I hear your voice?" She couldn't believe she'd finally asked the question or how easy it'd been to come out. If this wasn't proof, she trusted and loved him, she didn't know what was. The question now, was how would he react? There was a long silence and for a moment she thought he'd refuse, or he was indeed angry, despite what he'd said before that he wouldn't be. But then he leant towards her and took her lips in the most tender kiss she had ever felt from him. A few seconds passed, before she felt him move his mouth to her left ear. Her heart sped up. Was this about to happen? Something no one not even Dr Loomis had heard for decades? Then, a soft and incredibly sexy male voice spoke into her ear. She could hardly believe it, or that her other half had such a sexy voice. How could he keep something so sexy hidden? She would never know. But Danielle Avery had just heard Michael Myers' voice for the very first time.
"Hello Danielle. I love you."
…
When the gates finally slid shut behind him, James Rickets found himself dangerously close to tears. Just as he'd feared Culshaw had gotten under his skin. True to his word, Peters was waiting in the car
just a few yards away.
"You alright?" He asked James as soon as he'd slammed the passenger door behind him. James couldn't answer straight away, he took a deep breath. "James?" Peters asked, looking closely at his officer's face. "What is it?"
"That fucking son of a bitch," Rickets raged, unable to stop a few tears from falling down his face. "I told you he'd get under my skin sir, and he did! He is fucking hates women! They're just toys to him, meat! I had to talk his language, calling them, "Bitches," and so on and I hated it! He talked to me like I was a child, so fucking patronising! God knows what'll happen when the real Kevin Wheeler meets him again! Trying to convince him that he… I hadn't been arrested, when you and I sir both know the truth is he's in jail, was not an easy task!"
"We both know Wheeler and Culshaw are not going to meet again," Peters said quietly. "Because we won't allow that to happen."
"I feel damn sorry for Wheeler if they do," James muttered.
"James," Peters said, once again putting his hand on his officer's shoulder. "What happened son? Tell me. What's made you so angry?"
"Just listen to the fucking recording sir," James replied. "I can't go into it."
"Give me an idea," Peters encouraged. "I'm not worried about the recordings right at this moment, I'm concerned about your welfare."
"You weren't that fucking concerned when you sent me in there," James said before he could stop himself. Instantly he opened his mouth to try and apologise, but once again Peters put an arm around him.
"That's not true, James. Why do you think I've given you the rest of the week off to spend with Michelle and the bump? But I also knew that most unfortunately, you were the best officer for this job, and I had no choice. I tell you what? Have two weeks, ok? I'll take you home right now, but please, we'll stop and get a coffee and just talk to me?" There was a long silence, while James stared at his boss. Finally, he nodded.
"You'd better be buying sir," he managed a faint smile.
"Well of course," Peters squeezed his shoulder before pulling away. "I'll even get you a cake too."
"I… I'm sorry sir," James began. "I didn't mean to speak out of turn there, but…"
"No, it's ok. I didn't hear what you said."
James grinned faintly at the lie. "Thank you, sir."
They reached the café near the station and Peters was as good as his word. They entered and he bought his officer a large coffee and a slice of his favourite lemon drizzle cake. Once they were at a secluded table in the corner, James took a breath and prepared to speak. Peters didn't push him, just patiently waited, for which James was grateful.
"It wasn't…" he swallowed. "It wasn't necessarily how he talked to… well Wheeler which made me angry, because I knew that wasn't aimed at me. But he was just so insulting, if I was someone like Wheeler the guards would've probably had to pull me away because I'd be trying to smash that glass to punch his fucking head in."
"Yes, he's not exactly what we'd call a charmer," Peters agreed.
"It was the way he talked about women that did it. He agreed to tell me where Ashley's family were if…" he took a large sip of coffee. "If we took him a woman to fuck."
Peters sighed. "I guess we shouldn't be surprised," he said softly. "I was afraid he would do that."
"He talks about women like their animals," James continued, "said they deserve to be beaten, raped and locked up. I know he's a Misogynist, but that was… too much."
"I understand," Peters murmured. "Of course, I understand why that would get to you. It would get to any civilised man living in today's world in this country and most others."
James nodded. "So, he struck up a deal with me," he wrote air quotes around the word deal. "He wants us to take him a woman to have sex with then he'll tell us. Or rather, he wants Wheeler to. He spoke with such contempt for them. "She can be ugly as fuck I don't care, long as she has a pussy. I'm so fucking hard; I want to rape a bitch's cunt so bad." Peters grimaced. "Exactly," James nodded. "So, this is why I'm so upset."
"But James, just remember it wasn't you he was talking to. He thought it was Wheeler. He doesn't even know your name or existence. He has no idea you are married, and you and your wife are expecting a baby. So don't let it get to you son. Please. I know that was upsetting, I'm not exactly looking forward to hearing the recording, but he didn't even know it was you he was talking to."
"Small fucking comfort," James muttered. Standing, he headed into the men's rest room and removed his shirt, unclipping the microphones and recording device from him. When he re-entered the café, he passed the equipment over to his boss. He couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
"Thank you," Peters said, putting it into his bag. "Great job James, I mean it. Thank you."
"It doesn't feel like it." James slumped back into his seat.
"Well, it should, James. Listen," Peters added as James made to speak in protest. "It should, because Culshaw didn't realise it wasn't Wheeler. That's all down to your good acting skills, your hours of preparation and disguise, they paid off. Culshaw had no idea he was talking to a fantastic under cover cop."
"Thanks for the praise boss," James managed a faint smile. "But…"
"Not only that," Peters raised his voice above James'. "But he agreed to give us the information, not without a price, but that's certainly more than I thought we'd get. I mean yes, the information itself would have been nice, but we're naïve if we thought Culshaw would just hand it over for free. He's a criminal, criminals don't do free."
James snorted. "So, what now?"
Peters sighed. "We may actually have to pay a prostitute to go in there."
"You…" James lowered his voice as he realised, he was dangerously close to shouting in a public place. "You are fucking kidding me sir? Please tell me you're fucking joking. There is no way we can ask a woman to do that purely for this pig's entertainment!"
"James, please listen to me. I completely, completely agree with you, I understand completely where you're coming from. But what else do you suggest?"
"That we say fuck it!" James leant close to his boss and kept his voice low. "Jesus Christ, we can't! That would be sinking just as low as those fucker's do! We can't sir, we just can't! Please don't tell me it's their job, it's only because those poor women have no God damn choice! They must feed themselves, there is no, absolutely no way we can do that!"
"So, when you say, "We say fuck it," do you mean we just let it go?"
"Yes!" James exclaimed vehemently. "Damn right yes! We can't pay that price; we can't send a woman in there to be raped and possibly beaten! We can't, sir. I must be honest; I can't believe you're even thinking this."
"James," Peters murmured. "I don't like it any more than you do, but sometimes police have to pretend to get their hands dirty to get information…"
"But this isn't worth that!" James interrupted unable to help himself. "It's not important enough to justify such a big price! Ok, if we were talking about say the location of a serial killer, then yes, I might get it a bit more! But this? Shit! It's not important enough! Make a woman do this for one man's benefit? I'm talking about the late Ashley Griffin! He's not worth that! He was a Misogynistic bastard and even Culshaw said his family probably won't give a shit! He raped his own mother for fuck's sake!"
There was silence after James finished his rant. After a moment, Peters sighed again. "Can't we just see if they contact us?" James almost begged. "I mean shit! If it is indeed true, they don't care about him, they won't! Fuck, if I was his mother and my son had fucking raped me, I wouldn't give a shit if he was dead or not."
"You may have a point there," Peters said softly. "I can't lie."
"Damn right I have a point," James insisted. "Please sir, it's not worth a woman's dignity for that small piece of info, which will probably prove pointless anyway! What if we did get the info say, and we contacted them. What are you expecting them to do? Burst into tears and arrange his funeral? Yeah right!"
Slowly, Peters nodded. James felt a surge of relief. "Did he give you a timeline for when he wanted a woman for his deal?"
"No. That was going to be my next request. Can't we at least leave it a while? Say two or three months? Do our own hunting for the information? Then if you really think we must, I won't stop you this time?"
To James' surprise, Peters again put an arm around him. "I will not do anything without letting you know first and getting your opinion," he said. Rickets stared at him. "No, I'm serious. I may be your boss, but you are the officer who has helped me out with this more than I or the whole PD could tell you. So, nothing will happen in this case before you know about it."
"Well… thank you sir," James said, not quite able to believe his ears. "I… that means a lot to me. I appreciate your trust in me."
"You're welcome. Now drink that coffee and eat that cake James, then I'll get you straight home."
…
The guards were true to their word. The rest of the afternoon past in utter contentment to Danielle, she never wanted it to end. But when Michael finally pressed the call button after they'd agreed to go for dinner, Mel appeared immediately and took them into the patient's canteen. A whole table had been blocked off with privacy signs, which usually happened when a patient was refusing to eat or being abusive. The table was laid with proper China cutlery and plates. "Are you really hungry after all those chocolates?" Mel teased.
"You're joking if you think we've eaten even a tenth of them," she grinned as Michael led her by the hand to her seat, pulling it out for her. "Oh, and who said chivalry was dead," she smiled at him. "Thanks Michael."
Michael took his seat opposite her, and Mel read them the starters.
Danielle wasn't sure if they'd made a special meal just for them, but to her the food seemed nicer than anything she'd had before in the patience canteen. She hadn't asked Michael to speak again since he had and wasn't going to push him. But damn she'd found his voice so sexy, and she'd told him as much. "How can you keep that sexy voice hidden?" She whispered in his ear. "Damn, speak like that again and I may just pounce on you without your kisses!" He'd pulled her tightly into a hug and kissed her, before he'd texted her.
Well thank you. Then maybe I just might.
The fact he'd spoken however she wasn't going to tell anyone. This was purely between the two of them. He trusted her enough to speak, she wasn't going to break it by telling anyone, not even Dr Loomis.
Mel brought the second and third courses, her chicken and mushroom pie with mash potatoes was gorgeous. The desert was a white chocolate sponge cake. This made her even more certain they'd prepared the meal for them. Mel didn't confirm either way when she asked, just smiled and said, "who knows?"
They were left undisturbed as they sat there holding hands and talking. (Or in Michael's case texting.) It was a full three hours later before they finally stood up. Seeing them rise and Michael take her hand, Mel came over to take them back to their cell. "Thanks Mel."
"You're welcome," Mel said. "Oh, and by the way…" she handed Danielle her locket. "Pictures in it," she said, then did the same to Michael.
"Thank you so much," she said gratefully.
"Anytime," Mel said as she buzzed open the door for them.
Danielle took a deep breath and spoke, taking Mel's arm as she was about to leave. "Mel, can I talk to you for a sec please?"
"Of course," Mel said, following them in. her phone buzzed.
Do you want me to leave?
"No way," she said immediately, grabbing his hand too. "In truth I never want you to leave." She heard both chuckle as Mel sat opposite her, Michael insisted she took the chair this time.
"How can I help you?"
Danielle leant towards the guard and lowered her voice. "Mel, I'm just going to say it straight. I know who's in the MS cell. I found out completely by accident, but I know."
"I know, you told me last night."
"So, I don't believe for a single second you're there to help the other guards. You notice something? They're all men. There's no way they'd let a woman near Greggory! That's true, isn't it?"
There was a pause before Mel answered. "Yes, it's true. I'm purely here to help you two."
"I figured," Danielle reached out for the guard's hand, which Mel took, and they squeezed. "That's why you were there so fast whenever we pressed the call button. Why didn't you want to tell us that?"
"I don't know sweetie," Mel said softly. "Probably because…" Mel stopped, and Danielle understood why. She wanted to stay professional. Respect rose up inside her. "Please?" She asked softly. "I promise this will go nowhere."
Mel hesitated for what must have been at least 30 seconds. She didn't push her, just waited. But if she chose not to answer, she would respect this. "Because I hate him," Mel said in just above a whisper. Danielle felt Michael squeeze past her and towards Mel. She was certain he'd put an arm around her.
"Thanks Michael," Mel said, sounding as if she was about to cry. "I'm ok, I am. I just…" She took a deep breath and Danielle could've sworn she heard him say "shh." Affection gushed up in her heart for him all over again. "He's so dangerous," Mel continued. "I'm scared shitless of him. Just as scared as I once was of you, Michael." The killer smiled at her.
"That's no crime," Danielle said adamantly. "So am I! When Michael pulled me back and I heard him speak, no shit I passed out! I fucking fainted! So, Mel that's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of! Please hear me! Nothing! He's a fucking raping cannable!"
"But that's what I'm trained for," Mel said.
"Bullshit! You're trained to protect, take care of us! Put it this way you've done a much, much better job than John fucking Baker did!"
At this, Mel gave a watery chuckle. "That's not difficult though."
"That's as maybe but I've got all the respect in the world for you Mel, and so has Michael! You care about, respect and protect us! Those are three things Baker did not do!" Danielle continued, her voice firm. "Yes, you're trained for danger, but this is a whole new type of danger. Listen I hate being singled out because I'm a woman too, God knows I've had that enough! But you know something? I wish it'd been for my protection, not out of hatred for my sex! They're trying to protect you Mel, nothing more nothing less. But believe me, I also totally understand why you don't like it, believe me I do."
There was silence apart from the soft rubbing sound of Michael stroking Mel's back. Damn, this was all because of her. Really? Sometimes Danielle still couldn't believe she'd changed Michael Myers to this extent, he was a different man from the masked killer everyone knew of. Only I and very few know this man, she thought with a smile. Everyone else sees a ruthless, emotionless serial killer. Not us, we see a man whose kind, caring and now actually loves someone, and that someone is me! I still don't believe it most of the time! What did I do that was so special? Her phone buzzed again.
Well said.
"Thanks guys," Mel said after a while. "I really appreciate this. Maybe it's a good thing I'm not near him, or I think I'd fucking kill him!"
"Oh, me too! Hell fucking yes, I'd kill him! He fucking ate women! Jesus that's gruesome! Not only that, but he also raped them before he fucking ate them! What the fuck is he even doing here? Why hasn't he gone to old sparky already?"
"I've actually asked Dr Loomis that question myself," Mel said quietly.
"And?"
"He says he has to try and treat him but said he will never get out of some kind of prison for the rest of his life, whether here or elsewhere."
"You can't rehabilitate someone like that!" Danielle almost shouted, banging her hand on the desk. "Jesus Christ Dr Loomis! What the fuck? I have a hell of a lot of respect for him, I know he's a world-famous psychiatrist, but is he serious? "Try and treat him?" You can't treat a monster like that, he takes the word, "Monster," to whole new heights! He eats people! There's no fucking hope of anything for him! Strap him in and pull the fucking switch already!" Her phone buzzed again.
I say again well said.
Danielle smiled at Michael. "Can't you fucking kill him for us?" She asked before she could stop herself, thinking of his words to her earlier that day. "I need to kill someone." Here was his chance to kill a truly bad man, if one could even call Greggory a man that was. She heard his quiet chuckle before he replied. She'd held her phone up so Mel could see all his texts. On reading this one, both women gave watery smiles.
Um, there's one huge problem with that suggestion. He's in the Maximum-security cell, he has guards with him twenty-four hours a day and he never go anywhere unescorted. Believe me ladies if I could, I would with no hesitation at all.