It was then Danielle heard it; the soft whoosh of the black curtains being opened. She drew in a sharp breath and heard several others in the packed room doing the same.

"He's strapped in the chair," Samantha Lever breathed in her left ear.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the warden's voice came through the concealed speakers. "I ask you please to try and remain silent and medical assistance is on standby if you need it. Thank you." There was a brief pause, before the warden spoke again. "Derek Julian Chancer, you have been condemned to die in the electric chair, sentence past by a jury of your peers and imposed by a judge of good standing in this state, God save the people of this state. Finally confirmed by a qualified doctor following failed hospital treatment. In passing their verdict, all twelve members of the jury agreed unanimously your crimes in the sexual assault and deaths of forty-two women were especially heinous, atrocious and cruel. Do you have any final words to say before your death sentence is carried out?"

There was total silence. Danielle was certain she could have heard a pin drop at that moment. Chancer's microphone was turned on and they could now hear his fast, panicked, terrified and heavy breathing. "Now he knows how every single one of his fucking victims felt in the last seconds of their lives as he killed them," someone snarled from a few seats away. Danielle agreed with the unknown voice.

"I…" they heard Derek Chancer swallow hard. "I hope someone else can continue what I started. Women deserve to die and be raped; I do not regret a single thing I did my only regret was being captured, and that you bastards now have what you doubtlessly see as a victory in executing me. I may have murdered bitches, but you are now murdering me."

"Damn fucking right," another woman snarled. "Fuck I want to kill him myself!"

"You think that by killing me you've won but I can assure you you haven't. There will be more men who think like me, more men who want to kill women so executing me solves nothing! All I can hope for now is that the next man to follow in my footsteps doesn't end up where I'm sitting now! Fuck you bastards, die every single one of you!"

"What a charmer," someone muttered. "Die slowly yourself asshole!" Chancer's microphone was deactivated.

"They're putting the hood and skull cap on him, with the wet sponge inside," It was Sarah Goodall's turn to speak. "He's now looking through at us."

Danielle felt herself shiver at this knowledge before reminding herself Derek Chancer could and would never hurt anyone ever again, his life was about to end. Both women squeezed her hands softly and Rick her shoulder, clearly knowing and understanding what she was thinking right then.

"Derek Julian Chancer, electricity shall now be passed through your body until you are dead, in accordance with state law. May God have mercy on your soul," said the voice of the warden before his mike too was deactivated. The silence which followed was the most intense Danielle Avery had ever heard. It was the kind of silence one could almost hear. She felt every single beat of her heart and she waited for the squeeze.

Both women squeezed her hands once as Rick squeezed her shoulder, his own silent signal as promised.

Danielle wasn't sure what she'd expected. The hum grew slightly louder, but that was it. She didn't hear him jolt in the chair or scream, but of course the glass was too thick for that.

"He's jolted forward," Lever whispered. "His fists have clenched."

Just over thirty seconds later the hum died a little, everyone waited in silence no one as much as coughed. Were they perhaps shocked at what they'd just seen and heard? She didn't know. She knew that right now a doctor was checking Derek Chancer for a heartbeat and then would pronounce him dead. His body would then be removed from the prison and taken to a morgue somewhere. She doubted anyone would want to claim the body of the son of a bitch! For her part she just wanted the relief of knowing Derek Chancer had just left this world and that he personally could not harm a woman again, despite his cruel and frankly evil last words. Even just before death he hated women right to the end of his life.

"Derek Julian Chancer was pronounced dead at 06:08PM," said the warden's voice. "Please remain in your seats until a guard arrives to release you. Thank you"

"Thank fuck for that," several women said in unison. Danielle let out a long breath. The women released her hands. "Are you ok?" Sarah murmured.

"Yeah," she answered. "To be honest I'm not sure how I feel right now. Yes, I'm glad he's dead but… wow." Rick's hand squeezed her shoulder again at that moment. "You alright?"

"Yes," she nodded. "So that's how executions go." She couldn't deny she was glad when the guards opened the witness room doors and they all stood up. Rick took her arm, and she could hear several women sobbing quietly. Sarah stepped up on her other side and told her some were hugging and shaking hands, there were even a few small smiles. She understood, Derek Julian Chancer certainly would not be missed.

They all walked out of the witness room and towards the waiting vans. This time Samantha sat behind them, and Rick and Sarah sat beside her. As the van pulled away everyone aboard was silent. Maybe like her they were trying to digest and get their heads around what they'd just seen. Sure, they knew they were witnessing an execution when they'd got their acceptance letters, but seeing a man die that was different.

They reached the gates, and she heard members of the media setting up microphones and cameras for the press conference. "Do you want to stick around for this?" Rick asked her.

"Not really," she said truthfully. "They're not going to say anything we don't already know. He sat down, spoke his last words and died. That's it."

"Oki doke," Rick squeezed her arm. "You sure you're alright?"

"Yeah, that was just… intense. I'm just… glad he's gone I guess, as bad as that might sound. His last words though, whew that was some evil shit. Even in his terror did you hear the venom in his voice?"

"Bleh," Sarah said dismissively. "That's all he had left though words. He probably wanted you to think and feel like that so don't let him win! He's dead, he can't hurt anyone ever again!"

"Well said," Rick agreed.

"Lovely to meet you guys," Sarah said hugging Danielle again. "Very best of luck to you."

"You are too and again I'm really sorry about Andrea."

"Thank you, I'm sorry for all you went through as well. Take care."

"God bless you both," Samantha said, also hugging Danielle. "I'll be praying for you."

"Thanks." She wasn't religious but she appreciated the kind words. "I'm so sorry about Rachael Sam." The two women shook hands with Rick and then she heard them walking away.

"Excuse me," said a male voice suddenly just outside the gates. "Danielle? Rick?"

"Chris Leach?" Rick said. Danielle turned in shock.

"Hello Chris, did you just witness that?"

"I did," Leach said dryly. "I was at the back. Good riddance. It's nice to see you both again. How are you?"

"Good," Rick said.

"I want to thank you so much again for your help in my rescue," Danielle said sincerely and before she could think about what she was doing she stepped forward and hugged the crime lord. "I am so, so grateful."

Leach didn't respond to her embrace for a second then returned it. "It's the least I can do. I'm so sorry in my turn that I let money rule me and let it go as far as it did."

"I'll say what I said that night, you've made up for it now."

Leach snorted. "I don't think I could ever make up for it completely but thank you."

"What are you doing now?"

The crime lord sighed. "Trying to start an honest life for myself and that means finding a job which as you can imagine is… difficult. All the money I made in my crime career I'm trying to return to its rightful owners as I cannot keep it with a clean conscience."

Danielle turned to Rick in shock. First Michael Myers and now Chris Leach had been changed by meeting her? It was almost beyond belief. Rick must've known what she was thinking because he squeezed her hand. She wondered again what the hell was so special about her that she had changed both the hearts of a silent serial killer and a top crime Lord, but she guessed she would never know. "What happened to the fake nurse who assisted him that day?" She asked Leach after a moment.

"She's in prison, said she felt guilty and wanted to serve her time as punishment for her actions."

"She did?" Danielle could hardly believe her ears and some of the anger she'd felt towards the unknown woman softened a little. If that was true, then she couldn't remain completely angry at her. "Did Adam control her too?"

Chris Leach laughed out loud. "Hell no! She's not a woman men can control more like she controls them! She's huge! She doesn't take shit from anyone least of all men!"

"That makes me forgive her even more," Danielle said with a small grin. "Fair play!"

Chris Leach chuckled. "Oh, and before you go one final thing," he said, before stepping forward and lowering his head so her hands met his ears. She gasped in shock and Chris and Rick both laughed.

"How did you know?" She asked.

"Honestly?"

"Yes."

"Adam told me about your love of ears once, he wasn't… exactly complementary about it. Also, your love of…" he started whistling softly. She felt affection for the most unlikely person at that moment, Chris Leach and she hugged him again as she felt his ears.

"Well?" Leach chuckled. "Ah those tickles! Where do my ears stand in your ear rankings?"

Rick laughed out loud. "We asked her the very same thing. I got normal, my colleagues got small and cute!"

"You have nice ears Chris," she muttered and although she was blushing was also laughing. She felt all the tension from what she'd just witnessed leaving her as she did so.

"Well good? I think?" Leach smiled at her and hugged her again. "I'll say what I said that terrible day. Take care you hear?"

"You too Chris, very best of luck in your new life."

Leach shook hands with Rick and wished him well, the guard smiled and returned the wishes. They'd just started to walk away when she thought of something she desperately wanted to know. "Mr. Leach? Chris?"

The crime Lord turned. "Yes? I told you I'm Chris to you."

She smiled. "The late Derek Chancer blurted out to us while trying to save his own… now ended life, that the iPod he had that you'd programmed would kill someone if they entered the password incorrectly three times. How?"

Rick smiled a little. "I told Dr Loomis to take that part seriously, "Chris Leach is a genius," I said, "he can programme anything.""

Leach blushed a little. "Thanks. The iPod would electrocute them funnily enough. They would see a message in red on the screen saying the battery level was low and it needed charging immediately. They'd plug it in while still holding it and…"

Danielle and Rick both whistled. "Jesus," they said together.

"A 50 thousand vault current would be activated worked by an internal battery concealed in the device. It would then vibrate once and reset in the… deceased person's hand asking for the password all over again."

"Fuck me," Rick breathed. "I stick to what I said, you're a programming genius Mr. Leach."

"Thanks," Leach said softly. "But now I intend to put my "programming genius," to… better use."

"You could make millions if you do," Rick said. "Best of luck to you!"

"Thank you for answering my question." Chris Leach smiled and walked away.

Within five minutes they were back in the car, Martin driving them back towards the airport and the return flight to Smith's Grove.

"Fuck I'm tired all of a sudden," she yawned. Rick squeezed her hand.

"Are you surprised? We just saw a man die! That type of thing is very mentally sapping, even if we hate the individual involved."

"Hmm," she agreed softly, leaning her head back against the window. The next thing she knew they were at the airport. She'd fallen asleep.

…

Pronounced dead at 06:08PM, went completely smoothly. His last words when you hear them will tell you all you need to know. She's fast asleep in the back. R.

Rick sent this text to both doctor's work cell phones, Nigel, Joanne and Michael. Then he slumped back in the passenger seat feeling suddenly exhausted himself. What he'd said was true. Seeing a man die really did take it out of anyone. She had requested the back seat this time saying it was because she could use the USB ports to charge her iPhone, but Rick's suspicions had been proved right of her real motives. While it was true her phone was indeed on charge, she was now fast asleep. Reaching forward, Rick plugged in his own.

"You both ok?" Martin whispered as they hit the highway back towards the airport. "How did it go?"

Rick ran a tired hand across his face. "Just about like you'd expect," he whispered back. "When the curtains opened, he was strapped in, he spoke his last words, they put the hood and cap on him, and the three executioners pressed their buttons at the same time. Bam! Took about thirty seconds."

Martin nodded. "Good riddance."

Rick smiled a little. "Everyone in there said the same thing. I think about twenty women all said, 'thank fuck for that' at the same time when we were told he was dead, Pronounced at 06:08."

"Piece of filth," Martin breathed. "I don't normally like to say that about my fellow man but him?" He pulled a face. "You know I was the driver who drove him in that day? Fuck man I heard what happened to you, I'm so very sorry. I was gone by that point, or I would've…"

Rick smiled at the other man. "Hey, we're good, I know you would've. Guards got the situation under control fast once they arrived though."

"Didn't a radio malfunction or something?"

Rick smiled grimly. "Yeah, but these things happen. I'm just glad I'm alive to tell you about it."

"Me too Evans," Martin gave him a one-handed thumbs up. "You're a good man and guard and don't you forget it."

…

"Hon?" Rick called softly half an hour later as they finally reached the airport. "Time to wake up."

Danielle stirred. "Shit, I fell asleep? I'm so sorry, talk about rude!"

"Now don't be so silly young lady," Martin said sternly. "I think I'd fall asleep too after seeing what you just did."

She smiled at him, and they shook hands, before heading towards the private plane where James was waiting.

But as they walked towards the gate they were to depart from, the sound of loud chanting reached their ears. "CHANCER SHOULD HAVE LIVED! MORE WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DIED! CHANCER SHOULD HAVE LIVED; MORE WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DIED!"

"For fuck's sake," Rick almost growled. She felt herself tense a little. She didn't have to see it to know they were blocking the gate. "Misogynistic protesters," her friend said quietly but she could hear his anger. "They're blocking the gates, doubtlessly knowing women would've flown in for the execution."

"Is that legal?" She asked apprehensively.

"Misogyny? No. But that doesn't mean they'll stop it as very sadly you know only too well. The protests? Yes, hon sadly they are but we need to find a way to get you safely past them. Remember what I told you? Your safety is my number one priority in the face of trouble."

She reached out and pulled him into a brief hug. "I trust you Rick Evans," she said calmly. "With my life." Rick felt absurdly touched by her uncompromising trust and vowed to himself he'd get her past these bastards if it was the last thing he did. He started looking around. "Where the fuck are the police?"

"I thought it wasn't illegal?"

"The protests aren't, but they're blocking the gate! That is!"

"You're going to tell me I'm the only woman left here to get past them, aren't you?"

"That makes no difference," she could hear his anger and determination. "I'll get you past these twats if it's the last thing I do!"

"Let's hope it's not."

Rick pulled out his radio which also had a phone feature linked to Smith's Grove, so no matter where he was in the country any transmission would also be heard within the HC ward. "Hey! I need some police here please. There's a group of misogynists protesting the execution and women, I need to get us past them!" Michael and Nigel were sitting with the two doctors and had just heard his words. At that moment two of the protesters saw them and began approaching. Rick cursed. "Hon, I never want to give you an order, but please…"

"I'll do whatever you tell me Rick," Danielle said instantly.

Rick felt pride shoot up in his heart. "Plus, you didn't call me Sir, I noticed. Nice one! Get behind me!"

"Ugly cunt ain't she? What did she do to get poor Mr. Chancer killed? She wasn't one of his victims though, shame! MORE WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DIED!"

"I'd still fuck her," another said. "MORE WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DIED!"

"Get out of our way," Rick said, his voice so calm but menacing Danielle shivered. "Let us through."

"No chance big boy! You think you're so cool Mr. security guard! You try to take us we'll take you to the ground!"

"I'm warning you, move!" More men were approaching them now, they were surrounded.

"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY ALERT," Rick shouted into his radio and Danielle had never heard genuine panic in his voice. "WE'RE SURROUNDED! GET HELP HERE CODE 1! STAY DOWN!" He shouted to Danielle who obeyed immediately. This man or Jack she wouldn't hesitate. "DON'T MOVE!"

Her eyes suddenly erupted with pain as she smelled the unmistakable odour of tear gas. Rick had just used his spray canister, which had been in a specially designed flight storage bag on the plane. One of the men stumbled back coughing and clawing at his face.

"You two need some help here?" Said a familiar voice. Danielle was clutching her streaming eyes. It was Chris Leach.

"I… Mr. Leach," one of the men stammered. Leach grabbed the megaphone one had been leading the chant through.

"THIS IS CHRIS LEACH! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE AND LET THESE TWO PASSES! YOU DON'T, YOU'LL REGRET IT. YOU'LL ONLY GET ONE WARNING!"

Rick had put his radio on continuous transmission when the trouble started, so Smith's Grove had heard the whole thing and still were.

"Mr. Leach Sir," one of the men said, fear obvious in his voice. "We… they told us we…"

"FUCK WHAT CULSHAW SAID!" Leach yelled. "HE'S IN PRISON AND SO WILL YOU BE IF YOU DON'T GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE NOW, I WON'T STOP THE POLICE TAKING EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! TO PROTEST FINE, BUT TO DELIBERATELY BLOCK A WOMAN'S ACCESS? A BLIND ONE NO LESS? YOU ARE misogynistic, SORRY EXCUSE FOR MEN! I'M WARNING YOU!"

That was when Chris leant down and lifted Danielle into his arms. She was still coughing violently from the tear gas and her eyes were streaming. The men seemed to part for him like the red sea as he carried her through them, scattering as if death itself was pursuing them.

The odd shouts of "FUCK ALL CUNTS, I WANT TO RAPE THAT BITCH" REACHED HER EARS, but Chris said, "ignore them, it's alright."

Rick was just about to speak when Danielle did, and he let her message be carried back to Smith's Grove. "That's the…" cough. "The… second time you've saved potentially my life Chris."

"Hey, don't talk now, that stuff's nasty. Just let Rick and I get you out of here. As for aiding you, hell I don't want Michael Myers as my enemy thanks!" She chuckled through coughs. "You're more than welcome. Rick, you, ok?"

"Those motherfuckers," Rick almost snarled. "Jesus Christ! They had us surrounded! Oh, fuck me," he finished, and she didn't have to see them to know another group was approaching.

"I've got an idea," Danielle whispered in Chris's ear, unable to resist touching them again. He chuckled. When the group reached them, she took the megaphone from him.

"OK LISTEN UP YOU MISOGYNISTIC BASTARDS," Her voice was strong, and Rick felt a rush of pride. Damn, she was more of the guard than he was! "I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE, LIKE NOW! BEFORE YOU START THROWING INSULTS AND SAYING HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO FUCK ME AND ALL THE REST OF YOUR PREJUDICE CRAP, PERHAPS YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THIS!"

Chris saw her open a locket around her neck and saw a picture of Michael Myers holding her in his arms within it. One of the men looked and stumbled backwards in horror.

"FUCK ME! THE CUNT'S GOT A PICTURE OF HERSELF BEING HELD BY Michael FUCKING MYERS! I'M OUT OF HERE GENTS! SORRY BUT I WANT TO LIVE!"

At first it seemed as if the men didn't believe him, but another had snapped the tiny picture on his phone clearly enough to be seen. The group took one look at it and soon they were running literally for their lives.

"Fuck me," Rick said. "You're more the guard than I am! Danielle, you've progressed so much I don't know you anymore!" She was touched beyond words to hear he was close to tears. "I'd have protected you to the death, but you just protected me!"

Chris smiled gently and laid Danielle back on her feet. She swayed a little and he took her hand. "Here," he pulled a dress shirt out of his bag. "Take that shirt off it's got tear gas all over it. Take this and at least you'll have something clean to get home in."

"I can't," Danielle protested weakly but he firmly pushed it into her hands. "Take it!"

"How will I get it back to you?"

"We'll worry about that some other time. Just take it."

"It won't kill me if I put it on the wrong way three times, will it?"

Both men burst out laughing. "Just get changed," Chris Leach said when he could speak. "It's a damn shirt!"

"You never know with you," Danielle said in mock suspicion. "It could be anything!"

"Get on with you," Chris gave her a playful shove. Snickering, she walked a little distance away to change.

"Thank you, Chris," Rick put a hand to his forehead, his voice shaking a little. "Fucking twats!"

That was when the first police cars shot past them towards the scattered men. Rick glared after them. "Thanks for fucking nothing! Where the fuck were they when we needed them? Jesus Christ!"

Leach snickered. "They're cops, what do you expect?" Rick nodded to him.

Danielle pulled off her white shirt, gas was all over and inside it and she doubted she'd ever wear it again. She pulled on Leach's shirt and then put her suit jacket back on. This angered her. Not that Rick had to use the gas, but that it'd been necessary in the first place. He'd done it to protect them, and she knew that, but that white shirt had been a present from her adopted mother!

"Beautiful," Rick and Chris said in unison as she re-joined them. "Oh, look and you're still alive, see? My shirt's not a disguised grenade!" Leach laughed. At this Danielle couldn't resist a small smile.

"Shut it, now can we please, please, just get the fuck home?"

…

"You did get something to eat or at the very least drink, right?" Danielle asked James, the pilot, as they finally reached the aircraft.

"You're a sweetheart," the pilot squeezed her hand. "Yes, I did, Smith's Grove gave both drivers and I a voucher to get some food at the airport while I was waiting. But thank you for your concern."

"She's one kind woman this one," Rick hugged her as he and James helped her up the high step into the aircraft, one on each side. "Just in case you hadn't worked that much out for yourself!"

James smiled. "Thanks Rick, but I had. He closed the main passenger door then knelt in front of Danielle's seat and laid his hand on her arm. "You, ok? How did it go?"

She shrugged. "He sat down, spoke his last words and died."

James chuckled. "Well, that's certainly… an honest and blunt way to put it."

She smiled tiredly back at him. "Sorry, I'm so tired. It was ok I mean nothing appeared to go wrong, went smoothly from what I can tell. I met Sarah Goodall and Samantha Lever who lost their daughter and sister respectively. Really lovely women, they both insisted on helping me during the electrocution. Squeezed my hands when it started, told me what was happening and so on."

James nodded sadly. "Yes, I heard about those two cases, the sister… Rachael? Was only 19, wasn't she?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "I hope all the victims can rest in peace now and their families have closure.

"Well said as do I," James and Rick said together.

"I mean I guess it's never fun to see a man die… but shit if anyone deserved it, he did." Rick reached into his bag, and she heard the rustling of a packet.

"Here," he said. "Two of Jerry's white chocolate cookies. He packed them specifically for us to bring just as he said he would. I think we need it after what just happened. Group of misogynists blocked our exit, that's why we're a bit late. Sorry James. If you can smell tear gas it's because I had to spray it!"

"Idiots," James scoffed. "They don't know what they're missing. A good woman in a man's life is the best thing he could wish for."

"Well said," the other two said together.

"Thanks," she took them with a grateful smile. "On one condition. James, you must have one of these, they are divine!"

James chuckled. "In that case thanks, I will." He took one and bit into it. "Oh wow, you're not kidding! You're talking about Jerry Wyatt?"

"The young Irish guy."

"Yep, that's Wyatt. Really nice bloke and my God! If he makes these, I'll fly him to Australia if he wants!" She and Rick both laughed, and James raised an eyebrow. She told him about her conversation with Jerry that morning and her reference to Australia when talking about how cold Illinois is in winter. James grinned. "Yeah, I'd go to Australia if I could."

"He was pronounced dead at 06:08PM," she said after a moment. "Just in case you were wondering."

"Good riddance," James said finally standing. "Ok kids, we ready to hit the road… or perhaps I should say air?"

"Yes dad," they said together, and James laughed. "Enough of that you two."

"Yes dad," they said again before starting to laugh in earnest. It felt so good to her. Soon they were clutching each other tears rolling down their faces. Possibly it was pure relief that Chancer was dead and the whole thing was over. James smiled at them before entering the cockpit. When they'd finally regained their composure, they buckled their seatbelts and prepared for the flight home.

…

"Ross," Danielle said to the driver who was driving them back to Smith's Grove after they landed, it was just coming up to 10PM. Could you turn the radio on a sec please?"

"Of course," Ross said. He and Martin both knew where they'd been just as James had. He turned it up and they heard the familiar theme tune of the 10PM news.

"Good evening this is Nick Rhodes," said the voice of a news reader. "Our top story this evening. The 29-year-old rapist and woman killer Derek Chancer, responsible for the deaths of forty-two women from within Haddonfield and all over Illinois was executed in the electric chair this evening, at 6PM inside Illinois state prison. In front of a packed room full of members of the victim's families, the killer had this to say before he died. Warning: some listeners may find this content distressing and disturbing."

"I hope someone else can continue what I started. Women deserve to die and be raped; I do not regret a single thing I did my only regret was being captured, and that you bastards now have what you doubtlessly see as a victory in executing me. I may have murdered bitches, but you are now murdering me. You think that by killing me you've won but I can assure you you haven't. There will be more men who think like me, more men who want to kill women so executing me solves nothing! All I can hope for now is that the next man to follow in my footsteps doesn't end up where I'm sitting now! Fuck you bastards, die every single one of you!"

Hearing his recorded voice repeating the very words she'd heard only around three hours ago made Danielle shiver. She knew Sarah Goodall had been correct in what she'd said to her, 'bleh, that's all he had left though, words,' but it didn't take away her statement either. 'Even in his terror did you hear the venom in his voice?' Hearing it again now Danielle could still hear what she'd heard when hearing it live from the witness room. Hatred, anger, misogyny right to the end.

"Needless to say, there was very little sympathy for him from anyone present. Marie Sanders was our witness for Haddonfield Radio in the witness room and sent this report.

"Total silence ingulfed the witness room as the just turned 29-year-old killer from Haddonfield was seated in the electric chair. He only glanced through at the witnesses once before the hood was placed over his face. The skull cap then followed, being strapped to his head. Even during his last statement his eyes remained straight ahead, not looking at anything or anyone. His last words made it clear to everyone hearing them that he had no remorse for his actions. No one as much as coughed while we waited for the pronouncement of death, which came at precisely 06:12PM, Chancer having been pronounced deceased at 06:08PM. While the witness room was completely silent however, people outside the gates cheered and waved flags with his victim's names and pictures on them, or ones with slogans such as 'chancer's last chance is over!' It was almost a party atmosphere, the same as has been seen in previous executions of notorious criminals. Doubtlessly everyone within Haddonfield and outside it will sleep well tonight, knowing Derek Chancer is no longer alive. Live from Illinois state prison, Marie Sanders, Haddonfield radio."

"Yes, I don't think Marie is wrong there, Derek Chancer certainly won't be missed. Maybe Haddonfield will be safer for its residents now, just as it has been since after Michael Myers in 1978."

Danielle didn't see it of course but just knew she and Rick were smiling at each other at these words. "How apt," she breathed in his ear. "You haven't got a clue Haddonfield radio. Ross Please, can we just get home? I've had enough drama for one day."

"Don't you worry," Ross said warmly. "I'll have you back home before you know it. Just relax and you'll be home in no time."

…

"Hey guys we're really glad you're back safely." They both smiled as Dr Loomis jogged towards them, Michael at his side who pulled Danielle into his arms immediately. "Nigel, Michael and I heard the trouble over your radio. Are you both alright?"

They nodded. "Stupid twats," she muttered.

"Yes, but you stood up for yourself did you not?" Dr Loomis' voice was full of pride, and she smiled at him tiredly, before Michael kissed her and placed her hands on his ears. She knew this was his silent pride and love gushed up within her. "We guessed you opened your locket?"

"I did," Danielle confirmed. "I like how it has both of us in the picture." She opened her locket to show the picture in question before leaning in for another kiss.

"That's a good picture, good photography Mel. That was going to be my very next point. It wasn't just Michael; it was the two of you as a couple. Now you make the choice. We can talk briefly now those of us who are here, or we can use the conference room again in the morning all buttons included," he poked her arm. Rick and Michael chuckled. "Which we would've done anyway I might add. Jerry has already promised you he will bring a platter of his white chocolate muffins!"

Danielle's mouth watered immediately. "Oh my God he makes those too?"

"Yup. Not only that but we will have breakfast in there. Yourself, Jack, Nigel, Michael, Dr Stark, I, Joanne and Rick. Mel is on lates, or she would be there too."

"In which case I don't think it's a choice," they said together and laughed.

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis and Michael chuckled.

"To be completely honest, and I probably speak for Rick too, I just want to get to bed," Danielle admitted, leaning her head against Michael's chest as he kissed the top of her head.

"You do speak for me," Rick agreed. "Although my favourite pillow is not here lucky for some," Danielle blushed but smiled. "It's been a long day."

"Ain't that the truth," Danielle muttered.

"Perfectly understandable. Rick as you know Joanne is on early shifts tomorrow as she's swapped from nights to be here for the morning, but I've set you up one of the staff suites for tonight. Oh, look," he added. "Your taxi is here!"

"Hello," said Nigel's voice as he approached. He whistled their little tune and kissed Danielle's cheek as Michael still held her close. "You two, ok?"

"Shattered," they said in unison.

"Hardly surprising. Rick I'm in the suite next door to yours so I'm here to give you a lift quicker than using a shuttle. My car's outside."

"You don't have to…" Danielle could almost feel Nigel's stern look. Rick shut up and sighed. "Thank you, Nigel."

Danielle was conflicted. Part of her knew she should stay with Michael, but another really wanted to be with Nigel for his last night here. That was when her phone pinged.

Go on, I will see you in the morning. Go be with Nigel.

She was astonished, old habits die hard. Something must've shown on her face because Michael kissed her again and wiggled his ears. Everyone chuckled affectionately. "Not every man expects his woman to be with him every night," Nigel murmured and saw the other three men nod in approval at his words.

"Thanks darling, Dr Loomis. I'll see you all tomorrow then. For what it's worth it went… well, if an execution can go well that is. He sat down, spoke his last words and died. Right rick?"

"Yep," Rick confirmed with a yawn. "Perfectly smoothly."

"Well, that's good at least. That's settled then, we'll meet in the conference room at… 9? I'm sure you both could use a lie in."

"No shit," they said in unison once more.

"Are you twins?" Dr Loomis, Nigel and Michael chuckled. "You speak together a lot."

"Maybe," they both said and laughed. Danielle and Michael kissed again before he guided her to Rick and shook the guard's hand, who took her arm after removing his equipment vest and handing it to Dr Loomis.

"Good night twins," Dr Loomis laughed as he closed the block doors.

The three of them stepped over to Nigel's hire car. "No, it's ok," Rick said as she made to get into the back. "Take the front I got the back seat kid."

"Yes boss," Danielle saluted.

Rick sighed. "Honestly Nigel how do you put up with her?"

"With a lot of practice," Nigel smirked. Danielle punched him playfully to the arm. Chuckling, he started the engine, tooted the horn and drove away from the block.

Within a minute they reached the suites and got out. Danielle pulled Rick into a long, tight hug.

"Thank you so much Rick," she murmured into his ear, before affectionately pulling his left ear.

"Get off you," he laughed and pulled hers back. "Of my 'normal-sized' ears!" She smiled remembering that day just minutes after she and Michael had become a couple, Jack asking if Rick had 'passed the ear test yet.' "They're huge, aren't they?"

"I did wonder how we picked up Haddonfield radio! Now it makes sense! With aerials that size it would've been easy from Australia!"

"Oh my God you cheeky bastard!" Danielle pretended to slap him, but the effect was ruined by the fact she was laughing into his shoulder, as she hugged him again.

"Sorry," he said when he could speak. "Give me that shirt and I'll take it to the laundry where they wash our uniforms in the morning before the meeting and they'll wash it for you."

She handed over the garment from the floor of the car. "That's really kind of them, but can they?"

"Yeah, it's only tear gas it'll come out I promise. God knows the kit guys have got it out of enough shirts before."

"I can't believe Chris Leach was kind enough to give me his spare shirt," Danielle felt suddenly close to tears again. Shit she was tired.

"Hey, come on Don't cry." Rick pulled her close again.

"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "I think it's just… everything tonight. Those twats outside the gates, relief Chancer is dead… I'm just so damn tired!"

"I know sweetheart so am I," he stroked her back. "So, get to bed and we'll debrief the others in the morning. As for those idiots outside you were fabulous and don't you forget it!"

"Thanks Rick," she kissed his cheek. He squeezed her tighter and she was surprised but touched as he kissed hers in turn.

"Go on with your hon," he said, directing her towards the door of Nigel's suite. Nigel had gone ahead to give them privacy. "That's your suite. Get to bed."

"Thank you so much for today, Rick, I couldn't have done it without you. Also, for arranging for me to see the chair. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. It meant I could really understand what was happening."

"It was my pleasure. I take it the reason they didn't pull the switch was because they hadn't charged the battery?"

"Oh, fuck off," they started laughing as they hugged again. Nigel opened the door at the sound of their laughter and smiled warmly at them. Danielle finally released Rick and stepped towards the suite's door.

"Meet you at 08:30?" Nigel asked. "We'll get the shuttle back together?"

"Sounds like a plan," Rick smiled. "See you in the morning."

"Night," they called after him as he entered his suite and the door clicked shut.

"You ok hon?" Nigel asked as they entered the bedroom. Danielle yawned.

"Yeah, just so tired. I can't believe Chris Leach helped me out yet again."

"You, see? You can change anyone it seems."

"I don't know how and I can't stop wondering about that."

"My advice? Don't think about it too much just enjoy it."

"Yeah, fair enough."

"You and Chris must be a similar size," he observed as Danielle pulled off Leach's shirt.

"Yeah, I thought that, I was actually surprised how well it fit."

"I loved your 'it won't kill me if put on the wrong way three times, will it?' joke."

"Yeah, well if he can programme a deadly iPod," she yawned again. "Can't be too careful. She slipped into bed.

He chuckled. "Good night darling."

"Night grandad," she smiled and within seconds was fast asleep.

Nigel looked lovingly down at her for a moment then sent a text to Michael.

Danielle's sound asleep already, see you at 08:30 or just after. The three of us are getting a shuttle back and we'll meet you at the conference room. Night.

Slipping into the other bed, he looked back over at Danielle's sleeping form, listening to her gentle snores. He hoped it had gone ok. They'd had trouble at the gates, and she'd put up a damn good fight, but neither had said anything about the execution itself other than it'd gone 'well.' Affection rows in him again for Dr Loomis for organising the conference room she loved with breakfast included for the debrief. He was certain Dr Loomis would 'need' her to press the call bell and microphones at some point, as well as controlling the doors. The Psychiatrist was damn good at making up excuses to do so knowing it cheered her up, as was Dr Stark. Picking up his phone, he put in his earphones and googled the story. Yup there it was. He clicked on a link which would play a recording of Derek Chancer's last words and disgust filled him as he listened.

"I may have murdered bitches, but you are now murdering me."

Seriously? The guy was an evil, cruel misogynist right to the end. He found himself thinking of Chancer's forty-two victims, not to mention Danielle and Rick who too had suffered because of the killer. He'd almost strangled Rick to death with his chains, may have succeeded if not for Michael and as for Danielle… It made Nigel feel sick just thinking about it. Chancer had deliberately and calculatedly contacted Adam Dawson through that fucking iPod thing, endangering her safety and maybe even life, all for money or maybe even the satisfaction of raping and killing her himself… anger surged up in him just at that thought.

They're dead, he reminded himself. They can't hurt anyone from beyond the grave. Maybe they'll meet up while screaming in hell. Michael had cut Adam's head clean off and Derek Chancer had just been fried. Perfect. That thought made him smile and he finally rolled over preparing to sleep. His heart ached with sympathy for the victim's families and hoped they would now get the closure they deserved from Chancer's death. True it would never bring the women back, but maybe it would give them some sense of relief and the ability to move on with their lives.

…

Joanne could not deny she was feeling slightly apprehensive as she entered the block at just after 7AM. She knew she had to do this it was long overdue, but she still felt a shiver of… fear? She knocked quietly on Dr Loomis' office door having pulled on her equipment vest.

"Good morning, Joanne," Dr Loomis greeted with a warm smile. "How are you this morning?"

"Fine thanks," she smiled back at him, but wasn't sure how convincing it looked. She thought of what she was about to do and remembered the Avery's assurances that Michael would react just the same as they had. She just hoped they were right and once again she hated herself for how long overdue this was.

"Are you ok?" Dr Loomis' soft voice broke her out of her thoughts. She wondered how the hell he did that?

"Sorry," she smiled a little more sincerely this time. "I was just thinking. Dr Loomis, is it ok if I have a word with Michael? In private?"

If Dr Loomis was surprised by her request, he of course didn't show it. "Of course it is. Where? Do you want…"

"No!" She said firmly before the doctor could finish his sentence. No security glass, no guards, just the two of us. I need to show Michael, I trust him and that would completely shatter it."

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis didn't sound ruffled at all. "Use one of the private offices near the conference rooms." He glanced at a sheet on his wall. "Number five is free; I'll ask Michael to meet you there." She made to speak, but Dr Loomis stopped her. "No, we won't use chains. Go on, we'll see you there in a few minutes. I'll also bring you both a coffee, take as long as you need. We're not meeting the others until 9 so you have plenty of time."

"Thanks Dr Loomis," she said sincerely, and he smiled back at her. "No problem, see you in a few minutes in room five."

Joanne entered the office and sat down at the desk which unlike in the patients' areas was not bolted down, nor were the chairs. She'd also taken off her equipment and left it in her locker, wanting to show Michael still further she trusted him. There was a panic button under the desk, but she knew she wouldn't need it.

…

"Michael?" The Shape looked up at the sound of his doctor's voice and was immediately in front of the door. "Joanne has asked to speak to you in private. Are you ok to come with me?"

He nodded once and his doctor opened the door. "No chains," Dr Loomis said with a smile. "Come on."

The Shape followed Loomis out of the block and through several doors until they reached one of the offices he'd been in with Rick and Nigel the day before. Dr Loomis knocked on the door and Joanne called "I'm here Sam."

Loomis opened the door and Michael stepped through. Just before he closed the door, Dr Loomis put the coffees on the desk then pushed a notepad and pencil into Michael's hand.

Joanne couldn't stop that same shiver of fear as Michael Myers sat down across from her. Whether he'd assured her she was safe or not, this was still Michael Myers the masked, silent serial killer.

"I'm sorry this is unexpected Michael," she started. "But I wanted to speak to you in private before we meet up with the others. I wanted to take this chance as Danielle isn't here, as…" she paused. "As I've wanted to say this to you for a long while now, too long as far as I'm concerned." She saw Myers' eyebrows rise a little and smiled nervously. "Please, can you simply hear me out?" She asked him. That single nod. Taking a long sip of her steaming coffee, Joanne Turner took a breath then started to speak.

"Michael, I have to say this to you. I'm so, so sorry about how easily Adam got to Danielle. I feel like it was at least in part my fault. I should have asked more questions, reacted faster, been more alert. I was too relaxed as was Jason. I feel like both of us are equally accountable. I spent a couple of days in hospital afterwards with Chloroform poisoning. They injected me with it to knock me out. I'm just damn lucky they didn't kill me with it! That said, I fully expected you to kill me when it happened! I was in the hospital, and I even said to Dave how scared I was of your reaction, I said I'd deserve whatever you did to me. I tried to say this to her too, but she wouldn't even listen to me. But I was supposed to guard her and look at the job I did of that!"

There was silence, apart from Myers' calm, measured breathing, before he raised his notepad.

Tell me something. Do you have an immunity to Chloroform?

She flushed. "Uh no, but…"

Then tell me. How was it your fault? As soon as that needle was injected, you did not stand a chance.

"That's not the point!" She lightly hit the desk. "I should've reacted before we even got to that stage! I shouldn't have even let her past that so-called fucking nurse! What nurse says, 'you need to see this doctor now?' Hospitals don't do that! Not real kind-hearted nurses! How did I not…"

Joanne.

It was the first time Michael Myers had ever written her name and she stared at him, momentarily speechless.

How were you to know? If I blame anyone it's the other guard, Jason. He is by far more accountable than you are. I know how much you care about her, so does she. You have nothing to apologise to me for. Neither of us blame you in the slightest. Now if he'd been the one injected and you hadn't reacted, it might have been a different story. But as the facts stand, I do not blame you and neither does she.

This was the first message Michael Myers had ever written her. She read it once, twice, then unable to stop them her tears again began to fall silently. She'd thought she was past this, but when she thought of Adam Dawson grabbing Danielle like the piece of property, he'd considered her as, how she'd been unconscious, oblivious and unable to help when she'd needed her the most still hurt her more than she realised. She didn't of course hear Michael even move, but next moment he was kneeling beside her chair, and she only knew this when his arm closed around her, pulling her close. She tried to smile, but it probably looked even less convincing than the one she'd given Dr Loomis earlier. Nor did she expect her head to rest on Myers' shoulder, as he pressed some soft tissues into her hand. "Thanks," she sniffled, trying to wipe her eyes. "I just felt so useless, I'm a trained guard and the one time when she was in the most danger where the fuck was I? On the floor out cold. She even asked for two God damn security guards and what fucking good did that do? Jason did fuck all! Ok he shot that bitch of a fake nurse, but… damn it he should've shot at that bastard's fucking head!"

That's as maybe, but I then relieved him of said head.

She let out a shaky laugh. "Yes, I know, God I wish I'd seen that! Hell fucking yes, I wish I had! Too bad no one took a picture! Clean off in one cut, wasn't it?" Myers nodded and she felt a surge of pride and elation. She never thought she'd rejoice at anyone's passing, but Adam Dawson's? She'd have paid to see it! "I just feel so bad," she said finally. "I was assigned to her, and I let her down when she needed me the most! Jason or no Jason. That's unforgivable in my opinion! I'm not going to lie; I fully expected you to try on my life when we met up again! I failed your lover, I'd deserve it!" She heard his soft affectionate chuckle and felt his arm around her tighten. But it was what he did then which stunned her into silence. Michael Myers softly kissed her cheek. She stared at him, seeing the slight smile on his lips.

What? Were you expecting me to strangle you now or something?

He was still chuckling as she read this message and she blushed.

Ok then, fine.

He put his hands very gently around her neck, but instead of squeezing he tickled her. "Ok stop!" She squealed, squirming out of his grip. "Damn it I'm so ticklish! I think I'd rather be strangled!" For only one of very few times, she heard him laugh out loud with her as she regained her breath. "Oh my God I hate being tickled!" Still chuckling, he pulled her back into a hug. Joanne Turner looked straight into the eyes of Michael Myers; the same ones Laurie Strode had once described as 'the abyss.' But to her they looked kind, almost tender at that exact moment.

Ok, so you've apologised to me. Totally needlessly I might add, but you have. Can you let your guilt go now, Joanne? You have absolutely nothing to feel sorry for. Nothing. Remember, that's very probably why Dawson took you out of the picture as fast as he did. He knew how dangerous to his plan you were and how protective of her you are. So, you should see that almost as a compliment.

Joanne this time really was speechless. She had never even once considered it from that angle Myers had just put to her, not once. "Seriously?" She managed when she could speak. "I… I never thought of it like that, Michael."

Well, that is what makes the most sense to me. He knew you'd protect her to the death, so dealing with you was his priority. Think of it that way if you must still think about it at all, that is. He saw you as a huge danger, so delt with that as his top priority. He knew if he didn't, he would get nowhere near her.

"I…" she tried again, with no idea of what she was trying to say. "Thank you, Michael Myers," she blinked back tears again and then before she could think about it any further, it was her to stand now and hug him as tightly as she could. Michael got to his feet and his strong arms came around her as he reciprocated. "I thought you were a silent, masked killer," she said when she could speak again, feeling him softly wipe away her falling tears she wasn't even aware of. "Could've fooled me, Michael Myers! No wonder she loves you so much! I can see why!" She looked up and the killer was smiling at her, as he leant down and kissed the top of her head.

There was a soft knock on the door and Dr Loomis stuck his head in. They did not break their embrace.

"I'm sorry," the doctor said and was that emotion even in his voice. "I heard you in tears Joanne and…" she could tell he was as speechless as she was. He smiled at Michael and was that a tear in even his eye now. "I told you Michael wouldn't blame you," he said, coming to her other side having closed the door.

"You knew what…" she started.

"Of course I did," the doctor murmured. "Unless you are immune to Chloroform, then I don't know why you're carrying that guilt with you." She and Michael both chuckled. "Michael said the exact same thing," Joanne managed, still hugging the killer tightly.

"Then I rest my case," Dr Loomis smiled. Joanne looked into Michael's eyes. "Can I show him?" She breathed. Michael squeezed her again and nodded.

She passed Dr Loomis the piece of paper Michael had written on. The doctor smiled.

"Michael, that is a point I had considered, and you know what Joanne? He's right."

"I can't lie," she admitted as Michael now affectionately pushed her back into her seat. But he didn't return to his, instead he knelt back at her side. "Nor had I! It hadn't even entered my mind.

"Well, it's true and it makes sense," Dr Loomis smiled.

"Damn," Joanne smiled at Michael. "I know who I'm going to talk to if I have a problem I can't solve!"

Dr Loomis chuckled. "Me too actually!"

Michael's arm closed once again around her shoulders in an affectionate squeeze. Joanne spoke from against his shoulder. "Dr Loomis, can we please both have another coffee? I want to talk to this charming gentleman a little longer."

The doctor smiled at both. Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers? He thought. It was almost beyond belief. "Certainly. Just give me a few minutes," he was gone.

Are you ok now?

"Thank you so much Michael," Joanne said sincerely. "I really appreciate that. Of course, I should've known you'd look at it from the practical rather than emotional angle." The killer chuckled. "Just don't you dare tickle me again Mr. Myers," she warned. "Or God help you!" They smiled at each other.

So, who's this 'charming gentleman' you wish to speak to for a while longer? I can't see him yet.

"Oh, shut it," she playfully slapped his arm. "Duh." Again, he chuckled. Unable to stop herself, she now felt his ears for herself.

Oh, are you another Danielle?

She burst out laughing. "No, but I just had to see what she means by 'sexy as all hell!'"

And?

She couldn't stop laughing as she spoke. "Well… I'm not blind and I don't have a thing for ears… but…" she was overcome with the giggles at that point and pressed her head into his shoulder again. She looked up and he was smiling at her and were her eyes playing tricks, or was that unmistakable affection in his usually cold gaze?

So, you can't agree or disagree with her statement about my 'sexy as all hell ears?'

"No," she gasped, tears of laughter now on her cheeks. "Jesus Michael Myers you've got a wicked sense of humour! It has even shown when you've killed people I know that much! Christ I wouldn't want to be your enemy!" Dr Loomis appeared then with their second coffees and smiled warmly at them both as he past them their drinks. When he was gone, Michael once again wrote.

So, there's still no sign of this 'charming gentleman' you are seeking, I don't think Rick's joining us until 9.

"Oh stop!" She smirked and nudged his shoulder. "It's you, you idiot." He chuckled and now did return to his seat.