The next few days fell into the usual routine Danielle had come to expect in Smith's Grove. Breakfast, yard time, return to cells. Then a little later a session with her psychiatrist. Evening meals and lunch were served in the cells, passed through a small hatch in the door. Never very exciting, microwave ready meals or sandwiches at lunchtime. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a range of cold drinks, in plastic cups with plastic cutlery of course. She wasn't sure why only breakfast was served in the dining room but found that she didn't really care. Doubtless there was a reason, some policy or another. She was starting to wish she could let herself trust Dr Loomis. He genuinely seemed to care about his patients. But she just couldn't. How could she disclose to another man, any man, what Adam had done to her? The answer was simple. She couldn't. He'd say it was her fault because she was ugly, or… So, she resolutely refused to speak in their sessions. But Dr Loomis never seemed to lose his patience. He kept pressing and encouraging her and she was sure that one day soon if he kept talking to her like that she'd crack. After one session once securely back in her cell, she cried for the first time since she got there.

…

One day Danielle was standing in the exercise yard with Joanne at her side. It was cold. She pulled her jacket around her trying to keep warm. Suddenly someone asked Joanne a question and she turned to answer it. Danielle took several steps forward with the aid of her cane. She needed some damn exercise and if her guard was just going to stand there talking then she would go on her own. Joanne had told her that the yard was huge with very few obstacles. A few seconds later, she felt her cane's tip make contact with something. Something hard. It took her a minute to realise what it was. A concrete block. Fear jabbed at her heart. She'd crossed Michael Myers' yellow line. That was one of the first things Joanne had told her about. 'We'll make sure you never cross it accidentally,' she'd said. Well, that'd been wrong, hadn't it? Because here she was right now. She started to turn when she felt something she never would've expected. A soft hand rest on her arm. She turned back, raising her own free hand which lightly came into contact with a shirt sleeve. She didn't have to guess as to who's it was.

"Are you Mr. Myers?" she breathed, only the second person to hear her speak. The hand didn't leave her arm. She took that as his silent yes. "My name is Danielle. I tried to kill myself and that's why I'm here." She laughed a little bitterly, only realising then that Myers would've seen the huge scar across her face. She lowered her head quickly, feeling scrutinised. "Not a pretty sight huh?" She said softly. "Nope, I know I'm not. Don't have to be able to see myself to know that. Been told that more than enough times to know it. Thank God I'm totally blind then huh? I don't have to look in the mirror. I'd break it." The man she was pretty sure was Myers squeezed her arm then released her. With the aid of her cane, she walked back to where Joanne was still talking away.

…

"WHAT THE DAMN HELL WERE YOU DOING?"

Samuel Loomis wasn't normally the type of man who yelled. He preferred to talk although right now he was fuming. Scratch that, furious. Joanne had seriously endangered one of their high-risk patients, who was totally blind to boot.

"SHE CROSSED MICHAEL MYERS' LINE, JOANNE! DO YOU HEAR ME? HIS LINE! ALL BECAUSE YOU WERE GOSSIPING AWAY TO JAMIE! HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU THERE IS NO FRATERNIZING AT WORK? ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A TOTALLY BLIND PATIENT ON YOUR DAMN WATCH!"

Joanne stared at Dr Loomis unable to speak. She knew his anger was more than justified. She'd turned just as Danielle had walked across the yellow line back towards her. She was amazed Myers hadn't touched her, chains or not. God knew he'd had a good enough chance; she'd been standing right next to him probably without even knowing it.

"WELL?"

"What do you want me to say Sam?" Joanne looked away. "I'm sorry I was foolish, just stupid. I let my attention laps at just the wrong second and for too long. You're totally right to be angry, I can only apologise."

Dr Loomis took a deep breath trying to calm himself. "He could've done anything to her," he said, quieter now. "Anything, Joanne. Yes, even killed her. It's a damn miracle he didn't touch her."

"Is she ok?"

Dr Loomis sighed. "She's fine. Wouldn't say anything to me when I asked, but she doesn't seem affected by it. Luckily for you. You know Joanne I'm seriously tempted to discipline you for this. I can't believe you could be so careless. I asked you when she arrived if you'd rather not do it, I wasn't being sarcastic despite what you may think. That was a genuine question. If you're not up for the job, I can find someone else. I can't ask one of the men, so it would be Jamie, or I'll call one of the female guards over from one of the other wards. Tell me Joanne, what choice do I have? We can't risk this happening again, not even close. She was damn lucky! Do you not get that? So why should I not do it?"

"I get it," Joanne nodded, feeling close to tears. They weren't for herself either. They were for Danielle, a both mentally and physically scarred woman who'd given Joanne her trust and this was how she paid her back? By letting her cross the warning line of a cold-blooded killer. She felt terrible. "You know," she said, sinking into a chair. "She has spoken to me a few times Sam. She trusts me and this is how I show her she can? Jesus! I decided not to tell you so as not to break her trust. But… Fuck I feel terrible."

"I guessed she trusts you," Dr Loomis said finally, after a short pause. "I can tell by the way you two interact. What did Jamie want anyway?"

"She was just asking me about something on TV last night," Joanne said. "I should've kept it quick or at the very least kept my eyes on her. She may not be able to see me, but she was in my care, and I should've just talked to Jamie without looking at her. I take full responsibility for what happened."

Dr Loomis sighed again. "At least you know and can admit that to me, not to mention yourself. That's one reason I am giving you a second chance. But if anything, even close to this happens again I will have no choice but to relieve you of your job and take disciplinary action against you. Are we clear?"

"As a bell," Joanne nodded. "I really am so sorry."

…

The next day Danielle was surprised to learn that she had a session with a female doctor named Dr Stark. Had Dr Loomis given up on her already? She didn't expect the small twinge of Sadness when she found out that she wouldn't be talking to Dr Loomis that day. But why, she couldn't have said.

Dr Stark was just as gentle, not pushing her for answers. As usual, she didn't give any. She also noticed that Joanne seemed to be being especially vigilant. So, it was Myers she'd spoken to the day before. She was almost certain anyway, but this just proved it. She almost wished she could tell her guard what she'd said to him and his gentle hand on her arm. But she knew she couldn't. But she did find herself hoping Joanne hadn't gotten into trouble for what'd happened. Myers hadn't hurt her, and she'd made the decision to walk away from her, Joanne hadn't done anything.

…

That night, the memories returned along with the pain, humiliation, his shouts. Danielle stood up and banged her hand against the bars of her cell door. She just needed a release for her hatred, anger, and desperate longing for it just to be over. God damn it! She thought. I only want to die! Why the fuck do they want me around anyway? "Just kill me someone! Please?" To her horror she realised she'd spoken those last words out loud, then the mocking sneering voice came from her right.

"I told you baby. Just ask Michael Myers on your left there. He'll willingly do it for you. But wait until I've fucked you first." She cried herself to sleep that night too.

…

The next morning when Joanne came for her, Danielle wouldn't even speak to her guard. Not even when she asked, "are you all right?" Doubtlessly noticing her red eyes. She couldn't bring herself to respond. Right then she felt as worthless as Adam had always said she was.

They went down to breakfast in silence, and she once again couldn't eat. She drank half a cup of tea but even the thought of food made her stomach nauseous. Thankfully, Joanne didn't push her much.

After breakfast they headed into the yard again. She released Joanne's arm from hers and walked forward with Joanne right at her side this time, her attention completely on her. She reached Myers' line and knew this when Joanne put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. Joanne could hardly believe what Danielle did then. She turned to her and smiled before shaking her head and pulling back before stepping across the yellow line.

Instantly three other guards ran over but made no attempt to stop her, probably because Myers couldn't reach her due to his chains. She moved forward until once again her cane hit the concrete block.

"Hi Mr. Myers," she said softly. She heard the clink of chains and knew he was as close as he could get to her but still couldn't reach her.

"You know," she continued, keeping her voice low so only he could hear her. "If you could, I really would like to ask you to kill me. That asshole on my other side though seriously pissing me off, is right. I know you'd be willing to do it. He just needs to watch out for his dick or God help me I'll cut the fucking thing off!"

She didn't know if she was crazy or stupid then. She took a step forward and felt her arm touch his. Now the guards ran forward but one of the men shouted something she didn't hear. Everything seemed to freeze at what happened next, even the guards. Shocked she found that she couldn't move. Because that was when Myers took her hand in his. It was surprisingly warm and strong. She squeezed it and smiled at the killer, not quite able to believe this. He was the first man she'd been close to since everything had happened, and he was goddam Michael Myers.

One of the guards must've pressed a silent alarm because the next second she heard people running. She didn't know who it was until one of the guards said, "What do we do Sam?" Only then did she realise it was Dr Loomis.

She heard the psychiatrist approaching and although he tried to conceal it, he gasped in shock. Slowly, Dr Samuel Loomis turned his head to face the guards. "Nothing," he said quietly.

…

When Danielle was taken back to her cell ten minutes later, she felt something in her chest. She dared not name it, because it felt remarkably like Hope, Peace. Things she hadn't dared name since it'd happened. A man had noticed her, held her hand! Myers in fact hadn't let go of it until they'd been led back. She had stood there with her hand in his, liking every second of it. That hadn't happened since Adam, before he showed his true colours. Goosebumps ran down her arms. But him, of all men? Michael Myers? Why had he held her hand and not strangled her with both of his? When she heard Myers being led into his cell on her left, she turned her head and gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Mr. Myers."

…

Dr Samuel Loomis had never been shocked by this job. He prided himself on it. He was usually able to conceal his emotions well from everyone, sometimes even himself and that was how he liked it. But not today. Today for the first time in twenty years he was genuinely shocked and hadn't been able to conceal it. Michael Myers had been holding Danielle Hayward's hand. Not to keep her there either. It'd been a gentle, almost comforting grip. Michael Myers, the man who Dr Loomis had described for fifteen years as 'pure evil, there's nothing left.' He was having a hard time putting the two of them into the same man. But it was, there was no denying it. He'd seen it with his own eyes.

When Joanne had come to talk to him about it looking just as shocked as he felt, she'd asked if she was in trouble for not reacting. He'd just said 'no,' admitting that in truth none of them had not even him. But he had made the snap decision not to separate the two of them. Whatever this was, it may help them both. If Michael Myers had found a trace of humanity and Danielle was getting male comfort, then that was perfect as far as he was concerned. Maybe there was hope for both of them yet. From each other no less.

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. Dr Loomis opened it to allow in Ryan and Jack, two of his best guards. "Hey. You two, ok?"

"I…" Ryan's voice was shocked. "I'm still not sure I can believe what I just saw there. Now please let me make it clear right now," he gave Dr Loomis a small grin. "You're the boss, we're just the security guards, we do as you say. But wasn't that a huge risk you just took by stopping us?"

Dr Loomis smiled back, appreciating the question. "I completely understand what you're saying Ryan and there's no need for the tact beforehand," he smiled at the other man. "But I promise you. That was hopefully a major step forward for both of them."

There was another knock and Gemma Stark entered. "Ah, perfect." He continued. "Just in time. As I was saying, this may be a major step forward for both of them. Think about it, people. We've got a totally blind woman who's already attempted suicide once and a silent cold-blooded killer. She approaches him and he holds her hand! I mean come on! This is Michael Myers people! He's holding a blind woman's hand. To keep her there? Didn't look like it to me. That looked like comfort, reassurance. Now I'm not saying this is definite, but I normally trust my instincts."

"So, what do we do about possible further interaction between them?" Jack asked. "When she first arrived, we were under strict orders to keep them apart. That doesn't look like the case now from what just happened to me. How do we know for instance he's not just luring her into a false sense of security? Gaining her trust before he strikes and attempts to kill her?"

"That's not Myers' M.O," Dr Stark said speaking for the first time. "He doesn't normally care about trust, he just kills. Bang! He's never before taken time to get to know a victim before killing them. Hmmm," she hesitated. "I agree with Sam here, what just happened was indeed a shock to all of us, but I honestly don't think he's building up for an attack."

"You're the experts," Ryan shrugged, still looking unconvinced. "We'll do as you say but…"

"We're also security guards," Jack added. "Doctors I for one am not going to lie. If I see something which I think indicates risk, I will step in. It's what I'm trained to do. If I'm proved wrong tell me so afterwards." Ryan nodded to his colleague. "That's exactly what I was going to say."

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis said. "We can't argue with that. But by the same token we would also ask you to trust our judgement as you did just now. I mean hell if it's blatantly obvious, if he has her by the throat then of course. But otherwise…" The guards nodded.

…

Danielle lay in her cell, unable to stop thinking about what just happened. Michael Myers, the cold-blooded killer had held her hand. Not just briefly either. He hadn't let go until they had to return to their cells. Michael Myers? She could still hardly believe it and if she hadn't felt it for herself wasn't sure she would have. She sighed to herself in the silence. She meant what she'd said to him. 'If you could, I'd ask you to kill me.' She couldn't understand why Smith's Grove at least were so keen to keep her alive. Who would miss her? Her parents left her, and she was forced to abandon all of her friends because of him. Stop it for fuck's sake! She shouted at herself. Just stop! They made their decision, they're not worth it! But how could they? Said another quieter voice in her head. How the fuck could they do that to me? Silently, she let herself cry.

…

"Give me your fucking phone and make sure the screen is on or you know what will happen." She nodded meekly, doing as she was told. She'd long since learned that there was no point in arguing or trying to disobey him, it only made things worse. She turned off voiceover on her iPhone and handed it over. "Good girl," he said, already looking through her texts. But she was one step ahead of the bastard. She'd deleted anything which may be considered as suspicious, even a 'hey how are you?' From any of her male friends. As long as she kept remembering to do that, she was safe. That was all well and good when he came home for the evening, but if he asked for her phone during the day and she wasn't expecting it she had no time to prepare. Those were the worst times. Absently, she rubbed the huge bruise on her forehead and winced. Damn, it hurt. He hit her with a closed fist.

"Appears you have nothing to worry about tonight then babe," he handed her back her phone. "Now get my dinner going and then I'm going to fuck you. Move! Everything's there for you to find."

She could hardly believe she'd wound up in this situation. When she started college, it had really looked like she was on the way up. She had good friends, a great support network and was doing well at her studies. Why, why had she met him at the student bar that day? Why had she let him so deep into her life? Her heart?

The day had started like any other. She'd just finished her English class and had gone to the student café. Knowing where it was, having been taught on one of her many mobility sessions around the place. She'd gone up to the counter, the worker greeting her with a cheerful, "Hey, what can I get you?" They all knew her by now of course. She'd ordered her usual coffee and bagel, taking a seat at one of the tables the worker guided her to.

"Hey there," said a male voice. She at first wasn't sure if he was talking to her or not, until he touched her arm. "How are you? I'm Adam."

So, the conversation had continued. She'd talked to him until her next class, then saw him in the café again the next day. This went on for the next three days until they finally swapped numbers. They talked on the phone almost daily and texted constantly. She probably should've paid attention to the red flags she was noticing instead of dismissing them. The where are you? Or what are you doing and who with? messages. But she just ignored them as romantic interest. More fool her. Now she realised how naïve she'd been. As time went on, they grew closer and closer until one day, it'd finally happened. He'd asked her out on a date. He'd taken her to a lovely restaurant for dinner and kissed her goodnight on her doorstep, guiding her as if he'd known how to for years. She had never felt happier.

She'd finished her courses with a solid 4.0, much to her delight and that was when he'd asked her to move in with him. She was looking for an apartment at the time, having lived in a dorm room at the college. This was like a dream come true for her. She was going to live with the man she loved and not have to worry about renting an apartment. She almost couldn't believe it. As time went on though, she started to realise too late that she may have walked straight into his trap. 'You're not seeing those friends tonight,' he'd say. When she'd ask why, he'd reply 'because I said so.' She soon learned that she was powerless. She knew some of the local streets where they lived but was too afraid to even walk to a store or call for help, terrified that he might be listening or standing behind her and she wouldn't have any idea.

Then came the text from her parents which had changed her life forever.

Danielle, this is where we say goodbye. We have done our best for you while you were growing up, but now you're totally independent and on your own two feet, we don't want to have anything further to do with you. We never wanted a blind daughter. We wish you well, but you're not perfect so we don't want you. Goodbye.

She had read the message at least twice, unable to believe her ears then deleted it. She didn't want Adam to see it. It was her business, and that controlling bastard wouldn't get anywhere near it. She just thanked God (if he existed) that this particular text had come at a time when she was able to delete it before he checked her phone.

"Right, dinner was ok, but you could do better, now come to bed. I want to fuck. Move." She had long since learned that when he made this demand, resisting was useless. The first time she tried to resist was when she'd received a black eye. She didn't have to see it to know, she could feel it. It'd hurt for about a week and swollen to at least twice its normal size. He never praised her cooking. If God forbid, she left a tiny piece of eggshell or something in his food, even though it was obvious she didn't know, she paid the price for it. This continued for almost a year, until the final day when she realised there was only one way out.

"I told you not to talk to him, you slut!" Adam yelled, grabbing her by her neck. "You do as I say!"

"I'm sorry Sir," she whimpered. That was another thing. She'd never been allowed to call him Adam from the moment she'd moved in. That'd been one of his house rules. "You do as I say, you cook me dinner every night. I work hard and I want it ready when I come in. You don't talk to or see your friends. You give me your bank card. You clean the house." She could cope with most of those, but it'd been the last one which was the hardest. "You also address me as Sir. Do you understand?"

At first, she'd thought he was joking, but he'd soon proved her wrong when she'd called him Adam by pouring boiling water over her. The burns had been agonising, but he wouldn't let her seek help, he just threw a jar of salve at her. "Use that," he'd said. "Stop bitching."

"What?" He'd said to her on that horrific day. "Want a good fucking, do you?" Before he'd slammed her to the table, unzipped his jeans before cutting her pants off with a knife and thrust his dick into her. No care, no tenderness. It'd made her bleed. She remembered that. He'd held the knife against her face as he raped her. It was then that she felt utterly hopeless. No more, she'd thought as he continued to viciously rape her. No more, I can't take any more of this, I need a way out and there's only one I can take. As he came, he'd cut her face, resulting in the worst scar she had. This not taking into account the many burns, punches and so on she'd had to endure over the past year.

With the cut across her face streaming blood, she went out the back, into their small garage where Adam kept his tools and within seconds found what she was looking for. A long length of rope. With shaky hands, she fastened it into a noose. This was how she'd be able to escape him permanently. She'd learned how to tie knots years ago while in girl scouts and she was now exceptionally thankful for this. Standing on a chair, she fastened the noose to one of the high slats and then around her neck. All she had to do now was jump. So, she did.

…

"You, ok?" Joanne asked the next morning as she walked with her to breakfast. She gave her a small nod. "You look pale," Joanne said. "You sure you're alright?"

This time she managed a small smile at the guard. "I didn't sleep too well last night," she admitted eventually. "Bad dreams."

"I'm sorry," Joanne said sympathetically. "If you talk to one of the doctors, they can prescribe you sleeping pills."

She nodded. "Thanks, but I think I'm ok." Privately though she thought one more dream like that and she just might have to. But then she thought about how the dream had ended and felt herself blushing. No way could she tell Michael about it. Although she kind of wished she could. Wo Hayward! She shouted at herself. You're thinking about what it would be like if Michael Myers made love to you? After what Adam did? Jesus' girl! What's wrong with you? I'm starting to believe again in hope, said a quiet voice in her head. Is that it? You can't! The other voice snapped. Hope maybe, but not love! Don't let any man get too close! You can't do it! Not again!

…

"Hello," Dr Stark said when she entered the room for her session. "Dr Loomis has asked me if I can work with you for a short while, given what you disclosed to us yesterday. That took a lot of bravery. My field is more domestic violence and suicide than his is. Is that ok with you?" She nodded. "Fine," she said quietly. Hell, they were in charge, not her and it appeared they genuinely were trying to help her get better.

"I'll talk to you," she said softly. "But can I ask one question?" She gave the doctor an embarrassed smile. "Where are you? I can hear your voice through the speakers, but where are you?"

"I'm sorry, hold on a second." There was a soft click as the speakers were turned off. Then there was a whirring sound and the window in front of her slid down smoothly. "I'm here," Dr Stark said and touched her hand.

"I take it you're not supposed to do that?" She smiled at Dr Stark. Dr Stark squeezed her hand. "No, but we don't consider you a risk," She could tell by her voice that she was smiling. "I'll keep it open for you if it makes you feel more at ease."

"It does," she said truthfully. "Can't lie, I like to know where the person I'm talking to is as opposed to a disembodied voice."

"I understand that" Dr Stark said and lightly touched her arm again. "No problem, this is how we'll work from here on in. Ok, would you mind going back to the beginning for me? How did you meet Adam?"

She took a deep breath and once again began telling her story. She had no idea how freeing it would feel to tell the real story. She told her about college, the student café, Adam's charm and how he'd shown his true colours after she moved in with him and how he had her trapped. "That's what scares me," she said eventually, reaching for the doctor's hand again without thinking. Dr Stark took it and squeezed. "What the hell is going on with me and Mr. Myers? He's a killer and yet he's looking out for me! What else can you call what happened? I'm trying to tell myself it's nothing. I don't want to come across as one of these desperate people who jumps at the first sign that a man gives a damn! For all I know, if or when I leave here, Mr. Myers might not want any further contact with me."

"Why don't you ask him? He may not use his voice, but I'm sure he'll find another way to communicate how he feels to you. Are you going to let Adam destroy your life? I understand believe me I do but you have to live. You're still alive after all."

"Only because I was found," She muttered. "I wouldn't be otherwise, damn it!"

"Ah, but then you wouldn't have met Michael. Would you take that experience back?"

"Come on Dr Stark!" She lightly hit the small table on her side of the glass. "Please! It doesn't mean anything to him. He's just…" Trying to help me? A cold blooded killer? Looking out for me? Just…"

"Just?" Dr Stark prompted. "Just what?"

"Ah fucking hell! I don't know! We're both trapped here, he's probably just wanting female companionship. If we were out in public, he'd probably have killed me already!"

"Do you really think that?" Dr Stark asked. "Really?"

"Um not maybe," she said sarcastically. "He's a fucking serial killer!"

"Be honest with me here. If I gave you back that noose right now and said jump, would you?"

She opened her mouth to say yes immediately but found that she couldn't. She actually found herself considering the doctor's question. Would she? Even if Myers didn't care about her, wanting no further contact once she left. Had he given her the confidence to live on and try again? Or would she just slump back into depression when she had to leave? "I… I don't know," she said sincerely. "I can't say for sure either way."

"Well, that's a good start," Dr Stark said, "better than a straight out yes."

"That's what I almost said," She admitted. "But something made me stop and think."

"I know. I saw it in your face. I think that "something" was the interaction between you and Michael Myers."

"Come on!" She felt exasperated. "He's just… I don't know! Looking out for me or something. That's all it is! Like I say if we weren't in here, I'd be dead now."

"If you say so," Dr Stark said quietly. "We'll have to agree to disagree."

"You're crazy," She muttered. She could hear the smile in the doctor's voice when she replied. "Perhaps, we'll see. Even if you're right and it turns out he doesn't want further to contact, he's given you confidence. Would you be able to take that on without it?"

"I know most people would say what you want to hear to be released," She smiled faintly. "But I'm not going to do that. I don't know. I'm desperately trying not to get too close to him. Emotionally I mean. I hardly know the guy and yet I feel like I know everything about him! God knows I've studied him enough."

"I see your point, but I think you're forgetting one thing. He won't have had much care either. So, I think he may be thinking the exact same thing you are."

She opened her mouth to say, 'no way,' but Dr Stark stopped her. "Just hear me out, ok? I think you should try and ask him and if he wants you to know something he'll find a way to tell you. Haven't you considered that he has scars of his own? Ok you can't see them, none of us can, but that doesn't mean they're any less painful than physical ones. Again, you may be helping him in exactly the same way he's helping you. Don't just assume it's all about you. Consider this from Michael's perspective." She was stunned into silence. If truth be told she hadn't. Not really. Did that make her selfish?

"No," Dr Stark said as if reading her mind. How the hell did psychiatrists do that? "You're not selfish, you're hurting. You don't feel that you can trust a man and the fact that one may need your help as much as you need his is of course going to be a strange idea to you after what Adam did. Just take time to think about it ok. Just consider what I've said to you. There are two of you in this situation. Do you want my honest opinion?"

She nodded. "Of course."

"You're scared to get close to him, how do you know he's not scared to get close to you? Like you say, he's a killer. But love can change anyone's heart, melt the hardest façade. Why are you finding this so hard to believe? I know what you're going to say. Because you have scars because of what Adam did. Correct? Well, I'll tell you something, not all men are Adam. Then your next argument will be but he's a killer. Yes? But you know something? He's still a man. You've read Myers' case," She nodded. "Then you'll know that Dr Loomis thinks there's nothing left, he feels nothing. For the first time in years, I'm starting to think he might be wrong and it's you who's bringing it out in him. He's only human just like you. You both have a past; you both have fears. Yes," she added before Danielle could speak. "I believe that even Michael Myers has fears. You may be the one to help him face his just as it seems he is helping you face yours. Stop fighting it, just see where it goes. I'll level with you; you won't be going anywhere for a while yet so you both have time to explore your thoughts and feelings. Unless there's anything else, this concludes today's session," Dr Stark said, squeezing her hand a final time.

Joanne walked in and Danielle stood up, slipped her arm through hers and this time she didn't try so hard to burst the bubble which was expanding in her heart for the first time since that day. This time she could also put a name to it. Hope.

…

Adam strolled into his house, whistling. He was in good spirits. Ok so he was on bail for alleged 'domestic abuse.' Ok so that blind bitch had friends trying to bring him down. They couldn't prove half of what they were alleging. He smirked to himself. 'Good luck trying.' She was in the nuthouse for attempting to commit suicide after all. Who'd believe her now? He felt his cock hardening as he thought of Charlotte. She'd fancied him for ages while he'd been showing that bitch who was boss. She'd waited though, not believing anything her friends said about him. That was all well and good because it meant that in time, Adam would also take Charlotte under his control. She would also do as he said just as Danielle had. He grinned as he remembered the day, he'd approached Charlotte in the little store she worked in and asked her out for coffee on her lunch break.

"I've broken up with her," he'd said, keeping his voice casual, as if it was just a throwaway comment. Charlotte's eyes had widened immediately. Bingo, he thought.

"Really?" She asked, looking up at him with her brown eyes. He however was thinking of her tits and her… He blinked. "Yeah," he kept his voice casual. That was all he wanted a woman for, that was their only purpose in life after all. "Why?"

"Ah you know," he gave her his most charming smile as he flagged over the waitress and asked for two more coffees, indicating he was paying. Ah, it was so easy to get bitches into bed. Just flash your money around and pretend you give a shit. She'd soon wish she'd never known him. "Just wasn't working out. She was nuts."

"Isn't she in the loony bin?" Charlotte asked. Adam nodded, pretending to be affected.

"Yeah," he sighed. "I don't know why. I did everything I could to make her happy and…" He sighed again. "It just wasn't enough."

"I'm so sorry," Charlotte said, and he inwardly cheered, but put a sad smile on his face. "Thanks." He could almost see the bitch thinking yes! Now I can have him for myself! Oh, he'd be the one having her before too long. No 'Adam' from her mouth. She'd call him Sir just as Danielle had, she'd let him fuck her whenever he wanted. Maybe he'd drive her to the same end. Adam had no problem admitting it. He hated women. They only existed to please men and he was only too happy to pretend he cared about them if it got him fucked a few times and then out the door they went. He wasn't worried about Danielle. He'd managed to paint her in the light he wanted. Insane. He'd never get caught for any of the so-called atrocities he'd committed. The assaults, rapes, nope, he was in the clear. Now Charlotte was his next victim.

"I never liked that blind bitch anyway," Charlotte said, and Adam had to force himself to pay attention, to stop himself wondering what her pussy looked like… "I didn't like the fact that someone who can't even see got a higher score on the course than me. It's not right!" Adam smirked to himself. She's way cleverer than you, you stupid bitch, he thought, loathed as he was to admit it. Charlotte was drop dead gorgeous. But he nodded sympathetically, murmuring "I know," as he saw her trying not to lean closer to him. Perfect. Got you.

He sat down at his computer and turned it on, looking through that bitch's internet history. He always monitored what his cunt did online. They weren't allowed access to certain sites if they involved money or domestic violence help. He had a lot of websites blocked on the account he gave them. Oh, how he loved being a tech guy. It meant he could do whatever he wanted, had total control. Looking through her history now, he smirked as he saw she'd had to buy a new cane. He'd allowed it, but boy had she'd had to pay him back for it. Three nights of straight fucking from what he remembered. Oh, that'd been just fabulous. It was only because he'd intentionally broken her old one by bending it. He would clear her history when he was done and had just reached the last page when he paused. Michael Myers? What the fuck? He'd missed that it seemed.

Clicking on the website, he saw it was a page all about the notorious killer who apparently hadn't lived too far from where he lived now in Haddonfield. It seemed she had had some kind of warped fascination with the guy. Adam didn't care either way. Especially not if he killed women. That was just fine. If Myers ever came after him… Try it Mr. Boogeyman, he thought with a grin. I'm almost as tall as you, take me on I dare you! Just try it, you masked psycho! Chuckling aloud to himself at that thought, he cleared her history. It was time to start making Charlotte think she was being looked after, when in reality she was about to enter her own living hell.

"Thanks Adam," Charlotte gushed at the dinner he'd laid out for her. Of course, he'd made it look nice, the table and so on but all he'd really done was buy cheap microwave curry. As long as he kept up appearances… "This looks lovely."

"You're welcome, babe," he winked, and Charlotte blushed. He could almost see her heart rate speed up. He called me babe! Stupid bitch!' Adam could hardly believe how easy it was. He had Charlotte in bed that very first night. Oh yeah, he thought as he slid his cock into her for the first time. Albeit this one was consensual. Others… Oh, fuck yeah. Adam thought. So, so fucking wet… So easy…

…

"Morning," Joanne said as she walked with Danielle to breakfast the next morning. "Are you ok?"

Danielle nodded, saying nothing.

"You look tired," the guard prodded.

Danielle couldn't help it and smiled at her. She wasn't getting off the hook that easily it seemed. "How are you so perceptive?"

"Ha," Joanne laughed. "Trained eye."

"Just didn't get much sleep last night," she said truthfully. "Just thinking about… Things and I couldn't close my eyes."

At that moment her cane made contact with something with a loud thud. Joanne looked down and cursed as did one of Myers' male guards.

"How many times have I told the cleaners not to leave those damn signs there?" She guided her around it. "You, ok?"

"Yeah," She nodded. "That's what my cane's for. It hits things before I do… Well in theory it does," she smiled a little more genuinely this time. "But if I hadn't had it, well yeah. Accident material."

Joanne chuckled as Myers' guard moved the sign out of their way. "I'll still be saying something though, that's a damn safety hazard!"

Previously in life she would've hated this, considering it patronising. But somehow from Joanne's lips it sounded genuine. She smiled at her again. "Thanks Joanne."

"That's one lethal weapon there," one of Michael's guards said and she knew by his tone he was joking. She knew his voice now and laughed, smiling at him.

"No chance Rick, it's really flimsy. It bends so damn easily. It's frustrating. A bruise yeah, can't tell you how many times I've hit someone's ankles, accidentally of course and they bruise."

"Oh yes," Rick laughed. "Of course. An accident. Hmm."

She grinned. "Of course! Don't know what you're talking about!" All three guards laughed with her, and she felt her heart warm.

Just before they entered the dining room Joanne pulled her closer against her side. She didn't want to ask, but seconds later she got her answer as she heard the soft mocking laughter of her right-hand block mate. She didn't realise she'd shuddered until Joanne moved her arm, so her hand touched hers.

"That guy gives me the creeps," She whispered to Joanne, also sensing that Myers' guards had stepped closer to them. Respect and gratitude filled her. "The very first day he was making sexual remarks. Normally I'd shrug it off, but that guy scares me. Something tells me he means what he says."

"Jefferson!" Rick snapped. "Keep moving!"

"Easy boys," the man drawled. "Free country, isn't it? A man can take his time."

"I'm warning you Jefferson," Myers' other guard snapped. She couldn't remember his name. "Move!" She stepped behind Joanne. She knew enough to know her guard's tall frame would block her from Jefferson's line of sight. "Too bad," Jefferson drawled lowly. "That was a good show."

She heard the harsh clink of chains. Shit. Myers had tensed due to this exchange. "Jefferson," Rick said. "Get out of here! Now! This is your last warning, or we will use force."

"Jesus," Jefferson sneered. "What's the problem? "Just looking at a woman's tits, why…"

She heard a muffled yell and was pretty sure Rick or the other guard had just been shoved back. There was a clang as flesh made contact with the wall. The doors and walls were made from heavy steel, with concrete on the outside. She heard Jefferson's gasps for air, then a deafening alarm. Joanne quickly led her away.

…

"Are you ok?" Dr Stark asked Danielle an hour later in their session. She nodded. Despite not having seen what'd happened, she was shaken up.

"Did…" she asked tentatively. "Did he make it? Jefferson?"

"Only just," Dr Stark said grimly. "It took six guards to pull Michael back. He's extremely protective of you that's for sure."

"But why?" She asked. "He hardly knows me and…"

"Yet he's held your hand," Dr Stark finished her sentence for her. "He empathises if nothing else. That's so obvious. Jefferson said the wrong thing to the wrong person. Michael is in his cell. He's dangerous right now."

"Don't have to tell me that," She shivered at the thought. "What did he do exactly? To Jefferson?"

"Slammed him against the wall and almost strangled him. Jefferson had to go to the hospital by ambulance. He was unconscious. A few more seconds and he would've…"

"Can't say I'm very sorry," she muttered.

"That's why Michael isn't in solitary," Dr Stark said. "He was provoked, as were you. Another reason I asked if you're alright."

"I hate that fucker, he makes me nervous," She admitted. "Hence why I'm not that sorry about what happened, or what almost happened to him today. But what I don't understand is why? Why did Michael get so riled up just from Jefferson winding me up to the point of killing him? Michael doesn't normally care about that sort of stuff. He kills, that's it. I'm a woman he's just met who tried to kill herself! So why the hell does he give a damn about what anyone says to me? Let alone enough to kill them?"

"Are you asking me that question?" Dr Stark asked. "Or are you asking yourself?" She couldn't answer.

…

It was freezing. Danielle pulled her thick jacket around her as she stood in the exercise yard an hour after her session. She couldn't have said why but she was missing Michael, something terrible. Walking slowly across the yard with Joanne at her side, she stepped across the now pointless yellow line until she was leaning against Myers's concrete block. As she touched it, she realised that she was blinking back tears.

"Hey," said a male voice. "It's Ryan." She managed a weak smile at the guard as he lightly touched her arm. "Are you ok?"

"Sorry," She gave a small laugh. "I just miss who normally stands here. Isn't that stupid?"

"No," Ryan said. "It's how you feel. Nothing wrong with that at all."

"Even if he is a killer," she said quietly.

"Even if," Ryan agreed.

"Now I've already told you," Joanne said, sounding mock stern. "He's still a man and there's nothing wrong with noticing that." She reflected that Dr Stark had told her the same just days ago. But neither did she want to look like the girl who attempted to take her own life because of a man and then jumped on the first one who shows her kindness afterwards. Joanne must've seen something on her face because she stepped to her other side and squeezed her hand.

"Stop it," she said quietly.

She could only nod. She didn't move from Myers' block until they had to return to their cells.

…

BEEP!

Danielle shot up in bed at the sound, her heart pounding. It took her a second to realise what it had been. Her phone. She was one of only two patients at Smith's Grove who were allowed to keep their phones, which was purely because they weren't considered a risk to anyone else. Slipping on her headphones, she opened it and saw that there was a message from Charlotte. She smiled. She and Charlotte had been close friends while everything with Adam had been going on, she had confided a lot of the abuse to her. When she opened the message however, her blood went cold.

You are a fucking bitch. How dare you make up such lies about Adam? He told me the truth. He broke up with you because you're crazy, only proved by the fact you're now in the nuthouse. Lying bitch. I've always fancied Adam, but he didn't want to leave you. Well guess what? I'm with him know you blind bit hand I can actually see the damage you've caused. Hear me? I can SEE it! You can't! You tried to hang yourself because he wouldn't stay with you. Controlling bitch. You drove him to leave you. Well now he's mine and I love him. You haven't heard the last of this, you'd better hope I never see you again. Rot in hell!

She had to read the message twice to be sure she hadn't misread it. She felt no anger towards Charlotte just terrible sympathy. Adam had got to her now and before long she too would learn his true name, Sir. She would learn he was as abusive as she'd always said. She knew men like that never changed. She wanted to text Charlotte back telling her this, but right now she knew it was pointless. "You'll see alright," she murmured. "When you do, you'll wish you hadn't." She wasn't even aware she'd started crying.

…

Adam smirked as he read the text Charlotte had sent to Danielle. Oh, this was just perfect. He'd show her she was wrong soon enough. He kissed Charlotte and fixed a fake sad look on his face. "Thanks babe," he said softly. "She hurt me so, so bad." He wiped away a tear.

"I'm so sorry Adam," Charlotte hugged him tightly. He felt a surge of anger. That was enough, "Adam," from her. He was Sir to women and this bitch would soon address him properly. Calm down, he reminded himself. You have to play this right. Don't get her calling you Sir too quickly. Just fuck her hard for calling you Adam. Women have no right to use my name. So, minutes later, he was doing just that. It took Charlotte ages when he pretended to kindly ask her to wash the blood out of the sheets the next morning.

"I'm sorry to wake you so early baby," he said to her at 5 AM trying not to smirk. He'd get the bed all to himself. Once he'd fucked her, she was out. Bitches. "But please can you get up and wash these sheets? There's blood on them. When you're done with that love, I'd kill for a cup of coffee" He gritted his teeth. The sooner he could order her to obey his every command the better. But for now, he had to pretend to be nice. But by God, she'd do it or pay the price.

"Of course," Charlotte got up right away and Adam handed her the bloody sheets, quickly replacing them with clean ones. He was already fast asleep by the time his fuck toy had even put the sheets in the machine, having locked the door so she couldn't get back in bed with him. There wouldn't be a comfortable bed for her tonight and that was just how he liked it.

…

Danielle was awake again at 6 AM. In truth she'd gotten very little sleep after that message. It'd hurt her so badly, but she knew only too well what Adam could do. So, she was trying not to blame Charlotte. She'd learn the truth soon. With a sigh she stood, washing at her small sink before pulling on her uniform. She'd had a shower the day before, patients had one twice a week.

Myers wasn't in the yard that day. She guessed this could only mean his rage hadn't subsided and Dr Loomis was still working with him. She had a lot of respect for him. Regardless of Michael being a killer or not, he seemed to genuinely care about his patient. But it didn't make it any easier for her, she found herself standing by his block without him chained to it again. She'd worked long and hard while in her cell trying to stop the I can't care for a killer or I can't jump at the first man who cares, thoughts. Not an easy task, but she was confident she was slowly making progress with both. Whether she liked it or not, she was starting to realise that maybe, just maybe, she cared about Michael Myers.

Her session with Dr Stark was unremarkable. She didn't mention the text. She wasn't sure why, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. Not yet anyway. Before long she was back in her cell as another interminable day ticked towards its end.

…

Finally! Fucking hallelujah! Adam wanted to whoop with glee. This was it! The bitch had moved in with him just that day. Now at last he could start showing her who was in charge here. That the man was in charge, not the bitch. He'd decided he was going to playthings a little differently than he had with Danielle, purely because this whore could actually see. That changed thing, but only slightly. He couldn't use the same cruelties he'd used on Danielle; he'd just have to be a little more… Imaginative.

"Baby," he said to her the first day. "This may sound strange, but my father taught me that a woman calls her boyfriend Sir when they're living together. It will mean a lot to me if you'd uphold this for me. It doesn't mean I have any power over you or anything, it's just very important to me." Bingo! He thought as she looked surprised for a second, then slowly nodded. "Only at home," he said quickly. "In public baby I'm Adam." Fuck! He hated having to say that but if he didn't, someone may overhear if she called him Sir and that would only lend credence to her friend's court case against him. 'Shit, shit, shit!' He gritted his teeth. Well, it was a start anyway; she was calling him Sir behind closed doors. Just as she should.

"Thank you, baby," he said softly, pulling her in close for a kiss. Yuck. He hated the feel of her lipstick against his mouth, but he knew he had to keep up pretences if only for a little longer. Be patient Adam, he reminded himself. Just calm down, take your time. This bitch isn't going anywhere, literally. "Now come to bed. I want to make love to you." He'd almost said, 'fuck you,' but this wasn't the time for that. Not yet. Soon though, he consoled himself as he again slid himself into her. Very, very soon.

…

The sound of a heavy door being opened as quietly as possible still managed to wake Danielle from a light sleep. In truth she was merely dozing. That text wouldn't leave her mind. She was sad and angry at the same time. Knowing her friends were acting as witnesses in her case against Adam, she'd forwarded it to a couple of them as further proof. They'd both texted back which'd brought tears to her eyes. Thanks D, we'll get him sent down, we promise. So maybe she still had people outside these walls who cared after all.

Now she focused on the sounds as she heard chains then the cell door on her right opening. 'Oh, joy of all fucking joys! He was back. Jefferson. Still alive. Damn. Why did you guys stop Michael? She thought as she heard a guard speaking quietly to her block mate. Why, why!

To her horror after the guards had left, she heard Jefferson whistle at her. Anger rose in her chest. 'Fucker!' But then she consoled herself with one fact. She could feel anger towards men again, not just fear. Adam had quashed her hatred of him with pure terror, so it was good to know she could still feel it towards an asshole like Jefferson. She took a deep breath then realised why he had whistled in the first place. It was hot and she wasn't covered completely. Furious at him she quickly covered herself.

"Too late honey bunch," he sneered. "Already got a nice look at your tits and there's no one to protect you this time. What a nice welcome home present. Now all I need to see is your pussy and I'll be totally happy."

It was then that she felt the first wave of panic. No! She shouted at herself. Stay in control! She hadn't had a panic attack for a while, and she didn't want to have one now. But the text, along with Jefferson's jeering words… She lurched, grabbed her shirt, and put it on. She desperately took sips of water trying to calm herself. But all the memories were suddenly as sharp as tape recordings. The rapes… the shouts… the orders… She scrambled back to her bed.

Joanne had told her, and it'd been in her documentation that if a patient had a panic attack the doctors could prescribe sedatives. She had no choice, she needed help. Feeling around frantically, she tried to find the call button. She couldn't find it. 'Where the fuck was it?!' The panic worsened as she continued her fruitless searching. Fuck I hate being blind, fuck I hate being blind! She shouted in her head again and again. Where the fuck was the fucking button? She searched all over, feeling like the blind woman she was as she felt everywhere, but still no trace of the damn call button. She wished more than ever she could go back to the first day when Joanne had asked if she needed to show her where the call button was again. "Yes!" She'd reply. "Yes, please!"

Still no button. All she could think of in her panic fuelled brain was to get help another way. Almost running over to the bars, she hit them as hard as she could, once, twice. She needed to get out, she was stuck in a small box both physically and mentally and she couldn't take the mounting pressure. She would hit the bars until her fucking hands were bleeding if she had to. I need out, I need out! She shouted in her head. 'Why! Why was she still alive?'

…

"I told you bitch!" Adam yelled, seeing Charlotte blanch first in surprise, then fear. "I'm Sir at home! Are you deaf?" At last. Oh, fuck yes, at last. It was almost enough to make him cum. Women did as he said, he was boss.

"I'm sorry Sir," Charlotte said meekly as he grabbed her by her shirt and pulled her upstairs. She needed a good seeing to. A good fucking would show her that he meant business, meant every word he said. Now she was beginning to realise Danielle may have been right. Too late bitch, he thought as he pounded into her. Too late.

…

Danielle had no idea how long she'd been desperately hitting the bars. She couldn't shout out loud because her mental box was closed constricting her voice. The next thing she knew the door had opened and just like in her dream except this was for real Joanne had her arm around her, whispering into her ear. "It's alright, I'm here. What happened sweetheart? Bad dreams?"

"I couldn't find the call button," She eventually broke down, sobbing against the guard's shoulder. "I searched and searched but couldn't find it! I… I was so scared! I'm so sorry I…"

"It's ok," Joanne kept repeating as she held her close. She may be her guard, but right now Joanne felt like her mother. Just as she had in her dream a few nights ago. "It's here sweetheart," Joanne murmured eventually, setting her hand on the light switch then the round button built into it. At this she began crying soundlessly. She'd been so close…

"Hey it's ok," Joanne soothed. "You know where it is now when you need it again."

She felt another hand on her shoulder then. "Hello," it was Dr Stark. "What happened?" She had never heard the doctor speak so kindly to her in all the time she'd known her. Joanne handed her a glass of water.

"Panic attack," Danielle gasped. "I took my meds at breakfast today; my anti-depressants and they normally help keep them under control but…"

"Did something happen?" Dr Stark asked. "Today, I mean?"

She didn't want to lie. "Yes Dr Stark," she managed to say before she broke down all over again against Joanne's shoulder. "Yes!"

…

Adam lay beside Charlotte, heartily wishing he could wake her up. But not yet. Picking up her phone he began to check her text messages and bingo, he had his first shot of showing her that she belonged to him. A male colleague named 'TJ' texted her Hey babe how you doing? Adam didn't like that, not at all. It made his blood boil. 'TJ?' That was too friendly for his liking. The bitch would pay for this. Pretending gentleness, he woke her, trying desperately to keep his anger in check at least for now. "Baby," he said, keeping his voice casual as if just curious, when in reality he wanted to punch her in the face. "What's this?"

She raised her eyebrows and squinted at him before looking at the message. He saw the spark of anger cross her features that he dared look at her phone while she was sleeping, but he immediately silenced that by bellowing "ANSWER ME BITCH!" Instantly, terror replaced her anger and Adam relaxed. "Good," he hissed. That was what he wanted to see. Fear. "It… It's my boss," she stammered, trying not to meet his eyes. "Tim Jennings. Just checking that I'm ok. He… He does that every day."

"Yeah?" Adam sneered. "Does he call everyone babe?" He stressed the last word. "He needs to stop, you hear me. No one will call you babe! I don't like it. You tell him that." He thrust her phone at her. "Text him back right now and tell him never to call you babe again and I'll read it before you send it! Do it!"

"It's 3 AM," she started weakly but was stopped when Adam punched her in the face. She gasped more in shock than pain. It wasn't hard but hard enough to make his point. "Do it," he snarled. "Now!" Her hands were shaking, Charlotte raised her phone and texted back.

Hi Tim, I'm fine, but please don't call me babe again. C.

Adam took her phone and read it before hitting send. "Good girl," he said, pulling her back to him. Charlotte didn't stop him. By now she knew what she would get for that text. Quite literally fucked.

…

For the first time, Dr Stark entered Danielle's cell. She only knew this when she knelt on Joanne's other side and touched her shoulder, Joanne still with her arm around her.

"What happened?" Dr Stark asked softly. Danielle was still crying uncontrollably, willing her mental walls to disappear so she could think, speak, anything… "I… I…" She tried, but her voice still wasn't working. Joanne continued to stroke her back and slowly but surely, she began to relax. Dr Stark didn't push, and she was pretty sure the doctor smiled at her guard in thanks, though of course she didn't know this for certain.

"I… I got a text," She whispered eventually, pulling out her phone, turning off voiceover and activating the screen as she'd had to do so many times before but this time not under duress. Charlotte's text was still open she handed it first to Joanne, proof of her trust and Joanne handed it to Dr Stark.

"Charlotte was one of my best friends," She sobbed, not giving a fuck who could hear her. She was past caring. "That means the fucker Adam's got his claws into her now. He'll treat her the same way he treated me and there's nothing I can do about it!"

"But that's not your fault," Dr Stark said. "You can't control another's actions. Charlotte will get the help she needs. We have domestic violence experts here and I'll get some of them on her trail right away. They'll discreetly keep an eye on her and work out how to get her away from him. Trust me?" Dr Stark took her hand and squeezed it once. She slowly nodded. "That's my girl," Dr Stark said. "We'll get her away from him."

"Then there's that jerk to the right of me," She sobbed, still not caring if he heard. 'Fucker deserved to die. Why hadn't they let Michael kill him?' "He made a sexual advance on me as soon as he got through the fucking door. It's really hot tonight and he was just standing there staring at my fucking breasts! The asshole even had the audacity to whistle at me! I can't take much more of it… Not, not with my… My past…"

Before she'd even finished speaking, the door had opened, and three guards had come in. Jefferson's cell was opened, and he was wrenched violently from his bed then chained. "What the fuck?" He snarled.

"Solitary Jefferson," a voice she recognised as Rick's said. "We warned you. Leave this woman alone you sexist bastard." She didn't hear Jefferson's reply because he was being shoved out of the block. God, she hoped he rotted in there.

"Thanks," she said to Dr Stark. "I wasn't asking for you to do that but…"

"That's not the first time he's done something like that, and he has been warned previously," Dr Stark said. "We're actually trying to get him moved. He's not helping your recovery at all."

Should've just let Michael kill him, she thought but didn't say. Why didn't you?

"Come on sweetheart," Joanne eased her to her feet. "Let's go and get you something cold to drink. You're right, it's stifling tonight."

"Joanne," She had to ask the question as her guard and doctor both guided her towards the door. "How did you guys know I was in trouble? Did you hear me?"

"Not at first," Joanne said, and Danielle was certain she could hear a smile in her tone. "The gentleman on your left pressed his call button for you."