"I'm sorry Ryan," Dr Loomis said to the guard a few minutes later. "Not only did you not check your radio battery before the start of your shift which is a written rule, but I now know you were overheard by Danielle while talking to one of the other guards about Derek Chancer, and that he was going to be in the cell on her right. Due to this she is now very nervous and almost begged us to let her back in with Michael or move her to another ward. We've done the former. Those are two mistakes you've made which could've been easily avoided."

Ryan said nothing. He knew his boss was right, but even so he felt like a piece of shit. The guard he'd spoken to was one of those who'd escorted Derek from the van. But he knew he didn't have the right to even try to stand up for himself. Regardless of who it'd been, he should've been more discrete. He felt terrible for her now. She'd been through enough and here he was adding to it. "I know boss," he said. "I'll resign now. I'm already working on my resignation letter." Ryan had wanted this job for years and had worked damn hard to get it and now it was gone, all because he'd been negligent. He felt himself blinking back tears. How could he have done this? He'd studied, got all the qualifications and now they were invalid. He turned away, heading for the door, softly touching his gun and the rest of his equipment, knowing it would be the last time. It was killing him. He couldn't look at Dr Loomis, couldn't let the psychiatrist see how his heart was breaking. Because he was right. Ryan deserved this. But just as he reached the door, Dr Loomis' hand rested on his arm, stopping him. Shit! Ryan thought. "Please," he said softly and this time his voice did crack. "Please doc, just let me go so I can finish up my paperwork and leave?"

Dr Loomis looked at Ryan Jenkins and couldn't stop the rush of sympathy for the man. He was only 21 and Dr Loomis knew how much the young man had done for this, how hard he'd worked, and how much this job meant to him. He hated terminating people, and he also knew that he and Rick were close and had a good working relationship. Dr Loomis knew Rick wouldn't blame Ryan for his mistake. Ryan couldn't stop the tears as they fell and they weren't for him, they were for his hospitalised colleague and friend.

Dr Loomis sighed. "Ryan, listen to me." He spoke but firmly. "I know how hard you worked for this position, and I also know who the guard was that you were speaking to, one of those on the shift helping you with Chancer. I also noticed that you didn't mention it yourself, just now, as an excuse. I know it's your dream to work here. So, this is what I'm going to do. Consider yourself, for want of a better word, on probation. Before you start any shift, you will come to me and check your radio battery while I watch. You will also not talk to any other guard about work in the exercise yard and I will ask all the guards to notify me immediately if you do. If it happens a second time Ryan, it really will be your job. Are we clear?"

Ryan could hardly believe what he was hearing. Damn. If he'd respected Dr Loomis before, it was nothing to how he felt for his boss now. He'd made two terrible mistakes and yet Dr Loomis was giving him another chance, albeit conditional. He swallowed, tried to speak, but couldn't. "I…" He started, with no idea what he was about to say. He took a shaky breath, sinking into one of the chairs. Dr Loomis sat next to him and softly touched his shoulder before leaving. He returned a minute or so later with coffee, which he pushed into the guard's hand. Retaking his seat, he again touched the young man's shoulder. He didn't speak as Ryan took several sips of the coffee. Finally, Ryan looked at his boss, still deathly pale. "Are you serious?" He asked, his voice quiet. Dr Loomis nodded.

"Why though, boss? I almost got Rick killed. I deserve to leave."

"Are you saying you'd rather do so? I will not stop you if this is the case."

"No! Like you said this was my dream! But…"

"Then it still can be, Ryan. Just accept what I'm offering you and it still can be. I will write this up and ask you to sign it, but verbally I'm asking you now. Are we clear? Do we have an understanding, Ryan?"

"I… I can't believe you're willing to even consider, never mind, do this," Ryan said to his boss. "Damn, I respect you. When people said you WERE kind and fair they weren't joking." Ryan was sure he saw a slight smile on the Doctor's lips. "It's more than I deserve," he said finally. "But yes, clear as a bell. I… I can't thank you enough for this. May… May I please just say one thing?"

"Of course."

"I finished late last night, and I knew I had to escort Chancer in this morning. I had to help some of the guards with that trouble in block H." Dr Loomis nodded. "I know you did." His voice was kinder now. "I know Ryan."

"So, while not an excuse in the slightest, I wasn't thinking straight when I got in, hadn't had coffee yet," he smiled ever so slightly and was sure his boss returned it. "I just grabbed my stuff and went straight to work. In truth I didn't even think of my radio's battery. I guess I thought that I'd checked it the day before and that it'd be ok."

"You have to remember," Dr Loomis said softly. "How quickly those batteries run dry. They need to be charged every night. They only last twelve hours. Considering that they're on all the time, it's hardly surprising." There was silence for a moment before Dr Loomis sighed again. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I will attach a charger to your locker so that when you put your other equipment away you won't be able to miss it. Stick it on the charger then, ok? Instead of you coming to me, either I or one of the guards will radio you as soon as you arrive on duty to make sure that you've checked it. But you need to be honest with us. If you do, and it's dead it's no problem, we can just replace your handset. All right?"

"I don't deserve this," Ryan repeated. "Why are you doing this for me Dr Loomis?"

"Because I know how much this means to you, and as I said, I also know how close you and Rick are. He'd be just as upset if he lost you. You have a good working relationship." Dr Loomis said. "Yeah, so good I almost got him killed." Ryan muttered "No, don't say that. Yes, it was… careless. But what happened wasn't your fault. You weren't the one choking him, were you?" Dr Loomis said.

"How the hell do you do that?" Ryan stared at his boss incredulously. "Read people's minds before they speak?"

Dr Loomis smiled at the young guard. "It's my job to do so," he said quietly. "That's how. I'll call you back in once I've written it up for you to sign it. Ok? I can't change the conditions, I'm afraid, if you need to talk to a guard about work, you are to use one of the offices as you're supposed to. Just to be clear, if you talk in there it's fine and I won't need to be told about it. Are you still ok with that?"

"Yes," Ryan said, still reeling from his boss' kindness, when he could be, should be, walking out the door for the last time. He took a deep breath. "I can't thank you enough for this. Maybe your job's making you go crazy, and your judgement should be questioned?"

Dr Loomis laughed. Ryan hoped his colleague could forgive him for what he'd done, mistake, and accident or not. That was one apology he knew he had to make but was dreading it. Yes, they had a good working relationship, but this? Could Rick forgive him? Would he? If he didn't however, Ryan wouldn't blame him in the slightest. Would he still want to work with him after this? Ryan wasn't sure he would if the roles had been reversed. He saw Dr Loomis was holding out his hand and with his trembling a little, he shook it. A few minutes later, he was heading back into the block, the block he'd been sure just ten minutes ago he'd never see again.

…

At 3 AM Danielle lay in bed, still unable to sleep. Eventually she got up and headed for the cell bars. Michael wasn't at her side, so she assumed he must be behind the bathroom screen. She gripped them loosely with both hands, but found herself keeping a safe distance from them, as if Chancer would be able to grab her if she didn't. Even with his own cell bars between them. She hated being this close to the rapist and murderer. She was seriously considering asking again if she could move to a different cell. She hated how selfish that sounded, given that they'd allowed her to be with Michael, but nor did she want to rely on him. That wasn't fair for him. She had come very close to telling Michael about her love of ears, but at the last second her courage had failed her. Part of her shouting, you can't tell him that! But by God she wanted to. She needed to prove to him that she trusted him, as much for her own sake as well as his. So tomorrow, she decided as she finally turned from the bars, she would tell him.

…

The Shape stood behind the bathroom screen, rage coursing through him. He hadn't felt it this strongly in a long time. Adam. He was a dead man. Earmarked for death, as it were. That said, he knew of at least six people who would forever be safe from his rage. Danielle, Charlotte, Rick, Joanne and doctors Stark and Loomis. Whether he liked it or not, his psychiatrist had gained his respect and trust, and The Shape knew he wouldn't ever hurt him. Same could be said for Dr Stark, though her safety was due to the way she was helping Danielle.

Right on cue, there was a soft knock against the bathroom screen. "Mr. Myers?" Came her soft voice. She sounded almost afraid of him. The Shape felt his heart clench at that thought. Again, he couldn't deny how he felt. "I'm taking a walk," she continued. "I'll give you some space. I can't sleep."

Again, The Shape felt his heart clench. Was she leaving because she thought he needed space? No. He wasn't having that. Before he quite knew what he was doing, he'd stepped out from behind the screen and pulled her into his arms. He was holding her tightly and it took him a second to realise that he was giving her a hug! Yet, it felt so… Good, so right…

She rested her head against his chest, given that he was at least a foot taller than her. What was she? Five/six? He was six/eight. He tightened his arms around her and led her back to bed. Dr Stark had prescribed her a very strong sleeping pill following recent events and The Shape knew she didn't want to take it. Why, he wasn't sure, but she would, he'd see to it. He looked up at the woman lying in his arms. He looked at her face and could see the lines that trauma had etched into her skin. Slowly, The Shape ran his thumb over the scar across her face, where her so-called boyfriend had slashed her with a knife while raping her. A slight smile crossed The Shape's lips, though of course she wouldn't see it when she gave a sleepy 'hmm,' of contentment. Again, his heart clenched at the thought of her getting hurt any further. He tried to ask himself yet again why the hell he cared so much about her, but this question was getting harder and harder to answer.

He held her tightly for a moment, then stood to retrieve water and her sleeping pill. Lightly, he shook her. She looked up at him as he handed her the plastic cup and the small pill.

"I really don't want to take this," she said quietly. Again, Michael knew this had something to do with Adam. He took the pill and glass back, supporting her head as he placed the pill on her tongue, then helped her swallow it. She made no further protests.

He lay back down beside her and pulled her close, studying her fondly as her eyes first drooped, then closed. Within twenty minutes, she was fast asleep. But he had heard her soft, "Thank you Mr. Myers," as she'd cuddled close to him. The Shape knew that sometimes when a lover used "Mr." and a man's last name, it could be a seductive or playful gesture on her part. But not this time. That was something he would change. She was the last person who should or would call him 'Mr. Myers.'

He thought of how she'd wanted to leave just now. Of course she could, he'd never stop her. He wasn't Adam. But the fact she wanted to leave to give him space, made him pause. Could she sense his rage? That was why he'd stopped her. He didn't want her making any sacrifices for him. Hadn't she made enough for that prick Dawson?

…

Rick stirred for a second, not sure where he was. Then the pain in his neck hit him and it all came flooding back. The hospital, following his near fatal encounter with Derek Chancer. He'd be dead now, if not for the most unlikely person. Michael Myers. The God damn serial killer who'd just saved his life… Automatically, he touched his neck and immediately wished he hadn't. Jesus, it hurt. He felt the thick bandages covering it and wondered how bad it was. His thoughts then went to Ryan. He'd radioed for help, shouted at least twice, but no guards had run in until Jack showed up. Why? Had Ryan not had his radio on or something? But they were friends, so surely Ryan wouldn't have thought about letting him die? No! Rick dismissed that thought straight away. There had to be another reason for the guards not appearing until Jack called for them. Rick only knew what'd happened afterwards once he was in the hospital, a nurse had told him. He was now wishing they could plastically zip cuffs. Easier to snap, but much less dangerous. Those chains are lethal.

He pushed his call button and a nurse entered seconds later. "Rick!" She smiled at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone cut my head off and put it back on," Rick gave her a small smile.

"Do you want more painkillers?"

"Please, love," Rick smiled again. "Thanks. Do we know how long they want me to stay here?"

"Just overnight, unless you feel any worse," the nurse said. "But your off work for two weeks when you leave, doctor's orders. I'm sure he'll tell you that before you leave himself." At this, Rick couldn't help a grin. He knew Dr Sampson. He was a no-nonsense man, but a damn good medic. Rick had worked with him before when he was treating Smith's Grove patients Rick had escorted in. "I'm sure he will," he laughed slightly then wished he hadn't as the pain ripped through his neck.

"I'll be back in a minute with your tablets. Do you want a drink?"

"Can I just have an iced water please Debbie?" Rick asked, smiling at the nurse who smiled back. He'd also met her while working.

"Of course." Debbie quietly slipped out. Rick found his thoughts going back to what'd happened earlier that day. Michael Myers had carried him into the ambulance and Rick was certain, albeit he was only half conscious that the serial killer had softly squeezed his hand again before leaving. Where was Ryan? Was he ok? Rick thanked Debbie when she reappeared with his painkillers and a tall glass of iced water.

…

"Rick," Debbie said about an hour later. "You've got a visitor. Are you up to seeing them?" Rick nodded. The door opened and Ryan came in. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, so he must've finished his shift. This surprised Rick. They weren't due to finish yet. Ryan quietly closed the door, then approached his colleague's bed. Rick looked up at him and was grateful that he came to see him. Clearly Ryan was really upset.

"Rick, please just listen to me?" Ryan begged, placing a box of chocolates and a pack of drinks on Rick's bedside table. "I'm so sorry man! It was entirely my fault! My radio battery was dead! I got off late last night and didn't check it this morning! I'm sorry! I was officially reprimanded by Dr Loomis as a result, he should've sacked me but… He was really understanding, but if I fuck up again then I'm gone. I must charge my radio every night and they'll check my battery status every day. But I really can't even look you in the eye Rick! I almost got you killed! If not for… For Michael… Isn't that fucking ironic? Saved by a damn serial killer…"

Rick noticed that indeed, his colleague couldn't look at him. Was he expecting anger? Rick couldn't feel it even if he wanted to. He genuinely liked and respected Ryan Jenkins. They'd grabbed drinks many times together while not on duty. He'd hate to lose his colleague. He couldn't speak, it still hurt too much, so he extended his hand. Ryan stared in disbelief, then stepped forward and took it. But after they'd shook, Rick didn't let him go and pulled him to his side.

"Ryan," he whispered, which didn't hurt. "Listen to me pal. I know you got off late last night, so did I. It was a mistake, which is why I think Dr Loomis didn't sack you. I don't blame you for it. I did the same thing once when I first started. Tried to radio and realised that my battery was dead."

"But you didn't have a colleague's life on the line at the time, did you?" Ryan asked.

"It doesn't matter," Rick whispered. "It wasn't your fault. I'm not angry, I don't blame you."

"You… You're not just saying that about the radio to make me feel better, are you?"

"Ryan!" Ryan was sure he saw a smirk on Rick's face. "How could you think that?"

"Because it's the kind of guy you are," Ryan said. "One reason I like you so much."

"No, it really did happen. Honestly, we're cool, don't worry about it. Just make sure you keep checking it. I'll help you if you want and remind you once I'm cleared to come back."

"Thank you," was all Ryan could say. "How long do you have off?"

"They want me to take two weeks, but I don't want that long."

"Why not? You almost died man!"

"Just part of the job," Rick smiled weakly at his colleague and friend. "It's not like I have a girlfriend, wife, or kids to worry about, yes, a lot of friends but my parents are dead so I'm going to try and get Dr Sampson to let me go back after a week. He doesn't relent easily. Nor does Dr Loomis."

"Seriously Rick, take it! All of it! You deserve it after what happened."

"We'll see," was all Rick said. Ryan glared at him. "Take it man!"

"Are you not working?" Rick changed the subject. Ryan sighed. He wasn't going to win this argument. "I'm supposed to be, but Dr Loomis let me go early so I could come in and see you. I was… Well pretty traumatised myself if I'm honest and I didn't almost die,"

"Are you ok now?"

This simple question broke Ryan. He lent forward and as carefully as he could hugged Rick. Rick hugged him back in return. "Am I ok? Jesus Christ Rick! I should be asking you that! I…"

"Hey it's ok man. I'll be back fighting the good fight to help, protect, and if necessary, subdue our patients before you even realise, I'm gone. I mean it. To witness it is just as horrible as to go through it, maybe worse. I'll ask you again. Are you ok now?"

"Yes, now that I know you're ok," Ryan said, still hugging his friend. "But I must say this, just once. Please. I really am sorry Rick! I'll do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again."

"Don't be ridiculous," Rick squeezed Ryan. "Ok, you've said it, so let's close that door, ok? It's done, just work with Dr Loomis and the others and you'll be fine. Just sign Dr Loomis' report and do as he asked, and it'll be all good."

"I really appreciate you man," Ryan said quietly. "You took me under your wing when I first started and protected me in a few scraps with patients. Once with that guy's father who got mouthy. Remember?" Rick smiled. "I do. Idiot."

Ryan laughed a little, which he couldn't lie felt good. "You're a good man Rick," Ryan said softly. "Please just do me one favour?" Rick sighed but nodded. "What?"

"Take those two weeks off? Don't argue? Please?" Rick sighed again. "Fine," he rolled his eyes at Ryan, who now did finally laugh, smiling back at him. "Fine."

…

Two days later.

Charlotte sat in her parent's kitchen, drinking hot tea, and trying not to get sick at the smell of cooking food. Her mother Emma was making Sunday lunch for the family. But her stomach was in knots. Danielle wasn't the only one who couldn't relax, and although Charlotte would never say this to her face, she was safe right now. Adam couldn't reach her. She, on the other hand, was out and about, an open target. When her older brother Colin arrived, he came in and hugged her tightly, Charlotte's stomach was still roiling from anxiety.

"He'll be dead before he hurts you sis," Colin promised, holding her tightly. "God help me, I'll kill him first."

You might not be alone, Charlotte thought, thinking of Michael. Her brother and the masked killer united by the same goal. Adam's death. It all sounded wonderful as far as Charlotte was concerned. She'd never hated a man more than she hated Adam Dawson. Even if she did also hate herself for falling into his trap and disregarding her best friend's warnings.

Emma and Dave hadn't told Charlotte that Adam had come to their home looking for her, nor that the police had installed an alarm system that same night. At one press of any of the buttons installed in every room, the police would be there within minutes. Although her father hadn't said as much, she was certain he too wanted Adam dead. Dave and Colin were both very tall men, close to Myers' height and not guys to mess with. Unfortunately, so was Adam.

For her part, she hadn't told them about how she'd met and shaken hands with the masked killer Michael Myers at Smith's Grove.

There was another knock on the door then and Charlotte felt her heart flip a little despite everything, she couldn't help it. Colin rolled his eyes at her but smiled. She'd hugged him tightly. Colin looked surprised but had returned it just as tightly. He knew his little sister was scared and that broke his heart. If that fucker even touched her again, he was dead. No two ways about it.

It was Tim, her boss and now boyfriend. Charlotte thought back to that night. "Are you free to talk more over a coffee right now?" She'd asked him. Meaning just that. A coffee and no more. But next thing she'd known, right there in Adam's living room, they were kissing intensely, and feelings had just come out. Tim had revealed he'd liked her, hell maybe even loved her for a long time and was trying to plan his own way of rescuing her from Adam. They'd been together since that night.

Tim came in now and kissed Charlotte on the lips. Colin pretended to throw up.

"Shut it," Charlotte playfully punched him as they finally sat down to eat.

Hours later Charlotte left her parent's house with Tim, who was holding her hand. As they stepped outside, Charlotte at first didn't see the black car parked near the house with its lights off. But when she did, she felt her blood go cold.

"What's wrong babe?" Tim asked. Charlotte gestured at the blacked-out car. Tim held her hand tighter. Charlotte pulled out her phone and texted her father. Dad, please come out here. Her father, mother and brother were there within seconds, and all saw the car.

"What the fuck?" Her father snarled. Charlotte felt sick. She didn't have to guess why it was there. Next second, it was gone.

"I'm calling the police," her father said as Colin and Tim both held Charlotte close, and her mother kissed her cheek.

"To say what?" Charlotte asked. "There was a blacked-out car parked outside our house with the lights off at 10PM?"

"That exactly," Dave said. "That isn't right. Wait their baby girl, I'll give you a lift home. You're not walking, even with Tim there." He smiled at Charlotte's boyfriend. "Hope you understand."

"Of course," Tim smiled back at the older man. "Totally. Now I wish I would've brought my car."

"I've got it mom, dad," Colin said, taking his little sister's hand and leading her towards his car. "I'll be back in a minute, and I'll have her text you as soon as I drop her off." Charlotte pretended to roll her eyes as if to point out she wasn't a baby, but secretly she was more grateful than she could ever tell her brother.

"Thanks Col," Dave smiled at his son. "I'll get on the phone then."

…

Joanne was feeling physically sick from nerves, as she finally backed her black Mercedes out of her parking space at the end of her shift three hours later. She'd decided this was it. She had to do it. Recent events had shown her just how short life could be. She could've lost him. No way was she letting that happen again. Since they'd been working together for the last two years, they'd become close friends as well as colleagues. He was impossible not to like. His kindness, sense of humour and above all the way he took care of even the most dangerous patients. That was probably why a serial killer had saved his life… They'd been on what they affectionately called between them Frates. Friend dates. That was what they'd been. Dinner, movies etc., but they truly were just friends. But now Joanne wanted that to change. She had to tell him. Sure, she knew their job could be dangerous, but her heart felt like it was being wrenched out of her chest when she thought of how close she'd come to losing him, as a friend or otherwise, losing her chance to tell him the truth.

If not for Michael Myers… She pulled into a supermarket and picked out a box of his favourite chocolates and an expensive bottle of wine. On second thoughts, she thought as she stopped halfway to the checkout and turned back, getting a box of her own favourite chocolate and a bottle of her own wine. Just in case, because if this goes wrong tonight I'll need it.

…

"She was just leaving her parents' house," the voice said as soon as Adam answered the call. Whether it was a man or woman Adam couldn't tell. Hell, they probably used voice changing software precisely for that reason. But again, he didn't care. They were reporting on his bitch that was all that mattered. "She was holding a man's hand."

Adam felt fury rise in him. If he wasn't her brother, had the bitch dared to find a new boyfriend? Well, he'd soon put a stop to that. Who the fuck was it? He wouldn't make the man suffer, but by God Charlotte would. By the time he was finished with her, she'd be so badly scarred the man wouldn't even want to look at her again. "When?"

"About two minutes ago. They got into a black Ford. Another man drove them."

That must've been Colin, his bitch's brother. Adam couldn't stand him and the other way round. "I'm following them now," the disembodied voice said. "I have to be careful though, there are a lot of cops out here tonight."

"Just keep me updated," Adam said before hanging up. So, Charlotte had a boyfriend. Not for long she wouldn't. Who the fuck was it? Maybe her fucking boss who'd dared to call her babe? She was his bitch, no one else's, same as Danielle. What the hell was her boss' name? He racked his brain. Charlotte had told him once, but again he'd only been thinking about her pussy so hadn't really listened. Tom? Terry? He knew it began with a T. It could be Toast, as far as Adam knew. Because that would be his new name and status if Adam ever got hold of him. His phone rang again, private number.

"They went through a security gate," the voice said. "I couldn't follow. You must put in a code and the gate closes too fast."

"Where?" Adam snapped.

"Darwin Road," the voice said, and hung up.

Adam racked his brains, then left his house and got into his car. It was pouring with black thunder clouds overhead. The weather matched Adam's mood completely. His shoulder was a lot better today than it had been the last two days, good enough for him to drive anyway. He recalled fucking that whore the night he'd been released. It took a mixture of strong painkillers and Viagra, but he was able to do it, but it'd hurt like hell afterwards. At Least one woman had known who was boss after he had finished with her.

He knew where Darwin Road was, he'd go and look. A security gate huh? Adam didn't have to guess who she was hiding from. He laughed out loud. Him. Well, he'd catch her; she couldn't hide forever. But he had to be careful. He'd talk to no one, not look conspicuous and simply check out what the hired man had told him. Tonight, at least.

As Adam drove, he found his thoughts going to his father. He'd also had the same views about women and had treated his mother the same way. He'd only married her to make her feel like she was secure, then bam! Adam thought his old man had been spot on. Women were good for sex and doing what men told them to do. There was no other use for them. They made no decisions, did nothing without their man's permission and never, ever strayed from the rules. All of which they both had done. No, they had to be punished.

Adam sighed. His old man was in prison for Domestic Violence. Jesus Christ! He was showing women who was boss. What was so bad about that? They deserved to be beaten if they didn't obey after all. His mother had fled the country, but Adam had no doubt his father would go to any lengths to find her, get her back, show her who was boss once he was released. Just as he was doing with his bitches. His father often had slept with other women, of course men were allowed to do that, but a woman never was. Men were in charge, so it was only right they had privileges that women did not. I'm with you on this dad, he thought as he finally reached Darwin Road and slowed his car down, slowly driving up it.

There! Adam slammed on the brakes as he finally saw the gate. The man had been right. It was a gated area and had to have a code to open the gate. Adam gritted his teeth. The sign simply said Private, Authorised access only, but gave no explanation as to the gate's use or what was behind it. Hmm, Adam thought. I'm going to have to find out what this place is. Pulling out his phone, he Googled the property on Darwin Road, Haddonfield, but found out nothing. What was so secret about this damn place that not even Google knew? But his bitch had gone in there according to reliable information, so he was damn well going to find out.

That was when it happened. The gate opened and a car drove out. Adam glanced up, hiding his face behind a cap and sunglasses. Yes. There was Colin Avery and the guy in the front was… Charlotte's boss! Adam was furious. He'd been right! He'd met him once at one of Charlotte's work parties, back when he was pretending to be Mr. Nice Guy. That fucker dared to call his property, babe. He'd made her text him and tell him to stop, but now they were together? Adam had to exercise every ounce of self-control not to get out of his car and beat both the fuckers within an inch of their lives. But even in his anger he knew two to one was not a smart idea. He had the information he needed; plus, he'd also been served the restraining order papers just that afternoon. No contact directly or indirectly including through a third party with Danielle Hayward, Charlotte Avery, or their families. It was unlimited. Adam was sure the Sheriff serving the order was trying not to smile. Bastard. He'd signed it, anger surging up in him. If he got his chance, those bitches were both dead.

He now knew who his bitch's boyfriend was. That was all he needed to know right now. He'd also seen her brother.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Colin Avery wasn't someone to mess with alone. He was strong and didn't take any bullshit. So, Adam would need help. He drove home deep in thought about the next stages of his plan. First things first, he had a phone call to make.

…

Danielle was woken by a soft buzzing noise beside her left ear. It took her a second to realise what it was. Her phone. Who the hell was calling her at this time of night? Again, Michael wasn't beside her. She groggily reached for her phone, checking the time. 3AM. Who the fuck would be so damn inconsiderate? She couldn't help them in an emergency. Charlotte would call on her phone and anyway she had her number saved so it couldn't be her. She didn't recognise the number. Trying to wake up, she answered, which was when her world seemed to stop on its axis.

"Hello, remember me?" It was Adam. "Told you I'd call," his voice was casual, almost lazy. "You're mine, don't forget that. I own you. You're only in the nuthouse because you're an insane suicidal bitch. You're mine and when you get out, I'm going to fuck you repeatedly."

She forced herself to keep calm, even though she felt like she was going to throw up. Even here, right now in Smith's Grove and safe, she didn't dare hang up. Adam had instilled that lesson in her... If she hung up, she often ended up with bruises or worse. She leaned back on bed and almost hammered the call button.

"Miss me, do you?" Adam continued. "Like it in the nuthouse? Hiding behind safety screens huh? Fucking coward. This isn't over, Oh no. You'll never be free; I'm never going to let you go. If I can't have you, then no one can. You'll be dead before that ever happens."

The doors to the block crashed open and she heard rushing footsteps just as Michael silently appeared beside her. Her face was white as a sheet. The cell door opened, and Ryan was there within seconds, laying a hand on her arm. Myers did the same.

"It's him," she just managed to mouth at them. She knew one hand was Michael's but wasn't sure who the guard was. "I don't dare hang up even now. If I did…" She shivered.

"Just remember, I'm watching you. You're mine."

Ryan grabbed the phone from her, disconnected the call and turned off the phone. "Well done!" He said and she recognised his voice immediately. "I bet that was the first time you've ever dared stand up to him. That was amazing."

"Bullshit," she scoffed. "If that was the case, why did I press the call button?"

"Um hello?" Ryan said. "Because you were scared, of course you were. But in the end, you still said your piece. I admire your courage,"

"Deluded," she muttered.

"No." Now Ryan's voice was stern. "I would be scared too if I were in your situation. But you found the guts. Give me a minute." He left, returning a short while later with hot drinks for both.

When he was gone, Michael rubbed her back, and held her close. As he did so she felt her heartbeat slow down soothed by his embrace. After a while, she remembered she'd made a promise to herself that she had to keep. Taking a deep breath, pushing down her anger towards Adam, she thought about how best to word it. But Michael did it for her. He started stroking her short hair, which she kept spikey, the way she loved it almost short enough to be shaved. He'd never done this before. Danielle sighed in contentment. She loved having her hair stroked. "Hmm," she murmured. "Love that." Myers continued doing so. His hand touched her left ear then and Danielle felt herself smile a little, unable to help it. Michael touched her ear again, still holding her tightly with his free arm.

"It's just…" She felt embarrassed now. But she had promised she'd tell him. Now was the time it seemed. "I… Um, used to get teased at school because my ears stick out. I used to get paranoid about people touching them. Also, I… Well, I have a thing about ears myself. I love them and love touching them. Other people's, thatIS. It… Well, turns me on if a man's got nice ears." Heat rushed up her face, but Michael simply resumed stroking her hair, of course giving no answer just lowered his head, deliberately moving so she was touching his ears. Jesus, she thought. They're gorgeous!

"Damn," she breathed. "Stop it!" She felt a slight tinge of arousal unable to hold it back. But perhaps this was a good thing. Following Adam's call, it showed perhaps she could move on after all and he couldn't hold her prisoner mentally forever. Michael moved his head slightly, so she felt his ears move in her hands. It made her arousal even worse, and she was certain Michael knew it. "Stop it," she said again but it lacked conviction. Had he just softly chuckled? Michael pulled her back close to his strong chest, again leaning down so she could reach his ears.

"I'm never going to hear the end of that now, am I?" She blushed. Michael lowered his head to hers then, so her lips were against his left ear. She gently rubbed her lips against it. Had he just chuckled again? "I don't think I'll sleep tonight, Michael," She whispered into his ear. She felt Michael pull her tighter to him. "I told you he was determined. He won't stop until…"

She could've sworn she then heard Myers speak for the very first time, as her head rested on his strong shoulder. "Shh."