Ten minutes later.
"Hi, its Jack. Are you done?"
"Hey Jack, yes thanks. What's up?"
"Nothing to worry about, I just need a quick word with you in private. Don't worry, you're not in trouble. Not back at school or anything having failed to do your homework."
She couldn't help laughing as she stood from her chair and took his arm. In front of her she heard the harsh clinking of chains as Michael was also escorted out by two guards.
"You know Jack," she breathed as they left the dining room. "He's been so kind to me, sweet even but God I'm really scared of him right now! He didn't approach me at all in my cell just now, you know, he just stayed by the door."
"It's Halloween," Jack whispered back. "I think we're all scared of him today. Two guards, the chains, and need I say more?"
She shook her head. "No, I get it."
The two of them entered a normal office and she felt another rush of affection for the staff. She had no doubt that under normal circumstances they'd be in a therapy room and there would be glass between her and Jack. Not this time, not for her.
"Thanks," she said, voicing her thoughts. "I have no doubt that normally I'm supposed to be behind glass while I talk to you. Right?"
"Usually, but I have my stuff to protect myself, so it doesn't always be that way. "But not for you. I'll prove it."
He pulled off his equipment vest and placed it on the back of his chair. She was touched. If this didn't show they trusted her she didn't know what did.
"Thanks," was all she could manage. Jack took her hand and squeezed it. He understood what that gesture meant. How much this meant to her.
She couldn't help herself. She stepped forward and hugged him tightly, feeling his soft shirt and tie. The guard placed his arm around her and hugged her back, before steering her into her chair.
"You're welcome," he said. "Do you want some tea before we start? This won't take long but of course I'd ask."
"I'm ok thanks, I had two at breakfast."
"Ok. Well, Dr Stark radioed me a short while ago. She is going to be tied up for quite a while with the interrogation of Mr. Chancer. So, she asked me to talk to you as she knows you trust me. Thanks for that, I'm flattered."
She smiled back at him. "Do you have to tell her every single word I say?
Jack chuckled. "Nope, I'll leave that to you."
"Unless you "see a risk?" "she made quotation marks with her fingers on the last three words.
"So cynical. Now we both know that's not going to happen, is it."
She shook her head. "No. I think Adam's eventual intention is for me to try and commit suicide again. I get that feeling because he just won't leave me the fuck alone! Even in here. You know, I wish misogyny was a capital crime, along with rape and domestic abuse, like murder is. You know the irony of that? I've been treated kinder by a killer who would deserve the chair than Adam ever did! Why can't they just strap Adam into Old Sparky and press the switch? It would be a blessing for everyone."
"I hear you," Jack said sympathetically. "I do. But are you feeling suicidal?"
"No! I'm not letting Adam undo all the progress I've made with all your help."
"That's our girl," Jack squeezed her hand again. "That's why we're here. Dr Stark wanted me to check that you're ok, as Joanne's on leave right now."
"It all goes down when she's not here."
"Indeed," Jack said. "But we could always call her in if you need her just like we did before."
"God no!" she said. "She deserves her time off. I love that woman and I'm sure she and a certain man named Rick are… Well, busy."
At this, Jack laughed out loud. "She told you, did she?"
"Yes, and I could also tell just by the way they were around and with each other," she smirked.
Jack grinned. "To be honest with you, I think we all could. It wasn't exactly hidden, was it?"
"Jack," she said after a moment's pause. "Can I ask you something?"
"You just did," Jack laughed. She groaned. "Very funny."
"Of course. Go for it. I'm all your favourite thing. Ears."
"Oh, shut up!" she blushed, mortified. Had she told him? Or had someone else? She couldn't help but ask. "Did Joanne tell you?"
"No, you did," Jack was struggling not to laugh, she could tell.
"Fuck off! I did not tell you!"
"Oh yes you did," he teased, before leaning down so she could feel his ears. They were small, but a little bigger than Joanne's. She felt affection gush up in her heart for him once more.
"Well?" He inquired as he sat up again. "What's the verdict on my ears, your honour?"
"Small," she could hardly speak, laughing and blushing.
"Small, eh? Hmm. Is that good or bad? Although I've seen you touching Michael's ears. You like his, do you?"
She had to admit the truth. "Yes," she said, blushing harder.
Jack wolf whistled. "I see. Like that is it? Anyway, before I went to the ears court, what did you want to ask me?"
She couldn't help it. She hugged him again. "Thank you so much Jack, you're making this so much easier for me than it could've been. You're awesome."
"Anytime," he hugged her back. "So go ahead?"
She hated that the conversation between them had to become serious, but she had to know. "What did they find in Chancer's cell? Mel told me they drugged him with some sort of tranquiliser dart. Why?"
Jack hesitated a moment, then spoke. "I'm only telling you this because it's about you. They did indeed tranquilise him. They've found something suspicious in his cell. So, he's been taken down to an interrogation room in solitary confinement. Believe me, it won't be fun for him."
"How will that work?"
"He'll be asked questions by Dr Stark and Dr Loomis, surrounded by guards, one of whom will be armed. He'll have no food, just water and they won't stop until he's answered them. No, before you say it, he won't be tortured or anything, but I know you know the State wants to execute him as you mentioned it to me once. Dr Loomis could make that happen in the blink of an eye. I think that's enough incentive for him to talk."
"Shame about him not being tortured. God knows he's tortured enough women! In that case I almost kind of hope he doesn't talk. He's one man who the world would be a much better place without. If anyone deserves the chair, he does."
"Between you and me, I think Dr Loomis is trying to expedite it anyway, whether he talks or not."
"Good!" she said fervently. Finally, she asked the question she really wanted to know the answer to. "Do you know what they found in his cell?"
"I honestly don't, no," Jack said apologetically. "But I have no doubt that Dr Stark will tell you when you can talk with her. I've seen the text you got from Adam and…" He paused. "I really didn't want to be the one to tell you this, but Dr Stark asked me to. Adam was indeed near SG last night after Charlotte visited you. He somehow knew you had visitors. Charlotte and her family saw him. The police told us this morning."
"Fucking dickhead," she muttered, angered that Adam would pull this stunt. "Is Charlotte, ok? Her family?"
"Don't you worry, they're all fine. Their main concern was of course, you. But there was no way Adam could or would get anywhere near you."
"I know," she smiled at him genuinely. "Not with you amazing guys around. Am I ok to call her when we're done here?"
"Now why are you asking me that? Of course you are. I wouldn't be surprised if she's called you already." If truth be told, neither would she.
Unable to stop herself, she started feeling Jack's equipment vest on the back of the chair. Without a word, he picked it up and handed it to her. She was surprised at how heavy it was. Grinning, she slipped it up her arms, so she was wearing it.
"Uh oh," Jack said. "Guard Danielle's on duty!"
"Sorry," she blushed. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," he laughed.
"I felt Joanne's vest once, but she was wearing it then. I'll say what I said to her. I'd love to carry all that stuff on me as part of my job. It must make you feel so… Safe?"
"Hmmm." Jack considered her wording. "Perhaps. But there are strict rules on how we use it. Like we can't just cuff someone for the hell of it."
She started touching the pockets that had equipment in them, now she was wearing it, to get it from the guard's perspective. She felt his baton, radio, CS spray, handcuffs, notebook, and pen.
"What is that?" She asked, pulling out what looked like an aerosol can.
"My attack alarm. It's so we don't need batteries. We'd be in trouble if our attack alarm battery ran out and we didn't realise it."
"True," she agreed. "How does it work then?"
"Compressed air. It emits a very loud siren noise."
"That's cool. I think Joanne had a battery one when she showed me hers."
"Yeah, we do have battery ones, but we only use those if these ones are out of stock. We got new ones in last week."
"Ah," she nodded. "I take it, it's hooked to the vest to stop someone grabbing it or you are dropping it?"
"Yup," Jack said. "Do you want to hear it?"
"Am I allowed to do that?" she couldn't lie she'd like to hear it. She'd never seen this type of alarm before.
"Sure. Hang on." Jack pulled out his radio from the pouch on her chest and spoke into it. "Hey guys, Danielle's having a look at my equipment vest, and she wants to hear the attack alarm. Don't panic when you hear it." After a few seconds, Jack spoke again. "Ok, go for it."
She pressed the nozzle, but it didn't move.
"Aha," Jack said with a grin. "There's a trick. Twist the nozzle to the right. It's a locking mechanism so it can't go off accidentally. I'm going to cover my small ears now!"
Laughing, she did so and as lightly as she could pressed the nozzle a second time.
The sound was ear-splitting. Within a second her ears were ringing.
"Fucking hell!" She said, and Jack laughed. "You couldn't miss that could you? Holy shit that's loud!"
She twisted the nozzle back to the left and felt it click back into its locking position, before returning it to its pouch. A few seconds later, Jack's radio sounded, and Dr Stark's voice came out of the speaker.
"Hi guys, are you enjoying yourself with the equipment? Those alarms are indeed loud, aren't they?"
"Go for it," Jack said, and she pulled his radio from its pouch. She knew how to use it, having used Joanne's in court. Plus, she'd been dying to use one again. She pressed down the rubber "talk" button.
"Dr Stark? Hi. I thought you were busy. Over."
Dr Stark laughed. "Check you out with the radio speak! Dr Loomis is doing it now, and I'll be back there shortly, but I wanted to check on you first. Press one on the keypad and this will become like a phone call, so you won't need to keep pressing the "talk" button. Unless you want too of course? It's what Joanne did in court."
She did so. "Did it work?"
"Yup, there you go, we can hear you just fine. Are you liking being dressed as a guard? I'll get Jack to take a pic!"
She grinned. "If only," she said, her tone of voice a little wistful. "I have friends who are police, and they wear similar stuff. I always wanted it so badly."
"But why?" Jack asked. "Is it just to wear all the equipment? Power? Or to use it?"
"I don't know actually," she admitted. "I think it's mostly because I can't do it. Like, I want it because it's out of my reach. Like a taxi driver."
"Fair enough," Dr Stark said.
"Did you hear the alarm down there?" she asked, curious.
"Not down here no, it's soundproof. But we heard Jack's warning," she laughed.
She shivered. They were in a soundproof area. Shit. Was that so no one heard Chancer scream? Fuck she hoped he did. Difference being that would be music to her ears to hear that killer and rapist screaming his head off.
"Guys, we're asking you to stay together. This will take some time."
"Copy that," they said in unison. Dr Stark laughed with them. "I'm sure we'll keep each other entertained," Jack finished.
"Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked and burst out laughing, as did the other two.
"I'm married," Jack said with a grin. "Don't think my wife would be too happy."
She thought about what she'd just said, even as a joke and felt a rush of… happiness? She'd been able to make a date joke after everything Adam had done. Was this progress? She was sure the other two had also noticed this. Dr Stark especially. She had no doubt her doctor would bring it up later when they talked.
"We have a theatre here," Jack said. "Very small, the staff use it and sometimes the patients. Did you know that?"
"No," she said.
"Would you like to watch a movie? We've got some new releases."
"Awesome, thanks. Do I get popcorn?"
"Oh absolutely!" Jack said. "We've got popcorn and a soda machine."
"Sounds like fun." Dr Stark said, and they could hear she was smiling. "Enjoy yourselves."
"Do you need anything from me Dr Stark?" she asked.
"No, but thanks. We're fine, we've got this. We have copies of the texts and so on. There's nothing else you can tell us is there?"
"No, sorry."
"Don't be silly. No worries then. Enjoy your movie. I need to go now, I just wanted to check in. Like I said earlier, I'll be back, and we'll talk as soon as I'm done with this. It'll be some time tonight; I won't leave it until tomorrow unless it's super late and you're asleep."
"Ok, thanks Dr Stark, I appreciate that."
"No problem. Over and out then!"
She was gone. She slipped the radio back into its pouch.
"Just out of curiosity, what do you need a notebook for?"
"To make notes," Jack said before bursting out laughing. She couldn't help but join him. Putting it like that it was a rather stupid question.
"Ha! I mean, like what? Did you ever have to write about me?"
"Oh yes! Pages and pages!"
"Shut up! Be serious for once!"
"Oh, but that's so boring!" Jack let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine! Let me see."
She handed him the book and he flicked through the pages.
Danielle tea two sugars," he read. "Danielle has asked for Dr Stark."
"Seriously?" she asked.
"Yep, promise," Jack laughed.
"Why did you write that last one? I asked you and you went straight to get her, didn't you?"
Jack handed her back the book and she slipped it back into its pouch.
"Just in case I got distracted, or if something came up before I could ask for Dr Stark. I do it with most things to be honest. I'm not the kind of guy who goes back to a patient and says, "Sorry I forgot to get the doctor or your tea, I got distracted by a colleague or something."
"It wouldn't necessarily be your fault," she offered.
"Perhaps not. I just think it's unprofessional. So, I just do it to remind myself. The tea thing was because everyone takes different drinks, so I write them down, so I remember them. Michael M - black coffee, no sugar."
"Got you," she said, feeling a strange flip in her chest just at the sound of Michael's name. Something must've shown on her face because Jack softly nudged her and whistled again. The whistle made her smile.
"Oh yes. Like that is it? Go for it!" He whistled a happy little tune.
"Oh stop!" she gave him a playful shove back.
"Yes," he grinned. "I suppose I'd better be a good boy with a fully uniformed guard with me!"
She finally felt Jack's gun and the box of rubber bullets. As carefully as she could she pulled it out of its holster. It was lighter than she'd thought it would be."
"Ok you can have my money," Jack said dramatically. "My car, my belongings, whatever you want!"
She realised she was giggling. She couldn't help it.
"It's empty," Jack said. "We keep them unloaded for safety reasons, but we can load them quick. Go on."
She pointed the muzzle at the ground and pulled the trigger. "Click!"
Jack came up beside her and took a bullet from the box, handing it to her. It was thick and cylindrical in shape but pointed at one end.
"They don't look…" she began.
"Like they could be very painful?" Jack finished. "Think again." He took the bullet back and jabbed the back of her hand with it.
"Imagine that coming at you at speed. They literally shoot out of these guns. It would puncture the skin and cause you to bleed at the very least. A hell of a lot. We never aim for the chest just in case."
"Fair enough," she said. She thought of Joanne's words at court. "Better get him a medic." She told Jack what'd happened, how Adam had been shot in the shoulder because he wouldn't move out of their way.
"What a shame!" Jack said sarcastically. She snorted. "Right? Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. He would've bled a lot then?"
"Oh God yeah!" Jack said. "That's why he'd need a medic. It'd probably taken days to heal."
"I agree. What a shame!"
Jack handed her back the bullet and she looked at him. "Go on," he repeated, and she slipped it through the whole at the top of the weapon. There was a soft "click!"
"That's it," Jack said. It's loaded. "I'm going to go over here, fire straight ahead."
"Are you sure?" she asked. She really appreciated Jack allowing her to see his equipment in such detail, knowing how much she enjoyed it."
"Yep, go on."
She did so.
"TWHACK!"
The bullet slammed into the office wall. Jack grinned. "Good shot! Now I'll tell you there are targets on the wall deliberately so we can practice this!"
He walked over to the wall and handed her a round piece of paper. There was a hole in it which she had made with her shot.
"Where's the target?" she asked.
"You hit it!" Jack said. "It's right where the hole is."
"Seriously? That's cool."
"You're a crack shot," Jack said.
"Thanks. I used to do something called acoustic shooting. You wear headphones as you hold a gun on a mounted stand. You hear a tone and as you move the gun it rises and falls. The higher it is, the closer you are to the target. They were pellet guns, and the targets would be over the other side of the room you were shooting in, on the wall. Get the tone as high as you can then, fire!"
"That sounds fun," Jack said.
"It was awesome. I miss it. I did it at college." She finally removed Jack's vest and handed it back to him. He slipped it back on. "That was so much fun! Thank you, Jack!" She tried not to sound sad but obviously failed when he squeezed her hand. "I'll let you do that again soon I promise. You're more than welcome. Thank you for my vest back! So, kind of you. Right. Come on then, what are we watching with our drinks and popcorn?"
…
"Oh my God! Now I know why people say that movie is so funny! That was hilarious! Hardly a new release I know! But it was fucking amazing! Plus, I don't think I'll be able to eat popcorn again for as long as I live!"
Jack laughed. She had loved the movie theatre. The seats were wide, leather, luxurious ones. Not what she'd expected at all. True they were bolted down and the popcorn and soda machine were behind glass which Jack had opened with a key, but still… Once he had, he'd taken her behind the glass and showed her how to use the machines. She had helped herself to a large popcorn and apple juice. She'd enjoyed filling the large cups up so much that Jack had asked her to do his as well. Which she had. He'd taken a Coke, which she wasn't a fan of. At the end of the movie Jack guided her out.
"That was awesome!" she said. "I'd love to come back again. Thanks for telling me what was happening at times, but most of it was easy to follow. I couldn't expect you to have audio description, could I?"
Jack chuckled. "Isn't that where there's a voice over the film's soundtrack describing it?"
"That's the one."
"That does sound cool. Maybe you could show me at some point?"
"Sure! I'd like that. You could see, pun not intended, into my world."
"I would enjoy that, this is true. Right, you. My stomach says it's time for lunch. Dr Stark has allowed us to eat in the staff canteen. Hungry?"
"Wow, that's nice of her. Yes," she admitted. "I can't lie. I thought that popcorn would fill me up, but I'd love a hot meal now. I bet your food is way better than ours!"
"It's the same," Jack said.
"Bullshit!" she laughed. "Yours is hotter! By the time ours reaches us it's cold!"
"Well, it won't be hot if we keep standing here arguing about it will it? Come on, let's go, I'm starving!"
"Yes boss," she said with a grin. "Don't cuff me, I'll come quietly!" Their laughter echoed down the huge corridor.
"Just one question Jack, I must ask. Is your wife's name Jill?"
It was an hour later and the two of them were almost back at the cell. She had requested to go back to read one of her new books. One she'd started and really wanted to finish.
Jack groaned and she just knew he rolled his eyes. "Jesus! If I had ten bucks every time someone said that, I could retire by now and have a mansion somewhere."
She began to laugh. "Really?"
"Yes, really." Jack heaved a deep sigh. "But I'll let you in on a little secret." He leaned in close and whispered in her ear. "Her name is actually Gillian."
"No way!" she said, trying not to laugh but also sympathetic. "Do you get teased a lot then?"
"Loads," Jack said. "Jack and Jill were written on a card beside our wedding cake!"
She giggled. She couldn't stop herself. Jack joined her.
"Right." He said as they reached her cell. "I'll leave you to your chick flick!" He gave a dramatic shudder.
"That's a movie!" she giggled. A chick flick is a movie. This is a book!"
"Yeah, but I bet it's all romance and love?"
This time it was her turn to shiver. "Oh god no! I don't do romance! Can't stand it! I've lost my belief in it to be honest."
"Well, that might change soon, eh?" Jack said pointedly and gave her a gentle nudge.
"Perhaps," she agreed, and Jack whistled. "You're blushing missy!" He kept his voice low so Michael wouldn't hear, and she was grateful for it.
"Can I get a cup of tea please?" She asked. Jack had told her he'd be staying in the block in case she or Michael needed him until the others got back. It was just the three of them.
"Oh! But hang on," she added as Jack said "sure," and made to walk away. "You'll have to go up the hill with your wife first to get a pail of water for it!"
Jack burst out laughing. "Damn," he said when he could speak again. "That was the best gag I've ever heard. Can I tell Gill that one? That was great!"
She was laughing too. "Sorry, couldn't resist. Yes, if I get the credit, copyright, Danielle Hayward."
"Deal." Jack was still laughing as he walked away.
…
Three hours later.
"We must, Gemma. We have no proof that it's anything other than an iPod. Our tech guys can't find any evidence either."
"Fuck it's just an iPod!" Dr Stark snarled. "I think some geek has programmed it to hide its real purpose from us!"
"You heard what Chancer said," Dr Loomis said.
"Don't fucking tell me you believe that bullshit?" Dr Stark's face was red with anger. "He hasn't seen him for years! The guy had the smarts to abandon him after he started raping and killing women! So, he suddenly just turns up at SG out of the blue and gives him an iPod? What? A get-well soon present?"
Dr Loomis sighed. He couldn't deny Gemma had a point. It did seem odd. But they had no proof. They might suspect something, but without proof they couldn't do anything. Dr Stark knew that, and it frustrated her even more.
"If we sent it off to be examined properly on a mere hunch or suspicion," Dr Loomis continued. "We'd have lawyers on us before we could blink! Arguments that the iPod might be helping with his treatment somehow. But listen." He lowered his voice. "You and I both suspect he's the one behind all of this, the one watching and reporting on her. I have the power to speed up his execution and to be perfectly honest with you I'm seriously considering doing just that. No treatment we give him is going to help. He's still as dangerous as he ever was. So even when we do give him this "iPod" back, it won't be for long."
"Long enough for him to do more damage to her," Dr Stark said. Not looking happy at all. "You know it, Sam! Can't we just keep that thing," she jabbed at the bag. "Here? Not give it back to him?"
Dr Loomis sighed. "We can't. We need proof. You know that as well as I do, Gemma. Just suspicion won't cut it."
"We're a fucking high security ward!" Dr Stark almost shouted now. "We're in charge, we're the experts, we can do what we think is best! What if he's listening to music with violent and sexual lyrics and that's making his desire to rape and kill women stronger? Or watching violent porn? Scenes of rape or something! What if they were already downloaded when he got this? We don't have internet here without the WIFI password and he certainly doesn't have it! Only we can give it out! We change it every day for just that reason! So how the hell is he calling or texting his "employers?"?"
"But that's just it!" Dr Loomis said. He knew his junior consultant was right and had a seriously valid point, but without physical proof their hands were tied, and he knew she knew it too. "We can't prove it."
"Fuck!"
It was one of very few times Dr Sam Loomis had ever heard Dr Stark swear. But he didn't make fun of her because he understood her anger and frustration. Instead, he stepped forward and put his arm around her. "I know," he said softly. "I know."
"So, we have to just… Give it back to him and let him carry on spying on her?"
Dr Loomis shook his head. "We must give it back, yes, but we can fit her cell with soundproofing foam. That way, if he's using it to listen to her, that'll stop it, or at the very least make it more difficult for him to do so."
Dr Stark clapped a hand to her forehead. "That's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that? But it won't stop him passing on information, will it?"
"But he won't have any to pass on if he can't hear her," Dr Loomis pointed out.
"True," Dr Stark agreed. After a moment's pause, she spoke again, quietly. "Did you ever consider it might have been Michael? You know, behind this?"
"No way!" Dr Loomis said without a second's hesitation. He raised his hand and began counting reasons against it on his fingers.
One - Michael is a killer, not a watcher. Two - Pretending to fall in love with someone before killing them is not Michael's MO. He kills within seconds of finding his victims. Three - Michael hasn't had any visitors or been given anything with which he could watch and report on her. Four - You saw the rage he was feeling at Adam when Danielle was testifying at his trial. I had to tell him to hold on to it, remember? Five - He really cares for her; you can see that. So, unless he's taken me for a complete and utter fool…" He took a breath. "Or he's a very good trickster and has fooled all of us, his feelings for her are genuine. He killed both Jefferson and Baker because they hurt her in some way."
"Can't argue with any of that," finally Dr Stark cracked a smile. "Points taken. It's not Michael then. But seriously…"
Dr Loomis knew what she was saying. The interrogation of Chancer had been painful, hardly revealing anything. Had Chancer told them the truth? Then there was the report from the tech department. The only text box on the iPod was the one to "review" the workout app. Yes, they found music and porn, but they couldn't take it from him for that reason alone, especially given the porn was all legal. The heavy metal music is not overly violent.
The "Pedal" and "Treadmill" buttons just showed timers, calories burnt and so on. Nothing suspicious at all. The headphones when worn just gave a quiet hissing noise when the "Treadmill" button was pressed. They'd examined it from all sides and had concluded that it was just an iPod. Dr Loomis didn't like it, but what could he do?
…
"What's the password for your iPod?"
Chancer had considered lying but knew he couldn't. If Dr Loomis was killed by the iPod, he'd probably be in the electric chair by tonight. But if he didn't give the password over, he'd still probably wind up in the electric chair.
"Are you wanting me to input it for you?" He asked finally.
"No," Dr Loomis said. I want you to tell me and I will write it down. You realise we're going to examine this thoroughly before we even consider allowing you to have it back?"
Chancer rolled his eyes, but inside his discomfort grew. Trusting Leach, he was trusting Chris Leach. Fuck. A signed footpath straight to Old Sparky.
Again, he considered his options. Lie? Or don't? He realised he had to tell the truth. If only to save his own skin. He'd seen how well Leach had programmed it, concealing the real purpose of the so-called workout app, so he'd have to rely on this. He took a deep breath.
"Its Rich hales, all one word," he said. Capital R and C."
"You'd better be telling the truth," Dr Loomis warned. Chancer's anger spiked. Dick! He wasn't his fucking dad or schoolteacher. He was a quack and nothing else. Just who the fuck did he think he was? He gritted his teeth and tried not to let his anger show. "I am."
Dr Loomis jotted it down then turned back. "Mark Sarcozi came to visit you and gave you this." It wasn't a question; it was a fact. "Why?"
"So, I could listen to music?" Chancer rolled his eyes. Duh!
"Don't be smart with me Chancer! You know what could happen if you are! Just answer me! Why did he come all this way to give you an iPod? You haven't seen him in years."
Chancer cursed. Fucking Sarcozi! He'd either told the quacks something or… No! They'd have information on him in his file and clearly, they'd spoken to people. It wouldn't take much for them to find out he hadn't seen Mark since they were in school together.
"We were friends at school," he said. "Yes, I haven't seen him in years, but I got back in contact just before I was captured. My iPod was at my house, and I asked him to bring it in for me."
"That's a lie," Dr Loomis said evenly. "For one - your house was thoroughly searched when you were captured, and no iPod was found and two - Mr. Sarcozi confirmed he hadn't seen you in years when he was asked upon your capture."
Fuck! Chancer hadn't expected that.
"So, I ask you again. Why would he come all this way to bring you a so-called iPod? You didn't know he was coming, did you? Dave had to wake you up when he arrived. Hardly good manners if you know you're expecting a visitor."
Chancer thought fast, then sighed. "I don't know. He just gave it to me. Said he wanted me to have some stuff to watch and listen to. Said he wanted to repair our friendship."
This was another lie. Mark Sarcozi had abandoned him after Chancer first raped a woman. When he'd killed his first one, he'd made it completely clear that their friendship was over. Said he couldn't "condone your actions." Derek had been furious, a little sad he couldn't deny. But his desire to rape and kill women had overruled any emotion over Sarcozi's decision. He'd vowed one day he'd get revenge. They'd known each other since they were 5 and for him to just up and leave just because of what Derek chose to do with his life was not ok with him. Raping and killing women were his calling, his duty. The world would be a better place without women. Filthy, cheating sluts." They deserved everything he gave them.
"What's with this workout app? It's not like you can work out in your cell, is it?"
"I can use it in the gym. I've been there a couple of times." This was the first truth he'd told them since the interview had started, aside from the password.
"I didn't authorise that," Dr Loomis said. Chancer's anger spiked again. Dick! He was in a hospital, not prison.
"One of the other doctors did," he lied. Truth was he'd asked Baker who'd sneakily taken him at night. He'd worked out, that was also true. Weights, leg press, treadmill, the works. He wanted to keep his strength up ready for when he could kill women again once he got out. Pretend good behaviour, then boom!
"In which case, why were you and Mr. Sarcozi whispering when he attended? Trying to avoid the microphones? Or had you lost your voices?"
Sarcastic fucker! Chancer thought. "No, but we don't have to speak at a specific volume which is in the rule books! If we want to whisper, we can! Not everyone wants their conversations recorded, you know! Ready for you to listen to with your morning coffee! Sorry if you lacked entertainment from us! It's such a shame your microphones are shitty, isn't it? Maybe the powers that be should invest in more expensive ones if you want to hear everything including whispers! However, that's not our fault, problem, or business."
Dr Loomis' face tightened with anger, and Dr Stark was sure that if it hadn't been for the glass and guards, Dr Loomis would've punched Chancer. She laid a comforting hand on his arm. He was tense.
"Don't let him get under your skin," she murmured. "He's only a patient. Don't let him get to you. Stick to the facts, Sam."
Dr Loomis took a deep breath, nodded to his colleague, and turned back to the glass. But Chancer's satisfied smirk didn't help. He knew he'd angered Dr Loomis. Not good. Dr Loomis couldn't afford to lose control of the interview.
"You know we will be speaking to Mr. Sarcozi," he said calmly.
"You carry on Doc," Chancer said. "He'll say the same as me."
This was true. They'd planned their story on his second visit. Sarcozi had brought him the iPod as a peace offering.
"You'd better be telling the truth," Dr Loomis said. "There's plenty of room for you in Old Sparky."
Then he turned and walked away. Dr Stark followed. Chancer watched them enter the small office next to the interrogation cell and the door clicked shut. He was alone with the guards. The armed guard was still standing beside him. Chancer stretched his short frame. Fucking hell! He didn't have all day to just sit here while those stupid quacks talked about his fate. He was getting hungry, and he desperately wanted out of here. He was freezing and to tell the truth, horny as hell too.
…
Back in the small office, Gemma looked at Sam.
"Well that went well," she said, the sarcasm in her voice evident. Dr Loomis smiled grimly.
"He's lying. Through his God damn teeth. But we'll find out it was him, just you wait and see!" Then he sighed. "I don't even know why he's here if I'm totally honest. I can't treat him, he's untreatable. Just stick him in Old Sparky and flip the fucking switch! You know as well as I do as soon as he is released, which he most certainly won't be, unless it's to go to the electric chair, he'd kill and rape more women immediately. You can't change a predator like him! He's determined to get rid of women after what his father's mistress did! He thinks they're all the same now and he's taking his "revenge." "
"Left Derek and his mother for her, didn't he?" Dr Stark asked. "That's why he does it. His mother was heartbroken, and he's taken it upon himself to settle the score. He blames the mistress; thinks she bewitched his father or something. Christ! It's like the witch in Snow White or some other Gods damn fairy tale!"
Dr Loomis nodded. "If he wasn't a rapist and woman killer, I'd be sympathetic towards him. But the way he's chosen to get his own back… Kind of dispels any sympathy I might have felt towards him. Or anyone else for that matter."
Dr Stark nodded. "I know. But then," she smiled weakly at her boss. "Michael was thought to be "untreatable" recently, was he not? By you yourself no less. Until a certain woman came along?"
Dr Loomis chuckled quietly. "Touché. However, Michael just kills anyone he comes across. He doesn't do revenge, settling scores and the rest. He just kills. End of story. They're completely different in that regard. But yes, I agree she has certainly gotten through to him. I mean, can you seriously see Michael letting anyone else even get close to, never mind touch his ears?"
At this, Dr Stark finally laughed with him. Dr Loomis squeezed her shoulder. "That's better," he said quietly. "You're right. We need to not let Chancer get to us. He wants to dictate the terms of the interview and we can't let him do that or he's won, even if it's only a small, psychological victory. That's one victory too many as far as I'm concerned."
There was a knock on the door. Dr Loomis opened it. Outside were two of the tech guys Smith's Grove could call if needed, here to examine Chancer's iPod.
"Hello gentleman," Dr Loomis smiled at them. "Please, come in."
…
"Well thank you! How very kind of you!"
It was two hours later, and Chancer was back in his cell having finally been allowed out and to get food. Dr Loomis had just handed him back the iPod.
"Cut it out," Dr Loomis said firmly. "Believe me. If I had any proof of my suspicions, you wouldn't have it back at all and would be on your way to the chair tonight. That's enough."
Chancer didn't answer as Dr Loomis walked away, just grinned.Whatever quack, he thought.
Typing in the password to check those fuckers hadn't changed it, he opened the "workout" app and sent a text to Leach's inbox.
That was a fucking close shave! I need to be much more careful! They're on to me! From now on I text, but don't speak! I almost didn't get this back and they want to electrocute me! I'll do my best to listen to her, but no more voice conversations. We text, or nothing at all. You can speak through my earphones, but I'm not saying another word!
Leach's… Or someone's reply came through a minute or so later. The texts disappeared after 20 seconds of being received, to stop anyone else reading them. Even through text, Chancer could tell the sender was amused. It had to be Leach.
As you wish Mr. Chancer. Getting nervous, are we? Makes no difference to us. Now, start listening. You've lost hours of work. So, if you want that money, you need to work hard to catch up.
…
"By the way," Dr Loomis said with a grin as he and Dr Stark left the interrogation suite. "It was the wicked stepmother, not a witch."
Dr Stark stared at him. "What?"
"In snow white. There isn't a witch in that story, it was the wicked stepmother and the poisoned apple."
Dr Stark finally cottoned on and gave her boss a playful slap to the arm. "Whatever."
Chuckling, they headed towards the lifts back above ground.
…
Dr Samuel Loomis sighed sadly as they emerged back in the reception area of the hospital. The interrogation suite was two floors below ground and freezing. Especially when only wearing a suit and tie as he was now. The atmosphere was designed to be intimidating, hostile to force answers out of reluctant patients. It appeared it had worked but…
He'd always prided himself on being able to treat most people. Even the most dangerous people in the country, never mind the State. Once he'd even had a killer from Europe as he was too dangerous to be treated over there. He'd been flown over in a secure plane. He'd managed to treat him. From what he read from the reports every couple of months, the guy was well on his way towards being released back into society. This pleased Dr Loomis. He loved a positive result. Well, he'd had two European killers but as for the second… No. He couldn't think about that now…
But there was something about Derek Chancer which Dr Loomis didn't like. He was starting to think on this occasion, he was going to fail. Not that this was necessarily a bad thing. Chancer would end up in old sparky and this was just fine with Dr Loomis.
Chancer was only the most cold, dangerous, and violent misogynist in the country. He made Adam Dawson look like a gentleman. His M.O was calculating and to be honest downright scary. Dr Loomis didn't shiver easily, but he had when he'd read Chancer's file.
Sometimes, Chancer would go as far as to buy a woman very cheap flowers which looked expensive, or ones with sharp petals which he'd filed down to lethal points, claiming he didn't know much about flowers. Or he'd buy them wine and drug it with poison or a sleeping sedative. Then once they were unconscious, he'd rape them. He'd wait for them to come around again and then repeat the rape while they were conscious. Then kill them in bloody, violent ways. One pour woman had had her own bunch of flowers stabbed straight into her chest; the petals modified with tiny knives. Another had been beaten to death with a hammer.
Dr Loomis had seen enough pictures of Chancer's "operating table" to get the general idea. He owned more chains, handcuffs, leg irons and other shackles than a high security prison. He'd chain them to it, rape and then kill them with a variety of tools.
He was certain some of the pictures would never leave his nightmares for the rest of his life. One was especially gruesome, a woman with a screwdriver imbedded in her stomach.
He couldn't help wondering where Chancer had got his money from. His parents? No one had been able to find any details of Chancer's father. He'd left them when Chancer was 3. His mother loved him, but it seemed she was just as disturbed as her son. Wanting to start a vendetta of fury and revenge against her ex-husband. She was now in prison for his attempt murder. His new girlfriend was under police protection. New identity, the works.
Dr Loomis privately didn't condone affairs, cheating. His view was to tell someone if you weren't happy. Just look at the carnage and blood shed this one had caused. Chancer's mother had either really adored his father or had been abusive and controlling in her own way. The only thing he felt a tug of sympathy towards Chancer for, was his wish to see his mother before he was executed. Dr Loomis had decided that he would try and make that happen before Chancer went to the chair. He might hate him for his crimes, but he was still human. Or at least… Almost.
But Chancer would never stop his campaign of terror, torture, and murder against women if he was ever released. Dr Loomis knew that. No woman would make him fall in love with her. She'd probably be dead before she could even tell him her name.
So, what'd been so different about Michael? Ok he didn't have a type of victim, he just killed whoever he came across, but how had she changed him so completely? The Michael Myers Dr Loomis had known wouldn't have saved Rick's life, apologised to Ryan for attacking him or any of the rest of the things he had done. Was it possible that it was a man like Chancer who was untreatable, as opposed to a killer like Michael?
Dr Loomis could feel the beginnings of a headache as he and Dr Stark entered the block. Dr Stark made to walk towards the cell then stopped. "Sam, are you ok?"
Dr Loomis gave her a small smile. "Yeah, just thinking. You know, it's funny. I don't think Michael's the evil incarnate, I think instead that's Mr. Chancer."
Dr Stark gave a grim nod. "Agreed. You going to be alright?"
Dr Loomis smiled at her, a little more genuinely this time. "Of course. You know me. Cup of coffee and I'll be right as rain. Go on, go, and see her. I'll be fine. She's had to wait for long enough and she's the one really going through hell. It's our job to stop it."
Dr Stark hesitated for a second and Dr Loomis felt a rush of affection for his colleague. "Go on," he repeated, giving her a gentle shove. She sighed but nodded, heading down the corridor.
…
Dr Loomis reached his office and saw George, one of the tech guys waiting for him. The iPod examination had taken them about two hours, God knew how long this would take.
"Alright boss?" George asked as Dr Loomis entered. "Roy's still out by the van getting the stuff."
"Good." Dr Loomis said. "Please remember, we're asking for total sound proofing of cell twelve, up to the maximum you can possibly make it. This is vital."
George frowned. Dr Loomis knew he was dying to ask why, but of course wasn't allowed to. "Ok boss," he said eventually after a second's pause. "That'll take around three hours then if you want the absolute max."
"That's fine," Dr Loomis said. "You'll be paid generously for it. But it needs to be done as soon as possible."
There was a quiet knock and Roy the other tech entered. "Got all the stuff ready," he said. "But we're going to need a hand to bring the sheets of soundproof foam in if that's ok. Can we borrow a couple of your guys? This shit's heavier than it looks."
"No problem," Dr Loomis said. "Do you also have a doorbell with you? The cell also needs one of those fitted."
"Um, why?" George said before he could stop himself. "That foam stops someone outside hearing you. It doesn't stop you seeing if someone's outside your cell."
"Uh, George," Roy said, glaring at his colleague. "she's blind, you idiot."
"Oh." George blushed. "Shit! Sorry! You did mention that."
"Think before you speak!" Roy punched George to the arm.
"Sorry boss," George looked mortified as he met Dr Loomis' just as disapproving gaze. "Yes, we have a doorbell in the van. No problems there."
"Just make a start as soon as you can please," Dr Loomis said. "We'll bring drinks to you whenever you ask for them, don't worry about that, but these needs doing as a matter of urgency."
The two techs nodded immediately and followed Dr Loomis out of his office.
…
Dr Loomis was just leading them towards the block doors, when he heard a soft "tap, tap" on the cell door to his right. Michael. Dr Loomis looked over at his patient and then stepped closer. "Michael?" He asked quietly, trying to smile.
Samuel Loomis thought he'd seen pretty much everything in this line of work. But when Michael reached out a hand and laid it on his arm, he realised he was wrong. His other was holding up a piece of card. Dr Loomis found himself stepping closer so he could read it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jack, Kevin and Scott look over, watching carefully, but they didn't step in. Dr Loomis smiled gratefully and reassuringly at the guards. Turning back to Michael, he read the card and was so shocked, he couldn't speak.
Are you ok?
It took Dr Loomis three times to read it before he finally accepted what his eyes were showing him. He took another step forward. Michael still hadn't released his arm. His grip gentle, not threatening at all. On the spur of the moment, Dr Loomis knew what he was going to do.
"Jack, you couldn't grab Michael and I a black coffee could you please?"
"Sure, thing boss, on it."
Dr Loomis glanced over his shoulder and saw Dr Stark letting Danielle out of her cell and taking her arm. Dr Loomis smiled at them. Dr Stark smiled back, mouthing "wow."
Dr Loomis agreed. "Wow" was probably the only word he'd have used too.
He opened Michael's cell door and immediately William and Jamie, two of the guards on that morning's early shift were running over with chains. Dr Loomis shook his head at them.
"Um, boss," Jamie began. "It's H…"
"Yes, I know its Halloween," Dr Loomis snapped before he could stop himself. "I've got a calendar on my wall thank you. Those chains are not needed."
The two guards looked at each other as if Dr Loomis was the one now going insane, before following him and the techs, who had waited patiently behind them. They were getting paid a shit load after all. What did they care? Plus, this was a high security ward, things happened. Dr Loomis saw William and Jamie both lay reassuring hands on their guns as they took their places either side of Michael. He couldn't stop a little stab of sympathy for them. They were still on their probation periods and if something went wrong it'd go against them.
"Look," he said quietly to the two guards as they headed out of the block, the techs following behind towards their van parked in the yard. "I'm sorry for snapping. It's ok. This won't go against you. I've made the decision. It's on my head. But it'll be fine."
The two men simply nodded, looking relieved by his words.
They reached the van and George and Roy started lifting out the huge sheets of incredibly thick, re-enforced foam which would cover the cell floor, walls, and door. Then their tool boxes. William and Jamie made as if to step forward to help, but before they could, Michael was in front of them and had lifted two of the foam sheets as if they were simply pieces of paper. The techs mouths feel open, as did the guards. Dr Loomis also stared in shock.
The techs stepped up to Michael and took the other ends, even though it looked as if Michael could carry them for miles without breaking a sweat. Dr Loomis thought of Judith's tomb stone in 78 and shivered a little.
The three men carried them into the block and this time it was Dr Loomis and the guards who followed behind. Michael set them down just inside the cell. Had he guessed? Dr Loomis wouldn't put anything past this man.
"Cheers," George panted, grinning at Michael as he wiped a hand across his forehead. Roy nodded. "Yeah, thanks." Dr Loomis could tell by Roy's face he'd recognised the killer and was as shocked as he was by what Michael Myers had just done. But chose to say nothing. George clearly hadn't and Roy didn't want to tell him who it was. Instead, Roy opened one of the toolboxes and brought out a lethal looking motorised saw for cutting the thick foam. George pulled out a measuring tool.
"We might need more of this stuff," Roy said.
"That's fine, just call if you need help," Dr Loomis answered. He glanced at the killer, wondering if he was looking at the saw and whether the Dr Loomis needed to get Michael out of there sharpish. But the killer was looking right back at him and had made no move towards the weapon or the men. Silently, the killer followed his doctor back out into the yard. William and Jamie behind them, still looking shocked. They attached one chain around Michael's waist, so he was chained to his concrete block, but his hands and legs weren't chained. They then stepped back behind Michael's yellow warning line without a word.
Are you ok? Dr Loomis only then realised the killer had again raised his card. He nodded and smiled at him, before handing the killer his coffee, having set them on the top of the concrete slab. Dr Loomis then moved to the bench which had been attached to the side of it, so Michael would have a seat. His mouth fell open in shock despite himself when the killer sat beside him. Dr Loomis picked up his own coffee.
"Was it that obvious?" he asked quietly, looking Michael straight in the eyes. He'd heard of the moments between the killer and some of the guards, the nicest ones if he was completely honest, but had never thought he'd have one of his own. Yet again, it seemed he'd been wrong. He'd been proved wrong a lot lately. Michael nodded very slightly.
"Shit," Dr Loomis ran his hands through his hair. "I'm fine thanks Michael, just tired. It's been a long morning and it's only 1PM. That interrogation suite is freezing, not to mention Mr. Chancer didn't want to give us answers willingly."
Chancer was locked in a solitary cell for a little while. Dr Loomis would let him back in to his soon, but right now he just wanted shot of him. He deserved it for being so sarcastic, rude, and quite frankly evil.
"Are you ok Michael?"
The killer nodded again, not breaking eye contact with his doctor. Another first. He then raised a piece of paper, this time handing it to Dr Loomis. This had never happened before.
I've suspected its Chancer behind the problems for Danielle with Adam. But I had no proof. If I had, I would've told you immediately. I kept my eyes on him from both cells trying to catch him out, but I couldn't.
This was the longest message Michael Myers had ever written to him and unable to stop himself, Dr Loomis slipped it into his briefcase. He then realised Michael was gesturing towards his pad and pen. Dr Loomis pulled it out and handed it to him. The killer wrote, then raised it. Dr Loomis could only stare at him. Had he read his mind? Chancer reminds me of Chadwick.
Dr Loomis couldn't stop a small shiver. "You read my mind," he said quietly. "Just the guy I was trying not to think about.
Graham Chadwick. Possibly the most dangerous killer to ever enter the facility apart from Chancer and Michael. He was the second European who'd been sent there to be treated. An utter disaster. Michael had been 18 at the time Chadwick had entered the hospital. Dr Loomis was sure his ghost would never leave. Not that he believed in ghosts, but if he ever was to, he'd see the ghosts of Chadwick's many victims, screaming for help and mercy.
Graham Chadwick had been Irish, born in Dublin. He was like Michael in one way. He didn't care who he killed. But there, the similarities ended. "The charming killer" he'd been dubbed by the press. His soft, lilting Irish accent charmed women far and wide. Chadwick would wine and dine them, make them think they were his one and only, sparing no cost on them. Then he'd take them to bed and have sex with them. They'd be dead before sunrise.
One journalist had been sacked from their paper, fined, and even faced a short prison sentence when they'd written "charm to die for." Dr Loomis thought that was in very poor taste indeed and had been glad the journalist had been punished. That was too far. The public outcry from it had been huge, calling for punishment which had been immediately given.
Chadwick's methods of killing were varied. A knife through the neck, hammer to the head, strangled and so on. His attacks on men started when he'd claim to a man his car had broken down and could they help? They'd come close enough to look and bang! Or he'd use he needed help getting something out of his car, garage, house or anywhere else. Calculating, charming and dangerous. Not a good combination at all.
Dr Loomis had tried to establish what made Chadwick "tick" why he did what he did, but to no avail. In the end, he'd had to conclude he just enjoyed it. What was worst as far as Dr Loomis was concerned however, was that Chadwick also killed children. He'd offer those sweets, lifts to places and the rest. Luckily most parents had warned their kids re "stranger danger," so most refused. The unlucky ones who didn't…
Dr Loomis wasn't often brought to tears, but he'd heard of two small children no older than 5 whom Chadwick had killed. Anger and hatred had taken him over and he'd wept in his office. It'd taken every ounce of professionalism he had to continue treating him. But that was when he'd decided. Execution. It didn't take him long to put his report together. As far as he was concerned, anyone who could kill 5-year-old children in cold blood was untreatable and deserved to die. Chadwick had gone to the chair only a month after entering Smith's Grove. Dr Loomis wouldn't have been surprised if cheers had gone round worldwide at the news of his death. Even he himself hadn't been able to resist a small smile.
But now, irony didn't even come close to being the correct word to describe what was happening. He'd called for Michael Myers to be executed too in 1978 and it hadn't happened. But in his case, maybe that'd been a good thing? Or she would never have met him, and…
"Chadwick was worse than Chancer," he said now, realising he hadn't spoken for at least a minute. "At least Chancer didn't kill kids!"
Michael just looked at him. Dr Loomis knew Michael Myers had never killed a child. He wasn't condoning killing of any kind of course, but children… Not to mention Michael was… Changing? The Michael Myers before Danielle would never have asked if Dr Loomis was ok or sat by him in the yard. Hell, Dr Loomis would've been over the other side of that damn line. That said, he knew Michael would never kill children either.
Chadwick and Myers had never come face to face during that month, Dr Loomis had made sure of that. But was it because he'd been afraid Chadwick would kill Michael, rather than the other way round? Michael killing Chadwick would've been just fine with him.
As if reading his mind once more, Myers raised another message. I would've killed him if given the opportunity.
"Chadwick?"
Correct.
"You know Michael," Dr Loomis spoke very softly. "I think I would've too."
Dr Loomis could've sworn Michael gave him a very small smile. Another first.
"Not that I condone pointless killing of course," Dr Loomis continued. "How many times have I told you that very thing over the years?" He smiled at his patient. "But him? Not to mention when it comes to yourself, I think a certain woman named Danielle is influencing you which you certainly didn't anticipate."
There was silence, doctor and patient simply looking at each other, then another ever so slight nod from the killer. Dr Loomis smiled back at him.