"Hello?" Dawson's voice said in Derek Chancer's ears. "Dawson?"
"Mr. Dawson," Chancer spoke in just above a whisper. If the microphones were as strong as those fuckers claimed, he should have no problem hearing him. "It's Derek Chancer in Smith's Grove. Bad news my friend. I think they've soundproofed her cell. I can't hear a word she's saying. I reported this and they apparently updated my software making the microphones stronger, but even with the update, it hasn't made any difference at all. Well, except I can now hear her voice, but not her words. I'm sorry."
"Then you need to keep trying!" Adam snapped. "You're getting paid enough!"
"I can't," Chancer said. "Not unless they can give me better software somehow. I don't think they'll get away with bringing an iPad or something in. I only just got away with the iPod. They're watching me Mr. Dawson. An iPad would ring every alarm bell in the place!"
There was silence, then Adam shouted, "FUCK!"
"Listen," Chancer said very quietly. "I'm on your side. I'd kill the bitch if I could, after I'd fucked her of course. So, believe me, lying to you is the last thing I'd do. I want to hear what she says too. So, I promise, I'm not making this up. I also need the money."
After another short pause, Dawson sighed and spoke again. "Well, you can have the money you're owed so far from me purely because you kill and fuck women. Good man! Thank you! You're a man I really respect and would love to meet. When you get out of there, can we arrange it? I'll help you in any way I can! Financially, or whatever else you need, in your mission to fuck and kill more bitches!"
Chancer sneered. The guy was a fucking ammeter. Ok he was a misogynist there was no doubting that, but Derek doubted Dawson would be able to kill a woman. If he could, why wasn't Hayward dead already? Why had she even got here? As if reading his mind, Dawson spoke again.
"I tried; you know. To kill Danielle. She attempted suicide because I was quote abusing her, total bullshit! Fucking pussies won't make it law! God, I wish they would! Women are second class to men but the powers that be are too cowardly or stupid to make it law! I had a machete that day. I was trying to finish her off with it. But she got into my garage too fast and when I saw she was hanging so would die anyway, I locked the door. But God help me Mr. Chancer. If I'd got to her in time, that machete would've been straight through her throat. I had to pretend I was trying to get through the door because my fucking neighbour saw everything. I still got arrested. I'm serious, man. You can have the money you've made so far just for killing bitches. I'm also serious when I say please can I meet you someday? You're one of my idols."
Chancer felt his sneer intensify. Underneath it though, part of him couldn't deny Dawson's words and flattery felt good. He felt like a celebrity with a fan desperate to shake his hand or get his autograph. He decided he'd humour the rich guy. Especially if he was offering to help him financially when he got out! Now he'd offered, he sure as fuck wasn't taking it back. Not if he wanted to stay alive at any rate. Chancer killed women admittedly. But he could and would certainly make an exception to his usual rule and kill a man if he'd been lied to, named Adam Dawson.
"Ok," he said eventually. "We'll meet up when I get out of here. You can't visit me in here for obvious reasons."
Oh, Adam knew what the "obvious reasons" were alright. His fucking bitch was also on that ward. If he came into Smith's Grove even to visit Chancer, he'd be accused by that bitch of a judge of breaching his order. "Yeah," he said bitterly. "Don't I fucking know it?"
"Sorry," Chancer apologised. He wasn't sorry at all. "But yes. When I get out of here, I'll meet up with you for a drink or something."
"Awesome, thanks."
"So, what do you want me to do about the here and now?" Chancer asked. "I honestly can't hear a word she says."
Adam felt his anger soften towards the other man. True he was angry the quacks had made such a stupid, all be it clever move to modify his bitch's cell, but that wasn't Derek Chancer's fault, a man Adam Dawson had idolised for years given that Chancer was ten years older than him. He sighed softly.
"Just keep trying Mr. Chancer. Can you? I don't mean all the time but when you can?" Adam kept his voice reasonable, and he genuinely wasn't angry with Chancer. Danielle though, that was another story.
"I totally understand where you're coming from re getting a new piece of surveillance equipment in after what happened with the iPod. I'm sorry about that."
Chancer snorted. "Fucking Dr Loomis. I was in an interrogation cell for three fucking hours. Fucking cold and claustrophobic and there were guards all over me."
"I'm sorry," Adam said again. He meant it. Chancer made a dismissive sound. "Not your fault. Just keep fucking and hating women for me, ok?"
"You're on," Adam said with a grin. He felt a strong bond with the notorious woman killer. They were united in their single aim. To get rid of the female sex. But then Derek Chancer spoke again, and Adam felt himself falling fast back to earth, his excitement fading.
"Listen Mr. Dawson. I must warn you. For your sake as much as mine. It's not only because of the problems with the iPod that I'm struggling to continue with the job. It's because of who is protecting Danielle Hayward."
"Who?" Adam asked.
"Only the one man who scares everyone shitless," Chancer said. "The man who wears a deathly pale mask and kills anyone he comes across without hesitation. Well, except Danielle, it seems."
This time, Adam was forced to listen. Was it really, truly Michael Myers who was protecting her? If it was… He took a deep breath.
"Are you serious?" He knew it was a stupid question, but he just had to ask it. "You honestly, truthfully mean Michael Myers?"
"I do," Chancer replied. "I mean Michael Myers."
Shit! Shit! Michael Myers was protecting Danielle Hayward. Bad! It also meant there was only one thing he could do. It'd been what he had already considered, but now Chancer had just confirmed Danielle was indeed being protected by the masked killer, it made his idea much straighter forward and easier to accomplish.
"Mr. Chancer," he said after a moment. "I've got a plan. Can I run it passed you? Michael Myers is indeed the one man who scares me shitless. In which case, I need to try and stop him protecting her. I think I know exactly how I'll attempt it. There's no way he'll do so after this."
"Ok," Chancer said quietly. "Run it passed me. I'm all ears."
Adam felt his anger at Danielle rise further with the ears reference and was sure Chancer had used it on purpose. This was only confirmed when he heard Chancer snicker.
"Stupid bitch," the woman killer said. "She loves ears. What the fuck? She'd be dead before she got anywhere near my fucking ears!"
Adam laughed out loud. "I couldn't agree with you more. Of course I had to let her touch mine at first, false security and all that, but now, I'd fucking fuck and kill her if she even tried to touch my ears!"
"Good man after my own heart," Chancer said. "But come on, I probably don't have long before the screws come back to check on me. So run it passed me quickly. What are you thinking?"
As quickly as he could, Adam started to speak, spelling out his plan.
…
"Hi," Dr Loomis said when Danielle entered the therapy room, once again allowed to sit opposite Dr Loomis, not behind the glass. "Dr Stark is on leave so I'm here to help you in the meantime if that's ok?"
"Sure," she said. "No problem. In fact, Dr Loomis, I've wanted to say something to you for a while, is that ok?"
"Of course. I'm all ears."
She chuckled. "Shut up," she said, blushing.
Dr Loomis chuckled back. "Oh yes of course, ears."
She took a deep breath. She hated saying things like this, but when she had to, she did. In this case, she most certainly did.
"No one can hear us, right?" She asked.
"No," Dr Loomis assured her. "This room and glass are soundproof, even more so than your cell. No one can hear a word, I promise you."
"Thanks. Well…" she took a deep breath. "Dr Loomis, I want to say a very sincere sorry for the way I treated you at the beginning of my time here. I was bitter, scared and to be honest damn disrespectful towards you. I thought at first, you'd switched to Dr Stark because I wouldn't engage with you, but now I understand it was purely because you have my best interests at heart. She's been amazing as have you, but I shouldn't have been so rude to you back then and I'm very sorry for it."
"Oh Danielle," she could tell he was smiling as he reached out and grasped her hand. Her affection for him intensified. "Don't be so silly. Of course you were bitter. You'd just attempted suicide following horrendous domestic abuse. Of course you were scared. Also," he squeezed her hand now. "I've had much, much worse, believe me."
"That's not the point," she said. "I was bang out of order and I'm so sorry for it."
"Not that you need this," Dr Loomis squeezed her hand again. "But its ok, I forgive you."
She smiled at him now, she couldn't help it. "Thanks, and I do need to hear that, it means a lot to me."
"In which case you're more than welcome," Dr Loomis gave her hand a final squeeze before releasing it. "Now forget it, it's all in the past."
"I really appreciate that, thank you. But if we're now going in to the here, now and future, my main emotion is anger. I can't believe he still won't leave me alone, even in here. Why? What the hell is he hoping to accomplish? Drive me to suicide a second time?"
"Which we both know he'd fail in doing," Dr Loomis said, and she felt herself blushing. "Don't we? Plus, we both know why. Or rather, who you won't do it because of."
Her blush grew hotter. She knew she was bright red and so did Dr Loomis evidently when he quietly chuckled.
"Yes. He'd fail. But it isn't just because of Michael. It's also Charlotte and her family. I adore all of them, including Michael. I've realised I can't give up because of one fucking misogynist. That's what he wants me to do after all. Ok I'll have to be protected from him, but I'll be damned if I'm letting him win!"
"Good for you!" Dr Loomis said and touched her arm. "That's what we want to hear you say! That also sounds more like the Danielle before what happened."
She smiled at him. "Thanks Dr Loomis."
"You're welcome," Dr Loomis said again.
She knew Dr Loomis would've read her profile before she arrived and gained information from people who knew her, from doctors to schoolteachers. She wondered just how much he knew. As if reading her thoughts, Dr Loomis laughed.
"Don't worry, I just know about your education, a bit about your social life and so on. Not before Adam, however. Except from a couple of your college friends who said you got quieter and quieter as time went on with him."
She pulled a face. "Yeah, I wonder why that was."
"Well at least he's all over with now," Dr Loomis assured her. "You won't be seeing him again; we'll make sure of that. Not just us doctors, however."
She felt herself blushing again, knowing what the doctor was getting at. She couldn't help it.
"I don't know for absolute certain Michael will want to keep in touch with me when I leave here," she said softly.
"I do," Dr Loomis said. "Having seen the way he looks at you, how he watches out for you, I don't think he'll want you to lose touch when you leave. Whether as friends or…" He paused meaningfully. "Otherwise."
"That… That was another thing I wanted to discuss with you," she said. "My… Feelings for Michael."
"Yes, I thought as much," Dr Loomis said, and she just knew he was smiling. "Well go ahead. We have all the time you need."
"Will it sound…" she hesitated. "Weird if I start gushing about a masked, silent serial killer?"
"Not at all. Love is not a crime, you know. He's still a man. Even if I do think he has some…"
"Supernatural abilities?" she finished the sentence for him. "Yeah, me to. Having read about some of his kills and such, not to mention some of the things he's done since I've known him."
"Exactly," Dr Loomis agreed. "But to answer your question, no I don't think it's weird at all. In fact, I welcome it. Considering as you'll probably know, I've thought of Michael Myers as "evil incarnate for the last thirty-five years."
Now she couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I saw that when I Googled him once." She drew quotation marks with her fingers. "I met this 6-year-old child with this blank, expressionless face and the blackest eyes. The devil's eyes."
Dr Loomis chuckled. "Wow," he said, sounding impressed. "I had no idea my words would become so famous. But there you are then. So, show me I'm wrong. Even if Michael's doing a damn good job of doing that for himself. That, Miss Hayward is all because of you. So, tell me. How do you feel about Michael Myers?"
"You already know, don't you?" she was aware she was blushing again. "I can tell by the tone of your voice."
"Perhaps," Dr Loomis said, sounding amused now. "But I'd like to hear it from you. How, exactly, do you feel about Michael Myers/"?
"Damn shrinks," but she was grinning. "Always want to probe inside our deepest thoughts and secrets. No wonder I always have a headache at the end of these sessions!"
"Ah, I know." Dr Loomis gave a dramatic sigh. "Isn't it annoying?"
She couldn't help but laugh at this. "Very, Dr Loomis!" She took a moment to compose her thoughts and then, finally started talking out loud about the feelings she'd harboured for the last few weeks, but which felt like forever.
…
By the time he arrived home hours later, Adam was tired, but ready to make his plans. His client had had a lot of little jobs which needed doing, some of which he'd only thought of while Adam was there. Lucky for him. Lucky for Adam too, considering he'd been paid a shit load for it. A day's work well done. Now he had enough money to get a real report on his property. Damn it he wanted one. They'd been silent for too long since the text last night. That was too long as far as Adam was concerned. He was paying enough, he wanted answers.
But in the meantime, he had plans to make. Admittedly some of which would probably cost money, but Adam didn't care. It'd be worth every dime when they came to fruition. Although it was still relatively early, he ordered food from his favourite take away and once it had arrived, he sat down with his laptop and instead of loading up porn as he usually did, began work on his plans. The rest of the day was his now, so he had all the time he needed to make sure they would work, and that he got everything right. That was vital if he was to succeed.
…
"Well, I think… I think I love him. I've felt like this for the last few weeks. At first, I told myself that getting close to a man again was a huge mistake, let alone a masked, silent serial killer! And I was simply grateful to Michael for the help he gave me. When I first started feeling something a couple of months ago, I thought it was purely because he was the first man who'd been kind to me in the ways he had since I got here. So, I was really confused. But I did want to make sure that it wasn't just because he and I were both locked up here and I wasn't just… using him if you like to get through everything. At first, I was genuinely happy to think I had a friend, a killer friend if you will," Dr Loomis chuckled. "And kept shouting at myself not to let a man too close. But then I found myself thinking, you can't love a killer, and that was when I knew I had to start facing it, the possibility I might be starting to do just that. But little things he's done for me over the last couple of weeks, yes like letting me touch his ears, holding me close at night and so on made it harder and harder for me to deny.
Believe me, while I was on my own at night, I had a lot of time to think about it and always came back to the same conclusion. I was falling in love with and then realised I love Michael Myers. I wanted… Want to be with him. But I don't know how to tell him and if truth be told, I'm a little nervous to do so. I know as well as anyone he won't have experienced love before either. Not even fake love like I did at first, before Adam showed his true colours I mean. So, I want to make certain that Michael knows I'm not tricking or messing around with either him, or his emotions. I don't have a death wish."
Dr Loomis had listened in silence up to this point, but now he spoke. "Not that I believe for a second Michael would ever actually hurt you, but I do understand where you're coming from there."
"He might have done once," she argued. "I bet when he first saw me, he thought about it. What a ridiculously easy kill I would've been if he'd got the chance. Totally blind, not able to see him coming, I'd be handed to him on a damn plate!"
The Psychiatrist appeared to consider her words for a moment. "Fair point," he said. "Which is one reason I was so angry with Joanne the first time you crossed Michael's line. I don't know if she told you, but I lost my temper. That, for me, is very rare indeed."
"No, she didn't, but I'm not surprised. I'm amazed he didn't try to kill me to be honest."
"If you want the truth, so was I at the time. But I have thought about it since, as I'm sure you have and conclude that it may have in fact, been your blindness that saved you. Your vulnerability… Got to him somehow."
She nodded. "I won't lie, I've wondered the very same thing ever since it happened. But then I told myself it was simply because we were surrounded by guards and that was why he hadn't at least tried. But then as time went on and he started… Looking out for me, I began to reconsider things. Like the time he wrote me that letter stating I was sending him mixed signals. I genuinely hadn't meant to, but I was scared back then and if truth be told, didn't trust men or even myself. I think that's one reason I spoke to you the way I did." She turned her head away in shame, but Dr Loomis touched her arm again and she looked back at him and smiled.
"Then when Jefferson made that remark about looking at my tits or whatever it was, he said, and Michael tried to strangle him that first time, then actually did the second after Jefferson sexually assaulted me, I found myself wondering, why does Michael Myers give two shits what anyone says or does to me? But it seems he did. He smashed Jefferson's skull into a pulp against his own cell bars after the assault for fuck's sake! You can't get much more violent than that! Not to mention he didn't touch me. God knows what Michael might have done if he had!"
I then heard about what happened with Michael, Rick, and Derek Chancer when Chancer tried to strangle Rick. How Michael knocked chancer out then carried Rick to the ambulance single handed. Still in his chains and all! Joanne told me the story a few days later and I think I know why she did. Because Michael was changing, and it was apparently because of me. I'm not stupid, Dr Loomis. I can read the signs as well as anyone else. The Michael Myers you knew before, would not have helped Rick or done any of the other things he's done. But I still struggled at first to believe that was my doing."
"And now?" Dr Loomis asked.
She blushed. "Now, I am finding myself having to accept that it just might be because of me. The way he's protecting me and anyone I trust…" She paused. "The little things he's doing for me, I can't look at it any other way anymore."
"I'll tell you something else," Dr Loomis said. "He also apologised to Ryan for the attempt on his life and told him it would never happen again. He has also communicated to Rick that both he and Joanne are also forever safe from his need to kill. Now if that isn't because of you then I don't know what is. They were working here long before you came here."
She let out a low whistle. "Wow. That's…"
But she couldn't find the word to finish her sentence. Dr Loomis gave a quiet, "hmm," indicating to her he understood exactly what she was struggling to say.
"I want to tell him," Danielle said at last, after a few moments comfortable silence between doctor and patient. "I want to tell him how I feel and how serious I am. Even if he stays here for the rest of his life, I want to be with him, Dr Loomis. I'd visit him whenever I could and not go near any other man in that way. This is not just a… Smith's Grove fling if you like, it's real. I'll owe him for the rest of my life, and I think he's stolen my heart. The only reason I say think is because it's only ever been done once and that turned out to be fake. But this? I think this is real. Unless Michael Myers is a better actor than I'd ever suspected, of course."
…
46:
…
Dr Loomis chuckled. "I know what you're saying and to be honest, I doubt that. The things he's done since getting close to you are too many just to be that of someone pretending something."
"That's what I thought too. Which is why I want him to know, somehow. I know you guys won't be able to provide a private romantic meal for two or anything like that, too many security risks with knives, candles and so on. They and Michael don't mix. I get that. But is there anything at all you can do? I want it to be special in some way when I tell him. I only say if because I don't know if I'll have the nerve!" she realised she was blushing again and didn't try to stop it.
"I want it to be special partly for myself I can't lie, considering how little romance I've had in my life, but also for Michael. To show him I mean business, if you will. That I'm not lying to him and mean every word I say."
"Hmm." Dr Loomis said, obviously thinking. "Ok, leave it with me, I'll see what I can do. While we're about you starting to trust a few men again, I heard about your date joke to Jack."
"Oh no…" she began, turning redder. Dr Loomis chuckled.
"No that was a good thing. Jack said the same. It showed all of us that you are getting there. When you first arrived, there's no way you'd have said that, is there?"
"Not a chance!" she said without hesitation.
"There you are then. I rest my case. Dr Stark heard it too of course as you were on the radio to her at the time and she said the same as Jack. That was a big step for you and well done for it. All three of us are proud of you. I'm sure a certain man named Michael Myers would be too if you told him."
She could hear her doctor's smile. She smiled back at him, feeling much more at ease now she'd finally got all this of her chest. It looked like she might have a chance to tell Michael Myers how she felt after all. I love a killer. But if she did, would she be able to say it the right way without her nerves and still slightly present fears of men getting the better of her? And if so, how would he react if she did? But she knew two things for certain as she finally left the therapy room at the end of her session. She was doing so if she got the chance and as for his reaction, only time would tell.
…
Three hours later, Adam looked up from his laptop's screen, a satisfied smirk on his face. Stage one was done, perfect. He remembered running his plan past Derek Chancer, still not quite able to believe who he was talking to.
"Make sure you use words you normally wouldn't," Chancer had said. "Like, abuse." Adam had gritted his teeth.
"I know I know," Chancer continued. "But think about it Mr. Dawson! If you don't, it'll be blatantly obvious she didn't really say it. You must make it look as realistic and authentic as you can. Even if it takes hours. If you really want this to succeed, it'll take time."
As much as Adam hated it, he knew Chancer was right. "Alright, alright," he said reluctantly. "Does your iPod have an Email option? I could send it to you after it's done, see what you think?"
"I don't think that's a good idea. Given the fact they're still watching me and suspicious that my iPod is a damn sight more than an iPod. Use your own judgement, trust yourself. I'm sorry, I can't help you with that. That could get me caught faster than you could post it."
Adam sighed. He knew the other man was right, even if he didn't like it. It was certainly logic he couldn't argue with. "Fine, I get it. Sorry, I didn't think."
"That," Chancer said, a slight sneer in his voice. "Is obvious."
Adam opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Arguing with Derek Chancer was not a good idea. Not when he'd just asked to meet him hours previously. He didn't want that first meeting to be the last of his life.
Now, he re-read what he'd written for what felt like the hundredth time. It looked ok to him, as realistic as he could make it. Now, there was only one more thing he had to do to get this first stage of his plan's ball rolling. He opened his laptop's online store and purchased the app he'd need for this. He'd thought about how much money this plan might cost him, so far it was just the small price for the programme and the cost of a first-class postage stamp. So far, so good.
…
Danielle sat in her cell as night drew in, waiting for Michael to return. It appeared the killer had taken a walk. If she was honest, that suited her just fine. Because it gave her time to get her crazily wandering thoughts in order. She'd already decided she wasn't going to tell him here, like this. Dr Loomis had told her to leave it with him, so she'd do just that, see what the doctor came up with.
She found herself thinking back to the rest of her session with Dr Loomis. It'd lasted three hours in total and by the end, she had felt considerably better. She may have meant what she'd said to Dr Loomis, she sometimes left the sessions with a headache, but this one she'd left feeling happy and like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Perhaps, because, it had.
…
"Can I ask you Dr Loomis, what did you find out from my college friends?"
"Ah! Now do you really want me to be the one to divulge their deepest, darkest secrets?"
She laughed. "Come on, spill!"
Dr Loomis chuckled with her. "Just that you were very outgoing with a love of music. It was your number one joy in life, wasn't it?"
She grinned. "Yeah. To tell you the truth…" She wasn't quite sure why she wanted to tell Dr Loomis this, possibly because it was a good ice breaker? A piece of humour? But she'd started now so she had to finish. She wasn't the type to stop mid-sentence. "You know the band in the eighties tears for fears?"
"Yes," Dr Loomis said.
"They're my favourite band. Always have been. But my friends used to tease me and say I should make my own band based off them and call it either…" She blushed. "Cheers for ears, or here to ears!"
Dr Loomis burst out laughing. She could tell he was genuinely amused. She couldn't help but join him.
"Very good," Dr Loomis said. "I like that a lot."
She smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, so did I."
"Did?" Dr Loomis asked, of course immediately noting her past tense.
She sighed. "The friend who started it, Ruby, has turned her back on me. She's the friend I told Jack about. I'm guessing he didn't tell you. I appreciate him keeping my confidence. Anyway, she told me I should've listened to her regarding Adam, and I didn't, so… She said I deserved what I got."
"I'm sorry," Dr Loomis said.
She shrugged. "It hurt at first," she admitted. "But now I know who the ones are who really care about me. They're the ones who've kept in touch with me. Charlotte, Sophie, and the rest. They've called and texted me almost daily while I've been here."
"Well, that's good. It is indeed true then when they say your true friends are the ones who stand by you when you're in trouble or difficulty?"
She smiled at him. "Yeah."
"Your friends, teachers and so on also mentioned you're…" Dr Loomis laughed. "Well one said warped sense of humour, another twisted. About how you can make jokes about your blindness very easily. Or at least you could, before…"
"Adam." She finished. "Yeah, I did. I guess deep down it was a coping mechanism. Sure, I had days when I just wanted to cry about being unable to see, but most of the time it was fine."
"I'm sure you did," Dr Loomis said sympathetically. She didn't take it as patronising as she may have done previously, not from him.
"Thanks," she said with a genuine and sincere smile at him. "Adam made me really feel my blindness if you know what I mean. At first, he was all nice about it, but then as time went on, he started using it against me, if you will. Accusing me of not matching his clothes correctly by colour and so on. How I hadn't washed them properly. Or there was eggshell in his food which I had to cook; you get the drift."
"I'm sorry," Dr Loomis said again. "I don't know how he dared accuse you of incorrect colours. They're impossible for you to deal with that's just…"
She got the impression the doctor was truly angered by this. Now it was her to reach out and touch his arm. "If you want my advice," Dr Loomis said quietly. "Don't tell Michael about that. Especially the colours' part. Not unless…"
This time, she didn't finish the sentence for him. She didn't need to. They both knew what he hadn't said. Unless you are really trying to get him killed.
…
Graham Williamson slammed the door of his little council flat behind him and headed straight for his small bedroom. He was tired and wanted sleep. He checked his watch and with relief, realised he was in time for the start of his curfew. The metal teeth of the tag cutting in to his ankle was a Dr Stark reminder of it. It was also the deterrent he needed never to commit crime again. Unlike most criminals, he'd decided to take the chance the courts had given him seriously. He should never have got involved in the first place. Just petty stuff, helping to burgle a house, shop theft and so on, but it had been a huge mistake. As soon as the tag came off in three months, he was completely turning over a new leaf and leaving the criminal world behind.
He'd just got in to bed minutes later when his phone rang. He hated sleeping with the tag on but knew he wouldn't have too much longer with it and would never wear one again. His criminal life was over. Picking up his phone, he looked down at the display and sighed. It was Adam.
Graham hadn't seen Adam Dawson for at least a year. He'd of course seen his well-publicised domestic abuse trial and it didn't make him any keener to be in his company. Graham might not want to settle down with a woman and agreed they were great for sex, but that was as far as his feelings towards them went. Otherwise, he respected the female sex. He wasn't like his… Former friend? Acquaintance? Who took it entirely to the next level? Graham didn't condone violence against women. He might not want to settle down with one, but that didn't mean they should be hurt, hated, and belittled at every turn. Adam Dawson was nothing more or less than an outright misogynist. When this had become clear to Graham, he'd cut ties with him. So former friend was probably the most accurate word to use to describe him.
Graham hadn't told Adam his views of what he was doing but was pretty sure he'd made them clear by his actions. Actions speak louder than words after all. He'd stopped hanging out with him, meeting him for drinks and the rest. By the sounds of it he wasn't the only one. Quite a few men had. Not all men were damn fucking misogynists. He'd previously wondered if Dawson was mentally ill in some way. But his actions towards a totally blind woman had disproved that. As far as Graham was concerned, Adam Dawson was just a pure evil individual.
So why the hell was he calling him now? Surely Graham had made it clear he wanted him out of his life. Graham had even gone as far as to delete Adam's number. But clearly, it hadn't been done the other way round. He knew it was Adam because he remembered his number. For a second, he considered ignoring the call but despite everything, his curiosity got the better of him. Sighing, he answered.
…
Adam really didn't want to make these next two phone calls, but he knew he had to. They were essential to his plans. He closed the document he'd been working on for the last three hours and opened the second. He glanced down it critically and then nodded. It was all perfect and ready to go, if his chess pieces moved in the way he needed to control them to do. That was all these people were to him as far as he was concerned, chess pieces on a board.
He'd considered only putting part one of his plan in to action, but he'd since decided that to make his point properly and completely, he needed both parts to be accomplished. He would set part one in motion first, but he needed to at least know part two would be possible later, within the next couple of days if all went well. Picking up his phone, he dialled the first of the two numbers.
"We have no more news to tell you Mr. Dawson," said the child's voice on the other end of his phone, "we told you we'd call you when we did. You are calling too much could be dangerous."
"It's nothing to do with that," Adam snapped. "I'm not stupid sonny. I know all too well how dangerous it could be. You haven't been in court for the last fucking week! No, listen. This is something else I need you to do for me. I'll pay whatever it costs, but this must be done."
"Hmm," said the boy's voice, sounding more amused than anything. Adam felt his temper rise even further if that was possible. "No promises Mr. Dawson, but I'll listen at least."
Jesus! Adam was glad they weren't face to face, or he would, quite possibly, punch the little bastard. Even if it turned out to be a huge bloke using voice changing software after all. "Fine!" He snarled. "Then just fucking listen!"
"Of course, Mr. Dawson, but you know that'll cost you too, right? A dollar a minute? So, it might be a good thing, for your bank account at least, if you start talking."
"Why the God damn little… Adam forced himself not to retaliate and clamped down on his anger. He knew that alright, but this was urgent.
"I need you to make me a fake ID," he said. "I have the guy's picture and know someone who looks very similar to him. They don't sound anything alike and normally that'd worry me given she's totally blind and knows voices better than most, but she hasn't seen him for years and I highly doubt she'd remember his voice that well. His name's Alex Sparks, whose picture I have. They used to go to school together. I need my fake Sparks to get into that nut house and give the bitch a message from me."
"You know of course how big a risk that is? If you're doing it just for your own kicks Mr. Dawson, I highly advise against it."
"That's my decision!" Adam snapped back.
"Of course it is," said the voice. "But I think it's a really stupid idea."
"I don't give a fuck what you think. I'm paying you so you'll do as I say!"
"Ok," said the boy. "Whatever you say."
Adam knew the little shit didn't give two hoots whether he was arrested, so Adam wasn't even sure why the idiot was trying to advise him in the first place. What was it to him? Probably some kind of issue for the criminal underworld. Well tough fucking shit!
"Can you, do it?" He asked without preamble. "I can send you the picture, but I need to know if it's possible. To make it into a fake ID I mean."
"Of course it's possible, Mr. Dawson. But it'll cost you and we'll need at least a day to do it."
Adam had expected that and in all honesty that was fine with him, it gave him a chance to implement part one of his plan. Get rid of the protection, then stir in the fear. Perfect. Adam licked his lips as if it was indeed something delicious, he could taste on his tongue.
"Fine." He said again. "Can I have an Email address to send the pic to?"
"Yes. We also need the guy's date of birth and full name at the very least. Despite what you may think, Smith's Grove isn't stupid, they do check ID's. That's the least information you need. The more you can get, the better."
"Yeah whatever," Adam said. "Just do it!"
The voice passed him the Email address and then disconnected. Adam knew he'd now have at least another ten-dollar bill, but God it'd be worth it. But now for this next call. This one was going to be a lot trickier and more complicated. Not only because of who would he be speaking to, but all the underlying issues between them. But damn it he'd help. If he knew what was good for him anyway. Adam had friends who wouldn't hesitate to finish him off if he didn't. If he didn't need him for his looks, Adam wouldn't go anywhere near him. But none of his friends could do it. They were all too tall, and muscular men. Only he would fit the part. He'd do it because his life depended on it.
"Hello Adam," Graham Williamson said. He sounded tired. "Listen man, I was just about to…"
"I don't care if you were just about to fuck a whore," Adam snarled. "You'll listen to me Williamson or you'll regret it. I know full well you've turned your back on me after the trial, secretly love bitches I suppose. But you will hear me out or be very sorry indeed."
"Why… What do you mean?" Graham stammered and Adam smirked. The little guy was always a fucking coward. At five-four, he was very short for a man and Adam had often teased him at school, as he'd spent his whole life small. But now, it worked to Adam's advantage. Sparks was only a few feet taller, and he knew only too well things like that couldn't be seen in those ID cards.
"You know damn fucking well what I mean. I have friends, Williamson. True, real friends." He emphasised the last three words, so the other man could be left in no doubt what he was talking about, or who he was referring to. "Friends who'll beat you to a fucking pulp if you don't do as I say." Adam had always suspected Graham feared him at school and being so small, didn't dare argue with any of the other boys. This was only confirmed when he spoke again. His voice was shaking for one thing.
"What do you want from me?"
Adam knew Graham had dabbled in petty crime; he'd heard it through the grape vine. But he also knew the little bastard would never tell him about it. He also would bet on Graham wanting to put it behind him and was regretting his mistake. Hell, he'd probably been persuaded, in inverted commas, by taller men to do it in the first place.
"I want you to go into a secure location with a fake ID and pass a message on for me."
"Why me?"
"I'm coming to that you are fucking dwarf! Because you look like the man whose ID I'm using. Remember Alex Sparks, Williamson?"
"Alex… Alex Sparks? I don't look anything like him."
"Yes, you are fucking do, don't try and worm your way out of this! He's only a few inches taller than you. So, listen up or else. You're going into Smith's Grove Asylum with his ID and you're going to pass on a message to my blind, nutty ex."
"Um," Graham said and to Adam's anger, he almost sounded defiant now. "Think again Adam. I don't sound anything like Sparks. Danielle will be the first to realise that within seconds, duh! Voices are her way of looking! Surely you know that?"
"Fuck she will! She hasn't seen, yes fucking seen, and Sparks for years. There's no way she'll remember his voice well enough to realise it's not him!"
"I think you're underestimating her," Graham said quietly. "Badly, actually. I think you're very, very wrong about that."
"Well, that's irrelevant to you," Adam snarled. "This is my decision, and you'll do it, or else."
"Or else what?" Williamson asked, anger flaring up now. "There's no fucking way I'm going to go in there and trick her for your sick games, Dawson! What you did to her was fucking horrific! I saw the whole trial, you know! Her and Charlotte Avery! You deserved everything you got, and I could tell that judge wanted nothing more than to lock you up and throw away the key! I wish she fucking had! I hate you for the way you treat women! They deserve respect, certainly more than you give them, asshole! That's why I turned my back on you! You're a fucking evil misogynist and I'll be damned if I'll help feed your fucking sexual kicks! Get someone else to do it because I sure as fuck am not!"
It took Adam a few seconds to speak following Graham's rant. Anger was surging through him. The God damn fucking… Adam was tempted to get his friends to beat the dwarf up just for his daring to speak against him. No one spoke out against Adam Dawson, no fucking one! Man or woman! He took a breath and forced himself to calm down.
"That," he said very quietly, his voice dangerous. "Is where you're wrong, Williamson. You will do it, or you'll lose your sorry excuse for a life. I know people, Williamson. People who'd gladly kill you at the drop of a hat. Remember Ray? Tony? Much taller than you for a start and who hate your fucking guts? Oh, they remember you, Graham. They'd be more than happy to see you bleeding out on the floor! You know, originally, I was going to offer you money for this. But now? You can forget all about that! If you want to keep your life, whatever little there is of it with your so-called criminal exploits, oh yes, I know all about that, then you'll God Damn do this?"
"I don't want your fucking dirty money," Graham snapped. "But I'm not doing it! No fucking way!"
Adam faked sadness. "Then I hope you've got your funeral prepared Williamson, you'll need it."
…
Graham Williamson hardly slept that night. This time however, it had nothing to do with the metal teeth of the ankle cuff from his tag digging into his flesh. No, it had everything to do with that evil prick Dawson and the phone call he'd just taken. He had no doubt Dawson would carry out his threats without hesitation or get someone else to do so on his behalf. If he could treat a blind woman the way he had without a care in the world for her wellbeing, then Graham was such an easy target it was almost laughable.
He knew he had to do something to appease Dawson, at least until the son of a bitch was arrested for good that was, but to go in and trick a totally blind woman? Graham didn't have the stomach, conscience, or morals for that. So, he'd have to think of something which could get him into Smith's Grove, yes, he'd take the fake ID if he had to, and he could then warn the doctors of what Adam had said.
He smiled a little to himself. Oh, the irony! From petty crime to being the Good Samaritan… But he knew which option he preferred. He wouldn't have got into crime at all if he hadn't been forced by two much taller and stronger men than he. And that was only because he'd been able to fit through a window due to his height.
Sighing, Graham looked at his clock. It was 2AM. But at least now he had an idea of what he was going to do. Take the ID, get into Smith's Grove, though part of him hoped the ID check failed and he was escorted out, and then tell someone what Adam had said. Not her though. He was determined on that. She'd been through enough because of that bastard Dawson, and he wasn't going to add any more to it. Satisfied, he at last managed to close his eyes. But it was still a long time before he fell asleep.
…
Derek laid the iPod on his bedside table, anger coursing through him. He'd said that fucker Dawson not to call him and what'd he done? Just that.
"You don't need to speak," Dawson had said immediately. "I know you can't. But please, just listen to me. I want you to hear this as I couldn't send it to you."
He'd then proceeded to read his plan to Derek, referring to the sender as "my writer." Derek had to admit he was being careful, but it didn't soften his anger.
Privately if he was honest, he thought Dawson was a coward and a total idiot. Why the hell was he spending all his time going after one woman? Why not just fuck and kill her before moving on to someone else? He seemed determined to make Hayward's life one of terror and fear, but why? Even if he carried out his plan and it worked, there was still all the security in Smith's Grove to think of. Dawson must be mad if he thought he could pull this off.
Derek knew what he was trying to do. Get rid of her protection before he made his move. But Derek for his part would've just fucked Hayward and killed her. He saw no point in controlling and terrorising women beyond this point. Why was Dawson fixating on Hayward when he could just as easily find a new victim? Leach had emailed him a picture of Dawson and Derek had to admit he was a good-looking guy; he'd have had women all over him if he'd wanted without trying. So why was he wasting his time on a blind woman who couldn't even appreciate his good looks? Unless he was trying to drive her to suicide or something?
Derek of course didn't know exactly why Hayward was in there, or at least he hadn't until he'd seen the trial news. Hayward had tried to kill herself because of Adam's abuse and was now in Smith's Grove as a result. Adam, meanwhile, was using that as his defence, claiming he was the victim and Hayward was the one insane and abusive. Not that the court had bought a word of it.
Having heard what Dawson had to say, Derek had to admit it was good. He'd carefully thought about what he was doing, that much was clear. But there was the question of whether it'd work. Michael Myers was many things, but stupid was not one of them. But Derek couldn't deny it'd be interesting to see if he still protected Hayward after this. Whatever his reasons for doing so were.
…
Danielle was half asleep when the soft knock came on her cell door. She opened the screen and a guard spoke quietly through it. "Michael?"
The killer approached the screen, and the guard handed him something. She heard the rustle of paper. While he was there, she asked him for another tea. He agreed and disappeared.
She heard Michael opening the envelope then silence. It was a gradual feeling, but she began to feel without being able to look at the killer that something was wrong. But even if she asked, he wouldn't answer. Sure enough, he must've pressed the call button because a few seconds later, he was chained and led out.
She was confused and surprised by what'd happened. Especially his abrupt departure. Maybe Dr Loomis had written to him asking to talk? But no that made no sense. He'd just come and find him surely? She had an uneasy feeling in her stomach she couldn't shift.
She was glad Joanne was back today on overtime. She needed to talk about this to her, someone she trusted implicitly. She was probably being paranoid, over exaggerating the whole thing. So, when the guard returned with her tea she smiled and thanked him, trying to put what'd happened out of her mind.
…
Dr Loomis stared at the piece of paper in his hand, anger growing within him. There was no way this had been written by who it claimed? He knew exactly who was behind this. It didn't take a genius to work it out. He read it again, then looked up at Michael through the security glass.
"You don't really think this was written by who it says it was, do you?"
The killer simply looked at the doctor, his gaze its usual cold self. Dr Loomis knew he was angry, but who at was another question. If it was because he believed this letter, this was very, very bad.
"You know enough about Adam," Dr Loomis said softly. "It's just him trying to get to her through you. He thinks if he can stop you protecting or caring about her, he'll have a clear shot. But believe me, he's wrong. God knows he's manipulative enough. There is no way Danielle would've said any of this. You know that, don't you?"
Silence. Dr Loomis sincerely hoped he was right, or everything would have to change, and he didn't even want to think about the damage it could cause.
…
Danielle was feeling uneasy by the time her phone buzzed with a text. When she read it, it only increased her fear?
Hey D, did Michael get my letter this morning? Charlotte X.
There were two things wrong with this text message. The first was the number didn't show up, it just said Charlotte Avery, and she had her in her contacts as simply C, and the other was Charlotte never signed with her full name. It was CA, or C. Something was wrong. Immediately she phoned her friend, even though it was only just past 6.
"Hey D," Charlotte sounded sleepy, as if she had just woken her up. Then she couldn't have sent that text.
"I'm really sorry to wake your C," she decided to tell her best friend the truth. "But I just got a text from you, asking if Michael got your letter."
"What?" Suddenly Charlotte sounded much more awake. "What the fuck? I haven't sent Michael anything. What did this letter say?"
The unease was building up to a climax and she was sure any moment she was going to throw up. So, she'd been right. Charlotte hadn't written it. So, who had? She was horribly sure she already knew the answer to that question.
"I swear to you," Charlotte sounded just as worried as she felt. "I didn't write Michael anything, or anyone else at Smith's Grove for that matter. Why would I? I'd just text you."
"Thanks," she said and hung up just in time to reach the toilet. There wasn't much in her stomach and her mouth burned with stomach acid as she threw it up.
When she was done, she took several deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. Michael was angry. She'd known that without even having to see his face. But was it at her? Christ, she hoped not. If it was…
She immediately reached for her call button, but it turned out there was no need. For Joanne appeared seconds later.
"Shit you're white as a sheet! Are you ok?"
"I think Adam's…" she had to stop to take another breath and avoid wrenching again. Joanne entered the cell and put an arm around her shaking shoulders.
"I think Adam's trying a new way to get to me. I think he's written Michael a letter addressed from Charlotte. I dread to think what it says, but it won't be good I know that much. Michaels angry. Seriously angry and that makes me… well scared. Any man angry does that after Adam, but he's… he's Michael Myers."
Joanne tightened her arm around her. "Let me go and find out sweetheart," she said. "I'll bring you some breakfast in here, ok?"
"You've got to be joking," she shook her head. "I just threw up my whole stomach it felt like!"
"Well, you've got to eat something," Joanne said, suddenly sounding as stern as a mother. "I'll bring you some dry toast. Don't argue with me, Miss Hayward."
Somehow, she managed a small smile.
…
"What are we going to do?" Dr Stark asked Dr Loomis half an hour later. Michael was out in the exercise yard, once more chained to his concrete block. Of course, Michael's angry. I feel sorry for him in this, just as much as I do Danielle. How's he to know she hasn't said all this?"
Dr Stark looked down at the piece of paper in her hand, then glared up at the sky through Dr Loomis' office window. "Jesus Christ! You'd think Dawson would just give up? That bastard just doesn't care, does he?"
"So, you agree with me?" Dr Loomis asked quietly. "That this was Adam's doing?"
"Fuck yes!" Dr Stark said adamantly. "Charlotte Avery I'm sure would never write this. She loves Danielle! They're like sisters! We saw that much from the camera footage in court!"
Dr Loomis nodded. "I've already called the police. They're sending officers to Adam's house now to check for evidence, given his risk markers. So, we need to find a way to…" he was stopped by the sound of his phone ringing. He picked it up. "This is Dr Loomis?"
"Dr Loomis," it was a female voice in floods of tears. Dr Loomis guessed she'd got his work number from Google. It was meant to be able to be easily found, but Dr Loomis could block a number if needed. He knew immediately who it was without having to ask. But he did anyway. "Charlotte?"
"Y… yes," the woman sobbed. "I just heard what's happened. She called me. I'm in my car now on the way to Smith's Grove. I didn't write that letter Dr Loomis; I swear I didn't! I don't even know what it says, and I'd never do that to her! She's come to trust and care about Michael, and I'd never do anything to endanger that!"
"I know," Dr Loomis said kindly, putting it on loudspeaker so Dr Stark could hear. "Dr Stark is here as well Charlotte."
"Hi charlotte," Dr Stark said, her tone soothing. "I'm Dr Stark. We know you didn't write that letter to Michael. We know you'd never do that. Coming here won't achieve anything, however. Stay home where you're safe."
"I can't," Charlotte said. "I have to put this right!"
"But it wasn't your mistake," Dr Stark softly reminded her. "We believe, just like you do that it was Adam's and coming here may be just what he expects you to do."
"I have to!" Charlotte almost begged. "Danielle said she could tell Michael was angry when he got the letter, and I must put that right! She needs him so much: he's helped her out through all this up to now! I think Adam's somehow found this out, whoever's watching her perhaps? Passing this on to him. So, he's trying to take Michael's protection away from her to make it somehow easier for him to get to her. Son of a bitch!"
"That's exactly what we think to," Dr Loomis said. "But honestly. You are coming here Charlotte doesn't change what's happened. Right now, we have no proof either way. Nothing the police would take." Before Charlotte could speak, he spoke over her, raising his voice a little. "Nothing the police would take from you, anyway. I've already called them and they're going round to Adam's house as we speak to search for evidence, he wrote this. Michael is indeed angry, so I really don't think you trying to see him is a good idea."
"If you won't let me, see him," Charlotte said. "Please let me see her. I must comfort her, she's like my sister! I can't believe Adam would dare to use my name against her like that! It makes me feel sick! She's probably already guessed it wasn't me before she called me, but I've just confirmed it and made everything worse! I can't stand the thought of Michael being angry at her for something she's never done… What did the letter say?"
The two consultants looked at each other. Eventually Dr Loomis sighed. "If you're coming to Smith's Grove, drive carefully. Ok? We'll let you see the letter when you get here, as well as visit her. But you are not visiting Michael until I have seen him and given you the OK. Please, be careful."
"Thank you, Dr Loomis," Charlotte said. There was a click, before the line went dead.