At first when Danielle woke up, she was momentarily confused, unsure where she was. Then it all came flooding back to her. Haddonfield Memorial hospital following Adam's brutal and last assault.
"Hey darling," said Emma's voice. "Are you ok? Wakey wakey."
"Hey mom, I'm ok, I was just a bit confused there for a second, not sure where I was. Do you know where Michael is?"
"I think he's with Dr Loomis and his guards," Emma said. "I get the impression he wanted to give us some privacy."
"That's sweet of him," she admitted. "Do you think I'll be cleared to go back to Smith's Grove today?"
"Can't see why you wouldn't be," Emma agreed. "Dr Merrick said he'd discharge you today if all was well."
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door, which Emma got up to open having slept in the chair bed the night before.
"Hi, it's Dr Merrick. How are you this morning?"
"I'm still in a bit of pain," Danielle admitted. "But it's better than it was. I feel stiff more than anything else."
"Well, that's hardly surprising given what you went through. If you're ready, I just want to give you a check-up."
"Go ahead," she smiled at the doctor.
"Do you want me to leave?" Emma asked.
"Don't be silly mom."
Dr Merrick was just applying the blood pressure cuff when there was a knock on the door. Emma stood and opened it, to reveal Joanne, Rick and Michael with Dr Loomis behind them.
"Hi Joanne, Rick, Michael, Dr Loomis, Emma said and at the sound of Michael's name, Danielle felt her heart flip in her chest. Something must have shown on her face because Dr Merrick chuckled.
"Can we come in?" Joanne's voice asked.
"Of course," Danielle said immediately and the four of them stepped through the door. It was then she heard the clink of chains and realised Michael was once more shackled. She felt her heart sink slightly. Why? Had something happened, and if so, what?
"I would offer to wait outside," Rick said. "But I'm really sorry I can't."
This confirmed her worst fear, something had clearly happened with Michael, but she kept her mouth shut and merely nodded. Plus, she would want Rick to be there, she considered him a good friend, not just a guard.
Dr Merrick resumed his work, fastening the Velcro securely around her right arm.
"I hate this," she admitted with a small grin.
"Not the nicest feeling, is it?" Dr Merrick acknowledged. "It won't take a moment. Ok, please don't talk for a minute." There was the familiar hum, and she immediately felt the cuff begin to tighten, before slowly loosening and then the beats as the blood went through her arm.
After a few seconds, the doctor spoke again just as she felt someone reach her side. She didn't have to think too hard to be certain it was Dr Loomis.
"Hmm," Dr Merrick said. "It's a little high. Are you feeling, ok?"
"I… I think I'm still a little… stressed from yesterday, not to mention… you know, Charlotte."
"Of course," the doctor said gently. "That is more than understandable. Are you feeling dizzy at all?"
"Yes, a little but I didn't mention it because I just put it down to my head injury."
"That's probably exactly what it is, but your blood pressure is higher than it should be and that concerns me a little. I wasn't going to ask you to do this for me again before discharging you, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to. I would like you to go in for another CT scan."
Danielle groaned. "Shit, I hated the last one. I never know when the machine's going to move and following the voice instructions is hard when I'm nervous."
Her heart leapt, as she heard Michael's chains being removed. She knew what this meant. Michael was once again being allowed to be with her.
As if reading her mind, Dr Loomis stepped closer confirming her early certainty it was him and whispered in her ear.
"You are right, I can see it on your face. Something did happen last night, but I do not want you to worry about it. If you do, it'll just increase your blood pressure and so on and you are less likely to be released today. All you need to know is that no one was hurt, and Michael didn't commit any act of violence post Laurie, which you saved the day for I might add."
"Bull," Danielle said firmly. "The guards would have done that without me."
"Perhaps, but not mentally. They would've used physical force, as opposed to reaching Michael emotionally like you did." Danielle found she once again couldn't argue with this.
"Michael would never harm you. I think we all know this by now." She could only nod. The door opened and she heard a gurney being wheeled into the room.
"Please work with me?" Dr Merrick asked. "I want you to go down on this, ok? Just because of your blood pressure and the fact you feel dizzy."
"No problem," she agreed instantly.
"That's my girl," Dr Loomis touched her arm.
Two nurses came forward and gently but with practiced ease helped her out of her bed and onto the gurney. "Ok, are you comfortable?" A female nurse asked.
"Yes," she affirmed.
They left the room, and she heard the others walking at her side. She was surprised how comfortable the gurney's leather pads were.
They entered the scanner room, and she heard the hum of the machine. She felt a jolt of panic. This was the last thing she wanted to do a second time.
"It's ok sweetheart," Emma whispered to her. "It'll be just the same as yesterday, including the fact Michael will be at your side, and we'll be just outside."
"Where are Dad and Colin?
In the beat of silence that followed, she was sure she could almost detect the look which past between the others. Shit. Had what'd happened with Michael involved one of them? Surely not?
"They're both with Charlotte," Joanne said, but not quickly enough. Danielle reached out and laid a hand on Dr Loomis' arm, feeling his suit jacket under her fingers.
"They're all fine," the Psychiatrist murmured. "Honestly, it's ok. Or did you just want to feel my suit again?" He leant down a little, and she felt his silk tie. She couldn't help smiling, but it turned into a full-on laugh when he moved so she was touching his ears.
"Hey," came the voice of the radiologist, she remembered his singsong Irish accent from the day before. "How lucky are you? You get me and my voice in your ears twice in two days!"
Danielle couldn't help smiling again at this. "Thanks Ed," she said sincerely.
"Oh, you even remembered my name! Even better!" Ed sounded genuinely pleased and some of her panic subsided. She knew she could trust Ed and that he knew what he was doing, and she would indeed be fine.
"Ok so same drill as yesterday," Ed continued, as the heavy door closed, and she was alone with him and Michael. "The others are just outside, this same rubber bulb you squeeze it immediately if you need me to stop the scan. When the machine tells you to breathe and stay calm, do the best you can and try not to move."
"What happens if you squeeze this?" Danielle asked, indicating the rubber bulb.
Ed laughed. "Give it a squeeze."
She did, and a very loud horn sounded, almost like an airhorn. It continued until she released the bulb. "Nice," now she grinned. "You can't miss that horn!" Ed chuckled.
"The only thing that made me nervous yesterday is I'm not sure when the machine's going to move."
"Sorry you should have said! There's a microphone on the headphones so I can hear you. No problem. When you hear me say "turn," that's me warning you it's about to move. Ok?"
"You don't mind doing that?" she felt absurdly grateful at this small but kind touch. She knew for sighted people, there were lights which indicated this.
"Course not," Ed touched her hand, and she couldn't resist giving it a brief squeeze. "Thank you so much."
"No problem at all. He helped her up onto the moving bed, which would enter the scanner. "The computer will move it into position for you, same as yesterday. You ready?"
"No," she said with a small grin. "But guess I need to be huh?"
"You're perfectly safe, I've got full control. Nothing will happen to you; the machine will purely take some more pictures of your head and brain."
"Do you have another pair of headphones you can be heard through? It's just…"
"You want your man there to hear me too? Yep, no problem, stand by."
A minute or so later, she was once more entering the CT scanner and Michael was once again holding her hand in his. Soft music started up in the headphones, then Ed's voice cut in. "Ok, ready?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "Let's get this over with."
…
Colin sat once more at his unconscious sister's bedside, wondering if he looked as tired as he felt. The memories of last night kept crashing over him. If he was honest with himself, he couldn't even believe himself that he was still alive. Michael would've had every right to kill him and probably should of, yet he hadn't. Colin knew the killer would have understood, probably, the feelings he had for Danielle, but to mention 78 and 63. Nope, stupid moves. No wonder Myers had been angered by his words.
For a terrifying moment there, Colin had been sure he was going to die. This was why he'd simply said, "get on with it," when Michael had been holding him against the wall. It wasn't necessarily because he wanted to die, he had too much to live for, but because he had been certain he'd finally gone too far, and he was Michael Myers' next victim.
But amazingly, it hadn't happened. Then he'd tried to apologise to Michael and even to his own ears his words had sounded insincere, except the part about Adam of course. That part was 100 percent true, he wished with all his heart he'd seen the misogynist fucker die. But the rest? Colin wasn't even sure himself if he'd completely meant it or not.
He had however meant what he'd said before. That if Michael ever did anything to hurt Danielle, Colin would fight him to the death, which was probably the most likely outcome, Colin wasn't fool enough to kid himself otherwise.
Deciding and knowing at the same time it was wise to follow Dr Loomis' instructions, Colin had immediately left for the hotel, which fortunately was purposefully just across the road, it was owned by the hospital for occasions just like theirs. He'd gone up to his small room and collapsed on his bed, but of course sleep eluded him. Charlotte was of course the main reason for his insomnia, but right behind her was what'd happened between him and Myers. Did he seriously have a Deathwish? Sure, he was distraught right now, but so were the rest of the family and none of them had gone out of their way to wind up and goad a masked serial killer.
But none of them love Danielle the way I do either, Colin thought as he tossed and turned, desperate to close his eyes. Dr Merrick had offered all of them a sleeping pill which Colin had refused, but now he was sincerely regretting doing this.
When morning had eventually come, Colin had walked straight back to the hospital. Dave and Tim joined him moments later and they resumed their watch.
"You ok son?" Dave asked him within minutes of seeing him. Colin rubbed his eyes.
"Just tired as all fuck dad," he admitted. He'd resolved during those long sleepless hours he would not tell his family anything that'd happened between him and Myers the night before. Apart from anything else it would worry them for his safety, but they'd probably also say it'd been his fault. Which, indeed, it had.
He desperately wanted to say something to Myers, a true apology before they both left once more for Smith's Grove. But could he? Should he even. He couldn't deny he was scared. If Myers decided not to accept his apology, he would have quite literally, a deadly enemy. But if he didn't at least try, he would feel guilty for a long time, perhaps the rest of his life.
No, Colin knew he had to say something to Myers and soon. But how to get him in private was another thing. He also really, really didn't want her knowing what had happened or what he'd said. It wasn't her fault he was the man who'd let her get away, and now she was happily in love with Myers. He would appear incredibly selfish and bitter to tell her so now.
"Where's Mom?" He asked now.
"She's with Dr Merrick and Danielle, she's having her final check-up."
Colin could only nod. He hoped she would be cleared to leave, as that would mean she was sufficiently recovered enough to fly, but at the same time…
He shook himself firmly, not liking where his thoughts were once again going. He wanted her to stay because he loved her, and not as a brother.
"You sure you're, ok?" Dave asked, clearly detecting his son's demeanour and mood. Colin hesitated. Should he tell at least his father the truth? He also had a lot of time and respect for Tim and was sure the other man wouldn't judge him either.
"Cole?" His father gently pushed.
"Ah shit," Colin lowered his face into his hands. "You know Tim, Dad, right now I feel like the world's biggest damn prick!"
"Why?" The two men said together.
"Jesus!" Colin looked up and glared at the wall. "Because I am! I'm the most selfish damn prick on the face of the earth right now! I mean hell!" He gestured at Charlotte. "My sister's lying there unconscious, and I let my own fucking feelings take over in such the wrong way! Please, don't tell Mom this will you?"
Tim and his father just looked at him, neither speaking, waiting for him to continue.
"Right now, I hate myself! The problem is… fuck! I love her… the wrong way, ok? As in, I don't love her the way a fucking brother should!"
"Ah," Dave said quietly, but with no judgement in his voice.
"I was a stupid damn fool! Talk about the girl that got away! I let her get away! I should have told her when she broke up with that fucker Dawson! But I didn't, I was too much of a chicken!"
"She only broke up with Adam," Tim said speaking for the first time, "when she tried to commit suicide."
"I know! But that's the thing, I should have gone in there and told her!"
"She wasn't allowed visitors for a while," his father reminded him softly.
"I know but damn it a phone call. Something! Hell, a letter even! Or I could have asked to speak to her the first time Charlotte visited her! Little things, like how she used to say I had nice ears!"
He heard his father's soft chuckle. "Me too," Dave said. "Her and her ears, eh?"
"I know," Colin looked back down at the floor. "She could've fiddled with my ears all she liked, hell she can, but…"
"You wish she was yours?" Tim asked.
"Yeah, and I wish I'd fucking told her when the chance was staring me in the face. I should have got her away from Dawson, I had plenty of time to do it, but I chickened the fuck out! Now, it's killing me!"
"Are you jealous? That she's with Michael now?"
"Jealous? Fucking hell dad! I'm jealous plus ten! Of all people, why the fuck did it have to be Michael Myers?"
"I think Adam asked that very question," Tim said quietly. "But look what good it did him. He died for it."
At this, Colin couldn't resist a small smile. "Yeah, I know, good fucking riddance. But shit! It all hit me last night a new as it were, and I felt fucking terrible! Look!" He gestured once again at Charlotte's unconscious form. "My sister's unconscious because that fucker wanted to hurt her, just as he hurt Danielle! He intended her to die I'm certain of this, whatever the fucking cops say! Thank Christ she didn't, but it wasn't for lack of trying!"
"But Adam's dead now," Dave said. "He can't hurt either of them again, or us."
"Yeah, but Charlotte has to survive first…" Colin's voice trailed off.
"She will," Tim and Dave said in unison.
"You know C," Dave said affectionately, his own voice choking with tears now. "She's a fighter, when she wants something, she goes after it at full speed. I believe that includes this. She wants to survive, so she'll fight with all she must do so. After all, the docs thought she'd be dead this morning and look, she's still breathing!"
Colin could only nod, knowing his father was right.
"But that's not all, is it son?" Dave asked, leaning towards Colin. "You said you let your feelings take over, what happened?"
Colin hesitated, unsure if he should proceed, but unsure he could get out of this without telling his father an outright lie either.
"I won't say a word to your mother," Dave confirmed. "If that's what you're worried about. This is between the three of us." Tim also nodded.
"Ok," Colin said after a moment. "Just don't hate me, please?"
"I could never hate you son," Dave said, bringing tears to Colin's eyes once more. Swallowing hard to get them under control, he took a deep breath and began to tell the story he was sure he never would just hours before.
…
To her surprise, Danielle felt herself relaxing as the scanner started, the soft music and Ed's voice periodically saying, "turn," just before the machine moved. Just as the day before, Michael didn't release her hand once.
"Hold your breath and please remain calm," said the female voice of the machine. She felt Michael squeeze her hand and smiled. He was telling her he was with her. She tried to remain as still as she could, until the machine said, "release." This was repeated three more times.
"Last turn," came Ed's voice a few seconds later. Again, the machine told her to hold her breath, then to release it. A few seconds later, she felt her headphones being gently removed as the bed began to move out of the scanner. Finally, it was over.
"Great job," Ed said as the nurses helped her back onto the gurney and prepared to wheel her back to her bed. "I'll print out the pics now and get them to Dr Merrick within the hour. You'll be pleased to know that from my perspective everything looks good to go, but of course Dr Merrick also must agree with me."
"I understand no problem, thank you so much Ed."
"All in a day's work. You take care Danielle, ok?"
When they got outside the room she felt a wave of sadness, certain Michael was about to be chained once more. She heard Dr Loomis sigh softly before speaking.
"Michael, can we trust you?"
She felt her heart sink completely. So, she had been right, something had happened. But Dr Loomis had told her not to worry, so she would try her best to trust him by doing just that.
Michael must have nodded because Dr Loomis said, "it's ok Rick."
They reached her room, and she was helped back into bed. "When can I see Charlotte?" She asked Emma.
"As soon as Dr Merrick clears you, we'll take you to see her before you leave, that's a promise."
"Thanks Mom," she smiled at her mother.
If she was honest, she was dreading in part going back to Smith's Grove, but knew it had to be done. She trusted Dr Stark and Dr Loomis completely, and it wasn't like last time where she'd be unfamiliar with her surroundings, not to mention she'd found a lot more than just mental healing there, the result was standing at her side right now. She just hoped Dr Merrick would clear her to leave soon. Being in the hospital was bringing back everything that'd happened with Adam the day before and right then she wanted to get as far away from Haddonfield as she possibly could, until the news reached her, she was longing for, that Charlotte was awake once more.
…
After Colin had finished speaking there was a short silence, which was broken by Dave letting out a long, low whistle.
"Christ son, you don't do things by half do you? It's one thing to tell a man you've got feelings for his girl, but Michael Myers?"
Colin smiled humourlessly. "Yeah, I know. Shit my conscience was screaming at me, asking if I had a death wish! But once I'd started, I couldn't stop! I just felt so… angry, jealous."
Tim said nothing. If he was honest with himself, he privately thought Colin a little selfish. Here they were, sitting at Charlotte's bedside while she lay in a coma, and he was talking about how he hadn't acted fast enough to stop Danielle loving another man. It sounded like a wo is me act, attention seeking and self-pitying. He knew Dave would stand by his son of course but couldn't help wondering if he was also thinking the same thing. The only sounds in the room were the beeping of Charlotte's heart monitor and hiss of her oxygen tanks.
"But surely you're not telling me," Dave said slowly. "That Michael held you against that wall because you told him you love Danielle? I mean yeah, he wouldn't like that, and this is Michael Myers, but…"
"Your right dad," Colin confirmed. That wasn't all." He took a deep breath. "Fucking hell. I…" he paused and looked down at the floor again before looking back up at them. "I asked him why he killed Judith in 1963 and those guys in 1978."
"Jesus Christ!" Dave and Tim said in unison. Now, as much as he really didn't want to think this of Colin, Tim was starting to think he was a stupid, jealous petty idiot.
"I have to ask you now," Dave said quietly, looking his son straight in the eyes. "Do you, in fact have a death wish? Fuck son! Charlotte's fighting for her life, we couldn't lose you as well! Think of your mother! I'm sorry son, but that was selfish and stupid."
"I'm afraid I have to agree," Tim said quietly. "I think it's only because you're Charlotte's brother and her adopted one you're still breathing."
"I told him to just get on with it," Colin said, now unable to look at either of them or his unconscious sister. Instead, he focused his gaze firmly on the door. "I fell to the ground, feeling so defeated, hopeless. Charlotte's… Charlotte's possibly d… dying, and I…"
Now, he did start to cry. Dave sighed and moved towards him, putting a strong arm around his shoulders. Colin clung to his father, trying desperately to get his emotions under control.
"I was sure Michael was going to kill me," Colin just managed to say, his voice hardly audible. "But he grabbed my collar and pulled me to my feet, turned me away from the wall and shoved me as hard as he could, or at least I think as hard as he could, but thinking back on it I have doubts. He could've shoved me a lot harder. Anyway, I would've fallen if Rick hadn't grabbed and caught me. I don't know what the fuck was wrong with me! I was even stupid enough to say if he killed me, Danielle would leave him! Was that what I wanted all along or something? Thinking back on it now, she might understand! In her shoes I think I would!"
"Colin," Dave said gently, still holding his son. "All our emotions are high, and I believe Michael understands this. That's another reason you're still alive, I don't think he took all of what you said personally. But I do think that was a ridiculous move to talk to Michael about 63 and 78. The rest, ok maybe I can understand. But that? Suicide! You're just damn lucky Michael let you go."
"I know," Colin held up his hands in either defence or surrender, Tim wasn't exactly sure which. "I know, I'm lucky to be alive!"
Tim looked Colin straight in the eyes, trying to keep a lid on his own emotions and feelings. He was trying not to get angry, but… He took a deep breath. "How could you have even thought of doing that to your mother? Getting yourself killed? You're lucky your mother is still here, and your father." Without another word, he left the room closing the door quietly behind him. Colin stared after him.
"What does that mean?"
Dave didn't answer. He knew Tim's mother was deceased but didn't know the circumstances, as he hadn't asked. That was one subject he would wait for Tim to bring up on his own.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Dave stood and opened it, to reveal Danielle, supported by Emma and Joanne. Michael, Dr Loomis, Jack and Rick were standing a little behind them. Colin couldn't look at Michael, and hoped his feelings didn't show on his face.
"I've been cleared," she said to Dave and Colin. "Dr Merrick says I can leave when we're ready. My skull is still bruised, but I don't have a bleed on the brain anymore."
"That's great news babes," Dave said, moving forward to hug her close to him. "I am also under strict orders to let you know Nigel will be here in about an hour to see you. He says he's more than happy to give you a lift to the airport."
She beamed, and Colin felt a tear run down his cheek.
"Can I come in?"
"What kind of question is that?" Dave said, as Emma and Joanne guided her through.
"I can wait outside…" Joanne began.
"Oh no you don't," Dave said firmly. Charlotte thinks a lot of you too, you know."
Joanne smiled sadly as the group approached Charlotte's head. It was then she realised the male guards, Dr Loomis and Michael hadn't come in with them.
"Hey Charlotte," she said as cheerfully as she could. "Come on girl you need to wake up, I have some amazing news to tell you! We're sisters! Yes, we are, for real! So, hurry up and wake up so we can celebrate!" She tried as hard as she could to keep the cheerful act up, but it didn't take long for it to change to tears. Emma pulled her into a hug, as the two women wept silently. Dave gently moved in between them after a moment, so he could hold them both. Colin took his sister's warm hand and softly kissed it.
"Come on C," he murmured, his own voice cracking. "We need your back, please?"
…
Tim slowly walked back from the hospital café, having drunk a coffee. He hadn't meant to say to Colin what he had, but his emotions had just come spilling out after Colin's stupid and dangerous move. Emma would be inconsolable. How he could've even dared talk to Michael Myers of all people about his killing spree was beyond Tim. It sounded as though Myers had more sense than Colin right now. Ok Myers was outside the circle of emotion so to speak, but Tim was just thankful the killer had stopped to think before acting. That aside, he could understand why Myers would be angry. He would've acted the same if that'd been him who was being so cruelly bated, and over a girl? Seriously Colin? How fucking old was he? Right now, of all times when, like he'd said, Charlotte was possibly dying.
When he reached the corridor down to Charlotte's private room, he was surprised to see Michael, Rick, Jack and Dr Loomis standing outside.
"Hey gentlemen," Tim greeted.
It was then he noticed Jack was standing closest to the door, looking fully alert and with his gun drawn. Tim felt a jolt of both sadness and gratitude. Jack was protecting them, just in case someone else tried to reach them, a final request from Adam from beyond the grave.
"Thanks man," he breathed to the guard. "We owe you."
"How's she doing?" Dr Loomis asked.
"Still no change yet," Tim confirmed. "She's still unconscious."
"But she's still breathing," the psychiatrist reminded him gently. "Which is more than the doctors said she would be last night."
Tim nodded and gave the psychiatrist a small smile. "This is true."
At that moment the room door opened, and Danielle, Dave, Colin and Emma stepped out, Joanne behind them.
"I can't stay in there anymore," Danielle's voice shook with tears. "It… it breaks my heart!"
"I know babes," Emma hugged her close tightly. "Believe me, I know! But any updates at all we'll let you know immediately, I promise!"
She blinked back tears as Dave hugged her tightly, then Colin. As he did so, he moved his head, so she was touching his ears. She managed a weak, but genuine laugh. Dave watched his son closely and noticed he was very reluctant to release her. He was now whispering something into her ear.
Only Tim and Dave saw it when Dr Loomis laid a hand on Michael's arm. Dave glanced over and saw the killer had tensed. Dave felt a crushing sensation in his heart, feeling sorry for both men. But he couldn't get away from the fact Colin should have acted sooner if he'd wanted to be with her. He knew from the little Joanne had told him it'd taken months for them to get to the level of trust they had now, not to mention falling in love. It'd been natural, slow and not without hardships. It was clear she adored the killer, and if it made her happy Dave was only wishing her the best. Colin had to realise he'd acted too late.
It was Tim who stepped up to Michael's other side and lightly touched his arm. Immediately the killer's intense gaze was on him, and Dave could only watch in admiration and respect as Tim looked straight back at Michael Myers with not a trace of fear.
"Hey man," Tim said, his voice soft, not the slightest antagonistic. "Bet no one's ever looked at Michael Myers like this, right?" He smiled grimly. "You can put your infamous mask on if you want, won't change a damn thing. I've got my own death story." He undid his shirt to show the killer a huge scar across his chest. Dave couldn't stop a soft gasp and was sure Rick also had. Dr Loomis was also watching closely now.
"I got this when I was ten," Tim continued, his voice sad. "I survived my own serial killer."
They all saw Michael's eyes widen. Dr Loomis stepped forwards and handed Michael a notepad, then softly told the others to step back and give them privacy. Charlotte's door closed softly as they all went inside, apart from Jack who kept his eyes firmly on the corridor ahead of them.
…
"No," Tim smiled but without humour. "It wasn't you."
Michael's gaze didn't leave his face. The scar stretched all the way across his chest from one side to the other. "This was caused by your favourite weapon, a kitchen knife. A fucking long butcher one at that. How I survived, I haven't got a fucking clue! He did a fucking good job of killing my mother, then he came after me."
Myers simply looked at him, but Tim was sure he could see… something in the killer's gaze, though he wasn't sure what. Sympathy? Curiosity? Both? "You probably know him," Tim said. "After all, how many serial killers are there in this damn town of Haddonfield? Few more infamous than Mr. Michael Myers, huh? Though he's a bit older than you, this was in 1976. His name, was Graham Chadwick."
Now Michael's face bore an expression Tim could see. Surprise. Then to the other man's shock, the killer raised his notepad to him. How many people had Michael Myers ever written a message to in his life and he, Tim Jennings was one of them?
Chadwick?
"Oh yes," Tim said grimly. "Mr. Graham Chadwick. The Irish charmer killer, as he was dubbed by the press. Charm to die for fucking bullshit! I complained and helped get that stupid journalist fired! Talk about bad fucking taste! It was a woman, of course! She wouldn't have said that if she'd met him, because she wouldn't have fucking survived to say it!"
Tim stared up the corridor, lost in the past. As a result, he started when to his shock he felt Myers' hand gently touch his arm this time. "Shit, sorry man! I… I was just thinking. Fuck! My… my mother was on a date, of course, with… with him!" He spat the word, him, in utter contempt. "I was with my older brother, who's now gone off to be in the military, currently working in India or somewhere. We were never that close, but he would babysit me if necessary, providing he got paid with money or the latest video game," Tim rolled his eyes.
"I don't know what Chadwick was thinking that night," Tim continued, his feelings as raw as they had been on that fateful night. "But for some reason he played the perfect gentleman," Tim almost snarled the last word. "The fucking piece of shit drove mom home. Of course, she was smitten already, I mean fuck! This was Graham fucking Chadwick! He got into any woman's heart or pants he wanted to! So of course, mom didn't think twice of letting this gorgeous, sexy man" he made air quotes around the adjectives. "Into our house. I imagine they fucked, wouldn't surprise me, then he… turned. Just like that. I heard mom scream, and I jumped out of bed to run to her, my brother Adrian behind me. We got there to see…" He swallowed hard. "To see him, slitting mom's throat. I desperately tried to get him off, fight him, do anything I could, but fuck Mr. Myers I was fucking ten! What the hell could I do? He slashed me straight to the chest. Thank God Adrian even at thirteen had the forethought to call a fucking ambulance! Chadwick couldn't attack all three of us at once! Fuck knows how I survived and mom, mom…"
Now, he felt the tears start coming. He hadn't talked about this for years, after refusing to attend his counselling any further despite constant encouragement and sometimes even orders from his schoolteachers. He had to, wanted to cope with it alone.
"It was my fucking fault," Tim said, now slumping against the wall. "All my fucking fault! I should have got there faster, the first time she screamed I thought it was just… you know, during sex. If I'd only moved then I could have fought him off, or taken mom's place, or…
There was nothing you could have done.
Tim had to read this message twice due to his tears.
"What the fuck man?" He stared at Michael incredulously. "Of course, there fucking was! I could've pushed mom back, or taken the knife to the throat myself, or…
On this, you need to believe me. Once the kill starts, it won't stop for anything or anyone.
Tim stared at Myers, knowing Michael Myers of all people was better than any councillor, as terribly ironic as that fact was. It was all because of her that Michael Myers was talking to him, Tim Jennings in this way, not to mention not slashing him to pieces right now.
Chadwick wanted your mother dead, and nothing you said or did would've stopped him, unless you'd physically restrained him.
"Fat fucking chance," Tim scrubbed a hand across his eyes. "I was fucking ten!"
Exactly. So no, it is not your fault.
"Tell me that for the next ten years and maybe I'll start to believe you," Tim shook his head in self-disgust.
Ok, then I shall do so.
Tim stared in disbelief at the message, then the killer who'd written it. Had words of such kindness just come from the hand of Michael Myers?
"Good luck," Tim this time managed a genuine smile at Myers. "That fucking Chadwick. I tell you something Mr. Myers, I cheered when those fucking fifty thousand vaults went through his murdering ass!"
I'm sure you did, you and many others I have no doubt.
"Sorry man," Tim said. "I didn't mean…"
What? I can't say I was terribly sorry to see the back of him. I don't take it personally, believe me.
"Didn't…" Tim hesitated, but he felt he and the killer had some sort of mutual respect, plus he'd started now so had to ask. "Didn't Dr Loomis want to execute you in 1978?"
Michael shrugged, and Tim felt a jolt of… awe? How the hell was Myers so cool about the possibility of his own death?
Because he can't die! Tim's mind shouted. Tim swallowed again.
Perhaps he did, but he obviously did not in the end.
"Touché," Tim chuckled shakily.
"Mr. Myers, I…"
Why are you addressing me as Mr. Myers? After all, we may be brothers in law someday, correct?
Tim blushed. "Uh, good point. I just…" he took another deep breath.
"Michael, what… what gives… people like you, Chadwick, Chancer, the… the need to kill? Is… Is it the thrill? Or anger? Or what?"
If Tim was honest even with himself, he'd dreamed of having a conversation with a real-life serial killer to ask this very question ever since his mother had been cruelly and mercilessly taken from him and Adrian, but had obviously never thought he'd really want, never mind get the chance to do so. Yet here he was, talking to Michael Myers of all damn serial killers! Probably only the most infamous and notorious in America, if not the world. If he didn't know any better, he'd think he was having fucked up dream.
You're asking me why your mother was killed aren't you?
"Got me," Tim could only nod. "That's exactly what I'm doing."
Now Tim honestly did think he could very well be dreaming, because Michael Myers himself now stepped forward and took Tim's hand in his. Tim's mouth fell open in shock as he gaped at the killer. He was sure a small, amused smile tugged at Michael's lips.
"Uh, sorry," Tim stalled, trying to think of what he could say. You're a serial killer so I thought you might know why one of you killed mom? Yeah, not likely. He didn't want to die today, he had way too much to live for.
Tim, it's ok.
"I… I didn't mean it like that, like how it sounded I…"
Michael shook his head, and Tim shut up.
I understand, I do. No hard feelings. Chadwick's M.O was women Tim, as you doubtlessly know. He did it for the sex and the thrill. Your mother was just one of his many victims, and for this I am very sorry for your loss.
Tim was sure this was the longest message Myers had ever written. He read it once, then twice, before he looked back at the killer. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "Thanks, Michael."
For what?
"I mean it's just… you're a damn serial killer man, how many victims are on your hands? Yet Charlotte's best friend has made you into a man no one recognises. I know you kill the bad guys, fucking awesome cutting Adam's head off by the way, well done Sir! Are you…" Tim was sure he was going too far, but he couldn't stop himself? "Are you regretting your own victims?"
There was silence, and Tim was certain he'd angered the killer. Then, a reply was raised to Tim's eyes.
Perhaps some.
"Well fucking done Danielle," Tim breathed.
Charlotte will pull through; of this I am certain.
"Thank you," Tim said again, blinking back tears once more. "Thank you."
What is your mother's name?
Again, Tim felt that rush of respect, Michael hadn't written was.
"Amy," Tim answered. Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers, he thought?
Something of his thoughts must've shown on his face because he saw the killer was smirking at him. Tim blushed and made to apologise, but Myers raised his notepad before he could speak.
I am sure Amy would be happy for you Tim. You are living your life the best you can, that is all she would have wanted, as is Adrian from what you are telling me.
"That's why he went to the military, well the main reason. He was so angry after mom's death, he took it… the anger harder than I did, we got a lot closer after that of course, dad had buggered off and abandoned us for a new woman when we were babies, so there was no way we were going to tell him what'd happened. But Adrian, he took wanting revenge to a whole new level. Now he kills for a living. Whereas I just wallowed in it for years."
But look at you now. Good job and partner.
"Thanks," Tim said again. "It doesn't take the pain away though."
I am sure it doesn't, nothing I will think. But you're living, Tim. You're not letting it control you and rule your life.
"Sorry but I have to say this," Tim chuckled and looked Michael straight in the eyes now. "Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers?"
Tim could've sworn he heard Michael softly chuckle. He stepped forward and did something he also thought he'd never do, extended his hand to the serial killer. Myers took it his grip firm, and they shook hands.
"Don't worry about Colin," Tim murmured after a moment's silence. "He's a hot-headed idiot, but all he wants is her happiness when all is said and done. If you bring her this, he won't stand in your way. Respect for not hurting him last night Michael, I'm serious. I respect you big time for your control there, and you talk about control. If that'd been me, the guy would've hit the fucking ground!"
Which would achieve nothing.
"This is true, but I couldn't blame you for it and if I'm honest, I don't think Dave would have either. I'm not saying kill him, of course I'm not, Emma would've died too losing both her children, but damn, I'd have given him a good beating. How the fuck could he bring up 63 and 78? Jesus! It's one thing to talk about loving a man's girl, but that?"
Charlotte is not dead, and they are weak shots, that's all.
Tim felt himself shiver. "Weak shots," they may be, but they were still the truth, whether Colin should have said it or not. People had indeed died those terrible nights, just as his mother had in 1976.
…
Time. That was the one thing Derek Chancer finally was running out of, but for the first time in his lifetime was something he wanted plenty of. As he lay in his tiny Death Watch cell, which he'd been moved to the previous night, time, was running out. Once again, he found himself regretting his actions in Smith's Grove. At least there he didn't have a clock ticking loudly over his head, pointing towards his death. If he could turn back time, he'd go back to Smith's Grove and change some of the things he'd said and done there. One of which was not get involved with that twat Dawson, money be damned.
He would never change all his rapes and killings; they had been some of the most thrilling times in his life. The thrills, the erections, the sex… the fact he was doing it against the will of his victims turned him on even more. Numerous times he'd lane in bed remembering their screams, desperate pleas for him to stop. Ah, the masturbation when he remembered this had been one of the small pleasures, he'd had left in that nut house. Now he was on Death Watch, he wasn't going to give the guards watching him around the clock a masturbation shows for their evening coffee!
He knew he had precisely seventy-two hours until his execution as soon as he was moved to Death Watch. All he could hope, as much as he despised the prick, was that Thompson was still working on his appeals, to at the very least get him life without parole. Sure, get him out completely and Derek might change his opinion of the Lawyer, but that was just an impossible dream on his part and even he wasn't stupid enough to think it wasn't. Whether he lived or died in three days' time, he knew he wasn't going anywhere.
The only thing he liked about being on Death Watch was the silence. He didn't miss the constant sounds of other inmates' radios, TV's, fans and so on. Here, in almost total isolation apart from his own private guards, (he'd scoffed at this), he couldn't hear anything except the occasional voices of the guards, footsteps, or the crackle of their radios.
Thinking about it as he'd been forced to over the last few weeks, Derek wished for only one thing. That he'd been given a choice re his execution method. He knew some states allowed prisoners condemned to death to choose between the electric chair and Lethal Injection. But this damn state of Illinois did not! Chancer hated this fact! He wouldn't have so much if they'd defaulted to Lethal injection rather than the electric chair, but why did they have to default to such a terrible way of dying? Derek would much rather be strapped to that gurney, filled up with drugs and to go peacefully off to sleep and never wake up again. Even as a boy, he'd had a deep-seated fear of electricity, which was probably why he'd used it as a torture method for so many of his victims. If he didn't have to feel it, he didn't care, but hearing them scream as he'd electrocuted them had been heaven to his ears. So maybe if he was totally honest, what was about to happen to him was Carma. Not that that fact made him feel any better about it of course.
Talking of ears, that fucking bitch. His ears hadn't stopped hurting for a week after that bitch had pulled them nearly off his head, saying he had, "Nice ears." What the fuck was that about? The bitch was crazy! He hoped one day someone would slowly and deliberately cut her fucking ears right off! That would serve her right. But then he remembered who her man was, only Michael fucking Myers! So, there was little if no chance of Hayward getting hurt, most unfortunately. He could only hope that Dawson got to her somehow, just as he'd wanted from the beginning. Too bad he'd never find out the results. He could only wish Adam Dawson the very best of luck in grabbing the bitch and showing her who was boss. He was just sorry it couldn't have been him.
…
Danielle was standing outside Charlotte's room, when she heard a happy, tuneful whistle. Without thinking she ran forward, straight into the arms she knew would be there. Sure enough, she was lifted off her feet into a tight hug. It was Nigel, that was their signature whistle. She felt tears of affection run down her face at the fact he'd remembered to do this for her. He'd done it while she was staying in the DASC, after she told him she loved the sound of someone whistling.
"Hey you!" He twirled her around as he hugged her, making her feel like a child all over again. But she didn't mind this, affectionately calling Nigel "grandad."
"Hey grandad," she said back, hugging him as tightly as she could. She of course didn't see him blink back tears at this.
"It's so nice to see you again," she said, a lump forming in her throat as she realised just how much she meant this.
"Ditto darling," Nigel said, laying her on her feet. She now looked on in a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, as Nigel turned towards Michael. He knew who he was of course, everyone did.
"Mr. Myers, my name is Nigel Manning, I was Danielle's neighbour next door to her and… him!" He spat the last word in a snarl.
She couldn't believe her ears when she heard Michael writing on his notepad. So, he was going to respond to Nigel, this warmed her heart. As if knowing what was happening, Joanne gently took her arm and guided her back into Charlotte's room.
"Did you read my mind?" she breathed to her guard. "Thanks! I wanted to give them privacy."
…
You saved Danielle's life that day.
Nigel read the message and then looked back at the killer. "Yeah," he said softly. "Thanks to that prick Dawson! I was desperate to help in the rescue, but your Dr Loomis said it would be too dangerous as Adam knows me. I know he's right, but Jesus I want to kill him!"
I think the word you need there is, knew, and as for wanting to kill him I'm afraid that's not possible, not unless he's able to die twice.
Nigel looked up at him for a second, his face confused. Then he took a sharp breath.
"No way! I… was it… did you kill him?"
Ah, some things must remain secrets.
Nigel could hardly believe Michael Myers himself was having banter with him. This was confirmed when he looked up into Michael's face and saw the slight smirk on his lips.
"You did, didn't you?" He said softly, unable to stop himself when he extended his hand to Myers. "Well fucking done man, what I wouldn't have given to do it for you though! Slowly, painfully." He lowered his voice. "How did you do it?"
Decapitation.
"Fuck!" Nigel gasped. "Fucking awesome man! I hope he felt every second of it!"
Well, let's just say I had… a little fun with him first.
Michael took Nigel's offered hand, and they shook.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Myers. Danielle's told me so much about you," the older man said with a wink. "She adores you and you make her so happy. Those were her exact words."
Mr. Myers?
"Well, you know," Nigel smiled. "In my generation it's just politeness when you have just met someone, that's all."
Well scrap it with me, my name is Michael.
"Thanks Michael, call me Nigel."
It is nice to meet you too, Nigel.
The other man read this message and without knowing it of course, had the same thoughts as Colin. Michael Myers would never have spoken to him like this pre-Danielle, in fact Nigel suspected if not for her, if he'd crossed paths with Myers under any other circumstances, he'd be dead by now.
Something of his thoughts must've shown on his face because he was sure he heard Michael chuckle quietly. "What?" He asked.
You are thinking I'd have normally killed you by now, aren't you?
"Got me," Nigel laughed. "That's exactly what I was thinking. Didn't Dr Loomis ever tell you how dangerous love can be? Or did you just not care until a certain woman walked into your life?"
You sound just like him.
At this, Nigel burst out laughing. "Well thanks! I'm not a doctor, but it's nice to know he'd agree with me."
As if on cue, Dr Loomis stepped out of Charlotte's room. Nigel smiled and offered his hand, which the psychiatrist shook with a warm smile. Nigel then told him what Michael had just said, and Dr Loomis chuckled.
"You see Michael," he said. "If someone you've just met tells you what I've been saying for many years, doesn't that tell you there is indeed truth in it?"
Nigel could've sworn Michael rolled his eyes, and both he and Dr Loomis laughed.
The door to Charlotte's room opened again and Joanne, Danielle, Emma, Dave and Colin stepped out. Nigel was greeted warmly by all of them.
"Nige," Danielle said. "I must ask this. I keep forgetting! Were you living next door to Adam when he and Charlotte were together?"
"Thank Christ no! If I had been, I would've told Charlotte everything you went through and told her to get the fuck out of there! No, I'd already moved by that point."
"Wise man," Dave muttered.
"Either that or I would've killed him," Nigel added.
"Again, wise man," Dave repeated.
"Ok," Dr Loomis said with a smile. "Are we ready to make a move?"
"In some ways no," she admitted. "I hate leaving you guys and Charlotte like this."
Emma stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "Listen my daughter," she stressed the word daughter. "We will let you know as soon as your sister wakes up, we promise!"
"Here here," Dave and Colin said in unison.
"Speaking of which, Dr Loomis said, "that is now official!" He passed Nigel a piece of paper, which he passed to Dave. Everyone cheered and further hugs were exchanged. She reached out, pulling Nigel and Michael into the tight group.
"You deserve it Dan," Nigel said. "I'm so happy for you all. A great addition to the family, and someone else's loss!"
"Thanks." Tim stepped out having heard the news and hugged her.
Dr Loomis saw a look pass between Tim and Michael, then a respectful nod between the two men. He didn't know what had been said between them, but obviously some kind of bond had formed. This was good for Michael.
A few minutes later, she was in Nigel's car with Joanne, Rick, Jack and Michael leading them to the airport in the Smith's Grove vehicle. Once they got there, Nigel hugged her again and kissed her on the cheek.
"Love you Nige," she hugged him tightly. "See you really soon."
"You got that right D," the older man guided her towards the Smith's Grove plane. "Very soon. In the meantime, though, I'm only a call away."
"Thanks, same to you. Are you going back to the hospital?"
"Yes, I want to be there to help your family in any way I can. But I will promise you, I or one of them will call you if there's even the slightest news!"
"I know, please let me know if I can do anything, even from Smith's Grove?"
"Of course, darling," Nigel said as he gave her his shoulder to lean on to support her up the high step into the aircraft beside Michael. Silently, the killer held out his hand, so he was helping her from the other side.
"Such gentlemen," she smiled at both, as they'd moved before Jack or Rick could even stand to aid. "Thank you."
"Take care all," Nigel said. "Give me a call if you need anything."
"It's been lovely to meet you," Joanne, Rick and Jack said together.
"I echo this," Dr Loomis said.
Nigel saw the killer nod to him and smiled at him. He whistled tunefully again then closed the passenger's door, hearing Danielle's laughter. He blinked back tears. Damn he loved that woman and was fast becoming to feel the same way about the whole Avery family. They'd been nothing but kind and loving to him since the first time they'd met him, treating him as if they'd known him all their lives. As for what Dawson had done to Charlotte, it made his blood boil with anger.
"Good fucking riddance," he muttered as he headed back towards his own car. He thought of Michael's words, how he'd, "Had a little fun with him first." Nigel hoped the "fun," had hurt like hell and the last thing they'd heard were Adam Dawson's screams, just as he'd made countless women scream in terror in his life. "Carma is a bitch Dawson," he breathed with a grim smile. He closed his driver's door and watched through his car window, as the plane took off into the afternoon sunlight.