To Danielle's surprise, she and Michael weren't woken the next morning by the breakfast bell, instead by a soft tapping against the still partially raised screen. Reaching over groggily, she pressed the button to lower it.
"Good morning, I'm sorry to have woken you," Dr Loomis' voice murmured. "I tried to leave it as long as I could. It's just you are both going to have visitors today and they should be here shortly."
Danielle raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Can I tell you that in a few minutes? There's a reason for it, it will all make sense. In the meantime, Mel will be here in a minute to take you for breakfast." She smiled, looking forward to seeing her friend again. Dr Loomis continued. "I will come to meet you in the canteen, we will talk about things then. Ok?" She and Michael both nodded, and Dr Loomis walked away.
"What the heck?" Danielle asked sleepily, slowly rolling out of bed. "I really, really didn't want to get up this morning." Michael chuckled, kissed her and also stood up. They both dressed, and about five minutes later, the corridor door opened.
"Good morning," Mel's cheerful voice said. "It's me with my sticky out ears, you ready for breakfast?" Danielle and Michael both chuckled but nodded, and for the very first time Danielle opened the cell door.
"Morning Mel, how are you?" She stepped forward and hugged the guard and couldn't resist gently pulling her ears.
"Ow, my ears! Hello sweetie, I'm find thanks, all the better for seeing you two. Hello Michael." Mel could hardly believe it when Michael stepped forward and put an arm around her. She squeezed him back. "Ok, we ready?"
"Hell yes," Danielle said adamantly. "I could eat a horse right now!"
"Well, I don't think that's on the menu," Mel laughed and she remembered saying exactly the same to Joanne once. She grinned. Michael followed behind them, smiling as Mel took Danielle's arm.
They entered the patient's canteen and again, Michael got Danielle her food, while Mel grabbed the drinks. "Oh, I'm out of a job," she said in mock hurt. "I see how this works!" Danielle snickered. "Thanks darling," she said as Michael placed her plate in front of her. "Spot on, again!" He'd got her everything she liked. Mel grinned and she and Michael went to grab their own food. For a while they ate in a companionable silence, but Danielle could not help wondering what on earth Dr Loomis had been talking about. Who was coming to visit them today and why? It must've been pre-arranged. She sighed. No point worrying about it until it happened, she trusted Dr Loomis completely after all.
"You alright?" Mel asked, squeezing her arm. Michael squeezed her other hand.
"Yeah, just… I am a little bit… unnerved by this unknown visitor today. Who is it? It must have been pre-arranged or something."
"Well, you won't have long to wait," said Dr Loomis' voice. How the fuck did he do that, appear right on cue? "I have all the answers here for you."
"Hello Danielle, Michael, Mel," said an unfamiliar voice. "Do you mind if I join you? I am Oliver Cutter." Danielle's mouth dropped open in shock. The CEO of Smith's Grove?
"Of course not, Sir," she said, still trying to take this in. Cutter laughed. "No need for 'Sir,' Danielle. Call me Oliver. It's lovely to finally meet you, I've heard so much about you! All exceptionally good things, of course!" Danielle blushed but held out her hand and the CEO took it in a warm and friendly shake. She could hardly believe he was being so informal with her, when she knew staff had to call him 'Sir.' Or at least it was preferred. Now, Cutter turned to Michael. "Hello Michael, it's nice to see you again," he smiled. The killer also extended his hand, which Cutter took and shook. He and Dr Loomis sat down across from them and Mel, as Michael raised his notepad.
Please allow me to get you all drinks.
"That is very kind of you Michael," Cutter said. Then to Danielle, he's just held up a message asking us to allow him to get us drinks. Well in that case kind Sir, I'll have a coffee, black thanks." Danielle grimaced and Cutter chuckled. "No to coffee?"
"I hate coffee," she said in disgust, making all of them laugh.
"Thanks Michael," Dr Loomis smiled at his patient, still not quite able to believe it. Michael Myers getting them drinks, not spilling their blood? "I'll have a white coffee, please?"
"Same here, thanks," Mel said.
"Just my usual tea for me, thanks babe," Danielle squeezed his hand again and he squeezed back. "Can I have some more food as well please? I'm really hungry this morning!" Everyone smiled.
"I'll come with you," Dr Loomis said. "Help you carry them."
"Don't worry doc," Mel was already on her feet. "I'll go with this charming gentleman, I don't mind." Dr Loomis smiled as Mel and Michael walked towards the counters.
"Wow," Cutter whistled. "Is this really Michael Myers?" Dr Loomis and Danielle both laughed. "Believe me it didn't happen overnight," Danielle said, still shocked she was actually speaking with Smith's Grove's CEO. Having met Andrews, she could see now that Oliver Cutter was indeed his total opposite. Kind, friendly and cared about the patients under the care of his staff.
"I'm sure it didn't, but you've certainly completely changed him. It's lovely to see, it really is. I actually was hoping to speak to you, anyway, are you ok after what Dr Hazard put you through?"
"Yes, thank you Sir, it was just a shock though. I was terrified below ground."
"Now what have I told you about calling me 'Sir?'" Cutter took her hand again. "No need for it, my name's Oliver. Ok?"
"Ok," Danielle smiled, liking him already. She would've never known he was the CEO from the way he was treating her. He wasn't one of those CEO's who were arrogant, using their position as a way to gain power. "Thanks, Oliver."
"That's more like it," he released her hand. "So back to my original question, are you ok?" Mel and Michael returned setting the drinks on the table, Michael placing Danielle's food in front of her, but didn't speak, clearly sensing Cutter was talking with Danielle. "Thank you, guys," Oliver, she and Dr Loomis said together.
"Thank you, babe. Yes thanks, Oliver, but it was a bit… scary while it was going on. I've never been chained before, they said they never needed to."
"We never have," Mel smiled. "You've been a lovely patient, never given us any trouble at all."
"There you are, see?" Cutter smiled at her. "From the mouth of a guard. That just confirms it."
"Thanks Mel! Well actually that isn't strictly true. I did ask Jack to chain me once, but we were in a meeting room. I just wanted to know what it felt like to be shackled. But apart from that, I'd never been chained before… before Dr Hazard did. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually exceptionally grateful to Jack for shackling me at my request now. He was also very kind to me when it was happening for real, and I think it was because of that. Formed a bond, if you like. He understood how I was feeling. At least I kind of knew what to expect when it happened for real as a result."
"However, it was bang out of line," Cutter said. "She had no right to do that, and I'm very sorry she did."
"Why are you apologising Sir? I mean Oliver. You didn't chain me up, Ainsworth did."
"Thank you for correcting, Still, I don't like she did that, she worked on the medium security ward for a start. Thank you, Michael," he added, as the killer placed his coffee in front of him.
"Joanne, Rick and Jack were amazing though," Danielle said fervently and affectionately. "Joanne stayed with me until I was let out. You asked Dr Hazard to come down and release me apparently?"
"I did," Cutter smiled grimly. "I told her she had to apologise, that she was very likely going to lose her job for this. However, she… she never made it to your cell, did she." Danielle knew it wasn't a question.
"Uh, well no," she couldn't stop herself turning her head slightly in Michael's direction. "She had… well, a horrible accident. Joanne told me that's how you ruled it." She lowered her voice. "I know there was a lot of crap down there, some seriously lethal metal and shit, so… God only knows what kind of accident it was to split both her throat and stomach wide open, but…"
Cutter squeezed her arm. "Yes," he murmured. "A really bad accident indeed." Danielle was certain he was looking at Michael, but she didn't of course see the two men nod to each other in mutual understanding.
"So, Danielle," Cutter said as Danielle resumed eating as did Mel, and the rest sipped their drinks. "Tell me a bit about you?" Again, she could hardly believe it. Why on earth did Oliver Cutter, the CEO of Smith's Grove, care about her life?"
"Ah now come on," he chuckled, clearly knowing what she was thinking, or at least having a pretty good idea. "Tell me all your deep, dark secrets!"
"Oh, please no!" Mel said dramatically. "I really, really don't want to know about behind closed doors, please!" Everyone laughed, including Michael who laughed out loud. Everyone smiled at him.
"Well, I'm assuming you obviously know why I'm here," Danielle said. "Doubtlessly you had to authorise it?"
"I didn't, it was Andrews. But yes, I know why you are here, and I'm very sorry about it."
"I want to say, 'so am I,' but that's not quite true anymore," she admitted and he smiled at her. "Ok, let me rephrase. "I am sorry for everything you went through, causing you to feel there was no other way out, to a point where you needed help. How's that?"
She grinned. "I get your point. Thanks, Oliver. Well, I don't know what to say really," she blushed. "I always go blank when someone asks me that. Um… I'm nearly 20, will be on Christmas day, and before I met him, I attended College, studying music and English literature."
"Very intelligent then," he said, and she blushed again. "I wouldn't say that!"
"I would," Mel and Dr Loomis said together, making her go even redder. Michael put his arm around her and squeezed, clearly in agreement.
"Looks like you're outvoted, sorry," Cutter laughed. "I also hear you've recently been adopted. Congratulations!"
"Thanks," she smiled at him. "Yes, I have been adopted by my best friend's parents, the Avery family. I'm now Danielle Avery."
"Ah, but I also hear that's not going to last long either, is it? Congratulations! Again. Danielle Myers, I believe?" Now she turned so red she felt her ears burning. Everyone chuckled as Michael hugged and then kissed her. "Aww," the three said softly.
"Well, it seems that after everything you've been through, I'd say you deserve happiness now," Cutter said and the other three nodded.
"Um well thanks, Sir… Oliver, that means a lot to me."
"Well done on the correction, I did notice that. You're welcome. That is also why I haven't asked after Charlotte; I didn't want to upset you. Dr Loomis told me what happened. Again, I'm very sorry. Did he have no limits? But I also hear he reached an… unfortunate end. Regarding Charlotte though, is there any news?"
"Thanks again," she squeezed his arm this time, feeling his expensive suit jacket under her fingers. Damn, she loved men in suits! "That's very kind of you. No, not yet. But my sister is a fighter, you watch. The doctors told us she'd be dead the day after it happened, and she's still kicking! That has to be a good sign, right?"
"Well, I'm no doctor, but I would have to agree with you there, yes."
"Oliver," she said slowly, hesitating a little. "Can I ask you… what's going on?"
"We will tell you all after breakfast, I promise. We are going to go up to my office and talk there. There are reasons for this, plus I don't want to say anything here, ok?"
Despite his not directly answering her question, she was still deeply touched he'd acknowledged it and told her what was going to happen. "Thanks. Now I really do have to know," she grinned. "Did you or Andrews have a role in assigning Joanne to me? She's absolutely amazing!"
Oliver chuckled. "No, that was Dr Loomis' job. We don't have to authorise things like that, as the good doctor here is qualified enough to do that. In all honesty, we don't get that deeply involved with a patient once they actually walk through our doors. Sure, we know what's in their file as we read them all, but that's about as far as it goes. I did play a part though the night he kidnapped you. Again, I'm sorry about that! Truly I am. I authorised the plane, and the pilot."
"Thank you," she said in gratitude. "Thank you for helping with my rescue."
"It was the least I could do," the CEO squeezed her arm again. "You're more than welcome, you should never have been put in that danger. The DASC let you down. Speaking of, I actually have an update for you on that, too. Stacey Allard your other DVA is still fighting it, and we might be making progress with a little help from…"
"My friends?" Danielle finished and he laughed. "Oh, you got it. Good song that! Yes, with a little help from my friends, those friends being Smith's Grove's lawyers. Incidentally, you will not pay them a penny either, win or lose."
"Wow," she was touched all over again. "Thank you! But I can't do that, I'll have to pay something."
"No, you won't," he said firmly. "I'm paying them their fees. This is something you shouldn't have even been involved in, and as CEO, I'm fighting their CEO, who by the way, is wrong."
"Thank you," she now had a lump in her throat at his words. Damn, Oliver Cutter was one good man to people as well as with business.
…
As soon as the five of them stepped out of the elevator half an hour later, Danielle knew immediately they were heading to the office of a CEO. The floor beneath their feet was thick and plush, and the noise on the lower floors was completely silenced, presumably by sound proofing. She was sure she could even smell the paint of gleaming wooden doors. Danielle had asked Dr Loomis if Mel could come with them, and he and Cutter had both agreed instantly, Dr Loomis radioing for someone to take over in the block.
"Please come in," Cutter said, opening his door with a swipe card. They walked in and all that could be heard was the soft humming of presumably a fridge. The carpet was the same plush as outside. "Wow," Danielle whistled. Cutter smiled at her. She had never believed she would enter the office of Smith's Grove's CEO when she'd first arrived. As for Michael…
"It's not that special," he laughed. "I wouldn't have had it at all if not for Andrews, he designed the office."
"Yeah, he wanted ultimate comfort," she said bitterly, then immediately opened her mouth to apologise. But Cutter touched her shoulder. "No don't apologise, you're correct after all. Were you told he designed the shuttles too?"
Danielle grinned. "Rick thought he had, but you just confirmed it."
"Please have a seat," Cutter said, and Danielle and Michael sat down on a leather sofa against one wall, Dr Loomis and cutter opposite them, Mel in another seat. "Can I get you anything to drink out of the fridge, the humming you can hear?"
"I'm fine thanks," she smiled at him. Michael, Mel and Dr Loomis shook their heads.
"No worries. Ok. So now I can finally answer your questions. Ok so here's the score. Today two detectives from the Haddonfield PD are coming to visit you two, to talk about what happened to Adam Dawson."
"That was like three weeks ago at least! Why has it taken them so long?"
Cutter sighed. "I don't know to tell you the truth. I guess because they were investigating, but now they have requested answers from you."
"Like Michael's going to answer?" She said before she could stop herself, and the other four chuckled.
"I know," Cutter nodded. "But they have to tick their boxes I suppose."
"Of course, they do," she said bitterly. "But what do they want from me? I'm blind after all, I didn't see shit!"
"That's a fair point," Cutter said.
"Yes, it is,"" Dr Loomis agreed. "That's why I have a little surprise for you both, but particularly you. I do not trust these detectives to question you honestly or even legally. As a result, I have called in well, some help from my friends to."
She grinned. "Really? Who?"
As if on cue, (which it probably was) there was the soft sound of a doorbell. Danielle couldn't help but smile. An office with a doorbell? Ok, she had to admit that was pretty cool. Cutter smiled. "Ah, yes. Please could you help me with this, Danielle?" She stood up and he took her hand, guiding her over to his desk. Taking her finger, he placed it on a small button built into an indent in the corner of the shiny wood. She grinned and pressed it. Dr Loomis must've said something, of course. The door opened with a soft whoosh of compressed air. She whistled softly. Clearly the toy of a man who wanted to show he was boss. Cutter chuckled. "It is kind of cool I admit, not the type of gadget I would've put in myself though."
"Hello Danielle," said a voice she recognised, but at first couldn't place it. Her hand was again taken in a warm handshake, before the voice spoke again. "Do you remember me?" She could tell its owner was smiling. The voice was male, and she definitely knew it from somewhere, but where? "If I say court room," the man said. Now it clicked, and she clapped a hand to her mouth in surprise. "Mr. Goodwin? Alan?"
The man squeezed her hand. "The very same. Hello again. It's very nice to see you again. You are looking well I'm glad to see. I know what happened to Adam, I'm afraid to say good riddance. But it's how, that's the question."
Danielle opened her mouth, to say what she didn't know, but Goodwin gently stopped her again, sitting on her other side. "Ah now, that's why I'm here. We have to know what we are going to tell these detectives about how Dawson's death occurred. Dr Loomis doesn't trust them, so he's asked me to come in to give you both legal aid. Nice to meet you Mr. Myers, apart from on the camera back then." Michael turned towards the lawyer and held out his hand. Goodwin smiled and shook it. "Hello Dr Loomis, Oliver, Mel," Goodwin smiled at the other three, who all smiled back.
"This… this must be costing Smith's Grove a fortune," Danielle said weakly. "You're one of if not the best prosecutor in the state!"
"Well thank you, that's high praise indeed. Actually, it's not. I am doing this for you for free. Call it a compensation present for the absolute mess up the trial was."
"I can't," she began, but Goodwin spoke over her. "Yes, you can, and you will. So, the two detectives who are coming in are Ray Peters and James Rickets. Sorry I stand corrected; James Rickets is a deputy. But anyway, they are coming in to speak to you both. They've been investigating Dawson's death, I've had my ear to the ground back in Haddonfield, that's how I know this. They want to speak with you mostly Mr. Myers, because they suspect you had… something to do with Dawson's death, I know we understand each other." He turned towards Michael. Danielle stood up and walked over to Dr Loomis and Cutter, Dr Loomis taking her hand and directing her into another seat. Goodwin lowered his voice, in spite of where they were. Doubtlessly many highly confidential papers had crossed the mahogany desk, and private meetings of all kinds had taken place in this room, including people being terminated. The sound proofing was probably top of the range. "Now I can put two and two together and make four. I know you must've killed Dawson. You care about Danielle, and it is too big of a coincidence after Dawson took her prisoner. Suddenly Michael Myers turns up and kills him? Not only that, but knows the house she's captive in. Now I know most of it, Dr Loomis here told me. It was a planned rescue, you were all involved, the two of you and several guards, not to mention Chris Leach. However, we can't tell them that, because it could put you and Smith's Grove in very serious legal trouble for obvious reasons. But we have our story straight. You escaped, stole a car and drove down to Haddonfield. Not only that, but who else would cut someone's head clean off?"
Michael laid a soft hand on the lawyer's arm to stop him, then raised his notepad. Alan Goodwin could hardly believe Michael Myers was talking to him, even through writing. Dr Loomis, Mel and Cutter smiled at each other.
That is all very well Mr. Goodwin, but how are you going to explain how I knew where the house was?
Mel read out the message quietly to Danielle. "Please, call me Alan. Well, let's face it, we all know you have… abilities which are not human. For all we know Danielle could've told you where it was. Or hell, maybe you already knew. The best approach for you to take is you knew where Dawson lived before this happened. Danielle could've easily told you."
Ok, I accept that. Did they find any evidence I had committed the kill?
"No, they found a knife covered in blood, but none of your DNA was on it. That's another mystery about you Mr. Myers we'll never solve. If it was, they never found it in the forensic lab. They… they also found Adam's head impaled on the branch of a tree a few miles away. Nice one Leach!"
"How could they not find any DNA?" Danielle asked in disbelief. "Those labs are amazing; they can find a drop of blood in a bedroom!"
"I know, the other option is they might have and they're keeping it to their chests until they speak to you. That's not unheard of. I mean again let's be honest, you're a serial killer Mr. Myers, it's not like you're leaving Smith's Grove. So just to clarify, I don't believe they are trying to prosecute you, but simply trying to close their case out, so it doesn't rest on their shelves as a cold case. I know the dirty tactics they sometimes employ, Danielle they might try and talk to you like a suspect. You after all in their eyes had a huge motive to want Adam dead."
"I could never have cut someone's fucking head of!" Danielle exclaimed in outrage. "Even taking out the little fact of the… many moral problems I have with it, I'm not strong enough for one thing and I wouldn't be able to see to do it for another! God knows Adam hid from me so many damn times, moving away so I couldn't find him! Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't stand a chance! He was too fast, too quiet!"
"Yes, I get that. But they could very easily say you asked Michael to do it for you, told him about everything that happened. Now I'm going to take an educated guess that you have done. Told him everything, I mean."
"Yes," she nodded. "Plus, all the other shit Adam pulled while I was still here. The calls, the Emails, the letter he wrote to Michael pretending to be Charlotte, has Dr Loomis shown you that?"
"Yes," Cutter, Goodwin and Mel said together. "I'm one step ahead of you there," Goodwin smiled. "I've seen that. The only problem is with that is there's no actual proof it was Adam. We know it was, but the detectives might not… see it that way or accept that in the absence of solid proof."
"Charlotte would never write that about me! She would know that would really hurt both of us and destroy mine and Michael's relationship. Hell, there was a short time Michael thought it was her! My sister came all the damn way up here as soon as she knew, like left within minutes to talk to him and explained it wasn't, and comfort me! Don't apologise Michael," she added firmly. "It's over, done with and I don't blame you! I might have done in your shoes too!"
"Absolutely," Goodwin agreed. "I can see why you'd think that too, Mr. Myers."
"But those detectives would also never accept Michael and I have fallen in love, you know, he's Michael Myers, he's a serial killer, he never speaks, so on, and so on. They'd never believe it even if we told them. They haven't been here to witness it."
"I haven't either, but I believe it," Goodwin squeezed her arm and smiled at Michael. "I'm really happy for you both. Even when you were on the camera in the court room Mr. Myers, I had a suspicion you and Danielle were at the very least friends then."
I'm Michael, Mr. Goodwin. Please don't call me 'Mr. Myers?'
"Done," the lawyer smiled at him. "I'm Alan, Michael. Ok now I won't lie, I would struggle to believe it if I hadn't been in touch with Dr Loomis. Believe it or not, I've kept my eyes and ears on you since the trial. I wanted to make sure you were ok, so Dr Loomis has spoken to me a few times since, giving me updates. I… I am very, very sorry indeed about what happened to both yourself and Charlotte, even the police are not denying Dawson was behind it. He wasn't driving the car we know that, but he probably paid for it."
"He did, he bragged about it the night he grabbed me! As for keeping an eye on me, thank you so much Mr. Goodwin, I really, really appreciate it. God! The old me would've called it patronising, I was so stupid!"
"Hey, it's Alan! It was my pleasure. How is Charlotte, any update?"
"Not yet, but the doctors said she'd be dead the day after, and it's been over a month I think and she's still here. I speak to dad and Nigel every day, she's still in her coma. But surely that's a good thing, in a way."
"Yes of course, it means her body is still fighting and has a chance of healing."
She nodded. "Exactly."
"I will give you my number before I leave today, please will you keep me updated?" Danielle was very touched by this. "Of course."
…
When James Ricket's alarm went off at 06:00 the next morning, he was Far from amused. This was it; it was time for the one assignment of his life he was dreading more than any other. Going up to Smith's Grove to interview the silent and masked serial killer Michael Myers. He really, really didn't want to do this."
"Are you ok?" His wife Sarah asked, kissing him on the lips. He smiled at her and softly rubbed her growing bump, their first child.
"Yes hon, I just want to get this over with if truth be told, I wouldn't be doing this at all if I had a choice. God damn Hawkins!" He'd told Sarah he was going to interview Michael Myers, but no further details as he was not allowed to. Or had it in fact been a subconscious gesture in case he didn't return? He might have said it tongue in cheek to Peters, but Michael Myers seriously terrified him.
"Just think of the paycheck," Sarah smiled at him. "Plus remember you're damn good at your job, James."
"Thanks hon," he smiled back at her, and it was genuine. "I appreciate the vote of confidence." Yawning, he got out of bed and headed for the shower.
…
"Good morning, James," Peters said 45 minutes later, ringing their doorbell. James was waiting for him, dressed in his best suit and tie. Peters was also in a suit and tie.
"Good morning, Sir," he replied. "Are you ready for this?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Peters chuckled. "But Haddonfield PD are obviously paying for our gas and food on the way up. So, they should, I might add, considering this is on Hawkins' orders."
James nodded and climbed into the mark cruiser. He really wasn't in the mood for talking right now. He was glad Peters was driving, because he was seriously considering getting some more sleep. In fact, about 10 minutes into the journey, his eyes were indeed closing.
…
"Dr Loomis," Danielle said as they all sat in Cutter's office, having talked for at least an hour about their story and how they were going to approach the interview. She couldn't deny that having Goodwin here comforted her. He was a damn good prosecutor, and if these officers were smart, they wouldn't mess with him. She most certainly wouldn't in their shoes! "Is it ok if Mel stays for this? I mean…"
"Of course, it is," Dr Loomis spoke over her now. "You asked her to be here, so she's here until the bitter end."
"Thanks Mel," she said gratefully.
"What are you thanking me for, sweetie? I'm touched you want me to be here for this."
"Well of course, we need someone to tell Joanne later!"
"Oh, I see how it is, I'm just the messenger!" Mel sniffled, before she started laughing as did the others. "That's all you want me for!"
"No, it's your sticky out ears," Danielle said, reaching up to pull them. Everyone laughed.
"Ow, my ears! She loves ears," Mel said to Goodwin and Cutter. "I will never get any peace now because mine stick out! That's her idea of heaven!"
"Yeah," Dr Loomis chuckled. "I have, "Nice ears," too apparently, and Michael's… well I'll leave that for you to guess!"
"Shut up!" She was blushing all over again. Everyone was laughing. "Oh, really?" Goodwin said, before to her shock he stood up and lowered his head, putting her hands on his ears. She turned, if it were possible, even redder.
"Well?" Dr Loomis chuckled. "How are your lawyer's ears?" Danielle was mortified, but eventually managed to answer. "Nice," she squeaked. Everyone laughed again at her reaction.
"Well, I'm out then," Cutter said, and Danielle now did think this unreal when she found herself touching the CEO's ears! If someone had told her when she'd arrived one day she'd feel the ears of Smith's Grove's CEO, she would've scoffed at them. Now, that was exactly what she was doing.
"Ah, my ears! Tickles!" Cutter laughed. "So? How are my ears?"
"I… I like them," Danielle could hardly speak through blushing, but was also laughing. Damn, these were good people, position and power didn't matter to them at all.
"Ah! Ticklish!" Cutter exclaimed, before actually reaching up and tweaking her ears in return. Now, she full-on giggled. Unable to stop herself, she felt his suit jacket, shirt and tie. Everyone smiled. "Ah yes, she loves men in suits," Dr Loomis grinned. "Watch out!" "Indeed?" Goodwin said, moving forward so she felt his suit too. She smiled at him.
"Dr Loomis," she said finally after they'd sat down again, reaching for his hand. The doctor took and squeezed it. "I do have one small request, if that's ok?"
"Ask away," he smiled.
"I know Mr. Hughes is here today as he's still working with me, is there any way…" But she didn't get a chance to finish her sentence. This time it was Cutter himself who pulled out a radio and made the request, the words being heard through Mel's handset. Just a few minutes later the doorbell rang. Cutter took Danielle's finger again and placed it on the button. The doors whooshed open and Adam Hughes entered, the doors silently closing behind him. "You asked for me Sir?"
"Now I've told you to quit with that," Cutter smiled at the DVA. "Actually, no I didn't, Danielle here did."
"Hello guys," Adam said, taking another chair. "How can I help you, Danielle?"
"Alan," she turned to the lawyer. "Would you mind?"
"Of course not." Goodwin swiftly brought the DVA up to date on what was about to happen, who was attending and why. Hughes nodded slowly. "Dr Loomis told me about Dr Hazard," he said. "An… unfortunate accident, wasn't it?"
"Correct," Goodwin said, but Hughes nodded to Michael, who nodded back. "Yes of course, an accident. Right. So, what can I do for you in this, Danielle? I will just say too it's nice to meet you Mr. Goodwin, you've prosecuted several cases I've worked on, and I've seen you in court, but never had a chance to say hello."
"It's my pleasure Adam," Goodwin shook his hand warmly. "I'm Alan, please." Hughes smiled at him and nodded.
"Well," Danielle said slowly, choosing her words carefully to try and articulate exactly what she was trying to say. "You're my DVA Mr. Hughes, I don't trust these detectives, and… I don't know, I'd just feel safer knowing you're here."
"Ah now," Hughes said, gently but firmly. "I'm not 'Mr. Hughes' and you know it. What's my name?" Everyone smiled at him, including Michael. Danielle blushed. "Sorry, I just… I feel a bit on edge right now."
Instantly Adam stood up and switched places with Goodwin, so he was on her other side. Grasping her hand in his as Michael held her other, he turned to face her. "Come on, you've done so well, don't let this drag you back," Adam murmured. "I say again, what's my name?"
Danielle couldn't help it. She felt a rush of pure affection for him and reached over to hug him tightly. Hughes hugged her back. "I'm sorry," Danielle murmured, feeling suddenly close to tears. "But you are an amazing guy Mr. Hughes, I'm sorry I was so rude to you when we first met. You've been nothing but kind to me and you've helped me so much in so many ways. Just by being here makes me feel safe from whatever these guys might try to do or say. My DVA, legal counsel," she smiled at Goodwin. "People in powerful places," she turned her head towards Cutter, Dr Loomis and Mel. "I can't thank you enough for this! Finally, of course, my Fiancé! I couldn't do this without every one of you!"
"Hey, don't cry," Hughes rubbed her back. He looked up and saw Michael looking at him, and there was clear affection and respect in the killer's usually cold, intense gaze. Adam Hughes felt a lump in his own throat. He smiled back at Michael. "Ah come on," now Hughes leant in and softly kissed the top of her head. "You're a sweetheart, but you still haven't said my name yet. I'm waiting, come on. You know you can do it; you've done it before several times. What's my name?" She squeezed him as tightly as she could. "Oof! Squeeze!" Adam mock gasped and now she laughed through her sniffles. "Thank you," she said softly, now reaching up and pulling his ears. Everyone including Adam laughed. "Thank you, Adam."
"Yay!" Everyone bar Michael cheered, including Goodwin and Cutter. Michael whistled. Danielle felt overwhelming affection for every single person in the room.
"That's more like it," Hughes released her. "Ow, my ears! If you need me, I'm here. I told you that when we first met. I'm no legal expert, that's why you have the amazing Alan here, but anything I can do to help you, just ask."
"I won't let them get too close either," Mel almost growled. "They try, they'll have me to answer to."
"That would scare me," Danielle said adamantly. "Thanks, Mel."
"For my turn, I won't let them get too close in terms of power trips," Cutter said. "Dr Loomis and I won't actually be with you in the room, but we'll be listening. I meant to mention that too. The audio and video will be sent over a live feed into this office, so we can both hear what is said and see what happens. Are you ok with that, Mr. Goodwin?"
"It's Alan," the lawyer said. "Yes, of course I am."
"It'll only be the two of us in here," Cutter assured them. "No one else will hear anything. The feed will also be recorded, so if either of you want to talk anything through with us afterwards, you can all come straight back up here and do just that. By that same token, if they do anything which is absolutely out of line, they'll hear about it from me and so will their boss's!"
"Thank you," Danielle felt emotional all over again. Michael smiled at the CEO and Dr Loomis, pulling Danielle into a comforting hug. Her phone buzzed with a message, and without even thinking she handed it to Adam, and her DVA acted as Michael's voice.
"It's me they're after more, not you. I don't think you're their main target, if you will."
"That's as maybe, but Mr. Goodwin is correct. Sorry, Alan," she amended quickly.
"That's better," Goodwin smiled.
"Alan is correct. I… in their eyes at least do have a motive to want… have wanted Adam dead. Not this Adam!" She chuckled, as did everyone else."
"Oh good," Hughes laughed. "Was worried there for a second!" Danielle genuinely laughed; she couldn't help it. "But in their eyes, I had a motive to want Adam Dawson dead! After all the hell he put Charlotte and I through."
"But like you just said," Adam said, reading Michael's message. "You could never have cut someone's head off! I, however, can."
"So, they really think I… what? Just strolled up to you in the exercise yard and said 'Mr. Myers, please kill my ex-boyfriend Adam Dawson?' Be real! You know you'd have killed me on first sight, Jesus, you were seriously considering it! Handhold be damned!"
Michael leant in and kissed her now. As he did so, he typed his reply, which Adam read, while Michael's lips were still against hers. "Yes, that was until you got into my heart as completely as you have. Remember, despite wanting Adam dead, you could never have killed him yourself, as you just said. 'Moral problems with it.' I believe those were your words? I understand that. You are a good woman, you wouldn't hurt anyone. Not even Dawson, if it came to it. You can say you would, but all of us in here know that's not true."
She sighed. "Damn it Michael you're probably right, but I don't know. Towards the end I was seriously starting to wonder if there was a way I could fight back, shove one of his sharp tools somewhere painful, perhaps. But you all also know I could never have risked it. He'd have killed me for even trying."
Now Michael lowered his head so Danielle's hands were on his ears, before he started to wiggle them. Everyone smiled and she was sure she heard Mel sniff. She smiled back at her guard and friend, blinking back her own tears.
"That's a fair point, but I still don't think you'd have it in you to physically hurt anyone. As for killing them, there's no way."
"But you do, you're Michael Myers for fuck's sake! I bet you anything they think I asked you to do it! Let's face it, you and I know they're not far wrong…"
"I don't believe you actually said to me can you kill Dawson."
"Oh, I think I did," she shook her head. "Maybe not actually meaning it, but I think I did say something similar."
"Fine, but either way how would they ever prove that? I'm Michael Myers, like you just said I would've killed you on first meeting you, how are they to know we've interacted and become as close as two people can since then?"
"That's one way to put it," she smiled at him and kissed him. "That's also a good point, but… come on their police! Of course they'll try to pin it on one of us!"
"Yes, and logic says it will be me. I will take whatever blame they put on me for this, in my opinion they shouldn't even be speaking to you. Not now. If they wanted to ask you about the kidnapping, they should've done it weeks ago."
"I have to say I tend to agree with your charming husband here," Goodwin said. "I too don't think they should be speaking to you now. If you had information for them, why has it taken this long?" Michael nodded to the lawyer.
"I too will tell them in no uncertain terms to stick to the facts," Cutter said. "I had to authorise this and they are meeting with me before they speak to you. That is, I will be in reception waiting for them. I will make it very clear what they can and can not do. What I will not do however is tell them you have legal aid. I'll let them… find that out for themselves."
"Thank you for authorising that too," Danielle said sincerely. "I'm really, really grateful."
"There is no way I'd let you be interviewed without legal aid, even as a victim," Cutter said. "So it's no problem at all."
"Michael," Alan said. "I am pretty certain you can handle yourself without legal aid, but I am here for both of you. All I would ask of you is, if the detectives ask something of you which I deem crossing legal boundaries, please do not try to stop me?"
"You're the lawyer, Alan," Adam said, still acting as Michael's voice and reading the text messages. "Why would I stop you from doing your job? I trust you, after all." Goodwin smiled at him. Michael turned back to Danielle, still wiggling his ears. "Now I am pretty certain they are going to want me behind glass. Think about it sweetheart. I'm Michael Myers, a dangerous serial killer. They won't want to be anywhere near me. Just as well for them, I might add."
She shivered, but felt a jolt of sadness. Michael was very probably right. "He's right," Dr Loomis said. "Now this is where you have an option Danielle. You can either be on Michael's side, or theirs."
"Let me guess though, I'm thinking Alan's going to say that from a legal standpoint, I should probably be on their side. After all, like the man himself said, Michael Myers is a dangerous serial killer. In their eyes, why the hell would I want to be anywhere near him either?"
"You should be a lawyer," Goodwin smiled at her. "That's correct, but it is your choice."
"Yes, but you're also going to say it won't do our legal battles any good if I'm standing right next to a killer, will it?"
"Ah," Goodwin smiled. "But they've never met you, don't forget. How do they know you're not as dangerous as Michael? After all, you've been in Smith's Grove together, Adam did some serious damage, for all they know you could've become a killer yourself."
"That's a good point," she admitted. "Michael, are you going to be angry if…" but she was again stopped as Michael kissed her, again wiggling his ears.
"Stop right there. No of course I'm not going to be angry if you're on the other side. Like Alan said, legally it makes sense, like you also correctly said before he even could! You're not stupid, far from it. If you want my opinion, I too think you should be on the other side. You'll never see them again, not if I have anything to say about it, so they don't need to know anything except what they ask for. Give them the appearance and the answers they're looking for, they'll be gone with no issues."
"I agree with Michael 100 percent," Cutter said. "They won't be returning if I have anything to say about it either Michael. But he's right. Give them what they're expecting, and that'll be it." She nodded. She knew it made sense, but that didn't mean she had to like it. As if on cue, Cutter's intercom buzzed and his secretary told them the officers had just entered Smith's Grove's gates. "Ok," he stood up. "Thanks Julie. Right, I'm heading down to reception. Dr Loomis will take you to a visitor's room now, remember the feed will be both live and recorded, we've got your backs." Danielle and Michael both smiled at the CEO before standing, Adam taking Danielle's arm. "I'll be right beside you," Mel promised. "They won't get physically anywhere near you. You asked for me, I'm here as your guard." Danielle pulled her into a hug again, she couldn't help it. Mell squeezed her back, and this time actually kissed her cheek.
"You've asked for me too," Hughes said. "I as your DVA will be right on your other side, as well as your lawyer. If you're in distress, we'll know."
"Thank you," she squeezed his arm tightly. It was Adam who guided her out of the office and towards the visitor's room, Dr Loomis behind them to place Michael behind security glass. Danielle had finally agreed she would be on their side face to face with the detectives, with Goodwin and Adam either side, Mel just behind her. With them protecting her, Danielle Avery knew she could tackle anything the world might throw at her. "Ok guys," she said, suddenly feeling a lot braver for that very reason. "I'm ready, let's go kick some legal ass!"