Danielle was feeling unaccountably nervous all of a sudden as they stepped into the visitor's room, with the huge pane of security glass across its centre which Michael would very soon be standing behind, beyond her reach.
"You alright?" Adam murmured. "You look a little pale." Behind her, Mel squeezed her shoulder, Goodwin her other arm.
"Yeah," she sighed. "It just makes me sad Michael standing behind that, like he's a danger. I mean… ok to them he is, but I… I don't know it just… I don't like it. I'm just… a bit nervous, I think. I hate interviews like this, especially with police when I'm damn sure they consider me a suspect for a crime I did not commit."
"It's not too late if you want to be on his side instead," Cutter said, but she slowly shook her head. "Thanks, but your reasons for me not make more sense."
"Just remember I'm right here," Goodwin assured. "You are not a suspect, and I will speak up if they treat you as such!" She smiled faintly at him. "Thanks."
"Got a little treat for you first though," Dr Loomis said. Taking her hand, he guided her into a tiny booth at the back of the room. Inside there was a single chair, and a control panel with only three buttons. "Take a seat," he said, placing her hand on the back of the chair. She sat down, and Dr Loomis took her finger and placed it on the first button. "Give that a push."
She did so, and there was a soft, but still audible whooshing sound. She didn't have to think too hard to guess what'd just happened. The huge pane of glass had smoothly separated down the middle, the panes splitting to each side so someone could step through. She couldn't help smiling, as Michael stepped up to her side, leant down and kissed her, before moving her hands to his ears and wiggling them. He then raised his notepad, which Dr Loomis read out loud. "Uh oh, please don't keep me locked behind there for longer than you have to? Seeing as you have total control? It'll be ok, I'm here. I love you."
Tears sprang to her eyes as she kissed him again. "I'll let you out if you're good," she quipped, and everyone laughed. "Thanks darling, good luck."
"Not that you need it, you're innocent, remember? But same to you." He kissed her again, whistled a little tune then stepped away from the booth and when Dr Loomis tapped her shoulder, Danielle pressed the button again, and the glass whooshed shut. "What are the other two for then?" She asked, unable to help herself. She loved things like this and of course Dr Loomis knew it.
He chuckled. "This one the second is to turn on the audio and video, so you can see and hear Michael behind the glass, otherwise it would be impossible to do either, the glass is too thick." She pressed it and there was a click, immediately Dr Loomis told her he could see Michael, and they could both hear the killer's calm breathing. "The third?"
The doctor smiled. "If you feel it, it's a lot bigger than the others. Now for once in your life I'm unfortunately going to have to ask you not to press this one."
"Oh," she said in mock sadness, but grinned. He chuckled again. "It's a panic button, it's bright red. If you press that, guards will be here from medium and high security within seconds. That's why there's a bolted down chair in here, a guard can sit here if they wish. The speakers we can hear Michael through are above your head in the ceiling, and the screen is here." He placed her hand on a small screen beside the three buttons. "There is a huge screen in the main room itself, but this is the small one the guard can use."
"Thanks Dr Loomis," she smiled at him. "I appreciate that, but I'm still a bit nervous."
"Uh oh, Danielle's taken our place," Mel said from outside the booth. "We're out of our jobs! Watch out for that huge red button!" Danielle smirked. "I wish," she said a little sadly. "I'd love to be a guard."
"Why?" Mel asked, taking her hand and helping her out of the booth. Ceiling speakers within the room meant they could still hear Michael perfectly clearly, and microphones also in the ceiling meant he could hear them. They would also be used to record the visit and allow Dr Loomis and Cutter to hear everything said. "Why would you want to put yourself in danger every day when you come into work?"
"I'm not that dangerous, am I?" She laughed and Mel joined her, hugging her. "No of course not! Um well actually… let me rethink that one!"
"Shut up!" Danielle grinned, then sighed. "I don't know, all your equipment I guess." She touched Mel's handcuffs, gun and radio.
"Yeah, but they're just tools of the trade," Mel said. "You also have to undertake a hell of a lot of training, it's not an easy job, believe me. Plus, some patients are seriously very dangerous indeed."
"Yeah, I guess like I've said before, it's probably just because I can't do it that I want to, like I'd love to be a taxi driver and obviously… I can't do that!"
"Death trap alert," Goodwin said and all of them laughed.
"Exactly. So maybe if I could do it, I wouldn't want to."
"Even on medium it's no joke," Adam said, gently moving her so she was standing beside the glass, her left shoulder touching its cool surface. "It's challenging and like the lovely Mel here said, dangerous. Ok, Michael is just beside your left shoulder, where it's touching the glass. Mr. Goodwin is just in front of you, I'm on your right, and Mel is behind you."
"Right here my girl," Mel and Goodwin said together, squeezing her shoulder and arm respectively. She nodded and managed a faint smile at them.
"Is our little… surprise active?" She asked Goodwin in a low voice, but it was Mel who answered.
"Yep, Dr Loomis just told me in my earpiece, my sticky out ears pieces… that it is!" Danielle laughed. "Thanks Mel. Now please, can we just get this over with?"
…
Detective Ray Peters was not in the least happy when told by one of the guards at the main gate that he and Rickets would have to hand over their side arms and tasers. "I'm a police officer," he protested. "Hell, a Detective even! Why should I have to hand over my weapons?"
"It's the rules, Detective," the guard said smoothly. "You are entering the high security ward, where the patients are the most dangerous. If you refuse, you won't be given access and will have to leave. After all, we would have to hand over ours if entering the PD, would we not?"
Rickets, not wanting any trouble, handed his over without argument. He couldn't deny the guard had a fair point. They were after all on Smith's Grove's territory, they had rules for a reason and yes, they would be searched if entering the PD. But his boss still didn't look happy about it.
"Fine," Peters snapped eventually, unholstering and handing over his service weapon and taser as Rickets had done. The guards however did not ask for their concealed handcuffs, batons, radios or pepper spray. Just as well, because he was not prepared to hand those over.
"Follow me, officers," the guard said, leading them into a small shuttle station.
"I'm Detective," Peters snapped. Rickets glanced sideways at him. Being aggressive from the outset would hardly help them, but he didn't dare say anything. They might have a good working relationship as of recently, but Peters was still his boss. They boarded a small shuttle with black leather seats. Rickets raised a mental eyebrow. Sitting down and doing up their seatbelts, the guard touched a touch screen at the front of the vehicle, and an automated female voice told them they would be at main reception in two minutes.
"Reception?" Peters asked. "Are we not going straight to the ward?"
"No Sir," the guard said. "Someone wishes to speak with you there first." Peters sighed. How long would this damn thing take?
They got off at the reception and walked through the automatic sliding doors. As soon as they did so, a man in an impeccably tailored suit and tie stood and approached them. His name tag read Oliver Cutter, CEO. Peters' heart sank.
"Good morning, Detective, Officer," the CEO said. "As you can see, I am Oliver Cutter, CEO of Smith's Grove. I wished to speak with you before you conduct this interview."
"For what reason, Sir?" Peters asked, knowing disrespecting this man would get them nowhere except out of the exit doors, fast.
"Because I am the CEO," Cutter said evenly, not in the least intimidated. "Because I know Danielle Avery, the young woman you are about to interview, and while she is a lot stronger than the woman who first walked through our doors, you will still treat her with respect and curtesy. She is understandably nervous about this interview; I trust you will show her the utmost compassion?"
"Has she told you that, Sir?" Peters asked. Rickets inwardly winced. Like Cutter would answer that.
"That is my business," Cutter said, proving him right. "Any conversation I may or may not have had with Miss Avery is between us. But remember, whether you think she is guilty or innocent, you must conduct this interview fairly, impartially and not jump to any conclusions until your investigation is complete."
Peters bristled. Who the hell did Cutter think he was to tell him how to do his job? He wasn't telling Cutter how to run Smith's Grove! He took a breath and forced himself to nod. "Of course, Sir."
"I will tell you now that Danielle has requested a guard with her," Cutter continued. "This is her right and can not be denied by us or you. It makes her feel safer, so it's done. She's totally blind remember and doesn't even know you."
Plus, Michael Myers will be standing just a few feet away, Rickets thought and shivered a little. I'd want a damn guard too!
"She will also have her DVA with her, Domestic Violence Advisor, she has again requested this for the same reasons, plus all the horrific abuse she went through."
Peters felt his anger rise. I know what a DVA is, idiot! So now you're saying we're going to domestically abuse her? For fuck's sake! Why does she need them there too?
Cutter shot him a warning look, clearly detecting his mood shift. Peters took another deep breath. "You will be interviewing Miss Avery and Mr. Myers together at the same time," Cutter said. "Mr. Myers will be behind glass of course, but Dr Loomis has denied your request for separate interviews. What you ask one, you can ask both. Also, if you ask anything which I deem is out of line or crosses boundaries, you will know about it, as will your boss's."
Peters was getting more and more irritated by the second and with every word the CEO spoke. This was not how he'd requested it, but he knew he had to bite his tongue, Smith's Grove were after all allowing the interviews at the end of the day, and pushing would only get them thrown out incredibly quickly. He really wanted to snap 'what the hell are you implying?' But knew he couldn't. Instead, he tried not to grit his teeth as he spoke. "Understood, Sir," he said, trying to keep his voice friendly.
"Good," Cutter nodded to them. "In that case gentlemen, please follow me?"
They once again boarded the shuttle, but this time the guard was not with them. Cutter pressed the touch screen, and the automated voice told them they would reach the Maximum-Security Unit in approximately four minutes. James was feeling nervous now but couldn't put his finger on why. The attitude of his boss, maybe? Or simply being face to face, (albeit through security glass,) with Michael Myers? That would make anyone nervous, that was for sure! No wonder Hayward was nervous!
The shuttle eventually came to a gentle stop, and the three of them disembarked. Cutter produced a swipe card from his suit jacket pocket and swiped them into ICU. James felt his heart pick up speed. No, he didn't want to do this. He really, really didn't want to do this…
…
"They've just entered the Maximum-Security Unit," Mel murmured. "Dr Loomis is watching the CCTV." Danielle took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Adam squeezed her hand. "I'm here," he said. She forced a smile.
"I do have one question," she spoke very quietly now. "What if this… makes Michael, you know… angry?"
Of course, the sensitive microphones picked her up and a few seconds later the screen beeped. Mel read out Michael's reply. "Then I will request to stay behind this glass until such time as I'm not. Don't worry, you'll be perfectly safe, as will every one of you involved in this. I will also make no move to harm the officers. On that, you have my promise."
"Thanks Michael," the four said together, smiling at him.
"That means a lot to me pal," Adam said. "It really does."
Danielle knew Michael had phrased it that way because the feed was now active, and Dr Loomis could also hear this, as could Cutter. She felt a rush of affection for him all over again at this. This was all her doing. She still couldn't stop thinking that at times like this. Something must've shown on her face because Mel squeezed her shoulder, Adam her arm. She knew they knew what she was thinking. She managed another small smile at them. Now she just wanted these guys to hurry the fuck up and get this over with.
As if on cue, the visitor's room door slid silently open, and Cutter entered. "Hello Danielle," he said, making sure he was the first to speak as she knew his voice. "It's me, Oliver. I have Detective Peters and Officer Rickets here to speak with you and yourself, Mr. Myers. Do you have any questions for me before I leave?"
"No, thank you Oliver," she smiled at him.
"No problem," the CEO squeezed her shoulder, then was gone.
Peters took a breath. He did not trust that Cutter would not be listening somehow to this interview, so knew he had to be careful. All they could hear was Myers calm breathing through what must've been built-in speakers and see him on a huge screen. There was no way they would've been able to hear or see him through that glass otherwise. Thank God the silent bastard couldn't reach them! He'd kill them in a second! Pulling out his extensive notes, he turned towards Hayward and Myers, separated from him by the glass, whereas Hayward was right in front of him. She was seated in a soft chair, her left shoulder touching the glass. Peters privately would've snapped at them to move her the fuck back, but hell, he wasn't in charge here. Plus, it wasn't as though Myers could reach her either.
"Good morning, Miss Hayward, Mr. Myers," he began. "My name is Detective Peters, I am from the Haddonfield PD. I need and wish to speak with you about the events of a few weeks previously. First off, I am very sorry for what Adam Dawson did to you Miss Hayward, you did not deserve that. However, it is the events which took place during I wish to discuss with you."
"First off Detective," Danielle said, her voice perfectly steady. "Please stop calling me Miss Hayward. I'm not Hayward anymore. I was adopted a few weeks ago, while recovering from the events you've just mentioned. I am now Danielle Avery."
"Very good," Peters nodded, but James was sure his boss hadn't heard a word Danielle had just said, his eyes on his notes. Uh oh, he thought. This isn't a good start. I just hear as Peters' fucking bodyguard.
"I appreciate… your account will be… somewhat limited due to your sight issues," Peters continued. "But I would like you please to tell me what happened? Before you do however, I need to read this to both of you. 'You have the right to remain silent, anything you do say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an Attorney before and during questioning and to have an Attorney present during questioning if you wish.'"
"Hold on," Danielle interrupted. "Those are Miranda rights! I at least am not under arrest!"
"No, you're not," Peters agreed. "But it is to protect yourselves and us. As for you Mr. Myers, well you're obviously… not going anywhere." So you are under arrest, he didn't add.
"Funny you should mention an Attorney Detective," Danielle said. "Because…" Peters gaped in shock as Alan Goodwin himself stepped forwards, so they saw him for the first time. God knew Peters had met him in court several times on cases, but this time, he and Goodwin were on opposite sides. How the hell had Hayward afforded him? He was the best damn prosecutor in Illinois! An opinion shared by many in the courts, PD and elsewhere.
"Good morning, Detective," Goodwin said smoothly. Danielle was now exceptionally glad Cutter and Dr Loomis had done this for her. If Peters was going to read her her damn rights, she was sure as shit going to act on them to 'protect herself,' as Peters had put it.
Peters was now seriously pissed. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to play dirty, but he had questions he wanted to ask Hayward, and her having an Attorney made that incredibly complicated. Not to mention why was it Alan Goodwin himself? Bad! Looking behind Hayward, he saw her DVA and a Smith's Grove guard beside her. Fuck! Smith's Grove was sure as shit prepared, and he didn't like that.
"So, to start my question again," he said, keeping his voice friendly. "Can you tell me about what happened the night Dawson kidnapped you from the hospital please?"
"Can I ask a question first? Why are you only hear asking me this now, when it was three weeks ago at least?"
"We had investigations to conduct," Peters said. But James couldn't help thinking Danielle had a good point. "I am very sorry for what Dawson did to you, but now we need… the full details, if possible, please?"
"Relevance!" Goodwin snapped. "What Danielle went through at Adam Dawson's hands has nothing to do with his death. You don't need a play by play of her horror that night to know why he died!"
"Actually, we do," Peters said. "We need to know who killed Dawson and how he died, and the details of what you went through could have a lot to do with that, Miss Hayward."
"Only if you're implying, I killed him," Danielle said. "Which I most certainly did not."
"Well of course you would say that, wouldn't you? This is why we need to investigate. You were kidnapped by him and then that same night he's dead?"
"You… you're joking right?" She was legitimately speechless. "Hold on just a second! I'm totally blind, you idiot! You all know how quietly Adam could move and hide from me; Nigel manning testified at trial! I wasn't there, but Mr. Goodwin here told me everything today and Nigel himself told me before! So, if you think I could kill him, think again!"
"Ok, well perhaps you didn't kill him, but had… someone to do it for you?" She just knew Peters was now looking at Michael.
"So… what?" She laughed, unable to stop herself. "I just strolled up to Michael in the exercise yard one day and said 'Hello Mr. Myers, how are you? I know you don't know me, but please could you kill my ex-boyfriend Adam Dawson if he ever kidnaps me, or you get the chance?' By the way, he'll be holding me at this address?'"
"Exactly Miss Hayward, how do we know you didn't do just that? You have been at Smith's Grove long enough, after all."
"I can't believe this, is your concern my welfare, or to prosecute and see me in jail? Please may I remind you that I'm only here because I tried to commit suicide as a result of Dawson's horrific abuse?"
"Which is precisely why we're talking to you now, Miss Hayward. That gives you a huge motive to want Dawson dead, does it not? He drove you to try and kill yourself, kidnapped you from the hospital after Charlotte's… accident, not to mention kept contacting you while you were here. I'd say that gives you plenty of reason, wouldn't you?"
"Stop!" Goodwin almost shouted. "How dare you accuse without proof! You, Detective Peters, are speculating! As Danielle just said, she's blind, how would she cut Dawson's head off? Get more evidence before you throw accusations at an innocent victim!"
"The autopsy also showed multiple stab wounds," Peters countered. "Who's to say that didn't kill him before he was decapitated? You could've easily stabbed him, could you not?"
Danielle wanted nothing more than to shout the truth at this insensitive prick, but knew she had to be careful how she did it. Adam's hateful last words, the swish of the knife, the thud… she briefly closed her eyes. Even now it still haunted her. God knew how Rick and Jack were coping. She made a mental note to talk to them when they came in tonight. That was one question she'd never asked them, at least not directly or alone, she'd fix that. "I'd have to find him to stab him," she said, keeping her voice as calm as she could. She thought back to Michael's promise not to harm the Detective and wondered if that still stood. Doubtless this was making him furious; it was her, that was for sure! "To repeat myself, you know how quiet Adam Dawson could move! Plus, no matter what he did, I could never kill someone! Not even him! Think what you will Detective Peters, I'm not and could never be a murderer!"
Rickets looked at Myers and shivered. "Sir," he said, speaking for the first time. Peters turned to him. "I think you're forgetting who the actual killer is." He knew he shouldn't have spoken, but in truth his boss was making him just as angry as Danielle. Why was he acting like this towards her? He was taking a hostile approach normally only used on suspects, and Danielle wasn't a suspect.
"Michael Myers escaped," Danielle said, her voice quieter now. "He stole a car and drove down to Haddonfield. It took Dr Loomis and at least 6 guards to chase and track him down."
"Really?" Peters' tone was sceptical. As much as she disliked him, Danielle had to hand it to him, he was a smart cop then. "If that is true, tell me how he knew where you were being held by Dawson?"
"I have absolutely no idea," she said truthfully. At the time after all, she hadn't until Leach had told her during the rescue. So, it wasn't really a lie. At least at the time it hadn't been. "Why don't you ask him? He's standing right there!"
"Because if you know anything about Michael Myers, you'll know as well as I do Miss Hayward he will not answer," Peters said cooly.
"I believe Danielle has asked you to stop calling her 'Miss Hayward,'" Goodwin said. "She has recently been adopted; her name is Danielle Avery."
Danielle felt another rush of affection towards the man who'd prosecuted Adam so successfully, but for one stupid Juror. She had to ask him about that before he left, whether there was an update on Duckworth. For now, though, he was protecting her all over again and not charging anyone, not even Smith's Grove to do it. Damn, he was one kind man! Yes, the trial had been a mess, but that hadn't been his fault. Yet here he was, doing this for her as an apology he did not owe. She had also noticed he was using her name, not calling her 'my Client' as some Lawyers would've done. Yet another thing she was grateful for. It made this feel like the personal representation it actually was.
"Well, you don't know for sure until you at least try," she said, and Peters scoffed. James however stepped towards the security glass. For some reason his boss was being an absolute dick to someone who didn't deserve it, he would show at least he wasn't.
"Hello, Mr. Myers," he said quietly. "My name is James Rickets." He did not introduce himself as 'Deputy Rickets,' which he would've been entitled to do. He never used that if he could help it, he wasn't after power. The killer's gaze rested on him, and James Rickets received a huge shock. The gaze of Michael Myers had previously been described by some, (Laurie Strode a prime example,) as the abyss, and one only saw it when they were about to die. That, however, was not what he saw in that exact moment. Michael Myers was looking at him, and there was no hostility in his gaze, just… what, respect? No, that was probably pushing it a little too far considering who they were talking about, yet… "Do you know anything about what my boss is asking?" He continued; his voice still low. He wasn't sure why. "Adam Dawson's death? We're not out to prosecute anyone for it, we are just looking for answers." He was sure he heard Myers scoff through the speakers. "Ok well I'm not," he amended, now speaking very quietly.
"Perhaps if you spoke to Danielle and Michael with a little more respect as your colleague is now doing," Goodwin said just as cooly to Peters. "Then you might get some answers. Just a suggestion, Detective."
Peters turned and glared at James, but the deputy did not acknowledge him just then. He knew he'd get into trouble for that later, Peters was telling him with that one look to back down and he oversaw this interview. Privately James thought that if he was, he was doing an absolutely shit job thus far. He looked back at Myers and received probably the biggest shock of his life. The screen beeped softly, and a message from Myers flashed up. Michael had actually answered. Peters spun around at the beep and stared at the screen in just as much shock as James felt.
You are blaming completely the wrong person. Put two and two together and make four, idiot. I escaped down to Haddonfield, what else do you need to know? Incidentally Mr. Rickets, 'idiot' is not address to you.
"Thanks," the deputy smiled at Myers, another thing he would never have expected to ever do in his life. Hell: just seeing Michael Myers would probably have ended it just months previously. What the hell? Did Danielle have something to do with it? He remembered scoffing at that notion when talking to Peters, yet now, he couldn't do so so quickly anymore.
The Detective opened his mouth furiously, but stopped when Goodwin laid a firm hand on his shoulder. Remember who you're talking to, that grip seemed to say, and Peters closed his mouth. He didn't want to die today, security glass or not. This was still Michael Myers, and Peters wouldn't put anything past this man. "Did you have anything to do with his death, Miss Avery?" He asked, now he was talking through gritted teeth. This was not going at all the way he'd wanted it to go.
"No," Danielle said simply.
"We have spoken to a couple of the other men who were there that night," Peters continued, and Danielle felt another rush of hatred for the at least three unknown men who'd sexually assaulted her and made her cook their food as well as Adam, plus Ashley, the guy who'd raped her, who was now dead. "They have told us that yes they hate women, made no secret about it actually." James felt another rush of disgust. Idiots. "One even admitted they made you cook their food but said nothing else happened. Not from them anyway, and that Adam was the only one who did anything to you."
"Well, that's total and complete bullshit," she exclaimed furiously. "They all sexually assaulted me, every one of them. One of them even raped me! Which I might add Adam was in the process of doing when I got rescued. No thanks to you fucking useless cops, I might add!"
"That was not…" Peters began.
"Your fault?" Danielle was glaring at him now, unable to help it. "Yeah, whatever, spare me the legal shit! Talk to my Lawyer for that!"
"It actually wasn't," James said, his voice gentle. "We didn't get notified of your location by the DASC, which makes no sense. We only knew when Mr. Evans called us. Something must have been wrong with your monitoring equipment. I believe the DASC are investigating that part of it?"
"If you mean trying to deny all wrongdoing, then yes," she snapped, before taking a deep breath. If Rickets and Peters were playing good cop bad cop, she wouldn't let them know she'd twigged. However, James did seem like he genuinely did care, but with cops you never knew for sure. "Sorry Mr. Rickets, but I'm still really angry about it."
"Understandable," James touched her arm briefly. "I would be too."
"As I was saying," Peters continued. "The other men are denying all involvement in abusing you, apart from making you cook their food."
"So that isn't abuse?" Goodwin and Danielle said in unison and Goodwin and Adam were delighted to see Peters flush. "That's… not what I meant. Of course, it is abuse. But sexually or with physical violence, they didn't harm you."
Danielle laughed out loud. "Again, total bullshit! Didn't you look at my hospital records Detective? If you didn't, do your fucking job properly and then talk to me damn it! I was covered in small cuts, which all of them did with fucking sharp knives! I was lucky I didn't bleed to death or have permanent nerve damage as a result! Jesus Christ! They all played a part in that!"
"We know about that yes, but we have been told it was just done by Adam. As for being raped by someone else, they've also told us that never happened."
"So let me get this straight," she said slowly, desperately trying to control her anger. Adam put his arm around her, and she couldn't deny it felt good. Reaching for Mel's hand, she squeezed it, desperately trying not to do so too hard, but she needed to hold her anger in check. Mel squeezed back tightly, clearly understanding. Damn, Danielle loved her. "You are believing the suspects behind this more than the victim? Yes, ok people can lie to get others in trouble, but I didn't even know these men, Detective. Plus, I would not make something like this up to get any man in trouble! I don't appreciate that even being implied."
"Mr. Dawson is deceased," Peters said. "So, he can't tell us anything."
Danielle snorted with laughter. "Like he'd tell you the truth? Detective, are you for real? How in God's name did you even get to that rank? You're an idiot! If you've seen police records, the trial coverage, you know better than anyone… well perhaps except me, that Adam Dawson would lie and sell his own mother to the devil to save his own skin! You really would be, if he was alive, expecting him to tell the truth? Say 'yes officer, I kidnapped and attempted to rape Danielle, I've controlled her for years, I made her cook mine and their food that night. Oh, and by the way, one of my friends raped her too.' You've got to be joking! Fucking hell!"
"Well said," Goodwin said in approval. "Answer that, Detective."
"I am just stating the fact that two of the men who held you are now dead. Ok maybe you didn't kill them, but your kidnap is beyond doubt the reason they are dead."
"Which goes back to what I said before. You think I communicated with Michael and asked him to do it? Give me a break! I had no damn idea where I was that night, how would I? I can't fucking see God damn it! Are you serious?"
"So, you didn't know the address?" It was James who asked, his voice still gentle.
"No, I had no clue where I was! I was drugged to my fucking ears with Chloroform for fuck's sake! Remember? Or haven't you looked at that either? I just knew I was being held prisoner, raped and sexually assaulted, not to mention treated like a slave! I'd say that was far more important to me than asking for the fucking postcode!"
"That's a fair point," James nodded.
"So, I ask you again, how did Mr. Myers know where you were? If it was him who killed Adam and one of the other men, how did he know where to find you?"
"That is the second time you have asked that question," Goodwin said. "Danielle has already told you she does not know, or even where she was. Please change the question."
"Do you know who any of the other men were?" James asked. "Had you ever met any of them before that night?"
"No, I didn't have a clue who they were. Didn't hear any names, either except one."
"Which was?"
"I heard the name Ashley; I knew by his voice he was the one who'd raped me. One of the other guys yelled something at him while I was being rescued." Danielle caught herself just in time. Chris Leach could not come into this. After everything he'd done for her, she would protect him in return. "But I didn't know him or the others, well accept Adam of course."
"Of course," James said. Danielle couldn't deny she was starting to like and respect him, this didn't seem to her like a good cop bad cop game. He seemed for real. "No other names?"
"Sorry, no. I didn't catch any of them. They were careful not to use them in my earshot."
"Makes sense," he nodded. "Of course, descriptions are out of the question."
"From me, yes." She couldn't help smiling at him at this and he chuckled. "Sorry. What name did you hear?"
"Ashley," Danielle replied. "I heard the name Ashley."
"Funny that," Peters started again, and she inwardly groaned. Would he just shut the fuck up? James was a way better interviewer than he was, he actually seemed to care about victims! "Two males were killed that night, Adam and believe it or not, the other male was named Ashley."
"How strange," she said, her tone sarcastic. "So now you're going to say I killed him too?"
"Well considering you have just told us he was the one who raped you and suddenly he's dead, what would you think in my shoes?"
"Speculation, again!" Goodwin snapped. "You need to investigate before you 'think' anything. I sincerely hope your investigations are not centred around what you 'think,' Detective Peters."
Peters glared at him but forced himself to take a deep breath. Damn, why did she have to have an Attorney? Especially Goodwin? He gritted his teeth.
"Do you know anyone named Ashley?" Rickets asked. Peters glared at him now. What the hell was the point of that question?
"No, I don't. I take it you mean before that night?"
"Correct."
"No. The only Ashley I knew was the one who raped me, I don't even know his last name."
"Ok," James nodded. He glanced at Myers, and now the killer's gaze was cold, intense. He understood. Michael Myers was getting angry, bad. He knew he had to wrap this up sooner rather than later, for the safety of the Smith's Grove guards if nothing else. Peters glanced over then and saw the exact same thing. Mel laid a hand on Danielle's shoulder, and she felt her blood run cold. These officers, no correction Peters, was seriously pushing and testing Michael's patience, always a bad idea. Mel was assuring her she was safe from her own Fiancé, again. She was protecting her.
"But wait just a second," Peters snapped. "As you appear to be answering, what a surprise, I did not expect that I admit, how the fuck did you know where he was holding her, Myers?"
"Because he's Michael Myers, perhaps?" Goodwin said quietly. Peters spun to look at him now. "Come on Detective. We all know Michael Myers has… abilities which aren't… human. Just ask Hawkins about what happened in 1978 if you want proof man!"
This made Peters fall silent for a moment, thinking. He remembered Hawkins telling him about McCabe, and exactly how his partner had died. It clearly still haunted his boss to this very day. Hawkins did have one thing bang on the money; Michael Myers was one cruel motherfucker. "I did Mr. Goodwin," he said finally. "About Peter McCabe, you mean?"
Goodwin laughed. A bitter, disdainful sound. "No Detective, I'm talking about what happened between Michael and Dr Loomis. Surely you know about that?"
Peters hesitated. In truth, he didn't. Hawkins hadn't mentioned anything after McCabe had died. But he'd be damned if he'd admit he didn't have this knowledge. Unfortunately, Goodwin seemed to detect something on his face.
"Fine, then I will tell you, please allow me that honour," his tone was sarcastic now. Sorry Michael. "Dr Loomis tried to shoot Michael here six times in 1978, and what would you expect to see? Michael dead on the ground, right? Well obviously, wrong, as he's standing right here. Michael was just… gone."
"Excuse me?" Peters gaped at him. "What?"
"You heard me," Goodwin said. Ask Hawkins, he knows all about that. So, this is Michael Myers we're talking about. So only he knows how he knew where Danielle was being held, and if I were him, I sure wouldn't tell you that! Not now." James looked at the lawyer, completely believing him. When it came to Michael Myers, nothing was impossible it seemed. He gave Goodwin a single nod.
"It seems like your colleague is convinced," Goodwin said to Peters. "Wise man. If I were you, I'd follow in his footsteps, Detective. I would ask please, to look at those notes of yours at this point. You and I both know perfectly well I am allowed to do so." This was true, Peters could not say no. Glaring, he and Goodwin walked to the other side of the room.
"Have you and Michael become friends?" James asked Danielle very quietly. "Is that what's really happened? Look, my boss is being an absolute dick to you, and I don't understand why. I'm not going to tell him anything you say to me right now."
"What do you think, Officer?" Danielle said. "You seem to be a little smarter than your boss, so use your brain."
"Got it," Rickets nodded to her, touching her arm lightly again.
A few minutes later, Peters and Goodwin walked back to them. Peters did not look happy, and Danielle got the distinct impression the interview was almost over. Thank God! Peters felt exceptionally frustrated. Michael had admitted to both kills, which was what they'd been after all along, but he wasn't getting any of the answers he wanted from Avery. He would have to try again, maybe arrest her and bring her in for questioning, without Goodwin! She clearly knew something she wasn't telling them. There was, pun not intended, more to this than met the eye.
…
"Damn it, she knows something she's not telling us!" Peters fumed half an hour later, when they were back in their squad car, the interview having ended just minutes after Goodwin read his notes. "There's more to this going on than she's saying! She might be blind, but she's keeping something from us, and damn it I want to know what it is! I am seriously considering having her arrested when she returns to Haddonfield, to get that information from her properly!"
"Sir," James said, not meeting his boss's eyes. "We can't. We have the answers we need, Michael Myers actually confirmed he'd committed both kills. The case is closed, we can't complicate it further. Adam Dawson is dead, what will arresting Danielle do? What will it accomplish? It's not going to bring the men back, is it? Plus, you did take…" he hesitated. "A rather hostile approach, so that probably stopped her from wanting to talk. Danielle doesn't deserve us to inflict anymore trauma on her by arresting her, come on Sir, that's not right or fair."
To his surprise, Peters sighed. "You're right, but God damn it! Michael Myers makes me so fucking nervous! Not only that, but why the fuck did she have to have an Attorney? Not just any Attorney, but Goodwin? That said to me she's guilty of… something! I just don't know what! Knowing more than she's saying, at the very least."
"It is in her rights like you yourself read to her," Rickets said. "But we weren't there to interrogate Danielle, we were there to get answers. We've got those answers, come on Sir, let's just get back?"
Peters sighed again. "Damn it, you're right. Fine, let's get the fuck back to Haddonfield, and as far from Michael fucking Myers as possible!"
"I'm all for that," Rickets nodded, but in truth he privately was stunned. Michael Myers had nodded to and written to him? What the hell? Plus, Danielle had admitted to him privately that she and Michael were at the very least friends. Who would've thought? But that particular piece of information he would keep to himself, probably taking it to his grave.
…
"Thank fuck for that!" Danielle fumed, as the visitor's doors slid closed. "Jesus Christ! That Detective had it in for me from minute one! Got to hand it to him, he's a smart cop, he clearly knew there was more to this."
"I still did not like his tactics," Goodwin said. "That was out of line."
"I'm no Lawyer," Adam said, "but I agree. He did exactly what the good Lawyer here said he might, treated you like a suspect. That pissed me off!"
Everyone who could looked around at Michael, still standing behind the glass. He was very still, his gaze intense, but they were sure that for the very first time, they could also see some kind of emotion in it. "Michael?" Adam murmured. "You alright man?"
The killer shook his head, locking eyes with the DVA. Adam understood, Michael was angry, just as Danielle had feared. But he also remembered Michael had promised all of them they were safe. A few seconds later, the door opened again, and Dr Loomis and Cutter entered. "Hi Danielle," Cutter said. "Well done, you handled that very well."
"Indeed, you did," Dr Loomis agreed, taking her hand and squeezing it. There was a soft buzzing sound, and Dr Loomis turned to the glass.
"What was that?" Danielle asked.
"There's a button behind the glass," Cutter explained. "A patient behind it can press it and that buzzer goes off, attracting the attention of those on the other side. There's also one on this side for the same the other way around." Smiling, he took her finger and placed it on the little square button built into the glass. She pressed it and the same buzz sounded again. Dr Loomis smiled, but his attention was still firmly on his patient. "Do you want to stay here for a little while?" He asked Michael softly. The killer gave him a tiny nod, Dr Loomis nodded back. "Come on guys, Michael has asked for space."
"Understood," Cutter said. "Let's go into the staff canteen, we can talk safely there. Michael, press the call button next to the buzzer when you're ready, ok man? Take your time, no rush." The screen beeped, and Cutter looked over at it.
Thank you, Sir. Please may I request a coffee?
"It's Oliver, and absolutely," Cutter said, and Mel was already running out of the room to fetch it.
"Can I do anything for you, babe?" Danielle asked.
Michael looked back at Cutter, who hesitated, but only for a second, before heading into the booth Danielle had seen before the interview. Pressing the 'open' button, the glass slid back, and Dr Loomis guided Danielle towards and through it. For the first time ever, Danielle stepped onto the other side of the security glass. The part of the room on the other side was not carpeted, and there was a bolted down chair and table, with no other furniture. Dr Loomis had told her once there were also little slits in the glass for papers to be passed back and forth if necessary.
The glass slid closed again, and immediately Michael had her in his arms, holding her close. She couldn't help wondering if she was just calming his need to kill again, but that didn't last long when he kissed her and put her hands on his ears once more.
"Are you ok?" she murmured, knowing those on the other side could hear her, but she didn't care. She trusted every one of them with her life. Michael sighed and held her tighter, kissing her again.
"You guys handled that like pro's," Cutter's voice said through the speakers on their side. "I'm very proud of both of you. Danielle, would you like a tea?"
"Yes please," Danielle said.
"No problem, coming right up."
She was certain that only Cutter could've authorised for her to be allowed to stand with Michael, on the other side of the glass, and she was very grateful for it. A few minutes later, the glass opened again, and Mel stepped through with their drinks.
"You both ok?" She asked, placing the cups on the table. Danielle couldn't help noticing they were once again plastic, but she supposed it made sense here. Michael had gently pushed her into the single chair, and was standing beside her, holding her hand.
"That fucking Peters," she muttered. "Dick!"
"I know," Mel said sympathetically. "He certainly took the aggressive approach as soon as he entered. But like the CEO himself said, you guys handled it like pro's. Listen, press the call button next to the buzzer like he said when you're ready." She showed Danielle the small control panel built into the table, containing two buttons. The buzzer and the call button. The buzzer was square, the call button round. Maybe that was an unconscious accessibility thing, just in case someone such as her needed them? She was grateful for it either way.
"Take care," Mel said softly, stepping back through and a few seconds later the glass slid shut once again. Just because it cheered her up, Danielle couldn't resist pressing the buzzer again, hearing it sound. Mel turned back and grinned at Danielle. "You're such a mischief," she chuckled. "You and your buttons, at least those that cause a sound!"
Danielle laughed, then hesitated before speaking again. "Mel, please can you stay?" She wasn't sure why she'd asked that, probably for the simple reason Mel was their friend. Michael had chuckled with her, and now nodded to the guard.
"Sure if you want," Mel said. "Let me just go grab a drink then." A minute or so later she was back, sitting on the chair Danielle had just vacated on the other side of the glass. "Right here then, I'm not going anywhere."
…
For at least 15 minutes, there was total silence. Danielle didn't know what to say and wasn't even sure she wanted to say anything. She just wanted to be there for Michael, giving him whatever he needed from her to calm his killing rage. She couldn't deny though she was exceptionally glad her name was not Peters. At one stage, she automatically went to touch his spikey hair and his ears but stopped herself just in time. Yes, Michael had told her she could touch his ears anytime, but right then, she didn't feel right or comfortable doing it. Michael must've seen the movement however, because he whispered in her ear, "shh," Before he took her hands and put them on his ears, wiggling them. Smiling a little, releasing his right, she stroked his short hair with her other hand, as he held her close. Neither she nor Michael had their phones at that moment, so communication would be difficult. This saddened her she couldn't lie, but there was no way she was going to push him to speak. "It's ok," he whispered again, had he read her mind? She hugged him as tightly as she could, still fiddling with his left ear as she stroked his hair. "I love you so much," she whispered back. Raising his hand, he stroked her hair in return, before he kissed her softly. She leant her head on his shoulder. She could almost imagine Mel blinking back tears, she was after all.
"Are you ok?" She asked him quietly eventually, hearing his soft sigh, before feeling him nod. "Are you sure?" A second nod. Unable to resist, she reached over and pressed the buzzer again, hearing both the buzz and Michael chuckle.
"Yes boss, you rang?" Mel's voice said through the speakers, and now all three of them laughed.
"Is it ok if Adam and Mr. Goodwin come back up here please? I'd really like to speak with them?"
"Just a sec." Mel pulled out her radio and made the request, and through it they heard Cutter agree instantly.
A few minutes later, the visitor's room door slid open, and Goodwin and Adam entered. "Hi guys," Adam said. "Alan and I here. Are you ok?"
"Hello," Goodwin said. "I repeat Adam's question. Are you ok?"
She took a deep breath, trying to piece her words together in her own head. "Alan, I know usually there's Lawyer and Client privacy, but am I ok to speak to you in front of these guys? I trust them all completely, after all."
"Of course," Goodwin smiled. "Whatever you wish."
"Thanks," she took another second to think. As she was doing so, the screen beeped, and everyone able looked over.
Please could you open the glass, Mel? I'm ok now, and you have my total and complete promise no one here will be hurt.
Goodwin read the message out, and Danielle was surprised to realise Mel was hesitating. Was she nervous? Her heart cracked with sympathy for her. She could understand totally from a guard's perspective that if she opened the glass and Michael did attack, she would be held responsible, go to prison and possibly even have innocent blood on her hands. Michael had after all told them he was angry.
Mel looked up at Michael and stopped in her tracks with shock. The usually cold gaze of Michael Myers was now soft, and there was unmistakable respect, affection and even tenderness in it as he looked at her. He gave her a nod, his soft gaze locked on hers.
I promise you, Mel, you have my word.
The young guard remained silent for a few more seconds, then spoke, her voice soft. "Please don't prove me wrong Michael, I will ensure you receive the maximum punishment if you do, that includes the death penalty."
Understood completely. Mel, please read this carefully. You are a friend of mine; I would never do that. Even if I hated and wanted to kill everyone else in this room, I would not because I had made you that promise. Even if it had been Dawson, I wouldn't.
Now, Mel smiled, feeling a tear sliding down her cheek at his words. "Are you sure about that?" She laughed a little and was certain he smiled back at her.
Ok, I'll give you that. If it was Dawson, it would be incredibly difficult, but yes, if I had promised you, I have absolutely no intention of hurting anyone here, I care for every one of you. Give me some credit, I would at least wait until you'd left the room before killing Dawson!
At this, everyone laughed. Mel hesitated for just a second longer, this was entirely her decision. When the glass eventually did slide open, Danielle's heart swelled with love for the guard all over again. Mel was indeed trusting Michael's promise. She stepped through and Adam immediately took her hand. Michael followed, drawing Mel into a hug. "Gets a bit warm and claustrophobic behind there after a while," Danielle said, as Mel and Michael smiled at each other.
"Yes, I expect it does," Goodwin nodded. Mel handed Danielle her phone, which she had given the guard before the interview for safe keeping. "Thank you," she smiled at her and slipped her phone back into her pocket turning off silent mode.
The group sat down on various chairs around the huge visitor's room, moving them all together so they were almost in a circle. Mel offered to fetch them all drinks, and once she had taken their requests, done so with Adam at his offer, then they'd returned, Goodwin spoke. "Ok," he took a sip of his steaming coffee. "Go ahead."
"First off, are Dr Loomis and Mr. Cutter… Oliver still listening?"
To her surprise and shock, Cutter's voice came through the speakers at that moment. "Hey everyone, yes, we are. I kept that little trick up my sleeve," they could hear he was smiling. "I can speak to you this way, if necessary, but I didn't need to during the interview. I say again, you both were amazing."
"Thanks Oliver," she smiled, as did Michael.
"Well done, Michael," Dr Loomis spoke now. "I am so proud of you. We can also see you as well, we saw your messages. I will not lie to you; I had a tear in my eye during that exchange between you and Mel. Well done, Mel, I totally understand the struggle you were facing."
"Me too," Cutter, Danielle, Adam and Goodwin said together.
"You're a good guard Mel, I'm so glad I have you as a friend."
"You are a good guard and person indeed," Dr Loomis agreed. "I am very proud of both you and Michael for how you worked together there."
"Thanks," Mel sounded close to tears, and Michael leant over and put his arm around her, hugging her. She smiled at him and squeezed back, and nearly started fully crying when he softly wiped away her single tear with a soft tissue.
"Aww," everyone bar Danielle said together. Adam whispered what'd just happened, and she had to blink back her own tears.
"Dr Loomis, Oliver," she said after a second. "Are you ok to leave this on? So, you can speak if you want? I want you guys to hear this too, but didn't ask you to attend as I thought you were both busy now."
"Ok we'll do you one better," Oliver said. "Hold on." There was a click, and the speakers went silent, before the door opened again a few minutes later, and Dr Loomis and Cutter entered, both also carrying steaming drinks. Pulling two further chairs over, they sat down in the group.
"Thanks Dr Loomis, Oliver," she said, before turning to Alan and taking another second to think her words through.
"I do just want to say again first that I can't thank you enough for doing this for us. I'm really grateful." Michael nodded to the Lawyer.
"It was no problem," Goodwin said. "I am very glad I was here now."
"Yeah," she reached out towards him, and Goodwin took her hand. She squeezed it and he squeezed back. Still holding it, she spoke again. "What the fuck? Peters had it in for me from minute one! Sorry babe, but with Michael I kind of get it, due to his past and so on, but as soon as he met me, he was… um excuse the pun, going in for the kill."
"I know," Goodwin squeezed her hand again. "He was playing dirty, and it really pissed me off. I got the distinct impression he was angry you even had an Attorney."
"So did I," Mel, Dr Loomis, Cutter and Adam said together.
"But why? He read me my damn rights! What the fuck was all that about? Sorry Alan, I'm just…"
"Hey, stop. Why are you apologising hon? I'd be angry in your shoes too. Hell, I am! Sware as much as you need to! I would!"
She chuckled a little. "Thanks," she blushed. "But why would he want me to not have an Attorney? I'm really confused, I don't understand that at all."
"Probably because Alan here is as you yourself said, the best in the state," Mel said. "He probably realised that if he did want to play dirty as it were, with Alan here he wouldn't stand a chance of getting away with it."
"The lovely Mel is 100 percent right," Alan said. "I think that's exactly why he was annoyed. That in itself is a violation, and I will be relistening to the recording, to see if there is anything I can work with to see him disciplined for."
"Thanks. I think James Rickets was a genuinely good cop though. At first, I wondered if they were playing good cop bad cop, but as the interview went on, I grew more and more certain he wasn't."
"Yes, he didn't do anything wrong, he seemed like a genuinely good guy. Peters on the other hand, broke so many rules of conduct it's almost laughable."
"Do you think he knew… or maybe at the very least sensed I wasn't telling him everything? Sure, everything I said was the truth, it was just a little…"
"Twisted?" Adam chuckled.
"Yeah. Something like that. It really upset me that he wanted full graphic details of Adam's kidnap and the attacks on me, he was most definitely implying I killed Adam, which as you all know I did not."
"Yes, we do," Goodwin said, still holding her hand. Damn, she really respected and liked Alan Goodwin. "Dr Loomis told me everything that happened, the real version I mean," he smiled. "You didn't exactly lie, you didn't tell any lies at all, in fact."
"Michael," she took her Fiancé's hand with her other as he was on her other side. "Did you intend to admit to the kills? Or was it just because of Peters' tactics?" Michael sighed and raised his notepad, which Adam read out loud.
I don't know. I, too, thank you Alan. I knew I had to be careful, but I was seriously close to threatening the life of that idiot! He pulled all the wrong strings. I stand by what I said before the interview. They shouldn't have even spoken to you now, not this long after the events.
"Yes, and I still agree with you on that," Goodwin nodded to him. "To be honest with you Michael, I think they knew who'd really done it, but can you imagine all the shit the PD would go through if they admitted you'd escaped and killed Adam? How did they not know, did someone cover it up, you get the picture." Michael nodded to the Lawyer again.
I do, so they decided to continue their cover up by accusing an innocent victim. That made me so angry.
"Me too," Goodwin said. "It was wrong, and like I said, I will see there are repercussions for this, serious ones."
"Alan, I have to ask, has Dr Loomis or Oliver here updated you regarding my ongoing fight with the DASC?"
"Ah, one step ahead of you there," he squeezed her hand again. "Yes, they have, and I am already working with them on it for you." She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her. "No, I'm doing this for you and Charlotte, don't argue with me please. It's the least I can do. I have also attended the hospital to see her and updated your parents." Now she did blink back tears, unable to stop them. Standing, she hugged the Lawyer. Goodwin hugged her back tightly, and she had to fight everything not to start crying. What a good man, he was way more than just a Lawyer after money and /or power, he really cared about the victims he represented. Meeting him that day in court was one of the best things that had ever happened to her.
"Thank you, Alan," she just managed over the lump in her throat. "Meeting you that day in court was one of the best things that ever happened to me."
"Aww, thank you, you're a lovely woman. I genuinely felt sorry for you when I saw and heard all the facts, Adam Dawson was one purely evil excuse for a man. I wanted to see him locked up for life, sadly Domestic Abuse is not a capital crime!"
She laughed a little. "No, but he still got the death sentence in the end, right?"
"Well yes," Goodwin smiled, gently guiding her back to her seat. "Well done Mr. Executioner!" Everyone smiled at Michael, who smiled back. "A good old-fashioned beheading was the least he deserved."
"That reminds me," she said as she sat down again, as did Goodwin opposite her. "Do you have any updates on Duckworth? What happened to her?"
"She got a hefty prison term," he said. "Eight years, if I remember correctly. Judge Spinner sentenced her right after court proceedings ended that day. Were you ok? I was told you collapsed. I'm so sorry, you were gone before I could see you."
"I was fine thanks," she smiled at him, still blinking back tears, Alan Goodwin missed nothing it seemed. "I just fainted. Fear, I think. I knew Charlotte and I were still in danger; Adam being released. It didn't matter what orders or conditions they put on him, he would still break them to get at Charlotte and I. Sadly, I was proved correct, almost fatally correct. The DASC were like um, ah, when I requested another guard as well as Joanne that day in the hospital and look how well that fucking turned out!"
"Yes, I heard about that too," Goodwin said. "Also, another thing I'm looking into for you both, Jason's lack of action."
She was speechless. She had to do something to thank him, she had to. She'd speak to Mel and maybe Joanne about it later, but she would do something, she owed him so much! For now, though, she kept those thoughts to herself. Mel squeezed her hand, clearly understanding what she was thinking. 'I'm on it,' that squeeze seemed to say. Whatever Mel was thinking, Goodwin would find out soon enough. She didn't of course see it, but Michael was now looking at Goodwin with the same look he'd given Mel.
"As for Duckworth, good!" she said fervently. "She deserves it!" Everyone nodded.
"Regarding the here and now though, with Alan here on our side, we not only have a good chance of winning, but you will get a lot of money as compensation," Cutter said. "Yours and Charlotte's lives were literally put in danger because they failed to check their equipment on those particular days, some lazy agent, so we will see you both paid by them the max we can for it. Now of course I understand it's not at all about money, but it's something, at least and you damn well deserve something from them!"
"Thanks. Did you also have something to do with Charlotte and I gaining all Adam's possessions, money and even his house? I have already arranged it will be halved with my sister."
"What?" Goodwin said in fake shock. "I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"You did, didn't you?" Her heart swelled with affection for him, and she couldn't stop herself hugging him again. This time he kissed the top of her head and put her hands on his ears again. "Maybe," he chuckled. "Ah, that tickles! My ears! But I couldn't possibly reveal more, could I?"
"I think I owe you my life Alan," she said sincerely, sitting down again. Goodwin looked up then, and saw Michael Myers smiling right at him, affection now in his own gaze. The killer again extended his hand, and Goodwin took and shook it.
I thank you, truly I do, Alan.
"All three of you are more than welcome," Goodwin said. "As are the rest of your family and Tim. It was the very least I could do, considering you both nearly died because of one evil man's calculated, premeditated, cold and cruel actions. Maybe he did deserve the death penalty after all, and he got it like you said!"
"So, what do I do right now about what's just happened? I mean, I feel a bit… uneasy. I got the feeling Peters might even arrest me when I get back to Haddonfield, to question me further without you Alan, and force me to tell him the… actual truth."
"He can't do that," everyone bar Michael said together.
"Indeed not," Goodwin said. "That would be a total and utter violation of your rights, and he could lose his job for that. Well, he might do anyway. Like you said, how he got to Detective is mystifying, he's an idiot, and a damn dirty cop!"
She sighed. "What if he does try to arrest me?"
"Then you will have my number, call me immediately. Let's do that now." She pulled out her phone, tapping in the two numbers Goodwin gave her. "Michael," Goodwin added. "You can have them too, of course, as can Charlotte, the rest of your family and Tim. Are you…"
"I can text them over, no problem. Thanks, Alan." Michael nodded.
"They are both my work and personal cell phones," Goodwin continued. "The one ending 52 is my personal. So, call me day or night, got it?"
"I… I…" Goodwin took her hand again, cutting her off.
"Yes, you, can," he said firmly, pausing between each word to get his point home. "You can, and you will, any one of you. Understand?"
"Completely," she said weakly, tears were now sliding down her cheeks, as she messaged him so he would have her number. "Thank you so damn much, Alan." Cutter and Dr Loomis were also smiling at the Lawyer. She had to do something for him, and it was going to be something big. But what? Maybe she'd speak to the CEO, pull some strings of her own, as they'd done for her so many times. Now Michael turned towards Goodwin, raising his notepad again.
Where do I stand now? I told them what they wanted, is that it?
"Yes, I think so," Goodwin nodded to him. "It's not like you're leaving Smith's Grove, is it? Well, not… not legally," everyone chuckled. "So yes, I think like I said they just wanted to close their case. They might think it closed, but I most certainly do not. I will see something happen to Peters for the way he treated you both, but particularly you, Danielle." Michael nodded again.
I don't doubt it. You are a good man Alan, please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you? When I get your numbers, I will text you mine.
"Yes, Dr Loomis told me you are now using a phone. Ok, thank you. I will do so. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately for you, I currently don't have anyone I want to see killed. But if anyone annoys me enough, be it a judge, my wife, or even a dirty cop, you'll be the first I call, I promise! Contract killer on standby!" Everyone laughed, including Michael who laughed out loud at this.
"Fucking awesome," Danielle gasped when she'd got her breath back. "That was the best damn answer I've ever heard!" Mel was still howling with laughter, which cracked her up all over again.
"It was fast, that's for sure," Cutter laughed.
…
Danielle felt a little sad when Goodwin left a few hours later, following a gorgeous buffet lunch Cutter himself had gone down to the kitchen to request. They remained in the visitor's room to eat, the amount of food on offer was huge. Sandwiches, pies, chips and so on, plus delicious desserts and hot drinks.
While they were eating, Danielle texted Goodwin's contact card to her parents Nigel, Michael, Colin, Tim and after hesitating for just a second, Charlotte. How she desperately wanted her sister to answer, but she knew with heartache that if she rang her, it would go to voicemail.
Michael had glanced at her phone screen, he must have, as he now put his arm around her and squeezed her close to him. She smiled up at him, a little sadly. He stroked her cheek, then kissed her. "I was just looking at Charlotte's number, I wanted to text her, desperate for her to answer. But of course, she won't."
"She will very soon," Goodwin consoled. "Like you said, she's a fighter, she'll wake up and answer your calls and texts very soon. Trust me."
"Trust a Lawyer?" Adam asked and everyone laughed.
"On this one, yes," Goodwin chuckled.
Before Goodwin left, Adam asked him for a quick private word. Danielle's heart broke for him, she was certain he was talking to the Lawyer about Michelle and Amber, his terribly sad story.
"Will I see you on death row in the witness room?" Adam asked Goodwin quietly. "I know you prosecuted 'Hammers' for something else."
"You will indeed," Goodwin nodded grimly. "I want to see that needle do its job and finish him off. He's evil."
"That's one word for it," Adam nodded. "I wish it'd been you who prosecuted him for our case. But you weren't on death penalty cases then, were you?"
"No," Goodwin smiled sadly at him. "I would've done otherwise, of course. I started off in lower courts, then progressed up to capital and Domestic Abuse crimes, plus other serious offences."
Adam nodded. "I just wish they'd hurry up," he said. "All these God damn appeals take for fucking ever! HE's guilty, he's got other victims not just Michelle, just fucking kill him already!"
"I know," Goodwin murmured. "I do." Adam and Goodwin shook hands.
"Are you ok, Adam?" Mel asked as the DVA walked back to them.
"Yes," Adam smiled at her. Sad, but sincere. "Thanks sweetheart."
"Is there anything Alan can do for you?" Danielle murmured, pretty sure her initial thoughts about what they were discussing were correct.
Adam squeezed her shoulder. "Thanks sweetie, but no. But he will be witnessing the execution with us. 'Hammers' has other victims, not just Michelle and the lovely Lawyer has prosecuted some of those."
"Good fucking riddance," she said adamantly. "Just kill him already!"
Adam chuckled sadly. "That's exactly what I just said."