Two days later
Danielle and Michael had just woken and finished getting dressed, when there was a soft tap on the door. "Good morning," it was Dr Loomis.
"Morning," Danielle said as Michael smiled.
"Michael, please may I borrow you for a few hours? I need your help with something, if you don't mind?" Michael kissed Danielle, before joining his doctor at the door immediately. "Thank you," Dr Loomis smiled at him.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"No, it's fine, we'll be back in a bit. You just read a book and chill. Ok?"
Danielle couldn't deny she was confused but nodded and smiled. A little while later she tried to call Nigel, but he didn't answer. This wasn't unusual, maybe he was in the hospital, that was when he usually couldn't answer. She didn't think anything of it, just resumed her book. She was getting close to its end now and was really enjoying it.
…
She must've fallen asleep on the leather sofa while reading, because the next thing she knew there was the soft chime of her doorbell. She hadn't heard that sound for so long she almost didn't know what it was. Smiling, she picked up the handset. Whoever it was obviously knew she'd love doing this. "Hello?"
"Hey Danielle," said Dr Loomis' voice. "Can I have a quick word with you please?"
"Sure," she stood up, glancing at the time. It was almost mid-day. Wow, she'd slept for about 3 hours at least, considering Michael had left around 7 that morning. Blinking away sleep, she walked to the door and Dr Loomis took her arm. "Where?"
"We're going into meeting room one. It's important, and I want maximum privacy."
Danielle felt her heart skip a little. Was it something serious? Why did they need privacy? She started feeling a little uneasy. She didn't say another word, just followed him towards and into the meeting room she knew well by now, having used it many times before. She thought about the last time, the day after Chancer's execution. Just like then, Dr Loomis guided her to the seat at the head of the table and she sat down. Was it her imagination, or could she smell food? That was strange. Was there a meeting arranged she'd forgotten about? The room was totally silent, so it must be just the two of them.
"Please could you close the door for me?" Dr Loomis asked. Now she really was feeling nervous. Even so, she couldn't help smiling slightly as she pressed the button to do so. At his request, she also turned on the 'meeting in progress' sign.
"What is it, Dr Loomis? Is something wrong?" She was unable to keep silent any longer.
"Not exactly," he sat down opposite her. "However, I do need to tell you something."
"What?"
"Well, it's just…"
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Danielle, happy birthday to you!"
Danielle's mouth dropped open. "What?"
"SURPRISE!" came the group shout of at least ten voices. She recognised her father's, Nigel's, Jack's, Joanne's, Rick's and heard someone whistling the age-old tune which could surely only be Michael. Next moment, she was being hugged by maybe three people at once, before she felt her father's arms around her, holding her so tightly she couldn't breathe. Nigel was right beside him.
"Happy birthday darling," Dave Avery said, sounding close to tears. "I've longed for years to celebrate this with you legally as my daughter, now here it is!"
"Dad? Grandad? How…"
"Ah, you'd be surprised how resourceful Dr Loomis here can be. We came down very early this morning, James flew us from Haddonfield at 5AM. Mind, I have to say, Dr Stark should be a party organiser for a living!"
"Dr Stark? I thought she was on a training course in another state?"
"As good a lie as any," Dr Stark's voice said, as her doctor moved to hug her. "Happy birthday. I was on a training course if you count helping arrange all this, going to Haddonfield to help your family with… certain things, then working with the kitchens here."
"What the… It was only then she registered her father was wearing a suit and tie. Taking her hand he helped her to her feet, so the rest of the group could hug her. Jack, Rick and Nigel were also in suits and ties too. But that was nothing to the shock she received when it was Michael's turn to hug and kiss her. He too was in a suit and tie and was also wearing aftershave! He smelled amazing!
"How the hell?" Danielle was still not quite able to believe all this was real. Michael kissed her again, hugging her close before taking her hands and putting them on his suit jacket and tie, not moving until she was done, then guiding her back to her seat and sitting beside her. He then took her hand.
When Joanne had hugged her, Danielle had been touched beyond words. Her guard wasn't in uniform, but a gorgeous dress. "Well, I'm not on duty, am I? I'm on rest days at my friend's party." Mel and Dr Stark too were in dresses.
"I feel really under dressed," she was overwhelmed with shock, love and gratitude.
"You look gorgeous kiddo," Nigel said. "You always do."
"So, let's confirm who's all on your guest list right now, shall we?" Joanne said with a smile as everyone sat down. "Me, Rick, Jack, Mel, Adam, Dr Stark, Dr Loomis, your dad and grandad, last but not least, your future husband of course!"
"How did you lose track of the date?" Adam asked with a grin. "It's Christmas day after all! Who forgets when that's their birthday?" She couldn't reply, because she was blinking back tears.
"Before you ask," Rick said, "because I know what you're like all too well. We've seen our families this morning, they know where we are. So don't say that ok?"
"Damn, you do know me too well, but then you would, you've been helping me for long enough and I love all of you so much!"
"We all echo it," her father said. "I'll tell you Charlotte's doing fine, no change yet but she's in good hands with Tim, mom and Colin, plus the staff. Mom sends her love, of course! Right, I suggest you feel to your left, darling."
Danielle did so and felt a huge cart, not unlike the ones used in the kitchen. This one however was piled high not with food but wrapped presents. "These are…"
"All for you, yep," Nigel said. "So, get digging kiddo!" Still in shock, she picked up the first one and unwrapped it.
A few minutes later, Danielle was feeling a new automatic kettle which poured the water into a cup when boiled, several huge boxes of tea bags, sugar cubes and chocolates, and a $200 Apple gift card so she could buy more books. "Wow…" she moved to hug everyone again. The kettle was from Mel, Rick and Jack, Joanne and Adam had bought her the boxes of tea bags and chocolates, her parents the gift card and a few other gifts. "$200? Dad, you and mom didn't have to…"
"Shush you!" Her father said sternly. "We've done it because we love you. That's from Colin and Tim, too."
This was her idea of heaven and of course the group all knew it. If she felt to her left or right, she would touch a man in a suit. Be it her father, or her Fiancé. The rest of the men in the group also moved to her frequently, so she could touch theirs too. Even Dr Loomis was wearing one although that was his work uniform, but from the feel of this one, this was his best suit. She was touched beyond words by the tiny details which had been considered just for her. "How did you hire Michael a suit?"
"Ah," Dr Stark chuckled. "That's our little secret."
Feeling her Fiancé's sleeve again, she realised for the first time he was even wearing cufflinks! They were heavy metal and were shaped like hearts. "Platinum," Dave said. "They're a present to him from us. They're heart-shaped and say 'groom' on them. Hmm, we're thinking he might need them again soon!"
At this, Danielle started to cry, unable to help it, hugging first her father, then Fiancé. Michael held her tightly, and the kiss he gave her may have been the most tender yet.
"We didn't hire it," Dr Stark said. "It's his, he owns it."
"Indeed," Nigel said. "Little something from me."
"I think it's food time!" Dave exclaimed happily. "Birthday girl, care to do the honours?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you go first of course! What would you like? Any of us will get it for you, of course! There's quiche, pies, sandwiches, chips, sausages, cheese and pineapple…" he completed the list and her mouth watered immediately.
"Then there's tea, coffee and several kinds of juice," Mel said. "Plus, the water cooler in the corner."
"That's not even mentioning the dessert cart," Jack said. "That's just as big!"
"Wo!"
"Jerry and Anne would not let us pay anything for any of it either," Dave said. "They insisted this was their present."
"Yeah," Nigel said. "Just like James did with the flight here and back."
"Are you serious?" She could hardly believe her ears. Flights were damn expensive she knew that, and Smith's Grove and the pilot were doing it for free.
"Yep, seriously," Dr Loomis chuckled. "A certain friend of yours authorised it, agreeing with me completely it should be your present from us." As if on cue, the doorbell rang. She reached forward and opened the doors.
"Happy birthday Danielle!" She was speechless. It was Oliver Cutter. "Is it ok if I join you for a little while?"
"Of course, Sir… I mean Oliver! Oh my God! What are you doing here on Christmas day?"
"Well, I had a party to attend you see," Oliver smiled and walked over to her. She stood up and they hugged, Oliver lowering his head, so she touched his ears. Everyone laughed. "Ow, my ears, tickles!" The CEO said again, as she gently pulled them. Now, she joined in laughing. He too was suited. "Very nice suit Michael," the CEO shook his hand. "It well, suits you. Very smart."
Smiling fit to burst, Danielle introduced him to her father and Nigel. She could hardly believe she was introducing the CEO of Smith's Grove to her family. As if reading her mind, Nigel spoke. "It's not what you know it's who you know, of course you'd attract the important people." His tone was full of affection.
"Well of course," Oliver smiled. "I'm very glad to have helped her and her charming Fiancé here. It's lovely to meet you, Mr. Manning, Mr. Avery."
"Oh, please no!" Dave and Nigel said together, mock shuddering. "Nigel, Dave, please!"
"Done. I'm Oliver," the CEO smiled at them.
"Oliver, where is James right now?"
"He's waiting to fly everyone home; he's relaxing near the plane before the flight back tomorrow. Oh, silly me! I didn't mention that did I? Another little present. You're all staying together in two of the staff suites tonight. Yes, that includes you, Michael."
Danielle turned to Michael, who hugged her tightly and kissed her. She blinked back tears, just knowing what Dr Loomis was thinking. This isn't Michael Myers anymore, and it's amazing… she knew that, because she was thinking the exact same thing. "Well James doesn't need to relax alone! Please ask him to come in and join us? We have so much food to eat!"
"You're a sweetheart, it's clear you want to give back to anyone and everyone who's touched your life even slightly."
"That's our Danielle for you," Dave and Nigel said together, looking lovingly at their daughter and as good as granddaughter. "Don't you realise that by now?" Dave finished.
"I'm fast learning it," Oliver smiled, pulling out a radio. "James, you've been invited to the party by the birthday girl. Meeting room one."
"That's very kind of you Danielle, thanks. If you're sure, I'm on my way."
Oliver tapped her arm, and she understood. "I'm completely," she said firmly. "Why did you even wait? Come on, we'll never eat all this food alone! It's Christmas, get in here!"
"Yes boss," the radio went silent. Within five minutes, the doorbell rang again. She opened the doors once more and there was the pilot.
"Hi James," she stood up and moved towards him, touched beyond words he'd sacrificed his own Christmas for her. Doubtlessly Oliver was paying him extra, but she would never ask and knew they'd never tell her anyway.
"Hello there Danielle," the pilot took her hand warmly. "Happy birthday, merry Christmas all! How are you?"
"I'm good, thanks James. I can't believe you waited for my permission to join us! Silly! You might not see it as much, but you've done a lot for me. Flying Rick and I there and back after the execution, checking I was ok after the event, the little… rescue stunt in Haddonfield…" he smiled at her. Unable to help herself, she felt his uniform. It felt almost like a suit and tie too, and he had small pads sown onto his shoulders which had writing embroidered into them. "Smith's Grove," Oliver said before she could ask. "Plus, the little wings you've probably recognised already."
Reaching forward, she hugged him, and he hugged her back. She was embarrassed but couldn't help laughing, as now he moved so she was feeling his ears. "Oh my God! Oliver," she turned mock accusingly to the CEO. "Did you tell him?"
"Tell him what?" Oliver said in mock innocence. "I said nothing!"
"Yeah, right," Danielle said sceptically, as everyone laughed. "James, I probably could have flown myself to Haddonfield and back with the size of my ears!" Everyone roared with laughter at this.
"That's hilarious!" James guffawed. "They're not that big!"
"Oh yes they are, just ask Rick, who said we could pick up radio from Australia with them!"
"Oh yeah I remember that!" Nigel could hardly speak for laughing, as was Rick. The pilot sat down, and Danielle introduced him properly to her father, as he'd already met Nigel.
"It's nice to meet you Sir," James smiled at Danielle's father.
"Oh, please Captain, call me Dave!"
"As long as you don't call me 'Captain' again, James laughed.
"Well," Dave said defensively. "You are a qualified Captain for one, and two you really did give us the damn private jet experience earlier, right Nige? It was amazing, gave me a buzz if I'm honest, considering I'd never be rich enough for it!" He imitated a Captain speaking over the intercom. 'Mr. Manning, Dr Stark, Mr. Avery, please fasten your seatbelts in preparation for take-off!' even though I told you to call me Dave several times before we left!"
James smiled. "Sorry. I will from now on, Dave."
"Yeah, it was the same for Rick and me, right Rick? 'Danielle, Rick, please fasten your seatbelts in preparation for take-off, try to stop laughing long enough for that!'"
The two of them laughed, looking fondly at each other. "Yeah, if I recall rightly, we were both in hysterics. I'd just had to use CS gas after those misogynists tried to stop us leaving the airport, protesting women. We'd just watched a man die, but next minute we were laughing and just couldn't stop. Doubtlessly one of these two good doctors here would tell us there was a mental reason for that, Release of stress, tension or something."
"Why do we need to tell you?" Dr Stark asked. "You've just guessed it for yourself!"
"I saw that on the news the night it happened," Dave said. "Such charming last words, eh? Good riddance! You witnessed it, babes?"
"Yeah, Rick and I both went. Chancer was working against us when Adam kidnapped me, and he almost killed Rick with his chains."
"Are you fucking serious?" Dave almost growled. "Did you know Dr Loomis came to me immediately after Adam grabbed you? I was almost begging him to let me help! But he was adamant I couldn't. I still say you were wrong Doc!"
"I understand," Dr Loomis nodded, his voice gentle. "But I had my reasons."
"Probably to stop me killing the bastard before you did it for me," Dave smiled at his son in law. "Oh, I would've tried, believe me I would've tried!" Looking up, he saw Michael smiling softly at him, sympathy in his eyes. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. He knew he was wondering the same thing countless had before him. Was this the real Michael Myers? Plus, his daughter was marrying him. Even in the short time Dave had known Michael, he could tell the killer genuinely cared for his daughter. "Good fucking riddance, piece of shit! He's hurt both my daughters more than enough! I hope it was slow, fuck I hope it was!"
"It was," Jack said simply, but didn't elaborate. Dave nodded with satisfaction. "Chancer tried to kill you with his chains, Rick?" He asked after a moment. "Motherfucker!"
The guard smiled at him. "Yes, but a certain Michael Myers here came straight to my rescue. Knocked him clean out cold, then carried me out to the ambulance having given me water and helped me breathe. My neck was badly bruised and I was in hospital for a couple of days, but I was ok. Especially considering that was when a certain beautiful woman in here told me how she felt for me," he smiled at Joanne.
"About bloody time too," Jack and Mel said together. "You two were dancing around each other for so long," Jack finished.
"Yeah," Danielle laughed. "Even I'd started to suspect something!"
…
An hour later, the group were full of food and there were still a lot of leftovers. "Well," Oliver said good naturedly when Danielle pointed this out. "Just as well we arranged for them to be packed in containers. They'll do just fine on the plane tomorrow."
"You are taking them back with you Nige, dad?"
Oliver looked at doctors stark and Loomis, who smiled at him to continue. "Well yes. But not in the way you think. You see, if you wish, when that plane leaves tomorrow, it'll have an extra passenger aboard on the return flight."
"Why is it up to me?"
"Because, darling," Dave and Michael held her close. "The extra seat, is yours."
"I… you're releasing me?" Danielle turned to Dr Stark but couldn't speak further.
"You were released since you came back last time," her doctor said, moving to her side and taking her hand. "Remember? Voluntary, that's the key word here. If you are ready, go home with your father and Nigel tomorrow."
Danielle turned to Michael, but Dr Stark spoke again. "Michael already knows, of course he does." Drawing her close, Michael kissed her again, softly and deeply. She knew what he was but wasn't saying. I'm with you, go home. We can and will make this work. I promise.
She couldn't deny the thought of being back home in Haddonfield was a nice one, so, so much had changed since she'd attempted to die there, things were so different now. Apart from anything else, she wouldn't be even setting foot in Adam's old house. Nigel had moved, so there was no need for it. As if reading her mind, Nigel himself spoke.
"Dave and Emma have very kindly put me up in their house, it's big enough as you know. I'm staying with you all as long as you need me, so I can do whatever I'm able to help you and Charlotte."
"I fucking adore you Nigel Manning," Danielle hugged him as tightly as she could. She was certain he was close to crying as he kissed her cheek. "As do I you, Danielle Avery/Myers! Never, ever forget that! I'd do anything for you, anything! If I'm honest, I'm suffering a little with… kind of survivor's guilt if you will. I should've read the signs and said something to the authorities before…"
"Shut up!" She squeezed him and kissed his cheek. "Shut the fuck up! Don't go there! You did more for me than I could ever tell you! You saved my fucking life!"
"Well said!" Dave growled. "Don't ever say that again Manning!"
"Agreed," everyone said together, including Cutter and James.
"Not to mention it was because of what happened she met the love of her life," Joanne finished, and everyone cheered.
"Um, ok," Nigel blushed. "I won't and that's a damn good point."
"I want a toast to everyone from Smith's Grove in this room, you know the reasons!"
Danielle went onto explain how Jack had protected her when Dr Hazard had chained her, how he'd shown her how to use the guard's equipment and how he'd distracted her when Chancer was being interrogated. How she'd fired his gun and sounded his panic alarm.
How Rick had attended the execution with her, and fast become her friend. His protection that night during the protests, how he'd ensured her safety. How she saw Jack as an older brother, and Rick as an uncle.
Then how Joanne had been assigned to her, had attended the trial as her guard, had been knocked out with Chloroform to protect her, had stayed with her in the DASC.
Finally, how Mel had helped her during Peters and Rickets' interview, which she explained briefly. How she'd had tea and chocolates with her and Michael on at least two occasions. Everyone applauded and toasted the four guards, then James, Oliver and the two doctors.
"With Joanne I don't know where to start, I almost love her like another mother! Not to mention she didn't want to guard a blind person, then enjoyed gossiping so much she let said blind person walk across a certain yellow line because she wasn't paying attention…"
"Oh God," Joanne groaned. "I've never seen you so angry Dr Loomis. I'm surprised you guys didn't hear him in Haddonfield! You know what? I deserved it, too! How were we to know your future husband was standing on its other side?"
"He actually shouted?" Jack asked. "Damn."
"Oh yes," Joanne said fervently. "Totally lost it. Hardly surprising though, I'd just let Danielle walk up to the most dangerous man here, a damn silent serial killer!"
"Yeah, what actually happened?" Nigel asked. "I've always wanted to know?"
"When I crossed the yellow line? Well Michael was of course chained to the hilt. I heard them clink slightly. He didn't move. I just touched his arm, feeling his shirt sleeve and asked him if he was Michael Myers? I had a feeling I knew where I was, and I was right."
"Were you scared?" Dave asked. "I think I'd have been shitting myself!" He glanced at Michael. "Normally when this man's eyes are on you, you're dead!"
"I… I don't know dad to be completely honest. It didn't last long enough for me to really think about that. Guards were there within seconds. Remember, darling?" She squeezed her Fiancé's hand and he squeezed back, as they both remembered that very first day.
"Were you thinking about the kill? Or at least attempting it?" Mel asked in just above a whisper. Slowly, Michael raised his notepad, which Dave read out loud.Not then, no. I was surrounded by guards. I think I just wanted to warn you that if you came over the line again or any closer, then I would attack.
"You don't give warnings," Dave stared at him. "You just… kill!"
I think even I was aware you could not see me, so… I do not know. Perhaps I did not even intend it to be a warning, I knew there were too many guards there, you touched my sleeve, I did not touch you.
"That's true, then the second time you held my hand."
Again, I do not know why. That night when you were in my cell after Jefferson's attack, that was going to be it for you. You were going to die.
"Yet I'm still breathing, and now I'm marrying you," she hugged him tightly, blinking back tears. He kissed her, holding her just as tightly in turn.
To this day, I do not know why, sweetheart. All you did was tell me your name and a little about you, and I…
They heard Mel, Joanne and even Dr Stark crying softly at this. "Then she found her way into your heart," Dr Stark finished, her voice thick with emotion. "You fell in love with her, Michael. Totally unwillingly, I might add. But hasn't Dr Loomis told you enough times? Love does that. It sneaks up on even the worst of us if it wants to, you didn't stand a chance."
Michael smiled, moved over to the consultant and tenderly wiped away her tears. For the very first time, Dr Stark was drawn gently into the embrace of Michael Myers. She hugged him back. Danielle didn't of course see it, but all the men in the room were watching with emotion of their own.
"I still don't know what exactly I did," Danielle blinked back her own tears. "I was just me."
"Like I've told you before," Nigel said. "That's the point. You're amazing. Your kind, funny, and I'm sure Michael would say attractive. Your personality is gorgeous kid, no wonder Michael Myers himself fell in love with you!"
"Well said," Dave said with pride.
"Um… thanks!" Danielle went on to explain who Jefferson was, how he'd tripped her up with his foot, then hesitating slightly, told them how he'd thrown his cum in her face another day.
"Dirty son of a bitch," Nigel growled. "Fucking hell! That's… he's an animal!"
"Was, was an animal. He's dead, Nige."
Nigel's eyes widened and he looked at Michael. But he didn't need to ask, they all understood.
"But why?" It was Oliver who asked. "You hardly knew the lovely Danielle then, why kill Jefferson for her? Yes, I'm sure it angered you, but that's…" Michael smiled at the CEO and shook his head. He didn't know either.
Danielle then told them about Baker, how Chancer had bribed him to get her protected number, so he could pass it onto Adam. How Baker had done so, and died.
"Jesus," James breathed. "One of our own guards? Fucking hell!"
"Yes, I heard about that," Oliver growled. "I was furious. Absolutely furious. I'm so sorry. I was more than ready to help if needed, should someone in the DVA hub have refused to change your number immediately. Good old Stacey Allard, I knew you'd be in safe hands with her and Adam here as your DVA's."
"Stacey was amazing," Danielle said affectionately, nodding. "She worked to change it again as fast as she could." Let's not forget…" she hesitated for just a second "Adam here either," she finished, and everyone applauded her.
Hughes walked to her side and hugged her, moving so she was touching his ears. Everyone laughed. "He's the best DVA ever. He's helped me so much I can't even begin to tell you. Thank you so fucking much, Mr… Adam Hughes!" The DVA blushed, as everyone toasted him. Still hugging him close, she continued. "Oh my God, you should've seen me. When he said, 'my name's Adam,' I literally freaked the fuck out! It was like all my senses went into overdrive! I was like 'who the fuck is this guy?' Actually the first question I asked him was, 'ok, so what's your real name?' Like an Adam couldn't possibly exist! I was cowering as far away from the door as I could get, terrified he was going to come and hit me or something!"
Danielle lowered her voice, briefly speaking just to him. "You have no idea how bad I feel about that now. I'm so really sorry, after what you told us." Adam kissed the top of her head. "Don't be silly," he murmured. "I totally understand why. Domestic violence is no joke." She hugged him tightly again. If anyone understood that, it was the two of them.
She continued, speaking normally again. "He said, 'I wanted to meet you,' my response was, 'fine, you've met me.' Shit! I was so rude, but I was on edge hearing the name Adam again so soon. Turns out that wasn't by accident, of course. How could it be with these two around?" She gestured affectionately to the doctors. "Nothing's an accident if they do it!"
He kissed her cheek. "Nah, you weren't rude at all. Hell, if you'd told me your name was Michelle, who's to say I wouldn't have reacted?"
"Good point," she smiled sadly at him.
Now, she needed to make him laugh. She gently pulled his ears again and everyone snickered. She was happy when it had the desired effect and he started laughing. "Ow, my ears!" Adam squeezed her tightly.
"Not to mention I love that British accent of yours," she smiled at him, hugging him tightly back. "That was actually the first thing I noticed when I met you. Yours and Dr Loomis'. Bet you comfort each other when feeling homesick! Yes?"
"You're a cheeky thing," Adam and Dr Loomis both laughed.
"But right," Dr Loomis said in a mock whisper.
Looking up, Adam once again saw Michael smiling right at him, a sympathetic but affectionate smile. Adam smiled back, taking and shaking the killer's offered hand. "You do look good in a suit my man," he said.
"Yeah, he does, doesn't he?" Dave agreed. "It well, does suit him." Michael smiled around the room.
I thank you, and I thank you for the suit itself, Nigel. I shall make good use of it; I have no doubt.
"Watch out," Dave warned. "With Danielle here you'll never take it off if she has her way!"
Then so be it.
While Dave's words had been said in gest, something told the group Michael was serious. Dave felt a rush of affection at that moment for the most unlikely person, that being Michael Myers himself. Someone he'd thought he'd always only fear since 1978, never know personally, let alone come to care about, maybe even love. Not to mention be his future father-in-law!
"You should've seen Mr. Myers here when he first saw me," Adam said to the group, shivering a little. "I'm not kidding, it was… he was scary! I could almost hear him shouting 'Kill!' He wouldn't let me anywhere near you even if I'd tried. The first night we talked, and I got you cake in the canteen, I could tell from Michael's eyes he thought I was trying to sweeten you up or something. He was mocking me, telling me I was a fool. A dead fool, if I wasn't very, very careful."
"Um, I actually thought exactly that," Danielle admitted. "That you were trying to sweeten me up. I'm sorry for that now."
"No don't be silly, I totally get it! Of course, you wouldn't trust someone named Adam quickly and I knew that. Dr Stark had told me more than enough to realise it. I was ready for how you'd react."
"Still doesn't mean I should've done it."
"It was actually your Fiancé here I was afraid of," Adam and Michael locked eyes. "He would've killed me in a second if I'd done even the smallest thing, he considered against you. Shit. I knew how careful I had to be, guards or no guards."
"Didn't take you long to show us you're a really good guy though," she hugged him again, affectionately feeling his spikey hair, like Michael's. "I'm so glad I know you now! It's almost easy to forget all the bad memories Adam gave to me, when I meet someone with his name who's as nice as you are, Adam Hughes!"
"Aww, thank you sweetie! That means a lot to me!"
"I mean it. You've helped both of us so much."
"It was my pleasure."
…
"Please could I borrow one of you lovely Smith's Grove people?" Dave asked a few minutes later. "I need to collect… some stuff from mine and Nigel's suite, and I'd love a go on those shuttle things! Ever since Charlotte told me about them, I've wanted a go on one!" Danielle smiled at her father's childish excitement; she loved it.
"I'd be delighted to assist," Oliver stood up. "This way."
"Thank you, Sir."
"I told you, I'm Oliver," the CEO said as he and Dave crossed to the door.
"Sorry, Oliver. Please could her ladyship let us out?" Dave added.
"You did well," James said as they left, He sat down in Dave's empty seat, looked at her pile of gifts and poured himself another coffee.
"I know, thank you so much for your present, the free flights! I can't thank you enough!"
"You're welcome."
"Damn, Oliver is one kind man," she said affectionately, closing the doors again. "He's way more than a CEO, he never uses his position for power or anything. He's so friendly, informal, knows how to put people at ease. I had the… misfortune of meeting his predecessor, and… um, they're so different it's almost laughable!"
"Yes, Andrews was… one of a kind, wasn't he?"
"Very diplomatic, and yes, he was! Is it easy? To fly a plane, I mean?"
"Hmm. I don't know 'easy' is the right word, it's… well you must understand the laws of physics for one thing, then not be daunted by the huge number of controls in a cockpit."
"I think I'd be scared. I mean, I'm thousands of feet up and I have people's lives in my hands."
"I'd be scared too if you were flying a plane," Joanne said, and everyone laughed. Danielle mock glared at her, but snorted with laughter.
"It can be nerve racking at first, but once you get the hang of it, you don't really think about that. Yes sometimes accidents happen, but we're trained about what might happen ahead of time of course, that helps you avoid it. Michael, he added, please could you pass me that creamer? Thanks, my man." He was pleasantly surprised when the killer raised his notepad to him a few seconds later.
Why did you decide to become a pilot?
"Um, you know Michael I'm not sure. I always loved physics at school, that was my favourite part of science. I had no problem understanding it, much to the annoyance of my classmates! This helped me when I made the choice to start flying, so I started with small cargo planes before deciding I wanted to progress. Pilot training is hard work, but my understanding of physics obviously helped."
But why here, Smith's Grove? You must've known the dangerous people you might have to fly around?
"No idea who you could possibly be talking about!" James and Michael smiled at each other. "Yes, but like with accidents I didn't really think about that. I knew there would be guards aboard if I was flying a patient after all, and just like with passenger jets the cockpit is separate from the passenger cabin for a reason." Michael nodded slowly.
That makes sense. I just… I don't think I would've chosen to be a pilot for a Psychiatric hospital if it was my choice.
The pilot chuckled. "Hey it's good money," he winked. "Plus, it's much nicer than passenger jets, trust me! No people complaining, being abusive to my flight attendants."
"Where are you staying tonight?" Danielle asked.
"Well, Smith's Grove obviously has its own private hanger for the jet to be parked in, that has a very nice little flat attached to it. So sometimes I stay there, but tonight I'm going home. Dr Loomis or Mr. Cutter will call me when you guys are ready to leave tomorrow. No rush."
…
A few minutes later, Dave and Oliver returned. They were both carrying heavy bags. "That was fun, those shuttles are awesome, like something out of a science fiction movie!"
"That's exactly what I said," she grinned at her father.
"Right, well, we have got you all some presents," he said, sitting down this time opposite his daughter. "Little Christmas treats from us, to thank you for looking after our lovely daughter so well for almost the last year."
"You didn't have to…" Dr Stark began.
"No, we know we didn't," Nigel said. "But we did it anyway. Is that ok with you?" Everyone chuckled.
"That's very kind of you," Dr Loomis said, as Dave and Oliver started handing out the gifts.
"Yay, I love presents!" Jack said, and his excitement was so childish but genuine, Danielle couldn't help reaching towards him. He came over and hugged her. "Me too," she said from against his shoulder. "Presents are fun!"
"Hang on, there's one here with my name on?" Oliver asked, surprised and shocked.
"Wait, this is for me?" James asked, as Dave handed him a wrapped box.
"Well of course," Nigel said. "How could we forget the CEO or the pilot? You've played your parts too."
Everyone sat down and began opening their presents. They'd bought the doctors chocolates, as well as the guards. "Wow this is beautiful," James said, holding up the glass model of a plane Dave and Nigel had bought him. "Thank you so much." He held it up so she could feel it. As Jack opened his, Oliver came over to her. "Ah yes, another little present from us here," he said with a smile. "Jack, Joanne, Rick and Mel might not be working today, but one guard is." Next moment, he'd slipped an equipment vest onto her with everything in it, including the gun.
"Uh oh," Joanne said dramatically. "Guard Avery's on duty again, best behaviour everyone!"
"Aww, thanks Oliver, who's vest is this?"
"Well right now it's yours, but usually… who do you think?"
"Jack?" She smiled fondly at her friend. He was after all the one who'd shown her how to use it all and shackled her, not to mention protecting her when she'd really been shackled. The guard came over to and hugged her again.
"Stay like that?" Dr Stark said and snapped a picture on her phone. "Cheese!" They said together.
"Happy birthday Danielle," the radio on her chest crackled into life. It was Ryan. She grinned from ear to ear, pulled it out and squeezed the 'talk' button, knowing damn well Oliver and/or Dr Loomis had arranged this.
"Thanks, Ryan. How are you? Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas to you too. I'm doing well, thanks. Are you having a nice party?"
"I'm loving it," she said earnestly. "Where are you guys?"
"Ah now we know you'd invite the whole of Smith's Grove if you could, but unfortunately some of us have to stay and guard the block. But we'll come and see you later before you go, deal?"
"Deal!" Danielle smiled at the radio.
"Happy birthday, merry Christmas," Darren said, then William. She replied in kind.
There was something Danielle had really wanted to do for a while, but even now was a little apprehensive. But she soon realised it would be fine, and taken in the humour it was intended to be taken in. She moved to stand behind Michael's chair, pulling Jack with her by the hand. She took hold of Michael's arms, feeling his gorgeous, soft suit jacket under her fingers. Taking a breath, she pulled out Jack's handcuffs and cuffed her Fiancé's hands behind his back.
"Oh no!" Joanne exclaimed. "Michael, what on earth did you do? She's got you just where she wants you!"
"Hmm, so many possibilities," Danielle smirked.
"Hey!" Dave shuddered. "Not in front of your father, please! I really, really don't want the scars!" Everyone hooted with laughter, as she reached up and pulled Michael's ears.
"Hey, come on!" Rick said, trying to keep a straight face, but without success. "That's hardly fair, when the poor guy can't defend himself!" She knew he'd been cuffed just like this countless times for real, but she had never, ever expected she would do it as a joke to Michael Myers himself, who would've killed her in a second on first meeting. She felt him chuckling as she hugged him tightly from behind, before pulling his ears again.
"We could always get you some furry handcuffs if that's your thing," Joanne suggested thoughtfully. "Hmm?"
"Please, stop!" Dave begged and everyone cracked up again. "I really, really don't want to know about my daughter and her husband behind closed doors! Please!"
"Oh, I do," Nigel said. "Tell me, tell me all the gory details!"
Danielle whispered in Jack's ear, and the guard smirked and whispered back. She pulled Michael to his feet, holding him by the bar in the middle of the cuffs, and guided by Jack, led him across the room. "Oh shit," Adam said. "Watch out Myers, I think you might be in trouble…"
Gently, she pressed him against the wall by the door. This time Dave didn't joke, he was blinking back tears. Because reaching up on her toes, his daughter now proceeded to wrap her arms around Michael Myers' neck and kiss him so lovingly, he almost did start crying. Joanne smiled at him as did Rick, Mel squeezed his shoulder.
"I know," she whispered. "It'll never get old, will it? Who would've thought?"
Looking over, Dave saw that even Dr Loomis appeared to be blinking back a tear. Leaning in, Danielle then whispered something into Michael's left ear, her mouth touching it. He obviously couldn't hug her back, but he leant down and kiss the side of her neck.
"To Danielle and Michael Myers!" Dr Stark toasted, and everyone cheered and raised their glasses to the couple.
"I bet you're thinking of all the delicious things you could do to him right now if you were alone, right?" Nigel smirked at Danielle as she took her time to touch Michael's jacket, shirt and tie again, then his cufflinks, with him unable to move. "The other men wolf whistled. Oh, I know you!"
"I, don't, want, to, know!" Dave repeated, and everyone laughed again. Michael took her hand with his cuffed one and awkwardly began to guide her back across the room. Jack moved Michael's arm so she could hold it properly.
"I suppose I'd better let you out now," Danielle said in mock sadness once Michael was back in his seat. "Well, damn!" She lowered her voice, her lips against his left ear. "Nigel's not wrong, you know," before she kissed his ear.
"That tickle?" Dave asked, seeing Michael's face as the killer started chuckling. "Hate to say this pal, but you're screwed then!"
Laughing, Danielle pulled out Jack's keys. "Which one is it?"
"It's a funny shaped key," Mel said. "It's got a pointed end, it's nothing like a regular key." She came over to them as she felt the keys. "That one?" She held up a pointed key.
"That's it," the four guards said together. Taking Danielle's hand, Mel helped her get the key into a tiny whole on the cuffs.
"Damn. Why is that so difficult? To stop people picking them? But with hands behind their back that wouldn't be possible, would it?"
"They're not always cuffed that way," Dr Loomis said. "Sometimes they're frontwards, that's when there could be a risk of exactly that."
CLICK!
Michael's left hand was free, and a few seconds later so was his right. Turning, he drew her into a hug and kissed her.
"We have one more little surprise for you," Dr Stark said as Danielle sat down again. "If one of you could press the call bell, please?"
"Go on Michael," Danielle squeezed his hand. Chuckling, the killer did so. A few seconds later, the doorbell rang again, and he pressed the button to open the doors.
"Happy birthday Danielle," Jerry and Anne said in unison, causing a huge smile to light up her face. "Merry Christmas everyone!"
"Jez, Anne," she said happily. Then turning to her father, "best chefs in Smith's Grove!"
"That's praise indeed," Anne said. They entered and Michael closed the doors again, activating the meeting sign.
"Before you say it," Jerry said fondly. "We're staying for something to eat and a drink with you, of course! We did promise!"
"Yay!" Danielle sounded so genuinely happy, Jerry and Anne, both hugged her.
…
For the next half an hour or so, Danielle did nothing but listen happily to the soft hum of individual conversations within the group. Nigel and Mel were arguing good naturedly about the best way to plant and grow vegetables, both being keen gardeners. Jack and Adam appeared to be in a disagreement about a baseball match. Her father and Jerry were passionately discussing cars, they were just some of what she could hear.
"Jerry loves cars," Anne confided to her and Michael. "The older, the better."
"Yeah, so does dad."
"They've got their phones out and are looking at pictures of hundreds of them," Joanne yawned. "Boring or what?"
Danielle turned and smiled at Michael. Putting her hand on his arm, she started stroking his soft suit jacket. He took her other hand in both of his and squeezed. She felt his pure silk tie next, then his shirt and its collar, before feeling his suit pants.Damn I'd love to unzip those right now,she thought and immediately felt her face heat up. She knew immediately by the way he kissed her and chuckled, he knew what she was thinking. "Soon," he whispered in her ear so softly, she could almost believe she'd imagined it, but knew she hadn't.
Thank you for my huge jars of coffee and boxes of chocolates.
Michael raised this message and Jack saw it, attracting the others attention as he read it out.
"You're welcome my man," all the guards, doctors, Dave and Nigel said together. Michael handed her one of the jars and she felt it. "Wo, that is huge! More for you then darling, you know I hate coffee!"
"Yeah, but you can make it, using that snazzy new kettle of yours," Jack smiled.
"Funnily enough I was going to ask Michael about putting one of those on our wedding list," Danielle said fondly. "Thanks guys, you beat me to it."
"Well with all the tea you drink," Mel mocked. "We would've bought you a tap, but we couldn't install it!" Everyone laughed.
Doctors Stark and Loomis had also been brought chocolates by the Avery's, and Danielle couldn't believe it when Dr Loomis handed her, Michael, Nigel and Dave a further box each from the doctors, before handing the same to everyone else in the group. Nigel felt something on top of his, another wrapped parcel. Opening it, he found a tie identical to the one Dr Loomis had worn during his stay here for the execution, with its little squares on the front. "I didn't forget," Dr Loomis smiled at him.
"Thanks man, that's really nice of you." They shook hands, before Nigel swapped ties, moved over to Danielle and showed it to her. She smiled, remembering it too.
"So now, ladies and gentleman…" Jerry said dramatically, and the room went silent. She turned on the microphones and the chime sounded. "It's time for…" Jerry did a drum roll on the table. "Cake!"
"You didn't, did you?"
"Well of course we did," Anne said. "It's your birthday!"
Jerry placed a huge chocolate cake in front of her. "Wo, that's huge!"
"Made by Anne, Tony and I, with our bear hands. But there's a little present for you on it too. Don't touch it again, because it has what will very soon be hot candles on it. He struck a match, lighting the candles. "Ok guys quiet please," he said through the still activated microphones, and the room went completely silent. She grinned and turned them off again. "You tell them Jezz!"
"I'm warning you, you're the only one who's ever allowed to call me that! Right, listen, everyone."
"It better bloody work," Anne muttered.
Danielle's mouth dropped when a few seconds later, happy birthday started playing from somewhere in front of her. A tinny, musical tone, like that emitted by a child's toy. "What the heck is that?" But then, she realised. "Wait, that's never… is that the candle?"
"It certainly is," Jerry said. "It's a musical candle. Make a wish, birthday girl!"
"Can I have two?"
"You can have ten million," Dave said, his voice so loving she almost started crying. She closed her eyes.
I wish for Charlotte to wake up.
I wish to marry Michael as soon as possible.
"Don't tell anyone," Joanne warned as she opened them again. "Or they won't come true!"
Danielle mimed zipping her mouth shut. Putting a hand on her cheek, Michael moved her head, so she was facing the candles. "BLOW!" Everyone accept Michael shouted. She blew once, twice, extinguishing the candlelight. A few seconds later, the music stopped too.
Now Dr Loomis did blink back a tear as did everyone else, when Jerry carefully handed Danielle a sharp chef's knife, and hesitating and glancing at Dr Loomis for only a second, she took Michael's hand and placed it atop hers. Carefully, he guided her into the cut. Everyone applauded.
Reaching forward, she turned on the microphones again. "OK LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEATS IN PREPARATION FOR CAKE OFF! I MEAN TAKE OFF!" Everyone laughed.
"Haha," James squeezed her shoulder as he walked past to grab another plate. "Cake off, I like it! Maybe I'll use that next time I'm flying and see if any of my passenger's notice!"
"Well, that'll be tomorrow then," she pointed out with a grin. "We'll notice now because you just told us!"
"She's right," Nigel chuckled.
"Ok, ok! The next time I fly after that then! God, why do people have to be so sharp?"
"Got to be faster than that to beat Danielle Avery/Myers," Oliver said. "Come on James, wake up!"
…
The cake was delicious, soon everyone had eaten a piece and there were still loads left. "For you to take home tomorrow," Jerry said. "Oh, I know about that don't worry," he added as Danielle opened her mouth.
"Jezz," she said, suddenly remembering, as he poured and handed her another tea. "Thanks. Did I tell you what our good Captain here said about your white chocolate cookies? We were sitting in the aircraft, it was just after Chancer's execution and our lovely pilot here was checking we were ok after witnessing it. We opened the cookies and I said he had to try one. That was when he said his famous line."
"Oh yeah I remember now," Rick chuckled.
"No?" Jerry glanced at James who sighed theatrically, as though she'd just given away his biggest secret. "Can't trust you at all, Avery! I said, 'that's Wyatt, nice guy and my God! If he makes these I'll fly him to Australia if he wants!'"
"Really?" Jerry grinned. "I'll keep that in mind. Free flight to Australia? Hmm, yes please!"
"Wait, I said I'd fly you there, who said anything about it being free?"
Everyone laughed. "He's got you there," Oliver clapped Jerry on the shoulder.
"So we gave him the rest of the bag," Rick finished, as he and Danielle pulled James into a hug with them.
…
When Danielle looked at her phone again, it was almost midnight. She could hardly believe it. Time certainly did fly when one was having fun, it seemed. She stood up, feeling happier than she could remember feeling in a long time, and absolutely stuffed with food and drink. As though reading each other's minds, Joanne came over to guide her to the shuttle station.
"I told Nigel to leave his car in the staff parking lot again," Dr Loomis said, yet again he must've realised what she was thinking. "No driving for anyone tonight!"
"Yes boss," Nigel saluted.
"Enough!" Dr Loomis mock reprimanded and everyone laughed again.
"Excuse me, Michael," Dave said, looking up at his future son in law. "Do you mind if I have a quick word with you before we leave?" Immediately, Michael sat down again beside her father.
"I think it's the father-in-law lecture," Joanne whispered to her. "'You'd better look after my daughter or else' talk."
Danielle grinned as they headed out of the room and started walking, either Michael or Dave closing the doors. The chef's took the carts back to the kitchens, as she, Adam, James, the two doctors, 4 guards and Nigel walked as a group to the station. Oliver waiting just outside the room to assist Dave and Michael back to the suites when they were done.