As soon as the doors were closed, Dave turned to face and look at the man sitting beside him, one he'd never thought he'd know personally. Michael Myers. This was really the, Michael Myers. Not only that, but he was his daughter's Fiancé. If Dave hadn't seen it for himself, he wasn't sure he'd have believed it. Moreover, the usually cold gaze of the silent killer was absent, and he was now looking at him with a soft, slightly amused gaze as if he knew exactly what Dave was thinking. He wasn't sure he'd put it passed him either.

"I don't even know where to start," he said after a few seconds of silence. "I never ever dreamed I'd be sitting next to Michael Myers himself, never mind in these circumstances. He's only marrying my daughter! You would and could of very easily killed us in 1978 you know, you came so, so close. Emma had just given birth to Charlotte exactly a week ago, her birthday is the 24th of October 1978. When the news broke, you'd escaped, of course the police tried to hush it up but that was never going to happen, I have never seen so much panic in the streets of one small town. Haddonfield isn't that big, as you know. Our only concern was protecting our week-old baby, but I think Emma looked out of the window every five seconds, to see if we could see a man in blue coveralls, a deathly white mask and fucking huge knife in the damn shadows! At one point, we did. You know where the now old mail office is? We lived just opposite there, and you walked right fucking past us! By some miracle you decided not to target our house, but when Emma saw you, she and I both freaked the holy fuck out! We called the sheriff of course, like it did any good! He just told us to keep our doors and windows locked. Like that would stop you if you really wanted to force entry! I wouldn't be surprised if he thought we were just panicking and/or thought we'd seen something. Doubtless a lot of people were calling saying exactly the same thing. But Emma and I know what we saw, it was you."

Michael didn't move, just looked at him, but the amusement was gone from his face now. Dave looked right back. "I'm not asking you to say, or rather write anything, I'm just telling you. You were fucking terrifying that night, hell, you still are! Yet, my daughter loves and is marrying you? I guess I was just shocked, that's all. Nigel told me purely because we were arranging the party, but we are the only ones in the family who know, it's up to Danielle or you to tell the others." He paused for a second, before speaking again, and though his heart was hammering with apprehension, he knew he had to say this. "Nigel also told me about what happened between you and her," he spoke quietly now, holding Michael's eye contact. "About when you grabbed her throat and briefly broke up with her, I mean. Again, We're the only ones who know, Emma, Tim and Colin don't. I have absolutely no inclination to tell them either. Nigel explained the circumstances to me, and that Danielle has completely forgiven you. You were angry and needed a kill, I believe. However, I will say this. You make any move whatsoever to hurt my daughter again, we will have a huge problem. That's not a threat, it's just a fact. Nigel said the same thing to me. Yes, we'd probably die for it, but we would fight you to the death if that happened again. Now we don't believe it will, we genuinely don't, but had to put that on the table, I'm sure you understand."

Still the killer remained silent, his eyes locked on Dave's. Finally, he gave him a very slight nod. "Perfect," Dave nodded back. Now, he hesitated. He knew he had to ask Michael this while they were alone, but could he? He got goose bumps just thinking about it, never mind asking Myers what happened. But he also knew he had to, for his own wellbeing if nothing else. "Michael," there was an audible click in his throat as he swallowed. Shit, his mouth was dry as sandpaper. He licked his lips and tried again. "What happened with Colin the day Danielle and you went back…" he swallowed again, before standing and heading to the water cooler in the corner of the huge meeting room. He pressed the cup dispense button and with a soft electronic whizzing sound, a cup fell into the holder. He filled it with iced water, then pulled it carefully free. When he turned back Michael was looking at him, again giving him that slight nod. Understanding, he filled a second cup for the other man.

"Here," he said as he took his seat, passing Michael the water.

Thank you.

"You're welcome," Dave took a few sips, the cold moisture soothing his dry mouth and throat. It didn't magically make the question he had to ask any easier, however. "Michael," he tried again. "That night with Colin, I… did you have the need to kill under control? When he told Emma and I what had happened, we were fucking terrified. Were you… Would you have killed him if…"

But that was when Michael finally moved, his hand resting lightly on Dave's arm. Dave turned to look at his son in law, now turning completely in his comfortable leather seat. The other man did not remove his hand from his arm as he began to write.

Yes, I did. I assure you if push came to shove, I would not have killed him. He just… he angered me. I think I just wanted him to… to shut up.

Dave couldn't help himself and smiled slightly at this. "Yeah, I don't blame you if I'm honest. How in God's name could he bring up 63 and 78? Christ! I'd deserve to die if I'd done that! I can understand he was upset and jealous of you because you're now with Danielle, but that… that was too far. Emma was an emotional wreck after Colin told us, terrified he'd antagonise you again, and…"

That will not happen.

"How can you be so sure?" Now Dave's voice was barely above a whisper.

Do not misunderstand. I mean that even if he does try to antagonise me, I will not try to hurt him. I love Danielle too much to risk losing her over her now brother's petty jealousy.

Dave swallowed hard again. "Ok," was all he managed to say. Emma was… was a mess. Charlotte's still critically ill, or at the very least shows no sign of regaining consciousness, and then our son does something so… so fucking stupid! Didn't… didn't he even say something about Laurie Strode? How she rejected you and you snapped or something? Jesus Fucking Christ! How stupid can he be? It wouldn't have worked between them now anyway. As you just said, he's her brother now! If they had ended up together things might have had to be different of course, but they didn't, and he's just got to learn to live with that! Are you… are you going to speak with him about it when you next see him?"

No, I will write.

Touche," now Dave chuckled a little. "Ok, I mean will you communicate with him about what happened? If I were you, I'd be fucking furious!"

I will tell him he was out of line, correct. But I will also make it clear he is in no danger, unless of course, he comes at me with violence.

"Yeah, then you'd be completely justified in defending yourself," Dave nodded. "But Colin's not a violent man, Michael. I know you don't know him well enough to comment but trust me he's not. He can get a bit mouthy when he's upset or angry, but he never, ever resorts to physical violence."

I am truly sorry I scared Mrs. Avery, that was not at all my intention. She is going through enough as it is.

Dave felt a lump in his throat at these kind words from the mouth (or rather hand) of the silent killer, but this time it wasn't due to dryness, he was holding back a tear. "Thanks," he managed eventually when he could trust himself to speak without breaking down. Michael seemed to sense this though because he touched Dave's arm again.

I was just angry, and I did not appreciate my past being brought up in that way.

"No, I get that, I wouldn't either if I were in your shoes. Believe me, I am deeply grateful to you that you managed to control it, purely because of our daughter's influence. I'm sure Danielle would say the same. Plus, you did it not only because of Danielle, but because of everything we're going through, you understood emotions were high that night."

I did.

"There you are then, that just proves my point." He sighed softly. "You should've seen how it all went to shit the day she tried to kill herself over that fucking prick Adam Dawson! I use his Surname so as to separate him from his total opposite, the delightful young man with the same Christian name I met this evening. What a nice guy. He really cares about her that's obvious, and he's really done a lot to help her. We talked a little during the party and I liked him within minutes. He told me you could not say the same though," he smiled a little.

Only because I did not trust him or his motives. His name was Adam, I knew their introduction was not by accident, just as she did. Like she said tonight, how could it be with Dr Loomis and Dr Stark involved?

Dave chuckled. "Yeah, they certainly know what they're doing, they're good doctors and people both."

However, now I do have to say he genuinely does care about her and is a very kind individual. Like he also said, I was warning him in no uncertain terms that first night to be very, very careful.

"I couldn't have done it," Dave looked him straight in the eyes. "That would've scared me enough to back the fuck off! How Dawson didn't get that message… I… I'll never understand! It got him killed! Good riddance, fucking prick!"

Perhaps he didn't believe it.

"Yeah, that would make sense until he got that damn picture of you kissing her! Dr Loomis sent that to me as well! After that, what the fuck was he thinking? I… I'm pretty sure that's why he targeted Charlotte, because he knew Danielle was out of reach. Or maybe… maybe he did it to get Danielle down to the hospital so he could do exactly what he did…"

Dave.

"Hmm?"

Stop. Thinking about what has been and gone will not do you any good at all. He's dead, he can't and won't hurt either of your daughters again, you will drive yourself crazy if you keep wondering what if. The simple truth is, you will never know.

Dave sighed. "Damn it I know you're right, I just…" He ran a hand through his hair and absently fiddled with his tie, straightening out non-existent creases. "Did he have no limits?"

I know.

"It's hard not to take it personally. I mean, they're both my daughters he targeted and badly hurt."

I do not think it was personal, just very unfortunate both of the women he was controlling and abusing were from the same family.

"Damn it, you're probably right, again. But that's how it feels. Emma's… Emma's still in pieces. I hear her crying in the hospital at night before I leave, when it's just the two of us and she thinks I can't, and it breaks my fucking heart! She is very careful Colin and Tim don't hear her. If it hadn't been for Dawson, none of this would've happened! I know, Danielle met you as a result of almost killing herself, but that was still his fault! Plus, from what you said tonight, you were seriously considering killing her at first yourself!"

Dave, I am sorry. I feel terrible for that now of course, but I also feel as though I should not have told you that. It felt like another jab when you have all already been through hell. Please don't take it personally.

"Man," now Dave reached forward and grasped Michael's hand. "You were honest, that means a hell of a lot! I don't take it personally, Jesus, you're Michael Myers, of course you'd want to kill her at first! Who expected Michael Myers himself to fall in love and get married for fuck's sake? You would've killed me, Dawson, our local electrician, mail man, Emma, Charlotte or Colin on first meeting us, it would have made no difference." Michael sighed softly.

This is true.

"Listen, you've done more for our family than we could ever tell you. You've made Danielle the happiest I've seen her since she was 16 and first met that piece of shit! You've shown her that love does still exist, and in the most of unlikely places." Michael chuckled. "Well?" Dave smiled back. "To echo you, 'this is true!' She has also done the same for you, has she not?"

I'm glad I make her happy.

"Dude, you have no fucking idea! She's so, so different now from how she was when she tried to kill herself, and for years before! You know Charlotte wouldn't even come into the hospital to see her after her suicide attempt, convinced Adam Dawson was 'Mr. nice guy?'" he made air quotes around the last three words. "Danielle tried and tried to warn her, but she wouldn't listen. Was convinced Danielle had driven him to abuse her, that he was the victim, and she was making herself out to be one. She even sent Danielle a text while she was in Smith's Grove in the early days, basically calling her a lying bitch and saying Adam was this amazing guy. Also that she had faked her suicide to play the victim card. You have no idea how guilty Charlotte feels now. Too bad it took her getting abused by him for her to realise the truth, she was then almost killed. Sadly, some men and women seem to be able to do that, charm the opposite or the same sex for their own evil gains. It makes me sick. Fuckers get off on it I think!"

Understandable.

"Colin was shitting himself when you had him against the garden wall," Dave said softly. "I mean, totally freaking out! I don't blame him either! He was convinced he was going to die. For a few seconds he was certain he was about to have a literal heart attack. He confided to me privately later that for a few seconds he didn't care. He legitimately wanted you to finish him off. His sister is unconscious, they are very, very close, he is seriously protective of her, and he'd lost the chance to offer Danielle his heart. He wasn't thinking about how Emma and I would feel at that point, but he admitted he honestly wanted to die for just a moment. Charlotte's condition was literally killing him inside, now all you had to do was the physical part and his pain would end." Michael sighed, and Dave was sure something flickered across the other man's face he would never have expected to see. Guilt.

I… I would not have killed him. He can believe I would, but I had it under control. But if I'd known that was what he was thinking and feeling… I… I would've let him go sooner. No matter how angry I was. I will tell him as much when we meet again.

"It's ok, you were angry, which I might add was totally justified. You say you shouldn't have told me you were seriously considering killing Danielle, perhaps I shouldn't have told you that. So there, we're even." Now, he was sure a slight smile touched Michael's lips.

That's fair.

"Just please…" Dave hesitated, finishing off his water. "Just please promise you'll look after her for us. She… she's been through hell as you know, and you've helped a hell of a lot with her recovery. She's committing to you for life as a result. I know relationships are knew to you, but I also know she will help you any way she can. As you've doubtless seen for yourself, she's got a heart of gold. Ok I'm bias, but it's the truth, I promise you. Please just… just protect her?"

You are correct, I have already seen her heart of gold for myself, trust me. As for looking after and protecting her, Dave Avery you have my word.

"I also wanted to thank you for earlier, when she had you in handcuffs against the wall, touching your suit and tie. We all know damn well you could've moved away if you'd wanted to, despite you acting all defenceless! You didn't fool us, Myers! But you didn't, and I'm so grateful for it. I think she was trying to take back a little bit of what Adam had done to her, that bastard handcuffed her so many times, and you were letting her do it and have complete control. You have no idea how much that meant to me and Nigel. You really, really don't. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Yes, I know. This was the first thing I saw when I got to them in that house that night. She was chained to the bed by arms and legs and judging by the fact his trousers were lowered as he cowered away from me in the wardrobe, three guesses what he was in the process of doing? As for tonight, I thought the same thing, and of course I wouldn't have moved. I would've stood there all night if she'd wanted me to.

"You know I believe you," now a tear did fall, Dave couldn't help it. This was Michael Myers? The, Michael Myers? He still couldn't quite believe it. He held out his hand, and the two of them shook.

"Dawson was hiding in the wardrobe?" Dave stared at him in disgust. "Fucking coward. Fine when controlling women, but as soon as he's in trouble he runs for it. Slimy little fucking abusive, cowardly rat! I have absolutely no feelings about his death at all except hatred and delight. That said, I can understand his trying to hide from you. I'd be hiding too if Michael Myers was after me!" He heard Michael chuckle softly.

"We got you this," he said after a moment. "I forgot to give it to you earlier." He picked up a gift box, handing it to Michael. The other man opened it, to reveal two huge notebooks, another huge jar of coffee, chocolates and a heavy, gleaming silver pen, M/Myers engraved into the metal. "Well, you write all the time of course," Dave smiled at him. "So, the more paper, the better, eh? Plus, that pen should last you years. It's from Emma, Tim, Nigel, Colin and I, we all went together on it."

I thank you all very much. I am sorry I cannot return the gesture at this point.

"Michael, look at me," Dave's face was completely serious. "You're giving us the best present we could ever have; you're protecting, loving and marrying our daughter! That means more to us than anything physical ever would!" Michael smiled at him, and Dave smiled back. "Just one thing," he said as they now stood up and threw their cups in the trash can by the door, before Dave hit the button to open the doors outside which Oliver was waiting. "Don't call Emma, 'Mrs. Avery' to her face, she hates that! Especially from her son in law!"

Michael smiled again. Noted.

…

"Ready?" Oliver asked with a smile, as Dave and Michael stepped out. They both nodded and the three began to walk towards the shuttle station. "The others insisted on waiting for you," Oliver smiled. "Said you could easily squeeze into one shuttle, and you can. That thing holds 20 people. They wouldn't go on ahead without you."

When they reached the station, they saw he was right. Danielle, James, Adam, Nigel, the two doctors and four guards were waiting for them. "You should've gone on ahead," Dave scolded. "What did you wait for us for?"

"I did tell them that," Oliver laughed. "I also told them thirteen in the same shuttle could be considered unlucky!" Danielle pulled a face behind his back. "Hey, I saw that! It's superstition, you know."

"It's bullshit," she laughed. "I don't buy into that crap." Reaching over, she jabbed the call button as Charlotte had once shown her, and within thirty seconds a shuttle arrived. Everyone hugged her for the last time, before the thirteen of them climbed aboard, Joanne guiding Danielle and she and Michael sat together at the front as everyone else took their seats. Michael glanced at the touch screen, and everyone smiled affectionately knowing he'd never been on one of these before. "Here," Nigel said, coming to his side. "We're going to the accommodation station, yep, just there."

Michael hit the button and there was a soft beep, before the automated female voice told them to please fasten their seatbelts and they would depart in fifteen seconds. Michael sat back and fastened his.

"We're going to the parking lot," Rick said. James, Adam, Oliver, the four of us and two doctors, but we wanted to see you all safely off first. Michael," he added. "If you reach over again quickly and hit parking lot station?" Michael did so and another soft beep indicated it had been registered. "Thanks pal. Like I told Danielle before, it's like an elevator. Accommodation was pressed first, so it will go there, then the parking lot."

The doors silently hissed closed before they pulled away smoothly, the bell giving its soft, 'ding' And the automated voice telling them they would be at their first stop, accommodation in approximately two minutes.

"Can you turn the light on please pal?" Jack asked. "Dark as shit in here. Hit, 'menu,' that's it, then, 'light.' Michael did so and a warm, soft glow filled the shuttle's interior.

"That's better," Danielle said. "I can see what I'm doing now!" Everyone chuckled.

"You just guessed the light would be on," Mel quipped. "You were lucky, it could've still been off!"

"This is true, that's why I waited a couple of seconds! Oliver, everyone, thank you so much for my lovely party tonight, I had a fantastic time and absolutely no idea. Great surprise techniques too, Dr Loomis."

The doctor chuckled. "They certainly worked, and you're welcome."

"Indeed, you are," Oliver said. "It was our pleasure, and we were delighted to get your father and Nigel here for it too."

"Yep," James smiled. "It was my pleasure to fly them here."

"We were happy to arrange it for you," Dr Stark agreed.

Danielle turned in her seat to face her doctor. "So, what actually were you doing, Dr Stark? On this fictitious training course of yours?"

Her doctor chuckled. "I was helping your family with presents, I knew Michael's suit size and so on, plus talking to Anne and Jerry about food. We weren't sure exactly what to put on the list, so I asked Dave and Nigel here what you really liked apart from what I already knew. I did go into the hospital to see Charlotte, Tim, Emma and Colin a couple of times too. I also helped with buying the presents."

"Yeah," Nigel grinned. "Having a woman with us really did help!" Everyone laughed at this.

"Well of course," Joanne said. "We women are good at shopping!"

"I hate it," Dave admitted. "I never know what the hell I'm supposed to get! Christmas, birthdays, absolute nightmare!"

"Please don't tell me you get mom's present on Christmas Eve?"

"Now Danielle!" Dave faked annoyance. "Give me some credit, I get it on the 23rd!" Everyone laughed hard at this. "No of course I don't," Dave finished. "If I know what she wants I get it straight away, wrap and then hide it."

"I'm not a huge fan either," Adam admitted. "Amber's bloody hard to buy for, too. Michelle at this moment is easy, she's 17, so… you know, teenage girl stuff. The latest makeup, music and so on."

"Oh, all too well," Dave grinned at him. "Charlotte was exactly the same at that age. Also, love the British accent too, pal!" Adam chuckled.

"I know I wasn't," Danielle said. "I obviously don't wear makeup, there's no point I can't see it, music yes, but my main thing is books."

"Yeah, you were and are easy to buy for," Dave grinned at his daughter. "Thank God!" As Dave kept her distracted, Oliver leant forward and whispered something to Joanne. She smiled and nodded.

"We have arrived at the accommodation station," said the automated voice. "Passengers disembarking here have fifteen seconds to do so."

"Bye," the other eight called, as Danielle, Nigel, Dave and Michael disembarked, Joanne behind them to help.

"Bye," Danielle, Nigel and Dave called. "See you soon," Danielle finished as the doors slid closed.

"I insisted," Joanne said as the shuttle pulled away. "I really wanted to do it."

"Of course, you did," Danielle smiled at her affectionately. "Thanks, Joanne." She knew they were both remembering their night in one of these suites, when Michael had albeit briefly ended the relationship.

"So, Michael, Danielle, you're in this one," Joanne showed them to their door, handing them both a key card. "Dave, Nigel, you're next door." She handed them keys too."

"Ah, thanks babes," Nigel smiled at her. "I stayed in this one before."

"That's what we thought," Joanne nodded. "Familiar surroundings."

"Nigel, dad, when you've put your bags down or whatever, mind coming in for a quick drink with us?"

"Of course not," the two men said together, as Joanne led her and Michael into their suite. Leading them to the leather sofa, she gently pushed Danielle into her seat as Michael sat beside her. Then without explanation, Joanne handed her a radio.

"Hello Danielle," Oliver Cutter's voice said instantly. "This is where I inform you that I have in fact authorised you and Michael to have two nights here, the weekend. Three, if you count tonight, which is Friday. The real reason the food was packed in containers as was the rest of your cake, is really because it's currently all in your fridge, or on the kitchen table. Joanne will show you. James knew, too. That's why he told you earlier he was going home and would wait for our call. The return flight is not tomorrow. I really hope you enjoy, final Christmas and birthday present from Smith's Grove. You have been a delightful patient, never caused any trouble for anyone and have been nothing but respectful to all my staff, doctors and guards alike, even including Dr Hazard."

"I…" she tried but couldn't find the words. "Not at the beginning I wasn't Sir, I felt like I was really rude and disrespectful."

"Hey, I'm Oliver, remember? Compared to what our guards sometimes face you were delightful."

"He's right," Joanne said, just as Danielle squeezed the 'talk' button again.

"I can't thank you enough for this," she said sincerely. "I will return the favour."

"We'll worry about that some other time. Also, I'm still working on your plans for Alan Goodwin, I think I have an idea. Bear with me, I'll tell you before you leave on Monday."

"Thank you," she said again, fighting back tears.

"As for you, Michael," Oliver continued. "You have made amazing progress, we don't even recognise you anymore. You deserve this as much as Danielle does. Merry Christmas to you."

Danielle squeezed the talk button, about to thank him for both of them, when they all heard the soft male voice only Danielle knew well, speak five words.

"Thank you, same to you."

There was a second of silence, as Joanne and Danielle smiled at each other, blinking back tears. It seemed as though Oliver too was in shock. Finally, he spoke again and they could hear the smile in his voice.

"You're welcome, have a nice time. Over and out."

"Damn you guys are so sneaky," Danielle handed back the radio. "I can't trust you for a minute!" Joanne chuckled, before Michael stood and hugged her.

As promised, Joanne showed them the stocked fridge, then the table full of the unrefrigerated items, all Danielle's boxes of teabags, all their chocolates and Michael's two huge jars of coffee. "How did they get this over here?"

"When Dave and Oliver left for a while, they took the chocolates and teabags with them. You didn't notice because they were at the back of the gift pile. I have your new kettle here." She pulled it out of her bag, unboxed and plugged it into the wall. "Done. Jerry has also provided a huge fresh carton of milk and creamer."

"I really don't know what to say," Danielle said truthfully. "I'm so, so touched."

There was a soft tap on the door at that moment, and Michael opened it to reveal Dave and Nigel. "Like our little surprise?" Dave smiled at him as the two men entered. Danielle and Joanne were currently in the bathroom, Joanne reminding her how to control the jacuzzi she'd used once before.

"Was that on purpose?" Danielle asked her guard. "Michael and I staying in this exact suite after what happened before?"

"Maybe," Joanne teased, then hugged her.

They walked back into the living room, and Danielle begged her to stay for a drink with them. Michael opened his gift box and showed Joanne his notebooks, pen, coffee and chocolates.

"Nice pen," Joanne said approvingly. "Like it. That coffee should last you, what… a week? Three jars after all! Although I am going to ask you if we can open one, please?"

Michael chuckled and did so. The kitchen cupboards were full of clean plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. "So how does this thing work then?" Danielle wondered aloud, walking over to their new kettle.

"Like this kiddo," Nigel joined her. Taking Joanne's cup which now had some coffee in it, he showed her where to place it. "Ok now it's already full, I did it while you and Joanne were in the bathroom. There's the button which opens the tank lid so it can be refilled, this little dial here allows you to select the size of cup you're using, this is the start button, this is the stop one. So, I think Joanne's cup is… this one," he twiddled the dial. "Ok, now hit, 'start,' yep that one." She did so and the kettle started boiling, the sound surprisingly quiet.

"I think it only boils the water you need," Dave said. Sure enough within thirty seconds, boiling water was pouring into Joanne's cup, filling the room with the smell of coffee. "Yuck," Danielle pretended to wrinkle her nose and everyone laughed. "Thanks Danielle, Michael," Joanne said, taking her coffee and adding milk and creamer.

Taking her seat on the sofa beside her father, she listened affectionately and happily as Michael now put his cup under the nozzle and hit the button. Within two minutes, he'd made three further coffees for him, Dave and Nigel. "Thanks pal," the two men said together, as he handed them the cups.

"I'll do your tea babes," Nigel said to Danielle. "I want a go with this thing!" She smiled at his enthusiasm. "We know what to get you for Christmas then," she said affectionately. A few moments later, he handed her her tea, made just as she liked it. "Thanks grandad."

They smiled fondly at each other, and she knew they were both remembering the same thing, as he squeezed her hand. She explained to her father and Michael how she and Nigel had drunk tea and eaten white chocolate cookies at 3AM, the day after Chancer's execution. "Doh! How could I forget?" Dave clapped a hand to his forehead in mock surprise. "Here!" He reached to the table and handed her a huge bag. "Jerry's white chocolate cookies, made by the lovely man himself just today!"

"Damn, we'll never eat all this," Danielle said, feeling overwhelmed with affection for all of them all over again, including Jerry and Anne.

"You've got today, it's only early Friday morning, Saturday and Sunday," Nigel reminded, his tone amused. "I'm sure you'll manage between the two of you!"

Excuse me, I take exception to that. I am not greedy!

Dave read out Michael's message and everyone laughed. "Well, this weekend you are," Dave grinned. "You know what? There's nothing wrong with that either!"

"Yeah," Nigel said fondly. "If Emma has anything to do with your wedding catering, there will be more than this, you'll be greedy then!"

"That's true," Danielle laughed. "Trust me. Mom makes enough to feed half the world in one meal!" Unable to resist, she opened the cookies and handed them around, everyone taking one.

"Just as well with your parents," Dave muttered, and she sighed.

"Yeah, they weren't exactly… interested in feeding me themselves. Ok they left out food, but I always had to find out what it was by hand, they never told me. Portions were… limited, too. I really don't want to say they were abusive; they were… indifferent."

"Fuck that, they fucking were! You were too thin even then," Dave said in disgust. So, Emma saw it as her responsibility to feed you. Why do you think you were at ours so often? We kept asking Charlotte to invite you. We knew you'd say yes, Charlotte was your best friend and you never wanted to go back home!"

She smiled, a little sadly. Dave snorted. "Bastards never told her what clothes she was wearing either, if they matched colour wise and so on. Fucking cruel kids used to bully her endlessly at school as a result, and she had no idea and was totally defenceless!"

"Kids can be cruel," Joanne said in disgust. "What does that say about their parents?"

"It was cooking that was the worst," Dave said. "Even before she met that piece of shit, she had learnt how to cook from her cruel so-called parents! They never read her the cooking instructions, she just had to guess!"

"Yeah, suffered food poisoning a fair few times," Danielle admitted. "That is no fun at all."

"Speaking of clothes, we've now got rid of everything those bastards gave you," Nigel said. "Thanks to Emma as you've already seen some of, you have a whole brand-new wardrobe waiting for you at home."

"Why am I not surprised?" Danielle said affectionately, blinking back tears. Dave and Nigel pulled her close. "She's taken care of me way before she became my legal mother. Dad, being adopted by you and mom was the best thing except meeting Michael in my life!"

"You're welcome babes," her father kissed her cheek. "We love you to pieces!"

"Well said!" Nigel said. "Indeed, we do, kiddo!"

"I sometimes wish I'd been brave enough to tell you how unhappy I was when I was a child," Danielle said quietly. "Things could have been so different."

"You can't think about what if," Dave said, unconsciously echoing Michael's very words to him just minutes before. Darling, Remember the time you came to stay with us for like three months? Truth is, that was because DFS were looking into your parents' abuse. We'd finally had enough and called them. But they found, 'nothing wrong,' she could tell this was in air quotes from the tone of his voice. "Because you had food, clothing and so on. They didn't look deep enough. Physically having those things means nothing in your circumstances, so we had to let you go back to them!" He gritted his teeth. "Jesus Christ!"

"You know, when I met Adam, I thought I'd escaped," Danielle looked at the floor, until Nigel gently pulled her up to face him, kissing her cheek and hugging her as tightly as he could. "Jesus, I think I preferred my biological parents!"

"Well that's over now sweetheart," Joanne comforted. "You won't ever be in danger again; I think your grandfather, father and Fiancé here will ensure that."

"Yeah," Nigel growled. "I'm with you Michael. Anyone harms Danielle again I'll help you fucking kill them! Trust me!"

"With me holding them down," Dave promised.

"And me applying the handcuffs and putting a bullet in them," Joanne finished. Now Danielle did start crying, she couldn't help it. Michael and Joanne joined Nigel and Dave both laying their hands on her shoulders, Michael leaning in and kissing her lips. "I love you all so fucking much," she could hardly speak. "So, fucking much it hurts!" A moment later, Michael raised his notepad. Nigel read out the message and could tell by their faces Joanne and Dave's blood had run cold, just as his did.

Please kindly do not tell me the names or current location of Danielle's biological parents. You are all helping me not to kill, I don't want to have to change that.

"Understood," Dave, Danielle, Nigel and Joanne said together, quietly and completely seriously. They knew all too well this was not an idle threat.

…

About half an hour later Joanne stood up, placing her cup in the kitchen sink. "Right, I'd better head off, Rick will be waiting for me, though he told me not to rush at all."

Danielle stood up and hugged her tightly. "I'll see you…" she began, then stopped. She wouldn't. Her time in Smith's Grove and thus with Joanne as her guard was over. At this realisation, she blinked back tears, but without success.

"Hey no," Joanne soothed. "You'll set me off! Stop it!" She too sounded close to crying. "You'll see me very, very soon! I promise you sweetie. You have my number, call me anytime day or night! Got it? Rick said to say the same. If you ever need me, call and I'll come down as soon as I can. Anytime you just want some girl talk, anything, I'm only a phone call away and I will see you very, very soon. If I'm working when you contact me, I'll respond as soon as I have finished. I have a wedding to attend after all, but I'll see you before then obviously. You need me, just text or call. Promise?"

"Promise," Danielle sniffled, hugging her again. "You know that works both ways though, right?"

"Yep," Joanne said, lowering her head so Danielle could fiddle with her ears. At this, she did start crying, desperately trying not to. Nigel came over and pulled both women into a group hug. "You ever need me Joanne," he said. "You just call me too, got it?"

"Thank you, same here." Danielle gently pulled her ears. "Ow, my ears!"

Michael joined them now and hugged Joanne close. She moved to kiss his cheek, but accidently on purpose kissed his left ear. "Oh, whoops," she said in mock apology when he started chuckling. "Ha, revenge!" They smiled affectionately at each other, both remembering when he'd tickled her.

That's fair enough.

Grinning, she kissed his cheek this time. "You take care Michael, ok? I'll see you soon."

I will escort you to the parking lot, Joanne. It is almost 2AM, and like Jack said, it's dark. You have no equipment on you, it isn't safe.

At this, Joanne did blink back tears again. Michael Myers was offering to see her safely out, to protect her. The irony didn't escape any of them. Previously, it would've been Michael Myers himself, his deathly white mask and lethal knife they would've wanted to avoid in the darkness. Now… "Thank you," she said simply, she was not going to argue.

"I'll come with you Michael," Nigel stood up. "Leave father and daughter together alone for a minute." Michael smiled and nodded, as the three of them headed for the door.

"Bye," Joanne called, and Danielle had to fight not to start crying again, as she called back.

"Hey, come on darling," her father hugged her close, putting her hands on his suit and tie, before she reached up and pulled his ears. "You'll see her very soon; we'll make sure of that. Ow, my ears! You've wanted to do that all night you cheeky thing, haven't you?"

"Don't know what you mean, dad!"

"Uh huh," Dave said. "What was it? I have… nice ears, right?" Finally, she did laugh.

"Dad, what are you and Nigel doing while Michael and I are here?"

"Dr Loomis is giving us a tour of the whole of Smith's Grove, we really want to see it. Then we'll go into town, just look around, eat and have coffees probably."

"Ok then," she reached into her pocket and pulled out her card. "Please can you take this with you? Buy everyone a present from me, the 4 guards, 2 doctors, Oliver, Adam and James? Plus Michael of course? Also, yourself and Nigel something, plus Tim and Colin? I will think about what I'm getting mom and Charlotte when I get home."

"Got it kiddo," her father took the card and she told him her PIN. "No financial limit either," she added before he could ask. "Understood," her father hugged her close. "That's very kind of you."

"Well come on dad, it's Christmas! Please could you get Nigel one of these kettles from me? I really want to do that."

Dave knew those appliances were not cheap, but there was no way he was going to argue with her, not after all Nigel had done for her, he knew she wouldn't hear it. He'd saved her life after all. Dave wasn't religious, but even he was certain that if there was indeed a God out there somewhere, they'd sent Danielle a guardian angel against Dawson in his next door neighbour. "Count it done babes."

"Thanks. Do you want another coffee dad?" She asked, calling him, 'dad,' was not something she would get over quickly, it was amazing. She could tell he knew this too because he hugged her again. "Go on then sweetheart, thanks. That just to use your new kettle again?" She grinned, making his coffee and her tea. "Thanks babes," he took it from the table, as she struggled to carry hot cups. "Here you are."

A few minutes later, Nigel and Michael returned. "You should've seen Rick's face when Michael escorted Joanne all the way to their car," Nigel said affectionately, smiling at Michael. "He was really touched. I waited by the shuttles, gave them that time alone. After what Chancer almost did to Rick and Michael saved his life, I think that created a bond between them. Hardly surprising either." Dave and Danielle both smiled. "Before I forget," Nigel showed Danielle and Michael the call buttons in the living room and bedroom. "I remember that from our suite last time. That'll call a guard for you."

Shortly after this, Nigel and Dave left, entering their suite next door. She felt a flutter of something, but wasn't entirely sure at that moment exactly what it was. Excitement? Nerves? All she knew was she and Michael were completely alone now, somewhere that was not their cell, for the very first time.

…

Edward Dawson lay in his tiny prison cell, staring out of the (for what passed as a) window. There of course wasn't much to see, a view out into the corridor of the cell block where the lights had just been turned off, plunging the corridor into almost complete darkness. It was lockdown time.

For the last few weeks since hearing of his son's death, Edward had struggled to sleep. He couldn't deny it, he was angry and part of it was directed at Adam. The stupid idiot. If he'd just listened to what Edward had told him and left Hayward the fuck alone, he'd very probably still be alive now. Adam had Emailed him the picture of Myers kissing Hayward in Smith's Grove, making him hope even more fervently that he'd take his warning seriously and back off. But no, of course he hadn't. His son was… had been, nothing if not stubborn. This time though, the quality Edward usually admired in him had got him killed. His anger and grief were affecting his sleep so badly, he was even considering going to the prison doctor for some sleeping medication.

Other parts of his anger however were also directed towards Myers, obviously. The evil fucker had killed Adam, the one person Edward loved. Hayward, for daring to defy Adam and disobey him, let alone find another man! It was her fault Adam had died! Maybe more so than Myers! For all he knew, the bitch might have asked Myers to kill Adam for her. But surely Myers wouldn't have listened? Why the fuck would he care, he didn't kill on demand! So, as far as Edward was concerned, it was entirely Hayward's fault! Yes Adam had been stupid, but Hayward had been a disobedient bitch, daring to defy her man, when men aren't but damn well should be, in charge.

That said, there were sure as shit some guys in here even Edward wouldn't tangle with, they probably made his misogyny look tame. They included, of course, Josh Culshaw himself, the leader of a huge and internationally known misogynist gang. Edward was considering asking to be recruited, but if he was honest, hadn't had the courage to approach Culshaw yet. He was one scary motherfucker. Most inmates avoided him in fact, whether in the yard or dining room. He was in a maximum-security cell and Edward could understand why, he was dangerous. It was true his danger was directed a lot more towards women, but Edward had no doubt men would also just as easily be his target if necessary. Hell, it wasn't like there were any women in here to attack.

But thinking about Adam now, missing him terribly, Edward was starting to think approaching Culshaw might be his only option. He knew what he was feeling and for whom. Hatred. Directly entirely at bitch Hayward. She was responsible for Adam's death; he may even be able to forgive Myers. He was a man, there was no way he would've done it if Hayward hadn't asked him and the cunt had disobeyed Adam in so many ways, even including while in Smith's Grove. She had dared to change her number twice, not answer his calls, also somehow dared to get herself rescued when Adam had, perfectly legally, (if Edward was in charge of law), obtained his property, being her, back. There was no way Michael Myers would've done that if she hadn't done something to him. Fucking bitch. He hated her. What he wouldn't give to get his hands on her, he could think of a few things he could do before he slowly and painfully killed her. He felt his cock harden in his pants at the thought. God. What he wouldn't give to rape the bitch, follow in his son's footsteps, before she slowly and painfully died at his hands in very creative ways, he knew a few. Surely Michael Myers didn't actually care about her. He'd thought about it after Adam told him and it just wasn't possible. Michael Myers didn't care about anyone, he just killed. Then why did you tell Adam to back off when you saw that picture of him kissing her?

Edward cursed at the quiet little voice in his head. Damn it, it had a point. Maybe his kissing her had just been out of lust? It wasn't like Myers had a choice of women! Maybe he would've believed that, if Adam hadn't died for kidnapping her, even if there was no proof that was why he'd died. Perhaps Myers had escaped, got back down to Haddonfield and Adam had just been his unfortunate target? Edward shook his head; he knew he was deluding himself. He knew what he had to do. Even if he was free, he wouldn't be going after the bitch directly, that'd cost Adam his life, he couldn't pretend otherwise. But he would, somehow, someday, get his revenge. Surely there was someone who in Culshaw's eyes, was disposable and could die for his cause without being missed? One way or the other, Hayward would one day learn that while Adam might be dead, she wasn't and would never be free of him. In her life, Adam Dawson's legacy of her obedience and his control would live on.