Slowly Danielle turned to face Michael, her heart pounding with that still unknown set of emotions. If someone had told her when she first arrived at Smith's Grove that one day she and the notorious serial killer Michael Myers would be first a couple, second getting married, and finally trusted enough to have a weekend alone in a suite somewhere out of their block, she would've burst out in contemptuous laughter. Yet now, that was exactly where they were, all three boxes having been ticked. Michael stopped in front of her, and she was unable to resist as she started touching his suit and tie again. With a rush of affection for Nigel, she realised that while they were gone, he had leant Michael his new tie, with its little squares. She stroked the pure, soft silk, loving the feel of it under her fingers.
Unlike when she had Michael handcuffed against the wall in the meeting room, this time she wasn't joking. They were alone now, and Nigel's words could not have rung truer. "I bet you're thinking of all the delicious things you could do to him right now if you were alone." Hell, yes, she was!
Tugging lightly on his silk tie, she pulled him down towards her, taking his face in her hands before kissing him deeply. Their tongues slipped into contact, as she continued to touch him. "You are so fucking sexy already, but when you're in a damn suit and tie…" she couldn't finish. For the first time since before she'd met Adam Dawson, her desire was flowing through her like burning, scorching, molten lava and this time there was no stopping it even if she'd wanted to.
Pulling him over to the leather sofa, they sat down, and he pulled her into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder, his suit jacket gorgeously soft against it. Reaching up, she resumed touching his jacket, shirt, and tie as he held her close. Once again, she got the impression that he wouldn't move all night if she didn't want him to. Lovingly, he pulled her into his lap. This made a lump rise in her throat. "I love you Michael Myers," she whispered, kissing him again. "I love you so much." He squeezed her to him, and they continued to kiss. Reaching up, she lightly pulled his ears and he chuckled.
"I've always wanted to be held by and have my head on the shoulder of a man in a suit," she breathed. "Another dream I've always wanted, but I thought would never come true. I only saw… him in a suit once, and it wasn't for that reason." He kissed her again.
She debated whether or not to tell him about that one time she'd seen Adam in his suit but wasn't sure if she should. Was this really the time for it? She didn't want to kill the moment between them. She'd opened her mouth to say it but closed it again. No, not now, that could and would wait.
…
Josh Culshaw scowled through the bars of his tiny cell, which didn't even have a window. He was fuming, absolutely fuming. He could not get hold of one of his most trusted and loyal men, Ashley Griffin, gang name, 'Flipper.' If what Wheeler had said was indeed true and 'flipper' was dead, he needed that verified. Wheeler, gang name, "Wheels," of course, how fucking obvious could he get? Hadn't returned since that one visit and that angered him even further. All he'd asked for was a woman to fuck and maybe then he'd give Wheeler the information he was after, limited as it was. He knew their names, but not whereabouts. However, Wheeler hadn't returned, which to him was very suspicious. He'd even started wondering if it had, in fact, actually been Wheeler who'd visited him? Possibilities of an undercover cop in disguise had crossed his mind more than once lately.
As well as not even knowing where, 'Flipper's' family were, he could not contact them. Firstly, because they were in police protection, out of fear of their own son. Second, because it was part of a strict so-called protection order he was under and he would face serious discipline if he even tried, another ten years at least added to his sentence. That was how afraid they were. Good. Culshaw scoffed in disgust. Just because, 'flipper,' had shown his mother who was boss and raped her, they were running like scared, fucking cowardly rats!
He found his mind going to another misogynist within this very prison, Edward Dawson. If it was indeed true, 'Flipper; was dead, within the prison walls he'd heard whispers Adam Dawson was also deceased. He'd seen Dawson Senior a few times in the exercise yard, and he did indeed look pale, drawn, tired, sad even. Culshaw had no sympathy for him, people died in war. Adam Dawson had waged war against the wrong person and died. No big deal. Yet…
It was the other whispers that had started going round like some fucking game of Chinese whispers that really made him uneasy. Because it was being said that Dawson's killer was none other than Michael Myers, the masked psychopath who'd mercilessly massacred over 10 people back on Halloween night, 1978. Culshaw had been 10 then and hadn't lived in Haddonfield, but the story had still reached him and his family via the papers. Hell, it had been international news.
He sighed, slumping back on his hard, narrow bed. He had to know, one way or the other. Luckily, he had a tiny advantage in the fact that even some of the guards were afraid of him. They tried not to show it of course, but Culshaw saw it. Some men in here dared to hate him, because they had women in their lives. Be it mothers, wives, sisters or even daughters and his reputation and name as head of a huge misogynist organisation was known all over the world. As a result, most men avoided him, but he did notice with satisfaction they didn't dare even glare at him in hatred. They, too, were afraid of him and that suited him just fine. Pulling out a scrap of paper, he picked up the blunt as shit pencil, pens were not allowed in this shit hole of course, and started writing.
Find Flipper and discover the deals, and while you're doing it, remove the wheels.
To anyone reading that accept those in the know, it would just look like a stupid poem or something, nothing like what it in fact was, a death warrant. He was asking for information on Griffin's status and ordering Kevin Wheeler to be killed. The fucker had messed around with him once and that was once too many. After his one visit, Culshaw had heard nothing from him and that just was not acceptable. He reflected with a mocking smirk that if it had indeed been an undercover cop in disguise, that was going to be bad luck for Kevin Wheeler himself, as that cop had just got him killed.
…
With their lips still connected, Danielle grabbed Michael's jacket and pulled him to his feet and into the bathroom, releasing him with one hand to turn on the jacuzzi. It didn't go unnoticed by her that if he'd wanted to, he could've stopped her easily, he was much stronger than she was, once again pretending to be powerless to her whim. Damn, she adored this man. Immediately steaming water was filling the huge tub which could easily fit both of them, she remembered longing for that the last time she'd used it and feeling heartbroken, certain she never would. Now, it was actually about to happen.
Slowly and as seductively as she could, she unknotted his tie and slipped it into his jacket pocket, then pulled off his suit jacket, all the while kissing him intensely. Taking her time, she methodically unbuttoned his shirt, deliberately pausing after each one was undone. Finally, her hands came into contact with his muscular chest once more and she started to caress his skin. She made herself wait to allow the anticipation to build within both of them, before eventually she did move down first unbuttoning then unzipping his suit pants, which he allowed to fall down around his ankles before kicking off his shiny dress shoes. Reaching out, she lightly squeezed his erection and heard his breath catch. She smirked at him. "Whoops."
He stepped back just long enough to put his suit in their bedroom before he was back in front of her again and now it was his turn. He removed her top, then bra, also taking his time unfastening the three metal hooks. She was almost gasping for breath by this point, she was desperate for his touch and of course, he knew it.
At long last, they were both down to just their socks and underwear, and it didn't take them long to discard those on the bathroom floor. The jacuzzi was now full, she knew this because he reached over and turned the water off. Now she did gasp but in happy surprise as he lifted her clean off her feet with ease, the fourth time he'd carried her. Her mind flashed back through them. The first time, he'd seriously been considering killing her, just after Jefferson's attack. The second, they'd just got together as a couple. The third, he'd carried her to safety following Adam's kidnap. Now this… the fourth, they were about to enter a jacuzzi and he was carrying her with them both completely naked. Seems fourth time's the charm, she thought. Those words have never been so true.
With utmost care, he eased her into the steaming water, and she sighed with contentment. Seconds later, he was in at her side. Reaching forward for the control panel, she enabled her favourite bubble jet, so that the water was falling in arks of bubbles around them. Then she leant back, as he pulled her into his arms. The Jacuzzi even had built in Bluetooth speakers, which she resolved they'd use before leaving. Some romantic music as they made love in here? Hell yes!
"Oh my God yes," she murmured in total contentment, pressing close to him. "I've wanted this for so, so long." They began to kiss in the hot water, her reaching up to twiddle his ears. He chuckled again. "That was an amazing party," she murmured. "What were you doing those few hours then?" As she said this, she realised he wouldn't be able to answer her, as they couldn't of course use their phones in here. "Sorry, never mind, tell me later." But that was when Danielle Avery received the shock of her life. Because still holding her close, Michael Myers began to speak, in that soft murmur she loved so much and had only heard a handful of times.
"I had to change into my suit, plus I was helping with moving tables into position."
It took her a few seconds to register he'd actually answered with his voice and he must've sense this, because he chuckled and kissed her. Unable to resist, she asked another question. "Did Dr Loomis tell you straight away?"
"Yes. Before we were even in the meeting room I knew."
She didn't want to push him to speak too much if he didn't wish to, but he would be the judge of when to stop. She wrapped her arms even tighter around him and he squeezed her close in turn. "Having you in handcuffs like that felt…" she hesitated, trying to find the right word. "Amazing, liberating? I'm not even sure what the word is. I know all too well you could have moved away if you'd wanted to, you weren't as trapped as you were making out, you sexy man! You were letting me have the control, and I loved it, purely because I've never experienced it before. It's not something I'd seek on a regular basis, however. Just like then when I pulled you in here. You could've stopped me with ease."
"I know this and you're welcome. I would have stood there all night if you'd asked."
"Now you tell me!" She laughed. "I know," she blinked back tears. "Damn Michael Myers, I love you, I love you so, so much. I'll have a jacuzzi or bath with you every day if this happens! Damn your voice is sexy!" Reaching up again, she took hold of his ears and used them to pull his mouth onto hers.
"Ow, my ears," he actually said for the very first time, just before their lips met once more and she let out a stifled sound somewhere between a sob and a laugh. She was more touched than she could or would ever tell him they'd actually had a conversation and when she started kissing him again, she wanted to show him this. Same when her hands touched first his chest, then moved down his body, for only the second time taking his cock in her hands under the water. She heard his soft gasp as she began to stroke him, him responding in turn by moving his hand between her legs and onto her clit. Despite the water, she was already wet for him, just his voice and of course, his ears, having turned her on more than ever before. "I love you," she gasped. "Michael, I love you!"
He increased the speed of his strokes, causing her to follow suit. A few seconds later, her orgasm hit, and she took his mouth in a passionate kiss.
After she got her breath back, she gently pressed him against the cool marble side of the tub, as he still kissed her hungrily. With his mouth still passionately exploring hers as their tongues danced, she now moved atop him once again. Just as before, she was in control and Michael was allowing it. For just a second, she felt a flash of hesitation, could, should she do this? "Is this…" she began, but he covered her mouth with his, silencing her.
Adam had fucked… (who was she kidding? Even that was too kind) raped her repeatedly in all kinds of locations within the house. His office desk, the kitchen table, as he had the night she'd almost died, even at the top of the stairs, pushing her over the stair rail. She'd held onto the rail with all her might, terrified if he thrust any harder or faster, she would fall down the stairs, being injured or maybe even to her death. Several times she'd in fact wondered if that wasn't his intention as he did it. He'd stand behind her and pound into her, while she desperately tried to avoid literally falling over the rail.
But she had never been made love to so gently and almost reverently as Michael was currently doing, or in a bubbling jacuzzi. His lips kissed and suckled her neck, as his hand slipped between them to pinch and flick her nipples. She only then realised she was actually shivering with desire. "Michael," she moaned, "damn that feels so good… fuck, I love you so much!" Unable to wait a second longer, she sank down onto him, her knees either side of his hips, so, his cock easily slipped into her. "Fuck yes!" She almost desperately reached up, her mouth crashing back into his as they started to move as one, the bubbles falling gently around them. Relinquishing the kiss just for a second, she took his right ear in her mouth, as her tongue slid into his earhole. Encasing the whole of his ear in her mouth, she began to lick and suckle it. She heard his breathing pick up as automatically it seemed, he took hold of her hips and using both hands, gently started them moving again. Releasing his ear, she once again took his mouth in a passionate kiss, as their speed increased.
"Michael!" She almost screamed against his lips. "Faster, please!"
Soon, the water was splashing against the tub in rhythm with their movements, but wasn't spilling over the sides. Danielle couldn't remember when, or even if, there was a time in her entire life she'd felt this good. Eventually, they both reached orgasm at the same moment. "Michael!" She almost whaled in ecstasy as he came inside her and she reached climax.
She collapsed atop him, feeling absolutely drained and exhausted. "Fucking hell," she managed when she was able to and had breath to speak. "I don't think I've ever felt that good in my life!"
He kissed her, a slow, lingering kiss. His warm hand stroking her bare back under the water was so, soothing. "Oh my God," she murmured, nuzzling her face against his neck, and kissing it softly. "That was…"
She heard his soft hum of agreement. "I love you," he murmured after a moment. She felt her heart flip in her chest. She would never, ever get used to him actually saying those magical three words. Reaching up, she pulled his ears again and he chuckled.
The jacuzzi had a setting where the water could be kept heated to a chosen temperature, so it would not cool down for 2 hours. There was a timer which could also be set if 2 hours wasn't needed. She remembered lying in here for at least an hour that night with Joanne, when she was sure she'd lost Michael as her partner for good. Now… "Hmm," she said, sleepily now. "I remember the night I used this on my own, when Joanne and I stayed here, after…" He nuzzled her neck with his nose.
After a while, as if reading each other's minds, Michael stood up and out of the jacuzzi, before reaching back in to once again lift her out onto the mat. "Thanks babes," she smiled at him as he wrapped a warm, fluffy towel around her. He took her hand and lead her back into the bedroom.
As they snuggled down in the king-sized bed, Danielle wrapped her body around his, their legs entwined. He squeezed her close, kissing her neck again. "Um, that tickles," she confessed. "Your nose on my neck." He started moving his nose against her skin and she burst out laughing. "Oh God Stop!" She giggled. When he didn't, she reached up and started kissing his left ear. Within seconds, they were both full-on laughing.
"Ok, ok!" She was the first to surrender. "You stop, so will I!" Chuckling, he moved his nose from her neck.
"I love you, Michael Myers, she whispered. "Will you…" but she got no further as he put her hands on his ears and started wiggling them again, before he was softly whistling. She smiled at him, a truly happy smile and though of course she didn't see it, he smiled right back at her. Just before exhausted and very happy sleep took her, she resolved that tomorrow she would tell him the three things she hadn't yet ever mentioned. He was going to be her husband, he deserved to know. Wrapped safe in his arms, she was out within seconds. Just before her eyes closed though, she heard his soft whisper, one more time.
"Merry Christmas and happy birthday, Danielle."
…
"Mr. Culshaw?"
Josh Culshaw looked up, tossing the basketball effortlessly into its hoop before turning, a clear signal whoever had just said his name could wait for his attention. He wasn't surprised to see who it was, Dawson.
"Well, hello, Dawson. How may I be of assistance?"
Edward swallowed hard before speaking again. "I need to talk to you." He lowered his voice, glancing up towards the guard towers where four armed guards watched the yard. "In… in private."
Culshaw's eyes narrowed. "How exactly do you expect to pull that off, Dawson? I'm in max security, duh!"
"Can you… can you come over here, please?" Edward gestured to a secluded corner of the yard. Culshaw rolled his eyes but followed. Immediately, a guard turned to keep an eye on them.
"Fucking idiots," Culshaw said in contempt, glaring at the guard standing a few feet away.
"At least he can't hear us," Edward murmured.
"If you think that you're naïve as fuck," Culshaw laughed. "There are microphones everywhere, Dawson! How stupid can you be?"
Edward took a breath. As rudely as he'd said it, the misogynist leader was correct. That being the case, he kept his voice as low as he could. "Mr. Culshaw, please listen to me, Sir. I need your help if you can give it."
Culshaw scoffed, "If this is some stupid revenge campaign because you lost your son, think again! I'm not getting involved in that shit war! I want to live, thank you very much! Especially when you consider who it's believed the killer was!"
Edward lowered his voice even further. "There's no belief about it, it was Michael Myers. He's formed some sort of… I don't know, fuck buddy possibly, relationship with Hayward. That's the only reason I can think of that Adam was killed. Adam told me and I told him to back the fuck off, he… he didn't listen."
"That's too bad," Culshaw leant against the wall, his tone indifferent. If it'd been anyone else, Edward would've probably punched him in the face for his casual, unsympathetic approach. But not Josh Culshaw, he was too well connected and feared. He'd probably join Adam in his coffin if he tried. "Even further reason why I'm not getting involved, sorry. This is your fight." He made to walk away, but Edward almost desperately spoke again.
"Mr. Culshaw," he whispered, stepping as close to the other man as he dared. He could see the guard watching them suspiciously and he'd taken a step closer. Shit. "I'm not asking for much, I just want revenge on that cunt, Hayward. It's her fault Adam died; I know it is! She disobeyed him in so many ways in Smith's Grove, daring to change her number twice, didn't answer his calls, the list goes on. Then, daring to be rescued when Adam perfectly legally got his property, her, back! That's just not on! You of all people would agree with me on that."
"It is true that I agree she has been incredibly disobedient," Culshaw nodded. "It is also true that her actions do deserve punishment, but I have no idea how you think you can pull it off from here, Dawson."
"That's where you come in," Edward whispered. "Surely you have contacts, Mr. Culshaw Sir? Even if she just got badly beaten up and raped, that would do, just so that bitch knows who's boss."
To his gratitude, Culshaw didn't immediately scoff at him this time. Instead, there was silence as the misogynist leader considered Edward's words.
"Hmm," he said slowly eventually. "Perhaps I might have people who could and would do it, I suppose it would be possible, as long as she is alone. She's totally blind, I know that much, so it would be easy as she could not give any kind of descriptions to the cops or anyone else, just as long as they didn't speak, or get close enough so she could or allow her to touch them."
"Exactly," Edward said eagerly, desperate for Culshaw to consider it and not just brush him off. "Please Mr. Culshaw Sir, I want that bitch to know she will pay for getting my son killed. I loved Adam very much. I already know I can't do it myself and not because of being locked in here. Even if I was out, I wouldn't. I've never met her, but I've been told I…" he swallowed. "I look like Adam, so there's a chance I sound like him too, though I don't know that. I can't take that risk though. But believe me if I could, what I wouldn't give to rape and kill that cunt! My fucking so-called brother Aiden hates me and Adam for what we believe in, as does my other son, though he is no son of mine, Josh. I disowned him when he ran away from home, wanting to treat women like, "equals," stupid boy!" he almost snarled the word, "equals," in disgust. "The only way I'd ever consider taking him back is if he treated women as what they actually are! Fuck toys and at their man's slightest whim! As for my bitch of a wife, one day I'll find her, mark my words! She's mine to fuck, she is to obey me and no one else! She is not and will never be free from me, but I'm not asking for help from you there, Sir. That is, indeed, my fight. I've already made her have to use a computer just to speak and that's just the start! She'll need a fucking computer to breathe once I'm through with her!" But… but Adam, he… he meant everything to me, Sir."
For the first time, Edward saw something cross Culshaw's face. Very slight sympathy? No, he wasn't sure he'd go that far, but something. "I'll… think about it," Culshaw said eventually. "CL authorised Dawson's attack on her, not I and I am very, very angry he dared to use my gang members without my permission, I believe that got one of them killed. I have heard rumours he too is deceased, though this has not yet been verified to me."
"I'm sorry Sir," Edward said quickly. "I hope that is not the case".
"So do I, but for CL's sake not mine," Culshaw nodded grimly. "CL had contact with some of my gang members in case he needed them, though he'd made a misogynist gang of his own, but some of them were mine too. He could use them, but only if I authorised it. They are damn good at what they do, hate women but know how to be discrete. His goons?" Culshaw scoffed. "They're ammeters!"
"Agreed, Sir," Edward nodded. Ok, so he was sucking up to Culshaw, metaphorically kissing his ass, but if that meant he was getting somewhere, he'd do it!
"Leave it with me," Culshaw said finally. "I'm not saying this is a definite yes, but I will at the very least, consider your proposition, Dawson. You do however know it'll come at a price, of course?"
"Yes Sir," Edward nodded again. "I will pay whatever you ask, as long as I am able."
Culshaw nodded slowly back. "Yes, I am aware that what I would normally ask price wise will not be possible in our… current situation, I will bear this in mind. However, it will cost you something, Dawson."
"Of course, Sir, I will pay whatever you ask. Please, I really need this done, Adam didn't deserve to die, Hayward deserves to be punished!"
There was a silence, before Culshaw spoke again. "Leave it with me. Don't contact me, I will contact you. We have not spoken, got it?"
"Completely Sir, thank you!" Edward realised he sounded very grateful and hopeful but didn't care. He was hopeful after all. Hayward was currently getting off free, uncaring Adam was dead, in fact happy about it! That simply was not ok and soon, if Culshaw allowed it, she would be sharply brought back down to earth. Without another word, the misogynist leader walked away, not even glancing back.
…
Danielle was so deeply asleep; she didn't hear the soft knock on their suite door the next morning. Michael did however and opened it to reveal Jerry.
"Morning Mr. Myers," Jerry greeted, the first time he and Michael had ever spoken alone. "Breakfast for you two here."
Michael stood back, enabling Jerry to push the cart into the kitchen before following him and raising his notepad.
Mr. Myers?
"Uh," the young Irishman blushed. "Well, you know, your reputation goes ahead of you Sir."
Jerry, my name is Michael and please don't call me, "Sir."
The chef smiled at him. "Ok noted, thank you Michael. I hope you and your lovely future wife enjoy your breakfast. There are two trays on the bottom shelf too, I think you know why." Heading to the door, he gave the killer a small smile and wink before leaving.
The first thing Danielle heard when she started to stir was the sound of whistling. She couldn't help but smile. "Babe?" she called softly.
Michael entered the room and the first thing she smelt was cooked breakfast. Her mouth watered immediately. She made to get out of bed, but felt his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back. Next moment, she felt him place a small tray on her lap, complete with a plate, cutlery, and teacup. She couldn't help blinking back happy tears. "Darling, I am perfectly able to get up," she teased playfully. "You don't have to wait on me hand and foot, you know."
He chuckled, climbing in beside her with his own breakfast. Tell me, and why not?
She smiled at this text, pretending to be considering her answer as she took a bite of toast. "Well, because you don't have to," was all she could manage. He laughed out loud at this.
Is that the best you can come up with?
"Oh, shut up!" She punched his arm.
Danielle, after all the waiting you were made under threat of violence to do for years, I think one weekend of having the favour returned is the very least you deserve.
She opened her mouth again, but found she had no answer. He had her there. "Thank you," was all she could whisper eventually. Leaning in, he kissed her. She wasn't surprised he'd returned to texting; she would never push him to speak more than he was comfortable with, and she didn't care, he was still communicating with her, was all hers and would soon be her husband. "Yuck, coffee!" She laughed, as did he.
For a few moments, there was a companionable and comfortable silence between them as they ate and drank. Finally, she broke it. "Spending the day either in bed with you or in the jacuzzi sounds amazing," she yawned.
Your wish is my command. This is your weekend, remember?
"Actually, it's both of ours," she argued.
Fine. Either way, you are in charge.
She opened her mouth to protest, but his next message stopped her in her tracks.
Don't. Please, just accept it.
After a moment, she closed her mouth, defeated. He kissed her again before taking her plate to get her second helpings.
After they'd both finished their chocolate muffins and yogurt, Michael took the trays back into the kitchen before he rejoined her in bed and drew her close.
"I love you Michael," she murmured, after a long kiss.
I love you too, Danielle.
Unable to help herself, she took hold of his ears and began to twiddle them again. He chuckled, before he was wiggling them in her hands, making them do silly movements. She couldn't help laughing. At the same time, he again started to whistle. She snuggled as close to him as she could, as he whistled and wiggled his ears, feeling she'd never been happier in her life. Because apart from her adoption, she hadn't. Eventually, she silenced his tuneful whistling with another kiss, but he still continued to wiggle his ears, even as she pulled them.
Ow, my wiggly ears!
She burst out laughing, so hard tears ran down her cheeks. "You, did, not," she gasped eventually. "Michael Myers did not just text, "my wiggly ears?" Fuck me…" she collapsed into giggles again, unable to stop. She heard him chuckling as she gasped for breath, as at the same time his left ear wiggled against her face.
Well, it would appear my ears are indeed wiggly, would it not?
"Oh, God!" She could hardly speak! "Stop it!" Still chuckling, his lips covered her still laughing ones.
As I have told you before, that is such a beautiful sound, it's music to my "sexy as all hell," and wiggly ears!
She collapsed in laughter all over again, hugging him as tightly as she could. She couldn't remember the last time, before entering Smith's Grove that was, she'd laughed so hard. "My stomach," she gasped, trying to regain her breath. "Michael that was hilarious!"
They snuggled up in each other's arms again, into a loving cuddle. Danielle knew she would tell him today but didn't want to break the moment. Her cue would come, she just had to wait for it. She leant her head on his shoulder, letting out a long, contented sigh.
…
"Morning, Dave yawned, smiling at Nigel as the two men met in the lounge of their suite and waved affectionately after Jerry as the chef left, having just delivered them breakfast.
"Morning Dave," Nigel smiled back as the two men sat down at the table, having helped themselves from the food cart. "These guys are so generous," he said, looking at the huge amount of food on the cart. "We'll certainly have leftovers. Everyone from the cooks upwards are so kind. I know, you'd expect that in a psychiatric hospital, but still. They've gone above and beyond for us." Dave nodded in agreement.
Heading into the kitchen, whistling, Nigel made them both a coffee. "Thanks, my friend," Dave took his. Nigel saw him smiling at the door.
"Aww, the thought of Danielle and Michael next door is so cute. Who would've thought, Danielle Avery and Michael Myers, the, Michael Myers, would be in love and getting married soon. It's… well, it's almost unreal. Michael Myers, my son-in-law. Jesus! That night… is so damn clear, he passed our fucking house, Nige! Charlotte was a week old, and he walked right past our damn door that Halloween night in 1978! The stupid sheriff didn't believe us, but it was him! That damn mask he wears, those blue coveralls and that huge knife…" he shivered a little. "Now…"
"Oh, I hear you," the older man nodded. "We both know all too well Myers would've killed her on first meeting, he as good as told us that much yesterday."
"Yeah, now he's protecting her, so, much so, he killed Adam. I still can't quite believe that. Damn, I would love to know how that fucker died!"
Nigel hesitated for a second, then answered. "Michael decapitated him. He told me himself when I stayed here for the execution."
"Decapitated him?" Dave whooped. "Fucking awesome! Damn, why couldn't I have seen that?"
"If it were anyone else, I'd question your morals," Nigel nodded. "But not with him. I was told the police found Adam's head in a tree a little way from the house he held her captive in, curtesy of our friend Mr. Leach."
"I'm not sure about, "friend," Nige," Dave muttered. "He played his part in helping Adam capture her, plus I'm almost certain he had something to do with Charlotte's hit and run."
"Yes, that's as maybe, but don't forget, ah, you might not know. First, Mr. Leach helped Danielle and Rick at the airport after Chancer's execution, there were misogynists protesting against women and chanting that Chancer should've lived and more women should've been raped and killed by him. Fuckers!"
"Yes, I saw that on the news days later," Dave said. "Danielle and Rick were caught in the middle of that?"
"Yeah, Rick's radio caught the whole thing and Dr Loomis, Dr Stark, Michael, and I all heard it. Rick had to use gas to subdue them. They got a picture of Danielle and Michael, the one she keeps in that locket you gave her. Michael has a picture of her in his."
Dave let out a long breath. "Jesus. You said first, though, what was the second?"
"Well, just staying on the airport for a second, he actually carried her to safety and told the men to leave and fast. As for the second, he led the rescue team of Michael, the 4 guards and Dr Loomis to the house she was being held in."
Dave's eyes widened. "Wait, what? How?"
"He was apparently waiting at Haddonfield airport and met them off the plane, directing them to the house. Dr Loomis didn't trust him either at first, but when it was proved he was telling the truth, Dr Loomis stopped him getting arrested. From everything I've seen, and she's told me, Mr. Leach is seriously trying to change from his life of crime now."
"Hmmm," Dave said slowly. "If that's what Danielle says I believe her of course, but, wow!"
"As for Adam's decapitation, remember yesterday when you said, "fuck I hope it was slow," and Jack simply said, "it was," that's because Jac, Dr Loomis and Rick witnessed the decapitation and… and I think they're struggling with it. Not who died, but how. Please don't tell them I told you that?"
Dave's face softened. "Of course I won't. Yeah, I understand that. Poor guys, I pity them. That, despite who it was, can't have actually been nice to see up close."
"He didn't waste time apparently," Nigel continued. "Michael. It was one, clean cut. Danielle told me Leach picked his head up by the ears, she'd love that of course. She also told me that she told Dawson just before he died, that the only thing she'd miss about him were his ears!"
Dave roared with laughter at this. "Of course, she did! Fuck," he whistled. "Damn that guy is… dangerous, ruthless, yet right now he's holding our daughter and granddaughter in his arms, just next door to us. It…"
"Is unbelievable?" Nigel murmured. "I know."
"Did you get that text from Dr Loomis just now, how he's moved the tour forward until tomorrow?"
"Yep, I saw it." "Town today then?"
"Sounds like a plan," Dave smiled at him.
…
"Michael," Danielle said about half an hour later, finally standing and pulling on her favourite casual clothing. "Do you mind if dad and Nige come in for a quick drink with us?"
You're asking me… because?
"Because this is your weekend too," she countered. He stood too, kissed her, and pulled on his pants and a shirt.
Of course I don't mind.
She made to text one of them or both, but before she could, Michael took her hand and guided her out of their suite and up to Dave and Nigel's door. She knocked and seconds later, Nigel opened it.
"Good morning you two," he greeted, as Danielle hugged him, and Michael shook his hand.
"Morning Nige, dad. I just wondered if you wanted a drink with us before you go?"
"Now there's an offer we can't possibly refuse," her father's voice said and her whole face lit up. Nigel and Michael smiled at each other at her happiness.
"Hello, you," her father hugged her tightly, before guiding her into their suite. Michael briefly left and returned pushing their breakfast cart, which still had food on it. "Yours too?" Dave grinned. "The staff here are so generous, we've got leftovers too."
"That's the real reason she's here," Nigel teased. "She just wants more food!"
"Well, yeah," Danielle laughed. Chuckling, Michael closed the main door. "Isn't this the suite we stayed in, grandad?"
"It is kiddo," Nigel said, as she walked to the sofa, remembering where it was.
"Oh, thanks Michael," Dave said. "He's just brought in one of his coffee jars, the open one. That's really kind of you. We didn't bring any because… well, we weren't planning on staying here past last night, were we? Not until the incredibly kind CEO of Smith's Grove himself told us otherwise."
Michael smiled, shaking Dave's hand before sitting beside Danielle, so, she was between him and Nigel. Reaching out, she took both their hands and squeezed, both men squeezed back before she reached up and grabbed one of each of their ears. "Ow, my ears!" Nigel said, as Michael, for the very first time, pulled her left one in retaliation. Nigel and Dave roared with laughter. "Ha! Take that, you ear puller!"
"Ow, my ears," Danielle said, making everyone crack up all over again. Still chuckling, Michael stood up and headed into the small kitchen, to help Dave with the drinks and a short while later, handed Nigel his coffee and Danielle her tea. "Thanks," they said together.
Michael retook his seat beside her as Dave sat in the chair opposite them. "We had to use a manual kettle," he complained. "No automatic snazzy one for us!"
Danielle snickered, as Nigel past her a plate. The food was still warm. "Thanks grandad." Dave and Michael also took food from the two carts and the four of them started to eat. "How did you sleep dad, grandad?"
"Not too bad thanks darling," Dave said. "Howabout you 2? Or, don't I want to know?"
"Those beds are very comfortable as you know," Nigel grinned.
"Yeah, I slept like a log too," Danielle laughed.
"I'm sure you did," she just knew Nigel had winked at her.
"Stop!" Dave said, confirming her suspicions. She almost spat out her food for laughing.
"We're going into town this morning," Dave said once they'd all finished, stacking the plates neatly on the two carts. "We'll take these carts back first though, that's the least we can do." Nigel nodded in agreement.
"Ah, that reminds me." Danielle stood up, approached her father, and hugged him again. As she did so, she whispered in his ear. "I haven't got a clue what to get Michael, any ideas?"
"Leave it with me," he whispered back, kissing her cheek.
"They're talking about us," Nigel said conspiratorially to Michael. "Can't you tell?"
Snickering, Danielle gently pulled her father's ears before she grabbed his hand and guided him towards one of the bedrooms.
"Ok, now they're definitely talking about us," Nigel said again, and she snorted with laughter before the door clicked shut.
"Oh, this could take a while," Nigel smiled affectionately at the door, then just as affectionately at Michael. "May I have another coffee, my friend?"
Michael nodded and walked to the kettle before Nigel could, making them both another drink. "Thank you," Nigel took his and the two men sat across from each other, falling into a companionable and comfortable silence. This was certainly not something Nigel thought he'd ever experience when in the same room as Michael Myers himself! Previously, he would not have been sitting still, rather running for the hills as fast as his legs could carry him. Something of his thoughts must have shown on his face because Michael raised his notepad a second later, an amused smirk just touching his mouth.
I'd still reach you if I wanted.
"You know," Nigel shivered. "I don't doubt that at all. Damn, you are one scary man! You want someone dead, they're dead, end of story. That said, I still never expected to be sitting opposite Michael Myers, enjoying a coffee." Michael chuckled quietly.
I'll give you that.
Then, the amusement vanished from his face, and he looked at Nigel without a trace of humour, beginning to write once more, finally showing his message.
Nigel, look. You of all people apart from Danielle of course, deserve an apology from me, face to face, after what I almost did to her. Reasons be damned, that should never have happened and will not be repeated. I understand you were angry when you found out and I do not blame you for this! If you had used physical violence against me as a result, I would not have stopped you, or attacked back. You saved her life once, I should not have even tried to end it a second time.
The older man sighed. "Michael, I'm not a fighter, I hate violence. I don't condone it in any way, shape, or form. But yes, I was fucking furious when she told me what happened. I do not doubt however that it could have just as easily been Rick, Dr Loomis, or any of the others, had they been closest to you at the time. Hell, it could've just as easily been Dave or I. But what does not make sense to me is the fact you attacked Danielle because hearing Adam's voice angered you, when the very reason it angered you was because of what he'd done to Danielle in the first place, the very woman you then targeted!"
I know. But when… when it hits me, I don't think, I just…
"Kill." Nigel said softly.
I would have deserved whatever you might have tried to do to me for that, you will not find an argument here.
"Well then, perhaps it's lucky for you I don't do violence. You are right though; I was furious when she told me. Is…" Nigel could again, hardly believe what he was about to ask and whom. "Is it really all that consuming?"
You have no idea. It's a black fog. Everything else vanishes, I can not focus on anything or anyone else, just my lust for blood, for someone to die.
"Why?" Nigel whispered.
Prior to Danielle, I cannot answer you. It was just… who I was. My sister at just 17 found that out first.
"Yeah, and you were just 6! How in God's name did you…" Nigel couldn't finish.
She just had to die.
"Danielle?" Nigel could hardly speak now; his heart was hammering painfully fast.
Well, initially yes, as I'm sure you know. I had absolutely no reservations about killing her, none. In fact, the very fact she would be unable to see me I saw as an added bonus.
Nigel laughed bitterly. "Yeah, we all said the same thing. She'd be the easiest God damn kill you'd ever have! I still kind of want to ask Dr Loomis what the holy fuck he was thinking placing her right next door to you! You make… made Adam look like a gentleman!"
I can now appreciate why that would worry you so much.
"Dave nearly came up to challenge him when Danielle told us who she was next door to. It was one day while you were out in the exercise yard, in the very early days. Dave lost his shit, Michael, I mean, totally lost it! He would've driven up there that very night if Emma hadn't physically restrained him and hidden his car keys! I had to come round and have a drink with Dave to calm him down! I think he'd have rather she was back with Adam! Almost…" Now, Michael chuckled softly again.
Almost, it would appear that's the key word here.
"It was a close-run thing," Nigel let out a long breath. "Jesus. Of all the people she could've been placed next door to, only Michael damn Myers! Talk about aiding her suicide attempt!" Michael sighed.
That was what I intended to happen, of course. I saw her and I was purely amused. But I also knew I had to wait for my chance, she had a guard designated to her and I always had guards with me. But I was sure my chance would come, someday.
"That… that pretence of… something, holding her hand and the rest, was that all a facade? A game? While you waited to show the real you? If that's true, Jesus, it makes you even more fucking terrifying!"
Honestly, I do not know.
"Fair enough," Nigel conceded. "But you failed, didn't you Myers? She wormed her way into your heart and there wasn't a damn thing you could do about it! Good old Danielle! The last thing she'd planned to do was fall in love again, obviously! Not after what she was in there for. But then your paths collided and…" Looking into Michael's eyes, Nigel now saw the softness in his expression and gaze. He smiled gently at the younger man. "Love's a dangerous bitch when she wants to be, comes at you like a wave and you're screwed."
Who would know that better than you?
Nigel smiled sadly. "Yeah, Sophie was my world, my everything. She was the girl of my dreams, Michael. When I met her at the age of just 5 at elementary, of course, I didn't know then, but it didn't take long. By 10, we were inseparable and by 13…" he gazed out of the living room window. "Asking our parents for consent to marry at 17 had never been easier. All 6 of us met round my house for dinner, a planned meeting and Sophie and I asked. They were dubious at first, which we understood, but eventually gave us the green light. They even helped with the wedding preparations. We were married two months later just after her 17th birthday and shortly before my 18th and we never once looked back. That's why I get so fucking angry when I see pricks like Dawson treating women so cruelly, even resulting in deaths! I lost the love of my life to a lethal illness no one can control, he willingly abused and hurt women! Makes my blood boil!"
I can appreciate that.
Standing, Nigel walked over to the huge window and stared out over Smith's Grove's grounds in silence, gazing at a waterfall in the distance, flanked by trees and fresh flower beds. Clearly, Smith's Grove had at least one gardener. "I could tell you so many stories," he said finally, his voice soft, sad. "Of when Danielle met that piece of shit. Not now, but maybe another time I will. Once she saw someone, that being me, cared, Sophie too, she spoke to us every day while that fucker was working. Damn, we should've done more, there was so much we could've done. Why didn't we? Because we weren't as educated on Domestic abuse and violence as the world is now. If we had…" He was stopped, as to his shock, Michael's hand fell gently on his shoulder. He hadn't heard the other man approach, of course.
Don't, Nigel. You can't focus on what if? I think you did everything you could when she really needed you. You are why she's here today, need I remind you.
Nigel scrubbed at his face, only then realising it was wet with tears. He gave Michael a shaky smile. "Sorry man didn't mean to cry," he gestured at his face. "It just… it hurts me for so many reasons. I sometimes wonder if Sophie would think I failed Danielle. We saw her like a granddaughter even then."
If you had, "failed," Danielle, she wouldn't be where she is now, however.
Nigel took a deep breath. "Yeah, I know," he nodded. "Happy, adopted and getting married. You're right, I can't focus on what I could've, should've done, but I do feel guilty about it sometimes. Now, Charlotte's unconscious because of that… that thing, and I can't do anything there either."
You are doing all you can though, from what I hear.
"Danielle," Nigel said affectionately. "I bet she's saying I'm doing more than I am."
Taking food to the hospital, giving Dave and Colin lifts there and back every day, no, I don't think so. That sounds pretty accurate to me. I am starting to really believe her description of your, "heart of gold," is correct.
"Well," Nigel blushed. "Thanks, Michael." Who would've thought Michael Myers of all people would as good as tell him he was kind-hearted, when before meeting Danielle he wouldn't have even known what that meant.
Still holding his shoulder, Michael steered him back to his chair, then disappeared into the kitchen, seconds later pressing a fresh coffee into Nigel's unresisting hand and sitting down opposite him once again.
"Thanks pal," Now, Nigel's smile was genuine.
…
Dave and Danielle sat on the bed in silence, Danielle just loving feeling safe in her now father's arms, as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Love you dad," she said finally.
"I love you too Danielle," Dave's voice shook as he squeezed her tighter and kissed her cheek. "So, so much, don't ever forget that."
"I can't thank you enough for adopting me, I can't tell you how much that means to me."
"Darling, we've as good as seen you as our daughter for years prior, it just makes it all legal. Not like your so-called parents cared."
She smiled a little sadly. "True. But I love you all to pieces."
"As do we you, darling."
"Please can I just say this once, dad? This once, then if repeated you can be mad at me."
He chuckled, but her face was completely serious. "Ok, just once."
"I almost feel… like what happened to Charlotte was… is… was… partly my fault. She wouldn't have met him if not for me, wouldn't have convinced herself he was Mr. Nice Guy and fallen in love with him just the same way I did. If it wasn't for me, she wouldn't have even known Adam Dawson's name."
"Ok, so that's your once," Dave said sternly. "Purely because you asked, I won't be mad. However, don't ever, ever say that again, you hear me? Charlotte made the decision to fall in love with him, you didn't force her hand, on the contrary, you warned her every damn chance you got how evil he really was! If you'd let it happen and not warned her at all, my answer might have been somewhat different, though it still is not your fault she was attacked! Yes, if you hadn't met him, she probably would not have done either, but who's to say for certain? Yes, there's the age difference, but you were still at the same college, weren't you? You have no way of knowing for certain their paths would not have crossed without your influence. None."
"Fair point," she conceded. "But I think it's because she did meet him because of me I partly blame myself. Maybe it's survivor's guilt? Even though she's not dead and will not die from this! He grabbed me, kidnapped me in broad daylight and I was rescued. Charlotte was attacked alone, early morning hours, no witnesses."
"Darling, I really don't think you'll do yourself any favours if you keep hashing it over in your mind. Most unfortunately, it's done, but he's now dead and will never, can't ever, hurt either of you or anyone else again! Remember that. As a certain man of yours said to me just last night, "you can't think about what if." You know what? He's right."
She sighed. "I know he is. I just sometimes stupidly worry Charlotte might blame me for some of this when we speak again."
"Then she's no daughter of mine," Dave said firmly. "The Charlotte I fathered and raised would never, ever blame you. Remember that letter stunt that prick pulled? She was up there that very day to explain and comfort you, yes?"
"Again, true," she nodded. Taking a deep breath, she spoke again. "Dad, I want to tell Michael… that. The things only you and mom know. I don't know if Charlotte even does."
Dave's face darkened and he was thankful she didn't see it. "That motherfucker," he snarled before he could hold it back. Again, that sad nod. "No more of that," Dave said, hugging his daughter close. "You have nothing to be sad about anymore, I think a certain Michael Myers will make sure of that. If he doesn't, I'll kill him! Nigel right behind me!" Now, she smiled. "That's better," he kissed her cheek again.
"The scary thing is I believe you'll die trying. I know, but I still feel… violated. How did the fucking doctors not realise? They asked me if I was sure, but only when Dawson was in the God damn room! They never, ever once asked him to leave so they could talk to me privately! What the holy fuck?"
"Sadly, Domestic violence and abuse weren't recognised then as they are now," her father said gently. "I'm sure Adam, as in Hughes, could and would explain that if you want and need him to. It was almost considered… well, a man's right to have sex with his wife back then. He pretended he was your husband, didn't he? Thereby telling the terribly misinformed doctors that he made the decisions. It… it's just how things were, wrongly, seen back then."
"Do…" she hesitated, before voicing her biggest fear. "Do you think Michael will…"
"Stop!" Dave cut her off so loudly, she started in surprise and shut up. "Thank you. There is no way in hell Michael will not want to marry you because of this. No way! If he was to say that, he's not a man! Not a real man, anyway! If he loves you, he'll be sorry, but it'll be for you! As for him, he won't care! Once again, not your fault, is it? That's not a question, so don't even answer!"
"Yes dad," was all she could say, hugging him as tightly as she could. "I also want to tell him about the one time he wore a suit, what happened then. Again, he deserves, and I want him to know."
"That's completely your call," Dave nodded. "Just don't blame Michael for wanting to kill him all over again afterwards. God knows I do!" She chuckled, but he didn't do so back. "I'm serious!"
"I don't doubt it," she kissed his cheek now.
"Also, the day he… did what he did, Michael I mean, just before I woke up on the day he needed a kill, I had a nightmare that he'd found out I was seeing another man, or maybe he thought I was. Chances are, I wasn't! No way in hell! Anyway, he told me he loved me, kissed me, then slit my throat. It's just… kind of weird that happened on the day he needed a kill that strongly. A premonition, maybe?"
"Possibly," her father nodded. "Dr Loomis would be your man to ask about that."
"Those are the 3 things I intend to tell him today," Danielle stood up and stretched. "For his ears only, if you will."
"I knew you'd get ears in there somewhere," he teased, reaching up to pull her left one. "You and your ears!"
"Ow, my ears!" Danielle laughed and pulled his in retaliation, causing her father to join in.
"Go for it kiddo," he said once they'd stopped laughing. "For what it's worth I think you're right, Michael deserves to know and has certainly earned your trust to be told." Father and daughter hugged again, before she pulled the door open and they headed back into the living room, where Michael and Nigel were waiting.