"Ok, we ready to roll?" Dave asked Nigel half an hour later, following another hot drink together.
"Sure," Nigel stood, putting the mugs in the sink and washing them. See you two later." Dr Loomis has arranged for the four of us to have dinner together tonight in the staff canteen with Joanne, if you're both cool with that?"
Danielle and Michael nodded and smiled at him. Danielle felt a rush of happiness at the thought of seeing her close friend again so soon.
"Dr Loomis thought you'd be happy about that," Dave hugged his daughter again.
Standing, Danielle approached Nigel and whispered in his ear this time. He chuckled and kissed her cheek, before she pulled his ears then grabbed his hand. Michael and Dave stood up to follow them, as he guided her back to the door of hers and Michael's suite, the two men stopping behind them.
"How do you open these doors grandad?" she asked Nigel as they reached it. "I meant to ask you last time."
He chuckled. "Where's your key card?"
"Here," Danielle produced it.
"Ok, so it's… that way up, now hold it up to the scanner above the door handle."
She did, and there was a soft beep, before the door unlocked with a soft click. "Just like that kiddo!"
"Awesome," Dave said. "We'll pick you up at 6, ok?" Meet you here? We can get a shuttle together." Danielle and Michael nodded and smiled, and the two men left.
Michael took her hand and guided her back in, the door closing quietly behind them and towards the sofa. She once again leant her head on his shoulder, as he sat down beside her. She knew this was it, it was time, but she had all day to tell him. But as far as she was concerned, once she got started, the quicker she could start to forget that man's name and release the poison out of her system.
"Can I tell you something?" She asked him. "I want you to know this and the only person who knows is dad. Even Nigel doesn't know, neither does Charlotte." He kissed her mouth softly.
You know you can tell me anything, asking my permission is not necessary.
"Sorry," she blushed. "Habit. I… I'll try."
That is all I, or anyone else can ask of you.
"I've never told you about the very few times… He wore a suit, exactly what he did to me while wearing said suit?"
You have not, but judging by your wording, I think I have a pretty good idea.
She nodded. "I was handcuffed, so, I couldn't touch him even if I wanted to."
That does not surprise me. It is a shame one cannot die twice.
She shivered a little. "I know, right? I have two other things I want to tell you, and I'm a little apprehensive about both. How you'll react, I mean."
Do you fear anger?
Taking a deep breath, she knew she had to be honest. This was her future husband, after all. "No," her voice was barely above a whisper. "Contempt."
No chance.
As she read those two words, he kissed her, pushing her head back snug onto his shoulder, before pulling her into his lap. She smiled up at him, leaning in to return the kiss.
"Ok," she hesitated for just a second, then spoke. "Well, that morning when you… you needed a kill, I… I knew when I first woke up. I think my subconscious new even before then. Because just before I did wake, I had a nightmare where… you accused me of seeing another man, before you kissed me and… slit my throat. As soon as my eyes opened, I think I knew. You were not in bed with me for a start, and I swear the room temperature had dropped!"
Perhaps you did, but you still never should have been the target of said desire.
She shivered again unable to help it, and he squeezed her close, kissing her again.
I meant what I said, never again, never.
"I believe you," she kissed him now. "But I do have to ask, is there anything I can do if… if I sense you are feeling that… that need again one day? I won't lie, I, like everyone else, am afraid to come anywhere near you then."
Well, that is what you can do. Just come to me, just be there. You have no idea what effect you being close has on me at that point. You have no need to be afraid of coming to me, in fact, I think that is the answer.
"Why?" She whispered.
Because when you are close to me, and I mean I am holding you by close, I simply cannot hurt you and by association, anyone else once it passes. If I'd been holding you that day, it would not have happened.
"But you weren't," she breathed. "I was too afraid."
That is my point.
"So, if I'd just come closer, it wouldn't have happened?" He sighed softly, stroking her hair.
Probably not, but how were you to know that? I can and will not blame you for fearing me.
"Ha," she gave a shaky laugh. "Yeah, no shit, you're Michael Myers after all!"
I think, though I did not realise it until later, that this is why I unwittingly fell in love with you. Yes, I am indeed a serial killer. But you saw passed that, convinced a man was in there somewhere.
She hugged him tightly at this, smiling but close to tears. "Well, I was right, he was! I know for a while you were playing me now, I was crazy not to expect that, I knew how cruel and cold you used to be. I didn't mean to bring the man out either in all honesty, hell; I didn't want to fall in love with you anymore than you did me!"
Unsurprising.
"But nothing to do with the fact you're Michael Myers, just because of Adam."
I know.
"I mean yeah, who in their right mind thinks I'll fall in love with Michael Myers the serial killer?" she chuckled. "You wouldn't let them live to even try!"
Yet, you are still alive. So, that defeats that logic.
"Only because of the guards," she smiled at him now. "Otherwise, I'd have died months ago."
I will be honest in return; I wanted to do it for a while after I started to feel… whatever this was I was feeling. I didn't understand or recognise it, I was seriously considering killing you, just to make it stop.
"Did it feel good to you though?" She squeezed him close, touched he'd revealed this.
At first, it was just something I did not recognise, it was neither good nor bad, it just felt different to anything else I have ever experienced before. But I was very, very close to trying, until I realised I… I couldn't.
This time she kissed him, a loving, long kiss she hoped conveyed she understood. "Michael, what happened in… in 1978?"
Which part of that night are you referring to?
"The end, when… when it was all over."
In terms of my recapture, there were too many officers there with guns for me to do anything else. I just felt nothing, I was more than ready to wait. They handcuffed me and drove me back to Smith's Grove.
This time Danielle drew in a breath as well as shivered. "Jesus! That pedal would be glued to the floor, I would have been driving as fast as I could!" He chuckled.
I think they were, if you count sirens on.
"I don't blame them!" She was aware how fervent her tone of voice was and opened her mouth, but he stopped her with another kiss.
Don't apologise, I know that's what you were about to say. There is no need.
She blushed but nodded. "Got me."
As for your dream, I think, were that a reality, I'd be more inclined to slit his throat as opposed to yours.
"Yeah, or cut his head off?"
Well, there is always that option, this is true.
She let out a breath, taking a second. She didn't think that thump would ever leave her. He obviously detected something though, because he kissed her again, holding her tightly.
What is it?
"Sorry," she swallowed. "I… I just don't think that sound will ever leave me for the rest of my life. That thump as… as his head hit the floor, I mean. Hell, it was Adam so, I'm not complaining, but… Jesus! I still hear it in my nightmares sometimes."
I am sorry.
"For what?" She chuckled a little. "Killing him? I wouldn't be in your shoes! Just kidding, I know what you're saying. It's not your fault, he deserved it, and it couldn't have happened to a nicer… well, I want to say man, but I don't know if those adjective fits!" He chuckled, pushing her head back onto his shoulder, softly stroking her hair.
"There… there's one other thing about Adam, I never told you, or almost anyone else," she whispered, not sure why she was lowering her voice. "Only mom and dad know, even Charlotte doesn't. Although perhaps I should have told her, then she wouldn't have fallen for that son of a bitch! Uh, sorry Lisa, that's not fair."
He didn't text anything now, and she knew he was waiting. She thought again of his almost inhuman patience when it came to killing, and how he'd said he would have let her touch him all night in his suit if she'd asked, getting the impression it would be the same on this occasion. She felt a rush of love for him so powerful, she briefly felt dizzy. "I fucking adore you, Michael Myers," she just managed to say over the lump in her throat. Still, he waited. She made as if to stand, she needed some water, but he lovingly pulled her back down to the sofa, stood himself and returned a few seconds later with a glass of it. How the hell did he know?
"Can you read my mind?" She asked with a shaky laugh, taking a long drink of the water. "Thank you, babe."
Still, he texted nothing, just sat down beside her again and drew her close. She took a few more sips, then set the glass back down on the table and haltingly began to speak, telling Michael Myers of all men the thing she'd only ever said once before in her life.
"Adam pretended to be my husband in public for the last year or so, including at medical appointments. He never let me go to see a doctor or to the hospital without him. The stupid fucking doctors never asked him to leave the room, as he painted the damn picture of the caring husband! "My wife needs me, I want to be here to support her," he said, and they fucking just let him! Now, hopefully, being more educated on this stuff, they'd see right through it and check I was ok with it. Mind, even if they had, I'd probably have been too scared to say I wasn't! Back then, domestic violence wasn't recognised as it is now, more's the fucking pity!"
She paused, taking another drink. The glass was now empty, and she hoped with all her heart he wouldn't stand and refill it. Because if he did, she'd quite possibly lose her nerve and not be able to face her demons. However, he didn't. Did he understand this too? She wouldn't put it passed him. He simply took the glass and placed it on the table, pulled her back into his lap and held her tightly, waiting. She almost started crying when the skin of one of his ears touched her lips, his signal to her he was listening, she had his full attention. "I love you Michael," she just managed to say, squeezing him as tightly as she could. He kissed her mouth, before she took another deep breath and continued.
"So, as a result, Adam started talking to the doctors about children. He said we didn't want to have them, made me confirm it. Fuck, I was a coward! Jesus Christ! I was so… fucking scared of him, I didn't protest! I feared the beating I'd get behind closed doors if I did! So, I didn't! I hate myself for that. So, fucking, weak! Afraid of that bullying piece of shit!"
Don't ever call yourself, "Weak," in front of me. That is one thing you most certainly are not.
"You're bias," she tried to smile, but now tears were running down her cheeks of anger, self-hatred. He squeezed her close.
No, I am just correct. Shh, please, don't cry?
She tried to compose herself, as he wiped her eyes with soft tissues. "I will never, ever forgive that… that thing," she said, her voice shaking. "Never! I maybe could have forgiven all the burns, punches, kicks, rapes and mental abuse in time, but this? Never! I hope he's burning in hell!" She could hear the anger in her tone and feel her heart hammering. Now she'd started, she knew she had to finish. She owed herself that, maybe even more than Michael. He started stroking her back, his strong and safe arms wrapped around her. After a few seconds, or it might have been a minute, she continued.
"We," she spat out the word we in disgust. "Were asked to attend counselling to confirm it was our decision, but that didn't take long either. I was still too afraid of Adam to stop it, and the damn councillors didn't recognise it either! So… eventually, I underwent the surgery. It's under general anaesthetic and they basically tie the tubes which enable a woman to become pregnant. It's… it's irreversible and as a result, I… I can never have children now."
He said nothing, still waiting, his ear to her mouth. The sense of relief she felt now Michael knew, was much stronger than she would've believed possible. She slumped against him, feeling all the tension drain out of her. He kissed her again. "I don't know if I ever wanted children, but I wanted that to be my decision… not… not his! I still hate myself for not having the guts to stand up to him!"
Sweetheart, you were afraid of him and with very good reason. Don't blame yourself, he's the one responsible. I can't tell you how much I would love to kill him again, then maybe again.
Finally, she managed a small smile. "I think I'd help you this time! I… when I spoke to dad this morning, I was worried you'd…"
She got no further though, because he began to kiss her so intensely, she felt weak, but in the physical sense this time. He held her tightly, his mouth moving against hers. She knew, without a doubt this time, that he'd realised what she was thinking. He started wiggling his ear against her hand, as his tongue slipped into her mouth. She let out a soft moan, unable to stop it. Jesus this man could kiss!
You were thinking I would be angry or maybe even leave, weren't you. Don't. Please don't ever think that again. Why would I leave, when it's not your fault, it was because of violence, and, well, can you honestly see me as a father?
Now, she did laugh against his lips, kissing him back. She finally drew back, just enough to answer. "Who knows? Who would have thought Michael Myers would be getting married, after all?"
Touche.
She smiled again, as they continued to kiss. "I really, really wasn't sure how to tell you that," she murmured. "I knew I had to, and dad said almost exactly what you just did. That you wouldn't leave me but would be sorry for it."
He is correct.
Before she could say anything else, he started whistling. Now, her smile was genuine. Still whistling, he wiggled his ears, helped her back into her seat, stood up and returned a few moments later with tea and coffee. She felt a rush of happiness and love all over again. "Thank you, darling."
After their drinks and unable to resist, Danielle headed into the bathroom and filled up the jacuzzi once more. As it filled, she pulled off her clothes. Michael came in behind her and removed his, before lifting her into the water once again.
…
This time, it was a full 2 hours before they emerged from the steaming water. They had made love twice and simply lay together. Danielle didn't have anything else to say for now, she felt so relaxed, relieved. Her father had been right. Michael was the best man she could hope for, and he was all hers.
She felt a rush of emotion and affection as Michael once again pulled on his suit and tie. "It's a casual meal babe," she said. "You don't have to…"
He ignored her though, pulling her in for a kiss, the smell of his aftershave intoxicating. So, in turn, she pulled on her own suit trousers and white shirt she'd worn for the execution. She'd noticed the night before that all her clothes from Smith's Grove were with her, to make it easier when flying home. Joanne, probably. She was sneaky indeed. They then sat on the sofa, as she once again touched him in his suit, unable to resist. That was, until he pulled her into his lap instead, her favourite seat in the world.
"Darling," she said after a moment, snuggling her head into his jacket. I have two questions I've been dying to ask you, since, like, before we even got together, but I've kept forgetting. They're probably going to sound a bit random too, but I truly want to know. First one is, why did you press your call button for me that night? When I was having my panic attack way back, I mean? Did you just want to shut me up?"
There was a brief pause, and she knew he was thinking back. Finally, he chuckled softly.
I don't know, perhaps. I guessed you were trying to find your call button but couldn't, that's why I showed you where it was just moments later. Remember?
"I do," she smiled at him. "But I bet you also just wanted me to be quiet, I can imagine you just wanted to kill me to achieve it, but pressing the call button was your only option!" He laughed out loud at this.
Quite possibly.
"Yet, you let me into your cell and then showed me where it was," Danielle grinned. "Were you thinking of killing me that night? Was it like a, Gotcha, moment? You had me locked in with you, this was it?"
Yes, but for some reason I couldn't. Damn you, Danielle.
She grinned again. "Sorry," she said in a sing song voice, making it very clear she in fact wasn't sorry at all. He pulled her close and kissed her.
No, you're not.
"Nope, caught me," she laughed. He kissed her again.
The second one is you remember you tapped on your bars one night in the very early days? Was that too a fake sense of security so I'd trust you or something?"
I can answer that one easier. Yes, it was. I wanted to remind you I was there, that you were not safe, and I would attack as soon as I could, while disguising it under the pretence of false security.
She shivered, unable to help it. "Jesus! The guards too were duped then, they let me into your damn cell not long after! Adam all over again! Fucking hell, except far more dangerous! Don't say it sweetheart, I know. You knew nothing about Adam back then, plus you wouldn't have cared, but the similarity is almost terrifying."
Now for this, I am sorry. I know you told me not to say it. Yes, you are correct I had no idea, but looking back on it now, I can of course, see how terrifying that would have been.
"Damn you're fucking dangerous," she breathed. "Yet, I somehow tamed you and you're all mine now!" He kissed her again, put her hands on his ears and wiggled them.
Indeed, you did, and yes, I am, as you are mine.
Gently, she pulled his ears. "I bet you would have killed me in a second if I'd tried to touch your ears back then?" She pulled them again.
I certainly would have, especially if you kept pulling them like that! Ow, my ears!"
Danielle burst out laughing, snuggling tightly into his arms. Right then, she felt so safe and loved. He held her just as tightly back, kissing her repeatedly, before he sent another text.
Damn I love you, Danielle.
…
At 5 to 6, there was a knock on the door, which Michael opened to reveal Dave and Nigel. "Wow I feel underdressed," Dave shook Michael's hand.
"Me too," Nigel did the same, before they both entered and hugged Danielle.
"You look gorgeous," the two men said together.
Danielle heard Michael turning a page and then writing, before he raised his message, which Nigel read out loud.
Why, thank you, Dave, Nigel. I never knew you thought that about me. Why did you not say so before?
"Oh, shut up!" The two men said again in unison, as Danielle and Nigel began to laugh. Once again it struck Danielle that it had been she who'd bought out Michael's playful, rather than deadly sense of humour, and she loved it as much as she loved the man himself.
"We did kind of… walk into that," Dave said, before he joined in laughing.
Shortly after this, they headed out to the shuttle station. "Joanne will meet us there," Nigel explained.
"I love Dr Loomis," Danielle said affectionately. "I didn't think I'd see Joanne this soon."
"He is indeed a good guy," Nigel agreed. "But if I know Joanne like I think I do, she would've seen you soon for sure."
"True."
When they reached the station, Michael made to remove Nigel's silk tie and return it to him, but the other man shook his head. "No, hold onto it," he murmured so Danielle, who was being guided by her father, didn't hear. "Plus, I've bought you one the same for Christmas, it's in my pocket. So, keep that one and I'll wear this one." He donned the new tie. Michael smiled at him.
Very smart, it suits you.
Nigel smiled back. "You too, my man."
They boarded a shuttle which was waiting when they arrived, and Michael sat at the front once again. "Uh oh," Nigel said. "Michael Myers is in control of our destination, scary as all hell thought!"
"That would've been death before he met my daughter and your granddaughter," Dave nodded.
I am however somewhat limited in where I can take you on this thing.
"Haha," Nigel laughed, having read the message out. "Good point."
Michael directed the shuttle towards HCU, and the other 3 relaxed in their leather seats. "Do you guys know what's on the menu?" Danielle asked.
"Not a clue," Dave said. "But I'm hungry!"
"Me too, and Smith's Grove's cooking is lovely, whatever it is!"
…
"Dawson!"
The soft hiss of his name made Edward glance up. He was standing in the exercise yard once more. It was Josh Culshaw.
"Sir?" Edward asked warily. Was this good news?
"I've found some people to do your wishes," Culshaw said evenly, as if they were discussing the weather, not a violent upcoming attack. "But like I told you before, it'll cost you."
"I'll pay whatever you asked Sir," Edward said, trying not to sound too eager, but in truth, this excited him, to the point of a hard on. Danielle Hayward had no idea what was about to hit her. He knew Culshaw's men would make it as bloody and brutal as they were allowed to. Edward had specifically stated he did not want the bitch killed, that would be his job one of these days, somehow.
As if reading his mind, Culshaw spoke up. "They won't kill her, but are you seriously telling me you'll try? She's protected by that fucking Psychopath, Dawson! Arrange your fucking funeral! When he finds out about this, which of course, he will, the fucking cunt will tell him, he'll be out for the blood of whoever did it, Smith's Grove or no fucking Smith's Grove! Remember 1978, duh? He killed your son because he wouldn't leave the bitch be! She's too hot, idiot! You have no idea how much I have had to pay these men to carry this out, we're talking almost a million, asshole! Damn right it'll cost you! We're only up against Michael fucking Myers!"
"I know, Sir," Edward said, trying not to sound wheedling. "You have absolutely no idea how much it means to me that you've agreed to authorise this, Sir."
"So, as a result, let's get the fucking facts straight," Culshaw warned. "They'll beat her into a bloody mess, then rape her, but that's it. Then they'll be gone. Just like Myers, they'll be wearing masks because, even though she's blind, we're not taking the risk of someone seeing them and describing them to the pigs! They also won't speak, for the same reason. Too like that masked Psycho for my liking, but needs must. She must not hear their voices! The first thing she'll do is call the pigs and an ambulance; she must be able to tell them nothing about her attackers! She'll be badly hurt, but alive! Got all that?"
"Clear as bells Sir," Edward nodded. "That's all I'm asking for."
"Regardless, it's all your getting Dawson," Culshaw snapped. "I'm not losing any of my men to that fucking masked killer!"
Edward nodded; he could understand this. "I appreciate that, Sir."
"So, we need to talk about price! Forget the usual… deals done in here," Culshaw wrinkled his nose. "I fuck women only, not men! You ain't paying me with sex, Dawson."
Privately, Edward was relieved to hear this. That would've been his last resort. "Thank you, Sir, I didn't want to do that either," he admitted.
"Well, if you have no other option, you might have no choice than to be fucked every day by one of my men for the rest of your sentence," Culshaw said casually. "But we'll see, we'll exhaust other options first."
Thank fuck for that, Edward thought. I'll find another option if it kills me! I fuck pussy's and pussies only! No one's sticking their cock up my ass! "Yes Sir," he nodded.
"Well, we first have to wait until the bitch is back in Haddonfield," Culshaw continued. "I've got men watching, as soon as she's back they'll notify me, and we will make the final arrangements. You will not be privy to them, Dawson. The further away from this you are, the better for all of us, including you."
Edward couldn't disagree with this. With Michael Myers as his adversary, it would've been his request anyway! "Thank you, Sir." Without another word, Culshaw walked away.
…
The rest of the weekend passed to Danielle as if in a dream. The meal with Joanne was first class, serving all their favourite meals. It seemed that she and Michael only grew closer, talking about anything and everything in the privacy of their suite, with no one to hear them, even with a sound proofing screen. When he made loved to her, she had never felt so loved and special in her life. She kept thinking about his honest admission that he was aiming to kill her and finding ways to do it, and felt a rush of something, but wasn't sure what. Awe that she'd got through to him. Fear at how silent and dangerous the man she loved was? She didn't know, all she knew was she was glad she was safe from him! The feel of him on top of her as he showed he loved her felt so good, made her so happy.
She'd voiced privately to Joanne about what he'd told her about the call button and tapping his cell bars, and her guard had drawn in a breath. "Christ," she'd said. "We were totally duped!"
"That's exactly what I said, Danielle nodded. "Scary as fuck, right?"
"Terrifying," Joanne said simply.
As Monday morning approached, Danielle began to feel sadness. She wasn't sure how she'd feel when the time came to leave. Yes, she was Michael's for life, yes, they were getting married, but they had never been apart for days and weeks yet. Michael obviously must have detected her thoughts, again, because he texted her the Sunday evening.
I will only be on the end of a phone, call me anytime day or night, or text me. I'm always here for you, Danielle. All sexy as all hell and wiggly ears for you!
She couldn't help laughing. "Thank you, darling," she kissed him, blinking back tears. "Doesn't mean it's going to be easy, though."
Of course not, I understand this. I'll miss you too.
…
On the Monday morning, Dr Loomis called Joanne, Rick, Jack, Adam and Mel into meeting room 1, Oliver right behind them. Dr Loomis had to leave for a session, but Dr Stark was right there to see her months long patient take her first steps to release.
"How are you feeling, Danielle?" Her doctor asked her, as Danielle once again sat at the head of the table, the chefs had dropped off breakfast and the meeting sign was once again active. Michael was sitting right beside her.
"Truthfully? Nervous," Danielle admitted. "It's going to be strange going home again, so… so much has changed."
"Understatement of the century," Nigel smiled.
"Yeah, I certainly didn't think I'd know Michael Myers as well as I do, never mind be marrying him, I thought I'd be dead when he first saw me!"
"Yeah, because that's not at all unreasonable," Dave shot the killer a look.
Danielle grinned. "I know." She had only told Joanne what Michael had told her and intended to keep that between them. The others didn't need to know. She'd told Joanne Rick and Jack could know if she wanted, plus doctors stark and Loomis, but it was between her and Michael, the guards and doctors only.
"What are you looking forward to doing most?" Mel asked, as Joanne passed Danielle a plate of breakfast.
"Thanks, Joanne. I have friends I want to see Mel; they've called me several times while I've been here, I want to acknowledge that and meet up for a coffee or something."
"Not alcohol?" Rick asked. "Come on, seriously?"
Danielle laughed. "I don't like alcohol much, but I won't be opposed to going to a bar, let them drink and I'll stick to juice!"
Everyone laughed. "Good idea!" Dave quipped. "I don't want my daughter stumbling in drunk at 4AM, thank you very much!"
"Only 4? Dad, I wasn't thinking until at least 6!"
"Even worse," Dave shuddered.
Nigel smirked. "You can always crash at mine, so dad doesn't see you," he staged whispered.
"Bloody hell," Dave sighed. "You're a bad influence on my daughter, Mr. Manning!" Everyone grinned.
"Danielle, can I borrow your phone for a second, please?" Jack asked. Danielle handed it over. "There," he said after a few moments. "You have my personal number now, shit, what have I done?"
Danielle felt a rush of love and gratitude, stood up and hugged her friend. "Thank you for protecting me so many times, Jack," she said over the lump in her throat. "I love you; I'll miss you."
"Hey now, I'm not going anywhere, Jack lowered his head, so she was touching his ears. "Me or my small ears! I'm only a call away if you need anything, ok? Love you too, you take care out there, don't cause too much mischief now, please?"
"I think you're asking the impossible," Dave muttered, and everyone snickered.
"Well yes, I know, but I had to try!"
"I'm serious, Jack," she hugged him very tightly now. "That day Dr Hazard chained me, I honestly thought I was about to have a full-on panic attack! Without you, I could very well have done."
"Oh sweetie," he soothed, holding her close. "I agree, that was bang out of order. But you would have been ok, you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
"Well said," everyone bar Michael said together, but they saw his nod.
"But you shackled me first," Danielle insisted. "You if you like… gave me a rehearsal of it. At my request yes, but if you hadn't done that…"
"Plus, Michael was right beside you," Jack spoke gently over her. "Dr Hazard really should have been more careful below ground when coming to release you from where you never should have been, shouldn't she? There's so much lethal metal down there, accidents happen so easily, as she found out!"
"That's true unfortunately," Oliver said. "She took a dying flashlight for one and told you to go ahead Rick, Jack. Very incompetent. She was almost asking for an accident, I'm afraid."
Danielle moved to hug him next but couldn't speak. Oliver seemed to realise this, because he hugged her back in silence.
Danielle thanked Rick for attending the execution with her and everything else he'd done, but when it came to Joanne's turn, she could not speak. This woman had done so much for her, there were no words. She hugged her so tightly, desperately trying not to cry. "I love you," she just managed.
"I love you too," Joanne said. "I am also a phone call only away, just as Jack and Rick have said. Me and my… um, cute? Ears!"
Next, it was Mel's turn. She immediately moved so Danielle could reach her ears, and Danielle sniffled back tears. Mel then also took Danielle's phone and input her personal number, telling her she too was only a phone call away, and all sticky out ears for her.
It was the same for Dr Stark. Danielle tried, but no words came. Her doctor hugged her gently, before repeating she too was only a call away, her work cell was with her all the time, before wiping away Danielle's falling tears.
With Adam, Danielle didn't know what to say. He seemed to understand though of course, because he just hugged her, putting her hands on his ears.
"I love you, Adam," Danielle said, then laughed shakily. "Wo, there's something I never thought I'd say!"
Adam chuckled. "Good one! You take care Danielle, ok? I'm also only a call away with my small ears and this," he whistled a little tune, "as you already know. But I do have one serious thing to talk to you about before you leave. Dave stood up and sat beside Michael, so Danielle could sit beside her DVA. "Stacey isn't here today," Adam said, reading her mind. "Or she would of course, be here too for this. She took his hand, which he squeezed. Danielle, do you know what a DV belt is?"
She considered. "I can guess," she said slowly. "Is it a belt full of stuff to protect someone from DV? Or any attack?"
"Spot on," Adam said. "Well, I have got you one, it's not a present, it's to keep you safe! We both know DV is no joke! I'm not looking at you, Michael, as you know, but just… just in case."
Danielle couldn't help it and hugged him again. Michelle flashed across her mind, and she knew Adam was thinking the same thing. Though his face remained expressionless, Hughes was sure Michael was too. He could see softness in the killer's eyes when he looked at him. Adam smiled at Michael.
"Thank you, Adam," Danielle said sincerely. "God, how ironic! It was a guy named Adam I would've loved to protect myself from, then a genuinely good Adam helps protect me!" Hughes chuckled, squeezing her again.
"Right until the last I couldn't," Danielle said quietly. "Jesus! He would not have given up! You know, I don't even trust what he said to you, Michael. "I won't touch her, I know she's yours and I've lost, just let me live!" He was lying, I know it! First chance he got, he would have tried again, I'm certain of it!"
"I'm not," Adam, Rick and Jack said together.
"With Michael Myers as his enemy?" Joanne, Dr Stark and Mel finished.
"Ok," Danielle smiled a little. "Point taken."
"We'll never know," Oliver said. "But I understand both sides of this."
"Me too," Danielle nodded.
"So," Adam continued. "Yes, you are correct, that's exactly what a DV belt is. You can only get them from a DVA, or a DV hub. So, this is what it feels like." He handed her a belt made of surprisingly thick leather, with compartments and pouches all over it.
"It's much more sophisticated than it looks," Adam said. "First, I must authorise your fingerprint into it with an ap only DV's can access, which means only you can remove it, you or anyone else you authorise through me. Michael," he added with a smile. "I need your hand, please my man?"
Michael approached them, and Adam took first Danielle's fingerprint, then his. With two soft beeps, the ap authorised them. Next, Dave, Nigel, Rick, Jack and Joanne.
"I won't," Mel said. "Just in case. You don't want too many people. Plus, you might need a tester from the other side. That's me or Dr Stark!"
"I can take it off too," Adam said. "Because I initiated setup. But only I can, no other DVA can, not even Stacey. Ok, care to put it on?"
Danielle wrapped the belt around her waist and secured the heavy buckle. The buckle beeped once. "It's set," Adam said. "Secure. Ok, so now onto what's in it."
"Can anyone else touch it? Like, remove stuff from it?"
"No, because it recognises your fingerprint, thus your DNA. Only Michael and the rest of us you've authorised can do so."
"What happens if…" Danielle began, but Mel had already approached her and tried to open one of the compartments. She reeled back, hitting the desk. "Jesus! It tases you! That's neat, and fuck it hurts!"
"Bloody hell," Nigel whistled, helping Mel back to her seat and passing her a cup of water. "Thank you," Mel smiled at him.
"Ok, so, the compartments," Adam continued, smiling at Mel, who was rapidly regaining her colour. "Go ahead and open them."
Danielle did so. She found a rape alarm, rape whistle as backup, pepper spray, and an area for her phone, which she knew was a secure case she'd told them about before. "What code do you want?" Asked Adam.
Danielle considered. "7758," she said eventually. Adam nodded and keyed it into the ap. The belt beeped again.
"There's also the same area for your money and cards," Joanne said.
"Correct," Adam said. "Same code for that too?"
"I'm not sure," Danielle said slowly. "If they have the same code for one, they do for both."
"Smart thinking," Adam smiled at her. "I was going to say that, but you beat me to it. Code for your wallet?"
"Jesus, I hate thinking of codes and passwords," Danielle grinned. "I know, 1057."
"Nice," everyone smiled at her, then Michael. His year and birth month.
Before Danielle could ask, Mel approached them again, keyed in the code to the phone compartment, which opened, and removed Danielle's phone from it. She then did the same with Danielle's wallet. "Hmm, security risk?" She frowned.
"Not really Mel," Adam said. "You have to know the code first, and people out to hurt Danielle would not."
"I see what you mean though," Nigel said. "Mel can't open the other compartments but can that one just with the code. Doesn't seem as secure as the others."
"I get you," Adam nodded. "Maybe a slight design floor yes, but they would still need to know the code first."
"I'd have made the pad fingerprint sensitive too," Dave mused. Mel put Danielle's phone and wallet back in the belt, closing the compartments.
"What's this?" Danielle asked, opening another pouch.
"Ah. That is a discrete alarm, it goes off silently inside your nearest DV hub. The belt has GPS built into it but can also use your phone's. You can press it if you're in trouble and don't want to alert the attackers. The DV hub will call the police immediately."
"Not according to Miss Wordsworth," Danielle muttered bitterly.
"Ah, this is different," he smiled, hugging her. "This isn't country wide; it tracks your local hub. Long story short, it basically works differently to the monitoring ap you had before. Do you still have that installed on your phone by the way?"
"No, I removed it when I got back to Smith's Grove."
"Good, because it wouldn't work now anyway. Now Dawson is deceased, you're not on the register anymore, neither is Charlotte. When she wakes up, she'll have to do the same."
"I've got her phone," Dave said quietly. "I'll uninstall it for her." Adam nodded to him.
Danielle found several empty pouches, which Adam explained could store what she wanted, they worked with the fingerprint sensor.
"The alarm is also different," Adam hugged Danielle tightly now. "Because it also goes off on both my work and personal phones. That's how much I care about the people I protect from domestic violence or violence period, Danielle! I am, as you've probably guessed, now your assigned DVA. I will know straight away if you're in trouble!"
"I love you so much Adam Hughes," Danielle could hardly speak this time. He kissed her cheek.
"You're a good man," Dave said, his voice also thick with emotion. "Thank you so much. If you need anything, please just ask me."
"Same here Adam," Nigel agreed.
"Thanks guys," Adam smiled at them.
"Just two hypothetical questions, if I may?" Danielle asked. "I don't want to walk out of here not having asked them."
"Anything," Adam said immediately.
"What if something happens to you, and you can't access my belt admin?"
"Anyone you've authorised can remove it, and you can authorise people on your phone, give it here I'll install the ap for it now. As for your first question, if I'm registered ill, deceased or something, it will pass onto another DVA. We track and check on each other a lot when working, so it would be fast. The ap might not be accessible, I'm not sure, but anyone of us will help you, of course!
"I'm sure it is," Danielle smiled at him. "It's an important ap, I'd be terribly disappointed if it isn't, considering it could be protecting my very life if I was in an abusive relationship."
"Good point," Adam agreed, taking her open phone and installing it. Danielle checked, and sure enough it was perfectly accessible.
"Uh, you know weeks ago I wouldn't have dared asked this in front of him," Danielle continued. "But let's just say hypothetically for a moment I found Michael was an abusive partner. He's got access to my belt, phone and wallet, how would I protect myself?"
"You could deauthorise him," Adam said. "Or contact me and I could do so for you. If it had to be on the quiet, just sound the silent alarm and I would text you a discrete message."
"No question is stupid," Dr Stark said.
"Indeed not," Jack agreed.
"Thank you, Adam," Danielle hugged him again. "I really, really appreciate this."
…
The next few hours were very enjoyable. The breakfast was gorgeous, and the conversation flowed easily. Nigel and Dave handed out the presents Danielle had asked them to get. She'd bought the guards, Oliver, James and the doctors' chocolates, tea and coffee, plus a new notebook each, made of real leather. Michael had two leather notebooks, two huge jars of coffee, chocolates and a picture frame, containing a picture of Danielle.
Thank you, Danielle. I love you.
"I love you too," she kissed him. "Merry Christmas, darling."
"Wow Danielle, you shouldn't have," Nigel said sternly, when Dave handed him the kettle.
"Well, I did say I know what to get you for Christmas," Danielle hugged him tightly. "I wasn't joking."
"I have a present here for you all," Dr Stark said, handing Danielle a leather photo album, containing pictures of Danielle and Michael throughout their time together. Danielle and Jack, Danielle dressed as a guard, Danielle in the electric chair.
"Thanks," Danielle hugged her again. "Please say it has a picture of Michael in his suit?"
"Oh of course," Dr Stark smiled. "I wouldn't dare forget that one!"
"I'll go through the pics with you on the flight home," Nigel promised.
When it was almost time to leave, everyone stepped out, giving Danielle and Michael privacy.
"I don't think I can do this," Danielle hugged him tightly, before sliding into his lap. "I'm going to miss you so much!"
He kissed her, holding her close.
Yes, you can, you're strong, remember? Also, you're going home. Be glad you're out of here, I would!
She laughed a little. "Yeah, except I'm leaving my heart behind! Roll your eyes all you like, I'm serious!"
No eye rolls here. I understand. But I'm always right here for you, day or night just call me. I love you, Danielle.
"I love you too Michael," Danielle desperately tried not to cry, but failed. "Ha, I never thought I'd say I love you Michael Myers, either!" He chuckled, wiping her tears away.
Take care, Danielle. Stay safe. We've all got your back.
"When that comes from you it carries more meaning though," she smiled a little. "You'd kill anyone who hurt me!"
This is true.
Reaching up, she gently pulled his ears, as he wiggled them and started to whistle again.
…
A short while later, Danielle, Dave and Nigel were boarding a shuttle, reaching the parking lot and climbing into their hired car, all Danielle's belongings in the trunk. She was still trying everything not to cry, as they pulled out of the gates.
"Come on D," Nigel reached over and took her hand, Dave was driving. "You'll see them all very soon, we'll make sure of that."
"Absolutely," Dave said. "You want to go? Tell us, we'll arrange it."
"Plus," Nigel said. "Mom, Charlotte and Colin are looking forward to seeing you." At this, Danielle did smile.
…
"Wow, a private jet is awesome!" Danielle grinned as they went straight through security. Their bags were briefly checked, and they were boarding less than 5 minutes later.
"I know, right?" Nigel hugged her.
"Danielle, Dave, Nigel," James' voice came over the intercom. "This is your captain and friend James Conway speaking. On behalf of Smith's Grove State Hospital, I wish to welcome you aboard this private return flight to Haddonfield Airport, lasting approximately 55 minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts, pay careful attention to the safety video, then relax and enjoy the flight. After take-off,you can help yourselves to the refreshment trolley, situated in the middle of the aircraft cabin. Thank you. Sorry, I meant cake off!" Everyone laughed, as the intercom clicked off.
…
Bitch is on her way home, I have an insider at the airport in Haddonfield who saw schedule. Men awaiting my say so.
Edward Dawson read the note that had somehow been smuggled into his cell and smiled with satisfaction. Danielle Hayward may think she was safe now, but he would soon show her she still wasn't. With Myers locked up in Smith's Grove over 3 hours away by car, he wouldn't get anywhere near him or Hayward's attackers. Yes, this was working out just perfectly.
…
"We are approaching Haddonfield airport and beginning our descent. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing. Thank you. Welcome home, Danielle."