Adam walked fast towards his car, fighting the emotion which was threatening to take over him. Panic. He knew what he had to do, he had promised Danielle he was her assigned DVA, and God help him, he'd keep that promise! So, he had to get to Haddonfield as soon as he could, bearing in mind it was a three-hour drive. He'd told Dr Loomis where he was going, and the doctor had nodded immediately. "Some of us might not be far behind you," he'd said simply. Adam was just about to unlock his vehicle, when he saw it. He looked once, then a second time, to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him. They weren't.
Right in front of him stood a tall man, in an instantly recognisable, deathly white, pale mask. But that wasn't the worst of it. Because even at a distance, Adam could see the huge knife in the killer's pocket. Bad. How the fuck had he got hold of it, and his mask? But straight away, Adam realised he didn't want to know the answer to those questions.
"Michael," Adam Hughes breathed, and despite everything he and Michael had gone through, terror threatened to take hold at the sight of that mask, not to mention huge knife.
Of course, Michael was angry, Hughes understood this, because so was he. But if he started wondering how the holy fuck Michael Myers had got out of the block, he knew he'd go insane. To his surprise, Myers raised his notepad to him, but the words sent ice into his heart.
I am going to Haddonfield, do not try to stop me. Consider that a warning, Adam. I do not want to hurt you, so if you wish to avoid this outcome, do not try. I am taking your vehicle, you can either come with me, or you are losing your vehicle.
"Shit," Adam breathed, trying not to panic. He knew when Michael Myers said he was doing something, stopping him was not only impossible, but deadly, too. Despite the killer's cold warning, Adam couldn't help noticing how Myers gave him those few seconds he needed, to consider his options, and he appreciated that. After a moment, he gave the killer a small nod of thanks for this fact. "Ok, I'm with you."
He climbed into the driver's seat, and Michael took the passengers. Taking a deep breath, Adam started the engine. He knew better than to even attempt to call the guards to apprehend Myers, he didn't want to die for even trying to do so. Glancing out of his window however, he saw Joanne, Rick, Jack and Dr Loomis running towards the car. "Please," Adam begged Michael. "Don't put that knife to my neck, please, I… I'm not going to do anything to help them." I… I'm almost as angry as you, plus, I… I don't want to die tonight!"
Dr Loomis pulled open the passenger door and looked at his patient, whose eyes were so cold, Dr Loomis felt himself shiver. "Are you ok, Adam?" He asked quietly.
Hughes nodded. "I… We're going," he said softly. "I can't stop Michael, and to be honest with you, I don't want to die trying!"
There was a brief silence, before the psychiatrist spoke again. "I won't either. Just… Michael, please, just be… be careful."
…
"Oh, my fucking God," Oliver Cutter said in horror, watching the video of the attack. Michael had sent it to Dr Loomis' phone. "Poor, poor thing, will they ever, ever leave her be?"
"I know," Dr Loomis' tone was heavy. "Sir, I… I don't know how to say this."
"Sam, call me Oliver."
"Thanks, Oliver. Well, Michael… he…"
"Say no more," Oliver said softly. "He's… he's got out, hasn't he?" Dr Loomis nodded.
"He's taken Adam's car, kind of almost taken Adam hostage. They've just left for Haddonfield now. I get the impression that if Adam hadn't gone willingly, Michael would've taken his vehicle, and if Adam had tried to stop him… Well, you know."
"I do, very well," the CEO smiled grimly. "I'm going to call James right now and see if he can fly Joanne and I down there tonight."
Dr Loomis opened his mouth, then closed it again, unable to speak. Truth be told, he didn't know what to say. The CEO wasn't doing this to have Michael recaptured, he was doing it for Danielle. Affection swelled in Dr Loomis' heart.
"Thank you, Oliver," he smiled at his boss. "You're a good man."
"As are you, Sam," Oliver smiled back at him. "Don't you ever forget that. Leave this with me, I'm on the case."
…
"Mr. Manning, can you hear me? Nigel?"
It was a struggle to open his eyes, the voice sounding like it was coming down a tunnel a million miles away. When he finally managed it, he was momentarily confused. He blinked, looking at the woman beside him, then the hospital bed he was lying on. "Nigel?" The nurse said gently again.
It was then it crashed over him like a tidal wave. He'd been on a walk with Danielle and Jodie, those men… the attack…
"FUCK!" He shouted the single word, bolting up. "Where… where the fuck is she?"
"It's alright," the nurse murmured, gently pushing him back down. "She's ok, she's in a room a few doors away. She's alright, just cuts and bruises. By all accounts, she defended herself very well."
"What… What happened?" Nigel croaked, desperate for answers.
"Nigel, babes?" Another female voice said, and this one he recognised. Jodie. Almost running to the bed, she threw her arms around him. "Oh, my fucking God, are you ok?"
"Jodie, what… what happened?"
Jodie lowered her voice, as the nurse stepped out to give them privacy. "Fucking bastards knocked you out with one punch, bet you've got a seriously bad headache right now?"
"The worst," he muttered. "But Jodie, where's… where is she?"
"It's alright," Jodie murmured, still holding him close. "She's conscious, talking and not too badly hurt. Damn, she's one dangerous and seriously awesome bitch! She sprayed one of those fuckers right in the fucking eyes with her pepper spray. Asshole was about to rape her! Danielle Myers whooped his fucking ass! I… I stabbed the one who punched you in the side. He's probably here too, fucking asshole!"
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door, and when Jodie opened it, Danielle entered, guided by a nurse. She looked pale and was covered in bandages, but could walk unaided, apart from the usual guidance.
It was all Nigel could do not to start crying. Despite the headache, he stood, pulling her gently and carefully into his arms. "Oh, babe, are you…"
"I'm ok grandad," she smiled lovingly at him, then kissed his cheek. "More importantly, are you?"
"More importantly?" Nigel gaped at her. "They were after you babe, not us! Stop being so fucking kind and selfless for once! Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine," she reassured him. "Just cuts and bruises."
"That was one fucking good shot with that spray," Jodie said with pride, hugging her with Nigel, so the three were in a group, tight hug. "Right in the fucking eyes!"
"Good!"
"Guys?" The door opened, and now both did start to cry. Because the doctor who'd just entered the room, was none other than Dr Merrick. Approaching her bed, the doctor lowered his voice. "Or should I say, Mrs. Myers? Congratulations, Jodie told me. I'm so happy for you and Michael. But… are you ok?"
"Dr Merrick!" "Meant in the nicest possible way, I… I'm sorry to see you again!"
Dr Merrick chuckled, squeezing her hand. "No offence taken. But, please tell me. Are you, ok?"
"Everything hurts like a motherfucker," she admitted. "Jesus! I feel like I just got hit by a fucking train!"
"You as good as fucking did!" Jodie snarled. "Those fuckers were huge!"
"Your father's here," Dr Merrick said. "He showed me the video. I'm so, so sorry. It was Dawson again, wasn't it?"
"Well, yes, just not the Adam in the Dawson family this time, but the Edward."
"Yes," the doctor nodded. "I heard about Adam's… um… demise. Decapitation, huh? Not… not the way one normally dies. Would you agree with me on that, Mrs. Myers?"
She smiled again and nodded, showing him he was bang on the money.
"Where is dad?"
"Right here darling girl," Dave's voice said, as he ran towards her, Emma right beside him.
"Oh my darling, are you, ok? Will they ever just leave you the fuck alone?"
Her mouth dropped open. She had never, ever heard her mother swear. "It does happen," Emma said, holding her so tightly, it hurt.
"Oh, mom, I'm ok, I promise, just cuts and bruises.
"She was fucking amazing Emma," Jodie said. "Pepper sprayed that fucker right in the fucking eyes!"
"I saw!" The pride in Emma's voice was unmistakable. "Good! That fucker deserved it."
"That was one seriously good stab Jodie," Dave said quietly. "Michael recorded the whole thing; I've got the video. Straight in the fucking side. Awesome! I think Michael would be proud of that one!"
Jodie's eyes darkened with anger. "Fucker deserved it. Too bad I couldn't get the rest of them! Were they caught?"
"Yes," Dave confirmed. "Well, two of them were. The police caught up with them minutes later. Masks or not and a fake number plate, they were too slow to escape, too busy trying to…" he paused, clearing his throat. Jodie ran forward and hugged him tightly. "Rape our daughter," he finished thickly.
"I know," Jodie soothed. "God, I almost wish I had killed that guy!"
At that moment, her phone rang. Adam. Groping for it on her hospital table, she answered. "Hey, Adam! Thank you so much for calling!" In the background, she heard the soft purr of a car's engine.
"Dave texted me, as soon as he knew you were awake. Are you, ok?"
"I fucking adore you Adam Hughes! You saved my fucking life! It's thanks to you the police got there so fast and caught two of those bastards! I… I can't thank you enough!"
"I told you I'd protect you," Hughes said simply. "But here's the thing. I'm on my way down to Haddonfield as we speak, I must make sure you're ok with my own eyes. The… the thing is, I… I'm not alone."
The group all gasped as one, immediately understanding. Possibly due to her head injury however, she wasn't so quick to. "Huh?"
"Well," Hughes said, his voice shaking now. "No way in fucking hell was I going to stop your husband, when he informed me, he was getting to Haddonfield one way or the other, and said he was taking my vehicle. I could either go with him quietly, lose my car, or if I tried to stop him…"
"Holy Jesus," Nigel breathed.
"I think that's why he isn't texting you right now, he's…"
"Angry." Dave said softly.
"Oh fuck," Danielle realised she was shaking. Dave and Jodie drew her close with Emma, the three holding her lovingly and protectively.
"Not with you," Jodie reassured her. "No way!"
"Oh, hell no," Adam said immediately.
The door opened again, as Colin, and Tim ran in. "Dr Merrick's just told us you're awake," Colin panted, running to his sister. "We were in Charlotte's room. "Oh babes, are you…" He was crying, she realised.
"Cole, oh Cole come here," she pulled him close. "I'm alright, just cuts and bruises and I have a concussion, but I'm ok."
"Those motherfucking bastards!" Colin broke down completely, almost slumping to the ground as he sobbed his heart out, holding her as tightly as he dared, given her injuries.
"Shh," she soothed her brother. "Oh Colin, darling, I'll be ok."
"You fucking kicked ass," he sobbed. "You fuckers are tangling with the wrong bitches? Fuck yes! Danielle Myers is not a fucking push over!"
She started stroking his back, then kissed his cheek several times, trying to calm his desperate pain and anguish. "It was my fault," she said quietly. "I needed air, and…"
"Shut up!"
It took her a second to realise who'd spoken. Adam. "No, it fucking is not! You have every right to take a walk if you need one, you are fucking not to blame! That's Dawson all over again! That fucking abusive asshole made you think if something happened to you, it was your fault! It's a lie, Danielle Myers! A fucking lie! You needed air, those motherfuckers attacked! How in God's name is that your fault? Don't ever, ever let us hear you say that again! I don't think your husband would like that! Got that?"
"Well fucking said Adam!" Jodie, Dave, Emma, Tim and Nigel all said together.
"Uh, well that's me told," she said, affection for Adam Hughes nearly choking her throat. "Thank you, I love you, Adam! Hell, I fucking adore you!"
"I you," Adam said, and she almost started crying. Hughes sounded close to tears. "Now please, tell us. One, where are you right now? Two, what injuries do you have?"
"Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Cuts, bruises and a concussion," she admitted, now slumping back onto the bed, as a dizziness threatened to take over. "Oh, and I feel sick!"
Someone must've jabbed the call button, as seconds later, a nurse entered. "We need a bowl," Jodie said. "I think she's about to throw up!"
"Here sweetheart," the nurse murmured, running back in and handing her the bowl. She took several deep breaths, as her mother stroked her hair, but ultimately lost the battle, emptying the contents of her stomach into it, before starting to cry.
"Oh darling," Emma, Colin and Dave, all held her, as she now let her tears out. She heard someone else sobbing too then, and her heart swelled with so much love, it was almost painful. Nigel was full-on crying.
Jodie ran to him, holding him tightly. "It's my fucking fault if anything," Nigel Manning sobbed, tears flowing down his cheeks. "I didn't protect you well enough, I…"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" she shouted now, running to her grandfather. "YOU DID, I WAS THE ONE WHO DIDN'T WANT TO BE FUCKING TOUCHED! IF ANYTHING, THAT PART IS My FAULT! I WAS SO FUCKING ANGRY, THAT JUST LIKE JODIE SAID, I COULDN'T, DIDN'T, THINK STRAIGHT! DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE BLAME YOURSELF MANNING, OR I SERIOUSLY FUCKING WILL ASK Michael TO TALK WITH YOU!"
"Well fucking said!" Dave growled, as Danielle hugged Nigel as tightly as she could.
Nigel sobbed without restraint into her shoulder. "Fuck, I love you! I love you so fucking much, I didn't protect you against Adam, and…"
I, SAID, SHUT, UP!" she yelled against his shoulder. Then, she lowered her voice. "I'd fucking die for you Nigel Manning, don't you fucking ever forget that! Didn't protect me? Bullshit! You saved my fucking life! Sledgehammer, garage? Or don't you remember?"
"Again, well fucking said!" This time, it was Jodie who spoke. Slowly, Nigel stood, and her heart now did break. Nigel Manning was shaking uncontrollably. "Shh, oh grandad, shh," she desperately tried to comfort him, in his terrible anguish.
"It's none of your faults," Hughes said, gently this time. "You wanted a walk; Jodie wanted you to be safe, Nigel wanted to protect you. The only fault here, lies with those violent bastards!"
"Right," Dave nodded.
…
"Joanne, we're leaving in fifteen minutes."
Joanne looked up at Oliver, through very red eyes. He'd told her they were flying down to Haddonfield, the two of them. Joanne could hardly believe just how kind, caring and compassionate this man was.
"Yes Sir," she nodded, still trying to wipe away her tears.
"I'm not, "Sir," Oliver said firmly, pulling her into a hug. "I'm Oliver, Joanne."
The guard had just had time to go home and pack a bag for a couple of days away, then return to Smith's Grove. Moments later, she and the CEO himself were in a Smith's Grove car, being driven fast to the airport. They even turned the sirens on.
…
"Can we go home tonight, Nigel and I?" Danielle asked Dr Merrick when he returned. The doctor hesitated.
"You both have a quite serious concussion, I'm not sure I'm prepared to do that."
"Please," she pleaded. "I… I can't stay here, not again! I promise you I'll come back if it gets bad. Please, Dr Merrick?"
Nigel nodded. "Me too, Dr Merrick."
The doctor sighed. "I don't know…"
"I know you only care," she pulled him into a hug now, for the very first time. "You were fabulous last time Dr Merrick, and I have nothing but trust and respect for you. The care you are providing to Charlotte is nothing short of world class, and we thank you for that with all our hearts! But I promise you, I'm ok. Yes, I feel a little sick, but I will let someone keep an eye on me, I won't sleep for a while, I… I'm ok, Dr Merrick."
The doctor sighed again, hugging her back gently. "Stubborn, aren't you? Just please let me do one more scan on both of you, then… then we'll see, ok?"
"Got it Doc!"
A few minutes later, there was a soft knock on the room door. When Dave opened it and Danielle heard the voice of the new arrival, her mouth dropped open in shock, affection and gratitude.
"Can you ever stay out of trouble?" Before she was being hugged tightly, but carefully yet again, by none other, than Alan Goodwin.
…
"Mr. Cutter, sorry, Oliver, Joanne, before take-off, please pay careful attention to the safety video, then… well, I normally say, "Enjoy the flight," here, but… um, just… just sit tight, and I'll have you both at Haddonfield airport as soon as possible."
Joanne smiled affectionately at the cockpit door. James Conway was a good man. If her ears weren't deceiving her, and she was sure they weren't, he was close to tears too.
"Oliver," she said quietly, as the plane taxied forward, and the safety video had concluded. "If… if Michael had just waited, would he be aboard this aircraft with us right now?"
There was a short silence, before Oliver answered, his tone completely serious. "Yes. I have more life to live yet, thank you very much!"
…
"We… we can't take phones into the scanners," Nigel said nervously to Adam, just before he and Danielle were taken down for them.
"I know," Hughes said. "So, please give the phone to someone else, and please… I'm begging you, don't hang up? I… I don't want to die today!"
…
"Fine," Dr Merrick sighed again, looking at the results forty-five minutes later. "You can both go home, just please, please be careful! I'm doing this against my better judgement, don't make me regret it! Stay inside, safe, still. No stupid exploits, ok? If either or both of you start feeling unwell, come back in immediately, driven by a member of your family! Don't you dare drive, Nigel! I mean it!"
"I love you, Dr Merrick, thank you."
"You're one tough cookie," he hugged her back. "Just… just don't overdo it! Please!"
"We'll keep an eye on them," Jodie promised.
"Yeah, she's not kidding," Nigel and Danielle said together.
"Thank you, Jodie." Dr Merrick said. "Ok, in the nicest possible way, and before I change my mind, get out of here!"
A few minutes later, they were in Dave's car, as they, Tim and Colin drove home. She too, didn't dare hang up, she wouldn't have done, without Adam's words. Plus, she understood completely.
When they got there, the two sat in the living room with Jodie, who refused to leave their sides, giving them constant tea and coffee to keep them awake. "Don't you dare go to sleep," she warned multiple times.
…
Joanne, Oliver, we are now beginning our descent into Haddonfield airport. Please fasten your seatbelts if you haven't already and prepare for landing. Thank you."
…
"We… We're nearly in Haddonfield," Hughes said two hours later.
"Oh, shit!" She breathed to Nigel. "Should I… should I go out there, intercept them? Just… just in case?"
Alan Goodwin had also followed the group home, and he too was still with them.
"Oh, Jesus Christ!" Colin murmured, going white as marble.
Goodwin smiled humourlessly. "Exactly," he said simply.
"How's Peters reacting to this? I hope to God he's not planning to pull me back in… not now! Now, I really am a victim, even if he didn't believe I was before," she spat the last few words in utter hatred.
"I hope to fuck he's in a fucking underground bunker," Colin said quietly. "Not… not that it would stop Michael Myers!"
…
Danielle must have, despite Dr Merrick's command, dozed off. Because next thing she knew, she was sure she heard someone scream. She started up, Nigel doing likewise. "What the fuck was that?"
"He…" Colin entered the room, his face white as marble. Adam had only hung up the phone when Michael had left his vehicle and had now joined the family at the house. "He's outside, he just… Oh fucking Jesus… I…" Jodie pulled Colin close, as he was shaking like a leaf.
"No," she said in panic, standing automatically. "Please… please don't tell me Michaels just killed someone?"
"One of your attackers…" Goodwin hesitated. "Dared to come back, they must have followed you here, or…" he glared at the wall. "That motherfucker Dawson, Edward that is, told them where you live! He… he just…"
"Met Michael Myers," Adam sounded as if he was about to faint.
"No," Colin said quietly, breathing fast, almost hyperventilating. "Michael hasn't… killed yet, but he's… he's close!"
"I have to get out there!" She almost ran for the front door. "I'm the only one who can calm his rage, you all know that!"
"Sis…" Colin began, grabbing her arm.
"She's right." It was their father who spoke, his tone resigned. "She must, Cole. I don't like it either, but she is indeed the only one who can calm her husband. Please, she's closest to him, they've been through so much. Let her go."
Very, very slowly, Colin released his sister's arm. She threw open the door and almost ran out, feeling a rush of affection when silently, Jodie and Tim followed her.
…
It wasn't long before they all heard the ear-splitting howl of pain again. Breaking into a run, she this time being guided by Tim, they ran as fast as they could towards it.
"Oh fuck, Jesus!" Tim stopped dead, and they all heard the calm, steady breathing from behind the deathly white mask.
"Babes," Jodie whispered, even she was shaking now, and that took something big to achieve. Jodie Craig was hard as nails, just as Danielle had discovered six years ago. "Michael… he has one of those assholes by the throat, and he's bleeding very heavily. Michaels clearly stabbed him a shit load of times. Call out, and he'll hear you." As if on cue, they heard the terrible, unmistakable squelch of blood, followed by a death gargle.
"I… I can't," Tim released her arm. "I… I'm sorry…"
"Hey, there's a killer in front of us," Adam murmured, touching Tim's arm. "I get it completely, Tim."
"Adam and I will do it," Jodie said, her tone making it perfectly clear that, while scared, she would not listen to arguments.
"Thanks, a fucking bunch Craig," Adam said, but with a slight grin. Jodie and Adam took her hands, as she stepped forward towards her silent, dangerous, and right now terrifying husband. She, however, felt surprisingly calm. She trusted Michael Myers implicitly, and she knew exactly what she had to do. When Jodie squeezed her arm, she called out.
"MICHAEL, DARLING, I'M HERE! PLEASE, STOP! DON'T KILL HIM! I'M RIGHT HERE, SWEETHEART, PLEASE, CONTROL IT!"
Immediately, she heard her husband's calm breathing right in front of her, and just as Rick had done although she didn't know it, with no fear or hesitation, she pulled him into her arms. Instantly his arms closed around her, his grip tight as iron, almost suffocating. She had to struggle to breathe. She now could not stop herself shivering. This was the grip he used when all she was doing, was calming his rage. Did he even know it was her? She wouldn't bet on it just then.
The man Michael had stabbed slumped to the concrete, blood now coming from his mouth. It was clear, that unless he got medical help incredibly quickly, he indeed was a dead man, even without Michael finishing the job.
"You are a fucking asshole," Jodie fumed. "I'm fucking tempted to kill you myself! Maybe someone will call you an ambulance, but it sure as fuck won't be us!
"We… we can't just leave him to die, Jodie! If we can… prevent it, we have to."
"You're a better fucking woman than me," Jodie growled. "At least Danielle Myers fucking cares, and she's the one you assaulted! No wonder Michael Myers of all men loves her, that woman has a heart of fucking gold! Tim, call EMS?"
"Got it," Tim said, sounding as though he was either about to throw up, or cry. She couldn't and wouldn't blame him for either reaction.
"Sweetheart," Adam murmured. "Are… are you, ok?"
She smiled a little. "Yeah, just hoping to fuck what he told me is true and works! You guys should get out of…"
"HELL, FUCKING, NO!" Jodie shouted.
"No fucking way," Adam said, his voice soft. "We said we'd never leave you, we meant it."
"Please at least step back?" She pleaded. "I know Michael promised, but…"
The other three nodded. "You're his wife," Tim said simply. "Only you can reach him right now."
"Exactly," she almost whispered. "So, please, don't… don't take any risks."
Together, Adam, Tim and Jodie grabbed the probably fatally injured man, pulling him down the street and away from Michael Myers. She understood. If Michael was seen right now, in his mask and armed with a huge knife… well, she knew what would happen alright.
"Sweetheart," she breathed. "It's me, your wife. I'm here, darling, I'm here! You didn't kill that man, well fucking done! You stopped when you saw and/or heard me, and I'm so, so fucking proud of you for that! Please, at least give me a sign you can hear me. Please, Michael? I love you!" Nothing. Did she dare move?
"Mr. Myers," her father's voice shook uncontrollably, as he and Colin appeared. "Please man, for fuck's sake, at least… get in this house?"
"Someone grab my arm!" she whispered; her tone urgent. Immediately, one of them did so, though she didn't know who. She took a hesitant step forward, and her husband's arms tightened painfully, pulling her violently back to him.
"Please babes," she breathed, her own voice shaking. "It… it's to keep you safe. "Please… trust us! We're your family, we love you, we'd never let you down. We're… we're trying to protect you! Please, Sir…"
"Oh babes," Jodie said, and it was clear from her voice she was in tears. "Please, don't call your husband, "Sir," I know he's absolutely fucking terrifying right now, but I also know that's the last thing he'd want you to call him."
"Right," Adam murmured. "Again, well fucking said, Jodie."
When whoever was guiding her moved again, Michael didn't release her, his grip as tight as ever, but this time, he followed.
They entered the house, and she suddenly felt all the strength leave her, as she slumped against the hallway wall. "Oh shit," she said, her voice shaking badly.
"Are you, ok?" Jodie and Dave asked urgently.
"Dizzy," she lowered her head. "Fuck!"
"I don't think that's the concussion," Colin said, totally serious. "That's adrenaline, sis! Fuck, you're fucking amazing!"
A soft chair was pushed behind her, and she slumped into it, her husband's grip still tight, tense iron. His breathing remained calm, steady, and it was clear she still had a long way to go. "Please get me some water?" She asked, and Jodie handed her a glass of it seconds later.
"Maybe," Dave suggested. "Show him your injuries. If… when, he sees they are indeed not… that bad, it… it might… help."
She laughed humourlessly. "Do you really believe that dad?"
"Well, no," Dave whispered.
"But anything's worth a try," Goodwin finished.
"Hey!" Jodie exclaimed suddenly. "Got it! Kiss him! Or pull his ears, like you did before!"
"I can't get to his ears," she said. "The mask…" Taking a breath, she leant into her husband's muscular and tense body, feeling something wet against her face, and knowing all too well what it was.
Blood. She didn't have to be told he was covered in it.
Fighting off the impulsion to throw up again, she ignored it, focusing on her adoration for the man holding her. This was Michael Myers, her husband, and she would die before she walked away now, even to another room, when he needed her the most. She felt someone gently wipe the blood from her face with a warm, wet cloth. Reaching up on her toes, she gently pressed her lips to the rubber ones of the mask, the first time she'd ever done so.
With a flash of memory, she remembered how she'd asked him if his mask had ears, and his response. "Yes, it has artificial ears. I'm guessing you want to feel them now?"
Well, right here, now, months later, she was about to do just that. Reaching up, she touched the rubber ears, desperately trying to communicate to her husband. "Darling," she pleaded. "Michael, please…"
Dave, Emma, Jodie, Colin, Nigel, Tim, Adam and Alan all gasped as one, as very, very slowly, Michael finally slipped the knife into his pocket. Dave felt a rush of pride for his son-in-law. He'd never once put the knife against his daughter's skin, which he so easily could've done.
"Yes," Jodie breathed. "You're getting through to him, D! He just pocketed his knife!"
Gently, she touched the ears again, then a third time.
At that exact moment, there was a knock on the front door. When Dave opened it, he almost started crying. It was Oliver Cutter, and Joanne Turner. "Be very, very careful," he warned, as the two stepped in. "Fuck, thank you! Thank you so much for coming so… so fast, hell, for coming at all!"
"Of course, we would," Joanne murmured, as she and Oliver looked at Michael, holding Danielle very, very tightly, it didn't look loving at all.
"Shit," the CEO breathed. "Is he… is anyone… dead?"
"No," Colin shook his head. "Danielle stopped him! Fucking kicks ass, my sister!"
She was still murmuring soothing words to her husband, which they could not hear, and didn't try to. This was as private as it could possibly get between them.
"Come in," Dave murmured, pulling them into the kitchen instead of the living room. Without a word, the others followed them.
…
"Babes, it's alright, I'm here. This house only contains people who love you, please, it's ok, I'm here for you, just as I promised I would be on our wedding day. Come on sweetheart, you've accomplished so much, not to mention not killing that man tonight! Don't think we haven't all noticed! I'm ok darling, just cuts and bruises. I know that doesn't excuse them, I'm not trying to do that, but it could have been so… so much worse. That man will be arrested when he gets to the hospital, there is no proof it was you. What? He's just going to be carried in there and say, "It was Michael Myers?" I don't think so babe, there are no enemies around now, no one here deserves to die, we all love you, Michael Myers! Our family, plus Adam, Alan, and now Oliver and Joanne! Please, Michael, can you hear me now?"
She started crying then. Because very, very slowly, Michael reached up to his face, hesitated, then removed his mask. Despite not being close enough to hear, the round of applause from the kitchen told her everyone had seen him do it.
"That applause is for you, Michael," she whispered, leaning up again and without any hesitation, kissing her husband's real lips, then gently taking hold of his ears. "I'm here," she said again. "It's alright, sweetheart. It's ok."
Just as slowly, Michael loosened his tight grip on her. She didn't move, just kissed him again, very gently pulling his ears. "Shh," she soothed. "Shh, my darling, it's all over now. I am so, so fucking proud of you, Michael Myers! That was fucking amazing! Well done!"
She broke down completely, when he finally, ever so slightly wiggled his ears. Danielle Myers led her husband into the kitchen, as he still held her, but this time close, loving. Everyone applauded again, as she gently pushed him into a chair, and finally, he released her, taking his seat.
"Well fucking done Michael," Dave said, stepping forward and, he too not hesitating, grasped and shook his son-in-law's hand. "Well fucking done my man! You would never have done that previously! That was fucking amazing! Great job, Michael Myers!"
"Well said!" everyone chorused, applauding Michael for a third time. She opened her mouth, but clearly, someone in the room was already one step ahead of her or a mind reader, She heard the kettle and a few seconds later, a steaming coffee was pushed into Michael's hand. Jodie stepped forward, sat in the chair beside Michael's, pulled him close tightly, and very, very slowly, one of Michael's arms closed around her, pulling Jodie Craig close to him. Emma sat on his other side, also hugging her son-in-law, who held her with his other arm. Taking her cue, she stepped out.
"Joanne!" She hugged Joanne tightly, then Oliver. "Thank you for coming down here, not to mention so fucking fast!"
"First things first," Joanne said. "Are you, ok? I want to have a look at you!" while saying those last words, her tone was stern, and she knew this wasn't a request. For one of very few times, Joanne Turner was giving her a command, and she wasn't going to disobey it. She loved and respected this woman to the death.
"Yes boss," she said completely seriously, taking Joanne's hand and leading her up the stairs. She was touched beyond words, when she heard Oliver speaking softly to Michael, but couldn't hear what was being said. Nor did she want to. This was between her husband, and the CEO alone.
…
"Fucking assholes!" Joanne fumed, as Danielle took off all her clothes and stood naked in front of her, showing her bandages as they stood in her bedroom. "Michael showed us the video and… fuck! I'm so sorry! Don't worry, I fully intend to give Nigel the biggest hug ever in just a minute."
With a jolt of realisation, she understood why. Now, two people had been knocked out to protect her. First Joanne, now Nigel. "Thanks," she said sincerely. "Nigel's devastated." She hugged her former guard and now dear friend tightly.
"What did Dr Merrick say?" Joanne asked, gently helping her redress.
"He said Nigel and I both have a concussion, but he let us go home, if we were careful. We knew Michael was on his way, and…" she trailed off.
"Yeah, all of us at Smith's Grove are super fucking proud of you and Michael for what just happened," Joanne said, in tears now. "I'll tell him so too! You worked as husband and wife there, and, as dangerous as it was, fuck it was beautiful to witness!"
"I adore that man! I love him so fucking much. I'd die for him, Joanne. If he'd turned that knife on me, I'd have taken it!"
"That's what made it so beautiful," Joanne hugged her close, as they both cried. "We know and believe that! That said, he would never, ever have done that, ever! I wish you could've seen the look in his eyes when he finally was calm. It was so… loving! It was just after he took his mask off, and you kissed him for real."
A little while later, the two women went back downstairs and immediately, Michael pulled his wife into his arms. This time though, she could feel nothing but love in his embrace. "Please excuse us?" she asked, now leading her husband towards the stairs.
"Of course," Oliver said softly.
…
"Darling," she murmured, as they entered her room. She had never, ever dreamed Michael would be here, though she knew it wouldn't last. Of course, it couldn't. But right here, right now, she was going to treasure every second. "Are you, ok now?" Michael sighed, kissed her and finally pulled out his phone.
The others are correct, you are amazing, not to mention fearless.
"Darling, you're my husband, I…"
No, don't say that. Don't say you're not afraid of me. I know damn well that's not true, not earlier tonight! But the way you must have acted when… when I was… you know, that took courage.
"Wo, hang on a second Mr. Myers," she said firmly, hugging him fiercely. "I think we're forgetting something, or rather someone here! You were amazing! We all know you could've ignored me, could've killed that guy, but you didn't! Once again, don't give me all the credit here babes, a fucking lot belongs to you!" She kissed him again, passionately this time.
"Did…" She had to ask him. "Did you… did you hear me call you, you know, the S word?"
No. Oh sweetheart, you didn't, did you?
Now, it was his turn to draw her close, kissing her repeatedly.
"I… it slipped out," she admitted. "I… ok, maybe I was scared! I…"
"Shh," her husband whispered, gently pushing her down onto her bed and starting to remove her clothes, so he could see her injuries, and the bandages covering them.
"Are you… Are you sure that's…" she began.
"Shh," he whispered again, kissing her softly. She understood. He was calm, it wouldn't affect him that way now. When he was done, he eased her back onto her bed and removed his own clothes, slipping in beside her.
"Oh, Michael," she was close to tears. "I've wanted this for so long, how I wish…"
"Shh, my wife." She understood what he was but wasn't saying. Here, now, they were together in her own bed, and he didn't want her thinking about when he wasn't there. In truth, that was the last thing she wanted to think about. So, right then, she didn't.
…
"Should…" Colin began hesitantly. "Should someone at least warn that asshole Peters? Not that I want to, but Danielle's right. Morally if nothing else, we probably should?"
"No!" Goodwin said immediately. "Think about it, Colin. Doing so would be a very, very bad idea! He'd have Michael arrested instantly, and it would break her heart! He'd be transferred to Glass Hill before we could blink. No, I think she has this under control. As I said to you earlier tonight, Danielle Myers has this under control, spectacularly."