Just before Danielle closed her eyes, she heard several bedroom doors softly closing, then the main front door. She wondered who was staying in the house, and who was staying nearby.
She snuggled into her husband's arms again, desperately trying not to think about what she knew would have to happen later that day, Michael would have to return to Smith's Grove. That said, she couldn't hold back the flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, the fact he hadn't killed one of her attackers when he very easily could've done, might mean something, someday soon?
It didn't take long before she was asleep, at almost 8AM, after one of the longest and just like Adam's kidnap of her, most traumatic nights of her life.
…
Danielle wasn't sure what time it was when she opened her eyes again. Michael was holding her close, his embrace gentle, considerate of her injuries. She smiled sleepily at him.
"Morning darling," she reached up and kissed him. "Are you ok?"
Checking her phone, she saw it was after two in the afternoon, but that was hardly surprising, given she probably hadn't slept for close to twenty-four hours until recently.
Her husband didn't reply in any way, just kissed her back. She hoped that meant he wasn't still struggling, but if he was, she'd stay right there for him. He simply put her hands onto his ears, wiggled them and whistled a tune. That told her all she needed to know. She laughed. "I love you," she murmured, kissing him again.
At that exact moment, there was a tap on the door. "It's me," Emma's voice said, as she quietly entered, and Danielle smelt laundry detergent. "Here you are Michael, Done. Nice and clean. You, ok?"
With a rush of love, Danielle realised her mother had washed her son-in-law's clothes, ridding them of blood. She heard Michael turn a page, then write.
"You're welcome," Emma said a few seconds later. "I… uh… didn't think the mask is machine washable though, so, I just cleaned it by hand. It's in your jacket, with… with your knife, which is also clean."
Danielle had to marvel at her mom's courage, daring to even touch his infamous mask, not to mention the bloody and huge knife. Damn. She didn't dare after all, unless she absolutely had to, like earlier that morning, or Michael gave her permission to do so.
"Are you, ok, babes?"
"Hey Mom," Danielle smiled. "Yes thanks, just still feel exhausted."
"Of course, you do," Emma said sympathetically. "Well, no rush, you deserve sleep. God knows you went through enough! Dr Merrick called earlier, to see how you and Nigel are."
"Aww," Danielle smiled affectionately.
"He asked me to call back, so excuse me just one second." Gently pulling the covers away from her daughter, Emma looked her up and down. "How's your head?"
"Still hurts," Danielle admitted. "Bit of a headache too."
"Nigel said the same. Let me grab you some painkillers, with some toast or something?"
"Thanks Mom," Danielle took her mother's hand and squeezed it.
"Michael, toast, coffee?" Again, Michael raised his notepad. "Sure," Emma smiled at her son-in-law. "I'll be right back."
"Mom," Danielle said, as her mother made to leave. "How… how are they now?"
"You've got some nasty cuts and bruises darling, a black eye and huge lump on the back of your head where you hit the ground. Some of your cuts bled again while you slept, too. I'm going to get some more bandages now. I'll grab those first."
Danielle sighed. "God damn it," she muttered.
"I'm sorry sweetheart," her mother hugged her gently.
"It's not your fault," Danielle hugged her back, tightly. "I just wish… I just wish they'd leave me alone. That was Edward, I'm certain of it. He set that up! I have absolutely no doubt."
"The police think you are right," Emma squeezed her daughter carefully. "They want to speak to you when you feel up to it. Don't worry, not Peters," she smiled a little. "The deputy who called is named James Rickets. He told me the man in ICU is… well he's fighting for his life, and it doesn't look good."
Unable to stop it, Danielle felt a slight jolt of sympathy for the unknown man's family, and a rush of affection and gratitude towards the officer she'd only met once. Something told her he'd put his foot down, insisting to his boss he would conduct this interview. She smiled grimly to herself. Yeah, because maybe Peters realised, he could be in literal deadly shit if he didn't tread very, very lightly.
Seeming to read her thoughts, her mother squeezed her again. "Peters has gone off sick," she said simply.
"Ha!" Danielle laughed contemptuously. "Sick? Hiding more like!" I'd be, "Off sick," too, if Michael Myers was after me!"
"Well, quite," her mother agreed, before leaving the room.
It didn't take a genius to work out what must have happened, Danielle thought, slumping back against the pillows with a heavy sigh. Peters arrested her, then later that very night, she was brutally attacked, and next thing, one of the men responsible is fighting for his life in Haddonfield ICU. Adam's kidnap all over again. Well, except that Adam… hadn't made it. If she were Peters, she'd be, "Off sick," too! "Hell," she breathed, absent mindedly tapping her fingers on her nightstand, the metal of her wedding and engagement rings clicking against the wood.
Her husband took her other hand in his, his grip warm and strong. She squeezed it. "Sorry," she muttered. "I just…" She took a breath. "I don't know, I just feel so… Shit! I'm not even sure what. Tired? Pissed the fuck off? I… I never thought I'd say this, but I want revenge! My own, revenge!"
There was another soft tap on the door, and this time, it was Nigel and Jodie who entered, bearing a first aid box and breakfast.
"Hey Mr. And Mrs. Myers," Jodie said, sitting down beside Danielle and gently pulling the covers back, removing the old dressings, applying antiseptic cream to her wounds, then fresh bandages. "Emma's going to change the sheet later Danielle, because there's your blood on it."
"Are you both alright?" Nigel asked. Michael gave them a very slight nod.
Danielle sighed as Jodie began her work. "Thanks Jodie, stings like shit though!"
"Sorry darling," Jodie murmured.
"Ah, shit!" Danielle flinched at a particularly nasty cut. "I'm certain one of those motherfuckers was wearing steal capped boots! Jesus! Ow!"
"Shh," Jodie soothed, Michael squeezing his wife's hand.
"I… I don't know what's going on with me right now," Danielle admitted. "I…" Nigel moved Danielle's soft bedroom chair close to the bed. "I think… I think I want revenge. My own, revenge."
Nigel and Jodie put their arms around her at the same time. "I would in your shoes," Jodie said.
"Oh, hell yes!" Nigel said adamantly.
"How's your head, grandad?" Danielle asked him.
"Just a bit of a headache sweetheart, but I'm ok, thank you. I promise, I'm not just saying that" he added, as Danielle opened her mouth.
"Better not be," she warned. Then, she sighed. "But… but…" Nigel, Jodie and Michael all squeezed her close, or squeezed the hand her husband was still holding. "But I want… I just want peace. Edward Dawson did this, we all know that Mom said even the police agree. As much as I hate him, maybe now, this will be the end?"
Nigel snorted with hatred. "Misogynists like him never end anything, unless it's a woman's life!"
Danielle grimaced but grinned a little too. "Thanks grandad! Just what I needed to hear you say!"
Nigel grinned back. "Uh, yeah. Sorry. Just as we saw tonight, I wouldn't ever want to be the one to piss off Michael Myers!" The two women smiled.
"Surely, he won't try again though?" Danielle continued. I mean… Those guys… one stabbed in the side, the other…"
"You would think not," Jodie consoled. "But then, Adam did, fucking stupid prick! Good riddance."
"He obviously had outside help though," Danielle said, biting into her toast, before taking a sip of her steaming and sweet tea. "Edward, I mean. So, who's to say he won't… try again?"
"That's the point though," Jodie said, almost stroking the cream into Danielle's back, trying to soothe her at the same time as treating her wounds. Danielle felt a rush of adoration for Jodie Craig all over again. "That… devil, Josh Culshaw," Danielle shivered. She knew precisely who that man was. "Exactly!" The two men squeezed Danielle again. "I bet that cost Dawson a shit load, and it failed, D! Well done again! Wham! Straight in that bastard's eyes! So, I don't think he'll try twice. Dawson will have to pay a huge price first for the attack, then probably even more because it failed, again! Just like his evil son!"
Danielle sighed again. "I just… Maybe I'm just angry right now, but I've had enough of being treated like shit by those types of men! I… I want to just let sleeping dogs lie, but… Oh Jesus! I wish I could do… something! I don't even mean something illegal, I'm not made that way, but something!"
Nigel made a sound of disgust. "They aren't men, they're animals! That's just one of the many reasons we adore you, Danielle Myers. Even after all you've been through, raped and abused in every way for years, Dawson even kept it up while you were recovering in Smith's Grove, almost killed, kidnapped, drugged, then beaten months later, you are still trying to get… moral, rather than illegal revenge. If it was me, they'd be dead on the fucking concrete! To quote Jodie, "No wonder Michael Myers of all men loves her, that woman has a heart of gold!" Adam told me, "He smiled at Jodi, who blushed, smiling shyly. Nigel hugged her.
"Our dear Nigel, is right," Jodie nodded. "Hell yes! I say again, you're a better woman than me! "We can't just leave him to die Jodie?" That says it all! Should've done just that! Maybe speak to Rickets?"
Danielle nodded slowly. "I'm so conflicted. I don't know whether to try, or just… Hope, pray… it's over…"
"After what happened to that guy tonight?" Jodie said incredulously, now bandaging Danielle's back. "If Culshaw agrees to it again, he's stupid and along with Dawson is a fucking dead man! It won't be you either this time Michael, it'll be me!" Danielle smiled at her. "I'm not joking," Jodie said, her tone completely serious.
"You… You wouldn't, would you?"
"Hell fucking yes, I would! If he tried again and we proved it? Jesus Christ yes! I'd fucking love it!" Danielle shivered a little. Jodie had never been afraid of violence, but just as Shannon Quin and the others had found out all those years ago, God help you if you were her enemy."
"After the way she stabbed that motherfucker, you doubt her?" Nigel smiled a little. "Bad move!"
Jodie and Michael locked eyes, and for the very first time, Jodie Craig took a leaf out of Michael's book, literally reaching for his notepad and pen, writing and showing it, so Nigel and Michael could see it.
Next time, get down here a hell of a lot quicker Michael, or I'll have killed them before you have a chance!
Nigel shivered, neither he nor Jodie shared this with Danielle, for the very first time. Danielle didn't ask when she heard the soft, metal click she'd heard six years ago, she knew what had happened. Jodie Craig was showing Michael Myers himself, her lethal knife.
"You know there's blood on that still, right?" Nigel asked very quietly.
"Uh huh," Jodie sounded indifferent, and Danielle's blood ran cold. "I'll deal with it later."
"You are one hard… daughter of a bitch," Danielle said very softly to her friend. "Just like you said once, "Michael, you're one hard son of a bitch!" Jodie Craig did not smile.
"Yep, that's us."
…
"Please can you just give us a minute?" Danielle asked the other two a few minutes later.
"Of course," Nigel and Jodie said together, standing and leaving the room.
When the door was closed, Danielle turned to face her husband, hugging him close. "Are you, ok, darling?" She asked him softly.
He kissed her, putting her hands onto his ears and wiggling them, before he started to whistle. After a moment, he picked up his phone.
I love you, Danielle.
"I love you too," she whispered, her lips against his left ear. "I love you so damn much! I'll say it again, I'm really, proud of you." He sighed, holding her tighter.
It was a close-run thing. I'd still finish him off now. Any of them for that matter.
"I know," she soothed. "But honestly babe, as you've seen now, I'm ok, as are Nigel and Jodie. It was just cuts and bruises and a mild concussion for Nigel and I."
That is not the point.
"Oh, I know," she nodded. "I'm still glad you didn't kill him, though. We're all very, very proud of you for it, like Dad said, "great job, Michael Myers!"" At last, he chuckled quietly, kissing her mouth tenderly.
Thank you, then.
Danielle kissed him again, as he once more wiggled his ears.
"I know you'll have to go back today," she said softly. "No of course, I don't want that to happen, but I'm also realistic. But I'm only a phone call away if you need me, as you know, and I'm so, so touched you came down here so fast."
You're not seriously telling me you were expecting me to just wait for a phone call? That I would just stand by and watch?
"No, babes," she murmured. "But…" He sighed, kissing her again.
You're my wife, Danielle. I had to get to you.
"You know, Joanne told me while we were upstairs, that if you'd just waited a few more moments, you would have been on the aircraft with them, so would Adam. Believe it or not, they really do seem to be with us in every way, darling."
Even if that had been the case, I did not wish to wait. You were my only priority.
She nodded, sensing not to push him on this further. Clearly knowing what she was thinking, he kissed her, stroking the uninjured part of her back, as he sighed softly once more.
I love you, that's all.
"Just… Just thanks again for not having a… another victim under your name," she whispered. "I can't tell you how much that meant to me."
That was entirely because of you, Danielle.
She couldn't stop herself at this point, when for the very first time, she moved atop him, purely to snuggle into his arms before kissing him deeply and passionately.
Before long, they were making love. Danielle absolutely adored her husband and wanted him to know it whenever she could show him. Telling him, wasn't enough for her. As he stroked her clit to orgasm between their bodies, she suckled on his right ear, licking and kissing it as they both came.
"I love you, Danielle," he whispered in her ear, as they lay in each other's arms.
"I love you too, Michael," she whispered back. Once again, he put her hands on his ears and wiggled them, whistling.
…
A little while later, the couple headed downstairs. Nigel, Jodie, Oliver, Adam, Joanne, Colin, and (Danielle heard with a rush of affection), Alan, were in the living room waiting for them.
"Mom, Dad and Tim are at the hospital," Colin said, running to hug his sister and shake Michael's hand, as Oliver went to put the kettle on. "To see Charlotte and thank Dr Merrick. We have everything in hand here. After all, we have a CEO, lawyer, DVA and highly trained guard with us, as well as… a silent killer who demonstrated just hours ago, he would protect and won't let anything happen to anyone in this room! Danielle, you ok, darling?"
The nine of them sat down with drinks, her husband beside her. "I… I don't know," Danielle said truthfully. She trusted everyone in this room with her life, plus her parents and Tim of course. She told them what she was feeling, her wish for some kind of revenge, but not illegal revenge, and her longing for Michael to be able to stay with her forever someday.
"Perfectly understandable," Adam murmured, sitting beside her and holding her with Michael. "Of course, you're angry. Makes perfect sense."
"But part of me also just wants to… leave it, hope, pray, it's over. But like grandad said, misogynists… they… never end anything, unless it's a woman's life!""
"I think they will up against Michael Myers," the other seven said in unison. Danielle couldn't help smiling, and she was certain without having it confirmed, that Michael's lips had twitched very slightly too.
"Adam didn't," she said very softly. "Um, not you, Adam!"
Her DVA chuckled, squeezing her. "I know."
"Maybe I should just call you Hughes when talking about him?" Danielle smiled at him, as everyone else chuckled.
"Just call that fucker Dawson," Jodie suggested. "Or hell, the devil! All he needed was the horns and pitchfork!"
At this, Danielle did smirk. "True. Adam, are Michelle and Amber, ok? After you didn't return home?"
"Oh sweetheart," he hugged her tightly this time. "Why do you always worry about others before yourself?"
"That's exactly what I said," Nigel muttered. "Stop being so kind and selfless for once!"
"That's my sister," Colin's voice was so loving, Danielle blinked back tears.
"But to answer your question, yes, they're fine, thank you. I told them you needed me, Amber of course, heard the alarm go off when you signalled for help."
"No!" They all said firmly, as Danielle opened her mouth.
"Exactly," Hughes said. "Again, shut up!" Unable to hold back a smile, Danielle closed her mouth.
"I'm going back today," Adam hugged Danielle again. "As soon as everything is sorted here."
"What do you mean?" She asked him. Joanne cleared her throat.
"Danielle, my darling, do you remember earlier this morning, when we went upstairs, Oliver here was talking to Michael?"
"Yes," Danielle nodded.
"Michael was requesting something from him, but our lovely CEO here was already one step ahead. Yes, even of Michael Myers! Considering what just happened to you, I am not going anywhere for a while, I'm staying right with and going everywhere with you, day or night." She stepped over to Danielle, and when Danielle hugged her, she realised Joanne was wearing her equipment vest, in full guard mode once again.
"Joanne…" she blinked back tears. "That's very kind of you three, but…"
"You don't want me to get knocked out again?" Joanne almost growled. "I would for you in a heartbeat Mrs. Myers, but I won't have to, trust me." She took Danielle's hand, laying it on her right shoulder. Danielle drew in a breath. Because Joanne Turner, was armed with a real firearm.
"Holy shit," she breathed.
Joanne turned her radio on, the device emitting its familiar beep, then clicked her handcuffs and tapped her batten on the table menacingly.
"Joanne's radio does transmit to Smith's Grove," Oliver said. "But it also can straight to the Haddonfield PD, if you're in trouble."
Danielle couldn't speak for a moment, just hugged Joanne as tightly as she could.
"Thought bodyguards were only in movies," Jodie blinked back tears. "You kick ass Joanne Turner!"
"I could've told you that months ago," Danielle said through now falling tears of adoration for everyone in the room. Almost in awe, she felt the real gun in its leather shoulder holster, identical to the one Peter Atkins wore. Then, unable to stop herself, pulled it out. It was extremely heavy. Michael stood up beside her, supporting the weapon's weight.
"Oh shit!" Adam, Nigel, Alan, Jodie, Oliver and Colin said together.
"Ok D, I won't do it!" Jodie pleaded. "You can have my damn money!"
"I'll tell them whatever you want sis," Colin said. "Anything! I swear!"
"Yeah," Oliver said. "If you want my job, have my job!" Danielle snorted with laughter at this.
"Mine too," Adam agreed.
Aided by her husband, Danielle hefted the gun onto her shoulder, so the shoulder rest was in the right place, the way Joanne would hold it. With another rush of awe, she realised that to him, it was as light as plastic. A second later, she heard a camera click.
"Ok," Goodwin said in mock fear. "I'll represent those bastards, just please don't shoot me, Mrs. Myers?" Everyone chuckled.
"Nice pic, Oliver! Now who kicks ass?" Jodie grinned, as Danielle made sure the muzzle was pointing at the ground. "Michael, watch out for your wife man, if it's the last thing you do!"
"I sent it to Jack," Oliver said. "He says, "I already told her she could have my money, car, whatever she wanted! Why didn't she just take them?""
Danielle laughed out loud, along with everyone else except Michael. For some reason, while she was holding a gun, or in any potential danger, he was once again totally serious. She could almost imagine his gaze. Watchful, alert, tense. It seemed to her, that since he became her husband, there was almost a… new layer of seriousness to the way he protected her. She'd mention and thank him for this before he left, so he knew she'd noticed it, while at the same time, gently telling him to relax when in this house, as nothing would ever happen to her here.
Stepping forward and aided by him, Danielle slowly eased the gun back to the guard, who gently slid it from her shoulder and back into its holster on hers.
"Treat, keep, don't, right?" Danielle asked quietly, her tone awestruck at the deadly weapon now protecting her, her family and friends. "Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire, treat every gun as if it's loaded, don't point it at something you don't wish to destroy."
"Correct," Alan, Joanne and Oliver said together.
"If you have a firearm certificate Joanne, why don't you have a real one in the ward?" Danielle asked her once again guard.
"Rules," Joanne said. "As long as we have armed guards on immediate standby, we don't need to carry them, although we are all qualified to do so."
"Whew," Nigel whistled. "You are not someone to be messed with, Miss Turner, Mrs. Myers. Nor are you, Mr. Myers!"
"Hell no!" Everyone said, again in unison.
"I don't actually know if I'd want a gun if I could have one," Danielle said, sitting down between her husband and DVA again. "The fact people can just carry them like cell phones in this country… it… it makes me nervous."
"Me too," Colin said. "But like it's said, guns aren't the problem, it's the operators."
"True."
…
A little while later following casual conversation, Oliver approached Danielle and Michael. The others made to leave the room, but the CEO shook his head. "No, you should all hear this too. Ok, please listen to me Mr. and Mrs. Myers? I have a business meeting to attend in Haddonfield, so Michael, you can stay here. However, you are under house arrest. You cannot leave this house. If you do, you will greatly betray my trust and that of Smith's Grove as a whole and will pay the price for doing so. It might be a couple of days. Do you accept these conditions?" Michael nodded to the CEO.
"Before you ask," Oliver continued. "What could I do to stop you? That's the point. I'm entirely trusting you, do not make me regret it and take action against you for breaking it." Michael nodded to Oliver again, and there was a soft, warm smile just touching his lips. "Good man, thank you Michael." Oliver shook his hand.
"We'll keep an eye on him," Jodie said, but with a grin. Michael looked over at her and they were sure he'd smirked in return.
After Oliver left, Dave returned from the hospital, explaining Tim and Emma were staying. Colin turned to Michael. "If you want anything my man and we don't have it, we'll go out and get it for you, just ask."
"Right," the others all said in unison.
I thank you.
"Man, do we need to say it again?" Dave asked him incredulously. "You're married to our daughter, not to mention you didn't kill that guy early this morning! That means a hell of a lot to us all!" Michael smiled at his father-in-law.
…
"I need to get going," Adam said an hour later, following another drink. Standing, Danielle hugged her DVA close.
"Thank you so much, Adam. I adore you for what you did this morning, I can't even begin to tell you. I've never had help so fast!"
"You are of course, more than more than welcome," Adam hugged her back. "I told you I'd protect you, did I not? I meant it!"
"I'll see you very soon?"
"Of course. I'm only a phone call away, me with my… oh bloody hell! What was it?" Everyone roared with laughter. "Um, small ears, right?" He lowered his head, so Danielle was touching his ears, and she hugged him again, pulling them softly.
"Ow, my tiny ickle ears!"
A little while later, Alan also left. Danielle had thanked him repeatedly for staying with them, then returning later to make sure she and Nigel were ok. Goodwin shook the men's hands warmly, hugging the women. Danielle also pulled his ears.
"I should put that in your rights," Alan laughed. "If you touch or pull my ears, it will count against you and affect my representation of you in court!" Everyone laughed at this, including Michael.
"See you soon?" Danielle asked.
"Certainly," Goodwin smiled, leaving the house.
"Damn he's a good man," Danielle said, sitting down between Michael and Nigel. "Oh yeah, that reminds me. Oliver said he was working on something for him from us, to thank him for all he's done for us. Must ask him about that when I can. He was going to tell me before I came home, but I forgot to ask and judging by the fact he didn't, I'm guessing it's not figured out completely yet."
She told Colin and Jodie everything Alan Goodwin had done, and their eyes widened. "Damn!" Colin said. "Thanks for saying it's from us, or I would do something too. I liked him already, now I think it's fair to say I love that man!"
The women smiled at him. "Me too!" Danielle and Jodie said together.
Shortly after this, everyone left the room, giving Danielle and Michael privacy once again. The couple just sat on the sofa, holding each other close. That was, until Michael lifted her into his lap once again.
The family were true to their word. When Michael asked Dave if he had a beer and upon checking there were none left, Colin headed out immediately for the local store, returning with a case of it. "Here man," he tossed his brother-in-law a can.
Thank you, Colin.
"I hate alcohol," Danielle grimaced.
"Alcohol? Coffee? Dark chocolate?" Colin teased his sister, hugging her as he handed her a tea. "There's no pleasing you is there, Myers?"
Danielle laughed. "Yes, just whistle and give me white chocolate and tea!"
Colin whistled a happy tune. "Oh, and ears!" He lowered his head so she could touch his. She pulled them. "Ow, my… nice ears! Get off, you!" Michael chuckled quietly.
…
"Ok," Danielle called to her father after a while. "Guess I should talk to Deputy Rickets?"
"Hang on, I'll call him now babes." Minutes later, he informed her Rickets would be there within half an hour. "Would you ask the others to come in please?" Danielle asked her father.
"Of course," he said, calling to the others. Colin, Joanne, Nigel and Jodie all entered.
"Just to let you know," Jodie said. "I'm sure it'll be fine, but just in case and so he's up to date, I've called Alan, he gave me his numbers. He's on his way." Danielle opened her mouth, tried to speak, then closed it again, hugging her best friend as tightly as she could.
"He only just left," she protested weekly.
"I said that, but he insisted on coming back. Just accept it Mrs. Myers, you've got friends in damn high places."
The seven of them took their seats in the living room, waiting. Seated between Michael and Nigel, Danielle had never felt so loved in her life. The first knock on the door, was Alan.
"Thank you so much Alan," Danielle said, blinking back tears. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
"You're welcome," Alan said, hugging Danielle and taking his seat.
Soon after, there was another knock on the door, and Dave let in Deputy Rickets. The officer entered, giving them all a professional smile.
"Danielle," he said. "It's nice to see you again."
"Please don't take this the wrong way Deputy," Danielle grinned a little. "I can't say the same."
Rickets chuckled. "Fair point. Although, off the record, I know about your Surname change, Mrs. Myers. That, however, will not leave this house. No one else in the PD knows. Mr. Cutter told me. I'm saying that as someone who knows you, not a police officer."
This time, Danielle did smile at him, showing her rings. "Thanks. I can't tell you how happy I am."
"I'm sure," Rickets touched her arm. "Very nice rings, Mrs. Myers. My first question of course, is how are you feeling?"
Danielle respected him more than she ever had Peters already. Peters had never once asked that question, and it had been rickets' first. "I still have a headache and my whole body feels like it got hit by a bus, or beaten up by God knows how many motherfuckers!"
"I'm sorry that happened to you." Unlike his boss, Danielle believed him. There was a soft beep as he started his tape recorder.
"Ok, I'll try and keep this as brief as I can, I'm sure what you went through last night was… traumatising."
"Wasn't exactly what you'd call fun," Danielle said dryly, and Rickets nodded sympathetically.
"First off, I believe you share a theory with Haddonfield PD. That being you believe it was Edward Dawson who was indirectly responsible for this, pulling strings, as it were, from prison."
Danielle nodded. "Peace of shit!"
"We have requested an audit on all his prison communications, letters and phone calls, and he is being very closely monitored both in the exercise yard and his cell. The guards have microphones in every cell they can turn on, if necessary, as well as cameras."
"Isn't that too little too late? It's done. Why would he talk about it again?"
"Think about it D," Jodie said. "Like I said earlier, Dawson will have to pay a huge price for it and the fact it also failed! He hasn't heard the last of this, trust me! That gives the cops a perfect chance to find out everything they need to know."
"Miss Craig is correct," Rickets smiled at Jodie. "Someone will indeed be after him for… payment, whatever that might be."
"Drugs and sex probably," Nigel muttered in disgust. "I hope Dawson's got plenty of ass lube!" Jodie, Colin, Dave and Joanne smirked. Danielle felt respect for Alan, when he, like Michael, remained completely serious.
"That is… quite possible," Rickets agreed. "Danielle, do you know anything about your attackers? I'm sorry, I must ask that."
"No," Danielle said simply. "They didn't speak. I'm sure that was on purpose, I'm so damn easy to take advantage of, and it makes me sick!"
"Hey!" Alan, Nigel, Jodie, Dave, Colin and Joanne said firmly, as Michael hugged Danielle close to him, both of his strong arms wrapped around her. Yet again in serious, watchful and tense protective mode. She hugged him back fiercely.
"Well, it's true," she said quietly. "Being unable to see puts me at a huge disadvantage."
"Which makes the attack even crueller," Rickets said. "The fact they took time and thought about this fact to hide their evil crime." Danielle felt a rush of respect for Deputy James Rickets at that moment. "Mr. Manning, Miss Craig, you were witnesses I believe?"
They both nodded. "Call me Jodie," Jodie said.
"Right, I'm Nigel," Nigel agreed.
Rickets smiled. "Nigel, Jodie, you were witnesses I believe?"
"Didn't see much," Nigel muttered in disgust. "Those fuckers knocked me out with one damn punch to the head! Talk about not protecting you, Danielle."
"Shut up!" Everyone except Rickets and Michael said together, firmly. Nigel sighed.
"That wasn't your fault," Rickets agreed. "However, did you see anything before you were knocked unconscious?"
"I saw Danielle stumble slightly, as if she'd been hit by something or someone. I know now that was when she was kicked to the ribs. I ran up just as she was punched to the face. All I could see were four black masks, and hoodies covering the rest of their faces. They were huge, all of them. Had to be over six foot at least. As soon as they saw me, they punched me out."
"Motherfuckers," Danielle said, close to tears. Michael continued to hold her tightly to him.
"I'll admit it," Jodie said, no regret in her voice at all. "I stabbed one of them right in the side. He was down immediately then, bleeding like a stuck pig!"
"Yes, we know about that," Rickets nodded to her. "However, due to the reports from the doctors of Danielle's injuries, plus the video of the attack, you will not be arrested or charged. It was in defence of your helpless and very vulnerable friends."
"Thanks Officer," Jodie smiled at him.
"As for the two men we did apprehend, neither of them saw what happened to their… critically injured colleague. Their best guess, however, is that the other man turned on him because the attack failed. That is the theory we are working with too."
It took everything Danielle had not to let her mouth drop open. How the others kept silent and neutral, she didn't know.
"Both injured men are still in Haddonfield Memorial hospital," Rickets continued. "Its' not believed one of them will survive the night."
"I'm sorry," Danielle said quietly, meaning it.
"That's what can happen all too easily if you're a member of a violent gang," Rickets said. "Of course, they'd carry knives, not to mention other weapons too. Do any of you know if they were armed?"
"No," Nigel, Danielle and Jodie said together.
"So, you have nothing to be sorry for, Danielle. It was gang violence; he was stabbed by one of his colleagues. How is that your fault?"
"She's got a heart of gold," Jodie and Nigel said in unison, smiling at each other.
"I'll pass it on to his family however," Rickets smiled at Danielle. "His mother is devastated. She knew her son was a criminal and hated women, but said he was still her son."
Now, Danielle did blink back tears, her heart aching for the unknown mother of such a cruel son. "I really am sorry," she said again, quietly. Michael started stroking her back, still holding her tightly in his arms. The family smiled at each other.
"Jodie, after you stabbed that man, what happened next?"
"Well, as you saw, Danielle here pulled out her pepper spray from her DV belt, hit him right in the eyes!"
"Yes, that was a good shot," Rickets said, and if Danielle's ears weren't deceiving her, she was sure she could hear pride. "That reminds me." He pulled out another can of pepper spray, handing it to Danielle. Mr. Hughes contacted the local DV hub, saying you need a refill for your belt. I picked it up on the way here."
"Thank you," Danielle said gratefully, putting it into its assigned pouch on her DV belt, which she now always wore, unless showering or asleep.
"One of them was still trying to… to rape Danielle," Jodie finished with difficulty, now she sounded close to tears.
"Damn I love you Jodie," Danielle said.
"I love you too D," Jodie said, wiping her eyes. Colin pulled Jodie into his arms.
"Yes, I know," Rickets said gently. "He was the first one we caught. He led us to their injured colleague. The man who is now critically injured was still at large. One still is, the one we believe was the leader."
"Is the guy stabbed in the side, ok?" Danielle asked, unable to stop herself.
"Jesus Danielle," Colin said, with a mixture of adoration and exasperation. "Those guys could and would have attacked you seriously badly if not for Jodie and you're good aiming skills, and you ask if he's… ok? Damn, we love you!"
"He'll be alright," Rickets confirmed. "He underwent surgery a few hours ago. He will have some damage and a scar, but I'd say he got off lightly, compared to his colleague."
"How did you find him?" Danielle asked. "The guy who's fighting for his life?"
"The ambulance called us once they got to the hospital. He'd been stabbed multiple times, we believe by one of his associates, the leader who's still at large. The attack, the mission failed, that outcome is not at all unheard of."
"Yeah, their leader was probably the biggest motherfucker," Jodie snarled. "Even I was a little nervous trying to target him, so I took down the smallest guy, the one who punched Nigel unconscious."
"Well, it lessened the odds in your favour," Rickets nodded. "Mr. Manning, how is your head now?" Again, Danielle felt a rush of affection and respect for James Rickets. Just as she'd suspected in Smith's Grove, and unlike Peters, he cared about victims.
Nigel smiled at him. "Good, thanks Officer. Please call me Nigel. Just a headache, which I'm controlling with painkillers."
"Dr Merrick told me when I was at the hospital, to tell you again that you are still to come back if anything gets worse, both of you." Danielle and Nigel smiled at him again, nodding.
Yeah, that would go well, Danielle thought. Not even I'd want the job of reminding Michael he can't come with me if that happened! No thank you!
"Officer Rickets," Danielle began.
"Call me James," Rickets said. "All of you. Sorry, I should have said that at the beginning."
"Thank you, James. Well, um, do you know if at least one of them had steel capped boots on? Some of my cuts make… make me think that was the case."
"Yes," Rickets nodded. "Two did, actually."
"Fucking bastards," Dave and Colin muttered.
"Mr. Cutter also told me you now have an armed bodyguard for the foreseeable future. I think that is a very good idea. Just in case." He smiled, nodding to Joanne, who nodded and smiled back.
"Do you think it's likely?" Danielle asked, her tone nervous. "That they'll try again?"
"Not unless they're stupid," Nigel, Colin, Dave, Joanne and Jodie said together.
"Precisely," Rickets smiled, and Danielle was suddenly sure he did indeed know the truth, also that Michael Myers was seated right next to her, holding her close.
"I would be inclined to agree," Alan spoke for the first time.
"Are you worried, Danielle?" Rickets asked gently, turning off his tape recorder.
"Yes," Danielle admitted. "If it was Edward, he won't let this go easily. In his eyes, I got Adam killed. I didn't obey him, changed my number twice, you get the idea. I wouldn't even be surprised if Edward… well, if he wants me for himself, if you get what I mean."
"Then he's got a death wish," the family, Alan and Joanne said together.
"I would be the one inclined to agree here," Rickets nodded. "If I were Edward, I'd back off, uh… fast!"
"I've been afraid of that for a while," Danielle confessed, her voice just above a whisper. "I got his son killed; you know how he viewed women! He got that from Edward. I have been worried for a long time that I am Edward's next target. Lisa's got a computerised voice now because of him! In his eyes, I got Adam killed, so he's going to want revenge. The events of earlier today have only made my fear worse. Thus…" she trailed off.
"I'll die first," the family, Joanne and Alan said this time. Michael hugged Danielle to him, now lifting her into his lap as he did so. She knew what he was saying through this move. Edward Dawson would be the one to die if he even tried.
"Aww," everyone including Rickets said softly. This confirmed to Danielle she'd been right. James Rickets did indeed know the truth.
Danielle thought back to Michael's wedding vows. How he'd promised her he would be there if she needed him, whatever the cost. He'd already kept it. How he'd promised to hold, comfort and soothe her. He was keeping that one right now. She felt a rush of love and adoration for her husband so strong, she felt dizzy under its impact.
"I am not recording now Danielle," Rickets said quietly. "I know exactly who is in this room, Mr. Cutter told me." He nodded to Michael. "Let's just say, I wouldn't want to be your enemy, Mrs. Myers!" Everyone smiled at him except Michael, whose face remained completely serious. Looking at him, Dave felt a rush of affection for Michael Myers all over again, knowing all he was focusing on, was protecting his daughter, and Michael's wife. He could almost feel his son-in-law's watchful, tense and alert gaze from across the room. He'd thank him for that later, somehow. He too, would not want to be Danielle's enemy!
"I…" Rickets hesitated. "I also know what my boss said about how you faked your kidnap by contacting Adam, to get Adam killed. That… that was… very unprofessional to say the very least. I'm sorry."
Danielle almost wanted to kiss him. "How is that your fault?" Gently, in case he wouldn't let her go, she finally pulled back from Michael, and he released her. Standing, she hugged James Rickets.
"I thought back in Smith's Grove you genuinely cared about victims," she blinked back tears. "You've just confirmed it. Peters threatened I'd be arrested if I didn't come in and speak to him. But to say that? That really hurt. I was so angry, that's why I went out for a walk, which was what gave those guys the chance to attack me."
"I know," Rickets murmured, squeezing her back briefly. She felt his body armour and equipment against her as he did so.
"Uh oh, watch out," Joanne said with a grin. "Danielle loves that stuff!"
"What stuff? Oh, my equipment? Touch away then, Danielle."
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Absolutely, go for it." Glancing up, Rickets saw everyone including Alan Goodwin smiling at him now, and was sure even Michael Myers was looking at him with respect, just as he was almost certain he had in Smith's Grove.
Gently, Danielle felt his body armour and all the gear he carried, right down to his medical supplies. "How in God's name do you run while wearing all that? I'd faint in about two seconds! Especially on hot days!"
Rickets chuckled. "Practice, Danielle."
"Watch out for your ears!" Everyone said together, and now James Rickets saw it. Michael was smiling at this. Danielle went bright red, and everyone laughed.
"My ears?" Rickets asked. "What about my ears?" He lowered his head, so Danielle could touch them. They were around the same size as Jack's and Adam's. Danielle turned even redder.
"We can cook dinner on your face," Dave laughed.
It was then Danielle realised Rickets was wearing an earpiece, attached to his shoulder radio. He had handcuffs, a baton, CS spray, a taser and real firearm.
"Please can I make you a hot drink, James?" Nigel smiled.
"I would love to," Rickets smiled back. "But I must be off in a few minutes. That is, once Mrs. Myers has finished feeling me up! What on earth would your husband say? If… if he was here?" Again, Rickets nodded to Michael as everyone laughed, smiling at him affectionately.
"He'd probably just say watch out," Dave said when he could speak again.
"Maybe," Rickets laughed, as Danielle sat back down beside Michael, who immediately pulled her close to him then into his lap again. "All I will say Danielle, Mrs. Myers, is always keep your DV belt on when you're out, whether alone or with someone else. Even Joanne?"
"I will do," Danielle promised. "Thank you. You're a good cop, Mr. Rickets. I wondered if you and Peters were playing good cop bad cop in Smith's Grove."
"Really?" Rickets chuckled. "Nope."
"Peters has… gone off sick?" Danielle couldn't help it; she had to ask.
Rickets sighed. "Actually, no," he admitted. "Please, this must not leave this house, it's not public." Everyone nodded. "But as it involves your case Danielle, I think you of all people deserve to know. Peters has been suspended pending investigation, after his… barely legal almost arresting you so you'd come in and for saying you might have faked the kidnap. I think he… either forgot it was being recorded or was so sure of himself and that he was right, he didn't care. If you're asking me, that made me feel sick, and was a very, very low and cruel move from a detective.
"Alan," Danielle said softly. "That was you, wasn't it?"
"Perhaps," Goodwin said simply.
"Jesus!" Colin murmured. "I think I love you, Alan Goodwin."
"Me too," Nigel, Dave and Jodie said together. Alan smiled at them.
"I wanted to storm down to that fucking PD and confront him myself," Colin said furiously. "When Danielle told us that! I very, very nearly did! I had to follow Tim and physically stop him! We nearly both went!"
"I'm not surprised," Rickets murmured. "I would in your shoes."
"Please, James," Nigel stood up. "I insist. A hot drink, and a piece of Jodie's home-made cake. Don't argue!"
"Right," everyone agreed. Rickets smiled again.
"Ok, if you insist, thank you all."
"So," Nigel turned back, about to enter the kitchen. "Tell me James, how do you take your hot drink?"