"Thank you," James Rickets said with a smile, setting down his empty coffee cup. "But now I really should get going. Really nice to meet those of you I met today, and to see you again to those I already know." He stood up, pulling on his heavy jacket.

"James," Danielle said. "Sorry, but can I ask you two questions? I almost forgot."

"Of course."

"Can I… Can I trust the Haddonfield PD? I mean… after Peters?"

"Yes, you can. To tell you the truth, they are all as disgusted with Peters' actions as I am. I say again, that was a very low, cruel and unprofessional move, especially for a detective to pull! I'm sorry, Danielle."

"Thank you. The second one is… well shit! I… it sounds bad when saying it to a cop but damn it! I've had enough of being treated like shit on the shoes of those types of men! I almost… I'm almost getting to the point where I want… Revenge. My own, revenge. Nothing illegal, I'm not made that way but damn it! Something!"

"I can completely understand that. Well, how's this? If we prove it was Dawson and believe me, we're going to work damn hard to do so, we will greatly increase his and Mr. Culshaw's sentence. We believe Culshaw was the mastermind, as it were, Edward just made the request."

"So do I," Danielle and Jodie nodded.

"That works for me," Danielle smiled at Rickets. "How long could we be talking? I don't want just a slap on the wrist, then they're out the next week!"

Rickets chuckled. "They could both get another decade, at least."

"Sounds good to me," Danielle said fervently. "Please, if you can do it, and I want to be in that God damn court room when they're told!"

"Absolutely," Rickets touched her arm.

"What if he does try again?" Danielle's voice was a whisper this time.

Rickets squeezed her arm, and Dave felt his affection for the officer rise. "Then do what you did before. Sound your alarm and use your pepper spray. That's what it's for, after all. But don't forget, Joanne will be with you this time."

"Quite right," Joanne snarled. "Let them try, Mrs. Myers!"

Rickets smiled. "See? I think you're safe now, Danielle. Plus, what on earth would your husband do? I dread to think!" Dave was sure then, Rickets winked at Michael.

"Thank you, James," Danielle said sincerely, as Rickets shook everyone by the hand, including Michael before leaving, Goodwin behind him. Joanne came over and put her arms around Danielle, along with Michael.

"I'm sorry, but I think I need air," Danielle said after a while.

"Sure thing," Joanne stood immediately.

"Count me in siss," Colin did the same.

"Right," Jodie nodded.

"It's only a walk," Danielle protested, but couldn't help smiling. Michael, however, was not.

"Ok, ok," she threw her hands up. "Thanks."

"Hey," Colin murmured to her as they headed out the front door. "We wouldn't have dared let you go alone."

"Yeah," Jodie and Joanne said together.

"You should've seen Michael's face when you protested," Jodie said. Despite him being her husband, Danielle shivered. "Exactly." Jodie hugged her. "He wasn't pleased you'd even protested. Not given what you just told us." Danielle sighed.

…

As soon as they headed out, Dave turned to his son-in-law, them and Nigel being the only ones left in the house.

"Listen Michael, I want to thank you for the way you were protecting Danielle just now. I saw that look in your eyes, we all did. All you were focusing on was protecting our daughter, sister, friend and your wife. I can't tell you how much that means to me. I also saw how you looked when Danielle tried to protest to them all going with her. I would've stepped in too, trust me!"

She is too stubborn for her own good.

Dave read the message and smiled lovingly. "That's for sure."

"Yeah," Nigel muttered. "Stubborn, selfless and kind!"

"It wasn't your fault Nige," Dave said gently to the older man. "You were trying to protect her, you weren't running the other way, were you?"

Dave is correct, Nigel.

"See?" Dave smiled at Nigel. "I'd listen to Michael Myers if I were you!"

Michael rolled his eyes and sighed, but the other two men were certain he smiled too.

…

"Hey, Danielle?"

At the sound of the male voice, Danielle turned. Joanne, Jodie and Colin formed a block around her immediately.

"Danielle?" The voice called again.

"Mr. Leach? Chris?" Danielle asked.

"Yes, it's me. Are you ok?" Leach saw the real gun on Joanne's shoulder and raised his hands. "Hey, I come in peace!"

"Depends on what you mean by ok," Danielle said softly. "If you mean mentally, never been better. Physically though? Not so much."

"Why, what happened?"

"Ok, now please don't take this the wrong way, but do you seriously not know?"

Leach sighed. "From that response, I'm going to take an educated guess it was something to do with misogynists?"

"Correct," Danielle said shortly. "I was brutally assaulted yesterday morning by four huge motherfucking men!"

"Danielle," Leach said quietly. "I told you; I've changed from that lifestyle. Whoever authorised or arranged that, it was nothing to do with me. I am very, very sorry."

"Name Edward Dawson sound familiar?" Danielle was all too aware she sounded aggressive, but whatever he might have done for them, Chris Leach had still been heavily involved in Adam's kidnap of her and Charlotte's hit and run.

"Oh, no!" Leach sounded genuinely upset and angry. "Please Danielle, what happened?"

"They were trying to assault and rape me, and they knocked my grandfather out with one fucking punch. That's what happened. Jodie stabbed one of them in the side. As you can see, I am now wearing a DV belt, thanks to one of the incredibly kind and amazing DVA's at Smith's Grove. Ironically? His name is Adam. I sounded the silent alarm he gave me and sprayed one in the eyes with pepper spray. I had help within two minutes this time. Not like last time," she added bitterly.

"Danielle, I assure you, I did not mess with that monitoring stuff. I wouldn't do that. Leaving aside the fact I now know you, even from a criminal perspective, it would've been too dangerous."

"You said," she nodded.

"I swear, Danielle. I had nothing to do with this. I hate Edward Dawson's guts, I'd happily see him get beaten up in prison, even killed!"

"Well, if he targets me one more time, you might get your wish," Danielle raised her left hand, and Leach saw her wedding and engagement rings. His eyes widened.

"Are you and Michael…"

"Yes. We got married almost six weeks ago. Anyone against me should probably consider that a warning, Chris. That's not a threat, it's just the facts."

"Got it," Leach said softly. "By the way… you… you know I was just paying you a compliment when I said Michael was a lucky man, don't you? I… I have a girlfriend."

"Yes," she nodded. "Thanks though."

"Danielle, I promise you with all my heart, I had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to you. That said, I don't blame you at all for being sceptical, I… I wasn't exactly innocent in what Adam was able to do to you and Charlotte. I hate myself for that now. If I ever see anyone hurt you, they'll know about it. Trust me."

"Not exactly innocent," Danielle muttered. "Understatement of the century."

Leach glanced at Colin. "You're Charlotte's brother, aren't you?"

"Yes," Colin snarled. "Thanks to you, you motherfucker, she's still unconscious. I hope the cash you got was worth it! Thank your fucking lucky stars Danielle's husband isn't here right now. He dislikes you as much as I do!"

"I…" Leach swallowed. "I know."

"I am also Danielle's brother, we've adopted her. So, watch the fuck out for my brother-in-law. Leach! I don't think I need to introduce Joanne here; you've met before I believe. Also, Jodie, Danielle's best friend, she is not someone to mess with! She's got balls of steel!"

Chris Leach looked at Jodie, and Danielle was sure he stepped back a little. She couldn't help smiling to herself at this.

"I…" I just wanted to apologise for… for everything I had a part in, and those I didn't, Mrs. Myers. You have no idea how bad I feel about it all now. As for your husband disliking me, he made that perfectly clear when I met him in Smith's Grove."

"Can you blame him?" Danielle asked him softly, but gently this time.

Leach shook his head and sighed. "No, of course I can't."

"You honestly, truly, had nothing to do with what happened to me last night?"

"I swear, Danielle. Nothing. That's why I asked what happened."

"Wouldn't surprise me if some of your men were involved though, ok, previous men. Do… Did you have any guys over six feet tall in your gang?"

"Yes, but they belonged to Culshaw."

Danielle tensed, as did Jodie. "That fucker," Jodie breathed. "I fucking told you!"

"Josh Culshaw?" Colin said in horror. "Jesus Christ Leach! He's only one of the biggest misogyny leaders in America, and you know him? Ha! That tells me all I need to know about you!"

"I have never met him in person," Leach said.

Colin laughed derisively. "That makes it ok, does it? Fucking hell!"

"He's one person I wish Michael Myers would get his hands… or should I say knife on," Jodie said.

"I hear you," Leach nodded. "I do. Please, Danielle, tell me what happened?"

"Christ's sake!" Danielle sighed. "Culshaw must've authorised some of his goons to attack me, arranged by Edward Dawson! They attempted to rape and assaulted Nigel and I. Mind, Jodie stabbed one of them in the side, great fucking job! Another… got stabbed by the leader multiple times, the leader is still at large. That guy is not expected to make it through tonight."

"Stabbed by the leader?" Leach said very quietly. "Yeah, sure. Fuck!" He whistled softly.

"Consider that a warning then," Colin growled. "If you've worked out another way this could've happened, watch your fucking back!"

"Well, I'm willing to bet everything I own, your husband wasn't willing to just sit quietly in Smith's Grove and wait, Danielle." Leach had gone pale. "Jesus Christ!" "After I helped you and Rick out, then the rescue before that, I meant every word I said. I can understand your suspicions, of course I can. But I promise you with all my heart, they're incorrect. I will not say they are unfounded, as they're not! But I promise you Mrs. Myers, I was not involved in this whatsoever! I have a job now; I've left crime far behind me. I will do whatever you ask, if I can do it, to prove this to you."

"Face Michael and tell him this yourself," Colin muttered.

"If I could, if I dared…" Leach said. Danielle shook her head at her brother. While she understood exactly what he was saying, that would be a stupid and risky thing to do. If Leach was indeed telling the truth, and she was starting to think he was, he didn't deserve to have his life threatened.

"I'm sorry Chris," Danielle said softly. "I genuinely have forgiven you, that wasn't a lie. But I'm just… I'm on edge right now, after everything that happened last night and despite the fact, I have forgiven you for what happened before, you are… were, still part of that old life."

Leach sighed. "I know, I'm sorry, Danielle."

"Shit sticks, huh Leach?" Colin muttered.

"I say again, you're a better fucking woman than me," Jodie muttered.

"We can still have that coffee," Danielle said. "At some point. I just… I need time to just… just breathe, Chris."

"Of course," Leach said, reaching out and shaking Danielle's hand. "Good luck, Danielle." He stepped towards her and lowered his head, so her hand met his left ear. Now, she smiled, and despite themselves, Jodie, Joanne and Colin did likewise.

"Not you too," Colin muttered, but Leach could see his slight smile.

"Danielle said I have… um nice ears, I think?" Now, the five did all laugh.

"Bloody hell," Colin hugged his sister. "You and your damn ears, Myers!"

Leach grinned. "Take care guys," he walked away, whistling. Danielle couldn't help smiling at this, knowing that was exactly why he'd done it.

"Damn," Jodie breathed. "I would've killed Leach at one time. That guy was evil. How do you melt evil hearts, Danielle Myers?"

Danielle blushed. "Don't know," she admitted.

"Hey," Jodie said suddenly. "Over there, isn't that Laurie Strode?"

"Oh hell," Danielle sighed. "Call her over here please, I owe her this much."

"Hey, Laurie?" Colin yelled. A second later, Laurie Strode approached them.

"Excuse me," Miss Strode," Danielle said when Jodie squeezed her arm. "Do you remember me?"

"I do," Laurie Strode said. "You are Danielle, I met you in Haddonfield hospital."

"Correct," Danielle gave the other woman a small smile. "Listen, I'm not going to beat around the bush, and I'll be truthful with you." Without another word, she raised her left hand. Laurie opened her mouth, closed it again, then opened it. Jodie smiled gently at her.

"I know," she said softly.

"Michael?" Laurie said in just above a whisper. Danielle nodded.

"How the fuck…" Laurie looked stunned.

"First, he told me to tell you that if you leave me be after this one conversation, you can breathe in peace, Laurie." Danielle spoke gently. "You won't have to fear him any further."

"He actually told you that?"

"He did. Did you see Jodie's latest podcast episode?"

"Yeah, you met Michael, didn't you, Miss Craig?"

"I did," Jodie said. "I put that pic there as proof. He let me take it willingly, and he even shook my hand. That's why I told you at the end that if you were listening, you are safe now."

Laurie gaped at Jodie, then Danielle, and Jodie was certain she saw tears in the older woman's eyes. Unable to stop it, Jodie Craig stepped forward and put her arm around Laurie. "I know," she murmured again.

"Hold on," Joanne said softly, as they started walking back towards the house. "Michael is completely trusted by Smith's Grove Miss Strode, because of his marriage to Mrs. Myers here. This is the only reason I am doing as I am. I hope neither of you make me regret it."

Danielle gaped at her guard, now she was the one who was speechless. Was she serious? Joanne Turner walked ahead, Colin and Jodie both holding Danielle's arms. They stopped a short way from the house and a few seconds later, heard footsteps approaching them.

"How the bloody hell," Colin breathed.

"Joanne's got Michael at gunpoint," Jodie whispered to Danielle. "I think it's just in case. But they're friends, so she won't need to. Not to mention he loves you, Mrs. Myers."

"We should step back," Colin murmured, as Michael Myers finally saw Laurie Strode.

"Yeah," Jodie nodded. "Come on."

Danielle stepped forward, so she was between her husband and Laurie. Very slowly, Joanne lowered the gun.

"Michael," Laurie breathed, seeming unable to speak. "How in God's name… I… I heard Miss Craig's podcast episode after she met you! You… You're serious?"

Danielle heard Jodie's soft gasp, as Joanne whispered to her Michael had pulled out his notepad.

Yes, Laurie, I am. Go your way, I will go mine. But do not put pressure on Danielle to answer your questions if she does not wish to. If she does, I will of course, not stop her. But that is not your call. You have no further need to fear me. You can indeed, "Breathe in peace."

"You…" Laurie seemed to be struggling to speak. This time, it was Colin who put an arm around the older woman. "You heard that interview?"

I did.

"Why… why me, Michael? What did I ever do to you?"

Because it's who I was. A killer. It wasn't personal, Laurie. I just saw you, and that was it, I had my sites upon you.

Colin and Jodie whistled softly.

"I've lived in fear of you for the last twenty years," Laurie said quietly. "I've lost sleep, lost my life. You… you traumatised me, Michael Myers! You killed my best friends, left them for me to find, before you finally tried to kill me. You have no idea how bad my PTSD is as a result! My family hate me, because all I've been preparing for is the final fight against you. You have no idea how much damage you have done to me."

Danielle couldn't help it, she was blinking back tears, and heard Jodie do the same.

"I've chased you, ran from you, tried to contain you, I've even tried to forgive you," Laurie said, tears flowing down her cheeks. Colin hugged her now. "Then you meet Danielle here and… and what? How did you do it, Danielle?"

"To this day I don't know," Danielle said through her tears. "I ask myself that still." Danielle touched the other woman's hand, and to her shock, Laurie took it in hers.

"I met Michael here following horrific Domestic Violence from an ex," Danielle said softly. "He was in the cell next door to me."

Laurie drew in a breath. "What the fuck Dr Loomis? You would've been… so damn easy to kill!"

Colin, Jodie and Joanne chuckled a little. "I said that very thing," Joanne said.

"You… what? Got into his heart?"

"Somehow yes," Danielle whispered. "The night you met me in the hospital, my ex had just kidnapped me, I'd just been rescued by Michael and some of the Smith's Grove guards, along with Dr Loomis. That's why I didn't want to talk. I was physically and mentally exhausted and as you saw, injured. I think Michael here was angry with my ex, and…"

"Snapped when he saw me," Laurie Strode finished. Danielle nodded.

"I'm sorry," she murmured.

"You appeared, and he just…" Laurie tried to wipe her eyes. Danielle handed her a packet of tissues from her pocket.

"Thank you," Laurie gave her a watery smile then.

Danielle nodded to Colin and Jodie, following them a little out of earshot. Joanne however, stayed where she was.

Laurie, I am sorry. I can now appreciate that has traumatised you. But you are no longer in danger from me. Try to repair things with your family, if you are able. I am sorry too for taking your best friends from you. I will not say I hope you can forgive me in time, that is a call only you can make. But you have no need to chase or run from me anymore. As for containing me, I think my wife has that under control. Don't hurt her or any of our family and friends, I will have no reason to attack.

Laurie stared at him, tried again to speak, but eventually could only nod. Michael stepped towards Laurie and Joanne tensed, but next second, Jodie was full-on crying, Colin was wiping his eyes, as was Joanne.

"Oh, my fucking God," Jodie breathed. "Michael's just hugged Laurie!"

"You're kidding?" Danielle gasped, love for her husband almost stopping her heart. Damn, she'd show him this tonight, she decided then and there.

"I'm sorry I have to," Jodie's voice shook with tears, as she stepped towards them, and Danielle heard her phone's camera click.

"Another episode of Craig Crime?" Now, Laurie smiled at Jodie, through still falling tears.

"Don't tempt her," Colin and Danielle said together.

"I did wonder how Michael Myers was in a damn suit and tie in that pic," Laurie breathed. "Jesus Christ! Danielle… Myers, you're… you're incredible!"

"I could've told you that," Jodie, Colin and Joanne said together.

Laurie looked back at Michael, and now she was the one to gasp out loud. She looked twice, checking her eyes weren't deceiving her. They were not. Michael Myers was looking right back at her, and there was softness, even kindness in his gaze. Laurie almost started crying again. "Do… Do you really mean that, Michael?" She whispered. "That I and my family really are… safe?"

Michael nodded to her, and Laurie was certain then. She hadn't been seeing that look in the eyes of Michael Myers.

"I told everyone your eyes were like the abyss," Laurie breathed in his ear. "That people only saw them when they were about to die. I think… I think I was talking about the wrong person!" They all heard it, when Michael chuckled quietly, still holding Laurie close to him. With it shaking ever so slightly, Laurie Strode extended her hand to Michael Myers. Jodie reached forward and gently took Michael's pen from him briefly, as he accepted Laurie's hand.

"Thank you, Michael Myers," Laurie was full-on crying now. "I… I can't…"

"Shh," Michael said, and Danielle, Jodie and Joanne all let tears go at this. Colin looked as if he was about to hug his brother-in-law.

"Um, may I?" Laurie said hesitantly, gently raising Michael's left hand, in which he was holding his notepad, and gazing at his gold wedding band. Michael too had given the first one back to Smith's Grove after the wedding.

"Fucking hell," Laurie breathed. "Holy, fucking hell!"

"I know," Colin, Jodie and Joanne murmured.

"You… You do look good in a suit and tie, Mr. Myers," Laurie gave him a small smile. Jodie handed Michael back his pen.

I thank you, Laurie. I mean as I say, I wish you well, and you are no longer in any danger from me. Enjoy your life, Laurie Strode.

"Thank you, Michael Myers," Laurie tried to wipe her streaming eyes, and the others all smiled, when Laurie shook Michael's hand a second time. When Jodie told her, Danielle had to wipe her own tears away.

"Thank you, Danielle," Laurie said, and Danielle was surprised but touched, when Laurie hugged her then. "I am sorry about your ex, I really am. But in finding the non-existent, or so we thought, heart of Michael Myers, you've saved mine and my families lives, not to mention countless others. I… I wouldn't want to be your enemy!"

Colin, Jodie, Joanne and Danielle all laughed at this. "Me neither!" Colin said fervently, "and he's my damn brother-in-law!"

Danielle briefly introduced Laurie to Colin, the two shook hands. "Anyone who knows of Michael Myers knows of you," Colin smiled at her. "Good luck, Laurie." As Laurie walked away, there were tears falling freely down her cheeks.

Danielle ran forward and pulled her husband into her arms, hugging him as tightly as she could, her own tears falling without restraint. "Damn, Michael, I fucking adore you! Thank you! Thank you so, so much! I can't tell you how much that meant to me, hell to all of us! I… oh, Michael, I can't…"

Michael held her tightly, as she cried unrestrained into his shoulder. Judging by the fact Danielle could hear other sobs, Jodie and Joanne were also crying.

"Dr Loomis will be told about this Michael," Joanne said, her voice shaking badly, confirming to Danielle she was right. "As will Oliver. I am so, so fucking proud of you!"

"Me too," Colin and Jodie said.

Danielle could not stop crying, as Michael now lifted her into his arms and carried her back towards and into the house, the others behind them. As soon as they entered, Jodie told Dave and Nigel exactly what had just happened, showing them the picture of Michael and Laurie.

"Well fucking done Michael," Dave was close to tears now. "I'll say it again! Great job, Michael Myers!" Everyone applauded, as Dave now hugged his son-in-law, followed by Colin, who held his brother-in-law tightly.

"I love you man," Colin said. "I love you, Michael Myers!"

As do I you, Dave, Colin, Nigel, Jodie, Joanne.

When Jodie read this message to Danielle, she beamed, tears in her eyes again.

"Please excuse us," Danielle said, but this time it wasn't a request. She grabbed her husband's hand and almost dragged him towards the stairs.

"Aww," Dave shed a tear at this. "Michael fucking deserves everything he's got, just as Danielle does! Who would've thought? It's clear they adore each other, and Danielle's brought out a side of Michael no one thought they'd ever see! He just told Laurie Strode to her face she's safe from him for fuck's sake! Oh, I wish I'd seen that!"

"It was beautiful," Joanne said thickly.

Joanne called Oliver, and Jodie sent her the picture of Michael and Laurie, so the CEO and Dr Loomis could see it.

"He won't be at Smith's Grove much longer," Jodie sobbed as she did so. "Fuck, that was so damn sweet!"

…

This time, and at last, Danielle didn't hesitate as she almost tore off her husband's clothes and made love to him once, twice. She had no issues with control, it seemed Adam's ghost was really starting to leave her. All the time she was doing so, she could not stop the tears of utter adoration which flowed down her cheeks, even as she kissed him as passionately as she could. "Fuck, I fucking adore you, Michael Myers," she sobbed. "I'm so, so proud of you for that! I'm honoured to tell anyone and everyone you're my husband! I'd do anything for you Michael, fucking anything!"

Afterward, he made to pick up his phone, but for only the second time, she gently knocked it from his hand. "No," she breathed, kissing him again. "Just…" She couldn't find the words for what she wanted to say, and simply moved back atop him, snuggling into his arms as they kissed. A fresh wave of tears threatened to hit, when he wiggled his ears under her hands and whistled.

"Danielle," he whispered finally, wiping her tears away. "I love you too, Mrs. Myers."

"That was all your doing," she breathed, her head on his shoulder as she lay atop him, holding him close. "We all know you could've attacked Laurie if you'd wanted to, Joanne's gun or not! But you didn't, instead you comforted her! Oh, Michael, I…"

"Shh," he breathed, taking her mouth in another kiss.

"I fucking mean it," she sobbed. "I can't tell you how much that touched us! Hell, even Jodie cried, and that takes a lot! It was… it was beautiful, Michael. Don't you dare say it's because of me, it may be because you love me sure, but all that credit goes to you, Mr. Myers!"

He squeezed her to him, as she rested her face against his neck, her head still pillowed on his shoulder, as one of her tears hit his skin. "I love you," she couldn't speak over the lump in her throat. "I love you, Michael Myers!"

He took her hands and placed them on his ears again, and she gently pulled them.

"Ow, my ears," he murmured.

She could not stop her tears, as hard as she tried. She adored this man, and now, everyone, even Laurie Strode, knew it. Her husband stroked her back tenderly, before turning her head slightly on his shoulder, so he could see her injury.

"It's ok," she smiled at him through her tears. "Does it look ok, my darling Michael?" She reached for his phone so he could answer, but he stopped her, lovingly pulling her arm back.

"Yes," he murmured, and Danielle hugged him even tighter, if it were possible. "It's going down, as is your black eye."

"Thank you, babe! Fuck! I love it when you answer me with your voice, I can't lie!"

Michael chuckled. "Noted, Mrs. Myers," he said, and she almost started crying all over again. "I love you."

…

That night, Dave, Nigel and Jodie all worked together, to make Michael's favourite meal. Danielle had called Oliver, to invite him after his meeting, telling him they were doing a surprise dinner for Michael.

"I'd say he deserves it," the CEO said, and Danielle was sure she could hear emotion in his voice too. "That picture is beautiful, and Joanne told me it was just as beautiful to witness."

"It was," Danielle said.

"I will be there as soon as I'm able," Oliver promised. "Good for Michael. Joanne trusted him and led him out to speak with Laurie, he did not betray that trust and even comforted his oldest victim. I am very, very proud of him for that, I will tell him so myself this evening. I will see you later, ok?"

"So are we! Great," she smiled, and he was gone.

…

Dave and Colin kept Michael distracted along with Danielle, so he had no idea what was happening. Danielle had told them what her husband's favourite meal was.

At one point, Michael's phone rang. He answered it, silently of course, but put it on speaker so they could all hear, the very first time he'd done so.

"Michael, it's me," said Dr Loomis' voice, and they could all hear he too was close to tears. "Oliver told me what happened, and Joanne sent me the picture. I… Michael I don't know what to say. I'm so proud of you doesn't do it justice. Yes, it may be because you love Danielle, but that was all down to you entirely. You could have attacked Laurie if you'd chose, or at least tried before Joanne could react, gun out or not, but Michael, you didn't!"

"See?" Danielle was in tears again at this. "I fucking told you so, Michael Myers! This credit my darling, is yours!"

"Right," Jodie, Nigel, Dave and Joanne chorused, smiling lovingly at Michael.

"Great job, Michael Myers!" Rick and Jack said together over the phone, applauding along with Dr Loomis. Everyone smiled at Michael again.

"That's exactly what I said Dr Loomis," Dave said. "Also, when he didn't kill that guy yesterday."

"Yes, I know about that too," Dr Loomis said. "Who are you Sir, and what have you done with Michael Myers?" Everyone laughed, through teary eyes.

A little while later, Tim arrived home, and everyone smiled, when he presented Michael with yet another huge jar of coffee and box of chocolates.

"Curtesy of Emma," he said with a smile. "Dave told us what happened with Laurie Strode. Well fucking done Michael Myers!" Tim shook Michael's hand, entered the kitchen and made him a coffee from the family's supply. "You're not opening that here," Dave insisted. "That's a gift! You're at your home, Michael, you use ours!" Danielle almost started crying again.

My home, Dave?

"Well of course," now, Dave hugged Michael. "You're my son-in-law, you're as much a part of this family as I am!" "Were you not aware of this fact? Come on, Michael Myers!"

"Right," everyone said together, as Danielle kissed her husband again.

Before long, Oliver arrived, shaking Michael's hand, and pulling him aside into Dave's home office. Everyone smiled.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he's releasing him from Smith's Grove right now," Jodie said, her voice shaking with emotion. "He'd fucking deserve it!"

"Sadly, probably not," Danielle said. "Not yet anyway."

…

"I don't know what to say to you, Michael. NO," Oliver smiled at him. "You're not in trouble for leaving the house, Joanne led you, after all. I… I can't find the words. I and Dr Loomis both are very, very proud of you, as are Joanne, Rick and Jack. Keep that up, and you may be heading for release very, very soon! The only slight thing we must consider is your attack on the man who attacked Danielle. Oh, but it was gang violence, of course! I understand Michael, believe me I do. But… that can't happen again, please my man. Yes, they deserved it, yes you were angry, I don't hold that against you at all! But if we are to release you, that must not happen! You must learn how to control your anger, if possible. However, I do note you did not kill him! That has not gone unnoticed by any of us, including Rick and Jack. Danielle Myers might get her wish sooner, rather than later. Oliver shook Michael's hand.

…

They entered the living room again, and as soon as they did, Joanne hugged Michael, kissing his cheek.

"Thank you for respecting me out there Michael," she said softly into his ear. "We both know you could've attacked me to get to Laurie, but you didn't! I know, you wouldn't have done, but I still note the respect you gave me, and it is much appreciated. I respect you just as much as I ever have, it's only risen even further after what just happened." Michael smiled, hugged the guard and kissed her cheek in return.

"Dinner's ready peeps!" Nigel called.

"May I, Mr. Myers?" Jodie gave Michael a mock bow. He smirked at her. She took his hand and led him to his seat at the head of the table. Michael's eyes widened.

There was a banner over the table, which read GREAT JOB, Michael Myers! The table was laid with the family's best dinner service and cutlery. When Danielle sat down beside her husband, Dave immediately poured his son-in-law a foaming glass of beer.

"Great job, Michael Myers," Dave said, and everyone cheered, raising their glasses to Michael. For the very first time, Michael looked as if he was struggling for what to say.

"Don't say anything son," Dave shook his hand. "Just accept it. We mean every word. If we own it, this is your home too, Michael!"

Dave had checked with Oliver, and the CEO had nodded, smiling, tears in his own eyes. Now, Dave handed Michael a small box. Raising an eyebrow but with a small smile, Michael opened it. Inside, was a house key.

"I told you this was your home too, Michael," Dave smiled at him, as Danielle hugged her husband tightly. "There's your proof."

I…

"Shh man," Colin touched his brother-in-law's arm. "You don't have to write anything, we love you too, Michael Myers!"

Dave looked once, then again, as did everyone else. Jodie audibly sniffled, as did Joanne. There were tears on Michael's cheeks. Standing, Jodie hugged him fiercely, followed by Colin, Nigel, Oliver, Joanne, then Tim. Danielle kissed her husband deeply, wiping away his tears, while fighting to keep back her own.

…

Dinner was gorgeous, Danielle had also told them Michael's favourite dessert. Dave poured Michael two further beers.

"Hmm, drunk Michael Myers? Oliver smiled. "Uh oh!"