Michonne had grown silent, most likely conserving her energy. Rick locked her in a cell far away from the others in an unguarded part of the building. He had a plan to exchange her for their safety. Hershel couldn't talk him out of it because Rick had made it impossible for him. It was underhanded asking Hershel if he would give up his daughters for a stranger. It was low and despicable what he planned on doing, the way he planned her kidnapping and ultimately her death. Michonne's blood was already on his hands long before a drop of it spilled.
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"I'm not going to let you do it." Daryl looked at Rick. This wasn't like him, something was wrong. "She's here, she's helped us and you want to hand her over?"
"Do you see a different way? We're out numbered… out gunned…He could starve us out if he wants to. Either way he'll get her…Carl…Maggie…Beth…Judith…" Rick took a breath. "Do you want to watch Carol die and Merle? You, me, all of us? He asked for one thing… we give him what he wants and it will be over." Movement behind Daryl caught Rick's eye. He saw white satin. He spoke to Lori. She wasn't really here; he knew that. He also knew he was losing his mind. "Please just let me do this. I can't do it if you're here."
"I ain't going anywhere not until you change your mind." Daryl looked at Merle. He was standing behind Rick. The expression on Merle's face told Daryl he agreed with handing over Michonne. Daryl was sure that Merle would back him though, even if he thought Rick was right.
Michonne moved to the bars. "I'll go but I'll go on my terms and with my weapon."
"We can't do that. He wants you unarmed as a prisoner."
"I'm already a prisoner. You'll have to kill me. I won't go quietly."
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Merle shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He leaned against the doorframe keeping the rifle he was holding pointed at the floor. "You're making a deal with the devil. He won't be happy with her. No, he won't be happy until you all are dead. The only way out is guns blazing, or run with our tails between our legs. I ain't no dog." Merle laughed. "Besides won't make it out of town before he hunts ya down."
Rick pulled his gun and pointed it at Michonne. "You're going! If I have to deliver you half dead, you're going."
Instantly Daryl had his crossbow level with Rick's head. He didn't know if he could pull the trigger. One thing was for sure, it would kill him if he had to. Rick was his friend, his brother. He had to convince him there was another way.
Rick looked at Daryl then beyond him over his shoulder. He could see more of Lori now. She was reaching for him. Her face was still hidden in the shadows but when she stepped into the light he saw she had changed. His lip quivered and for a moment he thought about going to her. He wanted to give himself over, let her devour him. She wasn't real; Lori didn't change into one of those things. And that is why he stayed where he was.
Daryl yelled, "Drop your weapon" but Rick swung his arm towards Daryl. A shotgun blast echoed in the building making Michonne cover her ears. Daryl resisted the urge to do the same as the bars hummed from the shockwave. Rick dropped like a sack of potatoes at Daryl's feet. Daryl locked eyes on Merle. He was still pointing the gun but he shook his head violently. He nudged the barrel in the direction behind Daryl. A walker lay in a heap on the floor. "Rick!" Daryl squatted in front of his friend. If Merle didn't shoot Rick who had.
Carl stepped out of the shadows his gun drawn, the silencer in place. "I'm sorry Dad I can't let you do this to Michonne, she's one of us."