Deception

A/N: Thank you to Zeejack for giving me the idea for this story and encouraging me to write it.

SEXIEST WOMAN ALIVE! MICHONNE IS SO HOT!

BEAUTY OF THE YEAR! ANOTHER HIT FOR OUR FAVORITE GIRL!

Rick Grimes looks over the contents of the file, reading headline after headline about the starlet who could be his next job assignment. He sighs heavily, wondering if he should take this on at all. It would be his first time actually protecting someone of her statute although he was placed on temporary assignments for politicians and certain dignitaries. His friend, Shane Walsh, told him the good money was in the celebrity realm so he tossed his name into the pot.

Only two days later, he was answering a call from Morgan Jones, the lead on a small team of bodyguards for the one and only Michonne. They were looking for a personal bodyguard, someone who could shadow her every move and keep her safe. There was distrust amongst the current team so they were bringing in someone fresh until they could get a new team in place. Not only that, she had started receiving threatening notes and emails, even text messages. Whoever was doing this was smart as they discombobulated their internet protocol (IP) address and used burner phones to send the texts. Of course, her team took the primary precautions and had her email changed and replaced the cell phone but the notes continued to pour in. They knew they had a serious problem when flowers were sent to one her residences while she was there with one of the notorious notes attached.

Rick already disliked the history of the situation. Possible infiltration from the team that was tasked with protecting her, she was probably some sex pot actress who was with a different guy every night…..none of this was looking good but when he scanned the contract and saw how much money he'd be earning…well it wasn't going to hurt to meet with them and get more intel.

They overnighted the file to him and he sits in his home office, looking over each and every piece of information again and again. He can't help but notice just how beautiful his potential client is. He doesn't recall watching any of her movies or TV shows but she appears to be exceptionally successful and most of it is due to that sensational body of hers. The file is filled with layout after layout of her in skimpy lingerie, bikinis, skin tight dresses, and the highest heels he has ever seen on any woman. He realizes this is research but damn…..He closes the file when he comes to a photo of her lying on her back on a bed, legs in the air, spread wide and looking directly into the camera with her impressive cleavage on full display. It was almost like she was looking right at him. He shakes his head and moves on to other information in the file.

U wIlL BURn n HeLl!

ONLy slUTS Do whAt U do N cAlL it A cAReer!

thE EarTh WiLL b PuRGeD oF YouR kind!

i cANt wAIt 4 yOU 2 dIe!

He looks over the notes and wonders what sick bastard is spending all of his time trying to scare this woman. At least, her people are taking this seriously and trying to put safety measures in place. He scrubs his face with both hands as he contemplates the information. He can't help but reflect over his life….something he does each and every time he considers an assignment. This will be his greatest challenge yet if he accepts the job and he wishes in that moment that he had someone, anyone to seriously talk it over with. Most especially he wishes he had someone who cared enough to talk him out of it, someone who wanted him by their side.

He can thank serving his country for that. He served in the military as a special operations officer for several years, taking on mission after mission. That weighed heavily on his marriage to his high school sweetheart. So much so that she ended up starting an affair with a friend of theirs which resulted in a pregnancy. A pregnancy he couldn't have possibly fathered as he was on a year-long mission. She filed for divorce and as soon as the papers were signed, she married the father of her child and moved to Oregon. He hasn't seen her since and that was four years ago.

So much for memory lane he derives inwardly as he powers on his laptop and sends an email to Morgan Jones, requesting an aisle seat on his flight to Los Angeles to meet with him and Deanna Monroe, his potential client's manager.

XXXXXXXXXX

Royal treatment comes to mind as Rick is seated in the back of a stretch limousine on his way to the offices of Deanna Monroe. The bar is fully stocked. He has internet access as well as DVD capabilities. He smiles, knowing Shane would get a complete kick out of this. Upon arrival, he is escorted into the lobby where he is told that someone would retrieve him shortly.

A distinguished looking gentlemen in an expensive suit approaches him, extending his hand. "Morgan Jones. Nice to meet you, Mr. Grimes."

"Call me Rick please." He stands and accepts the handshake and follows Morgan to the elevators.

Half an hour later, he is still going over particulars with Mrs. Monroe and Mr. Jones. He is glad they are being quite thorough. It shows that they truly care about their client and want to protect her at all costs.

"We're going to need someone long term or at least until this stalker is caught and persecuted," Deanna informs him. "You'll have to move in with her, of course. We'll give you full access to her schedule, keys to the homes, an expense account, anything you need. Your salary will be dispensed in two installments….the first at the beginning and the last at the end of the assignment. Is that conducive?"

"I'd like a test run with this client before making a decision. A day in the life so to speak," Rick requests.

"That can be arranged but we'll need an answer immediately after. She'll be starring in a video tomorrow, start time 10 am. It will probably be an all-day thing. She's staying at the Four Seasons this week. We put you there as well so how about a breakfast meeting around 8?" Morgan suggests.

"Fine with me." He checks his watch more out of habit than anything else. "So, what's being done about investigating this stalker?"

"We've got people on it, so we don't need you to play detective too," Deanna states.

Rick is a bit affronted by her tone. "I don't doubt that but I'd like to be privy to everything that's happening with this case if you don't mind. I understand I've got one job and one job only and that's protecting your client. If I accept this assignment, that's exactly what I'm going to do and I'm going to do it to the best of my ability. I want to know everythang. If that's gonna be a problem, then we can part ways right now."

Morgan gives Deanna a questioning look before giving his full attention to Rick. "That won't be a problem at all Rick. I'll give you the names of the detectives that are handling the investigation. We haven't gotten any word from them in about three days."

"So who on your team is assigned as liaison with the detectives?" Rick asks.

"Morgan and I were handling that communication. The truth is we don't know who we can trust on our team any more. We just feel….the way some of this happened….well, it has to be someone on the inside selling information somehow."

"That is probable and if that's how you really feel, why are these people still on your team?" Rick inquires.

"We think Michonne might take offense to letting them go," Deanna tells him.

Rick scoffs. "Would you rather keep your client happy or alive Mrs. Monroe?"

Deanna nods her head as she makes a mental note to take care of the issue.

XXXXXXXXXX

The alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m. and Rick presses the off button promptly. He moves into the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth before getting dressed for his morning workout. He makes his way to the hotel's fitness center and completes a series of stretches before starting a jog on one of the many available treadmills. That usually loosens him up for the grueling work out he endures more than twice a week.

From there, he moves to the weights, working on his arms and legs. He was taking a slight break when she walks into the room and steps up on an elliptical machine. He can't help but observe her, unable to unsee the photos from the file. She appears approachable, not like some goddess of a woman who could crush him with one glance. She is wearing all black, all spandex and he is more than interested in her workout regimen to maintain a body like hers.

He looks around cautiously, wondering where her guards are. He assumes they're making a stance at the entrance, ensuring no one else gains access. He lifts himself from the weights bench and walks toward her. He stops halfway there, remembering how rude it would be to interrupt her workout. Their eyes connect for one brief moment before he decides to carry on and waits for his opportunity to introduce himself.

Precisely one hour later, she calls it quits and stands near the exit, ingesting a bottle of water. He pulls on his water bottle as well and approaches her quietly.

Michonne scoffs inwardly as the only other person in the fitness center approaches her. She thought he would've done so before now as he watched her the entire time she was there. She is used to it after all of this time…being recognized no matter where she is. She just hope he's not of the creep variety. He's too cute to be a creep. Game time. She smiles as he steps toward her, admiring him in his dri-fit shirt and shorts.

He extends a hand toward her. "Hi. Rick Grimes."

She looks at his hand, wondering at the oddness of it. Most fans don't offer her a handshake and introduce themselves. They usually just go into a tirade about how much they love her and her work. She realizes she is being rude, so she quickly shakes his hand. "Hi. Nice to meet you, Rick Grimes."

Rick frowns slightly, wondering at her greeting, thinking that she would recognize his name. It dawns on him that she doesn't recognize his name. Did her manager not tell her about him? Why is that?

When he doesn't say more, Michonne assumes he is a bit tongued tied to be in her presence. Something she is used to. "Did you want an autograph? A photo? I don't mind, but I really need to get going."

"So, do you always work out by yourself….are your guards making sure no one else gets in?"

She frowns at the question and immediately feels uneasy. Guards? Shit. Cutie could be crazy. Is no place safe anymore? She thought she'd be ok here. No one was supposed to know she was there…not really. She berates herself inwardly, the realization of her situation and the past weeks' events coming to the forefront like never before. This guy could be anybody, especially that anybody who has been making her life somewhat miserable.

Rick notices her eyeing the exit with longing. He prays this assignment is not going to be difficult. She has to understand that she can't be anywhere alone. He decides to let her off the hook for now but they will have an in depth conversation later. That's if I decide to take the job. "Can I escort you to your room?"

The "no" is quick and curt which Rick admires. He only nods as he gestures toward the exit.

Michonne tries not to appear anxious as she exits the room, hoping he will remain where he is. She cringes as he steps in behind her, following her to the elevators.

Rick looks all around, noting there were no guards with her. A slight sliver of irritation rolls up his spine, but he takes a deep breath and rolls his shoulders to stave it off. They wait quietly and he can't help watching her, wondering how seriously she is taking this stalker issue.

She is nervous as she can feel his eyes on her. Every time she looks up, he is looking right at her. The elevator arrives and she presses her floor, inquiring about his.

"I'm good."

Shit.

They arrive at the designated floor and she almost doesn't exit as her heart rate increases and she wonders what this guy's intentions could be. She moves on wooden legs as she makes her way down the hall to her room.

"Hey. Have a good morning." He stops in front of a door, retrieving his room key.

Her relief is palpable as she was truly starting to wonder about him…..cute or not. She gives a small smile. "You too." She races to the safety of her room, closing her eyes as she rests against the door. Note to self….do not go out alone again.

Hours later, there is an insistent knock at her door. She glances over at the clock and notes the time as 7:58 am. She glides to the door and looks through the peephole. Maggie, her personal assistant and close friend, is on the other side, dancing nervously.

She swings the door open. "What's going on with you?"

Maggie rushes inside, dropping her bags on a nearby table. "We're almost late and I gotta pee."

Michonne closes the door with a shake of her head, wondering at Maggie's need to be on time for any and everything. She won't complain though as her PA keeps her in line and has done so for a long time now. She checks her make up in the mirror one last time before grabbing her purse and waiting patiently for her friend.

They meet Bob and Martinez at the elevator, two guards on Michonne's team and ride down to the second floor where the restaurant is located. They are laughing and talking as they make their way to the table, Bob and Martinez pulling out chairs for them.

Michonne finally looks around about to greet Deanna and Morgan when she notices the third person at the table. She swallows a bit nervously and frowns as she recognizes the guy from the fitness center earlier. Rick Grimes. Is he some sort of movie exec? "Good….morning."

They all greet each other as Rick gives her a small smile and Deanna makes the introductions.

"We've called this meeting to discuss the issue about the stalker…." She rushes on as Michonne opens her mouth to protest. "Morgan and I feel it's necessary to provide you with more protection. Some personal protection so we're looking into hiring Mr. Grimes here."

Maggie looks from Deanna to Michonne to Rick and back to Michonne who appears to be a bit speechless. "Well, I think that's a good idea. We can never be too careful, but…"

"I don't need a bodyguard. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, what are Bob and Martinez here for? They….guard," Michonne states.

Morgan sighs as he knew they'd be met with some opposition. "Yes, they do and they're doing a fine job, but we need to take this threat seriously. The flowers came to the house while you were there, Michonne. No one was supposed to know you were even in town. That means he's getting close. He's showing you that he can get to you or at least that's what he wants you to think. We don't know what this guy is capable of so we're taking all precautions. That is…if Rick will accept the job."

"If….?" She can't help being taken aback, wondering at his hesitation. "You mean you haven't taken the assignment?"

"I haven't."

"And why is that?" She asks.

"I need to know how serious you are about this. If you're willing to do exactly what I say when I say. This situation could be life or death and I need your full cooperation. No more going off to the gym alone or walking to your room by yourself. If you go to the bathroom, I want to know about it." Rick leans forward, staring into her eyes to emphasize his seriousness.

Michonne leans away from him, almost a bit intimidated. She averts her gaze, her eyes traveling from Deanna to Morgan and finally landing on Maggie. The expressions on their faces tell her all she needs to know. They really think she's in danger. She never truly considered it until this very moment. "Well….is that it? I just have to do what you tell me to do and you'll take the job?"

"No…not quite. I'll be giving you a test run today. Just to see if you're worthy of my services."

She gasps as she looks to the others, then back to him. "Worthy of your…."

"Oh, this goes both ways, ma'am. You'll be giving me a test run as well. The name of the game is communication and cooperation. Are you with me?"

The nervousness wells up again. She wants to be irritated with him, but finds that the feeling won't fester. She's not sure if it's the southern drawl, his expressive eyes, or his demeanor all together. Maybe it's a combination but she finds herself agreeing.

At that precise moment, the waitress delivers mimosas to the table. She'd never been happier to see a libation in her life. The four of them pick up glasses as Deanna says cautiously, "To the next twenty four hours."

They all drink up and she distinctly notices that Rick Grimes is the only one imbibing water.