Gwen was cautiously concerned as she shot a practiced eye over this new group that had joined them. It looked like they were going to make her life even more complicated then it had become.

Before they had shown up she had pretty much gotten everyone where they needed to be in her mind. Andrea and her sister Amy were ok. Andrea was a little annoying at times with her 'I can do anything better' attitude. But she was manageable.

Theodore,or T-dog, although to Gwen that sounded weird, was a good guy. Still having some withdrawal from the smokes though. He had earned her respect through being willing to help with anything, no matter how much it grossed him out. From cleaning kills to moving the dead, he would help. It was getting better. He barely ever gagged anymore.

Jacqui had come with Theodore, but they weren't together. Gwen wasn't sure about her. She kept to herself. She would participate in a conversation. She helped out with chores, but she kept everything really close to the chest. Not to say she wasn't nice, just quiet. She was easy to get along with.

The Asian kid, Glenn, was terrified of her. She could work with that. He liked her uncle and had an enthusiasm that could be contagious if you were not careful.

Jim she liked. He hung out with her uncle and knew what he was doing. He definitely had a sadness around him that was going to blow someday, but they'd cross that bridge when they came to it.

The Morales family had shown up just before these others. They kept to themselves for the most part, but would also pitch in where they could. Kids were never Gwen's thing, but they kept their distance from her too. That was fine.

This new group was a little different.

The skinny woman was a little pushy but a quick learner. She learned after their first conversation that Gwen wasn't going to be told what to do or put up with any crap. If she could keep an eye on that damn boy it would be great.

Carl had made himself at home with her right away. Asking her questions and at times even following her around with his little sidekick Sophia. She really didn't mind them though. They were alright.

Carol was one of her favorites. Quiet but very capable. Great cook and always looking out for others.

Shane was a pain in the ass. He didn't learn as quickly as Lori. Asshole always trying to take over whatever was going on. They'd have to come to an understanding quick or this wouldn't go well.

All these were not her problem. No, Gwen's problem lay with that fat piece of shit sitting there drinking in the middle of the after noon. They'd only been here a day and he was already on Gwen's shit list. People didn't tend to last long on that list. By the way he talked to her, Gwen knew he was abusive. Bastard had tried to stare Gwen down too. Fucker. No one pulled that shit. Made his wife and daughter cower. That wasn't gonna fly either. Not around her. Uncle Dale had already told her to mind her own business. She'd have to see if she could obey that one. Ed may need a corrective ass kicking.

Uncle Dale meant well, but they really didn't know one another. They had spent a lot of time in the RV talking and knew each other better than they did a few days ago. Gwen was glad she had attached her car to the back of the RV and had rode with him. They may not agree on everything, and they never would, but he really was a great guy. Her grandfather had never said a bad word about Dale, never said much of anything. They hadn't talked either.

Gwen had been raised by her grandfather after her parents died in a car crash. He was a retired Marine and proud of it. They'd lived in Warroad Minnesota which was about as North as one could get and still be in the US. Her grandfather had taught her all about hunting, fishing and military tactics. Swearing and racism had been in the teaching itinerary too. That had gone out the window when she got to school and all her friends were from the Red Lake Indian reservation across the way. He had always told her his proudest moment was when she told him to fuck off and leave her friends alone. She'd only been 7 at the time.

While not growing up in the cultural diversity capital of America she had gotten a crash course when she had entered the military. Now she didn't give a damn what color you were as long as you pulled your weight. Special forces and her last job had given her an education in things normal people didn't talk about.

New people joined them periodically now. Gwen guessed she'd just have to get used to it.

Her resolve was tested a few days later when they were joined by the Dixon brothers. She'd kept back while Shane and her Uncle were talking to them. She'd kept a blank face as she studied them. The older one had leered at her when the men's backs were turned. Oh well, wasn't as if she hadn't delt with that before. The younger one was much quieter and more nervous. They were up to something.

Daryl never liked to question Merle, never got you anywhere anyways, but he didn't think this was going to be as easy a job as Merle said. The cop they could maybe get past, but that chick in the cargos and the red hair knew they were up to something. They way she looked at them it was obvious.

Damn, why couldn't they just find there own shit? Why'd it always have to be so damn difficult? Frickin Merle and his dumb ass ideas. Got them into more shit than anything.

He tried not to fidget as Merle talked their way into camp. That woman was looking at him like she was dissecting him or something. It was disconcerting.

Something caught his eye to the right and that's when he saw her. Short hair, almost shaved. What caught his eye was the posture. He recognized it. He'd had the same look before. A submissive posture was needed if you wanted to survive Daryl's father. She had a way about her that was different though. Daryl couldn't tell you why he was transfixed by her, but he couldn't stop looking. He only stopped when Merle slapped his chest to get his attention. Merle had worked his magic once again and got them accepted. Jesus, how did he always do that?

Well, this was a surprising development. She wasn't sure what was going on with the brothers, but there was something not quite right. The older one had sweet talked his way in better than a politician. Hm, she'd have to keep an eye out. She watched them walk to the edge of camp to set up.

Out of the corner of her eye she caught what she had really come out here to watch for. Ed grabbed his Wife's arm and pulled her towards him. He whispered something in her ear while she cowered and tried to move as little as possible. He released her with a quick shove and Gwen's teeth grinded together. That shit was getting sickening. Over the last couple days she'd noticed something else. Whenever he thought no one was watching he'd leer at his daughter like some pervert at a porno theatre. Usually right after that Carol would drop something or say something to Ed and get his attention. He'd yell at her or say some nasty comment, but his eyes left Sophia.

Unfortunately she also noticed other things about Sophia. The main one being she acted way to young for her age. The doll she carried around was only one indication. She also completely avoided any contact she didn't have to make. Also, whenever the Morales's would kiss like any married couple, Sophia's face hit the ground. The avoidance of touch, maturing or anything even remotely sexual made Gwen think Carol's efforts had been in vain. Ed had already gotten to his daughter in some way.

Gwen didn't think Ed could get any lower in her estimation than when she met him, but she had been wrong.

She sighed and headed back in the RV.