I'm introducing very important characters in this chapter.

Chapter Two

"Blake residence."

The statement was simple on the other line. Michonne knew the voice . She wanted to tell her so many things, apologize, tell her she was doing every she could solve this. Tell her she needed help. Tell her she was sorry for Amy's murder.

"Hello?" Andrea's voice switch to irritation. Andrea probably assumed it was activists who called to oppose her fiance's campaign or journalist that waited for a story.

But still, Michonne said nothing. What could she say? She's never met, Andrea. Mike for sure never talked about their relationship. At the time, Michonne was involved in her work. Investigating cases all over the country, while Mike was involved in his own political campaigns.

Times were easier for Michonne a year go. When she'd hide in her job to avoid getting married. Mike was happy with his career.

Now she was alone opposite dull wallpaper.

The phone clicked on the other side. Michonne after minutes of hanging on put the phone on the hook and picked up her bottle of white wine she bought on the way back.

Michonne sat in the uncomfortable bed. She paid for a full month stay at the Motel that was right off the highway to King County. She needed a place that wasn't too far from the town, but close enough to travel when need be and this place was perfect. The windows were adjacent to her bed so she could see any shadows that walked by and the parking lot below her so she could keep track of the cars.

Specifically, the 2005 black Pontiac that was still in the parking lot for the past two hours. It was a car she didn't recognize for the past week. This motel had common customers.

Michonne paced her carpeted floor and tied her robe tighter to her body. She pursed her lips in thought as she took one last look at the car.

She wanted to keep her paranoia at bay but dealing with a town that had four common murders and not one suspect (at least not by her records.). She was suspicious, to say the least.

To get her mind off of the vehicle she brought her attention back to the old newspaper articles, police reports, and laptop with more information pertaining to the murders.

She also had highlighted names of the residents of King County that needed to be interviewed.

Carol Peletier, The owner of Motel 37

Pete Anderson Husband of first murder victim Jessie Anderson

Eugene Porter The first suspect of the murders.

Michonne took a long gulp this time. She dreaded the effort to get access to this small desolate town. Rick Grimes was her only chance at this, and she had to fight the urge to call him.


Rick tapped his fingertips in a nervous rhythm on the steering wheel. He turned his radio down as he focused on the motel room 208 on the second floor on the balcony.

Around this time for the past three nights. Michonne Wright walked to the main lobby downstairs in the motel to pick up a newspaper and have a conversation with the front desk attendant.

At least, that's what his partner in private investigation, Daryl Dixon, and Glenn Rhee told him.

Once a cop, always a cop. Most figured after the tragedy a year ago, Rick retired fully. But he could never keep away from anything that involved an investigation.

Police work became his life for twelve years. While his personal life and marriage struggled, his career was the smoothest thing he could depend on. Despite the stress and traumatic cases. He expected that in his career. His marriage and home life were another thing.

Lori hated him their last year in marriage. He was promoted to Sheriff which meant he spent more time involved in his work. In Rick's mind, however, promotion meant he was able to pay the bills, buy a bigger house, and pay for the baby that was on the way.

But Lori was too unstable, and he wished he could have reacted to the signs during their late night feuds and the night before she died.

Before he entered those depressing thoughts. His phone vibrated on his dashboard. He turned down his radio.

"Carl." His voice was soft.

"Dad."

They stay quiet for a few moments. Rick knew Carl had called to make sure he was alive. He had a right to be worried. Late nights when Rick was absent Carl always checked on him.

"Did you put Judith to bed?" Rick asked.

Carl yawned before he replied, "Beth is teaching her how to walk."

Rick felt the familiar guilt in the pit of his stomach. He knew he should be present, seeing his daughter's first steps, her first words. But he needed to take care of some important complications first.

Rick was thankful that Beth and the rest of her family helped him with his home life. Rick didn't need the help when it came to his jobs, but his family was another manner.

When the Greene family heard of Lori's death. Hershel Greene noticed with helpful eyes that Rick was spiraling out of control. He offered a hand in a peaceful path. He convinced Rick to move away from King County,to raise his son and Judith in a more peaceful setting. So far the choices only proved right for his children.

But as Rick's obsession worsened, he wondered if he, himself was truly in peace.


Rick was never on the other side of King County, with Victorian mansions that rounded every corner. The noble Georgia residents lived in this part of town. The aldermen, judges, business owners and politicians.

Yesterday after he watched the motel Michonne Wright occupied. Rick got home late and woke up in the early hours of the morning with a phone call that invited him for a meeting at this side of town. A very important meeting apparently.

The maid leads him into the huge white mansion and into the foyer before he entered the backyard that had a walled courtyard garden.

Two men sat at the white patio and smiled when they noticed Rick.

"You must be Rick Grimes." The older man reached out his hand and a small smile. Rick instantly recognized him by the voice.

"Dale Horvath. You're Mr. Blake's lawyer correct?" |
"That is right." Dale turned his attention to the man who stood next to him, "This is Milton Mamet, The Mayor's campaign adviser."

"Rick, very nice to meet you." He shook Milton's hand, and a third man. The man Rick recognized from eight months ago walked towards him.

"Rick Grimes. Great seeing you." The Mayor's voice was cheerful and the politician reached for a firm handshake.

"Mayor." Rick greeted,Mayor Blake signaled for Rick to take a seat.
When the four of them finished their greeting. Rick's eyes wandered along the men dressed in suits, waiting for one of them to speak.

The Mayor sat with legs crossed, lounged in the chair and hands on his lap, he was relaxed.

Finally with a wide smile, the Mayor spoke.

"Well, Rick I must say. It's great we're meeting under...lighter circumstances so to speak."

Rick gave a slight nod as he tried to repress the memory of the time he met Mayor Philip Blake and his fiance in this very backyard. A year ago,Rick burdened the news of Amy Robertson's murder.

"What are these light circumstances, Mayor?"

"Please,call me Phillip," Philip interjected and Rick smiled politely.

"Philip."

"Well, as you know I'm starting my re-election campaign. To keep it short, I want someone of your stance to join my committee."
Rick watched the Mayor with steady eyes, even though he was quite shocked to what The Mayor of King County presented to him. When Philip saw the hesitation in Rick's expression, he explained further.

"I've seen your work, Rick. Much closer than I would have liked to. I know some things have made you...take a leave of absence. But I really think it's time you get out there again. If you allow it, I'd want you to be our commissioner for the County."
"The town knows you, and they know what you're about." Dale Horvath added as Philip gave a nod of agreement.
"We need a man of your caliber, Rick." Milton further explained.

"Why now?" Rick asked.

"To be honest, since this might be my second term. I need to pay attention to what my citizens want this year. They want to feel protected. Especially with what happened last year.

"That's quite a big task to take on, Philip." Rick rolled his name off his tongue, he rubbed the tips of his fingers together and watched as the housekeeper approached the table with a tray of refreshments.

"Nothing you couldn't handle, Rick. King County knows you, when you were Sheriff, crime was extremely low. I say it's something to think about." Philip watched him then and Rick could only agree that he could think about the proposal.
The men further talked about the election. The issues and the proposal of the other possible contender running against Philip Blake.

"Deanna Monroe. She's got a close race against you." Rick said and Phillip slightly chuckled.
"Her views on taxes is not what's going to get King County's vote."
"Sweetheart." Phillip Blake's fiance approached him.

They were interrupted much to Rick's relief. He hated to discuss politics, taxes, and any other dull topics.

"The wedding planner is here." She softly whispered. Her hand lightly touched the Mayor's shoulder before she brought her attention to Rick.

"Andrea you remember Rick." Philip looked at his fiance.

Rick could understand the sadness in Andrea's eyes. In a strange way, it reminded him of Lori.

"Of course." She gave a tight lip smile before she shook Rick's hand.

"When do you plan on getting married?" Rick asked out of politeness.

"Next weekend," Philip answered, and his eyes widened an idea formed in his head. " Speaking of which. I would love if you can attend the wedding. it will be a great way to get your name out there." Phillip suggested.

Rick laughed softly,"With all due respect. I didn't accept the job."

With poise and a confident smile the Mayor laughed.

"Not yet. But you will."

After more endless conversation. Rick stood to leave. He entered the house again and saw Andrea with the wedding planner.

Andrea was made to be a politician's wife. Her blonde hair in perfect waves, with a sheath dress that graced her figure. Her manner was polite and distant, her huge diamond engagement ring sparkled on her left finger, as she looked through the catalog the wedding planner presented. When Rick entered the meeting room they were in, Andrea dismissed her and stared at Rick with a blank stare.

"I'm not sure if I told you this at the time." Rick started. He was genuine when he spoke to her now. "I'm very sorry for your sister's death." Hurt flashed in Andrea's eyes, and her guard briefly disappeared.

"Thank you." She closed the catalog, her hands clasped."Thank you. I wish she could be here, but me wishing is not going to bring her back." Andrea's blue eyes were haunting "I hope he rots in hell for what he's done. Someone you think you know. Just does something so inhuman." She looked away before she turned to Rick again.

"He and Amy were so close."

"It's usually someone closest," Rick added and he thought of Michonne's words the other day.

Andrea nodded. She stood, anxiously crossed her arms and slowly paced. She was pensive before she started to speak again.

"If I'm feeling a certain way, I wonder how his fiance must feel." Her voice was soft.

"His fiance?" Rick questioned.

"During the investigation. We never interviewed her." Rick shook his head.

"I've never met her, he's mentioned her once or twice. I figured they broke up."

Andrea looked uncomfortable as she fiddled with the diamond studs on her ear before she smiled.
"I heard you're coming to the wedding," Andrea said, as she tried to change the subject.

Rick smiled before he joked, "Your fiance is a pursuer."

"Yes he is, that's why I'm marrying him."She quipped.


"Carol?"

"Michonne?" The woman smiled and shook Michonne's hand before she opened her door and offered an invite to Michonne.

It was a small quaint house, homely with a few family pictures and small living room, she walked into the kitchen that had a round table.
"Would you like some sweet tea?" Carol's voice was pleasant as she followed Michonne into the kitchen.
"No thank you."

Michonne pulled out her recorder and her notes.

"Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Carol."
"Of course. It's not like I'm doing anything now." Michonne frowned and watched Carol's careful expression.

"I'm sorry about the loss of your-," Michonne thought of what to call the run down shack. "Business."

"Well, apart of me is relieved. It reminded me of my ex, Ed."

"He was the owner?"

"Yes, until he was caught beating me and he was sent to prison." Carol's face was unpleasant.

Michonne was taken aback by Carol's frankness.

"I'm sorry."

Carol shrugged.

"Rules have changed. Men can't get away with the things they used to get away with...I knew how he was, and apart of me thanks him for helping me become stronger." Carol walked over to the table.

Michonne's brown eyes were sympathetic. "He doesn't deserve the credit."
"Yes, you're right. If anything the people who helped me deserve that credit." Carol sighed.

"Could you tell me about the woman you worked with? Jessie Anderson."

"Yes, Jessie was my employee there, for six or seven months. Ed was the one who hired her, of course, he hired her, she was gorgeous. My husband had the wondering eye. I didn't think she had much experience to hire."
Carol frowned, saddened.

"We became close. She and I had a lot more in common than I thought we did."
Michonne stopped writing, "How so?"
"Our husbands. Packed a mean punch. She was sweet. She was young, had dreams that she didn't know she had, but like I said some people help you more than you could ever know."
Michonne nodded and watched Carol closely.

"You helped her?"
Carol gave an incredulous look to Michonne.
"Couldn't help myself at that time."

Carol took another sip of her tea before she continued.

"It was sad what happened to her. Jessie was just getting herself together. Going to school. She wanted to write. She had other jobs and two kids to feed." Carol raised her eyebrow. "Not that she needed the money in the first place. Pete's a surgeon."
"I'm sure she needed it to get away from him," Michonne responded before she asked,

"Where are her children now?"
"Pete's mother is raising those kids. Big mistake if you ask me."

Michonne could only agree.

"The night she died. Could you tell me about that it?"

"I can't tell you much, it got to the point where she could handle the motel by herself. Ed was in jail and I had to watch my child on my own. But we spoke on the phone, she told me she was happier than she's ever been. She was supposed to go to class the next day so she couldn't stay on shift for too long. We hung up, next thing you know. Two hours later I got a call about a disturbance and when I got to the place,police cars and ambulance was everywhere. Nosey people in the parking lot. It was like one of those crime shows."

"Who were the ones who told you Jessie was dead?"

"The two popular police officers of the town. Officer Rick Grimes and Shane Walsh."

Carol stood and walked to her window, Michonne was sure it because she was uncomfortable being brought back to that place. Carol was quiet for a few minutes, and Michonne waited patiently. Finally, Carol continued.

"Rick is a very compassionate person, I was a mess when I got the news, he sat down with me, let me babble on while he listened."

"We could have found the bastard sooner if Ed wasn't cheap and got those damn cameras fixed," Carol added and Michonne waited a few seconds before she asked another question.

"Shane still working?"

"You'll see Shane around town, he's no longer doing detective work but he's patrolling with a new partner."

Michonne made a quick note in her notepad to search for Rick Grime's ex-partner.

"Is there anything else I can help you with, Michonne?"
"Yes, how long have you and Rick known each other?"
"You're good." Carol complimented and Michonne felt she needed to explain herself.

"I noticed the way you talk about him, I'm sure that's not the first time you two have met."
"No. No, it's not." Carol confirmed. "I know you've heard these horror stories about his violence. Rick is just protective. He lives up to that title. Protect and serve. He came to my house more times than not checking to see if Ed was laying his fist down. I knew his wife, and he was just having a rough year."

Carol breathed out and turned around from the window to face Michonne.

"When I mentioned earlier about the people helping me. Rick was one of those people. So whatever your hand is writing or thinking about writing. It's not true."

Michonne's eyebrow quirked. "It's not what I read. Reports and complaints-"

"Even if it's true. Not everyone is good. Especially with what he's dealing with."

Carol paused. "I know what you're thinking. Abused woman syndrome making excuses for a man's violence. It's not like that."

Michonne didn't respond because truthfully she didn't know how to and Carol wasn't expecting it. Carol looked ahead, alone in her thoughts.

"You're a career woman. You're strong. Not all of us are. Not Jessie. Not me." Carol's eyes spoke with unshed tears. "People like you. You don't need Rick. But we do."


Michonne quickly walked to her car. As the rain started to pour heavy. She was in the parking lot of a small grocery store sadly without an umbrella. She had a paper bag full of groceries in her arms.

It was a long day. After she spoke with Carol, she went to the Police department to try to find Shane Walsh but he was on vacation.

"Shit." She cursed when she dropped her keys onto the ground, it was dark outside and she could barely see where he keys were on the dark gravel. She bent down to try to look for her car keys,having a difficult time with her grocery still in her hands.

She heard footsteps behind her, and could no longer feel the hard pour of rain on her clothes,a flashlight was shone her way and soon enough she found her keys.

"Thank you." She said loudly before she could see the helpful person.

"Rick Grimes." She said under her breath. Rick had his black umbrella over her and a mini flashlight in between his fingers while he held his paper bag of groceries under his arm.

"Michonne." He replied she stood up and walked to her car. He followed her, his umbrella still protecting her from the heavy downpour.

It was hard to admit she felt uneasy.

She opened her car door. "I thought you didn't live in this part of town anymore?"

"I don't." He quickly replied. "I was in town. Decided to run some errands."

"It's funny seeing you here." She put her groceries on the passenger side before she sat down.

"You too." He said, before he awkwardly stood before her, he wanted to say something. Was itching to. His jaw tightened before he did say it.

"I got a call from Carol this evening."

"You did?" She wasn't surprised.

Rick nodded, "She said you interviewed her."

"She's a very smart woman, very sweet. Protective of you." Michonne smiled and Rick continued.

"If you have any questions about me Michonne. My work. You should ask me."

"I did. You told me to figure it out. I'm the journalist." Michonne reminded.

"Don't harass the people close to me, Ms. Wright." She could only lightly laugh under breath. He was trying to intimidate her with polite conversation.

"Harassing them? Is that what I was doing?"

Rick ignored her.

"If there are any questions regarding my work I think you should ask me instead."

Michonne and Rick watched one another, as the rain started to slow down. His hand clutched her car door.

"I'll keep that in mind, Rick." Michonne put her body fully in her car and started the engine.

Rick gave a look of approval before he closed her door for her and walked to his truck.

Michonne pulled out of her parking space and stopped when she got to Rick's side. She pulled down her window.

"Oh and Rick?"

He turned to her.

"Stop watching me."

Rick paused, but he waved and watched as she pulled her window up. Michonne not only notices the slight twinge of a smile on his lips, and raise of his brows. The look on his face before she could think of the word for it.

Rick was impressed.

TBC

Next chapter will be posted later today. Something terrifying happens as we.