Angel Mine 4 – Vengeance

All recognized characters, situations, and locations belong to AMC, the creators, writers, and actors of the Walking Dead.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

They do not know who they are fucking with. – Rick 'A' (what the line was supposed to be)

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

As I survey the chaos, taking in the lack of raw humanity
It's as if the entire world's fallen in love with their insanity
I hear the innocent voices scream
As their tormentors laugh through all of it
No forgiveness for all I've seen
The degradation I cannot forget

So sleep soundly in your beds tonight
For judgement falls upon you at first light

I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you've become)
In the blackest moments

Of a dying world
What have you become?
(Look inside and see what you've become)

"The Vengeful One" Disturbed, album Immortalized

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

It took less than an hour to pack and load the SUVs. Then less than two to drive to the outskirts of Atlanta. Rick and Morgan rode with Lamson and Shepherd while Michonne followed with Carl, Mika, and Judith. Daryl and Carol were in the last vehicle with Jack the dog in the back seat, and the deer draining into plastic containers in the back. Lamson drove into the city some distance from the hospital, then led them through the streets to a large parking structure. Amanda opened the gate at street level to let them drive in. Bob stopped at the entrance to the third level where a car blocked the way. He got out and began to push the car out of the way. Rick came to him to help. Once the path was clear, they drove the other vehicles through then moved the car back into place.

"So far this place has stayed empty," Bob reported. "We'll give you a hand blocking the ramp with more vehicles. It's close, the hospital is just there," he pointed. "Oh good, she's there. I thought the time was right."

The group gathered together. They stood in the shadows staring at the hospital, specifically at the rooftop.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Beth smiled as Jeffrey galloped around her. Licari had found a cowboy hat on a recent run, so the little boy was pretending to ride a horse across the roof. It was a beautiful day with a slight breeze.

'Songbird, he's here. He's close. Turn into the breeze for me, darlin'.'

Beth turned around as Jeffrey hopped by her. Her eyes scanned the area, but she didn't see anyone. The breeze kicked up harder, tossing her hair and pressing the scrub top she wore back against her belly.

Daryl felt his heart clench as he stared at her through the rifle scope. She was there, so close, but still so far. She was smiling at the little boy's antics. The wind pressed her clothing back, revealing the swell of her abdomen where the child grew. She was alive.

His instinct was to run to her. Everything in him screamed to go, kill anyone in his way, just get to her. Rick seemed to sense something and touched his arm. "Soon, brother, real soon."

"So what is the plan?" Morgan asked.

"To be honest, I don't know," Bob Lamson replied. "We'll need to get the other wards… prisoners out. And we've got another officer to deal with first."

"Another officer?" Michonne asked. "One has been… dealt with?"

Amanda sighed, "There was one, Gorman, Dawn's right hand man for a long while now. He was the one who she had rape the woman and he's been doing it ever since. He's dead now."

"He attacked Beth," Lamson reported. Everyone stiffened and Rick instinctively stepped in front of Daryl. "He went at her in an office. I got there as quick as I could, but she'd already defended herself. She shoved a letter opener into his carotid. I shot him, but he was already dying at that point. We hid the body, Dawn thinks he abandoned her. It's a serious trigger for her, abandonment. She's been off balance ever since."

"This other cop…" Rick started

"O'Malley. Sadistic son of a bitch," Lamson said. "He's taken over as her main support now, but she doesn't trust him."

"Can you get him out here?" Rick asked. "We take care of him and she'll think he abandoned her too. Keep her off balance."

"Wait," Daryl snapped, "You've got an unstable bitch who you want to make more unstable? While leavin' Beth there alone? No."

"She won't be alone," Amanda replied.

"No, she won't," Carol said. "I'm going in to her."

"No," Rick replied, "We aren't handing that woman another hostage." Daryl just shook his head violently.

"Just listen," Carol protested. "We need one of us on the inside. It obviously can't be Daryl. And Dawn would never keep someone like you or you," she looked from Rick to Michonne, "as a slave, you're an obvious threat. But me?" Carol's whole demeanor changed. She hunched her shoulders, glanced around nervously, then gave them a weak smile. When she spoke, her voice was more delicate, a little shaky. "I'm just Carol, nothing special here. Kind of a mother hen that the rest of you just take care of."

Lamson nodded, "She will fall for it. She never looks too deep into anyone. All she sees in Beth is a fragile, scared little girl who happens to have a healthy womb."

"Makes for a shitty cop," Rick remarked.

"Makes for a shitty person," Amanda retorted.

Carol straightened and her voice strengthened, "Plus I think I remember how to maneuver around a tyrant. Lamson and Shepherd will take me in as the new… ward? Is that what you called them? I'll stay close to Beth."

"Dawn hasn't let the wards around Beth much," Amanda said. "She has gotten more lenient about letting us be alone with her."

Carol smiled, "Trust me, I know exactly what to say to insure it."

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Dawn stared disdainfully at the woman sitting in her office, "How did you survive so long?"

Carol shrugged, staring at Dawn's desk with her shoulders hunched, "The people I was with were strong and good. They took care of me. I cooked and did the laundry, sewed." She smiled distantly, "Some of them even called me Momma Carol."

"And where are those people?"

"I don't know," tears flooded Carol's eyes. "We had a large group, but we kept dividing into smaller and smaller groups. We kept finding places we thought would be safe, only to be driven out and split up. Maybe a week ago, we were overrun again. Some of them ran, but I couldn't keep up. I lost a friend who stayed to protect me. The others… they never came back for me."

Dawn cleared her throat, "They just abandoned you," she clenched her jaw for a moment then took a deep breath. "Well this is a safe place here, has been since the start. Now we all work to keep it going. People like you who are brought in, we clothe, feed, give shelter and security to, but it creates a debt. In exchange we have you work."

"Oh, of course," Carol nodded eagerly. "I'm a real hard worker. Like I said I can cook and sew. Clean," she glanced around with a little giggle, "Though this place is spic and span."

"I insist on it," Dawn replied. "Dirtiness and untidiness is disrespectful to your environment and your coworkers. I demand a clean officer in a clean uniform and a clean hospital. Thankfully as a hospital there seems to be no end to the cleaning supplies, especially since we're only using the one floor."

"Efficient," Carol smiled.

Dawn smiled back for the first time, "Yes. We have everything we need on this floor. I can use another cleaner, and your ability to sew will really come in handy. These uniforms are sturdy, but there are still times they need a stitch or two. Do you have any other skills or training? What were you before?"

"A wife and mother," Carol replied. "That's all. I kept the house and took care of my daughter. It doesn't seem like much looking back, but then it was everything. I did have some training… but it's nothing relevant now."

"What was it?"

"A doula. I almost had my certification."

"A doula?"

"Kinda of a mother's assistant, helping through childbirth and post-partum."

Dawn actually teared up, "Carol, you have no idea how welcome you are! HAHA, you certainly won't be wasting your time cleaning!"

Carol brightened, "Are you expecting?"

Dawn nodded, "It's a girl. My daughter."

"How far along are you?" Carol asked looking at Dawn's stomach.

"Oh, it's not me, I have a surrogate. She's about seventeen weeks along now. I can't believe it's twenty three more weeks." Dawn sighed heavily. "I'm supposed to be a mom, I always have been. But really I've never changed a diaper, or given a bottle. I've never even held a baby."

Carol smiled reassuringly, "Many new mothers haven't. I've helped many mothers in the first few weeks but the best way to learn is by doing. Have you decided on a name yet?"

"I'm still considering," Dawn said, pulling several baby name books from her shelf. "It has to be the perfect one, you know?"

"I do. When my daughter was born, I had several names in my head, but as soon as I saw her I knew she was Sophia."

"Sophia," Dawn considered, "Not bad. Not my style though. Maybe that's what I'll do. Have some in mind then decide when I see her." She opened the pink baby book and showed Carol the sonogram photo. "Right now she doesn't look like much. She's growing perfectly, I just wish it didn't take so long." She returned the books to their place on the shelf. "I'll take you to meet the surrogate. Your job will be to take care of her until the baby is born, then help me with her."

Carol followed Dawn up the hall, glancing around subtly.

Beth stepped out of a room, escorted by an officer. She looked pale and anxious.

"Beth, this is…" Dawn began to introduce them.

"Beth?" Carol gasped, "Oh my God Beth!"

Beth froze, eyes wide in shock. Dawn threw out her arm to block Carol's path, "You know her?"

"Yes," Carol nodded. "It was so long ago. Beth honey, it's Momma Carol, sweetheart.

"Momma…" Beth murmured, confused.

"It's so good to see you. Is anyone else with you?"

Beth shook her head, "It's just me." Tears filled her eyes, spilling over.

Carol walked by Dawn's arm to go to Beth and hug her close. As soon as Carol's arms went around her, Beth buried her face in Carol's shoulder and wept. "Oh honey, Shh, Shh." Carol soothed her. She felt the hard swell of Beth's stomach against her own and looked down, then looked to Dawn.

Dawn nodded, "She's my surrogate."

Carol smiled, "Of course. Beth honey you need to calm down now, come on. Deep breath for me. In deep, hold it, then blow it out. Again. In. Hold. Out." She wiped Beth's tears away. "Beth's always been a sweet, generous girl." Carol cupped Beth's face and kissed her forehead, "This is an amazing thing you are doing, Beth." She turned to Dawn, "She should rest for a little while."

"Of course," Dawn nodded. "Her room is this way."

Carol walked Beth behind Dawn, an arm around her back and rubbing gently. She helped Beth climb up on the bed then glanced around. She went to the attached bathroom and soaked a washcloth in cool water that she used to gently bathe Beth's face. "There. OK now?" Beth nodded. "Alright. You rest for a little while, I'll be here when you wake up."

"Come on," Dawn ordered. "I'll show you around while she sleeps."

Carol nodded then watched as Dawn walked out of the room. She whispered into Beth's ear, "Daryl's close. Just hold on, this is almost over."

Beth didn't think she'd be able to sleep, but after her eyes closed and opened a few times, she opened them to find herself still in bed, but with Merle standing in the window, holding her angel up so he could see out.

Merle turned and grinned at her, "Told you he'd come. They're just workin' out the plans. Won't be long now."

"Where are they?"

Merle sat her angel down and offered Beth his hand. She sat up and slid from the bed. The instant they touched, the hospital room faded away. They were now in a parking garage. Rick and Daryl were reinforcing the ramp with abandoned cars while Michonne, Carl, and Mika set up a camp. Judith slept nearby in a plastic laundry basket while a white, one eyed dog kept watch over her.

Beth stooped over Judith, "Hello sweet girl. I've missed you. You're gettin' so big." Judith smiled in her sleep. The dog's tail twitched, but he remained silent.

Michonne directed Carl and Mika to hang blankets between cars. "Like a fort," Mika grinned. Michonne nodded as she spread out sleeping bags and blankets to cushion the concrete floor.

Daryl walked to the edge, keeping to the shadows, but staring off at the hospital in the distance. Rick watched him go, then went to a man she didn't know, who was going through vehicles and found a portable grill and a bag of charcoal. Rick helped him pull it out of the truck.

"We should set it up in the stairwell," the man suggested. "Keep the smoke inside there. It should dissipate enough before getting outside that it shouldn't be too obvious."

"Good idea Morgan," Rick replied. They carried it over to the enclosed stairs.

Beth went to Daryl's side. "He looks so pale. So tired." Daryl stared at the hospital's empty roof and sighed heavily.

"Been too long worryin' about you," Merle replied. "It'll be better soon." He let her stand for a moment, then took her in his arms. "Sorry, kid."

Beth blinked. She was back in the hospital bed. She walked to her window and stared out. The parking garage was visible, but looked as empty as it always did. Exhaustion swept over her and she crawled back into bed, falling asleep immediately.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Beth sat on the rooftop, next to the garden. Jeffrey was content to sit at her feet and pick beans. He handed them to her and she'd snap off the ends before dumping them into a bowl.

She was completely confused. Carol had been there for three days, but this wasn't the Carol she was familiar with. This Carol trotted around Dawn like a puppy, jumping to act the minute Dawn told her to do anything. Happily wearing the scrubs that Dawn insisted all the wards wear. She fussed over Beth, pushing her to eat and rest. Taking salt away before she could put any on her food. Insisting she eat more meat. Carol had always been protective. Mothering. But this was almost to the point of smothering. She never mentioned Daryl again, but then they rarely had a minute where Dawn or one of the other cops wasn't close by. At night, Carol slept in a chair in Beth's room, but even then, one of the cops was usually at or near the door.

Even now, Dawn sat with Carol only about five feet away, chattering away as they made a list of things Dawn still needed for 'her daughter'. Dawn had been so focused for months on all the cute outfits and adorable bedding that she hadn't brought back a single diaper or even a crib yet.

Beth's eyes were drawn, as they almost always were, to the parking garage. It had always looked empty. Until now. Something glinted in the sunlight, catching her attention. There on the roof, near one corner, someone stood. The distance was too great to tell who it was. Beth glanced nervously at Dawn, but she was busily taking notes as Carol dictated what qualities she needed in a high chair. Beth looked back at the figure.

Daryl was staring at her through a spare rifle scope. He saw her looking at him and instinctively he raised his crossbow up over his head and waved it. Beth smiled brightly, her whole face lighting up as she realized it was him. "Soon, darlin'. We're comin' soon," he whispered.

Dawn got up. Beth refocused on the beans in her hands. "I'm going on a run. Don't stay up here too long."

"The fresh air and sunshine are good for the baby," Carol said. "Vitamins from nature are the best ones. But Dawn's right, it's almost time for lunch. Jeffrey how are those beans coming?"

Jeffrey grinned and handed Beth a bunch, "Great!"

"I can whip up a great casserole for supper," Carol offered.

"Sounds good," Dawn said. "I'll be back by then. I know just the place to get the furniture."

One good thing since Carol arrived was that Dawn no longer demanded the daily 'you are my incubator' lectures with Beth. She seemed to think that Carol calling her a surrogate was enough.

Beth looked back to the parking roof. Daryl was still there. Watching.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Lunch was just wrapping up. Beth had eaten her fill slowly, taking in enough for Carol to be happy. Carol had lifted Jeffrey to a stool next to the stove and was explaining how to prepare and cook the beans. Shepherd and O'Malley were the only ones left in the lunch room, the other cops and wards having moved out to finish their work.

"O'Malley," Lamson walked in.

"What?"

Lamson clenched his jaw at the snapped response, but sat down with a smile, "I was thinking about taking a run this afternoon."

"Why? Dawn hasn't scheduled one."

"I want it to be a surprise for her. There's another baby store nearby that has one of those fancy rocking chairs with an ottoman. Don't think it's something on Dawn's list."

Carol shook her head, "No, I didn't think of it. It's a great idea though, something she could really use."

O'Malley smirked, "OK, let's go."

"I can do it," Lamson replied.

"No, I'll go with you. It can be a surprise from all of us," O'Malley said. "Unless you have a problem with that?"

"Of course not."

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Lamson drove into an alley and stopped the pickup truck. O'Malley got out immediately, "I hate riding in this thing. Where is this place anyway?"

"This way," Lamson said. He led him into a building, walking silently by Rick and Daryl waiting inside.

"This isn't a baby store," O'Malley snapped.

Daryl closed the door.

O'Malley whirled and grabbed his gun. Lamson fired his gun directly into the back of O'Malley's head, killing him instantly.

Rick jerked at the sound of the gunshot. Daryl peeked out the door.

"I was ready to take care of this," Rick said to Lamson.

"Wasn't your place," Lamson replied. "I let things get this bad. O'Malley was one of those things. He was terrorizing the wards, knocking some of them around. With the added power of becoming Dawn's second, he would have become… inhuman. It needed to be done now and if I hope to make up for my inaction, it needed to be me."

Rick nodded, "I get it."

"How's Beth? Carol?" Daryl asked.

"Fine. They're both fine," Lamson replied. "Carol was right, she did know what to say to Dawn. She's got her wrapped around her finger already. All Carol had to do was suggest Dawn go pick up baby supplies soon and Dawn was running out the door today. We need to get the truck to the garage."

"What about him?" Daryl indicated the body.

"Leave him to rot," Lamson replied.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

"What do you mean gone?" Dawn snarled.

"I don't know," Lamson replied. He was sweating and flushed from running through the obstacles around the hospital. He'd arrived just as Dawn returned from her run.

Dr. Edwards shoved a bottle of water into Lamson's hand.

Bob drank it gratefully. "We went out to pick up…" he broke off and cringed.

"What?"

Bob sighed, "It was going to be a surprise. I'd seen a rocking chair in a store and we were going to pick it up for you. You know, to rock the baby?"

Dawn smiled, "That's so nice!"

"We went in to clear the store, then O'Malley just walked back out," he took another long drink. "I thought maybe he heard something. But he just got into the truck and drove away. He just… left me there."

"Which truck?" Dawn demanded. "The pickup? He hates that thing. But it is a four wheel drive. I don't understand why this keeps happening! Get the others to unload the SUV. I want everything for the baby in the office next to mine before nightfall."

"Yes, ma'am," Licari nodded.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Carol walked into the office where Dawn sat staring at boxes of baby furniture. "Are you OK?"

"This should be the happiest time of my life."

Carol shook her head, "The happiest time comes when your child is placed into your arms. This is just what you have to survive."

"I didn't like O'Malley. He was an arrogant little prick. But I never expected him to just abandon us. Especially leaving his partner like that? Alone, far from base. Why would he do that?"

Carol sighed, "Maya Angelou once said, when people show you who they are, believe them the first time."

"Well good riddance," Dawn sniffed. "I almost hope he comes back so I can just tell him to get out."

Carol rubbed Dawn's back soothingly.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

"It's gonna be real soon, Songbird," Merle told her. "You gotta be ready."

"I will," Beth replied. "You'll still be around after, right?"

"Yep, I ain't goin' nowhere. Gotta watch over y'all."

Beth nodded, then suddenly thought of something, "Do you ever watch me in the shower?"

"Nah," Merle replied, "Not you. Other women around sure." He laughed. "I ain't never gonna be that dead, darlin'."

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

"I'm taking Dawn tomorrow to get the chair I told her about," Lamson reported. "Licari and Amanda will bring the other prisoners out to the parking garage. Then you bring those two in as hostages to exchange for Beth and Carol."

"You really think she'll trade Beth for anyone?" asked Michonne.

"Of course not," Lamson replied. "But supposedly you don't know that."

"The goal is to get us inside the hospital," Rick reminded. "Take out Dawn and take control of the others."

"The others will do what they're told," Lamson said. "We shouldn't have any resistance."

"Should we really do this in the hospital?" Morgan asked. "Maybe outside, or somewhere neutral would be better."

"No," Rick shook his head. "Outside has too many variables. Walkers. Places to run to."

"The hospital corridor is best," Lamson agreed.

"Until the bullets start flying," Michonne replied.

"The only one who might consider shooting is Dawn and I emptied her clip a week ago. She still hasn't noticed."

Rick blinked, "She hasn't noticed her gun is empty?"

"Nope, she only checks if she fires it," Lamson replied. "So long as we don't have to shoot our way out of the baby store, she'll never notice."

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

"This way, come on. You OK there Mr. Percy?" Chris Licari asked. The old man nodded as he followed the others up the ramp. The rest of the prisoners huddled together, looking around fearfully.

Amanda carried Jeffrey in her arms. "Why couldn't we bring Beth?" he whined.

"We'll see her soon," Amanda replied. "We're going somewhere with someone for you to play with, but you need to be quiet, OK?" He nodded and hid his face in her neck.

Rick was waiting at the third level, "Any trouble?"

Licari shook his head, "None. Everyone was busy. And Beth was asleep so she didn't hear us go. Carol's with her. Dawn and Lamson left about a half hour ago so we've got about another half hour.

Morgan and Carl ushered them all through the barrier of vehicles. Michonne was waiting to show them into their camp.

"We've got food and water for you," Michonne reported. "But really this shouldn't take all that long."

"Hi, I'm Mika," Mika beamed as she introduced herself to Jeffrey. "And this is Judith. And Jack."

"Hi, I'm Jeffrey!" Jeffrey wriggled to be put down so he could pet the dog.

"Do you like games? There's a whole bunch in here!"

"Yeah!"

Mika carried Judith over to a playpen with a thick blanket covering the floor. The baby was content to be sat down with a few new toys. The two kids pulled out a board game and began to set it up as the dog flopped down with them.

"Who are you?" Mr. Percy asked.

"Beth and Carol's family," Carl replied.

Mr. Percy smiled at him, "Oh good."

"Mr. Percy, can you keep an eye on Jeffrey for me," Amanda asked.

"Of course," the man nodded. "Maybe I'll play too! Been a long time since I played Chutes and Ladders."

"Please!" Mika squealed.

"Let's go," Amanda said.

"You're not going," Licari replied.

"What? Of course I am," Amanda snorted and tried to shove by him.

Licari simply grabbed her up in his arms and carried her over to a truck, sat her inside, and cuffed her to the roll bar. "Chris? CHRISTOPHER! Let me go right now!"

"You're staying here Amanda, it's that simple," Licari replied. He handed the key to Percy. "You can let her loose in ten minutes, OK." He stroked Jeffrey's hair, "Amanda will be right here, OK? It's just a game." The little boy nodded. "Amanda quit kicking, you won't get the loose and you're making a lot of noise. Plus you're scaring the little ones."

"I hate you, you son of a bitch!" Amanda growled at him, but then settled down to glower silently.

"I'm OK with that."

"Let's go," Rick said. "Carl, keep them safe," he said handing over a spare clip.

Carl nodded, "You too."

Morgan and Michonne led Rick and Licari back through the barrier and down the ramp.

"Where's Daryl?" Licari asked as they reached the second level.

"Here. We ready?" Daryl said as he emerged from the back. His hair was damp and he was wearing a fresh set of clothes under his winged vest.

"Did you take a bath?" Rick asked.

"Sorta," Daryl replied with a shrug. "Let's do this thing."

Michonne met Rick's gaze, hiding a smile. Rick covered a laugh with a cough. Daryl walked led the way out to the street.

"He's got it bad," Licari whispered.

"And you don't?" Michonne teased.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Dawn kept looking into the back of the van at the rocking chair. She had spent the better part of an hour walking back and forth between three of them. Sitting in each one, contemplating the fabric choices, before settling on the perfect one. "I can't thank you enough for this."

Lamson nodded, "I remember how much use my wife got out of hers."

Dawn sighed, "I've got so much to learn. Carol is a Godsend!"

"What the hell?" Lamson stopped the van. In their path into the fenced in lot, sat one of the cars they used on distance runs. The black one with the white cross in the rear window. A bearded man stood there with a tall woman holding a sword and a man with a staff. The bearded man opened the back seat of the car and yanked Licari out.

Licari stumbled forward and dropped to his knees as a gun was placed against the back of his head.

"My name is Rick Grimes! Come out!" Rick yelled.

Dawn slammed out of the car, "What's going on?"

"We've got your people, you've got ours!" Rick replied.

"They've got Amanda!" Licari shouted, scowling at them.

"We want Carol and Beth!"

Dawn gasped and shudder went through her.

"One hour," Rick yelled. "We'll come to you for the trade. There's no need for any complications. One hour!" Rick shoved Licari back into the vehicle and they drove away.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Dawn stormed into the hospital. Lamson followed, faking rage. "We can't lose any more officers," he snarled. "We need Licari and Shepherd.'

Dawn whirled, "They dare. This Rick and his people. Dare to take from me! To make DEMANDS of me! They are going to regret this day, but not for long. Get the others, get the wards. I want everyone armed and ready."

"Dawn, the wards are gone," another officer reported nervously. "I was on the roof working on the sprinklers and when I came down, they were gone."

"I was in the kitchen," another said.

"Walking the perimeter," said another.

"And you happened to miss our entire work force walking out the door?" she snarled at him.

"Yes, ma'am." The man met Lamson's gaze as Dawn stormed away and gave a single, quick nod.

Dawn stomped down to Beth's room. Beth was on her bed while Carol sat on the comfortable hospital recliner chair next to her. Dawn went to Carol and yanked her out of the chair, throwing her to the floor. Carol yelped and cowered on the floor as Beth was startled awake.

"You said they abandoned you!" Dawn snapped.

"They did," Carol whimpered.

"So why are they here demanding your release?"

"No one would come for me," Carol protested.

"Some guy named Rick? He's holding Licari and Shepherd hostage to get you!"

"He is?" Carol looked shocked.

"Get up. Come on. You too, Beth. Let's go," Dawn demanded. Carol scrambled up to obey. Dawn grabbed Beth's arm in a punishing grip as Carol walked out the door. "If you move so much as an inch away from my side, I will kill her. Do you understand me?" Beth nodded jerkily. "Come on."

Dawn never glanced at the cabinet, if she had, she might have seen that the floor was sitting slightly out of place.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

The officers stood in two straight rows along the hallway. Lamson stood with Dawn who still had Beth's elbow in a tight grasp. Carol cringed next to them.

"You all know your responsibilities," Dawn snapped. "Do not disappoint me."

The far door opened, slightly, then was pushed back to lock open against the wall. Morgan and Michonne entered first, guns ready. Rick followed with Licari who had his hands behind his back. Last to enter was Daryl.

Beth gasped at the sight of him. Dawn's grip on her arm began to bruise in intensity. "Don't you dare," she snarled low.

"The trade is simple," Rick began.

"Where's Shepherd?" Lamson interrupted.

"Somewhere safe," Rick replied. "Soon as this is done, we'll tell you where to find her."

"She's OK," Licari said.

"You send one of ours, then I'll send him," Rick said. "Then you send the other. Soon as we have our people, we'll leave and you can go get your other one."

"Fine," Dawn spit out. She shoved Carol forward harshly, "Go on."

Carol looked back worriedly at Beth, "Please. Send her first."

"GO!"

"Carol, come here to me now!" Rick demanded.

Carol turned and walked to him obediently. Dawn scoffed, "Not sure why you're so anxious to get *her* back. She's just a burden you'll have to carry. Dead weight."

Rick nodded to Carol as Daryl pulled her further into the group. Rick pushed Licari to begin walking. "Now Beth!" Daryl yelled, ignoring Rick's glare.

Licari was about half way between them.

"No, thanks. You keep Shepherd," Dawn replied. "No use to me anyway!"

"That wasn't the deal!" Rick yelled.

"Dawn, please," Licari hissed."

"Give her to us!" Michonne demanded.

"NO!" Dawn retorted. "I don't give a shit about Beth, really. But she's carrying my daughter. So she. Stays. Here."

"Dawn?" Beth said.

Dawn looked at her, "What?"

"It's a boy. And he's mine!" Beth replied. Then she yanked the small pocket knife from her pants, flipped it open, and slammed the blade deep into Dawn's throat. The blade was small, but razor sharp. It sank into her flesh, slicing open the carotid artery instantly. Blood burst out, splashing onto Beth's face and hair, dripping down onto her shirt.

Dawn gasped and yanked at her gun. Lamson slapped his hand down, keeping her from pulling it. He yanked her back as Licari lunged forward and grabbed Beth back out of harm's way.

Daryl exploded. He swept forward, shoving Licari out of the way, scooped Beth up into his arms, then shoved through the nearest door, slamming it closed on them.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Licari and Lamson stared at the door where Daryl and Beth had disappeared. They ignored Dawn, who was sinking to the floor as her life bled out at their feet. Rick, Carol, Michonne, and Morgan advanced. Rick and Michonne watched the other cops, but there was no threat coming from them.

Lamson turned to the uniformed men and women, "There's a new Sheriff in town. Anyone object?"

One by one they shook their heads. The man who'd been on guard when they left stepped forward, "I locked Dr. Edwards in the storage room."

Lamson nodded, "Leave him there for now."

Rick reached them, looking down at Dawn.

Licari turned to Lamson, "Did you tell Beth about the plan?"

Lamson shook his head, "I thought you did."

"Oh well. This worked too," Licari shrugged. Then he pointed to the door, "Did anyone tell Daryl the plan?"

Rick nodded, "Yeah. But that didn't surprise me at all."

"Surprised me that he lasted as long as he did," Michonne said.

Lamson stooped down over Dawn who was weakly covering the wound with one hand while the other reached for him. "Please," she begged silently. She reached for his gun.

"No," Lamson replied. "I think we'll just let you rot." A tear slid down Dawn's cheek. "Lock you in a room. I wonder, can a rotter ever actually starve to death?"

Dawn gasped one last time, then her hands fell limply to the floor. Licari automatically took her wrist in his hand to check her pulse, then shook his head and let her hand fall.

"You really want to leave her in a room to turn?" Morgan asked.

"No. Just said it because it was one of her greatest fears," Lamson pulled a knife and slammed it into Dawn's temple. "But it would most likely come back to bite me in the ass somehow. Possibly literally." He wiped the blade on his pants as he stood up. "Where is Amanda really?"

"I cuffed her to a truck," Licari replied. "And will give you a hundred million dollars to be the one to go get her."

Lamson rolled his eyes, "What am I supposed to do with a hundred million dollars? Wipe my ass with it?"

Rick walked over to the door that Daryl and Beth had disappeared behind.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

Beth cringed as the blood hit her face, wet and hot. Licari pulled her back.

Then Daryl was there, scooping her up in his strong, familiar arms and taking her out of there. He slammed back against the door, holding it closed as he cradled her to his chest.

She stared up at him, so relieved to have him here and close again. But nervous of what his reaction would be. They stared at each other in silence for several long moments. Finally she said simply, "Hi."

His face crumpled and he shifted her even closer. She held him tight as his tears fell onto her neck. "I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry," he whispered. "I didn't know. I didn't know you were here."

"Shh, I know."

"I never would'a left you here."

"I know." He sniffed and she reached up to wipe the tears away, but smeared blood onto his cheek. "Oh."

He sat her down and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her hands, then her face. "Are you OK?"

She swallowed hard, "I'm pregnant."

"I know. They told us. We had a plan with Lamson, Shepherd, and Licari. To take care of this."

"Nobody told me."

"Oh." he wiped at her face more.

"I knew you'd come."

"I never stopped lookin'."

Beth smiled at him. He smiled back.

He stroked her cheek. "You were right. I missed you, so bad it hurt. Felt like there was no air in the world." He took a deep breath and smiled again. "I ain't never gonna let you go again," Daryl said. "I swear. Rick, Michonne, Carol, Carl. They stayed to help me look. We've got Mika and Asskicker too. They're all OK. That guy out there is Morgan. The guy Rick knew? He found us. And I seen Maggie 'n Glenn a while back. They got out, but…"

"They left," Beth whispered.

Daryl nodded, confused.

"You're here," she said. "That's what matters."

A knock sounded on the door behind them, Rick's voice reached them, "Daryl? Take your time, but the rest of us would like to see Beth too when you're ready."

Daryl looked at her questioningly and Beth nodded. Daryl opened the door.