Chapter 4
The following day I was at the church cooking and watching Judith, when Carl called me over.
"Can I show you something?" he asked.
"Yeah course" I smiled. He lead me outside and showed me some writing that had been carved into the window ledge of the church it read YOU WILL BURN FOR THIS
"What do you think that's all about?" he asked.
"I don't know but I knew I couldn't trust him" I said.
"What do I do?" Carl asked.
"I think it's best if you speak to your Dad about it" I said.
"What would you do?" he asked.
"I would ask him what the hell he did and depending on what he said depended on how I took it from there" I replied.
"Would you speak to him?" He asked.
" I don't really think it's my place do you?" I asked.
"You have just as much right as any of us" he said.
"Don't you think we should consult your Dad first?" I asked.
"He won't be back for ages and I need answers now" he said.
"Ok I will sort it" I sighed.
So I handed Judith to Carl and went to the church office. I knocked on the door and heard the Priest say come in.
"I was wondering if we could have a chat?" I asked.
"Sure have a seat" he said, gesturing to the chair opposite where he was sat at the desk.
"I'm not going to lie, I don't trust you Father, I don't trust you at all. Now something has come to my attention that gives me even less faith in you" I said.
"And what is that?" he asked calmly.
"The writing on the outside of the church? What did you do?" I asked.
He didn't answer me for a long time, and when he eventually did his voice was broken like he was about to cry.
"I lock the doors at night, I always lock the doors at night" he said beginning to weep. "They started to come, they were scared. They were looking for a safe place as Atlanta had been bombed the night before" He started to become hysterical.
"It was early, so early" he carried on "The doors were still locked. You see it was by choice. There were so many of them, they were banging on the doors and trying to prise the shutters open. They were screaming and shouting making so much noise, until the dead came for them" he said.
I looked at him with disgust.
"There were children, entire families screaming my name as they were torn apart" he sobbed, " begging me for mercy over and over. Damning me to hell". He paused for a moment.
"I buried them all, I buried them all" he said before composing himself. "I think the lord finally sent you to punish me".
He then became hysterical again and collapsed on the floor rambling on about locking the doors. I got up without saying a word and walked out of the room.
The guys came back from the supply run at the local food bank and they came with loads of boxes of food. Everyone was in such high spirits I didn't have the heart to tell them about Father Gabriel just yet.
I fixed everyone a plate of food. It was the same as the previous night, everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves. Abraham stood up and made a toast. He thanked everyone for their hospitality.
"Once we have fixed the school bus, which will probably take a few days, we will continue with our mission to get Eugene to Washington" He said, "And every single person is more than welcome to accompany us on said mission"
I looked at Daryl and he looked at me. "I'm with you babe, what ever you decide" I smiled.
Daryl looked down at the floor for a while. "I'm going to speak to Rick about it first" he said.
"Well I think there's something Rick needs to know as well" I said. Daryl looked at me with a puzzled look.
Bob decided he was going for a bit of fresh air. Carol was on watch duty and Daryl was about to go out too.
I grabbed all the plates and took them to the kitchen area, to wash up before bed. Daryl came in and gave me a kiss.
"I will be out for a couple of hours, I'll try not to wake you when I get back" he said.
" No wake me so I know you're safe" I smiled.
"Okay" he grinned.
He kissed me again before leaving, "Love you boo!" I said as he walked out the door.
"Snap" he replied as he disappeared.
I grinned to myself as I finished washing up.
Maggie came in and asked me what I was thinking of doing?, If I would go to Washington or not.
"I'm not sure yet, I asked Daryl but he wants to speak to Rick first" I said.
"I think Glenn and I are going" she replied.
"really?" I asked, "even if the others say no?"
"Yeah, if there's any chance that we can stop what is happening, I want to at least try" she replied.
"I get what you're saying" I said putting the last plate away.
"I just hope Daryl's judgment isn't clouded now he has found you" she said.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" I asked sharply.
"I don't mean any disrespect, I'm just saying Daryl usually does the right thing and I hope he doesn't make a mistake now because he's found you" she replied.
"I'm not stupid Maggie, we're a team now and we will make those correct decisions together" I said folding the cloth up and wiped down the sides.
She left the room without saying another word.
I went and washed myself before bed and got mine and Daryl's bed ready. Rick came over to me holding Judith.
"Thank you for another amazing meal" he smiled perching down beside me. Judith reached her arms out for me to take her. I picked her up and sat her on my lap.
"What do you think about going to Washington?" He asked.
"I'm happy to do which ever Daryl decides, and he wants to chat with you first" I replied.
"No I want to hear what you want to do" he replied.
"I'll be honest with you, I don't think I trust Eugene." I said.
"What makes you say that?" he asked.
"Well I obviously knew them before I met you guys" I said, "and even back then when ever anyone mentioned Washington he would act all shifty"
I held Judith close as she was getting sleepy.
"And can you tell me why they haven't made it to D.C yet?, they were on their way when I met them months ago and still they haven't reached their destination" I said.
"Well things pop up, life isn't like before is it? Where we could just drive on the freeway with no care in the world" he replied.
"But if you listen to their conversations between themselves, he keeps making excuses of why they should wait" I said.
"I haven't heard their conversations" he admitted.
"This is what you will learn about me, Rick I do not and will not ever miss a trick" I said.
"Well thanks for that. Would you mind watching her whilst I do my rounds?" he asked.
"No course not, she's safe with me" I smiled.
"I know" he smiled back at me.
" I would like to talk to you about something else after you've made the rounds" I said.
"No problems" he winked.