Thanks for the reviews
I don't own the walking dead.
Chapter VI: The wicked don't rest on Sunday
Saturday 7 p.m
After an hour of ear-bleeding silence, Michonne draws a deep breath. She removes her head from the car window, and she stops staring at the passing landscapes. The young woman fastens one more time Andre's car seat, and lovingly, she smiles at her son.
"Michonne." She starts a conversation to dissipate the tension in the car.
Michonne no longer supports the silence and the tension, which it creates. The young woman, who Rick ordered to escort her, maintains her eyes from the road. Unsure if she heard her voice, Michonne repeats herself.
Sasha glances back, and she doesn't know why the other woman wants to converse. For the last hours, she felt Michonne bores holes in her back.
"I know." The answer is cold and reveals Sasha's annoyance.
The road to Michonne's new home is long, and Sasha will prefer to reach the place without an unpleasant conversation. However, for the last hour, Michonne's questioning look sullied the atmosphere. She isn't willing to talk with a person, who stares at her with subtle anger.
For Michonne, Sasha's annoyance results from personal grudges. Earlier, she witnessed the exchange between Rick and the woman. If it was platonic, she couldn't tell. Conceivably, she projects her jealousy on to Sasha.
The exchange between Rick and Sasha was impactful, and it made Michonne question the relationship between the pair. A few whispers don't stand for a universal sign of intimacy. Whispers, she saw Rick whisper into Sasha's ear. Her personal experience with Rick whispering in the hollow of her neck influences her perception of the situation.
To Michonne, she can't be Rick's only mistress. Previously, it never aroused her concern. Entitlement to his fidelity is not part of the arrangement. The unexpected jealousy, which Rick's interaction with another woman causes, is an unforeseen consequence. Although, when she retrieves her bravery and breaks the bubble of denial, Michonne will understand the arrangement ceased to possess solid foundations.
"The entire mansion knows who you're, princess. Around here, you're the new queen." Sasha adds the bitter tone, which bears an undeniable annoyance.
Although, her annoyance doesn't result from jealousy. The young woman doesn't enjoy babysitting. Unfortunately, Michonne's situation thrusts her into the position. When she calls Michonne the queen, it isn't a mockery, and between Rick's men, it is her official code name.
"Okay," Michonne loses her eloquence.
After Sasha's blunt statement, Michonne doesn't think she can finish her questioning. Reasonably, the silence is a great thing, and she will avoid a humiliation. The young woman decides to face the window and suffers through the awkward ride. Today, something must be wrong with her, and she feels the need to establish a connection. Perhaps, Mike's death makes her seek external connection, or she is afraid to face her thoughts.
"Are you the old queen?" The words stumble on each other while her curiosity wins over her reason.
Ultimately, Michonne asks the question.
Surprised by her question, Sasha turns to face her. It is the first time the young woman hears Michonne speak to someone else than Rick. When she is in the mansion, she always walks with her nose high up in the air. The pet name fits the character. Although, none of Rick will dare to use it.
"Sasha, and there is no old queen. You're the first woman, who Rick doesn't discard the next morning. " She answers Michonne's question with less abrasiveness.
Following her answer, the atmosphere in the car is less tense. It confirms a single thought, which Michonne isn't proud to acknowledge. The tension was a projection of her jealous inclination.
The young woman can convince Rick to abide by the arrangement's rules, but her wild heart is the biggest threat. Each new day, the line between lust and fondness blurs. The tension in the car is a result of her maladroit attempt to state her claim on Rick. With the discovery, another silence falls on the car's occupants. Michonne decides to focus on her son.
Michonne doesn't want the toddler to worry while they cross-unfamiliar roads. Although, she projects her emotions on her son. There are too many abrupt changes, and the young woman will prefer to live inside the mansion. The old operation base grounds her, and it is a permanent reminder of her situation.
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The kilometres of green grass stupefy Andre. He wonders each time they pass a house. The young child grew around the high buildings. When he sees dogs, who their owners walk along the roads, the toddler laughs. He calls for his mother and tries to show her the reason for his happiness. Tenderly, Michonne returns his smile.
"Here, we've arrived at your new home." Sasha regains Michonne's attention.
The young woman looks through the window, and the home doesn't equate her expectation. Her heart constricts due to growing fear. Ultimately, she admits the arrangement stands on wobbling foundations. When she stares at the suburban house, which Rick chose, Michonne questions how she will preserve her protective walls.
From the green yard to the white picket fences, they will be playing house. With her collapsing defences, anything may strengthen her burgeoning feelings.
"You can come inside." Promptly, she asks Sasha.
It is an act of desperation. Michonne wants to use Sasha as a shield. After the morning interaction, the young woman doesn't trust herself around Rick. She tries to hide behind various lies, but the truth continues to be boisterous. Given the opportunity, Rick Grimes will dig a sinuous path to her heart.
"I can't. I have to watch for every threat to you or your son." Surprised by the awkward offers, Sasha rejects the offer.
"Thanks for watching out for me and my son." Politely, Michonne adds.
The young woman tries to conceal her increasing stress. Michonne frees her son from the seat belt and puts out of the car.
"Rick wouldn't allow me to choose a better assessment. He is a protective asshole. If he starts a war with the saviors, he wants his best men to watch out for his precious princess. I'm his best shooter, and I will be of better use on the ground." Sasha deadpans, and Michonne continues to learn about the woman.
Although, Michonne's mind isolates the extra detail about Rick. For a much, who she tries too hard to portray as a monster, He cares more about her family than her husband did.
Michonne ceased to deceive herself on one matter. Rick is right Mike didn't care for anyone but his little person. She needs to fight her dependable character. In Mike, she wasted her loyalty. Although, Rick is the opposite of her husband. However, as a protection mechanism, she projects Mike's flaw on Rick to downplay the quality, which could make her fall for the mobster.
"So I discovered, and sorry..." Bitterness smears her words.
It doesn't matter how hard she works to dismiss Rick's qualities. Michonne is too aware of the man to miss the details, which humanise him. It is easier to fall in love with a human, but she fights her growing sentiment for the monster. How much can her shielding walls take before the fissures precipitate their downfall?
"Don't be. I'm sure we will have our fair share of actions. You're the catalyst of a brewing war." Sasha's words drag her out of her sentimental turmoil.
As long as she focuses on her family survival, Michonne will have a layer of protection against Rick Grimes. She takes her son's hand, and she walks into their new home.
Saturday 9 p.m.
Perhaps, the fates intend to mock her resolution. When she walks into her new home, Rick sits on her new sofa. For a second, she appraises his appearance. Much like the first time when she met him, his aura overwhelms her. Michonne doubts her next move. Rick's presence appears to be a business visit.
Regretfully, Michonne recalls her morning request. Although, she doesn't want Rick to treat her as if she is a meaningless transaction. When Rick cold affection fades, the arrangement is poisonous to her soul.
As she continues to walk deeper into the room, Michonne regrets his warmth. The mobster isn't the most pleasant persona. Although, it is the side of him, which captivates her the most. It is the part of Rick, which she is ashamed to cherish.
Michonne inhales and her lungs must filtrate the fresh air from the circle of smoke, which Rick releases in her living room. Slowly, Rick puts down a tumbler of bourbon, and he waits for Michonne to join him on the sofa.
The young woman is wary of Rick. With Andre around, Michonne's watchfulness increases. Although, she doesn't fear Rick's. The sympathetic officer or the violent criminal, the persona doesn't matter.
Nevertheless, she knows when to tread carefully around him. When he bends to greet Andre, he confuses her. Michonne expects the violent man, who offered her a man in a trunk as the token of his affection.
Now, she stares at Rick, who introduces himself to her son. He has a short conversation with Andre, who wants to climb on his shoulder. Patiently, Ricks explains to the toddler why he will have to wait. Michonne expects Andre to throw a tantrum but pleased with Rick's explanation, her son nods.
Fascinated, the young woman stares at the mobster. She wonders how long she will resist his magical charm. If her timid son becomes attach to Rick, she will have little chances to come out of the arrangement unscattered. Perhaps, she spoke too fast. This Rick scares her.
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With his forefinger's knuckle, Rick caresses Michonne's cheek. He regains her attention and breaks her mind out the magical daze, which his interaction with her son induces.
"Do you know what books are?" Tired of waiting for her decision to come closer, Rick closes the remaining distance.
His left palm recovers her right cheek, and he drags his thumb along her goose bumped skin. The switch in personality, which happens in a split second, fascinates Michonne. She tries to ignore his touch on her skin, but as he focuses on erogenous points, it becomes harder.
"Andre" She whispers as a supplication.
A sleek smirk stands for Rick's answer. The woman always exaggerates his perversion. However, the mobster commends Michonne's dirty mind, but he doesn't intend to fuck her while her son is around. They are both adults, who possess minimal decency.
"I will never." The huskiness of his voice turns the statement into a declaration of mischievous intent.
However, she believes him. From his last interaction with Andre, Michonne faced his nurturing side. It is alarming, but she will trust any persona of Rick.
"Now about those books, princess." Rick redirects the topic to his previous question.
"I'm a criminal law barrister, and it is obvious I know what books are." When his thumb grazes her carotid pulse, the words fluidly pours out of her lips.
She stares in the frosted cobalt ocean, which presently inhabits his eyes. Michonne is unsure of the reason behind the interrogation. However, she doesn't mistake his caress for love touches. It is his version of torture and interrogation. The young man alters his usual approach. The thought of hurting Michonne repulses Rick. However, he is familiar with her tendency to withhold critical knowledge.
"I ain't forget miss attorney, and so it has me thinking." He poses to see if she continues to listen.
Satisfied by the entranced expression on her visage, he rewards her with a slow caress. His hand runs along her back, and ultimately, his fingers dig in Michonne's delicate flesh. Part of her blouse slides higher to reveal her toned back.
"Your dead husband is a dumbass." Taking a jab at Mike must have become his favourite sport, but even through death, the man continues to worsen his life.
Rick can forgive few millions dollar stolen, but he draws the limits when the messiness extends to his woman.
"What'll you do with my books or the saviors' books?" He continues to feel the pulsation of her blood.
When she hesitates, her slow pulse caresses the tip of his thumb. If she didn't resist, she wouldn't be his Michonne. Her eyes are expressive to a fault. A single immersion into the brown of her eyes suffices to predict her next move. With a firm hand on her waist, he drags her closer to him. Lazily, he caresses the bare part of her skin. Consciously, he avoids each erogenous parts. Frustration grows in Michonne.
"Overtake the organisation. If I risk my life for any types of books, I intend to overtake the organisation." She answers him and steadies his hand.
"Not run, not hide, but overtake." Rick points out.
He wants to kiss her as a reward for her brilliance. Although, he is mindful of the crowd. Rick knows how passionate a single kiss can be. When his lips graze Michonne's one, it is with the intent to consume. The mobster doesn't believe a toddler should witness such display of passion.
"Why are you interrogating me?" She questions while she puts space between their bodies.
When she notices the changes in the steel blue of his eyes, Michonne heeds the warning. Through the entire conversation, they tried to keep their voice neutral. Michonne and Rick haven't forgotten Andre's presence. Although, Rick's body doesn't have the same decency, and he adjusts his pants for comfort.
"I ain't." He replies nonchalantly.
Carefully, he pulls her blouse down. His fingers graze her skin for a few seconds too long.
"I needed a brilliant partner to run my ideas, and you've met mine." Rick takes few steps away from Michonne.
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"He stole their book." Gravity infiltrates the tone of her voice.
As she told Rick, she is criminal law barrister. If she continued to practice law, Michonne would defend men like Rick and Negan. The young woman knows the values of books. Gradually, her complex crisis worsens.
"Mike's girlfriend stole the books, but the fool ran away with the wrong bitch." Rick corrects Michonne's misconception.
The mobster recovers Andre's ears with his hands. Rick knows the conversation will take a dangerous turn, and the young man will have a harder time to prevent a curse from slipping into the conversation.
When Michonne's expression change from distressed to broken, Rick curses the heaven. He thought she knew about Mike's liaison. Unfortunately, he continues to be the bearer of bad news in her life. When the first tear grazes her cheek, the young man discovers a new reason to hate the dead man.
"I..." Michonne hesitates.
In truth, she doesn't know what to say. The words die on the tip of her tongue. How can a single man perpetually cause so much pain? Perhaps, she is the naive idiot. The reason for her pains seems ridiculous. If it stands the comparison to Mike's previous action, the adultery is irrelevant.
Nevertheless, it hurts more than everything else does because it takes away a detail, which kept her sane. For years, she lived a lie. There is no consolation. Her guilt and the torturous nights, when she needed to know where her husband was.
When she senses a small hand in hers, Michonne holds the tears.
She promised herself that she would not cry in front of her son. She tries to take a deep breath, but her lungs fail to retain the air. Michonne tries to focus on Rick.
"Please..." She is unsure of what she asks of him.
Although, she is confident that he understands her request. Rick has to go back on his words. How many rules does he have to break for her sake? He takes the hand, which she extends toward him. Careful not to hurt Andre, who refuses to let go of his mother, Rick pulls Michonne into his protective embrace. She rests her head in his chest, and successfully, she hides her tears from her son.
"There is no way out of this. I don't have those books." She whispers and wraps her free arm around Rick's waist.
"I tried...Leaving us wasn't enough, and he had to cheat on me. Cheating wasn't enough, and we have to pay because of his girlfriend. I mourned his dumb ass." She continues to lament.
She pours her heart out in his arms. Rick silently listens, and he mentally berates himself. With a reluctant caress, he soothes her. The young man must bite his tongue. Rudeness will only break her.
Does he have any honour left? Michonne turned him into a girlfriend. She cries over another man on his shoulder. The soothing sentences, which he tells her, sound so borrowed from officer friendly. She knows how to reach the softer side of him, but easily she entertains the wilder side of him.
In truth, Rick doesn't care much about the reason behind her cries.
Somehow, the new form of abandon, which Michonne displays in front of him, strengthens his machismo. She is his woman, and he must tolerate her antics. Although, he will only tolerate it an hour.
"Slow down, Princess." he tries to reach her.
"Michonne, breathe." Rick insists, and he wants to tell her more.
However, he doesn't think she will appreciate his worry about his designer shirt. Mike Anthony continues to ruin things in his life. How long until he can have a proper grave. Rick wonders if Michonne will accept to fuck on his grave.
"You don't understand I loved him." She complains.
Instead of verbalising his frustration, Rick tightens the hug.
" He left us, and I continued loving him. He was fucking someone else. I don't have their books, and I'm sorry you couldn't kill him." Viciously, she spits the last sentence.
Finally, a statement, which soothes Rick's ego. More than anyone else, Rick regrets not killing Mike. If he concentrated on his business rather than thinking of ways to spend more time with Michonne, he may have found Mike before Negan.
However, finding Mike was a sure way to lose Michonne. His regrets don't hold against that thought.
She has forgiven many things, but she can't forgive a fresh ink on her death contract. Michonne tightly hugs Rick until her tears dry.
Andre, who still holds his mother's hand, unclasps his fingers from hers, and he joins the hug.
The toddler doesn't want to miss what he assumes to be a happy thing. He looks up to Rick, and with expecting eyes, he silently asks if he is doing it right. Rick is not sure about his hug, and so his expertise may be wrong.
"Hold your mother tighter."
Sunday approximately 3 a.m
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It is a new bedtime, but the damned cycle consumes his night. Carl doesn't cover the sounds of his mother's moans with music. The sound of the bed, which bangs against the wall, irritates him. The young man hasn't found his earbuds. The teenager will not allow his mother to spoil his weekend. Accordingly, he chooses to leave.
Carl pulls his heavy jacket to protect himself from the cold. He stuffs the new comic books, which his father bought inside his backpack. In a similar fashion to the previous night, He sneaks out of his room. The teenager goes to sit on the neighbouring house's porch, and he braces himself for a long cold night.
The light on the porch goes on, and the door opens. Carl doesn't immediately react. This house never had an occupant, and so he is afraid. Perhaps, squatters invaded it. When his eyes land on the woman in the doorframe, the boy changes his mind. She looks nothing like a squatter.
"Hello." He hears while she starts to walk toward him.
Carl stares at the woman with dreadlocks and a baby on her hip. Is she his new neighbour? The teenager starts to panic, and quickly, he tries to pack his stuff. Carelessly, he throws everything in the backpack. Left and right, his comic books fall out his bag.
If his mom discovers that he disappears every night, he doesn't want to deal with the consequences. When he finishes filling his bag and grabs his jacket, Carl is eager to run. Unfortunately, a firm hand on his shoulder stops his motion while he takes his first step.
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When Michonne walks to her porch, she expects to find a hurt animal. The frame, which moves in the dark, belongs to a human. Concerned with her predicament, Michonne grabs Andre, who lies by her side. Careful, she approaches her porch and switches the light.
"Hello." She calls out for the moving frame.
Her eyes lock on a familiar pair of blue irises. For a minute, the surprise disorients the young woman. Michonne doesn't say a word nor moves a muscle. Her eyes fixed on the boy, who sits on her new porch, many questions collide in her mind. The familiarity of his eyes fascinates her. When a comic hits the floor, the young woman only starts to react. The sudden noise arouses her sense.
Michonne watches the teenager packs his stuff. For a second, she can't decide what to do. It may be a trap. Although, Rick told nothing would happen for seven days. The young woman continues to look at the young boy, and his panic resonates with her.
Michonne senses so much fear, and it incites her next actions. When he tries to run by her, she stops him by holding his shoulder. The young boy looks back at her, and the fear in his eyes shocks her. Due to her recent personal experience, Michonne understands fear. Accordingly, she wants to help.
"You don't have to leave." Her statement holds his attention.
When she is sure he will not run, she releases her grip on his shoulder.
Carl doesn't answer, but he stays glue on the porch. He looks at the woman, and he tries to decide what to do. The teenager glances at the window of his parents' room and the light is on. Shane hasn't left his home. Indecisive, he focuses on Michonne.
With the child on her hips, the young woman has a gentle presence. Carl finds the concern in her eyes strange. He is out at three o'clock in the morning, and it should be self-explanatory how much interest his parents show.
Michonne misinterprets his silence, and she steps away from him. She doesn't wish to overwhelm the child. If he is afraid, she doesn't want to add to his distress. She allows him a breathing room.
"You don't have to leave." Tentatively, she insists.
Carl answers with an intense stare. The boy tries to appraise her. The suspicious look doesn't offend Michonne. Softly, she smiles at Carl. Her smile is warm and almost contagious to the boy. The warmness of her smile comforts the teenager, and Carl ceases to stare at her.
"If the porch is your spot, we won't bother you." Michonne continues to soothe the teenager, and the gentleness facilitates the process.
Slowly, she steps away to prove the sincerity of her words. The young woman doesn't want to corner Carl or startle him. He may be a homeless kid, or he may be running away from a dangerous situation. It doesn't matter to Michonne. If he thinks her porch is a safe place, she will not take his haven.
Michonne returns into the home, and she switches every porch light. Through her window, she peers at him. When Carl sits back on the porch parquet, relief fills her. For a few minutes, she stands at her window and keeps an eye on him. When she assures that he won't leave, she goes to put Andre to bed.
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Carl continues to stare at the door, which closed a few minutes ago. He tries to read his comic, but his eyes stray to the door. For multiple reasons, the new neighbour fascinates him. However, the concern in her eyes warms his heart. It is the reason why he didn't leave.
He knows he isn't supposed to approach strangers nor trespass on their porch. His father stresses the danger, which strangers represent. How dangerous can she be if she is concerned for him? She had a child, and he didn't talk to her. It isn't dangerous, and he needs to wait until his mother finishes.
Carl glances at his home, and he doesn't hear the door, which opens. Suddenly, a warm blanket recovers his shivering body. He looks up to find warm brown eyes. He inhales, and she smells good. A very soft perfume, he notices that everything about her as a touch of softness. He assumes it is because she is a mother. His mother also had the distinct mother touch.
Carl wants to reject the warm blanket. Rick told him never to take anything from a stranger, and so it starts a dilemma. The blanket is so warm.
For Carl, Michonne is kind, or to be accurate her eyes are kind. Consequently, he adjusts the warm blanket around his body. He doesn't dare to speak to her. Personal experience renders the child suspicious of adults. However, he tries to smile as a grateful gesture. Rick raised his son to be the southern gentleman, who he ceased to be.
Michonne expects nothing from the kid, but his smile soothes her. After her awful night, she needed to see something genuine. She doesn't want to scare Carl, which is why she doesn't invite him. After he wraps the blanket around him, she puts a trail down with a sandwich and warm milk. She looks at him pointedly, and he shakes his head as an answer.
"Dad says it's dangerous to take things from a stranger. Particularly food and drinks, they may contain drugs, but thank you, ma'am." The sound of the voice of his voice surprises her.
Michonne doesn't know what to say, and she sits down opposite to him. They both share the space in silence, and she picks the comic, which he dropped from the floor.
"I think this manga belongs to you. I don't have this volume yet." She pushes it toward Carl while he stares at her.
"You know what manga are?" Curiosity makes him break the rules.
There is a certain excitement. A few people make the rightful difference between manga and comics. His genuine surprise makes Michonne laugh.
"I have a thousand of them." She replies and readjusts his blanket when he threatens to fall from his shoulder.
"A thousand?" Envious, he whispers.
"Not a thousand maybe close to a hundred, but a thousand sound better." She corrects herself, and her statement wins her another genuine smile.
"I have fifty-five." He replies with a voice, which is barely audible.
After that statement, silence falls back on the pair. Carl continues to glance at his parents' windows. Michonne follows his eyes, and she faces the windows. She doesn't mention it, and he is thankful. For thirty minutes, they are each other silent companion until the light goes off into Lori's room.
Carl packs his bag, and he folds the blanket in four. The teenager puts down the blanket. He hesitates to a second, and Michonne doesn't press him. For a minute, he thinks about the appropriate words and settles for the simple one.
"Thank you, ma'am." For the first time during the night, his voice is loud.
Michonne nods and she stands from her spot.
"If you ever need the porch, don't hesitate." She adds for good measure.
Michonne has the impression the boy will often need her porch. She walks toward her door, but she can't open it with the blanket in her hands. Carl runs back and helps her.
"Here." He drops the comic on the blanket.
Michonne doesn't question him. She knows it is his subtle way to accept her offers. He will have to return for his comic.
"My name is Michonne." She tells him, and so she ceases to be a stranger.
Carl nods, but he doesn't reply with his name. Perhaps, when he returns for his comic, he will tell her. The boy crosses the road and enters his home.
Sunday approximately 8 p.m
After his last conversation with Michonne, Rick's mind is boiling. He needs an answer to a specific question, and he knows where to find it. However, he has a single problem, Shane Walsh. His wife's paramour has decided to watch each of his movements.
For the last hours, his car has trailed Rick's one. Since he left his office, the grey pick-up has followed him. The other detective seems to believe his partner lacks the necessary police skills. Although, Rick would think the same of a man, who is unaware of his wife liaison. The car is not ostentatious, but it is hard to fool a paranoid man. After the third turn, Rick noticed the tail.
Any other day, he will enjoy the cat and mouse game. However, he doesn't have the time to entertain Shane's antics. Michonne is right about a thing. No one steals the books and runs. If anyone steals the books, they intend to overtake the organisation. It means chaos and potential danger for his organisation. How did an embezzlement fester to such extent?
Rick slows his car, and he is closer to his target. However, he can't work while Shane watches over his shoulder. Rick works the problem at every angle, and his partner needs a distraction. He knows Shane may check his finances, but it is a maze. From illegal to legal funds, it is an errand fool. Rick's launders most of his money through company shares. Anyone can invest in a company shares and become successful. Accordingly, Detective Rick Grimes invested in the right startup, and he continues to invest in small businesses. If Shane digs deeper into his life, he will only become more confused. Rick spent ten years to build his empire, and the foundations are solid. However, he has a living and breathing weakness. Michonne's code name isn't the queen for a reason. Accidentally, she has become the weakness of his empire. If Shane digs into Michonne's life, he will unavoidably dig Rick's dirt. Unfortunately, the detective started to search into Michonne's life, which is the reason why Rick moved her across his home. It is risky but such a gross mistake that Shane will miss it. If Shane notices Rick's deliberate mistake, Lori will distract him. Shane will be too busy trying to hide his secret. Sneaking into another man house is harder when he lives next door. He intends to drive his partner mad, and his wife Lori will help in the process.
However, it is a long-term plan. Now, Rick has seven days, and he has to dodge an obsessive partner. The young man takes another turn, and he continues to lead Shane further from the high way. When you mess with the wrong people, there is an expensive price to pay. Rick notices a second vehicle coming on his left, and a third one, which perfectly aligns with Shane's car. The mobster continues to drive until a location, which is close to his next location. If he wants his search for Mike's girlfriend to progress, he can't miss the appointment.
Abruptly, Rick stops in the middle of an empty back road, and he pretends to be lost. He takes his phone out and pretends to place a call.
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When Rick stops, Shane must slow down. He doesn't want to lose his prey. The road is narrow, and with the exception of Rick's car, the road is almost empty. A motorcycle speeds and cuts his path. The young detective curse and he is quick enough to avoid an accident.
After his abrupt stop, Shane is ready to restart his engine. He looks around, and Rick has disappeared. He wants to reverse, but he can move. Another car blocks his exit.
"Hey, fucker" The shout calls his attention.
It is the man on the motorcycle. He looks like a redneck, and Shane searches his glove box.
"Police." He shouts from inside the car while he looks for his badge.
"Then we've got the right fucker." The other man answers.
Shane senses the trouble, and he tries to pull his service weapon. However, it is a futile task. Before he can reach for his gun, a car collides with his car on the passenger side. The impact is powerful, and it crushes half of the detective car. Miraculously, Shane is safe.
"Fuck." He shouts, and he tries to leave his car.
The driver side opens, and an arm grabs the collar of his shirt. He tries to defend himself, but his assailant effortlessly drags him to the ground. The man is huge, and Shane can do nothing.
"What is going on?" Panicked, he shouts.
"We have a message." The redneck bends and grabs Shane's chin.
He pulls an arrow from his back and punctures Shane's knee. The detective cries in pain.
"Now, you can't run, and you're going to listen." Slowly, he pulls out the arrow.
Shane cries until his lungs lack of air. He tries to breathe, but a part of the arrow breaks in his knee joint.
"So I was sayin before you start bitching." The redneck continues his little tirade.
Shane tries to crawl away, but the huge guy, who is fast for his size, drags him back.
"The other leg?" He questions the redneck.
The other man shrugs, and in a second, Shane experiences agony. His tibia cracks under the weight of the huge man, who steps on it.
"So I was saying." The redneck adds, annoyed by Shane's whimper.
"We have a message from the saviors." He stands and pulls a gun from his pants' waistband.
"Please..." Shane begs.
"Stay away from Negan's business." He punctuates his sentence with a bullet shot into Shane's thigh.
Due to the pain and the adrenaline, Shane loses his consciousness.
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"That was the message's right, Tyrese?" Daryl asks unsure of the last statement.
He bends and grabs Shane's arms. Tyrese grabs the legs. They carelessly throw the detective in their car.
"The delivery was a bit dramatic, and the torture could be avoided." Tyrese answers while he starts the car.
"Anyway, Rick said we should drop him to the closest hospital. Waste of effort." Daryl complains.
"Well, why don't you personally tell it to the boss? You should have told him his plan wasn't brilliant." Tyrese counters and drives away.
When they reach a major hospital, they throw Shane's body at the emergency door, and they make sure the police badge is visible. He needs to leave, or Rick will make them pay for causing the failure of his plan. Rick needs Negan busy, and there is no better way to do so than to make him a police target. As the saying goes two birds with one stone.
Sunday approximately 9 p.m
Rick reaches his location, and quickly, he finds his target. He leaves his car and enters the biker's bar. The man stands out with his mullet and proper clothes. Nonchalantly, Rick strolls into the bar and sits opposite to the savior soldier.
If he doesn't mistake, Eugene is the name of the guy. Although, he doesn't care. Rick only wants to know what the saviors' books are, and how Mike's girlfriend stole it.
"Torture then you talk or just talk." He says as a way of introduction while he pulls out his cigarette.
"Who are you?" Eugene stutters.
"A man on a seven days schedules." Rick raises a hand to call for a waiter.
