Author's Note: In chapter 3-The Meeting, I introduced all the suspects in the case(s). They were underlined. Throughout the story, as the individuals have been questioned or mentioned, their names are underlined or in bold text; just my way of giving you, the reader, an easier way of identifying who they are and making note of what they say, or don't say. Thank you all for reading this story...I'm so incredibly appreciative.
Chapter 10 – Prayer Vigil
They stood just shy of the welcome mat, hands intertwined, staring into eyes whose hue softly contrasted their own – ocean blue washing over a cocoa shore. He kissed her softly until she spoke...
"Mrs. Palesky sounds like quite the character," she said looking slightly away from his stare.
"Yeah," he said, recapturing her gaze.
"So she wants to lay with you huh…she giggled…I hope I get first dibs on that," the giggle became a small smile – giving into his stare.
"Absolutely…no question…" he took her into his arms. They hugged…gently rubbing the back of the other. He breathed into her hair – she breathed into the nape of his neck.
"Good night baby," he whispered, "I'll call you when I get home."
"Okay," she said as he gently broke the hug and captured her lips with his. The kiss quickly became deeply passionate, but noticeably different than the other nights. The kiss was not as lustful or smoldering. The sexual desire was there – but different. They held each other tighter - the kiss was tender. A warm breeze washed over them. He softly stroked her back. She slowly broke away.
The carefree and jovial mood of the evening suddenly turned serious. The awkwardness that settled between them was noticeable to both. She shook her head to break the magnetic pull of his gaze. The unspoken words were deafening. The silence lasted for what seemed like an eternity before she spoke…
"Drive carefully," she whispered – catching her breath. They unclasped their hands. He stroked her face. His slightly callused hands were gentle along her soft skin. She broke the stare and backed up to her door - he watched her before he turned to descend the two front porch steps and walked to his car. Neither spoke.
Michonne entered her quiet house consumed with thoughts of the deputy.
oooooo
The Atlanta heat was unrelenting – even at seven thirty in the morning. She reached over to turn up the volume as she weaved through the downtown Atlanta traffic.
"We're back…thanks for tuning into Hot 101. If you're just joining us, we've been discussing the Johnny Anthony case all morning. It's what's on everybody's mind...so let us know what you're thinking."
"We have Tom from Stone Mountain on the line—what's on your mind Tom?"
"I don't think they're doin' enough to find out how the brother died. He was working in the community, tryin' to look out for the little guy and they killed him. You know they don't care about him…or really finding out who killed him."
"Thanks for the call Tom…let's go to Paul from Atlanta—what's on your mind Paul?"
"I agree with Tom. You know the police don't give a damn about a dead black man who was working in the black and brown community. It's been over a week since they found him and they've only made one statement…and it was vague at that."
"Thanks for calling Paul…we have Joe on the line from Atlanta—what's on your mind this morning?"
"I heard that Johnny Anthony's daughter is working with the cops to figure out how her father died. That sounds like a lie they put out to take the pressure off the A.P.D. and the District Attorney's Office. It sounds way too convenient. They're all a bunch of liars."
"Thanks for calling Joe…we have Jeffrey on the line from Decatur—what's on your mind this morning Jeffrey?"
"I'm tired of all the conspiracy theorists out there. The man was killed. It doesn't mean it was a conspiracy or some kind of cover-up. People get killed all the time—don't mean it's a racially motivated thang. I think a lot of people just want to incite some kinda riot. People need to just give the authorities a chance to investigate this."
"Thanks for your call Jeffrey…we have Tasha from Atlanta on the line—what's on your mind this morning Tasha?"
"I don't know why Mr. Anthony was killed, and quite frankly, I don't think it really matters—I mean it was thirty years ago. What I do care about is healing our city, our state and our country. We have a lot of problems and solving a thirty year old murder shouldn't be the main thing on everybody's radar. There's a prayer vigil tonight in downtown Atlanta. We all need to come together and pray for peace…and also send strength and prayers to the Anthony family in their time of public scrutiny."
"Thanks for calling Tasha…we have Angeline on the line from Atlanta—what's on your mind Angeline?"
"Why haven't we heard more about the school districts involvement in this case? I heard that they're being investigated, but as far as I can see, it's business as usual at the school district. The whole thing seems fishy to me. They're doing all this renovation on buildings, but our kids are failing. I mean really. Somebody needs to investigate those crooks."
"Thanks for calling Angeline…we have time for one more call before we go to break. Trevor from Druid Hill is on the line—what's on your mind Trevor?"
"I don't want to make this about race, but anybody who thinks that race doesn't play a part in this investigation is not living in this country. That might actually work out in this case. I think the powers that be are so afraid of looking like racists that they're gonna work extra hard on solving this case—and the fact that it's Johnny Anthony is gonna make them work just that much harder."
"Thanks for all the calls everyone. This is definitely a hot button topic...lots of theories and speculation. Just want to remind everyone that there is a prayer vigil at Stone Park in Atlanta tonight. Contact the station for more information. This is our time to stand together in peace; I'm your host, Skip Wilson, and we'll be back after we pay a few bills."
Michonne pulled into her parking spot and turned off the ignition. Listening to people -strangers - express varying opinions about her father, her family, and her city was disconcerting. From the time Johnny Anthony was found under the school building the importance of the discovery did not escape her. She stepped up and took the bull by horns to ensure that neither her family nor her city would implode. But then - the new relationship with Rick…had driven the case into the background. Not completely into the background, but definitely not in the forefront of her mind. The new relationship with Rick was good – No, better than good.
I've waited my whole life to have this; to feel like this. Damn, he makes me feel so good. It's hard to think sometimes. I know I haven't put my all into this case. Too damn distracted; I want that man so bad. Maybe after we have sex I'll be able to focus better.
"Hahaha," She laughed to herself as she walked to the side of the building where the employees enter.
I'll probably be even more distracted after that. God…I bet he's good in bed. Last night—what the hell was that? You know what that was Michonne. Is it even possible…we've known each other for less than two weeks. He felt it too. Maybe he didn't. Damn. I need to call Mom Jacqui.
"Stop it Michonne," she quietly told herself as she entered the elevator.
I deserve this…him. I have to focus on this case though - For mom. We need to go to that prayer vigil tonight. Where are the girls?
She exited the elevator and scanned the office for her colleagues.
"Mags…" she shouted over to her friend, "Is everybody else here? Let's have a quick meeting in my office..."
oooooo
The team, along with Glenn, had an impromptu meeting in Michonne's office. She recounted some of the opinions that people in and around Atlanta had in regards to her father's case - based on the radio listeners she'd just heard. The group briefly discussed their take away from the Cesar Martinez and Jadis Palesky interviews. The officers were scheduled to meet with Garreth Tracker this morning (Wednesday) and various members of the entire team would meet with Neil Gannon and Merle Deets on Thursday.
Michonne suggested that some, if not all, of them attend the vigil.
"I'll get the information on the vigil," Tara offered as they began to disperse from Michonne's office.
"Maybe it'll be a good idea if we let the officers know—maybe they should come too," Sasha recommended before everyone moved on with their day, "and I think we should let the organizers of the vigil know that Johnny Anthony's daughter will be there…I think they had already extended an invitation."
"I don't know about that Sasha. They'll probably want me to speak—and I—I don't really want to do that," Michonne interjected as her anxiety rose slightly.
"We can let them know that you're just there as a show of solidarity," Rosita explained, taking in the discomfort of her friend. The group looked at their strong friend as she fumbled with her necklace. After a few moments Carol walked over to her…
"You okay sweetie?" Carol inquired, "You know we'll be there with you—"
oooooo
Garreth Tracker was a teacher at Vail High School thirty years ago. He was a co-worker of Robert Stookey. Garreth Tracker left his teaching career twenty years ago and was currently the General Manager of the Grocery Outlet – a fairly new up and coming grocery chain that offered quality food at affordable prices. The stores were located in and around Atlanta.
After the recounting Jadis Palesky gave of her discussion with the teacher that Barbara Stookey was allegedly involved with, it didn't take much deduction to figure out that Garreth Tracker was the teacher. The less than truthful statement that he had given to the detectives when they were investigating Johnny Anthony's disappearance began to make sense.
The former teacher was directed to the awaiting team by the desk sergeant. The men watched him approach. He was about five foot eleven inches tall with salt and pepper hair, and light stubble on a face that looked more like that of a twenty-five year old – rather than fifty-five. He was impeccably dressed in his charcoal Armani 'G-Line' suit with 'Oxford' Santoni shoes.
"Excuse me," he said as he approached the three men, "I'm looking for Officer Ford."
"Good morning," Abe said stepping forward, "I'm Officer Ford. You must be Garreth Tracker. Thanks for coming in." He said extending his hand.
"It's no problem—my office isn't far from here," he smiled his shiniest corporate smile.
"These are my colleagues," Abe motioned towards Rick and Shane as they offered a hand shake, "Deputy Walsh and Deputy Grimes."
"We won't take up too much of your time—let's go into there for a little more quiet and privacy," Abe said motioning to one of the empty interrogation rooms.
The four men walked to the room casually discussing the weather.
"So, exactly how can I assist you gentlemen?" The former teacher inquired, dispensing with further pleasantries.
"Undoubtedly you're aware that Johnny Anthony was found two weeks ago, and we're following up with all the individuals that had contact with him the final weeks of his life," Shane said.
The former teacher didn't immediately respond.
"We have your deposition from the Robert Stookey lawsuit; your statement from when you were initially questioned after Johnny Anthony disappeared and your statement from ten years ago regarding Robert Stookey and Johnny Anthony. We'd just like to clear up some inconsistencies."
Shane handed the finely dressed executive a copy of each document. They gave him the opportunity to review the paperwork before Shane began…
"Two days before Johnny Anthony went missing you met with him and his associate Milton Woods. When asked about your knowledge of Mr. Stookey's firing, you alluded to the fact that Mr. Stookey was not doing his due diligence in meeting the requirements of the district. You stated that you witnessed Mr. Stookey having a conversation with a parent about her son's grades – according to your statement; you said that you felt the interaction was inappropriate…"
Shane stopped for a moment to give the former high school instructor a chance to review the papers before him…
"…And then, ten years ago when you were questioned you stated that you didn't know of a reason why he should be fired."
"We actually are not concerned about those statements per se," Abe continued, "we understand why you would lie for your employer - Cesar Martinez was your principal, and the school district was employer of both of you..."
Abe paused to look the man in the eyes, "...we are more concerned with the dates…"
Garreth Tracker sat fixated on the papers in his hands, not acknowledging the officers…
"…Based on your statement, we know that you met with Mr. Anthony and Mr. Woods one week before he went missing. Our research tells us that it was a very clear day," he sat a paper in front of the man, who was becoming agitated...
"…and when you were questioned by Michonne Ridoux and Sasha Williams ten years ago, you mentioned your conversation with Mr. Anthony – along with your revised statement about Robert Stookey…you also said that when you met with Mr. Anthony the meeting didn't take long...the rain was so bad that you wanted to hurry up, because the drive home would be horrible," Abe placed another paper in front of the stoically silent man.
"As you can see, the only day that it rained within the two weeks prior to Johnny Anthony's disappearance was two days before. We checked his calendar and did not see your name listed. We figured that maybe it was an impromptu meeting that you forgot about when you were initially questioned," Shane said.
"It is odd that you never mentioned the meeting to the authorities," Abe said questioningly, "as we piece together his final days, that chunk of time is very important in the timeline of the last time he was seen alive."
The men had decided not to mention the information they had gotten from Jadis Palesky regarding his relationship with Barbara Stookey. They didn't want to put all their cards on the table – just yet.
"We would just like to fill in that gap of missing time," Rick stated.
"If you could re-read your statements, maybe you'll be able to recall exactly when the meeting occurred and what it was about. We figure there was a reason you had a second meeting with Mr. Anthony, we'd just like you to tell us what it was," Abe said.
The well-tailored corporate man had been slowly building an apprehensive stance - his facial expression turning from that out of calm assuredness to standoffish.
Garreth Tracker had not spoken. It was clear that the former teacher was piecing together the information to come up with a plausible story - a story that may or may not be truthful.
"Am I being accused of something here?"
"We are simply trying to piece together the final days of Johnny Anthony's life. There are no accusations." Rick exclaimed.
"I think I'd like to speak to my attorney before I answer any questions," he stated.
The colleagues looked at each other before looking back at the now rattled executive.
"That is your right Mr. Tracker," Abe stated, "however, we're just trying to piece together information. As my colleague said, there are no accusations here."
"Even with that being the case, I still would like to speak with my attorney." He said as he stood, smiled and proceeded to leave the room.
"We need to have Andrea make this a more formal request if we're going to get any information from that guy." Shane stated.
oooooo
After the brief morning meeting, Michonne sat in her office too consumed with her thoughts to work. The next two hours were unproductive – she spent the entire time staring into the abyss of her worries and fears. Without much thought, she sent a text to Rick.
*Good Morning. Hope your day is going well. Is now a good time for me to call you?*
Before she could sit her phone back down it began buzzing…
"Good morning beautiful," he greeted.
"Good morning—um—how did the interview go with Garreth Tracker?" she inquired.
"It went fine…interesting guy," he chuckled, "we didn't get a lot from him…"
There was an uncomfortable silence on the line.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked.
"I'm…good. Maybe just a little tired. But good," she reticently responded.
"Hope I haven't been keeping you out too late these last few nights," he lightly chided himself.
"No…it's not that," she sighed, "it's just—" she stopped.
He waited for a few moments – when she didn't continue, he began…
"What's wrong? Did somethin' happen?" he asked quietly standing from his temporary desk and walking out of the less than private squad room.
"I'm just…this case," she paused to reel in her bubbling emotions, "what if we don't solve this? Everybody thinks that I'm stronger than I actually am. I mean there's a vigil tonight and they'll just assume that I'll say something smart and eloquent and make everybody feel better—but I can't. I mean, I don't even know how I feel. The girls and my mom—I've always had to be the rock—what if I let my family, my friends and the community down? I can't be—I'm not what everybody thinks I am. I just feel—confused. Confused about—everything…I'm just a jumbled mess. What if I just make everything worse?"
She closed her office door as the bubbling emotions turned to warm tears.
Rick knew what she was saying – and what she wasn't saying.
"Go downstairs—I'm on my way to pick you up," he informed as he walked out of the station bound for his car.
"Rick…I don't—"
"I'm gonna put on my siren, so I should be there in about ten minutes," he interrupted and then released the line.
Even with the siren blaring, the drive to pick up the new lady in his life gave Rick time to think about her words. He told her that he'd be there, but for what? He hadn't formulated a plan of action. He was always a man of action – except for his marriage. In his marriage he just went with the flow – until there was no more flow. Lori made the decision that he avoided making. He had stopped being a true participant in his marriage long before the divorce papers were signed.
He didn't know what to say to this strong woman that appeared to be crumbling. What should I even say? How do I make this better—easier for her? And last night—there's no pretending. We both know what that was. Damn—what if I read her wrong?
He pulled into the parking lot of the Nakatomi Building nine and a half minutes after he ended the call with Michonne. She was walking out of the front entrance. He parked and briskly walked towards her. She stopped when she saw him – she tried to hold back the tears but they were not to be restrained. Without breaking stride he took hold of her - he held her – no words passed between the two for minutes.
"Just be who you are—because you're incredible at it," he finally said, "whether we figure out what happened to your dad or not, is no reflection on you. Just lean on me—okay?" he both asked and insisted.
"Okay," she softly sniffled into his chest.
"C'mon baby, let's get out of this heat. I'm gonna take you to get one of those tasteless smoothies you like," he chuckled as he wiped away her tears.
oooooo
Rick insisted on driving her to the park for the prayer vigil. They arrived thirty minutes before the event was scheduled to begin. The crowd at the park numbered in the hundreds. The city provided parking passes for the members of the firm and the officers involved with the case. They began scanning the crowd for their team before seeing the area that had been reserved for them.
The parks small gazebo had been set aside by the organizers for the team. They made their way through the crowd to join their group - Rick placed his hand on Michonne's lower back as they walked, she looked over at him and smiled. The deputy was fighting a battle in his head. He wanted to take her hand but wasn't sure if this was the appropriate time to announce their relationship. He decided to follow her lead. She was distracted and made no move to take his hand.
Their team members approached them. Not only were her colleagues from the firm there, but also Shane, Abe and Andrea.
"I appreciate you guys coming," Michonne announced as they stepped onto the small platform of the gazebo. She looked over at the A.D.A.
"Thank you for coming Andrea—I didn't know that anyone from the District Attorney's Office would be here," she smiled.
Andrea stepped closer to Michonne, "Well, my boss couldn't make it and he wanted someone here to represent the office," she explained.
Michonne didn't notice the ladies give knowing glances at each other during the exchange.
"Well I'm glad you made it," she said while looking around at the others.
"Officer Ford and Deputy Walsh—thank you for coming," she said while reaching out to shake their hands.
"You're welcome little lady. And by the way, I think it's time you call us Abe and Shane—we're all one big happy family here," Abe grinned and gave her a wink.
"Okay—thank you Abe and Shane for coming," she smiled back.
"We're happy to be here," Shane said as he began walking closer to Rick.
"'Chonne," Daryl shouted from the other side of the gazebo. Michonne looked over at her sullen friend and excused herself from small group gathered around her.
"You alright?" He asked.
"I'm—yeah—I'm okay," she looked at the concern on her normally poker faced friend and then reached over to touch his arm.
"Good," he said then looked over at the group on the other side of their current lodging, "So—you like that deputy huh?"
She looked back, over her shoulder, then back at Daryl and nodded.
"I do," she smiled, "a lot."
"Checked 'em out—he's okay." Daryl informed with what any outsider would assume was indifference – but Michonne knew better.
"I figured you did," she giggled, "How many of the girls asked you to check him out?"
"All of 'em," he grunted. She looked over at the girls and giggled some more.
"Look," Daryl began, "I'm goin' with ya'll tomorrow when you meet with Merle Deets. I grew up with assholes like him…I'd feel better if I was there with…"
"Daryl, you don't have—"
"I am," he interrupted.
"Mrs. Ridoux…" came a shout from the other side of the gazebo. Daryl and Michonne looked over and saw two women standing near their team members.
"Mrs. Ridoux…can you join us on the stage? We know you don't want to speak…we would just like to introduce you…if it's okay," the older woman with short brown and gray hair said as the two approached.
Michonne saw the worry on the faces of her friends – her loved ones - you can do this. They need to know that you can do this.
"Absolutely," she smiled at the woman with kind eyes before looking at her friends and team members,
"I'll be fine," she assured them. Daryl squeezed her arm.
"You'll be great sweetie—and we'll be right here when you're done," Carol informed her.
She looked over at Rick - into the soothing blue eyes of the new man in her life, and he gave her an affirmative nod…
oooooo
There wasn't much of an agenda – the program was conducted in a very informal manner. A minister from one of the largest churches in the Atlanta area began the evening with prayer. The first speaker took the mic. After his inspiring speech, a few other community leaders and clergy took to the stage.
"…Thanks again to all of you for coming out tonight to stand for peace in a time of mayhem. The sun has finally gone down…so as we begin to light our candles and say our final prayer of the evening…I'd like to introduce you to a lovely young woman…he stopped and reached out to Michonne to join him…Johnny Anthony's daughter—Mrs. Michonne Ridoux…"
Michonne walked up to the minister and took the microphone – inhale – exhale – looked in the direction of the gazebo; she couldn't see them clearly, but knowing that they were there, supporting her…she smiled before walking forward…
"Hurrraaaahhh!" The crowd clapped and cheered. The cheering continued for several minutes. Michonne began to feel overcome with emotion before she decided to continue…
She lifted the mic to her lips…
"Thank you," she began – heart pounding…
"Good evening everyone. First I'd like to thank Reverend Moore, Rabbi Ibraham, and all the organizers of this vigil for inviting me…"
"I had not intended to speak tonight, but I decided to say just a few words—" she took a deep breath…
"A couple of weeks ago…we got the answer to a question that has lingered for a very long time. We are grateful that we can finally put my father to rest. My mom and I would like to thank everyone for your prayers, well wishes and kindness—not just over the last two weeks, but over the last thirty years.
She paused and gathered her thoughts…
"I've been working with a pretty incredible team that includes not just my colleagues at the law firm, but members of the Atlanta Police Department, The Sheriff's Department, and the District Attorney's Office. We are working to figure out what happened to my father…but…whether we are able to figure out what happened or not… she stopped and looked at the faces of people she'd never met – a community of people that wanted a resolution that may never come. But more than anything, they wanted peace.
"…We as a community will rise to the challenge of making this a place of peace—we won't allow hate or fear to define us as a community—or as a people. What happened thirty years ago is important…but what's happening now...right now…is more important. My father worked to make this a world where everyone could have justice…where everyone could have a chance at being a part of the true American Dream. He didn't believe that people should be defined by their past mistakes or missteps...it's the kindness you show to others, your integrity, your endurance in the face of defeat...that's who you are, that's we are...that's what defines us...Please…please…Don't use him as an excuse to divide us….Thank you."
"Hurrraaahhh," the crowd erupted with cheers as Michonne handed the microphone back to the minister. She looked past the kind women who escorted her to the stage – both were clapping and crying – she saw Bob Stookey walking towards her.
oooooo
The Lipstick Dream Team
Michonne stood on the stage in her purple sleeveless double V-Neck fit-and-flare dress. Her friends beamed with pride as the nervous warrior delivered her powerful unplanned speech.
The team cheered for their friend when she stepped on stage; they cheered equally as loud when she left the stage. They watched the tall good looking man make his way through the vigil organizers to get to her. Having met him the prior week, Rosita knew the man was Bob Stookey; Robert and Barbara Stookey's son.
"Is that her boyfriend?" Andrea asked looking at the group but landing her stare onto Rick.
The group was taken aback by the casually intrusive question. Rosita stepped closer to Andrea to answer the inquiry before anyone else.
"No," Rosita snapped at the A.D.A., "that's Bob Stookey…we met him last week when we went to speak with Barbara Stookey…but I have a feeling that you already knew that," she eyeballed the attorney.
The other women stepped forward, not breaking their own glare…
"I only asked because of the way he approached her and the way he's looking at her. Seems like there's something going on there," Andrea continued.
"Well, she's a beautiful woman—and men look at beautiful women," Sasha began…
"Michonne barely knows him—and who she dates, and doesn't date, is none of your business—or that of the D.A.'s office," Rosita jumped back in.
"I was just—" Andrea was interrupted.
"We know what you were just doin'," Maggie chimed in…
"We don't take it too kindly when anyone," Rosita said stepping directly in front of Andrea, "tries to smear our friend…or try to make others think that she is anything other than the classy lady that she is," Carol stepped behind Rosita and took hold of her shoulder.
"We're sure it was just a question Ms. Harrison, but we both know how words, seemingly innocent words, can be taken out of context." Carol said as she wedged herself between the two women.
Andrea readjusted her gaze onto Carol…
"It was nothing more than a question," Andrea responded looking beyond Carol and focusing on the four women who were currently shooting metaphorical daggers at her.
"Right—because it would be incredibly petty of a professional, adult woman, who's maybe a little bitter that her friend got dumped, to smear someone who had nothing to do with said dumping," Sasha said.
Andrea huffed and rolled her eyes, preparing to defend herself.
"You're right Sasha—" Maggie said.
"Yep, just like it would be unprofessional to disclose information about an attorney who had sex with a bailiff in the women's restroom…" Rosita added.
"Mm-hmm," Maggie agreed.
Carol backed away from Andrea and stood next to Daryl and Glenn. They looked at each other, realizing that Andrea's not so innocent question had opened the flood gates to her own undoing. The gray haired co-partner in her law firm, and boss of these strong willed women, knew that there was no way she could reel them in.
"Anyone who would disclose that kind of information would be really out of line," Maggie glowered.
"Yeah, you definitely wouldn't want that kind of information to get out," Tara added, "because then someone might start looking into past cases of that attorney and find out that the high conviction rate the person has is nothing but smoke and mirrors."
"What do you mean by smoke and mirrors Tara?" Sasha inquired with a cheesy grin.
"Well Sasha, what I mean is that if you pulled cases of said attorney, you might find out that deals were offered to defendants without their attorney being present—which is an ethics violation," Tara started, "and you might find information that was purposefully leaked to the press after the judge instructed everyone involved with the case that there was a gag order in place."
"Absolutely—and you know, the District Attorney's Office has spent money, exceeding the amount that was reported in public documents; on witness prep and housing when the city has stated that there is a moratorium on spending," Maggie added, "that is definitely a violation of public trust." She finished.
"Wow, that would be bad," Tara began, "not sure if it would be equally as bad if it were known within the D.A.'s office that one of the top women in the office slept with the previous D.A. to move up the ladder quickly. Especially if one of the rooms used for the little hookup was reported as 'witness housing' -she said using air quotes-…that would be bad."
"All of these things would be a pretty difficult thing to prove—wouldn't it Tara?" Sasha innocently asked, directing a smirk towards Andrea.
"It would be Sasha, unless you're friends with one of the lowly security guards that no one pays attention to—and the guard has access to every video - from camera's that most people don't even know are there." Tara deadpanned.
"Yeah—guess that's the same as having a lowly friend on the custodial staff that has access to discarded documents that prove collusion between the D.A.'s office and other—shall we say—individuals within the city that they shouldn't collude with," Rosita stepped in.
"And let's not forget the lowly I.T. people who have access to emails—emails that prove where certain leaks to the press originated…" Tara interjected.
"Lots of friends in low places," Glenn shouted over to the ladies with a smile.
"But you know," Tara said smiling at Rosita, "the only way that that kind of information would become public is if someone from the D.A.'s office, using an unnamed source…"
Maggie jumped in, "…that unnamed source is a retired phone operator who hoarded records from the phone company, which is illegal; then used this as her time to pass it on to the D.A.—and she was paid to do it…" she looked at Andrea letting her know that they were well aware of her intention to unveil the records at their upcoming meeting.
Sasha interjected, "…which isn't illegal, but is unethical…"
"…and those records were gonna be made public to embarrass a respected attorney and her widowed mother—well—that would probably cause all those other things to come to light." Tara smiled.
"That retired phone operator came to us first—asking us to buy what she was selling," Maggie walked up to the flustered Assistant District Attorney without breaking eye contact, "we said No..."
"Because it's unethical…" Sasha interjected; her cocky smile had turned into searing disdain as she glared at the blonde woman in front of her.
"We take our profession very seriously and we don't like to play games—especially when people's lives and reputations are at stake," Maggie said in a lower voice – she was getting emotional. Glen stepped away from Carol and Daryl, taking his place behind Maggie.
"See," Sasha stared at the angry blonde who was at a loss for words, "we saw our friend cry today."
"Damn near crumble—even though she tried to hide it," Rosita added.
"We don't like seeing her hurt. She's dealing with a lot right now—and she's coming to grips with a whole lot of feelings…some she hasn't had for a while." Maggie could feel her face becoming flush as her emotions were getting ready to take over. Glenn placed his hand on her shoulder.
"…She's been happy lately, in a way that we haven't seen in a very long time, maybe never. She feels guilty for being happy—with everything going on—" Tara added.
"…And the last thing we'll tolerate is someone trying to sabotage the happiness that she deserves," Sasha continued.
"And, we don't like seeing her hurt…" Rosita reiterated in a slightly threatening manner. Carol stepped closer to Rosita.
"If Michonne Ridoux or her mother are embarrassed or besmirched in any way," Tara said, this time not breaking her glare at Andrea, "Hell will rain down on the District Attorney's Office—and at least one of the trusted Assistant District Attorney's in that office will probably never recover her career."
"And that's not a threat…" Sasha offered, "because a threat means that there's a chance that it may or may not happen…"
"It's a promise," Rosita calmed enough to coolly smile at Andrea, "because a promise leaves no room for doubt that it will definitely happen."
Carol stepped in front of the women who were unapologetically staring the A.D.A. down.
"But we -she motioned to her staff standing behind her- and those that we work with, are responsible citizens and sworn officers of the court—so releasing video of inappropriate liaisons and copies of documents proving unethical behavior by the District Attorney's Office to the media, is not something we would ever do…" her smile sent chills down the spine of everyone in earshot who wasn't employed by her, "unless we had too." Her smile never left.
Andrea, whose face was now slightly crimson, did not respond as she turned and exited the private gazebo area.
The remaining members of the 'team' silently watched the shaken attorney disappear into the sea of people illuminated by candle light.
"Come on ladies, let's go rescue 'Chonney from that fine man," Sasha happily exclaimed, glancing over at Rick, "she already has herself a fine man—she don't need that one," she giggled.
Maggie, Sasha, Tara and Rosita smiled and nodded at Rick before exiting the gazebo area in search of their friend. Carol - flanked by Daryl and Glenn - followed closely behind.
Daryl waited until they were far enough away from the lawmen to speak…
"Them broads is crazy as shit." Daryl deadpanned.
"I'm both scared and turned on right now…"Glenn said. Carol simply smiled as they followed behind the Lipstick Dream Team.
oooooo
They had just witnessed blatant extortion and a veiled threat – though not overt, it was certainly implied. Rick, Shane and Abe stood in quiet shock. As men of the law none were sure how to react.
"I think we're gonna need a new A.D.A.," Shane proffered still recovering from what they'd just seen.
"Not sure who scared me more, the ones that I'm sure carry a shank, or the gray haired leader who I'm certain is in league with the devil," Abe joked somewhat seriously.
"Remind me to never cross those women…they're fuckin' beasts," Shane said as the three tried to take in everything they'd just seen...
"I'm pretty sure that we just witnessed a crime being committed—" he chuckled looking over at Rick.
"And thanks a lot Grimes for letting me in on the secret that I guess isn't so secret," Abe smirked at Rick.
"I'd like to keep my personal life personal," Rick replied as they followed the group out of the gazebo area.
"Shit definitely ain't private," Shane chimed in before laughing louder, "I told you her friends were no joke. You better watch your back."
"And don't ever fuck around—I can assure you that your body will never be found," Abe laughed…
"…Who's the chic you dumped?"
"I'd like to know that too," Shane spoke up before Rick could answer, "That was news to me, brother."
Rick was ignoring his two friends as he scanned the crowd for Michonne.
"Rick—you slick quiet bastard," Abe hit Ricks back nearly knocking him off balance, "who was it?"
"I'm keeping that private—plus I'm no longer seeing her, so it doesn't matter," Rick answered hoping to end the conversation.
"Apparently everybody on our team thinks that you dumped this unnamed woman for Michonne," Abe said raising his voice as they moved further into the crowd, "Is it true?
"I ended things because it was something that wasn't going anywhere," Rick responded not breaking his stride.
"Fair enough," Abe said trying to keep up with the determined deputy, "So…you're dating the hottie with the body?"
Rick stopped in his tracks and faced both Abe and Shane, but stared directly into his crass friends face…
"Yes—Michonne and I are seeing each other. And don't ever refer to her that way again," he cocked his head to the side and stepped closer to Abe.
"Wooo—" Abe said holding his hands up in the 'I surrender' position, "No disrespect Kimosabe."
Rick grimaced at the large red headed man before turning and continuing his search for Michonne.
The group was gathered near the stage. Rick could see Michonne talking to the others and appeared to be introducing them to the man that he now knew was Bob Stookey. Surprising himself, he felt a sudden tinge of jealousy.
Michonne saw Rick, Abe and Shane as they approached. Without thought or hesitation, she broke away from the group and walked quickly towards the approaching men. Before Rick could speak – or think – she jumped into his arms. He took hold of her as she buried her head in his chest. She needed his arms, his scent, and his touch. He held her tight.
She kept her head tucked into his uniform shirt without speaking. They remained in each other's arms for what seemed like an endless amount of time. Rick heard someone clear their throat. He looked up – their friend's eyes were transfixed on the unfolding scene before them. He gingerly walked a few steps closer to their awaiting team; Michonne didn't loosen her grasp on him – her face stilled in his chest. Rick captured the eyes of Barbara Stookey's son and extended his hand…
"Mr. Stookey, it's nice to meet you. I'm Rick Grimes—Michonne's boyfriend..."
A/N: Let me know what you think...Blessings.