Chapter 11

"I'll have another beer Sandy," Shane called to the bartender, tugging at the collar of his shirt. He was dressed up a little more than usual since he was meeting Andrea. Like Michonne, Andrea was also hot and he wanted to look good for her. To Shane it seemed like hot women were always friends with other hot women for some reason. He had no idea why, but he liked it.

Taking a swig of his beer, he looked down at his watch and saw he had about five minutes until she was due. He had arrived 15 minutes early for their dinner, a first since he was usually late. Shane had a feeling that Andrea wouldn't be the type to tolerate lateness, even if the person she was meeting was half dead, and leave. He couldn't let her leave, this conversation was that important. Especially after the way Rick had behaved since he saw Andre.

They rounded the corner and walked towards the car, Shane in front of Rick. "We gotta get moving. Captain's going to be pissed we're so late." Not getting a response, Shane turned and saw his friend had stopped. Rick was standing, staring at the ground with his hands on his hips right above his gun belt. Tears fell silently from his eyes as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. Shane walked back to his friend and pulled him into a brotherly hug. "It's going to work out man. You will see him again. I promise you that," he whispered in his ear.

Pulling away, Rick nodded and wiped his eyes. He exhaled a deep breath and started moving again. "Shane? Do you mind driving to the station?" Rick asked as they approached the squad car. Seeing and holding Andre had shaken him to his core. This wasn't just Shane and him yelling in his living room about Andre supposedly being his child. This was tangible. He had held his hand, picked him up, tickled him. Andrea had basically confirmed the parentage by allowing them to interact with each other.

"Sure man. I got you," he replied and slid into the drivers seat. He stole glances at his friend as he drove. Rick was looking out the window, arm on the ledge, rubbing his fingers together. He seemed lost in thought, trying to make sense of the past few minutes.

"He asked me if I was Carl's dad. It took me everything not to tell him I was his dad too," Rick said with a sigh. "He's pertect Shane. Beautiful and so smart! Not even four and he knows some French. I bet Michonne taught him as soon as he could talk." He closed his eyes and leaned back, images of both the child and his mother flashing through his mind.

Once they reached the station and made up an excuse as to why it too so long to get coffee and pastries, Rick and Shane sat at their desk. After a doing paperwork for about an hour, "What do you know about Facebook?"

Shane looked up, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

"Do you use it? How hard is it to look up someone?"

"Not hard but you need to have an account," Shane stretched the truth a little. He already knew where this was going and he needed to stop it.

"Hmmmm," Rick replied not looking up but pretending to write. After another short time, he asked another question. "What is the name of that site you are always on looking at pictures of those hot girls? Somethang gram?"

"It's Instagram and you need an account for that too." Shane rose and walked to his partners desk. "What are you doin Rick?"

"Whatcha mean what am I doing? I'm working."

"I mean with the questions about Facebook and Instagram. You're going to try and look up Michonne and Andre right?" With a sigh he sat down on the edge of the desk. "Look man, I know you want to find out everything, see pictures of him. See pictures of her. But you gotta be patient. Do you honestly think that Michonne is the type to be on either of those sites? She is a criminal attorney! All sorts of whack jobs would be able to find out information about herself and her family, including Andre. I don't know her but from what I saw, she would never put him in danger."

"I just want to know everythang about him. I NEED to know Shane. I have already missed almost four years of my boys life. His first steps, his first word, first birthday. I just wanted to see pictures of those important thangs. Lori and I recorded every thing Carl did. I know Michonne did too."

"You're probably right but that doesn't mean she is going to plaster her son all over the Internet. I'll help you but just calm down. Don't do anything crazy." Giving Rick a pat on his shoulder he walked outside, and pulled out his phone and Andrea's card. "Hey Andrea, it's Shane. Can we meet up tonight? I think this conversation needs to happen sooner rather than later."

He took another drink of his beer and saw Andrea walking towards him. She was exactly on time. "Hey," she said to him. " Are we going to sit here at the bar?" she asked.

"Nah. Don't want Rick's business all over town and here, ears are everywhere. I asked them to save us a booth against the wall." He paid his tab and followed Andrea. She looked great in a fitted teal sundress and heels, her blonde hair down, swinging as she walked. Yeah, hot girls stick together.

Sliding in the booth and taking her menu, she ordered a vodka soda. "So what's good here?"

"Don't really know. We usually go to the Kings County Café but we would've had no privacy there. Constant interruptions."

"Hmmm," Andrea replied. When the waitress returned they placed their orders so that they could get down to business. "So why the sudden need to talk to me?"

"My best friend is a mess right now. He almost went on Facebook and Instagram to find pictures of Andre! Talked about him all day. I need answers. Answers that you have."

"Michonne would never be on those sites. What type of idiot is your friend?"

Shane pointed at Andrea. "Listen here toots, Rick isn't an idiot. He just found out he may have a four year old son by the woman who broke his heart. He's confused and hurt."

"Sorry but I can't believe he thinks Michonne would expose her son like that. Anyway, he broke her heart if anything."

"Looks like we'll always disagree on that. So Andre is Rick's child?"

"Of course he is. Andre is almost just Rick with a tan."

Shane laughed. "Very true. But what happened? Why did she disappear from D.C.? Why didn't she ever contact him to tell him she was pregnant?"

Meanwhile in a hotel in the center of Kings County

Michonne sat on the couch reading the briefs for the case she was assisting on, her music playlist playing softly in the background. Andre's head was in her lap and he snored softly as she brushed his curly hair. Leave it to Andrea to find a date while watching her son at the playground. She didn't mind though; Michonne loved having her baby near her, especially while she worked. He was her personal xanax.

Suddenly she heard the beginning notes of the next song. With a sigh she laid her head back and closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. If Andre woke up she would have to explain why mommy was sad and she didn't have the fight in her tonight. Michonne sung the words quietly, letting them take her back to Washington D.C and her time with Rick.

'Sunday morning rain is falling,

Steal some covers share some skin,

Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable

You twist to fit the mold that I am in'

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Washington five years ago

Rick looked down at the woman who was nestled in his arms fast asleep and smiled. Their night together was even better than previous one. They had went to eat a steakhouse that he had read about before his trip and wanted to try. Dinner was perfect and they had learned even more about each other; favorite colors, movies, books. He had learned that she was an avid runner, ice skater, and fencer. She had learned that he loved to fish, camp, and anything where nature was involved. Unfortunately he had also learned that she would be going to Paris for the next four months to work in her firms European branch and he already knew that he would miss her.

Despite the fact that they had only met three days ago, Rick felt a closeness to Michonne that he had never felt before, not even with Lori. It was like they had the same work ethic, same morals but most importantly they seemed to have the same soul. He was drawn to her from the moment they locked eyes in the bar downstairs.

After the first night they had sex, it was all Rick could think about all day. On the bus, in the seminars, even in the bathroom, his mind was bombarded by the image of her underneath him, the sounds she made, the feel of her lips. A few times he had to force him self back to his current location by digging his nails into his leg or hand, he was getting that aroused. Rick didn't know if it was the fact that he hadn't been with anyone in quite a few months or if Michonne was just that talented but the sex was mind blowing. They were completely in tune with the needs and wants of the other one. Though he had limited sexual partners, Rick knew that the immediate connection they had wasn't normal. It had taken him months to find out how to completely please Lori in bed and truth be told she had figured him out totally at all. He and Michonne had clicked from the first kiss.

Rick didn't know if it was just lust or something else but he had been praying all through dinner that he would get the chance to find out. His prayers were answered when she suggested going to her much larger room for a nightcap. What started off as a glass of scotch and view of the city had turned into him ravishing her repeatedly in her king sized bed. He brushed they stray hairs from her face, kissed the top of her head and sighed. No this wasn't lust. This was something else entirely.

"Morning," he heard a smokey voice say to him. She was peering up at him through her dreads, as her hand rubbed his stomach. "How long have you been awake?"

"Morning beautiful. Not that long. How'd you sleep?"

"Like I was in a coma. You wore me out," she replied with a chuckle, kissing his chest. "What time is it?"

He caressed her back, turning his head to look at the clock . "A lil after 8. So what do we have planned for the day?" Last night over dinner they found out that both had the day off from their respective schedules to just enjoy and explore Washington. The two of them had instantly decided to spend it together, with Michonne playing tour guide to Rick.

"I think going to the Washington monument is a must. It's supposed to be clear today so we can see for miles. Then hitting the Natural History or American history museums could be fun. I haven't done that in years but I will let you decide. If you want to just walk the mall we can do that too."

"Whatever you want to do, I am up for. But you know what I'd like to do right now?" Rick took his finger and tilted her face up to his, blue eyes staring into brown.

"No Rick I don't know." Michonne whispered as she felt her heart speed up. Rick's hardness was pressed against her thigh.

"I'd like the start the day by picking up where we left off earlier this morning," he replied pulling her into a deep kiss. All thoughts of anything but each other were wiped from their heads as he drug her on top of his waiting body. The national mall could wait; their need for each other could not.

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An hour later, Michonne walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Rick had just left to go to his room and shower. They would then meet back at her room ready to start their day of tourism. As she stood in front of the mirror brushing her teeth, she thought of the day ahead with Rick. Exploring the city with such a handsome man would be a dream come true and she couldn't wait. Forcing her dates to go to the museums with her used to be her test to find a suitable boyfriend while in law school; if they could spend the whole day without complaining or asking a sports score, they were a keeper. Michonne wondered if Rick fell into that category, her heart telling her that he did. She let out a small chuckle at that; she had known him all of 3 days and her heart was telling her he was a keeper?

The ringing of the phone shook her from her thoughts. Thinking it was Rick, she spit and rinsed her mouth before walking into the room to the phone. Entering room she found out that it wasn't her phone that was ringing but Rick's. He had evidently left it behind in a rush to take a shower and get moving. Michonne looked and saw a picture of a pretty brown haired woman on the screen, the words 'Lori my love' underneath.

Michonne was taken back by the title and walked back to bathroom, letting the phone continue to ring. She knew Lori was Rick's wife but wondered why his phone stilled referred to her as 'my love' since he had said they were separated. Soon the phone stopped but two minutes later it rang again. And again. And again. She left the bathroom and looked at the phone. It was the same picture and name as before. Thinking that something was wrong with his son, she decided to answer. "Hello, Rick Grimes phone."

"Hello? Where is Rick?" the female voice on the other line questioned.

"He had to step out for a minute. Can I ask who is calling?"

"I think that I should be asking you that seeing as you are answering my husband's phone at 9 in the morning." Michonne could hear the aggressive nature in her tone.

"Well, I am not inclined to answer that. Is this an emergency?" Michonne bit back, equally annoyed with the woman on the other line and her description on Rick's phone.

"Well whoever you are, tell MY husband that his son needs to talk to him. Can you manage that?"

"Sure. Goodbye," hanging up the phone, Michonne let a small yell of frustration. "What a bitch! I will be asking you about her Grimes." She said as she stepped into the shower, slamming the door behind her.

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"You ready to go?" Rick asked, walking into her room to see Michonne looking outside as she sipped some tea. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek, earning a smile from her. By time Rick returned , Michonne had calmed herself down considerably. Who was she to question how he referred to his wife, separated or not? They had just met and she didn't want to come off as a jealous, crazy woman. Even though she was jealous and she didn't understand how that was possible. The feelings that Rick stirred up in her shouldn't have been possible so fast. She had determined that she must just be in the sex haze and she was projecting these intense feelings on to him. While in the shower, Michonne had resolved to not have sex with him again until his last night in town. That way she could figure out what her feelings really were..

Turning around to look at him, she knew all of her willpower would be put to the test. Rick stood in front of her wearing a back jeans and a tan button down with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. The top two buttons were undone so she could see just a bit of hair from his chest. A tan jacket was slung over his arm, with brown cowboy boots finishing off his look. His curly hair was brushed back and his beard neatly trimmed making his bleu eyes pop. It took all her will power not to say 'Fuck the museum' and jump him right then. "Sure, let's do it," she replied grabbing her jacket and walking to the door. "Oh, you left your phone. It rang a few times so I answered it. Your wife said your son needed to talk to you."

"Oh," Rick said looking a tad bit uncomfortable as he reached for his cell. He knew that Lori would start in on him just because a woman answered his phone. He didn't want to ruin his day with Michonne or expose her to the argument that was sure to happen. "I'll call her back later."

"Okay." Michonne closed the door behind her, feeling a tinge of disappointment. If he had called Lori in front of her, he would've proven he had nothing to hide. Was he really separated on his way to a divorce or was he just using her? She shook the thoughts from her head. "Washington monument here we come!"

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"Eight ball corner pocket," she called out as she leaned over the pool table and sank it with ease. "I win again!" Michonne and Rick were at one of her favorite bars, an Irish pub that she used to hang at while in law school. Frequented by students, professors, locals, they fit right in the lively atmosphere complete with billiards, darts and even bags. After she beat him soundly at three rounds of darts, he had suggested pool, best 3 out of 5. It was turning out to be a bad idea as she had wiped the floor with him the first two games. "You sure you don't just want to cut your losses and make it 2 out of 3?" she said smirking.

"Hey now! That one was a bit closer than the first game. I'm just getting warmed up."

"Whatever you say. I'm gonna go get us another round. Play some music so you can remember getting your butt kicked to a soundtrack," she said laughing as she walked towards the bar.

Rick chuckled as he watched her walk away and thought of what a fantastic day it had been. They had started off at the Washington monument, looking and admiring the view of the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) in the sparkling sunshine. They then went to the Air and Space museum, holding hands as they took in the show at the planetarium. Grabbing some hot chocolate, they walked the National mall and talked.

'Wasn't there some dinosaur or something out front here?' Rick asked as they strolled past the Museum of Natural History.

'Mmm hmm,' said Michonne sipping her hot chocolate. 'It was a rhino and his name was Uncle Beasley. My parents have at least three pictures of me on him at various ages. I was so disappointed that they moved him before I came here for college. I wanted a picture of me at 22 to compare with me at 6 and 10.'

Rick looked at Michonne as she talked of her past. She had a small amount of whipped cream on the corner of her lip. 'You have whipped cream on your lip. Hold still,' he said moving his hand to her face intending to wipe the cream away. Instead he caught her eyes, feeling something in his stomach twitch, and he caressed her cheek with his thumb. Gazing at her lips, he lowered his head, licking the sweetness from her mouth. 'There. It's gone now,' he whispered, his hand still on her cheek, their eyes locked on each other.

'Pictures! Get your picture take here! Remember your time in the nation's capital! Just five dollars.' a voice called breaking them of their spell.

Michonne grabbed Rick's hand from her face, smiled and pulled him to the booth. Once Rick paid the five dollars they went inside, sitting side by side. 'Smile,' click. 'Now something fun' they stuck their tongues out. Click. 'Do anything,' the man called. Rick grabbed Michonne and kissed her quickly on the lips. Click.

He shook his head concentrating on the music titles in front of him. He stopped on one if his favorites, thinking of how Michonne would be on the other side of the world in a week. So far away from him. He felt like a rock had dropped in his stomach, and there was a pain in his chest. He took a deep breath and put money in the machine, turning back to the billiards table.

Michonne was making her way back to their table as the music begins to play. "I LOVE Maroon 5! Good choice, " she exclaims handing him his drink. She turned to grab her pool cue but is stopped when Rick grabs her arm, pulling her against his chest. Before she knew it, his mouth was on hers, his tongue running along her lips seeking permission to enter. Her lips parted, submitting to his request as she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening their kiss.

But things just get so crazy living life is hard to do,

And I would gladly hit the road, get up and go if I knew,

That someday it would lead me back to you

That someday it would lead me back to you.

Okay so that was longer than I expected so I had to break into multiple chapters. Don't worry, the mystery of Michonne is truly in the next chapter . Thanks for sticking with me.