Hi everyone,
My apologies for the delay in wrapping this story up. Thank you readers for your kind support of this story. I appreciated every review, fav, and follow because they inspire me.
This chapter concludes this story, I trust you'll enjoy it.
My thanks to zeejack for her guidance and support.
...
In the last instalment Negan came to life again. A little showdown between himself and Rick made him realize letting go isn't all that bad because he had another reason to live for. There were lots of babies but the fairest of them all, is Mia.
Unfortunately, Jenny the Wicked Witch came back and tried to wreak havoc with the young family. Will she succeed?
...
Confessions and Apologies
Negan
two months before…
After the showdown in Lori's room, later that night when Rick and Michonne were alone in their room as they prepared for bed, he asked, "Who's Simon? What did he mean when he said he paid Simon not to hurt you? I know he's bat shit crazy Michonne but do you think…?" He trailed off in thought looking pass Michonne trying to fit the jigsaw pieces together.
Michonne looked at Rick trying to solve the puzzle right along with him. She shrugged because she didn't know what Negan was talking about. She actually thought Negan had been delusional very much like the last time she saw him in the garage after his attack on Shane.
"I don't know Rick, Negan never had many friends he was always about closing a deal. I didn't really know his business partners personally. I mean I attended some business functions with him but he tended to be more of a hit with the women. They would overtly make passes at him but back then he only had eyes for me. I can't say the men cared for Negan or trusted him much. I always felt that my presence made them more comfortable although business was rarely ever discussed in my presence. I think I would have remembered whether he introduced me to a "Simon" of the handful of his partners that I've met at theses functions none were named Simon."
"It doesn't make sense because hurting you means I lose … he loses, we'd both lose. No, it doesn't feel right. Losing is not in Negan's make up."
"No, Negan wouldn't accept losing; it would be more about you losing me."
" It doesn't matter anyway I think I finally got through to him today." Michonne raised an eyebrow and waited for his explanation.
"He was pissed but he was present. I think he realized he has someone else to lose if he continues his pursuit of you. Rovia will get to the bottom of it because I sent him a text earlier."
"Pissed but present?" She asked not quite sure she understood what he was getting at.
"Yeah, he was pissed at me for getting you pregnant but he wasn't delusional enough to think that he's the father." Rick explained. "Baby, had I known that's all it would take for him to let go of you I would have done it sooner." He said with a crooked smirk. Crossing the room to where she stood with a shocked expression on her face, he embraced Michonne and kissed her lips. "Come on, y'all must be tired let's get to bed."
…
Shortly after nine that morning, Rovia arrived at Grady Memorial Hospital with Payton and Déchets in tow. As usual, Kirkman was in the community room but this morning was different. Ordinarily the room was buzzing with activity but on this day, Kirkman was all alone with the exception of Nurse West who sat further away. Hearing multiple footsteps Negan looked up, he was expecting to see Officer Friendly and the Hippie but instead the Hippie brought the Feds with him.
"Mornin sunshine," Rovia said slapping Negan on the back as though they were friends. The greeting was laced with a false sense of jubilee. The three each took a chair, Rovia spun his around sitting on it backwards, his arms resting atop the frame. His chin atop his forearms.
"Kirkman meet your new best friends, Payton and Déchets. They're buddies of your pal Grimes. You do remember I told you that you rung the Feds bell when you contacted Ms. Jones while she was overseas, right? Yeah, about that, who the hell is Simon Cloyd and why did you transfer money to him?"
After returning from Florida, both Payton and Déchets delved further into Simon Cloyd. It turned out that he and Negan went way back; they grew up together in New York where they got into a lot of trouble as youths. Negan had anger issues and his imposing size instilled fear in many, something he used to his advantage many times. Simon was his faithful follower.
At thirteen, during a terror run they came across Father Gabriel Stokes who saved them from themselves. They were no longer terrorizing the neighbourhood, bullying and beating up on weaker beings and running scams on the unsuspecting members of their community. Instead, they were given shelter in exchange they helped out at the soup kitchen, did odd jobs and ran errands for the shut in. On a weekly basis they had to speak with a social worker. Negan was referred to a therapist who placed him on medication. He had been medicated from his teens straight through to adulthood.
They eventually finished high school and went to college on scholarships. Simon's first wife Denise Cloyd was actually Negan's Psychiatrist; they met after Negan was already a patient. It was rumoured that she had a dalliance with Negan and possibly other patients but the Office of Professional Conduct found there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations. The investigator told them the Cloyd's were in the middle of a divorce when the allegations were made.
Negan had expected an interrogation after his recent encounter with Michonne so he went along with their good cop, bad cop routine. "Simon's is a buddy I knew long ago."
Payton cleared his throat then asked, "Mr. Kirkman, yesterday during a visit with Mrs. Grimes you encountered Ms. Jones albeit purely accidental. However, during that chance encounter did you not tell Ms. Jones that you paid Mr. Cloyd a sum of money not to hurt her? Why were you paying protection money to a friend?"
He watched as Negan rubbed his right hand over his salt and pepper beard, his eyes went from each officer to the other as he decided just how much he wanted to reveal.
Payton added, "If I were you, the best route would be honesty especially if you wish to see Logan before she graduates from college."
Negan shook his head as if the action itself would free him of his predicament. "I don't want any trouble. Okay? I ruined his marriage. I slept with his wife. He tried to get her license pulled but I payed off the investigator. I had to switch doctors as a result. I moved to Atlanta but we continued to see one another that was until I met Michonne."
"Mr. Kirkman, you still haven't explain why Mr. Cloyd would be threatening Ms. Jones."
Negan looked at him questionably, "Are you for fucking real right now? I just told you I fucked over our friendship, his only way to hurt me was through Michonne. He knows I would have done anything for Michonne. His dumbass wife chose Michonne as her divorce attorney. Michonne figured out the money laundering scheme he was running and shut it to fuck down. He owes people and he needed liquid assets. There was a note left under my pillow so I called that dumbass attorney of mine and made her transfer the money."
"Why didn't you come forward with this? Do you realize your silence placed Ms. Jones' safety in jeopardy? Do you still have this note?" Rovia asked.
"Who was going to protect her, Officer Fucking Friendly?" He asked with disdain. "I could protect her. She was in danger because she's brilliant and as a result of something I did so I fixed it. Yeah, matter of fact, I do." Negan reached into his pants and took out the note which indicated failure to pay, the third contact would be physical harm.
Payton had heard enough and Negan was asked to write a statement.
…
Justice
A year later…
Tara Jenson was convicted on one count of fraud and sentenced to two years incarceration. After the guilty verdict she was disbarred.
Simon was found guilty on one count of theft by extortion and sentenced ten years, and one count of money laundering, for which he was sentenced to twenty years. His sentences to be served concurrently.
Mrs. Bradley was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and was sentenced to two years. One count of aggravated assault and sentenced ten years in prison with concurrent sentences.
Arat Cloyd's divorce was eventually finalized but she unfortunately, suffered financial loss due to her former husband's activities.
…
Family Unit
present day…
Carl had just finished reading the letter from Mrs. Jones and his body shook violently from sobbing. His tears flowed freely. Eventually, he began hyperventilating and dropped the letter onto the floor. He felt alone. He knew there were secrets in his family but he had no idea just how bad it was especially after finding out about his mother's affair in the news.
In hindsight, Carl could not remember a warm fuzzy feeling in their family unit like the one he witnessed a few months back between his mother and her new family. He never felt that warmth from his mother. He felt more comfortable with his dad who always seemed to be there for him no matter what. At first, he figured it was because he was boy child but as he grew older he realized his father was really closed to his gran except for a few months where it seemed something was off between them. It was then that he connected the dots that their chill happened right around the divorce. Carl inhaled sharply, his eyes grew wide with shock as he realized the implication. "Oh my god, so it is true!"
He tried calming his nerves by slowing his breathing. He needed to talk to his dad but he knew just how that would go. He didn't want to hurt Michonne but he knew she would likely be the easier of the two to talk with, so he sent her a text asking if she could come to his room. She said she would as soon as his gran could care for Mia.
…
Michonne knocked on Carl's door and waited for his response. "Come in," he said, quickly tidying up the gaming section of his room to accommodate her. As Michonne entered the room she noticed Carl had been crying, his eyes were puffy and red, they didn't meet hers. As she closed the door behind her, she approached the gaming area and sat on the couch. Carl sat on the floor. "Hey! What is it Carl? Did something happen at school?" Michonne asked concerned over his appearance.
Looking up at Michonne, he realized she was already reacting to his mood. It was the last thing he wanted to happen. "Hey," he retorted and passed her the letter from her mother. He figured it was the easiest way to get to the heart of the matter because he was yet to fully digest the nasty note. Carl watched a single tear escape down her cheek as Michonne bit her lip.
Michonne couldn't believe the vileness contained in the letter. She was never a fan of her mother but the letter sealed her fate. Jenny would not get away with destroying more lives. She scooted down onto the floor next to her stepson and embraced him. "I so sorry baby. I'm so sorry! We'll fix it so that she won't ever hurt you again."
"Is it true Michonne? Did it really happen that way? Is that why my dad never loved my mom?" Michonne pulled back from their hug slightly and looked him in the eyes.
"Sweetie, I don't know I was in London at the time, you'll have to ask your dad. I never asked him how they ended up together because I didn't want to know. However, I know that Jenny conveniently forgot to mention the reason why they split us up was because both her and your granddaddy Grimes were having an affair." Carl's eyes were like saucers. The letter was akin to a pandora's box, the secrets just kept tumbling out.
At that moment, they heard Mia wailing which meant her father was home. "Sounds like your dad's home and he'll be here in about five minutes. You're going to have to talk to him too. I can be with you if you'd like but I think it's something you two should do together. After, we can talk about it as a family, okay?
Carl when you speak with your dad remember whatever happened back then, he was still a child a little older than yourself but a child nonetheless. People made decisions about our lives so remember you can't blame your dad for something someone else might have done. Promise me that." Carl nodded his head and Michonne pulled him into a bear hug, kissing the top of his head.
…
Rick had no sooner stepped into the house when he heard Mia fretting. She was in her playpen in the living area while her grandmother busied herself with the dinner preparations. "You've got her spoilt after just one week Richard. She'll break her nap just because you're home." Mary said without even missing a beat as she was made a salad. She knew Mia was not soiled nor hungry because Michonne had fed and changed her not thirty minutes before. Wherever, they were in the house Mia knew when her father left or came home. It was uncanny.
Rick walked over to the playpen and picked Mia up, "Hi sweetheart, how are you? Did you miss me? Daddy sure missed you today." Kissing his daughter's cheek she looked at him and then there was a calmness which came over the two, an understanding that they were okay. Rick walked them to the kitchen and greeted his mom. "Hi mom, how was your day?"
"I'm fine sweetheart but I think Michonne is dealing with something with Carl. He's been in his room since he got home. Michonne asked me to keep an eye on our little princess while she spoke with him. Just let me know whether to delay dinner."
...
Rick called for his son and Michonne then he walked over to Carl's room. "Carl, Michonne dinner's ready!" He knocked on the door and waited. Meanwhile, little Mia had settled and was fast asleep in his arms.
"Come in." Rick opened the door to find Michonne on the floor hugging Carl and kissing his head. He knew something was wrong. Carl doesn't even allow him to hug him as frequently anymore. He calmed himself mindful that he held Mia who was now fast asleep in his arms. Michonne saw him and got up to meet him and took Mia from him. He read the pain on both their faces. Michonne kissed his cheek as she left the room. His stomach dropped, this was it, he thought; this was how he'd lose his son. He had gained a daughter but he was about to lose his son. Rick felt ill.
Rick sat on the floor across from Carl. "Hey! What's going on son?" The latter looked at him with sad eyes. Carl looked dejected. He had never seen his son so utterly despondent before it caused his heart to ache. Carl said nothing, he simply passed his father the letter same as he did earlier with Michonne. He watched his dad's body morphed, it became rigid, his jaw clenched, his nostrils flared. He got up off the floor and paced the room. His heart rate accelerated as the colour in his face darkened and his breathing came in short bursts. Eventually, his father pinched the bridge of his nose to reign in his temper.
After gaining some control on his temper Rick sat down once again. "Carl, I know you have questions but this letter is not totally accurate. I've tried to shield you from the unpleasant parts of our past, I didn't want you to hurt like Michonne and I did.
Yes, Michonne was pregnant, she was sixteen and I was almost eighteen. Neither of us knew. She found out while she was in Europe when she became ill and ended up in the hospital. She lost our baby. I found out about the miscarriage after dad died and I found the letters which Michonne wrote to me back then. It's also when I found out we were split up because Jenny and dad were having an affair. Gran knew about their affair, but I only found that out after the divorce when Michonne told me. She and Morgan had gone to Savannah to tell gran but she already knew. What you overheard at the hospital was the anger of the people Jenny's hurt. You were never meant to hear any of that."
Carl thought back to when his father sent him from the room, now he knew why. The adults didn't want him to find out about their past.
"It is true that your mom and I never dated but it doesn't mean I don't love you Carl. You have been my world since you were born. I just want you to know that your mom was never sold to my family. My dad did write a cheque to Mr. McDonald, after he signed an agreement never to speak about the pregnancy to anyone. It's tough for you to understand right now but as an heir to Turpin Transport, you will be required to sign these agreements going forward. Life can get messy but we try to keep the brand name relatively free of scandal.
Yes, it is true a DNA test was done to ascertain whether you were in fact my son because of the circumstances surrounding your mom and myself. Your great granddaddy insisted on it."
Carl remained stoic as his parents history spilled from his father's mouth. The more he learned about his mother's character the more he resented her. He couldn't believe he was just a means to an end for his mother, it was probably the reason why he never felt close to her.
"There was no heads up to the news that your mom was expecting; one night they just showed up out of the blue. We got married a couple months later and five months later you were born.
Prior to marrying your mother, she had to sign a prenuptial agreement. In the event of a divorce she would get a fixed amount of money but where infidelity was involved the amount would be reduced.
The story in the newspaper was planted by gran to ensure that the divorce was quick. When I found out I was angry at her because her actions hurt you and it made everyone aware of our business. However, what she did, controlled the narrative of the story and it died quickly. I'm really sorry you had to find out the way you did. I would have never done it that way but the moment the divorce papers were filed it was bound to hit the news and god knows what else would have been written.
I should have known running into Jenny two months ago would have led to no good. The woman is toxic and she can't stand for others to be happy. I understand if you're angry but I never wanted this pain for you Carl, what she did was insensitive and designed to hurt you."
Carl listened intently to his father's explanation of the saga. At the end of it, he gave his dad a hug, "Thanks dad, for trusting me enough not to lie to me it's more of an explanation than I got from mom. I called her earlier and she told me, "It was complicated." Honestly dad, that's all she ever tells me."
Rick was surprised by Carl's response to whole ugly mess. At the onset, he had braced himself for the fallout of their close relationship. He had envisioned the worse scenario possible but was thankful that being up front with him got his son's respect. "Hey! What do you say we grab something to eat that's if there's anything left for us? If not, you and me we'll go out to dinner."
…
Later that night, as they sat up in bed Rick confided to Michonne when he walked into Carl's room that night he thought he would lose his son. Especially after having read that hateful note from Jenny. He told her of Carl's reaction after his explanation of everything and how thankful he was that it went as well as it did.
He said a silent thank you to Lori for making it easier for him. Lori categorically refused to talk to her son about their past but his openness to own up to his own mistakes made it much easier for Carl to accept him, faults and all.
"Carl is exceptionally perceptive babe. I believe I told you that before. I told him that you both needed to talk but if he needed me, I'd be there for him. He's a fine young man and I'd expect no less because you've done an outstanding job of raising him." She smiled at him, "You're a great dad," she said placing her hand on his and rubbing it. "However, while Carl is a breeze I think you may be compromised when it comes to Mia; it appears that I'm not the only one in this house who's notice that you're setting me up to be the bad cop. Babe she's a week old and you're already a lost cause." Rick looked at his fiancé and feigned innocence.
"What are we going to do about Jenny?" Michonne asked, "She can't get away with this."
"She won't, mom's already put some calls in to some of their mutual friends and the various organizations where she volunteers. She made some sizeable donations to the organizations to ensure that they'll be severing ties with Jenny. Jenny's resources are limited now she can't exactly write a cheque from you dad's account anymore. We predict the house in Kings County will be on the market within three to six months. The market isn't exactly booming in Kings County and we doubt anyone there will buy it; so either it stays on the market indefinitely forcing the price to be slashed or we could buy it anonymously to have her gone right away."
Michonne nodded her head in approval of the game plan.
"By the way, I called up Ms. Neidermeyer, and she's willing to oversee the house in King's County, I sent her the keys. I asked her to spruce up the place and thought we could spend the weekend there. I figure we'd put this Jenny mess to rest once and for all."
Michonne looked at him, she didn't know what to say. Spending time in Kings County was the farthest thing from her mind. "It'll be okay babe, I promise."
"Seriously? I'll give you this weekend if you promise me I'd never have to go there again unless I'm picking up or dropping Carl off. Plus, we're staying at a hotel." Rick laughed but accepted her conditions, he knew Michonne wanted to put Kings County behind her. However, some of their best memories were there. He could not cut the small town out of their history, in time, perhaps she would realize it too.
…
When Rick said "we" Michonne thought he meant the four of them being him, herself and their kids. However, his "we" meant their immediate family and their parents. She was surprised when her dad came over in casual wear and offered to take Aunt Mary's overnight bag downstairs. Rick arrived shortly after him and together the both cars left for Kings County.
"Do we even know she's here?" Michonne asked as they crossed the County line.
"Yeah, the man she was having lunch with was her divorce lawyer. Your dad recognized him from his description. I paid him a visit and he assures me they had no plans to leave town this weekend." Placing his hand on Michonne's knee he rubbed it, taking his eyes off the road momentarily he looked at her, "Babe are you alright? I promise you everything will be okay."
Michonne inhaled deeply and then exhaled, "I guess, you're asking me to go back to the house I haven't step foot in since I left seventeen years ago. Ironic isn't, eleven months ago, when you walked into my office I was planning to spend the weekend there with the girls. This was before everything blew up; then my biggest fear that weekend was running into you."
Rick nodded his head as he recalled the weekend. "We've come a long way babe. We now have two kid, we're living together and you're finally letting me make an honest woman out of you. I told you, I wouldn't let you go without a fight." Their conversation caused Carl to wince as though in pain.
"Dad, you do remember I'm in the car with y'all, right? I knew I should have travelled with my grandparents, you guy's are so embarrassing."
"Do I get to say that next week when I go with you and Enid to see Wonder Woman?" Michonne retorted.
"What?" Rick looked from Michonne at his side into his rearview mirror at Carl, "You have a date? When were y'all going to tell me this?"
Michonne looked back at Carl who was now beet red. "You didn't tell your dad?" She asked surprised.
"We just did dad and by the way another conversation about the birds and the bees will not be necessary because it never worked for you. I think I'll try abstinence." His remark caused Rick to turn red while Michonne burst out laughing.
…
The next morning, after a group brunch, they headed for the old homesteads where they met Ms. Niedermeyer at the Grimes home. She was very happy to see Michonne whom she hadn't seen in forever. After sometime, Mia went to Ms. Niedermeyer without much fuss. The latter was thrilled because it reminded her of the occasions when she took care of Carl when he was about the same age.
The five then proceeded across the street. Morgan rang the doorbell. Shortly after, it was answered by Jenny. She was shocked to see the entire lot at her door. She was certain it had to do with the letter she recently sent to Carl. She had expected at least a phone call but not an invasion. She moved aside to allow them entry. She followed them to the living room.
Once seated, Rick spoke up, "Jenny, you recently sent my sixteen year old son a letter filled with many half truths. Given that everyone here has been impacted by your actions we would like for you to fill in what you glaring left out of this letter and then we expect you to do the right thing." For the next little while they listened to Jenny own her complicity in the affair then she apologized to each person.
Carl wasn't satisfied with her apology so he added, "Mrs. Jones, you tried to splinter my family like you and my granddaddy did with my dad and Michonne but it didn't work."
Jenny reacted to his use of the word "family".
"You're a very despicable person. Yeah, I said family because DNA is not what makes a family. In the short time that I've known your daughter she's been more of a mother to me than the one who bore me. Long before my sister came along, she cared for me and she included me in their lives. She even stood up to my own mother to be a part of my life. For me, family is defined by ones actions and Michonne is my family."
Jenny being Jenny she completely disregarded Carl, she turned to Michonne and asked, "Speaking of his sister, where's my granddaughter Mia? Why didn't you bring her along? Ain't she kinda young for you to be leaving her with a sitter?"
Michonne felt the anger as it rose off Rick, she reached out and touched him. Ordinarily, this act would calm him but not this time. Michonne spoke up and told Jenny to never contact any member of her family again. Rick leaned into Jenny's personal space and said, "You ever contact any member of my family again and you'll be sorry. If I were you, I'd leave Kings County Jenny. I don't know how you know so much about my family but I can promise you I will find your source too."
Michonne then got up took Carl by the hand and walked out of her childhood home for the last time. The others followed in their wake.
…
Richonne
A year later, Rick and Michonne were happily married in Savannah in an intimate ceremony. Their union was witnessed by their family and friends. Shane, the Best Man and Andrea, the Maid of Honour were ecstatic for their best friends. Also, in attendance were Carl and his plus one, his girlfriend Enid.
Carl and his sister Mia were inseparable. It was impossible not to love Mia. She had caramel coloured skin, curly brown hair, they had the same cerulean blue eyes but she had her mother's heart shaped lips. His girlfriend Enid loved his sister, she thought she was a perfect little doll.
Mary was ecstatic, at last, both Richard and Michonne were one. Richard was happier than ever before; Michonne finally started calling her "Ma" instead of Aunt Mary and she had two amazing grandchildren.
Morgan was very happy for both Michonne and Richard. He not only gained a worthy son-in-law and a granddaughter but also a grandson too. One who was now talking about going to law school.
...
The Gang
Maggie and Glenn were finally expecting. Sasha and Daryl, Rosita and Abraham both couples relationships became much more balanced. The men were proud of their boys and were rarely seen without them.
Andrea finally allowed Shane to move in permanently. The couple compromised and adopted a Golden Retriever as their dependant to assess their abilities before having another major conversation.
After the wedding and before the couple left for the city for their wedding night reservations, Andrea took Rick aside and apologized for her deplorable behaviour. It was an apology more than a year in the making but Rick accepted it. The gesture only made the day more special because it would please his wife immensely to know the rift had been mended. His wife, he thought, imagine that!
THE END!
