50: A Time To Kill

A whole week passed by with nothing overly interesting happening, and I couldn't decide if I was happy about that or not. We had one primary task, and it wasn't that difficult to manage. Kill the zombies, clean out the bodies, and clear out the supplies. Moving the supplies to our part of the prison was simple, and no one got hurt, just like I expected. Michonne insisted that the success of my plans would make Rick realize that I was perfect to be his right hand, but I didn't really care about that anymore. My mind was now occupied with two separate, but equally important thoughts. First I was obsessed with keeping the group safe; our whole task was a bit risky and I wanted to make sure everyone came through the week alive. I think the obsession came from learning just how many people lived in Woodbury. It was so close on the map, and that big of a group was a threat even if they weren't fighters. Safety was key. We couldn't lose anyone. Everyone had to stay alive. I was never more relieved than when the last building was cleared. The job was done and it was a success, so I put my dress back on. It was like a symbol for me, my own personal super-suit. When I wore it I felt invincible.

The second item that was constantly plaguing me, and the only real problem, was that an edge of the hunger was back. This edge meant that I had to be extra careful around everyone. Riley's scarf had a new home around my neck, and that helped remind me of what I'd overcome. It kept me positive. It kept me from leaving for the woods whenever my mouth watered. It didn't just mean walking on eggshells; it also meant that I barely slept. My mind was always trying to fight off the urge. Most of the time I spent 'sleeping' I was just laying there with my eyes closed hoping no one would need me. Hoping that they'd stay away for a few more hours. Hoping that my appetite would go away.

One afternoon I woke from whatever sleep I was able to manage to unfamiliar voices.

"Drop your weapons of the lady here gets it," a man's voice, but not any of the men that were living in the prison. I opened my eyes and listened closer.

"Do what he says," a different guy. I sniffed at the air, smelling the invaders. When my mouth watered I ignored it. They were threatening the group. They were threatening me.

"Alright," I heard Rick's voice along with some shifting as I tried to get off of the bed without any creaking, "See, we dropped our weapons." I crawled out of my cell and peered over the edge, careful to not be seen. Three men, two with guns, looked like the other was holding something to Carol's throat; they weren't facing me so I couldn't be sure what it was. I crept back into my cell and slid on the holster that contained my silenced pistol then returned to the ledge, deciding not to put on my boots. I needed to keep quiet and heavy shoes would make too much noise. I leaned out so the group could see me, holding a finger to my lips to tell them to keep quiet.

"Not everyone has to die," I continued to assess the situation as one of the men spoke, "Some of you might be able to join us."

Hershel pleaded, "Don't do this, there are kids here." Good. Distract them. I slid under the railing and did a dead hang from the walkway for a second before quietly dropping to the floor. I looked over to the men to check if they'd noticed. Luck was on my side, they hadn't heard me.

"Then they can die first if it's such a problem," the one on the left laughed.

Carol began to squirm. She didn't know I was there; she was the one thing that could go wrong. Just keep still Carol, please. "Looks like Mama here don't like that."

They kept talking and I signaled to Michonne, asking if there were only these three or if there was more. Just the three. Perfect. I can manage that if I was quick enough.

I pulled the gun from its holster and silently readied it. I only had one chance at this, and I had to do it just right, no room for error. I looked at Carl, who was holding Judith, and motioned for him to cover her ears. Once her ears were covered I tiptoed behind the man holding Carol.

In one swoop I reached under his arm, putting my hand in between the blade and Carol's neck. At the same time I shot the man on the right. As the blade cut through my hand I tripped the man and shot the one of the left just like his friend. There was a pain in my leg and I looked down to find the last guy slicing at my calf. I pinned his arm down with my foot and reached down to grab the knife.

Rick took a step towards me and I straightened up and held up my hand, "Stay back and get Judith out of here." I pointed the gun at the intruder's head. He was squirming and freaking out, not paying any attention to me, "Are you alone?"

"You killed them!" he was looking at the bodies of his friends.

I shifted my weight onto the foot I had on his arm and nudged his head with the other one to get his attention, "Are you alone?"

His eyes widened when he saw the gun pointed at him, "Fuck you!"

I jiggled the knife in my hand, it slipped around in the blood from my gash, "Whoa, let's watch our words." I leaned forward and stabbed the man's hand as he screamed, barrel still pointed at his forehead, "Answer my question or you'll join them."

The fear in his eyes was all I could see, and all I could smell was the blood. That was all there was, fear and a good meal. The two men, his hand, it was all I could do not to crumble then. Focus Annie. When he didn't answer I wiggled the knife. That got him talking, "Don't kill me! I'll tell you! I'll tell you!"

I twisted the knife again for good measure, "Were there only the three of you, or are there more waiting to get the all clear?"

"We're alone," I turned the knife one more time. Third time's a charm right? "I swear, just please don't kill me. I can help you! I wont hurt any of you, I swear. It wasn't even my idea. It was George's." I removed the knife, and stared down at him, pointing the gun away. I could feel him relax beneath me, "Thank you, thank you."

I looked at the two other bodies. That smell. I needed to get out of here. I needed to wrap this up and get some fresh air. I looked back down to him, "For what?"

"Not killing me." I couldn't keep myself from laughing then. Did he really think I would just let him go? Did he really think he could come here, threaten to kill my brother and sister, and live to see another day? Did he really think I was that stupid?

"Can't kill something that's already dead," I shook my head as I pointed the gun back to him. His fear returned, "And you were dead the second you held the knife to her throat."

Bang.

I stood still for a second, the tip of the pistol still smoking. When I looked up my heart sunk. They had all seen. They could all see this side of me now, even Carl. I felt the sharp pinch of my broken skin against the hilt. "I'm sorry, but it had to be done," I don't know what I expected. To be scolded? To be forced to leave? They didn't thought. They might have even looked thankful if I hadn't been so focused on the smell. I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here. Fresh air. I stepped off of the dead man and walked over to Carol who flinched slightly as I stopped in front of her. "Looks like it's just a nick," I smiled at her, "You'll just need a Band Aid, maybe disinfect it just in case." No one was moving. No one had moved since the last shot. All had barely even breathed, except Judith who was fussing and crying now. I guess she hadn't liked the loud noises. After holstering the pistol I took a closer look at my own wounded hand, "Carl, do you think you can try out some of your stitching?" He nodded when I looked up at him, "Okay, I'll just get the supplies and then we'll head outside."

Short and sweet! I hope you all enjoyed!