Summary:

Shane and Abe pay Ed a visit - bearing gifts.

This is another chapter where I had to reconcile with myself and some readers that a hit squad falls into the 'good guy' category. I have to admit that I really like how this chapter describes what happens to Ed. I hope you enjoy.

Shane needed to get inside that house. Ed sure as hell was not leaving since his car was gone. That presented all kinds of impatience on both his and Abe's part. They needed him gone. Now. Finally they came up with a plan, though while not great, would hopefully serve it's purpose. Shane left yo get the items they would need while Abe sat surveillance.

When he returned, he thrust the items at Abe so he could reach behind the drivers seat of Abe's truck. He grabbed the cheap disguises from the bag found there. Abe grabbed the glass of brandy and the cigars. Shane followed up to the front door and knocked. It was a woman who answered.

"Can I help you?" She was trying to face sideways to the door so her bruised cheek was not on full display.

"Yeah, need to talk to Ed." said Shane.

A look of fear went through her eyes briefly.

"Don't worry none darlin', Will sent us over. He's in trouble and needs Ed to come get him."

Ed must have been close by because the next thing the men knew was that the woman was being shoved out of the way, and Ed filled the doorway.

"What did that dumb shit do now? He's got my car. He best not of busted it up or nothin'."

"Oh no – nothing like that. We live a few blocks over – was just havin ourselves a party outside when ole Will pulled up. Said he was having chest pains. Wouldn't let us call the doc, said to come get you."

"If that summbitch fucks shit up for me, I'm gonna rip off his balls."

"Relax there man." Abe said. "Here. Join us in some brandy tipped cigars while we walk back. You need to calm your ass down."

"Fuck you" said Ed – but grabbed one of the cigars.

"Wait there now hoss. Ya didn't dip it yet. Here."

Abe dipped the tip in the brandy himself and then brought out a torch lighter to make sure the cigar caught for Ed. They started walking and were a few blocks away when Ed started sweating profusely.

"Something wrong Ed?" asked Shane.

"Yeah man, my hearts beating out of my chest and I swear I'm seein' spots."

"Well, that there sounds like the digitalis is kicking into ol' Ed's system, don't it Abe?"

"Sure does. My reckoning is he's got about 5 minutes before he passes clear the fuck out. You know what that means, don't ya Shane?"

"Sure do my friend. You pass out on digitalis, and you are likely dead within the next hour. In the meantime Ed, I think we better get you into our vehicle to keep you safe."

"Ed was no longer speaking – he was barely concious, and was lethargic to the point he was struggling to remain standing.

"Yep, don't wanna mess with no digitalis Ed, that's shit's nasty." Shane said.

Shane and Ed made a show of slowly walking Ed back to their box covered truck, making it look like they were walking a drunk friend home in case anybody happened to pass by. Once Ed was in the back of the truck. Shane and Abe removed the wigs they were using. Shane also removed his fake glasses. Their lame disguises were worn in case the woman who answered the door called the cops. They doubted she would though. But they wanted to make sure she would not have accurate descriptions of them, just in case.

They drove around awhile until they got to an empty park. Abe walked to the back to check on Ed. Coming back to the truck, he said "the summbitch is dead. Let's get to the rendering plant asap."

In the middle of the night, Merle was still awake. Going to the suite's kitchenette to grab a drink, he heard a message sliding under the door. It read E-X. He felt no need to wake Daryl and Carol. He would give the news of Ed's death to them in the morning.