Happy Valentines Day!
Firstly, thank you for the reviews and private messages. Hmatlock, I am so glad you are enjoying the story, and as requested here is an update!
Plus as it Valentines I thought I would post two chapters as a gift to you all.
Unfortunately I didn't get a card from Daryl or Norman this year but I live in hope!
Okay, so this chapter was amazing to write and I loved every minute of it. I would be grateful for any feedback and your thoughts, so hit that review button.
I read a lot of stories where The Governor is a villain but he still seems soft somehow or everything is over quickly. I want to make it a slow burn with this one so we can see just how sadistic he is….I hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 14
It had been nearly two months since Hershel had seen his young daughter and although he missed her dearly he knew it was for the best.
Early on it had been agreed that he would have no contact with Beth, something he had tried to discuss only to agree when Merle informed him that Beth could be traced through their ties.
He had kept himself busy and regularly walked around the town to fill his time, but it did not stop him from wondering if his daughter was happy and safe.
Merle had mentioned his brother several times throughout their discussions and Hershel knew he didn't really have any reservations against the man. When Merle informed him that they had suffered a terrible childhood, Hershel knew that Beth would do as her mother had done and bring Daryl into the light.
Sitting at the small table in his room at the boarding house, Hershel thumbed through the pages of his bible; seeking comfort from the lords words.
The light was just setting in the distance when a knock sounded followed by an envelope being pushed under his door.
Reaching for his crutch he moved to retrieve the letter from the floor, looking at it in confusion. No one knew of his whereabouts and he kept to himself as much as possible, only leaving his room to mingle during breakfast and supper.
Walking to his bedside table, he retrieved the small letter opener that he kept near his bed. He had no weapons to protect himself and felt a little better at having something close by, should he need it.
Unfolding the letter, he felt the blood drain from his face,
'Dearest Hershel,
I'm afraid the time has come!
The Governor is searching for any news of Beth and we fear that our time in Woodbury has come to an end. We will be moving on at first light.
Be Safe
C'
Flipping the envelope over he noted it had been sent a few days before and knew that they could be anywhere by now. They had all known this time would come, it was a matter of when, not if and he could only hope that Beth had had the courage to inform Daryl of the potential impending danger that she could be in.
Walking to the stove in the corner of his room, he opened the flap and tossed in the letter, watching as it burnt to ash.
Shaking his head he sunk into his chair, Carol and Merle had been good to him and he could not help but feel guilty that they were now needing to give up their lives and their home. But he quickly pushed the thought aside recalling how both had been adamant in helping Beth escape. He believed that Carol had been through something similar but neither had confirmed the notion.
Reaching for his bible once again, he said a quick prayer and then looked towards the window where darkness was now taking over the sky, "Keep her safe Daryl" he whispered to the empty room.
…
Caesar finished tying the rope around the mans wrists before he rose pulling the hood from the sobbing body in front of him.
Himself and Gorman had been tasked with tracking down the lowlifes that had kidnapped Elizabeth and now here the three men sat, their hands tied behind their backs and their ankles bound to the chair legs that supported them.
Hearing the door to the cellar open, he watched as the three men stared wide eyed at the stairs that ran along the far wall.
He couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face as one of the men whimpered at the sight of his boss sauntering down towards them.
The Governors blood was thrumming under his skin and he could feel the familiar excitement building within him. Finally the hunter had caught his prey!
Turning to face the three men, if you could call them that, he watched recognition cross their faces, "You know who I am I see!" he stated as he stepped forward.
A small man on the end cringed as the Governor spoke, whilst the other two nodded in agreement.
"Good, then there's no need for introductions"
Grabbing an empty beer barrel, the Governor spun it into place in front of his three prisoners, before sitting down theatrically and draping the back of his long jacket behind him.
"Do they know why there here?" he questioned his right hand man, Gorman, who leaned against the wall.
"No, we told them we were requiring their services"
Raising one eyebrow at the trembling men, "It's simple really" he started and noticed that each men were watching him with rapt attention, "you took something from me and I want it back!"
The three men looked at one another confused and he could feel his temper rising.
"It was a woman" he explained at their stupidness.
"We don't take no women" the smallest one said as he shook his head.
Nearing the end of his patience he rose quickly and gripped the man's chin in a tight grasp, "don't lie to me".
"He ain't lying" the man at the other end cried, "we don't take no women".
Pulling the small dagger from the back of his pants he swiftly stuck the weapon through the man's chin, that he still held; pushing it until it was submerged to the hilt.
Tilting the man's head back, he watched the life drain out of his eyes and could feel the satisfaction of taking his life. It flowed over his body like the high of a man who had smoked opium.
Turning to face the two men that now remained, he smiled at the paleness of their faces.
"Now" he fumed as he wrenched the knife out, licking some of the blood from his wrist that had dripped down, "who's next?"
It was the middle man that quickly sat forward, "We were there…on the highway…but we dint take no woman" So they had known what he was talking about!
The other man jumped in too, making the Governor smirk that they were so willing now that their lives were on the line, "we were told ta make it look like a robbery"
Snapping to attention at that comment, he strode to the man quickly, "told by who?" he demanded.
The man recoiled from the Governor being so close and sent up a prayer. Although he knew there would be hell to pay for double-crossing Merle, it would not result in him losing his life, "Merle Dixon" he confirmed before sinking back in to his seat in relief.
When the name left the mans lips, The Governor had been stunned momentarily before composing himself. It all made sense, the visits that Beth had had with Carol, the acceptance of his proposal, even the change in her behaviour towards him. With each thought he was becoming more and more enraged and before he could think of what he was doing, he rushed the dagger still in his hand across the mans throat; feeling a calmness fill him as crimson spread across the line.
Stepping back he lent his head back and looked to the ceiling, like a wolf howling at the moon during bloodlust. The man's chokes as he gripped at his neck for a final breath arousing him more than it should.
"Please…" came a whimpering voice from the final man that sat waiting for his death.
Snapping his neck to look at the snivelling criminal he could feel a need for more, but knew he would need more information first.
Wiping his bloody knife on a handkerchief that Caesar was holding out, he watched as the man's eyes blanched.
"Tell me what you know or you'll be joining your friends sooner than you think!" he spat.
The man looked between the Governor and his men, his legs bouncing as much as they could with his ankles tied, "Merle…he asked us to pretend to rob them….we didn't take the girl. Her and another ran off into the trees. We just took the wagon as planned, I swear"
Nodding the Governor looked at Gorman, "Bring them here! Him and the woman!" Gorman smiled at the request and left the room.
Turning back to the man, the Governor stepped closer and gestured for Caesar to unbind him,
"What of the old man? Did you kill him?" The Governor asked.
Standing from the chair and rubbing his wrists the man shook his head, "Naw, he's living down at a boarding house in Hilltop. Saw him there not three days ago"
Feeling the deception wash over him, he could not help but stumble as he stepped forwards.
"Thank you for your co-operation. You're free to go!" He stated waving his hand dismissively towards the stairs.
Caesar stood still in surprise at his boss's words. He had never let anyone walk away before.
The man, still rubbing his raw wrists moved to step by both men as he walked to the stairs as quickly as possible. He had just placed his foot upon the first step when he felt an arm circle his neck, pulling him back.
Feeling the feeble man's hands grabbing for release made the Governor tighten his grip. He could hear the wheezes as the man gasped for breath and his legs flailing the floor trying to find purchase.
He knew the moment the man's last breath left his body and he dropped him to the floor with a thud; his lifeless eyes staring back at him in surprise.
Taking a shuddering breath he ran a hand through his hair, straightening it from the exertion of killing three men in as little as twenty minutes.
He stood staring at the bodies blankly as if he had not just taken their lives. Remorse was not a word in his vocabulary. Where he had once wanted to avenge Elizabeth's disappearance, now he just wanted plain revenge. How dare she run from him? He knew he would find her if it was the last thing he did, it was just a matter of time! And when he did, he would make her feel the worst kind of pain that a person could experience.
A creaking pulled him from his thoughts, and he noticed Gorman waiting nervously at the bottom of the stairs, "They're gone! House is empty. Reckon they left in a hurry judging by the mess" his most trusted follower confirmed.
Tapping his finger on his chin in thought he turned to both men, "saddle up boys, we're going to Hilltop!
…
Dwight had wondered from town to town for nearly two weeks and with each place he passed though, the more angry he became.
He had been forced to leave his town, his home after what happened with that bitch. And Daryl, who the hell did he think he was, hitting him the way he did?
He had lost everything because of them!
Grabbing his glass, he threw back the amber liquid at the same time he raised his hand for another.
He knew he shouldn't, he was already low on funds at it was, but it seemed to help dull the anger he could feel brewing.
A few hours later he stumbled to his room at Ms Alexandria's Boarding House and fell on to the bed, his door remained open as he had forgotten to close it.
…
Hershel had been tossing and turning most of the night, he didn't know if it was from Carol's letter but he just couldn't seem to shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Reaching to light the oil lamp next to his bed, he jumped in fright at the sight of a shadowed figure sat in his chair across the room.
"You don't look surprised to see me Hershel" the Governor sneered as he watched the old man fumble for his crutch.
Standing suddenly, he strode quickly to Hershel's side wrenching the man by the scruff of his neck from the bed.
He had to give it to him the man had not bellowed at his manhandling he had merely grunted.
Forcing Hershel to his knees, the Governor crouched in front of him, "Where is she old man?"
Hershel knew it was a possibility that the Governor would catch up with him, he had just hoped to have more time. It had always been the plan that he would join Beth after time had passed and things had settled. He had often imagined seeing her with his grandchildren, happy and smiling. But he knew now it had only been a dream.
Pulling back his arm the Governor let it fly with enough force it knocked the man on to his side, "I ASKED YOU A QUESTION, DAMMIT" fisting his hands in the front of the mans nightwear he righted him, noticing his eye already beginning to swell, "WHERE IS SHE?" he shouted as he hit him again.
…
Dwight was roused from sleep by raised voices in the room across the hall. Turning his head to the side he saw that he had left his door open and with a groan he rolled off the bed to his feet.
"Where is she?" he heard as he approached the door and he could not help but notice his neighbours door ajar.
Out of morbid fascination he stepped closed to listen and distinctly heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh.
…
Hershel could feel his face swelling making his head feel heavy. Salt and iron filled his mouth as a red hue marred his sight. Swaying on his knees he could feel the life leaving his body,
"You'll tell me eventually old man!" the Governor snarled. He was becoming frustrated with the mans defiance but eventually he would break him. Luckily for him, he had money and had paid a tidy sum to the owner to turn a blind eye, giving him all the time he needed.
Preparing himself to continue the torture he stepped forward as Hershel looked up and into his eyes, he noted a small smile ghost the man's face. For a moment he faltered under the gaze and stood waiting on bated breath, "Yer can hurt me all you want. I will never tell y' where my daughter is!"
"Everyone breaks eventually" he stated simply at the mans words as he produced his dagger.
Hershel's eyes widened slightly at the weapon and he couldn't help but recoil.
"I will find her Hershel, with or without your help. It will just take me a little longer without!"
Feeling a strength he didn't know he had, Hershel looked back up from the dagger to the man that stood in front of him like the devil himself, "then I guess it will take you a little longer" he stated as he drove his small letter opener in to his heart.
Seeing the old man impale himself on the thin knife jarred the Governor to rush forward, pushing the man back to see the wound. Shock marred his face at the man taking his own life.
A vision swam in Hershel's head of his family. He knew this was the flash that came before death, what people spoke of when they stated that their 'life flashed before their eyes'. He felt no pain, not even from the abuse that the Governor had inflicted, he felt only peace.
He could see the Governor's face, covered in rage, fading in and out of view with each breath he took and a satisfied smile spread across his own face.
Closing his eyes, he knew he was close. He could sense his Annette waiting for him in the afterlife. Mustering the last bit of energy he had, he tried to project his thoughts far and wide, 'he's coming Daryl! Keep my daughter safe!'
The Governor paced the room as Hershel laid dead upon the floor. So many emotions were swirling through his body as he pulled at his hair in thought.
…
Dwight had stayed listening to the conversation before he had heard the last strangled breath of a man dying.
Stepping back a floorboard creaked beneath him, alerting the person in the room to his position.
The door whipped open and he winced at the man that was breathing harshly in front of him. He couldn't get a word out before he was pulled roughly into the room; the door slamming shut behind him.
"I dint see nothin" he blurted as the man in front of him spun to face him.
"You know who I am?"
Dwight shook his head at the man's question and saw him nod curtly once, pleased that he didn't know who he was.
Both men stood quietly observing the other until the Governor stepped passed him, focused on something near to the man's bed.
Fingering the small silver frame the Governor was aware of the man creeping up behind him, but paid him no mind. He was a wisp of man and the Governor could easily overpower him.
The Governor could not believe he had missed the frame when he had been torturing the old man, but then his mind had been on more pressing matters. However, now as he looked at the small photograph of his Elizabeth staring back at him he felt his rage rebuilding. He had meant what he said to her father; he would find her and when he did she was going to regret ever running out on him!
Dwight was confused at how easily the man had changed from a raging monster capable of killing to the calm man he now saw. Intrigued to see what had calmed the beast, Dwight stepped forward to look over his shoulder at the small frame the man held in his grasp.
Squinting in the lamp light he couldn't help but suck in a breath at the coincidence of it all.
Hearing the man's intake of breath, the Governor spun and held out the picture, "You know her" he stated, it wasn't a question.
Nodding, Dwight took the frame from the man's hand for a closer look. He was certain this was Beth Dixon, the likeness was uncanny.
Seeing the man intensely study the picture of his Elizabeth forced him to step forward and snatch the picture back, "Talk!" he demanded.
"She's living down in Westray. Her husband has a farm there"
"Her husband?"
Dwight nodded before confirming, "mmhmm, Daryl Dixon".
It all connected then. Why Merle had helped her escape, why he had left town. The stupid bitch had married his brother. And this Daryl Dixon, how dare he marry what was rightfully his. Rubbing his hands together, he knew that there would be more blood spilt by his own doing.
Looking to the man watching him with wariness he decided to offer an olive branch. Truth was he could likely use this man for his own advantage, "I'm the Governor" he stated as he offered a hand.
Dwight looked at the man and felt his luck changing. If he could help the man get rid of Daryl and the little sheriff, he could likely take his rightful place back in the town.
Accepting the hand that still hung in the air, both shook on a silent agreement before the Governor left the room stating that he would be in touch.
Standing outside in the cool night air, the Governor looked to the darkness above him, knowing he was one step closer to bringing her home,
"I'm coming for you Elizabeth!"
…
Daryl had felt restless all evening and no matter how much he tried to get comfortable he could not help but feel that something was off. The night was too calm and it was making him nervous. It was a few hours after midnight when he had felt himself finally drifting only to be shocked awake as a voice floated through his mind, 'he's coming Daryl! Keep my daughter safe!'
Sitting up quickly he kicked off the blankets and flew to the window, checking the grounds that surrounded them.
Beth mumbled in her sleep, pulling his gaze from the moonlit lands and he reluctantly climbed back into bed pulling her into his arms.
The voice had sounded as if someone had spoken them directly in to his ear and he couldn't help but feel that their happiness was coming to an end.
