A/N: Did I mention Part 2 would be posted soon? Lol. Please continue reading at your pleasure! This chapter is a little dark, but not too much. I really hope you enjoy! We have a bit more to go! Please review! I can't tell you enough how much your reviews mean to me. I'll try and update soon. Happy Holidays and stay safe!


Chapter 11: Discoveries-Part 2

Two days later, Rick and Michonne returned to Tannon Falls. Rick glanced over to her in the passenger's seat. Her head rested against the headrest as she napped. He hated to wake her, knowing how exhausted she'd been lately, but the bed would be much more comfortable.

"Baby, wake up," he said, softly nudging her. "We're home."

"Huh…oh, sorry I wasn't better company on the drive. I can't seem to sit for too long without dozing off," she apologized.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. Now, let's get you inside so you can get more rest," he responded sweetly.

Rick grabbed their bags from the back of the truck, while Michonne let herself into the house. She noticed the floor lamp in the living was turned on.

"Hey, did we leave this on?" she asked Rick as he walked inside.

He looked puzzled, trying to recall if they had in fact left the light on. "I don't know…maybe," he shrugged. He took note of the nervous look on her face. "Hey…it's okay. I probably forgot to turn it off before rushing out."

She nodded, forcing herself to accept his explanation.

"You want me to draw you a bath before you lie down?" he asked.

"Rick, you don't have to keep pampering me," she chuckled.

"I'm just tryin' to be helpful, sweetheart. I know this is a lot to deal with…and I just want you to know you're not alone in this. I promised you I wouldn't let go, remember? I meant it. So, I'm going to do whatever I can to make you comfortable while you're carrying my child."

She could sense the floodgates opening for what seemed like the hundredth time over the past couple of days. "I love you so much," she whimpered, placing an appreciative kiss to his lips.

"Go lie down while I get it going," he whispered, ushering her toward the bedroom.


While Michonne relaxed in her bubble bath, Rick began putting away the luggage they had taken on their trip. He frowned, noticing one of the boxes that had been sitting on the top shelf of the closet was now on the floor.

"What the hell?" he muttered, walking over to examine the contents of the open box. Inside were some of the items he'd brought back from King County. The wooden jewelry box sitting on top immediately caught his attention. He opened it and found it was empty. Panic began to slowly course through his body.

"Michonne," he called out. "Were you going through this box before we left?"

"I can't hear you sweetie. Come in here," she replied.

He walked into the bathroom, his face turning red with his growing sense of dread. Michonne noticed his troubled look.

"What is it?" she questioned, sitting up in the tub.

"Were you looking through the stuff we brought back from King County?"

"Um, no. Why do you ask?"

"My grandmother's ring is missing. It's a family heirloom. My mother gave it to me to give to Melanie when we got married," he explained.

"Shit, Rick…where could it be?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure it was in that box. I'm gonna look around some more. You should get out and get dressed."

He went back into the bedroom, scanning his eyes across the room to see if he noticed anything else out of place. Nothing caught his attention, but something didn't sit right.

He began opening his drawers, seeing that everything was in order. He looked into the drawers Michonne had taken over and became even more alarmed. Several of her panties and bras were in shreds. He slammed the drawer shut and retrieved his phone to dial the police.

A few minutes later and Michonne had thrown on a pair of leggings and t-shirt and joined him on the bed as they waited for the officers to arrive.

"It's her…I know it is," she said, referring to Elaina. "I told you she's crazy!"

"I can't believe she would do this. What the hell kind of game is she trying to play?" he wondered out loud. "I'm gonna call my buddy and see if he found out anything about her."

Michonne nodded, drawing her knees up to her chest as she tried to calm her anxiety.

"Hey Alden," Rick greeted his former partner. "Yeah, I got a bit of a situation here. Someone broke into my house…"

He paused and Michonne assumed the man on the other line was responding with shock.

"Yeah, I'm alright…but listen…were you able to find out anything about Elaina Jones?"

Another pause…

"Really?" Rick replied, getting up to pace around the room. "So, the records are sealed? What about in the last five or so years? Anything?"

"Rick, what is he saying?" Michonne asked impatiently.

He held his finger up, indicating he needed another minute.

"Someone was asking about me?" he asked, confusion lacing his voice. "Did you get a name?"

A few more minutes passed while Rick continued his conversation. Michonne was too anxious to continue sitting. She looked outside the bedroom window but couldn't see anything through the darkness.

"Yeah, I don't know what it all means, but I'm gonna find out. Thanks for your help, Alden," Rick stated, before disconnecting the call.

He sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fuck!"

"What did he find out?" Michonne asked, coming to stand next to him.

"Apparently Elaina was in some kind of trouble before, but he can't tell me anything because whatever it is happened when she was a minor. Juvenile records are sealed."

"Ugh…I knew it! This probably isn't the first time she's done something like this."

"Michonne, we still don't know that she did this," he said, rubbing her shoulders.

"Who the hell else would it be? You got some angry ex-girlfriend I don't know about?"

He shot her a frustrated look, and she realized the insensitivity of her comment.

"I'm sorry…I shouldn't have said that. I'm just upset…and worried."

"I understand, sweetheart, but listen, there's more you need to know."

"I'm afraid to ask, but what else?"

"Someone's been checking into me. Merle mentioned a few things a while ago, but I didn't want to worry you. I guess I know now where he got his information. Alden says a detective called asking about me. The guy said I was looking to join TFPD. It seemed like a valid inquiry, so they gave him the information."

"Rick, what the hell? I told you that guy was trouble, but why would he be looking into you?"

"I don't know, but it looks like he may have a police officer in his back pocket…and that officer may be related to Elaina. Alden said he identified himself as Detective Jones. I don't know what all of this means or if any of it is connected, but I promise you…I won't let anything happen to you."

Michonne fell into his embrace, sobbing out of fear and anger. "I need all of this to be over, please Rick, promise me it will be over soon."

"It will sweetheart. I'll handle it," he assured her, kissing the top of her head.


Twenty minutes earlier…

Officer Sasha Williams holstered her weapon and walked over to her partner Abraham Ford. She nodded to Detective Jones who sat in his office, not far from Ford's desk.

"Ford, we need to head back over to Temple Lane."

The burly red-headed officer looked up from the mountain of paperwork on his messy desk. "Oh shit…what for? Ms. Jameson get another visit from the invisible intruder again?"

"It wasn't her that called, but her neighbor, Rick Grimes. I'm guessing the two of them are actually more than neighbors, but who the hell knows what's goin' on," she shrugged. "The guy says his house was broken into and he has proof. For all we know, it could be some type of disgruntled lover situation," She joked.

Morgan listened intently as Sasha described the situation. He couldn't help but think back to the picture he saw on Elaina's nightstand, the picture of Rick Grimes. Then he thought about Merle's damn near obsession with the former deputy. Something wasn't right and he needed to find out what it was before his daughter wound up hurt.

"Anyway, we gotta haul ass," Sasha continued.

"Yeah, alright. Let's go see what's what," Ford replied, shaking his head.

The two officers threw on their jackets and made a hasty exit. Morgan waited for them to leave before picking up the phone at his desk. He dialed his daughter's number, praying she would answer his call.


Rick rushed to the door when he heard the officers knocking. "Thanks for comin'," he greeted them as they walked inside.

Ford and Williams shot each other a knowing look when they spotted Michonne sitting on the sofa.

"Ms. Jameson, it's nice to see you again," Abraham stated, tipping his hat to her. "I wish it were under different circumstances. I'm startin' to wonder if y'all got a serial burglar in the area."

Before she could say anything, Rick shot her a look, silently imploring her not to mention Elaina just yet.

"Yeah, well something very valuable to me is missing and…" Rick hesitated before continuing, "some clothes were cut up."

Sasha and Abraham both raised their eyebrows. "Anything else?" Sasha asked.

"That isn't enough?" Michonne shot back.

Sasha narrowed her gaze on an obviously distraught Michonne. "Yes, ma'am…that's plenty. I'm just curious to the extent of the situation."

Michonne sighed, "I apologize. I'm a little on edge. I'm sure you understand."

"I do," Sasha nodded. "I have to ask…are the two of you living together?"

"Yes," Rick answered. "I asked Michonne to move in after the incident at her house. We thought it would be safer, but apparently we were wrong."

"Well, it seems like this is too much of a coincidence to be random, so I gotta ask which one of you pissed somebody off…or was it both of you? Is there a scorned woman wandering around here terrorizing you?" Abraham interjected.

Rick scoffed at the husky officer's insinuation. "We didn't piss anyone off," he stated in his southern drawl, which was more pronounced when he was angry. "This isn't some type of love triangle, if that's what you're askin' Officer… Ford," he said, reading the officer's nametag.

"How about we take a look around?" Sasha stated, trying to diffuse the tension. "Did you move anything?"

"No, I'm a former deputy. I know how important it is to leave the scene untouched," Rick huffed, still agitated by Abraham's comment.

Sasha and Abraham shared another look. "Sorry, we didn't realize," Sasha stated. "That's good, now let's see what we're dealing with."

The four of them walked to the master bedroom. Rick pointed to the box in the closet. "We went away for a few days and when we left, that box was on the top shelf. It was on the floor when we returned and it's obvious someone was going through it. There's a ring missing."

The officers went over to examine the closet. "Anything else out of order in here?" Abraham asked.

"No, not that I can tell," Rick answered.

"And you say some clothes were destroyed? Can I see?" Sasha asked.

Rick gestured toward the drawer with Michonne's things. Sasha peered inside. She pulled on a pair of gloves and held up a few items. "Wow, someone was angry." She dropped the clothing back into the drawer and turned to Rick and Michonne. "I have to be honest; this seems like a crime of passion. It's likely someone you know, someone who has a vendetta against you both. Any idea who that could be?"

Michonne and Rick shared a glance. She nodded for him to divulge what they suspected.

Rick placed his hands on his hips and exhaled. "There's this woman who works at the post office in the center of town. Her name is Elaina Jones. She's got some weird fascination with me. She's popped up a few times when Michonne and I have been out and recently showed up at my job."

Upon hearing Elaina's name, Sasha looked over to her partner, signaling for him to keep quiet about knowing the woman. He gave a slight nod.

"You don't have any connection with her? Ever dated her or anything?" Abraham asked.

Rick glared at him. "No, I hardly know her. I had a former colleague at King County Sheriff's Department look into her. She's got a sealed juvenile record."

"Well, not much we can do with that, but we'll follow up. Can you think of anyone else who could have done this? The two of you got any enemies?" Abraham inquired.

Michonne sneered, growing frustrated that the officers didn't seem to be taking this seriously. "No…it was her. I know it!"

"Ma'am calm down. You don't have any evidence to support that. Attraction to someone, if that's what this is, doesn't cause someone to break into somebody's house and do this," Officer Ford said, gesturing to the shredded clothing in the drawer.

"It's okay sweetheart," Rick calmed her, giving Michonne's shoulder a squeeze. "Officers, there is someone else who may be responsible, but it doesn't seem like his style."

"Who?" Sasha asked.

"His name is Merle Dixon."

Abraham chuckled. "Yeah, we're familiar with Dixon. If you're tangled up with him, that ain't good. How do you know him?"

"I work with his brother at Rhee's auto shop. We've been butting heads for a while now. Actually, I'm pretty sure he had someone call King County and look into my past. My former partner told me it was a Detective Jones. That ring a bell?" Rick asked pointedly.

"Shit," Sasha mumbled.

"Yeah, Detective Morgan Jones," Abraham nodded. "There's no way he would be tangled up with the likes of Dixon. It was probably one of Dixon's cronies trying to pass off as a detective…but I gotta ask, what was Dixon looking for? You hidin' anything deputy? Like something that would make you walk away from a job in law enforcement and take up a mechanic job in this sleepy little town."

"Look Ford…" Rick retorted.

"Ahem, please forgive my partner," Sasha interrupted, glaring at Abraham. "He can be a bit abrasive at times. I'm sure you had your reasons for moving here, reasons that we don't need to know as long as there on the up and up, but I agree, Detective Jones wouldn't be involved with Merle Dixon. Everyone at the station knows Dixon is trouble. We'll look into his possible involvement here. In the meantime, do you mind if we take a more thorough look around?"

"Not at all," Rick gritted out.

"Thank you, we appreciate it," Sasha replied. She waited for the couple to leave the room before turning to her partner. "Ford, what the fuck? Are you trying to piss this guy off?"

"No, I'm trying to steer him in a different direction! He's implying that an officer and his daughter are involved in this shit and possibly in cahoots with that degenerate fuck, Dixon!"

She sighed, "We need to find out what the hell is going on before Grimes does. Can Jones' daughter really be responsible for breaking in here and Ms. Jameson's house? He mentioned she has some issues, but he never gave any details. I haven't been around her enough to say one way or another, but if she is involved, we need to warn Jones."

"Yeah, well I don't believe for one second that Jones is tangled up in this mess. Dixon is up to something. I don't know his deal with Grimes, but I'm gonna find out. Might be time to bring him in for a little chat."

Sasha nodded in agreement. "Okay, let's finish looking around."


Michonne and Rick stood in the living room waiting for the officers to finish their sweep.

"Rick, I'm not sure they believe us. Officer Ford blew off what you told him about Elaina."

"Yeah, I know. Something isn't adding up with all of this. Jones has gotta be related to Elaina in some way. My instincts tell me they're both working with Dixon to fuck with me."

Michonne pondered the possibility that this was all some scheme to get back at Rick and somehow, she got dragged into it. "Maybe, but why break into my house and cut up my things? I still think it's Elaina we need to be concerned about. Detective Jones might have fed Merle information, but I don't know if this is connected."

"I promise I'll find out what the hell is going on," Rick said, embracing her. "I don't want you to worry. Stress isn't good for you…or the baby."

A minutes later, Sasha and Abraham entered the room. "I'm afraid we have more bad news," Sasha stated.

"What is it?" Rick frowned.

Abraham held up a tiny device so Rick could examine it.

"Is this what I think it is?" Rick questioned.

"Yep, looks like your burglar is also a voyeur," Abraham confirmed. "I think you're dealin' with a real sick puppy. I'd start bein' real careful if I were you. These things tend to escalate."

Michonne was horrified. "Oh my god, this person has been watching us!"

"I'm afraid so," Sasha stated. "I'm going to be honest, we don't have the manpower to bring in a full team to sweep the inside and outside of the house, not without a major crime being committed, but I can recommend a good private security company, and maybe you should think about staying somewhere for a little while, maybe grab a hotel room in town," she suggested.

"You can't spare a couple of units to watch the house for a few days?" Rick questioned. "Michonne is pregnant and I'm worried about her safety. There's gotta be something more you can do," he pleaded.

Sasha looked over to Abraham, who gave her a nod. "Yeah, maybe we can spare a few officers to keep watch for a couple of days. I still think you should consider a hotel. We'll look into the leads you've given us and be in touch," she said, looking at them compassionately.

Rick tightened his grip on Michonne, who was now lightly sobbing in his arms. "Thank you, I appreciate it."


Morgan sat in his car in an abandoned parking lot. He sighed in frustration as he got his daughter's voicemail, once again. "Elaina, where the fuck are you?" he wondered out loud.

A few taps on the passenger side window startled him and he looked over to see Merle standing outside the vehicle. He unlocked the door, letting him inside.

"Jones, this better be good. I was in the middle of sumthin'," Merle griped.

"It is…and after I give you this information, I want you to leave Elaina alone. I'm checking her into a treatment facility, and I don't want her involved with you when she comes out. Did you know about her relationship with Grimes? Did you ask her to get involved with him?"

Merle held his hands up in defense. "Whoa, slow down detective. I had no idea your baby girl knew our mutual friend. If she's involved with Grimes, it's her own doin'. Wouldn't surprise me though, the fucker seems to have a thing for Black women," he joked.

"Dixon, I'm serious! I don't want my daughter anywhere near you or Grimes. Are we clear?"

"I'd watch my tone if I were you, detective. Unless you want the whole police department knowin' you're screwin drug-addicted whores in back alley motels, and let's not forget your willingness to use your resources to cover up my operation. I'm willin' to bet that ain't a good look for someone lookin' to move up the ranks in his career."

Merle's reminder brought Morgan back to reality. He couldn't risk losing his reputation or his job.

"Okay Dixon, all I'm askin' is to buy my daughter's freedom from whatever you have her caught up in, and I can't go asking anymore questions about Grimes without folks getting suspicious, but I did find out something you'll want to hear."

"Just spit it the fuck out, Jones. I ain't got all night," Merle huffed.

"Grimes' brother, Shane, was involved in getting your father locked up."

"What the hell are you talkin' about, Jones?"

"Shane Grimes was the deputy who busted your father and Phillip Blake in King County. He was there the day your father was arrested in that apartment building. He's the officer your father was charged with attempting to murder."

Merle nodded as his suspicions were confirmed. "So, you're saying Grimes' brother is the one who got my daddy locked up in the Georgia State Penitentiary for life? I fuckin' knew the name sounded familiar! Sonofabitch!"

"Look Dixon, I think you need to back off Grimes. What's done is done. He and his brother may not be cops anymore, but they got plenty of friends who are. This could go bad for you," Morgan warned him.

Merle shot him an incredulous look. "Jones, you can't drop a fuckin' bomb like that and expect me not to explode!"

"Rick Grimes wasn't even involved on the case Dixon. He ain't responsible for what happened to your father. His brother suffered irreparable damage when your dad threw him off that balcony. I'd say things are even."

"I ain't fuckin' askin' for your opinion Jones! They're all fuckin' responsible. All those pigs in King County got my daddy hemmed up when Blake was the one fuckin' runnin' the operation there."

"And Blake is serving his time! Your father tried to murder a police officer, that's why he got life! Dixon, I'm askin you to leave it alone…but if you insist on getting your revenge on Grimes, I suggest you let things die down. Lay low for a while. He called the police earlier because someone broke into his house. It's only a matter of time before they make a connection to you and whatever you have my daughter doing for you. I'll do whatever I can to cover it up, but you need to chill out for a bit."

Merle thought about his options, finally deciding that Morgan was right. If the police were involved, that meant Elaina had fucked up and the heat would soon be on him. She was only supposed to scare Grimes' girlfriend and get close to Grimes so she could help him fuck over the former lawman, but her erratic behavior was causing him problems. He should have listened to Simon about dealing with an addict, especially one with mental health issues and a cop for a father.

"Alright, I'll bite Jones. I gotta handle some business out of town. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I'll put off dealin' with Grimes for now, but this shit ain't over. I'll be in touch. You better answer when I call."

With that, he exited the vehicle, leaving Morgan to ponder just how in the fuck he was going to rid himself and his daughter of Merle Dixon.


Two weeks later, Rick and Michonne were staying with Glenn. He was gracious enough to allow them to stay with him after they filled him in on their suspicions of Elaina's activities. After the incident, a few officers took shifts watching Rick and Michonne's houses, to no avail.

Sasha and Abraham informed Morgan that Elaina could be involved in the burglary and the voyeurism. He asked them to keep it quiet but agreed to have them question her. After three days of trying to locate her, Morgan officially filed a missing person's report.

Rick and Michonne were notified by the police of Elaina's disappearance, which did nothing to calm their fears, so they continued to stay with Glenn, with hopes that she would be located soon.

Rick asked Sasha if he could speak directly with Detective Jones about his calls to King County, as well as his possible relationship with Elaina, but she stalled him, telling him the detective was off on leave. He didn't buy it for a second, but his hands were tied. He was just grateful that Michonne was safe, only letting her out of his sight when they were working.

Michonne used the spare key Glenn had given her to let herself inside the house. She was completely exhausted after a long day at the high school and just wanted to eat and go to sleep. She knew Rick was working late, so she decided to order takeout once she got settled. She took out her phone to text Rick, knowing he would be upset if she didn't check in…

Just letting you know I made it to Glenn's safely. I'm going to order some food and try to wait up for you. What time do you think you'll be back?

A few minutes later he texted back…

I should be back by 8:00. Don't worry about waiting up. Get some rest if you're tired. By the way, Glenn is staying at Maggie's tonight. I'll see you later. I love you.

She smiled at his constant need to look out for her. She texted him back…I love you, too. She pulled up the number to the closest pizzeria and placed an order before going to change into something more comfortable.


Thirty minutes later…

Elaina was growing impatient after following Michonne home from work. She wanted to be sure she was home alone, so she drove around the block a few times before parking her car on the quiet street and walking the short block until she reached her destination. She looked into Michonne's car which was parked in front of the house then surveyed the area. It was dark outside, and everyone seemed to be in for the night.

She walked closer to the house and discreetly peered into the kitchen window. She saw Michonne standing at the refrigerator getting a drink. The headlights of a car driving down the road caught her attention. She walked around to the front of the house, trying to get a glimpse of the car and recognized the logo from the local pizzeria. Always quick on her feet, she made her way to the porch and waited for the delivery driver to come to a stop in the driveway.

"Hey, that for me?" She greeted the young man as he exited with the pizza in hand.

"Yep, pepperoni and double cheese," he confirmed. "It'll be twenty even."

Elaina reached into her bag and handed the driver twenty-five bucks before taking the box into her hands. "Keep the change," she smiled.

"Thanks," he returned before quickly getting back into the car and driving away.

Elaina was grateful for the opportunity which seemed to fall into her lap. Getting into the house was going to be easier than she anticipated. She cleared her throat and pulled the large knife out of her bag with one hand, while carrying the pizza in the other.

Slowly, she walked up to the front door and knocked. She could hear Michonne's footsteps coming closer.

"Who is it?" Michonne asked from the other side of the door.

"Pizza delivery," the disturbed young woman answered back.

Michonne opened the door and was stunned to see Elaina standing there. She tried to slam the door shut, but Elaina caught it with her foot and pushed her way inside. She quickly dropped her bag and the pizza to the floor as Michonne tried to get to the kitchen to grab her phone off the counter. Elaina gripped Michonne's hair before she could take off and held the knife to her throat.

"Elaina, what are you doing? Why are you here?" Michonne asked, willing herself to remain calm. It was clear this woman was extremely disturbed, and she didn't want to say anything to set her off further.

"Michonne, I'm here to take care of you," the young woman stated in an eerily relaxed voice.

"What? What do you mean take care of me? Why don't you put down the knife and we can talk about this," Michonne said wincing from the tight grasp the woman had on her hair.

Elaina pulled her hair even harder and she cried out. "Michonne, shut up! Just let me think for a second!"

"Elaina, what is it that you're hoping to accomplish here? This isn't going to end well, now if you just put the knife down, we can talk before you do something you'll regret."

"I said, shut the hell up!" She drug Michonne over to a chair at the kitchen table and forced her to sit down. "What time are Rick and his friend due back here?" she asked, pointing the knife at Michonne.

Michonne noticed what was likely Rick's missing ring on the young woman's finger. She could feel the panic rising in her chest. Her heart was beating a mile a minute as she tried to figure out a way out of the situation. She couldn't believe this woman had gone this far. She really underestimated her level of crazy.

"They will be back soon. It would be very bad for you if they caught you here. Now, I promise not to report this if you put down the knife and leave. I'll move back to my hometown and you can have Rick to yourself, just please don't hurt me" Michonne begged, hoping to convince Elaina to drop the knife.

"Do you think I'm stupid, Michonne?" Elaina laughed. I know you won't walk away from Rick. Stop insulting my intelligence bitch or I will slice your fucking throat."

Michonne took a deep breath, eyeing her phone sitting on the edge of the counter, just inches away from where she sat. Without second guessing herself, she leapt from the chair and grabbed it.

Elaina immediately reacted by tackling Michonne to the floor, trying to grab the phone from her hand. A struggle ensued as they fought over the phone and the knife which had fallen from Elaina's grip. Elaina managed to retrieve both and grappled to her feet. Michonne was right behind her, reaching for Elaina's legs to try and knock her down again. Elaina elbowed Michonne in the face, startling her, then kicked her in the abdomen, knocking her back down to the ground.

Michonne yelped in pain. "Stop…I'm pregnant!" she yelled.

Elaina stopped in her tracks, stunned by Michonne's confession. "You're pregnant?" She asked, making sure she'd heard correctly.

"Yes, Michonne said pulling herself to her feet. "Please, Elaina…don't hurt my baby. I can't lose another child."

"What do you mean?" Elaina asked in confusion. "You lost a child?"

Michonne could see that something had shifted in the young woman upon hearing the news. She was still holding the knife, but Michonne decided to try and use this change in demeanor to her advantage.

"Yes, my son died not long ago. I only got three short years with him. His death nearly broke me and now I'm carrying another child. I just want to have a chance to raise this one, please."

"Is the baby Rick's?" Elaina asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes…and you wouldn't want to hurt his child, would you? You hurt me and you hurt his baby, so please, just put the knife down. We can talk about whatever it is you want."

Elaina thought for a moment, before replying, "I want to talk to Rick. Tell him to come home," she said, handing Michonne her phone.

Michonne stared at her as she held out the phone.

"Do it, Michonne. Call him and tell him to come here, now! Make up an excuse! And you better not say anything else."

Michonne finally took the phone while Elaina kept the knife trained on her. She scrolled to Rick's name and pressed call. After a few rings it went to voicemail, so she left a message, "Rick, I'm not feeling well, and I need you to come home. Call or text me back when you get this."

"He's probably busy," she informed Elaina.

"I'm sure he'll be calling back as soon as he gets your message," Elaina smirked. "Give me the phone and go sit on the sofa. We're gonna wait until you hear from him."

She pulled Michonne into the living room and sat next to her on the sofa. They sat quietly for awhile until Elaina broke the silence. "Tell me about your son," she said, surprising Michonne.

"Um, his name was Kyle. He was smart, funny, and full of life," she smiled. "He loved the color red, swimming, Spider-Man, and playing with his friends at preschool."

Elaina smiled at her, although she still held the knife in her hand. "How did he die?"

Michonne exhaled and closed her eyes, trying not to cry. She didn't want to discuss her child with this deranged woman, but she would do anything to try and get through to her.

"He had a severe peanut allergy. His babysitter mistakenly left some peanut butter cookies lying around and he ate them. He died from the reaction," she answered with tears in her eyes.

"Your son died because someone was careless. You must be furious."

"I was at first, but eventually I forgave her. It was a mistake. She never would have knowingly done anything to hurt him. She loved him. You know…people can come back from their mistakes, Elaina."

"It's not that easy," Elaina responded, shaking her head. "We can't all come back from the things we've done…I can't."

"What have you done that you can't come back from? You seem to have a good life here. Don't ruin it," Michonne cautioned her.

"You don't know me. You don't know what I've been through. My mother took her own life a few years ago and it did break me. I met this guy and he got me into trouble. He made me help him break into people's houses and steal things. He got me hooked on drugs!"

Michonne listened intently as Elaina unloaded her past, convinced that this woman was more troubled than she originally thought, but feeling a hint of sympathy as she heard her story.

"When we finally got caught, they made me see a psychiatrist. She said I had the same disorder as my mom. She treated me like I was crazy. My dad did nothing. He was never around anyway, always worrying about his fucking career. Well, you know what? He's a fucking hypocrite. I know he was cheating on my mom and it drove her crazy! They locked me up in a psychiatric hospital. They kept me high on meds and that made it easy for the orderlies to have their way with me, hands wandering where they shouldn't have been."

She stopped and looked at Michonne with a blank stare. It was as if she were replaying the horrible ordeal in her head. Michonne felt her heart breaking for the young woman.

"Oh my god, Elaina I'm sorry you had to go through that. I truly am. Nothing I say to you will make it right, but I meant what I said. We aren't our mistakes. We don't wear them like a badge of shame for all the world to see. What happened to you wasn't your fault. Don't let everyone who ever hurt you win, by doing something tonight that could make your life worse."

Elaina nodded, tears spilling over onto her cheeks. Just as she was getting ready to put down the knife, Rick came through the door.

"What the fuck?" He yelled upon seeing Elaina.

Elaina tensed and held the knife back to Michonne's throat. "Shut the door Rick and come have a seat," she ordered.

He slowly shut the door and came to have a seat across from them. "Elaina, take it easy. Okay, just put that knife down. Let's talk, just you and me. Michonne can leave."

"No, Rick. She isn't going anywhere. She's going to stay right here while you talk to me and tell me why you chose her? Huh? Why her? I've been nothing but nice to you and you barely even remember my fucking name!"

"I'm sorry Elaina. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I don'tevenknow you and you don't know me, but she does," he said, gesturing to Michonne as she whimpered. "She knows me, and she still loves me. That's why her. I hope one day you find someone who does the same for you, but it can't be me. Now, please…just give me the knife. I want to help you."

She slowly held out the knife to Rick and he recognized his grandmother's ring on her finger. Swallowing hard, he took the knife and swiftly pulled out his phone to call the police.

Elaina burst into tears, while Michonne pulled her into her lap, stroking the woman's dark curls. "It's going to be alright now. Everything is going to be okay. You did the right thing, now we can get you some help," Michonne whispered.

Michonne and Rick locked eyes and she saw anger and terror in his eyes. He hadn't heard everything the woman had shared with Michonne and she knew he was confused by her comforting this woman who just held a knife to her throat.

"Rick, Elaina has suffered from a lot of trauma. I'll fill you in later, but she needs help. We need to handle this the right way."

"Okay," he agreed, understanding more than anyone how one's life circumstances could drive them over the edge. His tragedy had nearly caused him to kill a man. If Elaina was truly suffering, he wanted her to get the help she needed.


A few minutes later, Elaina continued to sob on Michonne's lap as Rick went to answer the door.

Abraham and Sasha stared back at him, but this time they were accompanied by someone else. Rick narrowed his eyes on the middle-aged Black man as he barged inside the house.

"Elaina, baby oh my god. What have you done?"

Elaina lifted her head from Michonne's lap. "Daddy?" she cried.

He rushed over and pulled her into his arms. "Shh, everything is gonna be okay. Daddy is going to take care of you," he said, brushing her hair.

Rick rushed over to Michonne, securing her in his arms as they watched in disbelief.

"Mr. Grimes…Ms. Jameson," Abraham stated. "This is Elaina's father, Detective Morgan Jones."

Michonne and Rick stared at one another as more pieces of the puzzle fell into place.


Thanks for reading! Stay tuned...