Love In The Midst Of Chaos

by ShunnieIsFine

Love in general is a selfish fickle thing. An emotional tempestuous wave that's always ruled by the senses. Yet, a real love gives completely; absolutely. Transcending places and time; not at all swayed by life's challenges. This is a story of such a love, and of two mortal enemies, Rick and Negan, who have to deal with the latter kind for the same woman, Michonne. AU/ZA. Spoilers.

19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Coda part 3: a start to a conclusion

Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, clearly the most unconventional judge in all of Atlanta needed a peak. So standing just out of view inside the adjacent cloakroom watched attensively as her chamber filled near full with people. One by one did they entered and take a seat either to be a silent supporter, witness, or oh goody, the parents involved in this extremely sad heart-wrenching Grimes vs Grimes family disaster.

However, there was this one exception to those individually entering into the judge's domain; a really very handsome one to be exact, coming in all close like along side the great Raymond Rénald's daughter Michonne who also wasn't the only lawyer there representing Rénald and Bradshaw. Because not far behind was yet another counselor, one Andrea Harrison who quite quickly caught up with the two just as they took their seats, right there next to the very engrossed in thought Director Mellissa Anderson Ross.

And Jackie with brow raised took great notice when the ever sure Miss Harrison with so much care delicately touched the familiar looking man's shoulder. And him turning ever so smoothly to face her gave the young woman the ripe opportunity to do exactly what it was that she'd wanted to do for such a long time, and that was to replace that fallen sprig of sexiness back from where it came, and in addition straightened the Sheriff's tie just so for good measure too.

And afterwards Mr. Particular, looking oh so much like his dad turned back and sat all stiff and serious in between the more than just capable lawyers. Now that sight had the judge's heart going out to him. Did he not know of the formidableness flanking him on either side, including that of the director too sitting just one person removed? But unbeknownst to Jackie the law man did, and with the most important one of the three just a pinky pull away; his to Michonne's, Rick and his boy's lifeline in this whole ugly mess.

And Jackie taking yet another look noticed yet another something else from across the aisle, it was Jason Dunbar along with his client no doubt looking on. Not only were they watching but fixated too; him on Andrea, and the woman scowling, especially at her ex talking to his "strong chaser" Miss Rénald. And Mellissa poor thing, who really wasn't was just left on her own.

And then the judge spying a bit more had her spotting a rather dark, yet attractive roughneck kind of fellow occupying one of the seats behind them. He too was watching but with a slight frown, so unlike Mr. Dunbar's client's open glare as he observed the law man with the lovely lady to his right.

Well, well how fascinating, including the big guns too, Jackie thought processing what she was witnessing...love, jealousy, anger, and fear. A modern soap opera for sure if ever one, and every last bit of it just wowed the judge to no end too!

"Good gravy," the woman whispered. All she wanted was a peek, but God gave a sister an eye full, two of them! Wow, wee, what a mess! she thought to herself closing the door softly. It was now time to get ready for what she knew was ahead for them all, and the jurist also knew too that if she did not take control from the very start of this hearing they'd be there all afternoon!

Thankfully, Michonne wouldn't be a problem because she knows exactly how to get to the point, but knowing Andrea Harrison and Jason Dunbar like she does, even though both excellent at what they do, the two were also known for their long-windedness and competitiveness all rolled up in one big fat hullabaloo! And that definitely was going to be a great big ole no, no today...she had a late afternoon hearing after this one, and despite that it was time for her spectacular little luncheon date, Carl Grimes to have some comprehensive peace in this situation.

And so shall he with speed have.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

"All rise, and entering is the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan," boomed the baritone voice of Jeff the baliff, and all in the room did so as the judge came in and took her seat.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, said the woman lively after commanding them all to be seated. "As you all heard my name is Judge Jacklyn Hogan, but if you so like can call me Judge Jackie, also to get things going along we'll be doing away with some of the for...formalities-." And the judge noticing a late arrival with a rather pretty woman by his side took a double take and hesitated in mid sentence.

It was Billy Henderson, her Billy, and he in turn noticed Jackie too, forty-one years after the fact; her sixteen, and him almost eighteen since they last seen the other.

And she's still just as beautiful too, William before apologizing for the interruption. Then afterwards with the very same masculinity that Jackie remembered oh so well took a seat his right next to who she believed to be his wife. And her Billy's eyes ever on her masculinely crossed his long legs just so. And the royally stunned Judge Jackie, always the professional wasn't going to let any of it get to her, she had a very important job to do and would. So with a nod of her head did she politely accepted the apology and continued.

"...that's why we're here in my chambers today instead of in open court, and that too means no opening statements. Sorry Miss Harrison, dittos to you too Mr. Dunbar, I know we're all going to missed out on quite the treat in both of your impressive and amazing assertions, and of that I am sure of."

And Andrea feeling rather fresh thought to herself, Of that you have no clue of Judge Jackee...boy do you not have no clue! But ole Olive Oyle over there wouldn't have thought it a treat when I was done and that's for doggone sure!

Then the brazen lawyer looking over at Jason with that sweet, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth smile made him quickly cock a suspicious eyebrow. He knew that look all too well, and it's a fair bet that he will not be in favor of whatever is behind it, which surely no doubt meant trouble for he and his client. Especially if the beautiful opposing counselor across from him ever gets a chance to goat Lori into an undesired anything that they both will regret a whole heaps!

And exhausted already the young lawyer will be certain to keep both his eyes on his client as well as Andrea too, which was surely going to be a tall order while trying hard to be steps waaay ahead of them both before anything has even happened yet.

Women! He thought uneasy. We men, more than most of the time can't live with them, and sure as heck never ever even want to experience life without 'em either! And that revelation Jace knew all too well...the reason is sitting right across the aisle and will only give him the time of day while in court.

Then the frustraded man went back to listening to the judge's preamble.

"...and I've also read the reports given to me by both Director Anderson Ross and Miss Rénald, and that's very thoroughly as well as both a copy of the the police report and one of Grimes vs Grimes court transcript.

"You see when doing my due diligence for any case I'm persiding over, I always come exhaustively prepare to be well versed in any and all things important. And at the moment it just happens to be all things about one Carl William Zane Grimes, and what is the best course of action for him; to stay with mom, or go home with dad. And this we shall all see shortly won't we!"

Naturally, Rick tensed up which Michonne felt and so did Andrea, but neither touched him, while a definitely too confident Lori much too stupid to realized that Daddy's influence didn't exist there in Jackie's court, smiled demurely.

And her Daddy, who once knew Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, and quite well actually, didn't like the sound of any of it at all as their eyes met yet again. And the judge with a job to do, quickly pulling her eyes once more from the man that she also had known once well too, had all stand again so that everyone could be sworn in. And when that was all done looked over at Lori solemnly.

"Miss Henderson," she asked. "Why should I send the minor Carl Grimes back home with you and Deputy Welsh when the two of you didn't report him missing from the hotel when you first found out he wasn't there?" Jacklyn had no time for beating around the bush when a child's wellbeing was at stake!

"Oh, and you are more than welcome to sit or stand if you like. And that goes for everyone else if you so wish to too." the judge continued while still looking at the woman now with the deer caught in the headlights look.

And Lori slapped with a question right out of the gate that she thought would be thrown by Rick's floozy of an overpriced lawyer, then reflected by her more than well paid one, looked over to Jason Dunbar for help but didn't get any because of what the judge said next.

"There is no need for you to look over at Mr. Dunbar for help Miss Henderson unless he himself was present too! Was he? If he was then I have questions for him too! Now were you there Mr. Dunbar?"

And Jason respectfully stood up and said, "No ma'am Your Honor I was not," then he sat back down. And Lori not believing any of it studdered as the judge still watching waited for her reply.

"I...I...I, thought Your Honor that since Shane and I knew my boy so well, th...then we could do a faster and better job in finding him. B...b...besides, Carl hadn't been gone for that long. And Your Honor it is Mrs. Grimes."

And the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, the most unconventional judge in all of Atlanta had to admit that that last part of the insolent woman's statement was a first, and bold too!

And Shane frowning, which the judge saw too turned the question over to him.

"Ok, where is Deputy Sheriff Walsh? " And Shane stood up not trying to hide his displeasure.

"Oh there you are, do you want that to be your answer too Deputy!" Judge Jackie asks now looking at the stucked man, and her really interested in what he had to say, knowing too that he was between a rock and a hard place; tell a straight out lie, or straight out tell the truth where either one would expose a big lapse of judgement on his part.

And Shane cursed mentally knowing the whole while that whatever he says, he'd still be screwed and decided to split the difference with the truth where that too was a mistake, because Judge Jackie wasn't having any of it!

"Your Honor it was a very difficult time and Lori's right. She and I do know Carl better than the police here, and knows his favorite places in the city which we went to every last one!"

"Hmmm...that's very commendable of you Mr. Walsh!" Jackie said without much conviction, and that just grated Shane the wrong way too.

"Now you and I both know better than that kind of thinking! And aren't you trained to think fast under pressure? No matter what, you knew thinking like that...well it's still deadly even if the child's mother didn't! Which I do believe that sadly she did."

And the Honorable Judge Hogan noticeably bothered looked at both not believing their gall and continued.

"I'm not saying that you both shouldn't have gone looking for the little one, but not before getting the police involved which you didn't until a long time afterwards! The quicker the authorities are informed concerning a missing child the better! The first few hours are critical, and this you knew Dep-u-tee!"

And Shane sat down hating her even more, and Jackie not giving a flip was perturbed. She's the big dog up in this fight, and the indicator of her big bite is her just as loud bark!

"Mrs. Grimes," Jacklyn said remembering that she was that instead of Miss Henderson. "Just when did you inform the child's farher that his son was missing?"

"W...w...well Your Honor, I tried calling him but each time there was no answer, " Lori still studdering shuddered out that half lie."

"I see," the judge acknowledged with a great deal of curiosity, and another question. "Was that right after you found out before you and the Deputy went looking, right before you went to the police, or after you left reporting young Carl missing? Did you even call the Sheriff department and ask for him personally telling the dispatcher exactly what was going on?"

And Lori being called out on her selfishness just hung her head and so did Shane. He'd known better from the very start, and also knew protocal! If not as a Deputy Sheriff, definitely as a friend who loves Carl, and in addition once loved his dad which he deep, deep down probably still does.

"Sheriff Grimes," said Judge Hogan now looking straight in the man's visibly hurt blue eyes. "And why should I send that special little guy of yours back home with you? Please do inform the court!"

And Rick unlike Lori stood and not answering right away fashioned his answer from his heart because at that very moment that was all that he had.

"First of all Your Honor, I love my boy more than life itself and would do anything to keep him safe. Lori is a good mother without question and loves our son too. And my love for him is just as strong as his mother's, but it's time that I take my place as a full time dad with Carl, and he my full time child. I know that I've made a great deal of mistakes in the pass when it came to him, and sadly the biggest one by far was me not making waves, which in turned made his little life even more difficult. We need to spend time together as father and son again, because we've both missed out on so much, and this has nothing to do with either me or his mother being the best parent! It's just what's the best for our boy right here, right now."

"Rick how could you!" shrilled out Lori from the other side. And standing to her feet this time, looked wild and hurt. "And pray tell just how in the world are you going to be so noble working the hours that you do? That's exactly why the judge gave me full custody because he knew that Carl if given to you to raise and see after would be neglected! Just like you neglected me and our family and why we're here today! That's why I had to go-"

And about that time Jace trying hard to get Lori to sit back down stood up to finally cut his self-destructive client off, but sadly not soon enough.

And Andrea just raring for some bloody red meat to tear into, and jump all over stood up and shouted, "Judge Jackie, I object! I thought we were here for the wellbeing of her son," the loud lawyer point to Jason's client. "Not Miss Henderson,sorry "Mrs. Grimes" surely exposing herself as an unsatisfied, unfaithful, and ungrateful housewife who willingly became a whor..., " but was cut off from finishing that last explosive word when Jace knowing it shouted.

"Your Honor, I object! Allll of that was so uncalled for by Miss Harrison, and owes my client an immediate apology!"

"And who were you about to call a whore you overpaid drugstore bleached blond and dries your hair chasing ambulance! Why don't you take your cheap dressed self and fetch you heifer, because I do hear sirens calling!" Lori screamed loud with her hands on her tiny hips, outraged at Andrea while looking over at Rick to come to her defense. But he didn't because he was too busy looking at Mi-chonne his anchor and comforter.

And that certainly added to the furious woman's injury.

And Mrs. Grimes at that moment didn't know who she hated the most! Blondie over there that she knew had black roots, or Miss Perfect occupying Rick's attention from her. And it was no contest...definitely Michonne!

Now both Jason Dunbar and Shane was trying to save Lori by getting her to take her seat.

And the judge's gavel making itself known in the midst of all that funny chaos, sounded loudly amongst her "sustains" and "overrules" saw the smirking Andrea looking over Michonne's way while her client now sitting held the bridge of his nose thinking, Well played Miss Harrison! And was soo glad that his boy wasn't present.

Then Jackie thought, And you got your two cents in anyway didn't you Miss Harrison!

Then the jurist promptly took control of the mess. Wack, wack, wack went her gavel again but with much more force this time, and said.

"People, people! I know that tensions are running high, but we all are adults in here. Now Miss Harrison you know better, and Mr. Dunbar please control you client, am I clear?"

And both counselors said, "Yes Your Honor." And Your Honor continued.

"Because you do not want me to show out up in here, I promise you that!" said the judge not pleased at all! "Have I made myself perfectly clear? Good!"

And everyone thought, Yes Your Honor you have perfectly!

And William Harrison wanted to explode, he'd personally known that side of the woman a very long time ago.

And you Jason Dunbar had best be worth every exorbitant penny that I'm paying, because my Bunny will not loose to that man, thoughtLori's father angrily as he looked over at his ex son-in-law in between those twenty something Lolitas!

"Well since that little house cleaning and straightening out of mine has been said and done with, Sheriff Grimes do you have anything else to say," asked the now calmed Judge Hogan with a charming smile.

And Rick looking back at her shook his head and stood again.

"Yes ma'am thank you I do. Lori is so right," he said. "Because I did neglect her, and I realized that the moment that she left me. And it wasn't that I did it on purpose, I was just trying to be a good husband, dad, and provider. But I won't make that mistake again if you allow my boy to live with me. I've already written my resignation letter resigning as Sheriff."

And everyone in chamber was taken aback which had Andrea mouthing to Michonne, "Did you know?" And she concerned shook her head and mouthed, "No." Even William Henderson was surprised because he knew just how much Rick loved being Sheriff and what that job really meant to him. And also had to admit that in spite of all the man's faults when it came to him making his little girl happy was extremely good at the job too!

And both lawyers on either side of Rick comforted him with just the gentle touch of their hand, and him purposely finding Michonne's held onto her's a bit longer as if it was the thing that was keeping him afloat, which the judge, Andrea, Mellissa Anderson Ross, and Lori noticed.

"Now is there anyone else who has anything to say one way or the other concerning the reason that we are all hear this afternoon?" said Jackie looking around the cozy chamber that was now filled with a great deal of rigidity on some of the attendees part.

And Michonne stood up and spoke.

"Yes Judge Jackie I have something to say on behalf of both the minor Carl Grimes and his father Sheriff Richard Grimes. Not only I'm I here in the capacity of the little one's lawyer, but as a friend to both too. Even though I've only known them for less than a week, I noticed one thing that was true from the start. The father and his boy loves each other without question, and have such an incredible bond- "

"And what about you young lady, aaand my grandson's fa-ther! Please do tell about that incredible bond that the two of you share since he's been living with you!" shouted a standing William C. Henderson, he'd definitely reached his limited and wanted her to answer him right there and now!

"We all saw the two of you out in the hall eariler. I'm surprised that the sprinklers didn't go off with the two of you just standing there radiating heat, not saying one word; just looking at the other all googlie eyed! If that man looked at my Bunny the same way that he does you, then they'd still be married and all this would be a mute point!"

And Michonne now in lawyer mode, and not really liking what the man was implying, never once changed her expression, remembering quickly that it was not about her and ignored her boy's upset grandfather's rant with all eyes planted squarely on her for a response.

They all had that questioning look while breathlessly waiting for the answer, Lori's would draw blood if she could. Shane's was one of indifference because he knew Rick. Andrea, the judge, and Mellissa where totally curious because they'd picked up on that connection too! However, it was that look of sympathy and sorry on Jace, Lori's mom Lindy, and cousin Marshall's face that almost broke her.

And Richard Zane Grimes IV felt her distress as well as his ex father-in-law's contempt for them both, which was totally uncalled for, and misplaced when it came to his Miss Rénald. His contentious attitude was something that Rick himself was use to, but if William Henderson thinks it's okay to use that frame of mind and attitude towards HER, then things were about to get real ugly real quick!

There's just no way in Hell he's standing for any of that, and was just about to get up and give his ex father-in-law what he'd been begging for since day one...a natural born ass beating, which Andrea feeling it warned, "Don't!" And Michonne always attuned to the Sheriff and her Handsome's distress knew that this was one of those times leaned down with a reassuring look to those angry blues and conveyed, "I'm fine Sheriff, don't worry, it will all work out promise!"

And the smothering Sheriff believing in her and that look relaxed.

And everyone with eyes saw that too!

And Jackie knowing without a doubt that she'd heard and seen more than enough begin to speak once her gavel got Billy's attention because knowing him, his father's now clone had more to say.

"Did I not just a few moments ago made it perfectly clear that that kind of disrespectful rude outburst would not be tolerated up in here!" said Jacklyn Hogan quite forcefully as she purposely looked at the guilty perpetrator longer than she should have.

"Well in order to have all of my proverbial " ducks in a row" and not have to "lick this calf back over again" in a manner of speaking. I am now going to ask this question, and looked over to Michonne and Sheriff Grimes for the answer.

"Are you two of consenting age?"

And Andrea said nothing and neither did Jace, both puzzled but would remain quiet for now while Rick confused and red-faced shuddered "Yes ma'am," however Michonne still in courtroom mode confidently said extremely strongly, "Yes Your Honor we are!" And Jackie liked it that she did and continued with her questioning.

"Then what's all the hubbub all about? Grown folks, grown folks things, and neither married to anyone else! You two are not married to anyone else are you?"

And Rick still stunned shook his and said, "No ma'am" again while Michonne just spoke a " No we're not Judge Jackie. "

"Good! And since we've settled that is there anything else that you have to say Miss Rénald since you were so rudely interrupted earlier?" Jackie said looking over at Lori's pouting daddy William Henderson.

"Yes Your Honor I do!" Michonne replied glad to have a chance to finish.

"Ok you can go on."

"Well all I was going to say ma'am was since I'm already certified as a foster parent and has been taking care of my little Handsome...sorry Your Honor, I meant to say little Carl Grimes, I'm willing to move down to King County to keep him until Sheriff Grimes can find a permanent nanny, or whomever will help out so that he doesn't have to give up his position as Sheriff."

"Well Miss Rénald I didn't see that one coming," the judge said thoughtful. "And wil-..."

"Oh I bet you will...," shouted the familiar culprit from the other side, hot as Hell too and didn't care one bit if he was interrupting the judge in mid sentence, because William C's anger had him questiong the validity of any of this! Wasn't there a conflict of interest going on hear? he thought.

And Jackie ignoring William's outburst motioned for her bailiff to come near and whispered in the man's ear, and Jeff said, "Yes Your Honor" then quickly left and returned almost just as quickly but was not alone. Accompanying him were two big burly Sheriff's Deputies whom Jeff directed over to the problem where they stood big and bold behind a now contrite William C. Henderson who was left thinking, Now that's the girl I remember and looked up at Jackie not really surprised.

And Judge Jackie hating to have to do that to Billy, was a parent and grandparent too, but right is right and acting wrongly in her court will not be tolerated. There was too much at stake...,a child's whole life! So without addressing the elephant in the room standing broad, close, and very near all because of the aggravated father's continued infractions of not once heeding any of her warnings had to know that consequences were looming large over him if he kept pushing, and said.

"Now does anyone have anything else left to say concerning the subject of this hearing...one Carl William Zane Grimes?"

And William C., still so full of himself, and knowing better raising his hand this time to said, "Yes I do Your Honor."

And the Honorable Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, a very unconventional judge looking at him suspiciously granted the man's request with all except Lori bracing themselves for an impact. And buddy did they all have a need to with what came out of his mouth next, and which wasn't a surprise to his Bunny either because her daddy always has his baby girl's back no matter what!

"Judge I knew it was something more than her just being a foster parent! Those two are in cahoot with the other in trying to take my daughter's son away from her. We all heard the woman!" spoke William angrily then pointed at Michonne.

"She's even proposing leaving her no doubt very good and extremely lucrative job just to take care of a boy she's known less than a week! No I don't think so! They're sleeping together plains and simple Your Honor ma'am!" William C. Henderson presumptuous and extremely pleased added in ma'am just because he could then proudly sat back down again.

And Jason Dunbar thought, What in the heck is wrong with my client and her father? Just why won't those two allow me to do my job in peace!

Sadly the man an extremely good lawyer if he says so himself alsoknew deep down in his being that unnecessary damage had been done with that stunt! And unfortunately, so did both Carl's grandmother Lindy and Lori's cousin Mitchell which also included Andrea too who gladly kept her composure while mentally thanking that Mr. H.

She could just kiss the pompous fool straight in his mouth for the help, and at the moment was the happiest woman ever! Just like one equipped with a Black MasterCard with unlimited free credit turned loose in a closed just for her Neimen Marcus store. Ooh wee! she thought.

And Lori dense as ever looked on silently as she jumped up and down inside for joy while joyously thinking, Now do something with that truth Mae-chonne!

And Shane looking over at Rick knew that his lover's dad was not only way off the mark, but an extremely mighty stupid fool too! Because he knew his ex buddy's three deadly idiosyncrasies that has a tendency to show up just before he's reached that limit of his and goes head long into the point of no return. And all those indicators were Rick with his head cocked to the side as if he can't believe what he was hearing or seeing, a clinched jaw as well as him pinching the bridge of he nose to stave off an on coming headache.

Disturbingly for Shane he's seen and sees all three now; the man is a ticking time bomb ready to beat Hell out of Lori's dad, and believe him, no one in or outside that room wanted to see that! And the Deputy knew too that no matter how much Rick may have been everso hungry for the ultimate taste of all that that delectable dish, sitting so close to his right, with those long legs crossed has to offer first thought is to always keep her virtue intact, only because he is so damn virtuous himself!

And Shane finding himself annoyed was brought out of his musing when he like the whole room heard that specific question asked...

"So let me understand this Mr. Henderson, what you are saying is that your ex son-in-law and Miss Rénald there are sleeping together, is that right? " The judge being flippant, not really trying or cared to hide her weariness at the man's disrespect for the court, her, or anyone except his daughter.

And it stops now! Because a possible contempt of court charge hasn't even detered you Billy one bit!

"This is what we are going to do right now!" said the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, the most unconventional judge in all of Atlanta's family court looking at both Rick and Michonne. "One of you are going to answer this question and I darn well want the truth, because I am so tired of this mess!"

And Andrea not liking it quickly stood to her feet and said, "I object Your Honor!"

And the judge yay close to shutting it all down, and letting the child just go straight into the system until folks learn some sense, but knowingly wouldn't told Andrea to just sit down because the young lawyer didn't even know what she was about to ask!

"Are you two having sex with each other!" Jackie asked point blank. And the whole room became quite quiet...like being able to hear a rat pee on cotton kind of quiet.

And Andrea didn't object. She like all the rest wanted to know the answer to that question herself, because something was going on between those two that hadn't been answered earlier. Just what she hadn't a clue but just like Lori needed to know and now!

And Michonne sat not intending on saying anything elsewould just the same in order to save her boy, and was just about to stand to speak instead of her casually walking to the back with her Munchie and handle some very urgent business...like beating the stank out of Lori's dumb behind dad. Just how petty can he be? His granson's future is at stake!

But Rick ever chivalrous stood first, intentionally beating Michonne before she could do anything, and all was done at Andrea's dismay. They'd wonned the case because who in their right mind would give that child back over to those insolent twits; twiddle dumb, and twiddle stupid!

So why put everything in peril by saying something off when pissed which her client had been for quite a while; ever since his ex father-in-law spoke the first time. Now it's too late to get him to sit down, perception is everything. And Andrea knew that Judge Hogan was a very observant jurist. She had to be when placing innocent children with the right parent or caregiver.

"Judge Hogan ma'am," the law man said looking Jackie straight in her eyes with eyes the same as his dad's. "You see this young woman here, Miss Rénald and that was said purposely for William C's benefit. "She was there for my boy when I was unable to at great risk to her own self with the grace of God, and with a one two fruit punch took great care of him!"

Rick not as full as he once was smiled at his own very bad joke, and Andrea, Michonne, the judge, and all the rest except three did too, he was just too awkwardly cute and precious not to have.

"And then when I was able to get there to him did not hesitate to open her home up and allowed us to be together all in order to appease Carl so that he could feel safe again, continued the law man. "This she didn't have to do judge, and for her to be going through this...this unfairness is pass unfair.

"I've been going through this with Mr. Henderson before I became his son-in-law; I'm used to it! He has no right to have that same venom and disdain for Miss Rénald when all she has ever done is keep Lori and my boy safe that we all claim to love, which we so do! First it was from those degenerates trying to do unspeakable things that only God knows what! And then second became a foster mother to Carl in order to keep Lori and my son out of a foster or group home somewhere outside of Atlanta.

"And let me make this clear, " Rick voiced strong and unwavering as he looked until he found his target...William C.

"Me, and my boy weren't the only ones staying there in the condo, another young man name Cody was there too; every night except one. And there is no way in this world that I'd ever disrespect her or them like that! Besides, if she and I had found the time and privacy it still wouldn't have happened. You see those two boys along with four puppies following their every move everywhere and too in love with Miss Rénald wouldn't have stood for it!"

And Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV finished with that and a smile as he slightly cocked his head down towards Michonne who was now not only basking unapologetically in his protection but was smiling too, and remembering.

And everyone in the chamber were too, that is all except William and Lori. However, Shane with a smirk had an all knowing one; did he or did he not know his ex partner so very well? And even though relieved that Rick was still pure for only her. Lori was still hurting because she heard something unsettling in her ex husband's voice when talking all about her!

Cou...cou...could it really be love so quick, or on it's way to being there? She thought really, really disturbed by the prospect of that being true.

And the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan, having heard enough decided to call for a 15min. recess before handing down her decision, which she'd already'd made up her mind about earlier after reading all the reports, a letter Fedexed, and meeting that extremely cute kid. She just wanted to be fair and sure by hearing all involved, that what she was about to do was the right thing from the beginning for the wellbeing of Carl William Zane Grimes only! His little life depends on it.

And the gavel went down hard, wack on the sound block informing all of the recess followed immediately by Jeff's "All rise!" Then all obeying did just that as they watched the judge leave the room. And the tedious waiting began for Rick while Lori made happy plans in her mind for him, Carl, and her once she get their boy back, and them at home again in King County.

Shane and that Michonne will just have to understand, she thought flippantly. This will be their second chance, and she didn't intend on squandering it as she prematurely counting all those chicken before the proverbial eggs even hatched!