Chapter 25
The calm before the storm...not by a long shot baby! Pt.2: The Sheriff
Earlier in Michonne's office...
There's no way you can miss him Lionel. He's about your height, curly haired, blue eyed, bow-leg, slender and rather tone if I do say so myself. And oh yeah, peace officer is written all over the man among other things too." Which Michonne said matter-a-factly and loud enough to hear. Well, that is all except for the last little bit of the last two sentence. No, that she'd just softly mumbled entirely for herself, to herself.
And handing the man a white poster board with Grimes written on it added, "Just in case."
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Inside the Amtrak station...
"Good morning Sheriff Grimes. My name is Lionel and I will be your driver for today sir" said a very astute, probable chauffeur as he stepped right in front of Rick. Introducing himself fairly quick. Definitely before the gentleman could walk pass, or even get all highly offended.
Had he not strolled all up in the man's personal space?
Rick Grimes, certainly a Sheriff. Naturally was taken aback, and warily with a very slow drawl replied, "Ah...Lionel is it? Well good morning to you too." Then in the back of his mind thought, Just how in the world does this man, that I do not even know, knows me?
Evidently he'd missed the sign Lionel held low, nor needed.
Michonne's description was spot on, especially the peace officer bit!
"Miss Rénald sent me sir," the polite possible chauffeur continued on, having read his potential passanger's on alert mind. "She had court early this morning, and didn't want you to have to rent a car. I've also been given rather strict instructions too. Which is to drive you wherever it is you may want, or need to go. So just ask, because I'm at your disposal all day."
And Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV no longer suspicious, and now possessing quite the broad telling smile. Definitely heard all that he needed to know, and that was,"Miss Rénald."
Then said...
"Thank you Lionel, but I don't think that will be necessary. I've brought everything that I need with me."
And the man's response to that was.
"Well, Sheriff just in case you do need anything else, remember I'm only a phone call away. And here's my card."
Then the driver before leading the way to the car. Exactly, juat as a good chauffeur should, reached for the law man's luggage. A wheeled leather garment bag, and a Lance Amondè's signature piece too. And when arriving at the shiny grey Jag, per instruction; again MIchonne's. Politely handed over a note. Which was hungrily read by the peace officer once inside the limousine.
Dear Sheriff Grimes Sir,
I know that you're uncomfortable staying in my condo without Handsome there to chaperone. So here's another alternative, the Penthouse upstairs. It's empty and you won't have to double back from your hotel to pick me up.
If you decide "yes," then it's all yours. And please do chill and make yourself at home. There will be plenty of food, drinks, or even room service if you so like...just like a hotel.
However if you do decide "no," then that's fine too! But I'll still be ready at 7 sharpe.
M
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The Sheriff stepping out of the private elevator, having glady said "yes" to the invitation. Also stepped right into something rather impressive, equipped with a panoramic view to match. And the expensively furnished residence. Just like a well designed lavished hotel suite; felt exactly just like one too.
Because from the very start, the emptiness of the grand accommodations made Rick Grimes ache all over.
And definitely left the man with no other option except to just deal, chill, and make himself at home. Just as the counselor suggested in her note.
Oh to be so close, and yet so far away; one very quick elevator ride down.
Chaperone or not! He really should have taken Miss Rénald up on her first offer.
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Hours later ...
"Hmmm, 'chill and make yourself at home.' Hey, I certainly would if only I could!" said a rather distracted Sheriff Grimes to himself out loud. Having read the not amusing at all, ironic part of Michonne's note once again. But after some three and a half hours, sadly didn't seem to be getting anywhere close to that!
Pitifully, he'd even entertained calling Lionel back. And that was just to have something to do, as well as somewhere to go. Surprisingly, the law man checking in on Carl, who's "Dad" more times then naught; always the bringer of a calming effect. Definitely was of no help either.
Neither was the trick done when "Dad" in his dad way, once his excited but disappointed boy. Inadvertently found out, exactly where "Dad" just happened to be staying; instead of at a hotel. Had to in very minute details, describe to the enthusiastically, "Just want to know" little spud. Precisely how it felt being up so high, and what all dad saw while up there!
Regrettably, the father and son's sincere, as well as loving exchange. Still didn't help with Rick's inability to chillax. And that too was in spite of his boy's entertaining, unintentional mischievous inquisitiveness. Combined with his usual contagious even-temperness, and a whole lot of normal self confidence.
Ahh, to be so young and oh so carefree!
Exactly all his dad wished like heck he was now in possession of...youth and the ability to be worry-free.
And why exactly was the man bothered in the first place? In addition to that, also waay too agitated to even be swayed by his male child's infectious personality?
Well, clearly it was the fault of the Sheriff man shourded in all that alone time. Most definitely coupled with a distressed occupied mind to boot.
And that state of being gave way to some very deep thinking as well! Which most assuredly was something that Rick Grimes, now all man first. Genuinely hadn't the luxury to do either.
You see time was a-wastin, and naturally by him. Because unquestionably a decision had to be made sooner than later! Since in two and a half short hours; like it or not, without fail. Would be surely standing right in front of his Miss Rénald's door. Just a knockin' either way!
Oh how dangerous of a thing can an overloaded, yet idled mind be. Especially when dealing with a somewhat unwelcomed issue.
And this Rick Grimes knew all to well from experience.
Because after his divorce a "dark and spiritless," yet preoccupied mindset was an always unwelcomed companion. And that definitely was more times than he'd care to admit.
Not only is such a frame of mind unhelpfully productive; a natural breeding ground for troubles of all kind. But a great aggravation too, which most assuredly is at one's own expense. And all due to having made a wrong move, or choice.
Because no matter how much Sheriff Richard Grimes tried (and rather hard mind you), just couldn't quite make himself feel the Ball.
And even though the pesky issue shadowing him; beganning two whole days earlier. Unmerciful, expeditiously kick right into high gear; the very same moment his fine butt hit the seat. Undoubtedly with an extreme amount of vengeance too!
And the law man, certainly with nothing but a whole lot of time on his hands. All by himself on the train heading north to her. Just sitting silently watching as stuff and thangs rolled by. Unashamedly come to an illuminating realization then, that's certainly bedeviling him real good now!
Because what he wanted most, more than anything else. Definitely right then and there was to spend some time...all alone with his her only!
Somewhere...anywhere except at that dance; nothing more, definitely nothing less.
Wow! Did I actually just go there? thought the Sheriff astonished at himself.
Absentmindedly was he standing before the penthouse's humongmous wall of glass; just a looking out, really at nothing in particular. Then with a great deal of tenderness, lovingly replaced Michonne's note from whence it came.
And that was back in the upper left front pocket of his shirt; not the right mind you. Absolutely unawares; definitely near, positively dear, and ever so close to the man's heart. Comtemplating while yet yearning for that something more altogether different.
Because in spite of what the law man told the young lawyer. Him not being able to dance well; certainly was minus those other insecurities (which he'd dared not share). Definitely had been nothing but the truth then. However right there at that time, standing and staring out was nowhere near it now!
And all unsettling, truly without doubt had the officer man in quite the "sticky wicket!"
Yet whatever else would the conclusion of any of it be. With Rick having for the last couple of days. Deliberately and rather gladly too, with no trouble at all! Did allow himself willingly, more often than not to relish in a quite fabulous memory.
His and Miss Rénald's first time alone together.
And the smitten man when recalling that most pleasurable of time.
Did it certainly twined with what he knew was a never-ending goofy grin. Plastered all broad right across his handsome face.
Looking ridiculously happy as he blissfully thought, "Oh how nice" too! And that happened each and every last time, without fail whenever he had.
Oh no, here it comes again, the helpless Sheriff man thought, hopeless because he was nothing guy hooked. And delightedly did give into the feel, as he felt the corner of his mouth lifting up in a smirk.
And Rick Grimes the Sheriff, having gotten any work done at all in that state. Sure did so, but barely! Which certainly was an amazing feat as well, because that in itself was a job too!
Did the lovely young counselor evenhave a clue, or inkling? Could Michonne just a tiny bit be aware of that quite pleasing, very good hold she has on the discombobulated Sheriff?
Probably not!
And even though Rick mightily enjoyed what he was feeling. Still had the man (wrongly) sensing an unworthiness nonetheless, regardless of it.
And him dealing with all those rather very strong emotions (especially the unfamiliar quite good ones), consuming and pulling him every which way but loose.
Surely had the Sheriff at times exhausted as well.
Now the true dilemma...
Him doing what hewanted to do most, up against what he knew he had to, but didn't wanna.
No way did he want to share his Miss Rénald! Certainly not tonight, most definitely not with any others! And if Carl was there, most assuredly would include his smart little behind too!
Yep, at that moment Sheriff Grimes truly was being all man for sure, and no where conflicted in this instance. Was also genuinely stuck between a rock, and very very hard place. As well as being uncharacteristically selfish to boot!
And-so-what-if-he-was!
Yes, the man certainly did know exactly just how unrealistic his desire was. Because there was no way his Miss Rénald's Handsome would ever allow it!
But a distressed gentleman could dream couldn't he? Especially since knowing that what he wanted would never happen. Should, without question stop while somewhat (even if not by much) ahead! Definitely a quite smart move to be taken before even more damage was done.
Because a promise is a promise still, even if modified! And to renege twice by not going at all. Well...that'll be doubly just as wrong for sure, acknowledged Rick with a rather deep groan.
And the astute law man subconsciously deducted more. Definitely knew too along with everything else. He'd probably somehow hurt the feelings of his second reason for exsisting already!
Ergo the chaotic, tempestuous, and emotional rollercoaster ride he was now a passenger on!
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Sometime after leaving Lance's...
Sheriff Grimes not really able to help himself. Once again just had to looked over at his Miss Rénald (after how many times). And immediately this last time with that kean intuitiveness of his. Quite definitely noticed a thing rather wrong and out of place.
Which unnaturally was all them as they in silence rode back to her office.
The nexus, along with the thrill of it for sure was no longer there,...poof...missing...all gone! And nothing like before.
The proof...
None of the prior pleasentness of their hushness could be felt. Not like earlier when traveling to the fitting.
Even more upsetting was the fact that it had been distressingly replaced.
And want to know what with?
Well, most definitely a very heavy undertone of the something totally different! Could it be dismay or was it even annoyance. Either way it was all so disconcerting to the puzzled law man.
And something he most certainly did not at all!
Also missing were those quick smiles from Michonne.
The ones that never a time hadn't made Rick's heart just sing. And oh how their absense only weighed it and him down! Exactly as if attached to an anchor alone in the middle of the deepest sea! Because without any attention from her, both were nothing but two forsaken organisms drowning much deeper in misery.
And sadly that is just how the whole ride rode from start to finish. Lonely and totally dismal!
But all was not lost, at least not for a little while anyway...
Which was especially so when entering Henry's office. Because there they both noticed what Michonne thought something so adorably precious...
The man sitting at his desk reading briefs, along with the most perfect view ever. Their boy laying all comfy and cozy, asleep on one of the leather couches right across from him.
And with the sweet little thing on his side, covered up to his neck with an Afghan. And head cushioned with a pillow, looking nothing less than angelic. Quickly brought out that missing element beautifully. Her smile as the young counselor with both hands over her heart gushed, "Aww!"
And unbeknownst to Rick, was the fact that that emotional endearment of hers also had a double meaning too.
Which most definitely was besides every last ounce of the cuteness factor. Because it also included what the Alghan and pillow added.
You see, both had been personally sown, and knitted too. Specifically for Henry, and done with a great deal of love no less by her aunt Eleanor Joy. Expressly for those times when her precious husband wouldn't be able to make it home.
Which rarely ever happens due to two things; very important cases, which were in or out of town. Desperately in need of his personal uninterrupted care.
And the two items extremely special to the man. Never ever had been shared with anyone except Michonne! However, now seemed to have been lovingly extended to her boy as well.
Then something else brought Michonne's smile out even more brilliantly.
Her having noticed more.
Because right across from where her handsome boy was lying. Precisely laid the remnants of a well enjoyed long afternoon. A whole lot of it!
And untidily was it all over the expensive Mahogony coffee table...
A few used paper plates speckled with small bits and pieces of crumbs. A straw or two, and their wrappers. Coupled with crumpled up napkins in a fudge smudged bowl, with a spoon.
And the icing on the cake; one large empty soda cup. And that was with a chip bag minus any chips. However was filled directly, all the way to the top, with what looked exactly like candy and gum wrappers. Which it most certainly was!
Then there was a great big box of crayons, a coloring book or two, along with what looked like a fair amount of Hot Wheels; Uncle Henry's been doing some shopping. Correction; one of the girls in the office with one of his credit cards had.
Naturally all showed evidence of a perfect, rather satisfying time. One in which a very fulfilled little boy of seven years, two month old. Certainly had had a mighty good time of his darling little life. And that's definitely had Michonne, without question feeling just as content. All due to the fact that her boy had been treated so very well!
And capping it all off remarkably, while adding even more to the scenery of her Handsome's enjoyment. Assuredly was an engineer assistant's hat, certainly something else just as special.
A most precious gift.
Exactly like those all given by the man to his other young'uns. From Michonne to that cheeky and always brazen Eddie Mack with her almost pushing forty self. Along with Andrea, Cody, their cousin Joss, her twins Paige and Pasliey coming in to make it all complete.
Henry's very iconic, and loving way that proclaims to all that the boy was now one of his too.
Then the uncle looking up at the two adults, taking everything in with some amusement. Politely passed a thing over to the little one's dad and said.
"Here yah go son, this is for later. I'm sure you'll probably need it on your way home."
(It was a brand new unopened pack of Pepto-Bismol tablets.)
"I see your boy, and our newest family member has an appetite that rivals only one other-hers!" Henry continued on while looking over at his niece.
And that quickly brought on a familiar sound, void of any kind of embrassment. One which the Sheriff just thought too adorable! Michonne's giggle with an unexpected loud snort.
And him with a short smile enjoyed it tremendously as she looked over at him, and giggled even more.
However when the three stepping inside the elevator to leave...Sheriff Grimes holding their still asleep little seven year, two month old. Who nearly half his dad's length, just hung there sleeping. And with their girl lovingly holding Henry's prized items in arms. Most certainly had the law man taking notice. Because the atmosphere for sure, definitely had once again chilled expeditiously.
And if he'd had the courage before dropping his and Carl's Miss Rénald off at her condo. Genuinely would truly have brought up the subject in a heartbeat. Then happily would have apologized for whatever it was that he'd done to cause it all. However first a clueless Rick Grimes, doubtless needed to know exactly what it was he'd done. So in order that he could!
But Lori most assuredly reared the boy wrongly.
Because with her almost everything the good man did, no matter how hard Rick tried not to. Truthfully caused a hurt of some kind. And that overkill conditioning of hers during and after their marriage, sadly had impaired the Sheriff. And that was so much so until when the something that he sometimes did do wrong. Wrongly caused a real ignorance when the offence was truly true.
Thus the dilemma that the law man now finds himself embroiled in! Seems he'll be in deep doodie no matter what!
And Rick in the present, clearly guilty of having committed at least one hurt he's clueless of. Definitely with a heart heavy, and feet too. Shook his head as he went to take his shower in order to heavily get ready. And that without question, surely was for that something his heart truly wasn't in. Just because he genuinely didn't want to cause his Her any more hurt.