The Charge – Chapter 11
2 weeks later…..
It has been two weeks since Karen returned to Atlanta. She had been staying at her mother's Cecily's house with her son Rocky. When she told her mother what Tyrese said to her, her mother concurred that Tyrese was angry and that he had a right to be.
She did abandon her husband and her children. She also told her that she couldn't have expected Tyrese to wait around for her to need and want him and the children again. What is to stop her from taking off again when she felt restless again.
Karen couldn't believe that her own mother was taking Tyrese's side over hers. They argued heatedly and repeatedly as Cecily berated her for almost making her lose her grandchildren. She told Karen that Tyrese, in blind rage and grief blamed her for Karen's actions.
For months, she had no contact with Chelsea and Ariel. She even had praises for Andrea, citing that she was the one who calmed Tyrese down and showed him that she was not responsible for Karen's action and that he was wrong for keeping his kids away from their grandmother.
In order to keep on Tyrese's good side she never mentioned Karen's name and removed all of her photos from the walls. Tyrese and her have since worked out their differences. Karen couldn't adequately defend herself against her mother statements. Her actions were indefensible. Before she stormed out of the house, Cecily had some parting stinging words for her.
"You maybe blood to those girls but it is Andrea who is their mother. They spent most of their lives with her. They know her, love her. You don't get to just waltz back into their lives because you're their birth mother. You don't get to disrupt their lives because the life you wanted without them in it didn't work out. They are happy! Leave them alone! Let them be!"
Karen angrily left the house to cool her heels. When she returned, there was an icy reception between the two of them ever since. They only spoke to each other when they needed to. She didn't deny her mother access to Rocky to spend quality time with him.~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cecily watched as Karen got dressed as she played with Rocky on the living room floor.
"I'm going out." Karen mumbled.
She walked to the door.
""Stay away from Tyrese and the girls. You've done enough."
Karen stared fiercely at her mother and slammed the door shut.~*~*~*~*~*~
Since Karen showed up on their door step, the girls only asked their father once who Karen was. He simply told them that she was someone he used to know. Since then their lives have been relatively quiet since and they never asked about it again.
As promised, Tyrese did contact a divorce attorney and divorce papers are currently being drawn up. During his discussion with the attorney, the issue of alimony came up. The attorney Mr Craig explained that although both he and Karen has moved on, she is still entitled to alimony if she demanded it.
"What about a large lump sum payment? I could pay her off. I don't want to be attached to her any longer."
"That is another option as well." He scribbled on his notepad. "The next pressing issue is custody of the girls."
"I want sole physical and legal custody. She doesn't get to ruin their lives."
"Given the history of Karen's actions and the stability you and Andrea had and have been continuously providing for the girls from at a young age, the courts will not disrupt that. The welfare of the children will be paramount to the court. They come first."
"Good."
"However, as their biological mother, the court is obligated to give her a hearing."
Tyrese said nothing. He knew that that was a possibility. Andrea had told him and he was mentally prepared for it. His main concern was Chelsea and Ariel. He didn't want them at any court proceedings as he knew the devastating effects it has on children.
"I don't want Chelsea and Ariel in court."
"The manner in which Karen left the marriage and the marital home the judge will be more inclined to have a closed hearing with just you, Karen and us attorneys. It is a good thing Ariel didn't recognize her. It will work in your favour."
"Good. Set it up."~*~*~*~*~*~
Karen decided to walk around her old town. Some things did change but certain landmarks remained the same, like the library, Millie's Grill Foods and Cynthia's Café. She walked to Cynthia's and ordered coffee and a piece of orange pie.
She was about to take a seat when she spotted Andrea at a table alone at the other side of the café. She walked over and stood next to table.
"May I?"~*~*~*~*~*~
Andrea stared up at Karen without answering. Karen took the liberty and sat down opposite her. Both ladies looked at each other.
"You made quite a life for yourself. You got a ready-made family. How luck you are."
Andrea kept her cool and took another sip of her coffee. She knew what Karen was doing and she will not be baited. She will not jeopardize Tyrese's chance of getting full custody of their girls.
"Look at you! Sitting here all cool, collective and confident. It's all a farce."
Karen's voice was low.
"You know what I think? I think that Tyrese was getting restless…bored with you. That's why you seek me out to get a divorce. You were afraid that he was going to leave you. He probably started thinking about what we had…our beautiful girls. He was finding his way back to me."
Andrea chuckled slightly.
"Is that why Ariel, your own daughter, didn't recognize you…didn't have a clue who you were even though you were face to face?"
Karen shrunk back from Andrea's words.
"Ariel doesn't know you. Chelsea doesn't know you. There are no pictures of you at the house. Your name never came up in conversation since you left and you think Tyrese was thinking about you?"
Andrea paused to let her words sink in.
"You are just a burden…a bad distant memory that Tyrese wants to finally erase. That's it. Tyrese has moved on…just like you and this divorce is just to show the world how far he has moved on from you."
Andrea put her tip for the waitress under the coffee cup and got up.
"Take your son and go back to where you came from. There is nothing or no-one for you here."
She walked out.~*~*~*~*~*~*
In the past 2 weeks, the soup kitchen has been striving nicely and the atmosphere between Rick and Michonne have become less stuffy. She makes alittle more eyes contact with him and seemed much more relaxed as well.
They now have something in common to talk about and Rick intends to take full advantage of it. He has been going the extra mile getting donations for the kitchen…cash, grocery, clothing and other items needed. He even cleaned out his closet and donated clothes that he barely used and some he has never used at all.
He made sure to stress to the donors to label their packages "Anonymous." He kept in constant contact with Mr Wilfred on how much is needed etc. Rick walked into the kitchen. His father, mother and Beth had already left.
He himself was late for a meeting. He made himself some coffee and when he turned around to see Michonne standing there. He smiled at her and to his amazement and obvious delight, she smiled back.
"I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you are doing for the kitchen. Mr Wilfred called me. He's swamp with donation…very generous donations."
"Just happy I could help. He knows to call me anytime if he needs anything."
Michonne nodded.
"There is something else I wanted to talk to you about. Um…it's actually a suggestion."
Michonne walked further into the kitchen.
"Okay."
"I was wondering if you had any plans for the top two floors of the building."
"I haven't thought about what I'm going to do with all that space as yet. Why?"
"How about using it as a homeless shelter? People already come here for meals but when they leave they go back out on the streets to sleep. They could have a home here."
Rick grew excited when a small smile cracked on Michonne lips and a twinkle in her eye. He rambled on.
"We could use the top floor for living quarters and the second floor as offices to provide support social services like finding jobs and family visits etc."
Michonne cocked her head at Rick. The idea isn't a bad one. Actually, it's a great idea…a one-stop shop for persons in need. A total safe haven. Rick continued.
"It will keep the atmosphere and familiarity of the building."
"A total safe haven." Michonne added.
He stepped towards her.
"Yes. People will feel safe coming here."
She was smiling broadly now but then frowned.
"I can't put that kind of burden on Mr Wilfred. He's an old man. I will need someone to actually run the place. The soup kitchen is more than enough for him."
"What if I got someone to do it…take charge and do everything for free?"
Michonne folded her arms.
"Who?"
"My mother."
"Mrs Grimes?"
He nodded.
"My sister Beth could help too."
"Isn't she working on your campaign?"
"She is but my mother doesn't like it. She doesn't get to keep an eye on the youngest Grimes. She will be thrilled."
"And what about Beth? What does she want?"
"I could pitch the idea to her. She could work with me part-time and with our mother here. It's a compromise. Both sides gets what they want partially."
Michonne leaned against the kitchen sink, thinking. Then she smiled.
"This is a good plan. I like it."
"So can I go ahead and set it up?"
"Yes and let Mr Wilfred know. He could update me on the progress."
"Or…I could. I see you almost everyday. We could talk and run ideas by each other."
She eyed him.
"Ok. Do you have a pen?"
"For what?"
"My number."
"I already have your number."
"You don't have my personal cell number. This is my personal life and I don't use my work number for that. I keep them separate."
Rick pulled out his phone.
"Call it out. I will put it directly into my contacts."
She called out the number and he punched it in. Rascolli came into the kitchen.
"Director Thomas is here. He wants to see you."
Rick frown at the change in Michonne's face as she left the kitchen.~*~*~*~*~*~
Michonne walked out to the Grimes garden where Director Thomas was waiting for her. He turned around in time as Michonne approached.
"You wanted to see me."
"Just wanted to check up on you, see how things were going."
"Did you check up on Rascolli and the others as well or am I that special?"
The Director dragged his eyes over her.
"There is nothing to report." Michonne said tightly.
"What is your relationship with Rick Grimes?"
"Excuse me? I don't know what you are implying but there is no relationship between myself and Mr Grimes other than a professional one!"
"There is no need to get defensive agent unless there is something to get defensive about."
He looked at Michonne smugly.
"Is there?"
Irritated, Michonne stepped to her boss.
"I am getting sick of this!"
"Then quit!"
"It must really bug you huh?! That I am one of the best female agent in the CIA. I'm skilled at my job and you can't stand it because you can't find a single fault in me doing my job and I don't fit your 1920's mould of what a woman should be…at home, barefoot, pregnant and at the mercy of her husband. You can't touch me professionally so you want to come at me personally."
She paused smiling at him.
"Oh wait…you can't do that either. Your doctor bills are probably so high just thinking about me 24/7."
Thomas snared at her and moved closer so that he was merely inches from her face.
"I made you a promise Agent. I will get you out."
"Good luck with that."
She walked off.~*~*~*~*~*~
Maggie was on the phone with her fiancée in the living room when Director Thomas arrived. Minutes later, she saw Agent Atwell walked out to meet him and the exchange between them within seconds was intense.
She realized that she has to do something. However, she wondered if her interference would do more harm than good. Her emotions want her to intervene but her guts tell her she shouldn't. She toyed with another option in her mind…whether Rick should be told.~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michonne and Rascolli looked on as Rick spoke to a group in investors about his plans for the city, should he be elected Mayor. They were at the Concave Restaurant. Maggie and Beth were also there.
After an hour, he concluded with a round of applause. Waiters began flooding into the room serving finger foods to the guests. In walks a familiar person and Michonne went on full alert.~*~*~*~*~*~
When Maggie saw Thia, she became concerned. She nodded to Michonne and she stand down. She met Thia halfway.
"Hey. What are you doing here?"
"I am here to catch my future husband." She looked playfully over in Rick's direction.
"Thia…I told you…"
Thia cut her off.
"Look. I know what you said about Rick being interested in someone else but from what I'm seeing, he's still officially single. Where is this so-called mystery woman anyway?"
Maggie had an exacerbated look on her face.
"And even if he is interested in someone else, there is no rule against friendly competition. Your brother needs to know that he has options."
They both looked in Rick direction but she was pretty sure they were looking at different things. She was looking at Michonne, Rick's secret love interest and the mulling over the complications that might occur if and when they go public.
Michonne would be good for her brother, a woman who would keep him on his toes and honest at all times. She doesn't have a shady past which is always a plus for a politicians wife.
Michonne can also take care of herself and wouldn't need Rick constantly at her side. She could hold her own if she is targeted for any reason. Michonne would be perfect for Rick but would he be for her?
Michonne has accomplished so much on her own, on her own terms, taking a backseat to no-one. The public interest in her will skyrocket and questions will be asked about her relationship with Rick when she took down Lori at the news conference. Lori will relish the attention and play the ultimate victim.
The CIA Director will also get involved and preach from his platform of male chauvinism, using the situation to further his agenda. The truth is, Michonne has a lot to lose getting involved with Rick but would she risk it for love?
Will she give her heart another chance...another shot of feeling again? Her thought were cut short by Thia.
"I am going over. Going to ask Rick out to lunch."
Maggie grabbed her arm.
"Don't!"
"Why?"
"Because Rick doesn't want you."
Thia looked at Maggie…stunned.
"Did Rick say that?"
"No."
"So this is coming from you! Why would you say something like that?"
"Because it's true."
"Because YOU said it's true. Do you speak for Rick now?"
Thia was getting heated…angry.
"I'm good enough to be your friend but not good enough to be your sister-in-law! Is that it?!"
There were people close to them looking on.
"I didn't say that and you need to keep your voice down."
Thia went near to her.
"Screw you Maggie! I thought you were my friend! I'm going over there and ask Rick out. Let him decide whether or not I'm good enough to be his wife."
Maggie said nothing as Thia stalked off.~*~*~*~*~*~
Michonne saw the heated exchange between Maggie and the woman. Then the woman left and walked in Rick's direction. She looked at Maggie who nodded so she let the woman pass. She still kept a close eye on her.~*~*~*~*~*~*
Thia waited until Rick was free and approached him.
"Hey. Do you remember me?'
"You're Maggie's friend, right?"
Thia beamed.
"Yes!" She playfully touched his arm. Rick glanced at Michonne who looked away.
"I was wondering, if you're not too busy with the campaign, we could go out to dinner or a movie."
Rick eyed widen and he looked over to Michonne. She had moved a couple of steps away from them but she was still with earshot of the conversation.
"I will be really really busy…"
"Thia. My name is Thia."
He nodded.
"Will you atleast take my number? You could call me anytime you're free."
"I'll get it from Maggie if I need it."
Thia forced a smile to her lips to guise the pain of rejection.
"Okay." She said weakly. "Looking forward to your call."
Rick walked over to Michonne and whispered.
"I'm ready to leave."
She nodded to Rascolli and they left.~*~*~*~*~*
Sasha was going through the real estate section of the newspapers when she saw the picture of a familiar looking property. She spat the coffee out of her mouth when she read the address. She began laughing hysterically as she dialled Michonne's number.~*~*~*~*~*~
They were back at the Grimes residence when her phone rang. She stepped outside to speak to Sasha.
"What the hell has you so chirpy?"
"It is you who should be happy."
"Why?"
"Guess what's on the real estate market for sale?"
"The excitement in Sasha's voice was a dead give away. She gasped.
"Which one?!"
"The Manhattan Condo!"
Michonne laughed out and covered her mouth when some of the other agents looked in her direction.
"How much is he asking for it?'
"He's asking for offers from potential buyers. You need to get in on this!"
"I know! It hasn't even been three months and he's selling already?!"
"At first, I didn't agree with the way you handled your divorce Michonne. I would have nailed that prick to the wall…damn the consequences but you knew exactly what you were doing. You knew Jeremy so well! You knew he wouldn't be able to maintain those properties!"
"This is just the start. That condo was the most expensive property and if he's selling that, I wonder what the conditions of the others are."
"We could find out. I could call the City Housing and Building Management Corporation to find out if there are any tenants' complaints against him either."
"Can we find out his financials?"
"There is a favour I could call in to get that info."
"Ok. Do that and inform Andrea."
"Why?"
"I have a plan. Just get me the info and we will discuss it."~*~*~*~*~*~
Three days later, Sasha collected all the info that Michonne needed. She called her.
"Jeremy financials are in a mess. He's spending more than what the rental properties are bringing in. Plus there are four complaints lodged against him by the tenants at the corporation. The Apt under renovation has stopped because he has not paid the workers and they walked off the job."
"Come to my house Sunday evening. I'll call Andrea."~*~*~*~*~*~
Andrea and Sasha chowed down on Chinese food as Michonne looked over the copies of the Jeremy's finances and the complaints. She couldn't stop smiling.
"What are you thinking?"
Michonne turned to Sasha.
"Do you still have that friend who owns the small real estate business?"
"Who Robert? Yeah."
"I was thinking, and Andrea, this is where you come in, about asking Robert to purchase the Manhattan condo on my behalf. Jeremy knows the three of us so if he only smells us anywhere near this, he would refuse to sell to me. We can't be directly involved. I will give Robert the money. Depending on what Jeremy agreed to, we could offer him alittle more as an incentive to sell to Robert, no questions asked. If that works, Jeremy's greed may compel him to sell the other properties to Robert as well. Make one big haul. Jeremy wants money to squander and I will have my properties back. Can I do that?"
"It's bordering on entrapment but it wouldn't be. The sale will be a legit one. Jeremy is already selling and you had nothing to do with that. He is doing this of his own free will…yes, you can do that."
"What about the tenants?" Sasha asked. "Some of the tenants are threatening to move out. If they know that there will be a change in management they may stick around."
"Well until we have their buildings, there is nothing we could do at this point."
"And what if Jeremy doesn't fall for it and sell the other apartments? What then?"
"Have Robert leave a card and just mentioned in passing that he is looking to buy up several property as soon as possible. Just plant the seed of quick, fast cash in his head. He will take the bait…sooner or later. Jeremy doesn't want the hassle managing those tenants."
Andrea and Sasha looked at each other.
"I will get back what is mine…by the hook or the crook."
"Damn! In all the years I have known you, I didn't know that you could be so devious!"
"I can if I need to be or if someone bought it out in me. Jeremy did. Just wish my heart could operate the same."
"Nothing is wrong with your heart Michonne. Falling in love is not a curse. It's falling in love with an asshole is."
"Let yourself feel again. If you don't it would mean that Jeremy won. He stole your money, your properties and your heart. Don't let him."
"I will try."
"Are you seeing anyone?"
"Good God no! Its way too soon."
"It's never too soon."
"Besides…you may not be seeing anyone but is someone seeing you?"
Michonne looked at Sasha and Andrea thoughtfully and suddenly, Rick's flustered and nervous reaction to her when they stood by her car, flashed in her mind. She didn't answer the question.~*~*~*~*~*~*~