The Charge – Chapter 15
Hey guys. I'm slowly getting my mojo back. Thank you for all your messages of love and support in my time of need. I just wrote this chapter with all of you in mind. Hope you enjoy reading it. xoxoxo
Tyrese walked into the house exhausted. He saw the looks he got at the station after he put Karen in the cell. He spoke to the captain and they agreed that she would spend the night in the cell to cool off and then she would be released in the morning. The girls were in their room doing homework and Andrea was in the kitchen preparing dinner. He kissed her on her neck whilst hugging her tightly around the waist from behind. He let out a long laboured breath.
"Hey…"
The sympathy in her voice was evident. She knew the stressful day that he just had.
"Hey…"
She placed her hands over his.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm so tired of all the drama. I just want the divorce so I can fully move on with my life."
"I know."
"She is completely out of control. I saw the track marks on her arms."
"Rocky isn't safe with her."
"I know."
"Maybe we can help."
"Andrea please…."
He pulled away and she turned and faced him.
"I'm not saying for us to permanently adopt Rocky but we could have temporary custody of him until we find some of Karen relatives to place him with. He's in a bad place and we can't turn a blind eye to that Tyrese."
"He has a grandmother. She should take him."
Andrea looked at him disappointed.
"Ok." She whispered.
"I'm not a bad person for not wanting to take on anyone else's problem Andrea. We already have two kids and soon we will be having some of our own. It's hard enough getting my own kids away from Karen."
Andrea said nothing.
"How are the girls?"
"Chelsea is asking questions. She remembers Karen from her coming to the house the other day. She could be remembering other things and soon Ariel will too. We have to tell them who Karen is."
"As soon as I figure out the gentlest way to tell them."
Andrea turned around.
"There is no gentle way. I think we should tell them…now."
"Now? Like right now?"
"Not this very minute but we should have a family dinner and explain everything to them. We can't put it off any longer."
"Ok. I'll check my roster and we will do it as soon as possible."
"Thank you." She kissed him. "We are doing the right thing."
Tyrese hugged her then smiled to himself.~*~*~*~*~*
On checking his schedule and telling Andrea that he would be free for a couple days, she started making preparation for a 'tell all' dinner for the girls in a couple days time. She shopped for all their favourite foods but suddenly unsure of herself and the decision to tell them everything. Now she was worried about her place in the family and in the girls' lives.
Tyrese loves her unconditionally…that will never change and she also knows that Chelsea and Ariel loved her as well. She had been raising them since they were 3 and 4 years old. The five years they have been together was wonderful and she adored them as they were her own flesh and blood but would all that change once they know everything? Tyrese decided to accompany her to shop and plan for the dinner and she was grateful for that.~*~*~*~*~*
Tyrese was in the meat aisle and picked out three of the best steak pieces. He walked two aisles over and saw Andrea by the ice-cream selection. She was just standing there...staring. He started walking towards her and abruptly she burst into sobs. He quickens his pace.
"Hey hey…what's wrong?"
"I don't know what to pick."
"You know all of their favourites."
She turned to him, eyes red and brimming with tears.
"What if they don't want me anymore? What if they want their real mother after learning the truth?"
Tyrese's heart broke for Andrea. He took the basket from her hand and placed it on the floor. He kissed and then hugged her. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. He let her cry for a minute then whispered in her ear.
"Chelsea and Ariel love you. You may not have given birth to them but you have been their mother for the past five years. You are their mother! We all know that! After tonight, it may be rocky at first but then it will get better and better. You have to trust that."
Andrea pressed her face into his chest as she cries.
"I don't want them to reject me!"
"They wouldn't."~*~*~*~*~*
Tyrese dropped Andrea home to prepare dinner and picked Chelsea and Ariel up from school. Andrea was relieved because she wanted some time to compose herself and didn't want the girls to see her like this. Tyrese also didn't mine because he had other plans and he wanted the girls help.~*~*~*~*~*
Chelsea and Ariel were surprised that Tyrese was parked out in front of their school. They got into the sedan and kissed him.
"Where's mommy?"
"She's at home making a very special dinner for us."
"Why?"
Tyrese thought for a couple of seconds before answering.
"Well, there is something important that Andrea and I want to talk to you about."
"Okay."
"I also want you guys to help me pick out something for Andrea before we go home."
The girls nodded.~*~*~*~*~*
The sales clerk laid out four stunning diamond engagement rings in front of him and the girls. He turned to them.
"So…which one do you girls like?"
He had visited several jewellery stores over the past couple months before today and narrowed down the selection to the ones in front of them. Chelsea and Ariel looked at each one and they both immediately settled on the third ring set.
"This one!" they decided together.
He smiled. He also liked the same one on his last visit. He gave the clerk his credit card and she instructed her assistant to gift wrap the ring. Ten minutes later, they were on their way home. Ariel was preoccupied with her Ipad in the backseat and Chelsea in the front seat turned to her father.
"Are you going to ask mommy to marry you?"
"Well I had asked her before but I didn't have a ring."
"Did she yes the first time?"
Tyrese nodded and Chelsea grew excited.
"Then she will say yes again! I know it!"
"I am hoping so."
"I can't wait! I'm so happy!"
She hugged her father.~*~*~*~*~*
When Karen was first released from jail after Tyrese arrested her, she assaulted another officer at the station almost immediately. She was re-arrested and placed in a cell. That was three days ago. They had inquired if there was anyone she wanted notified of her incarceration and she told them Tyrese.
However, her request was denied because Tyrese made it abundantly clear to the Captain and his colleagues that he is not responsible for her actions and should not be contact for such. She raged in her cell before giving them her mother's number. They called Cecily but she refused to visit the station.
Nevertheless, she did…two days later and Karen was livid. She accused Cecily of being a bad mother to which Cecily gave her a change of clothing and told her that she was no longer welcomed at her house. Karen cursed and swore at her, who left in silence. After spending three days in police custody, she was finally released.~*~*~*
Michonne stretched lazily to the sound of her phone ringing. It was Sasha.
"Hey."
"Good morning sleepy head. Guess what?"
Michonne yawned.
"What?"
"It's done. You have all your properties back."
She bolted upright.
"Don't play with me Sasha!"
"I'm telling you. Jeremy just dropped off the signed documents and I just wired the payment. You should have seen him at the bank…salivating over the money. It's so sad. It took everything in me not to laugh in his face."
"Thank you so much!"
"You know you don't have to do that. Jeremy put you through hell and I'm glad I was able to help you with payback. He will die when he finds out who the true owner of the properties are."
"I know."
"Promise me one thing Michonne."
"What?"
"When he finds out rub it in his face."
Michonne laugh.
"Sure Sasha…sure."~*~*~*
Hearing the good news, Michonne decided to do some shopping. Sasha's good news deserves a treat. Her newly re-acquired properties will need a drastic make over. She visited several furniture stores and made down payments on various items. She exited the last store and was about to enter her car when someone called out he rname.
"Michonne!"
She didn't have to look around to know who it was. She could recognize that voice anywhere. Slowly, she turned to look at her ex-husband with his family in tow. There was a new addition to his family. She waited patiently as they approached.
"Hi Michonne! How are you?"
She smiled sweetly.
"I'm good Jeremy."
"There is someone I would like you to meet."
He ushered the woman with the young baby in her arms and the little girl at their feet."
"This is Brittany my lovely new wife and these are our children, Sadie and the newborn is Manny."
He turned to Brittany.
"Brittany, this is my ex-wife Michonne."
Brittany stretched out her hand to Michonne who only raised her eyebrows.
"Don't be like that Michonne. Are you still bitter about the divorce and the properties you lost?"
She gave him a sharp look. He moved closer to her.
"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I sold the properties."
Michonne tried to act surprised.
"Really?"
"Yes. I couldn't be bothered with the tenants, their complaints about everything, the maintenance of all the buildings etc. I'd rather have the money."
Michonne tried to suppress the smirk on her face.
"So how many did you sell?"
Jeremy puffed up his chest with pride.
"All of them…even the Manhattan condo I was living in. It turns out it wasn't my taste. You know we did have different taste."
Jeremy had the proudest smile on his face and Michonne couldn't contain herself any longer. She burst out laughing hysterically, doubling over trying unsuccessfully to contain it. She held on to the car door for physical support and it only made her glee worsen. Her reaction shocked Jeremy and Brittany and they couldn't understand it.
"What's so funny?!"
She tried to stifled her joy in her throat but it hurt. She had to let it out in short shrieks.
"Didn't you hear what I said?! I sold your precious properties!"
"I heard you the first time!" Michonne cried through her laughter.
Jeremy and Brittany looked at each other, neither knowing what to do or think about Michonne's behaviour. A few minutes elapsed before Michonne calmed down.
"I really never truly appreciate how you cheating on me were a blessing until today."
She smiled at Brittany and Jeremy.
"I wish the both of you a wonderful and blessed life."
She started laughing again as she got into her car and pulled off from the curb.~*~*~*
Michonne, Sasha and Andrea was on a three way call laughing their belly full.
"You should have told him." Sasha said between laughs.
"I couldn't form the words! I was laughing too much! You should have seen him! Chest all puffed out with pride, bragging about selling the properties and getting the money!"
"And he had the nerve to introduce you to his new wife!" Andrea added. "He's such a prick!"
"A stupid prick at that!"
"She had the balls to offer to shake your hand after stealing your husband!"
"He truly wasn't mine to begin with Sasha."
"They deserve each other."
"They wouldn't last."
"At this point I don't care. It cost me a little bit of my pride and some extra cash but I got what I wanted. I won."
"Yes you did Michonne. You lose to win."
"By the way Andrea, good luck with your dinner. Everything will work out."
"I'm nervous guys."
"Don't be. Tyrese loves you and those girls love you. You are good."
"Thanks. I'll call you all with the update."~*~*~*
Three days later….
The World Summit was over and the election campaign was heating up again. Rick was invited to an exclusive private fundraiser held in his honour.
Michonne was coming out of the shower when her phone started ringing. She answered breathlessly. It was Director Thomas.
"Rick was invited to a private impromptu fundraiser party."
"Ok."
"Given that we still don't know if Rick or his father was the target of the first assassination attempt and the culprit we have in custody still hasn't fess up to anything, I need you and Agent Rascolli to be on his protective detail, informally and covertly."
She sighed quietly.
"Yes sir."~*~*~*
Saying that the party was lavish would be an understatement. The jewellery that dripped from the necks of the female guests was insane. The CIA pays well but she would have to work until she's 90 to afford anything here.
The decorations were expensive and ugly as hell, atleast in her eyes. The attendees comprised of old and young men and women from all walks of life, a handful of them she recognized. She busied herself with marking all the exits while Rascolli stuffed his face with food. He held up a mini plate to her.
"This is nice. Try it."
She eyed it suspiciously. Nevertheless, she popped it in her mouth and started chewing.
"What is it?"
"Squid tartar."
Michonne's eyes bulged and she covered her mouth from barfing. Rascolli looked at her confused.
"What?"
She disappeared to the ladies room.~*~*~*
Michonne returned and frowned seeing Rascolli chewing down on it still.
"That's disgusting!" She whispered. "How could you eat that?"
"Because I'm hungry."
"I'm hungry too but I'd rather starve that eat squid."
Rascolli shrugged.
"I'm going to check the perimeter again."~*~*~*
Despite having people in his face all evening, Rick managed to keep a close and subtle eye on Michonne since they arrived. Only clad in a simple light green knee length fitted dressed, with small stud earrings, she was easily the most beautiful woman in the room. He knew she was wearing a bullet proof vest but couldn't see it and he also wondered if her gun was in her very stylish clutch.
She didn't need weighty gold or silver, or a plunging neckline to draw eyes to her. He saw a few of the other male guest looking at her, some even giving her a polite smile and making light conversation that were over quickly.
His chest burned with jealously as each man approached and smirked with joy as they conversation ended. He was talking to Businessman Forrester when he saw her sample and gagged on the finger food her partner gave her. He chuckled, called a waiter and whispered in his ear.~*~*~*
Michonne was outside taking some fresh air when a waitress approached her with a plate in hand. She eyed the woman.
"What's this?"
"This was made for you directly from the kitchen."
Cautiously, she took the plate and the waitress left. She looked around and saw nothing or no one looking at her. Putting down her purse, she opened the plate and smiled. There were two hotdogs, smothered in ketchup and pepper and a three slice tuna, jalapeño and pineapple sandwich….some of her favourite comfort junk food.
Abruptly she was taken back on how the kitchen staff would know this. After a couple of seconds, she smiled. There is only one person here at the party who is slightly familiar with her taste. She sat down on the balcony and dug in.~*~*~*
Rick was returning from the men's room when he spotted Michonne thoroughly enjoying her meal. He grinned. He was getting closer to his goal.~*~*~*
Two hours, later that night, the host bid Rick a good evening and they drove off. Rascolli was driving in lead as she and Rick followed. She was smiling.
"Thank you."
Rick pretended not to know what she was talking about.
"For what?"
"I know it was you."
She glanced at him through the top mirror and caught him smiling. She laughed.
"I saw you retching on the squid tartar."
"It was disgusting."
"Yes…it is. Don't know why they insist on serving it."
Michonne let go a shiver in agreement.
"I know you like hotdogs and tuna, jalapeno and pineapple sandwiches so I had the kitchen make it for you. Can't have you weaken if you have to protect me."
"Yeah…about that. How did you know I like that kind of sandwich?"
"You have breakfast at my house almost every day. Of course I will remember."
Unexpectedly, Michonne blushed and Rick grinned. They drove on in silence.~*~*~*
They pulled up at a traffic stop waiting for the lights to change and a car pulled up next to Rascolli's SUV. The light turned green and they proceeded forward with the other car going into the opposite direction. Fifteen minutes passed and Michonne only briefly glance into her side mirror. The car that had previously gone in the opposite direction was now one car length behind her. She picked up the walkie talkie.
"Rascolli….I think we have a tail."
"Where?"
"Second car behind, black Honda."
Hearing what she said, Rick looked back. Rascolli answered seconds later.
"Yeah. I see it. Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
Rick climbed into the front passenger seat.
"Rick, I need you to go back behind me. I don't know what this is and you would be safer there."
She took her gun out of her clutch.
"We should make a couple blocks off route and see if the person takes the bait." Rascolli opined.
"I agree. Take a left and then the next right."
"Whatever it is I want to help."
She looked at Rick sceptical.
"Please!"
She sighed.
"Put on your seatbelt and keep eyes on the side mirror on your end. Eyes on the black Honda. See it?"
Rick did what he was told.
"Yes."
Both cars turned and the black Honda followed.
"Rick. I want you to listen to me. There is a bullet proof vest under your seat…"
Rick reached for it even before she could finish the sentence. She looked to her right and her heart sank.~*~*~*
"Rascolli!"
Michonne screamed into the walkie talkie but it was too late. An SUV rammed broadside into Rascolli pushing him several feet, forcing Michonne to pull a screeching halt.
"What the ….."
Rick sat frozen in his seat. Michonne didn't have that luxury when she saw the black Honda pulled out of the line and sped up to them. Flipping the car in reverse she slammed into the car that was directly behind her and pulled out of the line as well.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Rascolli staggering out from the passenger side of his vehicle. She drove around the invading SUV, forcing the black Honda to crash into another car. She pulled up to her partner and screamed for him to crawl towards them.
"Crawl! You can make it!"
Surprising to her Rick was already in the backseat and he flung the door open for Agent Rascolli to get in. His hand was outstretched to him.
"Agent Rascolli! Take my hand!"
Rascolli was half way there when the screeching of another car was heard and a hail of bullets followed. Rick took cover as Michonne returned fire killing one of the two women shooting at them whilst the other took cover. The screams from pedestrians all around them pierced the air. Agent Rascolli collapsed mere feet away from them. While Michonne took cover and had an eye out for any other shooters, Rick knew he had to do something. He slipped out of the car and crawled to Rascolli, who was still conscious but bleeding badly.
"Rick! What are you doing?!"
"Cover me! I'm going to get Rascolli!"
"Get back in the car!" She survey for other threats. Siren was heard in the distance. "NOW!"
By this time, Rick was already dragging Rascolli to the vehicle. At the vehicle, Rick, who's back was turned was about to push Rascolli into the vehicle when Rascolli's body stiffened. The woman and another man emerged from behind their vehicle. The man took aim at Michonne and the woman at Rick.
"RICK!"
Michonne pulled the trigger. The bullet struck the man dead centre in his forehead but not before taking a hit herself. The force flung her back against the car, knocking the wind out of her. Rascolli gathered his last ounce of strength and flipped Rick around, pushing him back into the safety of the car. He pulled his trigger wounding the female assailant and in return took a bullet to his neck and head. He slumped to the ground.
"Rascolli! Rick!"
There was no reply. The female shooter was nowhere to be seen and it worried her. They needed to leave. Taking a deep breath, she crawled over to Rascolli's body and whimpered at it lifelessness.
Rick's was slumped inside the backseat of the car. Her heart stopped. He couldn't be dead. She crawled inside on him and he groaned alittle. He's alive. Closing the door behind her, she climbed into the front seat and sped off.~*~*~*
Her body was numb….in survival mode. She had difficulty breathing. She just drove, leaving the wailing of sirens behind her. She had to get Rick to safety. She needed to get them both to safety. It was a private party. No-one was supposed to know that they were there but they did….somehow and they attacked them.
Rick is clearly the target and whoever these people are risked life and limb to kill him. Now an Agent is dead, someone she has worked with and had come to admire and respect. Her eyes swelled with tears with grief. She couldn't risk continuing on to the Grimes Estate for fear of being attacked on route again.
She dumped her phone and knew she needed to take him someplace where no-one would think to find him or her. A place that has always given her comfort and clarity of any situation that she found herself in. She knows a place like that. It's quiet and serene. It's perfect. It's home.~*~*~*
It didn't take long for the news of the attack on Rick Grimes to hit the airwaves. The Grimes residence was in full blown panic mode as the recurring loop on the TV stated that a CIA agent was dead at the scene along with two suspects. There was a lot of blood at the scene and Rick Grimes and another agent was missing.
Elizabeth fainted and the family's physician had to be called in to attend to her. Maggie comforted Beth as they stared at the screen. There were news crews everywhere and Director Thomas was on site to deal with the media which other CIA agents oversaw the crime scene.
Maggie noted that the Director took great care not to release Agent Rascolli's and Michonne's name to the press but confirmed that Senator hopeful Rick Grimes was in fact missing with her. He neither confirmed nor denied that this attack was somehow related or is confirmation that Rick was indeed the target of the first attack.
Back at home, Agents Walsh and Ford threatened to physically restrain her father from leaving the house if he kept on insisting of going out in search for Rick. He raged that his son could be out there hurt or dying but they kept reassuring him that Michonne missing along with Rick is a good sign even if Rick was kidnapped. It meant that she is also in pursuit.
"Then why hasn't she called?!" he screamed.
"If she could she would. I have worked with Agent Atwell for years and I trust Rick is in capable hands."
This answer seemed to placate her father for awhile. He went to check on Elizabeth.~*~*~*
Michonne found the nearest deserted parking lot and pulled in. She rushed into the backseat to check on Rick. His breathing was laboured and that's when she saw blood all over the back seat. She ripped open his shirt and saw it…two bullet wounds in his shoulder. She tried to turn him over but was thwarted by her own pain so she couldn't see if it was a through and through.
"Oh God! Help me!" She cried.
Just then a voice called out from behind her.
"Do you need some help Ms?"
Startled, she swung around on the defence. The man put up his hand is surrender. Michonne looked at him. He was a homeless person drinking a bottle of vodka in his hand. He was in a dirty state but she needed his help.
"Help me turn him over!"
The man jumped and after a few minor attempts they managed to get him on his side and she checked him. The bullets were still lodged in his shoulder. He was bleeding heavily and she needed to stop it. She couldn't risk taking him a hospital. She doesn't know what's waiting for them there. The man's jaw drop when Michonne lifted up her dress, took off her stockings and tore them in half.
She used one half to tie Rick shoulder over his shoulder blades over the wounds and the other on his arm. She ran to the trunk for the first aid kit but was dismayed that it was nowhere to be found. She panicked briefly and remembered that her helper was drinking vodka. She grabbed it from him and poured it over shoulder.
He barely flinched. It was the best she could do until they reached to safety. After making him comfortable she disabled the tracker in the car and threw it in the nearby bushes and pulled the licence plate off. Then a thought hit her. She needed a new car. This one was full of bullet holes and would be report on sight. She paced the ground.
"Looks like you need a car."
He was staring at the bullet holes.
"I do."
He pointed to two cars parked in the bushes off the far corner of the parking lot. They looked old and rusted. She shrunk back.
"They are old but they run. Plus I'm sure whatever or whoever you're running from, they will never suspect you in this."
The man smiled proudly to reveal only two front teeth.
"Ok. Help me get him in."
Michonne drove the SUV closer to the cars and they careful transferred Rick to the back of one of the cars. The man was using it as a sleeping area and the other was used as a kitchen. Her eyes settled on Rick's blood that was starting to dry on the seat. It overwhelmed her. She took off her earrings and gave it to the man.
"For your troubles."
She began walking away but then turned back. She hugged him.
"Thank you."
He flashed a proud grin. She drove off.~*~*~*
One hour later, after making several detour turns to make sure they weren't followed, Michonne finally pulled onto a gravel and dirt road. It was pitch black and only the car dim light lit the way. The creaking on the various parts of the car kept her distracted from her own bodily pain and from thinking the worse about Rick's condition.
She had stopped fifteen minutes earlier to check on him but he was fully unconscious now and he was alive. She needs to take the bullets out before infection steps in. Before long, their final destination was spotted ahead.~*~*~*
The attack on Rick and his supposed kidnapping dominated the news. Media outlets camped outside the Grimes Estate. Director Thomas was there.
"Why haven't we heard anything from Rick and Agent Atwell as yet?!"
Ian was demanding answers from the Director.
"Our best men are on this! I give you my word!"
"I don't want your fucking word! I want my son home!"
Ian stormed off and he turned to Agents Ford and Walsh.
"I want answers! What happened tonight?! Where is Rick and Agent Atwell?!"
"We tracked down the vehicle to a parking lot east of the shooting. Then we lost the signal. Agents have already been dispatched there."
"What do you think happened?"
"It's hard to tell. We know for sure there was a shootout. Agent Rascolli and Atwell returned fire. Agent Rascolli was killed along with two suspects. Eye witnesses said that a woman sped off in a Black SUV. I think Michonne managed to get away."
"If that's the case why isn't she here?"
Maybe Rick is injured. Maybe she is injured."
"There have been no reports of Rick admitted into any hospital or clinic otherwise it would have been all over the news!"
Agent Ford and Walsh said nothing.
"Find them!" he screamed.~*~*~*
After parking at the back of the cottage, it took her fifteen minutes to drag an unconscious Rick from the back patio, through the laundry room and kitchen and into the living room floor. She didn't have any more strength to drag him into the bedroom. She did not turn on any lights but lit the fireplace.
She stripped off her clothes and bullet proof vest and threw on a long vest. The first aid kit and several large damn towels lay at her feet. She stripped down Rick, mentally noting briefly how chiselled he looked and began to examine his body. When no other wounds were found, she propped him on his side with pillows from the sofa and she felt behind his shoulder.
She couldn't feel the bullet being anywhere near an exit point. Removing the pillow, she placed several towels under him. Opening the first aid kit, she took out a syringe, needle and an adrenaline dosage.
Estimating his weight, she filled the syringe with a third of the required dose. She didn't want him fully wake, only just enough to gauge his pain and alertness. She injected him and watched as his breathing picked up slightly. She cupped his face.
"Rick. I know that you can hear me. You were shot twice and I need to take out the bullets. It's going to hurt like hell but I need to do it before infection sets in. Do you understand?"
There was no response. She put her hand in his.
"Squeeze my hand if you can hear and understand me."
She got a barely there squeeze and tears sprang to her eyes. He was with her.
"Ok…good. One the count of three. One…two…three."
Michonne dug into Rick's shoulder as fast and as gentle as she could. Seconds later, Rick's eyes bulged open and he began screaming but she got out the first bullet. He was sweating. She gave him a thirty second time out…placing her hand in his for comfort.
"Rick I'm going in to remove the other bullet."
He squeezed her hand alittle bit stronger this time and Michonne was encouraged. He's still with her. She went in and this time Rick bit down on his lip. She kept probing but couldn't find the bullet. Tears leaked from Rick's eyes and he gasped painfully. She finally grazed the bullet but lost it again. She needed to dig deeper.
"I'm so sorry Rick!"
She straddled Rick's upper body and on one quick move, jabbed deep in his shoulder. He screamed.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
She cried before jamming into his shoulder again but this time, she managed to hold on to the bullet just as Rick twisted his body, throwing her off. With the last bullet in hand, she crawled over to him. He was unconscious again. She wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"I failed you. I'm sorry."~*~*~*
The house was warm and quiet. Rick's shoulder was cleaned and bandaged and he was also given a bed bath. She then administered an injection for pain and covered him up. She needs to check on him during the night to make sure infection doesn't set in so she's bunking on the sofa. She headed for the shower.~*~*~
It has been two hours since Rick has gone missing, Elizabeth and Beth was given a sedative to sleep because they couldn't take the stress. Ian paced his office nonstop and Maggie held her phone in her hand.
The CIA set attached trace call equipment to every phone in the house in case there was a ransom demand. Morgan, Matthew and James arrived at the house to give the family support. Agents Ford and Walsh huddled on the patio.
"I think Michonne's ok but Rick maybe hurt."
"This is the second attack and we now know for sure that Rick was the target the first time."
"So where do you think Michonne is?"
Agent Ford laughed.
"She's off the grid."
"F*ck!"~*~*~*
Taking one of the several burner phones from a draw in her bedroom, Michonne retreated to the back patio. She inhaled and dialled the Grimes Residential number.~*~*~*~*
Everyone stopped in their tracks on the first ring. When it began to ring for the second time Ian grabbed the receiver and the trace button was pressed. It was on loud speaker.
"Hey. It's me."
Upon hearing her voice Director Thomas took over.
"Where are you Agent?! Tell me now!"
There was a dial tone. Director Thomas looked at an Agent.
"Not long enough to trace it."
The phone rang again and it was answered.
"I want to speak to the Grimes family."
"No Agent Atwell! You will speak to me! Where are you?!"
Dial tone again. Ian looked at Director Thomas in disbelief. Still they couldn't trace Michonne. She wasn't staying on the phone long enough. The phone rang.
"I want…"
"Agent Atwell! Where…."
"Director Thomas! SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Michonne barked.
The room was dumbstruck. They couldn't believe what they had just heard. Even the Director was speechless.
"Is Mr and Mrs Grimes there?!"
Ian stepped forward.
"I'm here Agent but my wife and Beth are sedated. Maggie is with me! Where are you?"
There was another dial tone and three seconds later, she called back.
"Agent Atwell…please tell us where you are. Please."
"Mr Grimes, I cannot tell you where we are but I will tell you that we are safe. Rick was shot twice. I removed the bullets and he's unconscious but resting comfortably. I will continue to monitor him." She paused. "I promise to take care of your son Mr Grimes."
"Wait!" Maggie called out. "Thank you Michonne."
"I'll call in the morning."
Dial tone. Director Thomas looked at the agent who shook his head. Still couldn't trace the call. He kicked over a chair in frustration. It was the first time since the attack that Maggie saw her father relax. So was she.~*~*~*
Michonne lay down on the sofa next to Rick and pulled the cover halfway over her. The body of Agent Rascolli flashed in her head and she burst into quiet tears.