A/N: Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites. I'm very appreciative. For those who have asked both in the reviews and direct messages, this is a Richonne story. The story will be told from various points of view, but primarily from Rick's and Michonne's POV''s. This chapter picks up immediately after Chapter 1. Please enjoy.
Chapter 2 – Her Observations
"Jacqui."
She looked away from Rosita and glanced over at Edwin.
"Yes," she replied.
"I'll keep an eye on them and monitor their breathing. Why don't you grab some of those folding chairs from the utility closet?"
Always the dutiful assistant when required, she stood up straight from her leaning position, "Uh, okay. Be right back."
She quickly rushed towards the door. The click-clack of her heels on the tile floor echoed through the empty office that doubled as a lab- Edwin has no bedside manner. I'd better get back in there. She picked up her speed. The utility closet was down the hallway near the front entrance of the building. After placing two folding chairs under one arm, and two identical chairs under the other, she exited the room. Swiftly kicking the door shut with her foot, she hastened her speed towards the lab and chamber- we'll just have to use a couple of office chairs from the office for the rest- she released a breath, holding tight to the slipping objects in her arms.
The chamber came into view. Edwin was keeping his distance from Daryl; who was sitting up and coughing. Rosita was in the lotus position with one hand covering her forehead and the other resting on her chest. Maggie was cradling her legs with her head resting on her knees. As she got closer to the see-through chamber, she could also see Rick groggily pushing himself up. Both Carol and Michelle were still laying on their sides.
Jacqui adjusted the chairs in her arms and manipulated the door handle. Edwin was still standing in the same spot; much like the proverbial deer in headlights.
The door closed as she walked in, "Edwin…can you help me with these?" She tilted her head towards the chairs in her right hand; still catching her breath.
"Sure," he said walking towards her. They opened the chairs and sat them in a semi-circle near their sedentary guests.
"Wha…what…where are…" Daryl stuttered, coughing out his words. Edwin stepped closer to him. Jacqui could see the doctor's hesitation to touch the barely coherent man.
"Take it easy," Edwin recommended from a safe distance.
"Let me go grab some bottles of water for them," Jacqui said as she quickly rushed out and grabbed bottles from the small refrigerator in the outer office. She also picked up a clipboard, notepad, and pen. In less than sixty seconds she was back in the glass room. She placed a bottle of water in Daryl's hands, Rosita's hands, and leaned over to put a bottle on the floor next to Maggie; her hands were gripped tightly around her knees.
Rosita mumbled, "Que…esta pasa…? What's…what's going on?" Pausing to look around, "what's going on? Where are we?" Her voice began to rise. Her eyes grew wide as she began to glance around the room.
Jacqui looked at Edwin with a 'what do we say' question on her face. His blank 'not sure what the hell to say' facial response was her answer.
Walking closer to the first member of the group who was completely conscious, "Let us help you into a chair," Jacqui offered as she and Edwin assisted a light-weight Rosita into the closest chair.
"Um…thank you," a woozy Rosita said apprehensively.
The two observers then helped Daryl into the chair nearest him. He muttered something unintelligible. His inebriated like state did not allow him to put up the fight that she was sure he intended.
"Fu—fuuck," definitely understood that- she almost laughed at this Daryl being the Daryl she remembered; even in his half-sleep state.
"Where are we?" Maggie asked in a very clear southern accent from the floor, "what's goin' on?"
Jacqui walked away from Daryl and closer to the southern belle.
"Ms. Greene, let us help you up. I know this is weird," Dr. Jenner, finally snapping out of the silent mode, said. Jacqui winked at him, thankful that he was finally found his voice. The two lifted the young brunette into an awaiting chair. Edwin placed the water bottle she'd dropped back into her hands and watched her as she took a big gulp.
A barrage of questions, that were becoming more lucid by the minute, began to be hurled at them from the three awake and individuals.
Who are you? What is this place? Where are we? Are we being held hostage?
"We'll answer all your questions," Dr. Jenner said, raising his hands to stop the avalanche of questions.
The atmosphere in the room had grown cool and tense. "Yes. We will," Jacqui concurred, "please stay calm," she asked.
"Ja—Jacqui. Is that you?" Carol asked, struggling to sit.
Jacqui met Carol, the other Carol, in the world that she wanted so desperately to forget. They were a small group of strangers who set up a camp in the mountains just outside Atlanta in the post-apocalyptic universe. Carol was a nice lady but suffered from one of the worst cases of battered women's syndrome that Jacqui had ever seen. Her husband Ed was a horribly angry man. Even after Shane beat him nearly to death, it didn't stop him from being an ass; or Carol from explaining away his brutal actions.
When Jacqui woke up in this new world, and re-connected with Edwin, the only thing she wanted to do was figure out how to help women like Carol. Edwin helped her purchase the domestic abuse center. She located the Carol Peletier of her new world. After recruiting Joan Perry to run the shelter, she ensured that Joan hired Carol.
Jacqui always kept her distance from Carol; the mildly skittish, and rightfully untrusting, battered wife.
"Uh, yes, Carol. It's me." She walked over to the thin middle-aged woman and assisted her into the chair.
"Let me help," Edwin offered, lending a hand that was no longer needed; Carol was already seated.
She peered at her friend, "I got it Doctor, why don't you help Deputy Grimes," she pointed at the deputy in question as he was now sitting up with his hands over his eyes.
"Uh—um…" he was momentarily frozen.
She gave him the side-eye stare that he'd been on the receiving end of for most of their friendship/alliance, "Go on. I've got her. Why don't you roll the office chairs in here?"
Managing to shake himself from his temporary state of inactivity, "Okay," he said, making a quick trek to the door. He returned with rolling office chairs; leaving one next to the slowly awakening attorney, and one next to the deputy.
Rick stumbled forward as the doctor assisted him into the chair. After the deputy was seated, the doctor then bent down to lock the wheels—preventing the chair from rolling.
"Uh…what…what is this? Where…" Jacqui turned towards the soft voice coming from the floor- so you're up now. She leaned down over a slow-moving Michonne- this should be interesting. Rick seemed to reach for you in his unconscious state. Hmm, wonder what he'll do…
"Edwin. Let's get her into a seat," Jacqui recommended amid the rising grumbles in the room. They assisted the counselor into the last vacant seat in the chamber. She watched as Michonne scanned the room and its occupants with confusion etched on her face.
On the other side of the semi-circle a voice rose above the incoherent grumbles…"Oh my go…" Rosita stopped mid-sentence; her eyes wide and bewildered. Everyone directed their attention towards her. Jacqui could see that she was remembering. Or maybe just trying to figure something out.
"Ms. Espinosa. Do you remember something?" Jacqui hungrily inquired - hopefully we can find out exactly what you know. She walked over to Rosita and reached for her hand. The young woman snatched her hand away and placed it on her lap.
"I'm sorry," Jacqui said, withdrawing her hand, "I didn't mean to overstep. Is there something you remembered?"
She gingerly backed up, giving the apprehensive woman some space.
"I—I remember looking out over the ocean. I was on an airplane. I—don't really remember landing, but I think I…" she again stopped, closing her eyes and sighing deeply.
Jacqui studied the faces of the six people. They all looked like reluctant participants in some type of sleep deprivation study. Their expressions ranged from confusion to anger.
"Tell us where we are," the deputy said while looking around the room, "and how the Hell did we get here?"
"Exactly. Where are we? Are we being held hostage?" Maggie asked with increasing angst; her southern hospitality nearly gone.
"No. No. You're not hostages," Jacqui assured looking around the room. All six of the previously lifeless guests were now completely alert and growing extremely agitated. She looked at Edwin hoping that her eyes could speak the words- Now is the time. Say something you coward.
The doctor breathed deep before responding, "Jacqui is right. You're not hostages."
"Who are you and where are we?" Rosita's voice was raised and her jaws mildly clenched, "Why was I on an airplane?"
"My name is Dr. Edwin Jenner, and this is Jacqui Stone," he motioned to his friend and assistant, "We're in my lab in downtown Atlanta, Georgia."
"Atlanta?" Rosita quietly questioned. Taken aback. Her anxiety level appeared to dissipate as she processed this new information.
"How did we get here?" Michelle, also known as Michonne, asked hesitantly.
"I don't remember coming here." Carol said, looking directly at the only person in the room that she knew. "Jacqui, what's going on?"
"It's okay Carol. I promise you haven't been harmed in any way."
"I'm glad you can make promises. But you still haven't told us anythan'," there was no more down home genteelness remaining in Maggie's tone or her glare.
Apparently the southern belle is gone. Now we meet the straight up country girl – Jacqui attempted a soft smile.
"Uh…" Michonne bit her lip and began fiddling with her necklace pendant, "Eyes…" Jacqui heard her whisper.
Maggie reached over and touched the other woman's arm, "Are you okay," she asked softly; regaining her genteel nature.
Michonne nodded in the affirmative while staring at the blank white wall. They all watched her. Rick's stare was different- He's just noticed her. Almost like he's looking to her for some kind of answer. What are you thinking? Jacqui glanced back at the group attempting not to look as frazzled as she was quickly becoming.
Though they all seemed to be riled up, none had yet attempted to bolt out of the room- that must mean something.
Over the next ten minutes or so, Doctor Jenner kept his answers vague and non-descript. Jacqui brought in two more chairs. They sat while their six guests shared their splintered memories.
"I remember going on the computer and looking up information on…you," Carol looked at Rick. They made eye contact. Her eyes held a question. His blue eyes stared into her gray ones with no answer go give. "Why was I searching for you?" She asked.
He didn't answer.
"I went to…um…I think it was your garage. You're a…a mechanic? But how…have we met?" Michonne appeared to grow frustrated as the memories that made no logical sense materialized in her head.
Daryl stared glassy-eyed without answering.
The doctor listened with purpose. Jacqui took notes as most of the unwitting-allies spoke. From what she managed to deduce, the strongest memories they had were from the first two days of the survivor's arrival in this world. After that, their memories were blurred.
They each seemed to be struggling to uncover the memories of the past few days. The inner turmoil seemed to make a few of them angry…
"What the Hell is this?" Daryl and Rosita seethed in different ways as they fought for recall.
Carol and Maggie were more introspective and inquisitive with their questioning, "You said its Sunday…where have we been for the last…uh…three days?"
Michonne attempted to come up with answers, "Do we have D.I.D?" she asked, "Is that what this is?"
"What's D.I.D?" Maggie turned to face the gentle speaking woman.
"It stands for Dissociative Identity Disorder. They used to call it Multiple Personality Disorder…or a split personality. There was a litigant in a case I was involved in a few years ago who suffered from it—or at least the doctor said he did," she responded.
"Well I ain't got no damn disorder. That sounds like some bullshit doctors say when they can't explain somethin'," Daryl spat, shaking his head in frustration.
"You're probably right, Mr….uh…"
"It's Daryl. Just Daryl," he said, answering her unasked question.
"Nice to meet you…again I guess," he stumbled over his words, Miss…?"
"Michelle Onette. But Michonne is fine. Just Michonne." She smiled, causing him to smile- despite himself.
The able-bodied assistant watched their interaction- Without trying she managed to soften him- It's almost like they have some connection that neither are aware of. Well I'll be damned. They don't consciously know each other but they remember seeking each other out. Hmm.
Ignoring the surly mechanic, Dr. Jenner focused his attention on the attorney, "I'm impressed with your knowledge."
"It's not a big leap. We're all missing time," she directed her words to Daryl with a soft smile, "We have memories of doing things, but we don't know why…it's kinda textbook…" her eyes drifted upwards as her words abruptly ended.
The room was quiet as everyone appeared to consider this new information. Jacqui observed the individuals in the room as they each seemed to process the ramifications if this theory proved true.
Deputy Grimes, officer of the law, remained mostly silent. He appeared to be sizing up everyone in the room and putting together the pieces of the puzzle he'd been unintentionally given to decipher.
It was as if they had all been in a fog for the last couple of days. Their memories were hazy and disjointed. But the more they talked, the more they seemed to connect dots. These were dots that neither she nor Edwin really wanted them to connect.
Misdirection is really the only option. She sighed.
The Sheriff Deputy's southern drawl was heavy; his tone measured when he spoke, "We've been tellin' you what we remember. Tryin' to fill in the holes in our memories, and you've only givin' us vague replies. It's time to start explainin' what this is all about." He kept eye contact with the doctor, tilting his head slightly, leaving no room for discussion.
Jacqui glanced over to Edwin. She expected him to look frazzled and ready to run for the hills, but what she saw was just the opposite.
Without missing a beat, "I, along with some of my colleagues, have been working on a project regarding trauma. It specifically deals with the healthy integration of long-term grief. Each of you, over the past year, has completed questionnaires or applications which indicated a desire for therapy…"
"That's bullshit!" Daryl snapped loudly with his fist balled, "I ain't never signed up for therapy."
"Actually Mr. Dixon," the doctor looked at the angry mechanic, "You completed a form for your new doctor a few months ago. On the form you indicated past trauma. HIPPA laws, which are your rights to privacy, do not allow us to get the exact information that you indicated. Most medical professionals use specific programs to assist their patients. That material is put into onsite databases. The information is compiled and uploaded to a central database…" he took a deep breath before continuing.
"…An algorithm that we created to group certain answers is how we located you all. You fit the criteria." He scanned the faces of all the group members.
"This is some real Big Brother shit right here," Rosita stated, waving her hand at the doctor dismissively. The others nodded their agreement.
The doctor continued, "After the information was compiled, the program selected the right candidates for the study. The program sends out a simple message. A wave, per se, that is sent to mobile phones. It's a subliminal message that makes you feel less stress. Like affirmations or messages of self empowerment. Emails were sent out to those who qualify. Once the email was opened, gentle messages were mailed."
Stroke of genius. Jacqui grinned to herself. Who would've thought that idiotic study would come in handy? About a year ago, a group of scientific researchers' came together to work on ways to combat the effects of both diagnosed and undiagnosed trauma in veterans. The Department of Defense, in connection with the CDC and the Surgeon General of the United States, commissioned the study. Dr. Jenner was invited, along with around one hundred other scientists, to take part in the study. Each doctor was given money to conduct their own experiments. Bi-monthly symposiums were where all findings were presented. The Shock Study that he just told the group of six aboutwas one of the many studies that the scientists had fleshed out. It was an actual program. It was at least three years away from being tested on people- No reason you guys need to know that. Her grin became a knowing smile.
"Are you kidding? You got into our heads and sent us messages. There's no way that's legal," Michonne said emphatically, voicing the growing irritation in the room.
"That's right," Maggie agreed.
"Actually Miss Onette, it is quite legal. We followed a very strict protocol."
"Maybe it's legal. There's no way it's ethical," Rick said glancing over to Michonne. She looked at him for only a second before looking back at the doctor.
"That's right. First do no harm. Right?" Michonne added.
Carol raised her hand, years of primary and secondary school conditioning, before lowering it and speaking, "Um, that doesn't explain why you're here Jacqui. How are you connected to this?"
She'd lectured Edwin about being honest to these people. Truth was the way to go, and yet, the lies flowed out of her easier than water from a faucet, "I met Dr. Jenner when he joined the Board of Directors for the Women's Shelter. He had the same drive that I did to assist families who had been affected by abuse. When I found out about this project I was excited. I minored in Psychology, so assisting the team was a perfect fit. He and the others wanted to help people who were struggling with varying degrees of trauma…" she smiled broadly to convey her excitement. She'd never been a liar. But maybe after three years of either lying or omitting the truth from everyone in her life, lying became easy. Even when I hadn't planned on lying, that's exactly what I did. Is it okay if I lie now and tell you the truth later?
"You didn't have a right to do this without getting our permission," Maggie said.
The smile dropped from Jacqui's face. She humbly slumped her shoulders to convey her regret and drive home the lie; giving it just that much more sincerity.
"You're right. However, the questionnaires and applications that you filled out did give us permission. Maybe you didn't realize it. For that we are sorry. But this study will help a lot of people. Including you."
"You really don't know what kind of damage you may have done to us," Rick directed to both the doctor and his assistant.
"That's right. What if we'd killed someone? Or committed some other kind of crime," Rosita chimed in with more than a little indignation.
"I assure you that there was no damage and you committed no crimes." The doctor looked away from Rick and directed his words to Rosita, "Ms. Espinosa, you did spend money on an airline ticket. Our team will replace that money and any other monies you used over the past four days."
"Nothin' you've said explains why we went in search…uh…" he glanced over to Michonne. She kept her eyes faced-forward, "in search of each other."
Clearly you didn't earn your promotion as Section Chief just because you're good looking. How do we explain that? The quandary went through her head quickly. Edwin stared at the deputy without answering. Damn frightened deer all over again.
"We believe it's a glitch in the program," she spoke getting Rick's attention and hopefully taking the spotlight off of the flummoxed doctor, "It's one of the things that Doctor Jenner and the others are working on." She smiled before continuing…
"We realize that you all are confused and missing certain memories. But be honest with yourselves for just a moment. Even though you feel confused and skeptical, don't you have a feeling of being connected? Isn't there a weight that seems somehow lifted from you? You can't put your finger on it, but it's there."-I can tell you're connected to each other. Of course it has nothing to do with some idiotic study. It's works out though. She retained the deceptively kind smile.
x-x-x
Thirty minutes of going back and forth with the questions and answers. Each of the six unwitting participants threw out the questions; she and Edwin batted them back with reasonable answers. The group of six drifted to the opposite side of the glass chamber. They were whispering. It's clear that whatever they really remembered, would not be shared with the two of them. The other thing that seemed quite clear is that Rick was leading their discussion. He was their leader in the other world. Apparently that was the case in this world as well.
"Have you noticed that Rick is doing most of the talking?" Edwin whispered while keeping his eye on the group.
"Yes. He's been sizing us up. Especially you."
The two conductors of the experiment stood like away from the small group. They're acting like we're some kinda evil co-conspirators. Feels like we've been exiled to the other side of the island. Do they know we're lying?
"I could see that too," he quietly agreed, "It makes sense. He's been trained in detecting lies and finding truth."
"When did you come up with The Study idea?" The question had a tinge of disapproval as she twisted her lips. She wasn't thrilled that he hadn't shared the plan for the elaborate lie beforehand.
"It wasn't something that I had completely worked through. I thought that they would remember everything. When they didn't…well, it just came to me. They just needed some kind of explanation. One that makes sense. We did enough research on each of them. I had a feeling that everything that we found out about them would pay off. What I told them is not that farfetched. Why ruin our lives if we don't have to?" He posed with a shoulder shrug.
"You almost had me convinced."
"Like I said…it's a plausible explanation. Thank goodness they've all had therapy. Or need therapy," he half smiled at his own words.
"So cynical Edwin," she crinkled her nose and shook her head.
He shrugged in response.
"Well, I just hope you didn't make things worse. If I'm right, they're not telling us everything they remember."
He frowned, not agreeing with her assessment, "Seems like they've been forthcoming. Without even realizing it."
His brand of smugness frustrated her. He was self-congratulating like a child who's gotten away with the cookies from the forbidden cookie jar.
She scoffed, "Don't be so sure. Did you notice how Michelle…Michonne," she corrected, "won't look Rick in the face. She's purposely looking at anyone, anything, other than him. And yet, he keeps staring at her. I think he's trying to remember something. To figure out something," she slyly glanced at the group, "I think that maybe she's already remembered something. Maybe everything. She has a good poker face…but it doesn't translate to her body language. He also keeps twisting his wedding band."
Once everyone was seated and coherent, Jacqui began paying more attention to the movements of the group that were not conscious of. Carol, like many abused women who spent years hiding the abuse, had always been very private. She kept her feelings close to the vest. But this Carol was different. She smiled gently while sitting next to these people who 'should've' been strangers to her. There was a softness in her eyes as she listened to Rosita and Daryl get angry. At one point, she reached over and touched Rosita's leg. It happened so fast. Without any words spoken, she calmed down. Daryl seemed to pick up on this que and also calmed down.
Maggie went from inquisitive and confused to what could only be characterized as sad. Almost as if sensing the sadness of the young southern belle, Michonne reached over and rubbed her back. It was when Jacqui noticed Michonne very subtly button the top two buttons on her blouse and shift in her seat- turning her body towards Maggie (who sat to her right), and away from Rick (who sat to her left) that she knew they weren't telling her and Edwin everything that they remembered.
Jacqui made notes of what they said; putting times and places into chronological order. She also made notes of their subtle movements. The lines that she underlined in triplicate simply stated – On a subconscious level they remember the past few days. They are connected to one another without consciously realizing it. Some part of the survivors was left behind. Further investigation.
"No. I hadn't noticed. I have noticed how they kept pulling back their words. Very nebulous."
"I saw that too. They definitely remember more than they've said," she concurred, "what if they go to the authorities?"
"Honestly, I doubt that they will. You said it yourself. Rick has become their leader…of sorts. And I don't think he'll want anyone to know that he cheated on his wife. He's in line for the top job in the Sheriff's Department. He's a shoe in from what we gathered. Letting people know that he's susceptible to subliminal messaging would ruin him. Same with Michelle Onette. Who would want an attorney that can't even recall her whereabouts from the past few days? And cheating on her long-term boyfriend with a married cop won't go over well either..."
He glanced over at the whispering group, "Maggie Greene is a teacher. I imagine the school district wouldn't be too thrilled with having someone in the classroom who left herself open to psychological manipulation. Carol is already on thin ice when it comes to getting full custody of her daughter. She definitely won't want anyone to know about this. Rosita Espinosa works for a government agency. She's trained to keep secrets. Plus, flying across the country with no good reason would undoubtedly ruin her career too. The only one who really has nothing to lose is Daryl Dixon…"
"He's less likely than all of 'em to tell," Jacqui chimed in unprompted, "His is about ego. Guys like Daryl don't do therapy. They certainly don't want anyone to know that they signed up for it. Even if he actually didn't," this was not the road that the willing assistant and women's advocated wanted to be on, but she'd taken to it like a champ.
"Exactly. And if they do remember…well, that would be even worse for them. Trying to convince people that their bodies were taken over by visitors for another universe…" he lifted his chin, giving her his enigmatic smile.
"All of this just feels…"
"I know Jac," he reached over and rubbed her arm, stopping at her elbow, "but this is for the best."
"You don't have to be so damn happy about it though. Your ability to compartmentalize and tendency towards extreme conflation is somewhat worrisome." She said the words. Oddly enough, it wasn't worrisome in the way it should've been.
"I'm not. We're just doing what we need to do in…"
He stopped mid-sentence; his eyes grew wide. Jacqui sensed the movement in the room. She turned to see why Edwin stopped speaking. They both smiled as the group approached.
"I'm, um, glad that you all had an opportunity to speak…without us watching you," she laughed softly at her attempt at levity. Their faces remained stoic.
"Thank you for giving us the time," Rick said, his expression aloof, "we appreciate it."
"Of course," the doctor said in his most confident tone.
"Were you able to remember anything else?" Jacqui asked the question that she already knew the answer to. Yes, they remembered things that they had not shared- at least not with her and the doctor. And No, they would not tell the truth about what they'd remembered. Their guards were up and the only people in the room that they trusted were each other.
"Unfortunately not," Carol said looking directly into Jacqui's eyes- Lie straight to my face. Wow. Turnabouts fair play I guess.
"Your memories will probably come back slowly. How are you all feeling?" Dr. Jenner inquired.
"Fine. I think we all feel fine." Rosita spoke for everyone.
"Miss Espinosa. I know you're not from here. Do you need us to assist you with housing until you're able to get a flight home?"
"She'll be fine," Michonne spoke up protectively, "She'll stay at my place until she leaves."
All four of the women smiled at each other. It was as if they were sharing a private secret- Dammit. I wish I could read your minds.
x-x-x
Dr. Jenner and Jacqui Stone walked the six 'program participants' down the hall and opened the service door. It was dark outside as a warm breeze washed over them. The only cars in the parking lot were Edwin's SUV, a red BMW 3351 Coupe and a Pontiac Trans Am. She knew that the Pontiac was Daryl's car and the BMW was Michonne's. It was information they'd found out easily when they'd conducted their research into the lives of the six individuals.
"Hopefully you all will be able to return next week." Dr. Jenner said cautiously, "I know you each have reservations, but I can assure you that this is really a worthwhile program. Your help would be invaluable. And of course, Miss Espinosa, we can conduct your meeting over Skype if you've already gone back to Los Angeles."
They each responded with various head nods and mumbles. None gave a definitive answer.
"Have a good evening." Jacqui said as they walked towards the two vehicles.
Beeps sounded from both vehicles as the car lights flashed; turning off alarms and unlocking doors. Daryl got into the driver's seat of his Pontiac. Carol got into the passenger seat and Maggie got into the back seat.
Rick opened the driver's side door of the BMW for Michonne- she still won't look him in his face. Looks like she said, 'Thank you.' He then opened the door for Rosita before getting into the passenger seat. The engine started for both cars and within seconds they were exiting the lot.
"Hmm. That's interesting," she chuckled sardonically, mostly to herself.
Edwin turned to face her, "What's so interesting?"
"I was looking at the monitor when they arrived. Watching the parking lot. The camera shows the entire lot," she narrowed her eyes and exhaled, "It didn't seem interesting, or worth noting at the time..."
"What?" His curiosity was now peeked.
"...That Carol and Maggie rode with Daryl. Or that Rick and Rosita rode with Michelle. But now it is interesting…and worth noting…that they're leaving in the exact same cars that they arrived in," she watched the self-congratulating doctors face drop as she posed the question…
"…How did they know?"
Author's Note: Up next we'll get to know the six participants. Thanks again for reading. Reviews are truly appreciated. Blessings...