They left the bathroom and went to their bedrooms with a plan to meet downstairs for popcorn and a movie after having a moment to themselves. What had happened in the shower was amazing, but a little scary at the same time.
Carol sat on her bed and took a few deep breaths as she tried calm her beating heart. The time her and Daryl shared in the bathroom was unexpected, but beautiful. He was such a good man and did so many wonderful things for her and Sophia. She couldn't help but smile as she realized her feelings for him were growing deeper. She stood to go downstairs and her door suddenly opened.
Daryl stood in the doorway looking at her while he replayed the conversation he had just had with Rick.
"Hey Rick, what is going on!? I saw you called several times, but was in the shower and didn't hear my phone."
"Are you still doing daily perimeter checks?," asked Rick abruptly.
"Yes, of course, why?"
"We just got word that Merle escaped prison yesterday."
"Wait, what? How in the hell did that happen?"
"I guess he was on a work detail outside the fence and the group was ambushed. The guards were shot, but no one was killed. The people that did it, secured the remaining prisoners in the bus and took Merle with them. According to the other prisoners, the men who did this knew Merle."
"I can't believe this shit! How did even find his way to a work detail to begin with?"
"I am as confused and pissed off as you are, Daryl. We are looking into it as we speak. I'm sure I don't have to tell you to step up your perimeter checks and inspect your cameras and security systems daily."
"Absolutely, Rick. I am not going to let anything happen to Carol or Sophia."
"I know you will. We are going to send patrols into the area to start monitoring activity on and off the mountain. We will also have a patrol on the lake to have eyes on the house from there. I will let you know when those units are on their way and give you any contact information as well."
Anger filled him as he thought about what Merle had done. "Thanks for letting me know about the escape. I am going to let Carol know what is going on."
Rick heard the change in his tone. "Daryl, none of this is your fault. He may be your brother, but he makes his own choices." He paused, but when Daryl didn't reply, he hung up.
Pulling his thoughts back in, he waved Carol out into the hallway. She followed him out and quietly closed the door. Turning, she found herself inches away from him as he had stepped up behind her.
Carol smiled up at him as she grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers together. "Come downstairs with me. We have to talk."
Hearing the tone in his voice put her on alert. "What's wrong?," she asked as she sat next to him.
"I just got off the phone with Rick. Merle escaped from prison yesterday. They are currently looking for him, but obviously Rick wanted us to know, so we are prepared."
She stood and pulled her hand away as she went towards the stairs. "I gotta go. I have to take Sophia and get off this damn mountain." Her voice trembled as she continued, "I won't have time to pack much, but I can get more things on the road. One bag should be sufficient for both of us. I should go to the ATM and pull out all my money, so I have it with me and he won't be able to trace us."
Daryl watched as she slowly fell apart in front of him. She paced and kept muttering various things as she organized her plan to get off the mountain. Walking over to her he tried to bring her attention back on him. "Carol, slow down. You are not going anywhere. I promise that you are safe here…"
Yelling, she interrupted him, "YOU PROMISE!? HOW? HE COULD BE HEADING UP THE DRIVEWAY AS WE SPEAK! YOU DON'T KNOW FOR SURE YOU CAN KEEP US SAFE! NOTHING HAS WORKED SO FAR...OH MY GOD, HE IS GOING TO GET MY SOPHIA, DARYL! HE IS GOING TO GET MY SOPHIA!"
He saw her sway and was able to catch her before she collapsed to the floor. Her face was red and sweaty. Knowing her needed to calm her down, he laid her on the couch and ran to get a cold washcloth. Her eyes were still closed as he placed the washcloth on the back of her neck. He sat on the floor next to the couch and gently stroked her hand for a few minutes. Her color returned to normal as her breathing became steady and deep.
He watched as her eyes fluttered open. Quietly she said, "What happened?"
"You were extremely upset about Merle, got worked up, and eventually fainted."
She closed her eyes and did some deep breathing. "Yes, I remember. We are in danger and have to get out of here right away."
"Open your eyes and look at me, please." When he had her attention, he said, "Let me tell you what Rick and I are setting up. Hopefully, it will put your mind at ease. I am going to complete perimeter checks three times a day. He is putting extra patrols at the base of the mountain to monitor who is going off or coming on it. There will be boat patrols monitoring the house and treeline from the lake. Also, there will be agents working with the county to patrol the woods outside of the perimeter I check. We are not alone in this."
He continued to hold her hand while giving her a few minutes to think about everything he had
told her. Calmly, she answered, "Thank you for taking care of us. I really do trust you. I would just like to catch a break with this whole thing and I guess that's just wishful thinking."
"I'm here, I'm not going anywhere. I promise."