Merle Dixon watched as the Martinez and Shupert brought in a live one. Damn. Another survivor. Woman, too. They'd covered her top half with a bag. She broke Crowley's nose, cut off the end of his boot, barely missing his toe, kicked Martinez in the nuts, and bit Shupert in the hand and she wasn't even a "biter". Shupert better send a thanks to whatever god he prays to for that piece of luck. The wildcat was kicking and screaming and making such a ruckus he couldn't help but admire her fire. He shook his head and laughed. "Looks like you boys might need some help." He and the man he called the Governor looked at each other. "Want me to handle this one, Gov?" he asked the man with a wide grin.
"Think you can?" The taller man chuckled not taking his eyes off the bagged prisoner.
"Hmpff. Ain't come across a bitch yet I couldn't handle, sir." Merle stood up straighter, eager for the confrontation. She was a small thing but he wouldn't underestimate her like those other fools did.
"Put her down, boys," ordered the Governor.
Shupert dropped the woman none too gently on the floor and jumped back. Merle howled with laughter. "Almost got you, again, man." She let out a string of curses that almost made Merle blush. Almost. She kicked out with her feet trying to hit anyone around her. "Touch me again, you filthy cocksuckers, and I'll feed you your balls!"
"Couldn't you have gagged her?" asked the governor, looking displeased at the crude outburst.
"Sorry, Gov. We tried. That's when the bitch bit Shupert. She's not bitten, we already checked. Barely got her hands taped."
"She alone?"
"Yessir. Found her in a tree, surrounded by biters. Should've left her there," Martinez answered.
The Governor raised his voice, speaking in a calm yet authoritative manner. "You're in a safe place, young lady. Just calm down and we'll take the sack off."
"Fuck off! Get away from me you filthy motherfucker,"she cursed at him, trying unsuccessfully to get to her feet. "I'm not afraid of you."
Merle narrowed his steely blue eyes and cautiously circled the struggling female form on the floor.
She kicked out with a booted foot. A small knife slid out and skidded to stopped at Merle's foot. He picked the familiar weapon with the mother-of-pearl handle and turned it over in his calloused hand. Could it be? "Possum?"
The wildcat in the sack stilled. The only sound in the small room was her heavy breathing. The three other men turned and fixed their eyes on Merle.
"Daddy?" a little voice squeaked.
Merle cut the ropes and ripped the bag off. Amanda blinked hard trying to adjust to the sudden brightness in the unfamiliar room. For once in his life, Merle Dixon was speechless. He dropped to his knees and cut the duct tape that bound her wrists. Amanda threw her arms around his neck. "Oh my god, Daddy! I knew you weren't dead!" She cried as he pulled her to her feet and wrapped her tightly against him. She sobbed into his chest. "I can't believe it, Daddy! Oh my god! Daryl said..."
"Hush, baby girl," Merle said, pressing her face harder into his shirt to muffle her words. "Not here," he whispered the warning into her hair. "Understand?" He felt her nod, then released his grip. He pushed the tangled mass of dark hair back from her eyes and held her face in his calloused hand. Wiping tears from her cheeks with his thumb, he said, "Hush, ladybug, You're safe now. Daddy's got you. I ain't gonna let no one else hurt you." He kissed her forehead and hugged her again. Then, he stepped back and bellowed, "Which one of you motherfuckers gave my baby girl a black eye?"
Martinez and Shupert both took a step back. Merle wasn't the biggest man in Woodbury but he was by far the toughest and the meanest. His temper was legendary and though he'd manage to control it more often than not these days, the two men weren't taking any chances. They'd unwittingly "roughed up" his baby girl and Merle Dixon wasn't the forgiving kind.
"Now, now, Merle." interjected the Governor. "They couldn't have known who she was. No harm was intended." The tall man spoke smoothly to diffuse the situation. "Please, Merle. Introduce us to your lovely daughter."
The veins in Merle's neck pulsed furiously as he fought his rage. He fisted his hand at his side and swallowed. "Sorry, governor, sir. This is my daughter, Amanda. Amanda, the Governor." He deliberately ignored the other two men in the room.
The governor extended a hand. Amanda didn't like this man. She didn't like the tone he used when he spoke to her daddy. She couldn't believe Merle hadn't knocked his teeth out yet. She glanced at her dad who nodded slightly so she held out her hand. The governor clasped hers in both of his big hands and held tight.
"Welcome to Woodbury, Amanda. I am charmed and frankly, quite surprised. Merle never told us he had a daughter."
"Ain't seen my baby for years, sir," muttered Merle. "Me and the girl's momma never saw eye-to-eye." That wasn't the only reason but he didn't feel the need to share his personal shit with anyone. He'd been locked up in County last time Amanda was in Georgia and he wouldn't let Daryl bring her for a visit. He didn't want her to see him there and he didn't want the other inmates seeing her.
"Must look like her mother," mumbled Martinez elbowing Shupert who just grunted.
"Shut the fuck up!" Merle barked.
The Governor finally released Amanda's hand with a pat. "Merle, why don't you take your daughter home. She can shower and change and rest up a bit. I'll have Rowan bring over some fresh clothes. You two can catch up but I expect to see you both for dinner at my place tonight." He smiled, turned on his heel and left, followed by his two thugs.
"C'mon, ladybug, let's go."
"Daddy, I..."
"Not here," Merle hissed and led her out the side door of what appeared to be a warehouse. He practically dragged her down an alley along the backside of what appeared to be a deserted row of houses until he came to a nondescript door on the end. He unlocked it and shoved her into a dimly lit, tiny studio apartment. Exhaling loudly, he leaned back against the door. "Thought I'd never see you again, ladybug."
He was thinner, older, and grayer, but his eyes were clear...clean. Amanda couldn't remember ever seeing him quite like this. Then she noticed the obvious lack of a right hand and horror registered on her face. "Oh my God! Daddy, what happened to you?" she asked, as she gingerly touched the apparatus on his arm.
"Later, baby girl." He stroked her cheek with his left hand and pulled her to him again. Long forgotten emotions welled up in his chest and his breath caught in his throat. He stroked the back of her head as he fought back the tears that threatened to reach his eyes. Dixons don't cry. He was afraid he would break if he spoke. Gathering all his strength he managed to say, "Clean up, then we'll talk. Easy on the hot water. Ain't much."
Merle's mind was racing. Holy shit! My baby girl is here! Alive! And she's happy to see me! I guess the end of the world can change a lot of things. She said Daryl's name. She was with him? My baby brother's alive, too? He was almost afraid to ask.
"Hurry up, Amanda!" He paced the length of the room like a cage animal. Fuck! His mind was racing. He couldn't concentrate. If it had been anyone else he would have grilled them first, but Ladybug looked so pathetic covered in dirt and blood, twigs in her hair and...a shiner. Fuckin' assholes! He didn't give a shit if it was an accident. Someone would pay for hurting his baby.
Merle jumped when a knock sounded at the door. Shit, Merle, you pussy. What was wrong with him? He knew Rowan was coming. He cracked it open enough to see the pretty brunette that warmed the governor's bed. Well that was until Blondie showed up. Maybe she was looking for another place to lay her head. Not bad. A little to skinny for his taste, but hell, who wasn't these days? Focus, Dixon! "Hi! Mr. Dixon. Here's some clothes and shoes for your daughter." Rowan stepped forward onto the threshold and acted like she expected to be invited in. Merle blocked her with his body, propping his stump on the door frame. Hell. Bad timing, girl. Any other day... Course, she wouldn't be here if it weren't for Amanda. Rowan stood on her tiptoes trying to peek around him. Damn, she smells good. Merle took this opportunity to sneak a quick glance down her blouse. Not bad. Fuck, Dixon, you don't have time for this. He grabbed the items and nodded, making sure his eyes made contact with her soft brown ones. "Thanks, darlin'," and shut the door a little bit too quickly. I hope she ain't going take that personal.
"You done yet, Ladybug?"
"Yeah," she called back.
"Clothes are on the bed. Hurry up."
Amanda dried off quickly and wrapped the towel around her hair. She picked up the clothes on the bed. You've gotta be kidding. A dress? She couldn't remember the last time she wore a dress...oh yeah...the ugly-ass bridesmaid dress...pretty much the day everything went to hell. Oh well. She slipped it over her head and pulled up the back zipper. Good fit. She held up the brown leather boots for inspection. They would have been cute any other time or place but the heels...not very practical for the apocalypse. Hopefully, she wouldn't be called on to defend herself while wearing them.
"Got a comb, Daddy?"
"Do I look like I need a comb," he grumbled, running his hand over his shorn head. He stopped in his tracks when she walked out wearing a flowered sundress and boots that went to her knees. Fuck! His baby girl wasn't a baby any more. She was beautiful. I dare any of those motherless bastards to even look at her. Shit. I'm so fucked!
Amanda just laughed fondly and kissed his cheek. "Sorry, grumpy." She continued to comb out her hair with her fingers.
Merle's blood boiled at the bruising around her eye. Yep, if none of the bastards would speak up, he'd have to make them all pay. He chuckled to himself, Hell, baby girl took care of Crowley all by herself. He had a broken nose and two black eyes to boot. Still, Merle figured Daddy Dixon owed the motherfucker one, too. But he'd wait until he was nice and healed up first. He grinned in anticipation of the beating he would enjoy administering to the man.
"C'mere, baby." He pulled his daughter down to the couch beside him so that they sat facing each other. Amanda kept trying to comb out that damn mop so he grabbed her hands to still them. "I'll find you something later, Possum. Now just listen a sec."
"Okay, Daddy" She nodded. Amanda couldn't help but grin. She reached over and hugged him. "I'm so glad I found you." She squeezed him tight. Merle's wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
"Is Daryl alive?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper against her hair.
She pulled back to see his face, and nodded "Yes, Daddy! He..." Merle hushed her with a finger to her lips. He closed his eyes a moment and choked back the emotion. If he was a prayin' man he'd a send up a thanks to heaven. "We'll talk 'bout it later, after this damn dinner tonight."
Amanda put her arms around his neck. "I was so scared. I missed you so much. I felt so bad about leaving things the way I did...I'm sorry, Daddy...I..."
"Hush, baby girl. Ain't nothing else matters anymore. You and Daryl being alive...that's all that counts." He rubbed her back awkwardly. He wasn't use to displays of affection but it felt like the right thing to do. It felt damn good to have his girl again. "Listen to me, Possum. There ain't nobody here you can trust but your ol' man so keep your mouth shut at dinner. Don't say nothing' 'bout where you been or who you were with. Got it?" She nodded. He was really scaring her. "Atta girl. Just follow my lead."
"Now,' he said, pulling her up with him. "Let's see what the governor has on the menu tonight."
Merle guided Amanda out the front door into a place she could only describe as a town coming straight out of a storybook. Well-kept houses with immaculate "mini-gardens" lined either side of the main street. The median was built up like a park complete with trees and a few picnic tables.
The laughter of children filled the air as they played and rode bicycles as if they didn't have a care in the world. Everyone smiled and waved.
"Hey, Merle. Congratulations on finding your daughter." An older gentleman clapped him on the back and his wife gave Merle a quick hug and peck on the cheek.
"Couldn't have happened to a nicer man. You're a lucky girl." She smiled and patted Amanda's hand.
There wasn't a person they passed that didn't have a kind word or a smile for her daddy.
"This place is awesome." And a bit weird. Amanda squeezed Merle's arm.
"Yeah 'spose it is," he replied, distractedly.
A nice-looking young man approached them with a wide grin on his clean shaven face.
Her daddy's glare stopped him in his tracks. "Keep on walking, boy," Merle growled, "She ain't for you."
"Hey, he was kinda cute," she teased her dad.
He grunted, "He ain't man enough for you if he can't look me in the eye."
"You know I was only joking." she bumped up against him. "I already have someone anyway."
He turned to look at his daughter. Did she just say she had a man? "Somethin' you wanna talk about?"
"Later. After dinner and after you tell me about this," She said as she tapped his right arm.
"Hi, Merle," a blonde batted her lashes at him and he turned to watch her ass as she passed.
"Really, Daddy?"
"No harm in lookin'."
She punched his arm. He just laughed and squeezed her hand.
A pretty redhead bounced up to them. "Hey Merle. This must be your daughter, Amanda."
"Damn bunch of gossips." Merle grumbled.
"You know it," laughed the young woman, smiling up at him, green eyes flashing. The redhead reached across Merle to shake Amanda's hand, making sure she brushed up against his chest. This didn't go unnoticed by either Dixon.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jessie. A...A friend of your Dad's."
"Nice to meet you, too." Amanda raised her brows and glanced at Merle who was starting to look a little uncomfortable.
"If you need anything, Amanda, let me know," Jessie offered. "I'll help you get settled in anyway I can."
"Gotta comb?" she asked sheepishly.
Jessie grinned. "I believe I might have one here in my purse." She dug around a few seconds. Merle shifted his weight from side to side and cleared his throat. Both women ignored him.
"Will this do?" Jessie held up a small pink comb.
"Thank you! Amanda grabbed it and started working furiously at the almost dried curls which only making them frizzier. "Damn."
Jessie laughed a nice laugh. "Here. how about this?" She gave her a hair band.
"Even better!" Amanda exclaimed as Jessie helped her put her hair up into a messy bun.
"Women," Merle muttered watching them with growing impatience. "Don't wanna be late, Amanda."
They kept on talking like he wasn't even there. "Oh that's much better, Amanda. Find me tomorrow and we'll get you some conditioner."
"Thanks, Jessie," she said patting her hair.
The redhead touched Merle's arm lightly with her fingertips. "Is she going to be staying with you Merle?"
"Course she is. Where else would she stay?"
"Just wondering. Bye Amanda. See ya later, Merle," she said as she trailed her hand down his arm.
Amanda grinned at her daddy. "What?" he snapped. "Dumb bitch. Don't what she was goin' on about."
"Well, Daddy, I think she was trying to ascertain...your place or hers."
He grunted and roughly took her arm. "Let's go."
"You telling me you're not hitting that redhead?"
"What the hell is wrong with you? Where the fuck you learn to talk like...never mind. Fuckin' crazy women." She burst into giggles at Merle's discomfort. She's never seen her Daddy like this. Amanda looped her arm around his prosthetic one and they walked the rest of the way to the Governor's house lost in their own thoughts.