The town was two hours away from the prison. They didn't talk for the first hour and Merle was bored.

He turned and looked at the Carol in the back seat.

"Been to this town before?"

Carol was actually grateful for anything that would keep her distracted so she picked up the topic.

"Nope, Maggie is the only woman doing the runs with men. And Michonne, but she didn't stay long with us."

Carol was not able to push back the irritated tone. They'd lost a strong member because of Merle. Michonne had been new to the group but Carol had felt she could have stayed with them.

"Is Maggie that good with walkers?" Merle was curious, the more information he could get, the better.

Carol shrugged her shoulders: "I suppose she is. And she's got Glenn to cover her back."

"Who covers your back?"

Carol flinched at his question. She'd have replied Daryl just a few hours ago, but she wasn't so sure anymore. Rick felt her uneasiness and stepped into the conversation.

"We all do Merle. We all care and protect each other in our group."

Merle smiled at Carol.

"I can cover your back anytime you'd like lady. You'd be surprised what big Merle's got to offer."

"I can imagine," Carol deadpanned.

Merle wouldn't leave the topic. It was some time since he'd had a woman and Carol didn't seem to be a bad choice. She looked weak and fragile at first but appeared much stronger when you got to know her better.

"How come such a pretty lady doesn't have anybody to look after her? You wouldn't stay alone for more than an hour in Woodbury."

Carol was looking for some witty and definite answer when Rick groaned.

"Merle just shut up. You're not the Dixon Carol is interested in, all right? Just drop it."

Rick's comment caught her off the guard and Merle looked shocked as well.

Merle looked at Rick and then back to Carol. Carol and Daryl? Was it possible? Daryl spent all his time watching Merle so he couldn't really tell. The last time he'd seen those two together was just before they'd left and they had been yelling at each other. And Daryl didn't tell him anything either. Could this woman be a reason why he'd wanted to come back to prison?

Merle frowned. If Rick was right, it would complicate his plan. His baby brother was sensitive about things he considered his. And he wasn't sure Carol would play along his plan either.

Carol's head was spinning. Is she really so obvious with her feelings? Daryl would hate if Rick mentioned this in front of him. And considering how pissed Daryl was right now, it could destroy everything they had built strenuously and what she was trying so hard to preserve.

She noticed Merle got Rick's comment and this fact even worse than her own fears.

Her train of thoughts was cut off by Rick again.

"Here we are."

Rick parked their car in front of the first shop they passed. It looked completely cleaned out, but everything looked like this nowadays. They had to try.

"Carol and I will try to find some baby stuff, medical and sanitary supplies," Rick turned to Merle, "you fetch some clothes. The summer is coming and we need some t-shirts, pants and lighter boots. Of course, should you find any food, take it. We'll meet back here in ten minutes. Watch out for walkers."

Carol drew in a shaky breath. She knew she had to suppress all distracting thoughts. This was it, her first run. All she needed to focus on are the supplies and walkers.

They stepped in. Although it was almost noon, it was dark and smelly inside. The thick smell of mold and death filled her nostrils. She heard Merle on the right and followed Rick deeper into the shop.

She couldn't believe how long those ten minutes felt. They hardly found anything; most of the goods were cleared. She took a deep breath when they finally walked back into the sunlight. Merle was more successful, bringing some new clothes.

The plan was the same as always. They would search house after house until they find enough supplies to come back with. The time was passing quickly. Rick wanted to be back in the prison before sunset.

They entered a large Victorian house at the end of the street. There was a spacious garden with two garden sheds and even a small pond. Carol pointed at sheds and Rick nodded, they could use some tools as well. She followed Rick up the stairs. They made sure the corridor was clear and went to search the rooms. Carol didn't find anything in the first room. They didn't see any sign of walker so far and she was grateful for that.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around in one swift motion and aimed a pistol into the attacker's face.

"Wow Carol, easy, it's me!" Ricked jumped back with his hands up.

Carol cursed and lowered the gun.

"What the hell were you thinking? I almost blew your head off!" she wanted to yell at him but kept her voice down as she didn't want to attract any walkers.

"My fault, sorry Carol. I'm glad Daryl trained you not to shoot without thinking," he smirked, "I'm going outside to check the sheds. The corridor is clear and Merle is in the last room so you will be all right. Search the rest of the rooms, we'll meet outside."

Carol nodded and Rick left.

Carol found a basic medical kit in the next room and put it in her backpack happily. She entered the last room and pulled up short on the doorstep.

Merle was hiding a pistol he'd just found in the metallic box under the bed into his pocket. He lifted his head and their looks met.

The blood roared in Carol's ears. What did she expect? That Merle would find a gun and would hand it over to Rick, eager to be praised?

But what would they do with Merle now? Having his own gun, he could pull it out on anybody in the group. And what would he do to her now when she knew?

Merle took a step towards her.

Carol didn't want to panic, he might not want to hurt her, maybe he just put the gun in his pocket instinctively and didn't mean any harm.

Merle took another step and Carol finally saw the expression on his face. And she panicked.