Chapter Thirty
Allen's sobs echoed through the cell block, piercing sorrow through everyone in the group. Well, most. The inmates - disregarding Axel - were taking the situation grimly and appeared to show no sympathy towards the grieving father. Sickening really. Though the group barely knew Allen and his children, the loss was deafening. It was such an almighty blow to our stability. The two littlest members of the group had been murdered, slaughtered, in cold blood. Apparently by one we thought to be our own. That screamed a lot about humanity.
Big Tiny - the accused - had been positioned in a cell, cut off from everyone else. It was locked and secured and had at least one member of the group standing outside on guard. This situation was to remain as so until the bodies of Ben and Billy had been buried properly beside the grave of their mother out in the grass compound and a decision had been made regarding Big Tiny's involvement - and his fate. The steady opinion amongst the group was that he was the killer, straight up without question. I, however, had my doubts. A worrying thought?
I observed Big Tiny's cell from a safe distance, my thoughts wandering around the predicament the group had found themselves in. 'Predicament' being the most insensitive word imaginable to describe the loss Allen had to adapt to. Yes, Tyreese and I had witnessed Big Tiny going to the shower block before the murders apparently took place, but that couldn't just automatically make him the killer- Could it?
At the moment, T-Dog was on watch and was doing a very good job at pissing Big Tiny off. On purpose, T-Dog seemed to be rambling on about nonsense, agitating the prisoner whenever he ignored Big Tiny's demands to 'shut up'. I smirked a little at my friend's grim humour before making my way over.
"You want me to take over a little while?" I suggested, ignoring the look Big Tiny directed towards me. T-Dog shrugged, carelessly.
"Might as well, he's about as much fun to talk to as Daryl can be on the topic of women." When I raised an eyebrow T-Dog rolled his eyes. "Dull would be the word I was describing." I smiled a little and nodded. T-Dog patted my back in appreciation before sauntering away to do whatever it was that he did. I watched my friend leave before taking a seat on the ground in front of the cell. The prisoner inside watched my movements like a predator watched his kill. Unnervingly so.
"So-" I began with a sigh.
"So you're the one who ratted me out to the big man?" Big Tiny cut in before I had the chance to sprout a conversation starter. I frowned for a moment. Huh?
"I didn't 'rat' anyone out." I muttered. "Tyreese and I just told the group what we saw. We saw you walk to the shower block - the place Ben and Billy were," I stuttered over the word, swallowing hard. "Were killed. So we told them that." I narrowed my eyes at the man.
"Well, I thank you so very much for that." Big Tiny replied, bitterly. I expected this.
"You have yet to prove your innocence yet."
"I have yet to be proven guilty." Big Tiny countered, a sneer on his lips. I raised an eyebrow at this and sighed.
"Look, whilst the others have you set on being the killer, I'm not so sure." Big Tiny snorted and raised a sarcastic eyebrow to counter mine.
"And why is that?" He muttered. I chewed my lip thoughtfully for a moment.
"Because you're right; just because you went to the shower block, doesn't make you automatically the killer. We have no solid evidence and the jib Shane made about your convictions is hardly meaningful."
"It means enough for you all to condemn me the killer of those boys." Big Tiny pointed out, narrowing his eyes. "I killed before because I had reason. Give me one reason for me to kill his kids." A pause and Big Tiny sneered. "You people have none. You pointed the finger at me because I'm the easiest suspect to blame."
"Do you have any idea on who it actually is then?" I asked. Big Tiny shrugged.
"If I did, do you really think I'd tell you people?" I guess not. Big Tiny's gaze wandered away, towards where the majority of the group was gathered; discussing his fate.
"We're rationalising what we're going to do," I tried to explain. "They won't just condemn you without a fair trial."
"Oh goody, another trial." Big Tiny muttered, sarcastically. "Last time I was in one, girl, I landed myself in here. Trials and I don't go well together."
"Considering you'd probably be dead if you weren't in here, I'd imagine killing your partner and her lover was a good move on your behalf. Perhaps the trial did you a favour?" I retorted, easily, causing Big Tiny to grin.
"Yeah, landed me in this God forsaken place with a bunch of hot-headed morons who want me dead."
"Better that than dead morons who want to rip you apart." I countered with a shrug and Big Tiny chuckled, leaning back on the bed he had positioned himself on. "Look, if you have any idea on who did it, it would really aid your case."
"You sound like my old lawyer." Big Tiny muttered, raising an eyebrow and I shrugged.
"I'm just trying to help." I offered. Big Tiny studied me for a moment.
"Why?" He asked carefully. "For all you know, I could have killed those boys." I sighed.
"I believe you at least deserve a chance." I admitted. "Be given the opportunity as you would have done in a civilised society." I paused. "But of course, this isn't exactly a civilised society anymore, so it's going to be tricky." Big Tiny eyed me for a moment before glancing back towards the group with a jut of his head.
"Don't think your boyfriend will be all too pleased if he knew you were saying all this." He muttered, his eyes still remained on the group. Boyfriend? I frowned, glancing at the group and catching Daryl's eye as he stared at Big Tiny's and my interaction.
"He isn't my boyfriend." I corrected, with a sigh. Big Tiny's gaze returned to me with a smirk.
"Whatever."
"Hey Ruby!" Speak of the devil.
"Ahh, so he's the demanding type, huh? Kinda reminds me of me. Don't go fucking no one else or you may find yourself a few feet under with a couple of dozen stab wounds in your chest." I raised an eyebrow at Big Tiny's blunt remark.
"I'll keep that in mind." I muttered, getting to my feet and making my way towards where Daryl was stood aside from the group. His gaze was firmly fixed on Big Tiny's cell until I was only a metre in front of him, to which his darkened gaze directed itself towards me.
"Ya shouldn't be gettin' friendly with him." Daryl muttered.
"Can't help it, it seems I'm drawn to the bad people of this world." When Daryl raised an eyebrow, I sighed. "Y'know; the Governor, Laurent, you Dixon boys-" I paused to smirk. Daryl returned it briefly before glancing back towards Big Tiny.
"Ya don't think he did it, do ya?" I shook my head, glad for times like this when I could confide in the hunter. "Neither do I." I raised an eyebrow at this. "Just doesn't fit, does it? I mean, yeah the bloke's in for murder, but he's not half as bad as what we make him out to be. He's never lied to us, or anythin' like that." He paused, glancing over his shoulder, checking no one was in earshot. "Guess that means the killer is still among us."
"Who do you think it is?" I muttered, keeping my voice low. Daryl sighed.
"I have my suspicions, but I ain't gonna make no assumptions." He told me, glancing at Big Tiny briefly before returning his gaze to me again. "Assumptions landed us in this mess." I nodded once.
"What are they going to do with him?" I asked, meaning Rick and the 'jury'. Daryl scoffed.
"There's talk of keepin' him under constant watch; give him another sentence for his 'crime'. Another idea is to dodge the bullshit 'nd just get the man to death row. Execute him 'nd be done with it." Daryl sighed.
"That isn't fair." I pointed out.
"No it ain't." Daryl agreed. "But it's a valid option at the moment." His gaze softened then and his eyebrows burrowed as he studied me. "How are ya copin'? After seein'-" Daryl trailed off and I shuddered at the memories of the boys' bodies lying on the cold, hard ground in their own blood.
"Trying not to think about it." I admitted and Daryl bowed his head a little, sheepishly.
"Sorry." He muttered and I smiled a little as his bashfulness.
"You don't have to apologise." I told him and Daryl held my gaze for a long moment before glancing over my shoulder towards Big Tiny's cell again.
"Ya want me to take over or are ya alright?" Daryl asked, nodding his head in the prisoner's direction. I shook my head.
"I'll be fine. I'm going to talk to him some more, see what else I can get from him." I replied, Daryl nodded. "I'll report back what I can, Doctor Watson. Don't worry, we'll crack this case." Daryl smiled and laughed, sending my heart fluttering a little. Dark memories clouded my mind in an instant and my smile faded. "We shouldn't laugh at times like this." I muttered, down-heartedly. "It's disrespectful."
"We should." Daryl countered. "Otherwise what the fuck would happen to us? If we don't make light of the situation then there ain't much point. Gotta believe there's hope left at times like this." I smiled a little.
"You sound like him." I breathed, barely audible, but Daryl heard. Him. Yes, Daryl knew exactly who I meant. The hunter frowned a little, and we shared a mutual silence as we looked back on memories of a man we both knew, who had impacted both our lives in completely different ways. One innate - brotherly, one learnt - friendship. "I miss him." I muttered before I could stop myself and I didn't truly believe the statement until I uttered the words. Who'd have thought I'd actually miss the likes of Merle Dixon? Daryl's gaze softened and he nodded stiffly, the action speaking for him regardless of the lack of words.
So did he.
They were good people.
I had convinced myself of this after three days with Morgan and Duane. After having come to learn that they held no inner motives in helping me, they merely just helped, I then came to another conclusion.
I brought the badness with me.
I hadn't seen Laurent for a while, but I knew he'd find me sooner or later. Despite having attempted to cover all tracks I could, the man still managed to find me sooner or later. And if he found me with Morgan and Duane-
I had put them in danger.
Eyeing the father and son curiously over the dinner table, I had long made my decision. All that was left to do was announce it to my hosts. The warmth of their hospitality irked me, longed for me to stay, but I knew what must be done. I would not let them die because of me. If I remained with them, they would die. Laurent would catch up on us and I did not want to think about what he'd do if he found me in company. My last host - the man holding up in the barn - was a big enough warning.
With a inward sigh, I brought up the courage to do it, hating the decision but knowing it was for the best. The best for Morgan and Duane.
"I'm leaving."
The guard tower was an unusually eerie place to be, but that may have been due to the fact I was the only person outside the prison at the current moment in time. Watch duty had been cut down from two people, to one person now and a walkie talkie was provided to communicate to whoever was in the security room. I felt better to know that T-Dog would only be on the other end if I needed him. I wasn't so alone then.
Inside, the group were resting. A decision on Big Tiny still had not been made yet but some of the group were getting increasingly uncomfortable with his presence after the incident with Ben and Billy. Allen had gone into a deep state of mourning and Tyreese and Sasha remained with him most of the time - in fear he'd try something rash. We were all worried for him.
The sky was dimming and darkness was falling. A slight breeze hit the side of the guard tower and kept me steadily cool as I observed the grounds from my vantage point above. I was in for a lonely, boring, night ahead, I just knew it.
A creaking sound to my right caught my attention and I looked towards the prison to see a figure leaving through the door and making their way across the yard towards me. I frowned in thought, expecting it to be Daryl, though the figure's movements didn't match the hunters. Too much swag. As it was just falling dark, I couldn't actually make out who they were but their movements were bringing them towards me so I gathered I'd find out soon enough.
I was surprised enough when Thomas appeared, leaning against the tower beside me, apparently not taking in my confused expression or even my presence for a moment.
"Nice night, huh?" He muttered which dazed me even more. I glanced awkwardly around before sighing.
"Suppose it is." I agreed, forcefully. Why was he here? I felt some mild discomfort towards his presence, but it wasn't enough to put me too much on edge. I was armed anyway, if things got weird. "Why aren't you inside?" He shrugged.
"Getting a bit crowded in there, chica." Thomas began. "And with the hype with Dexter, we inmates aren't the favourites in the prison at the moment." I studied him for a minute before nodding once.
"Well, I'm not going to be the best company so-"
"They should never have come." Thomas cut in suddenly and I raised an eyebrow. He wasn't looking at me though, merely staring out across the grounds. "This is our home, not theirs. They had no right to come in."
"Who are you talking about?" I asked, slowly. Thomas's lips curled in a sneer. An almost animalistic snarl.
"Them." He hissed. "Those outsiders. They don't belong here!"
"We were outsiders too once." I reminded him with a frown. He thought for a moment.
"You guys are different. You let us out, you actually provide something. What do they provide? Some pathetic man who seems to be crying every damn minute - that's so very productive, A peace keeper, a controlling bitch and a couple of snotty children." A pause. "Well, the children aren't a problem any more."
"How can you say that?" I cried, astounded. "Those children were murdered so cruelly, they were just little kids!" Thomas looked increasingly unbothered by this fact.
"Just a couple more mouths to feed is the way I see it, chica." He muttered, meeting my gaze for the first time with a weird look in his eye. I frowned some more. "Plus I don't see what all the fuss is about anyway, probably just killed by a stray walker."
"It wasn't a walker kill." I hissed. "I saw. It was definitely a living person who did that to those children." Thomas shrugged.
"But of course, pointing the blame at Tiny is the logical answer." He muttered.
"Allen has just lost his wife and his children. He deserves to know the truth on what happened to his boys and if that means trialing Big Tiny, then so be it."
"But you don't think he did it." Thomas muttered, smugly. I raised an eyebrow. "Who do you think did it?" There was a moment of silence as Thomas' eyes pierced into mine and I noticed something so sinister lurking behind them. I tried to delve deep, startled by this hint of evil, but was distracted when the walkie talkie crackled.
"Yo, Ruby?" T-Dog's voice cut through the air. Thomas glanced down at the offending item and sneered.
"I'm here, T-Dog." I replied, not taking my eyes off the inmate before me.
"You seen Thomas anywhere? The asshole isn't in his cell and I've lost him on the cameras." Thomas sniggered when his name was mentioned.
"What good is he on watch if he can't even keep track of the group?" He muttered to himself, I glared at him.
"Yeah, I see him. He's out here taking a stroll." I informed T-Dog. There was a pause.
"Everything cool over there?" T-Dog asked, hesitantly and I smiled a little.
"Everything's cool, T-Dog." I confirmed. "Is everyone else in the cell block?"
"Sasha went to the showers a few minutes ago, but other than that yeah." I thanked the man and the walkie talkie fell silent again. "Anything else you want to complain about? Because I think it's time you wandered back into your cell." Thomas burrowed his eyebrows and I studied the expression on his face for a moment before deciding I didn't like it. Not that Thomas in general was someone I liked.
"I think I'll leave you to it, chica. Got things to do." He muttered, glancing once at me before leaving abruptly. No goodbye?
I observed his figure pace across the yard with long, meaningful strides. There was something about him that just didn't feel right. The look in his eyes, the comments he made, his determination to leave. I frowned.
"Hey, T-Dog, Thomas is just on his way back inside now. He seemed a little off to me, so I'm going to follow him. Can you keep an eye out for me?" I asked, already making my way down the guard tower.
"Sure thing." T-Dog replied. I rushed across the grass compound, Thomas having already gone inside, and all but sprinted to the door. Ignoring the darkness, I made my way down the haunting corridors with the comforting knowledge that at least I had T-Dog above to help me through this suspicious inkling. "You want me to tell Rick or Daryl that something's up?"
"No, not yet." I told him. "I'm not sure if it's anything, Thomas was just being weirder than normal."
"The man's always weird!" T-Dog's light tone said. "He's just headed past Cell Block C. He's on route back here." Perhaps I'd gotten it wrong them? "Oh, wait, he's walked right past the door." Maybe not then.
"Where's he now, T-Dog?" I jogged down the corridor and through Cell Block C. Glancing up at the cameras in the corner, I could imagine T-Dog's eyes scanning each monitor, tracking Thomas' every move.
"When you get to our cell block, carry on down that corridor and go right." T-Dog told me. "Hold up, the dude's gone into the shower block."
Sasha.
Things clicked in my mind and suddenly I had burst out into a sprint.
They should never have come.
This is our home, not theirs. They had no right to come in.
Them. Those outsiders. They don't belong here.
I think I'll leave you to it, chica. Got things to do.
The suspicious glints in his eyes, all the times I had seen him around the prison - muttering, lurking, whispering things to his fellow inmates. There had always been something off about him, always. Why hadn't anyone suspected him before?
I had no time to radio into T-Dog, I just sprinted as fast as I could to the shower blocks, hoping that perhaps my suspicions were incorrect. Though the shrill cry of surprise that echoed down the corridor - coming from the showers - took away the hope and I burst into the room quickly.
Thomas had a half-dressed Sasha pinned against the tilled wall by the throat. His face was that of manic, one of pure hatred as he squeezed the life out of the helpless woman. Sasha herself struggled but Thomas' grip must have been too hard and she choked to breath. After a moment of shocked hesitation, I quickly lurched forward and shoved hard against Thomas and he staggered away from Sasha. The woman collapsed to the floor, choking and trying to gather her breath back. Thomas turned to me, a murderous glint in his eye.
"Back off." I hissed, raising the rifle towards him as a threat. Thomas merely sneered and suddenly wretched the weapon from my hands and threw it to the floor. I eyed him in terror and backed up a little, his gaze belittling me. There was something so inhumane about them.
He made a go at Sasha again and I charged forward instinctively, though Thomas shoved me aside with so much force I staggered back and fell to the floor. Looking up, I expected him to attack me, though he did nothing. He saved one glance for my direction before going at Sasha again, in which I intervened again.
This time, I landed myself a heavy boot to the face and I fell back, my vision dazed. I could only hear the sounds of Sasha's strangled breath again followed quickly then by a sharp - masculine - cry and a thud. Silence followed on and I attempted to sit up and focus. My eyes glazed for a moment and I raised a hand to my face. Finally, I gained vision and I saw my fingers coated with blood. Mine no doubt.
"Ruby?" T-Dog's voice asked, the man crouching down in front of me. He winced when he caught sight of my face. "Jesus, man, we're gonna have to get you to Herschel." I frowned, touching my face again and hissing in pain when touching my nose.
"I think he broke it." I muttered with distaste, only to remember instantly. "Sasha?"
"She's alive." T-Dog nodded. "I knocked Thomas out though." I glanced over his shoulder and saw the man lay sprawled on the floor and winced a snort. "C'mon lets get you back to the cell block."
"Check Sasha, she'll need it more." I replied, taking T-Dog's hand in helping me up. The man helped Sasha up, who looked ready to collapse and who was barely walking. Thomas had knocked a lot of air our of her. T-Dog helped the woman to walk and I trotted behind, a little dazed, but otherwise fine.
"We're gonna have to lock that somehow. Don't want him getting out." T-Dog muttered, gesturing to the shower room door. I closed them behind us and make shifted securing it using my jacket. "It'll buy us time to tell the others." T-Dog shrugged, before leading Sasha down the corridor. "What the hell happened?"
"He came to the guard tower, started saying all this weird stuff about Tyreese and the others. Said they shouldn't be here." I told him. "He left saying he had to 'go do something'. Found him trying to choke the life out of Sasha." There was a pause, the silence overruled with Sasha's wheezy breathing.
"You think he did it?" T-Dog asked. "This children-" He trailed off and I swallowed hard.
"I don't know." I admitted. "But this seemed pretty fucking suspicious if you ask me."
We reached the cell block and I opened the door for T-Dog, supporting Sasha. It was empty and I expected everyone was in their cells resting. I sighed, not really wanting to break into the peace of the evening.
"Hey! Everyone wake the fuck up!" T-Dog hollered, his voice echoing. "Need medical attention down here! Herschel, man get your ass up!" I raised an eyebrow but bit back a smirk when the group emerged from their cells due to T-Dog's calls, setting eyes on the three of us and rushing over.
"What happened?" Rick demanded, his eyes glancing between the three of us. Tyreese quickly rushed to his sister's side.
"Is she alright?" He asked, taking Sasha's weight from T-Dog and taking her to sit down on a nearby bench. Herschel took Rick's right, glancing between Sasha and myself.
"See her first." I nodded at the other woman. Herschel eyed my face for a moment before nodding bluntly and stepping to the brother and sister's side.
"Thomas jumped on Sasha in the showers." T-Dog announced, glancing at me. "Ruby followed him, tried to restrain him, he did that to her face."
"Where's the son of a bitch now?" Shane muttered, darkly, folding his arms across his large chest.
"He's unconscious still over in the showers." T-Dog told him. Rick's eyes glanced between us both. "The bastard's a psycho, Rick."
"The bitch must have had it coming." Andrew's voice cut in suddenly. In a instant though, Tyreese was up and had the inmate pinned up against a wall, hissing in his face.
"You better watch what you say, man!" Tyreese cried. The rest of us were a little astonished by the usually calm man's change in character, though he was pulled away by Daryl and Shane.
"You two better start talking." Rick muttered, glancing between Andrew and Axel. "Did you have any involvement in this attack? Do you know why the hell he attacked her?"
"The fuck should we know for?" Andrew cried, looking a little dishevelled from being shoved against the wall. Axel shuffled awkwardly, though Daryl shoved the man roughly forward when he tried to shrink back, before glaring dangerously at him.
"You're quite chummy with him." Rick sneered. "You tell us right now what the fuck he was doing before we assume you're both involved!" To prove a point, Rick raised his pistol and aimed it at Andrew's head. The kid raised his hands.
"Woah, buddy!" He cried. "There's no need for that! We don't know anything! Honest! It's just Thomas being Thomas, ain't got anything to do with us!" Judging by the look on Rick's face, he didn't believe him and the ex-cop cocked back the gun, aiming it between both of them now, making Andrew flinch.
"He planned it!" Axel cut in suddenly. Andrew glanced awkwardly at his fellow inmate before his expression turned sour. Axel didn't appear to notice and continued when Rick aimed his gun at his head. "And the two boys too. Said that these people had no right coming here, moving in here. Said they should leave and if you weren't going to do it then he'd deal with the problem. He wanted us to help too but we-"
"What?" Allen appeared suddenly. "What did you say about my children?" He grabbed the front of Axel's jumpsuit when the man stuttered over his answer, the father snarling in the man's face. "Tell me!"
"He did it!" Axel cried, cutting silence through the room. "Thomas killed your boys!"
Though the change in accused didn't really alter too dramatically, the idea of it being someone else entirely clearing set the group on edge. Not to mention that Axel's confession brought back memories and thoughts of the dead children that were still too painful to consider. Allen's face shattered a little and he backed away from Axel.
"Lets kill him, Rick." Shane cut in, bluntly. "There ain't anymore time for that fucker, not now." Rick paused, glancing at the prisoners. Andrew's face had turned blank, whilst Axel's had shifted back to nervousness again.
"Shane, T-Dog and Daryl with me." Rick announced finally. "Andrea you provide us with eyes from the monitors. Glenn and Maggie, lock Axel and Andrew up in their cells until we're back. Don't let them out whatsoever." He paused. "We bring Thomas back alive."
"Alive?" Shane hissed. "Man, what the fuck-?!"
"I want to hear what he has to say." Rick muttered, glaring at his friend. The pair stared each other down before Shane backed off. Rick glanced toward Tyreese.
"I'll keep an eye on things." Tyreese nodded, his eyes turning to his mourning friend. Rick nodded his thanks before making his way towards the door.
I handed Andrea the walkie talkie and T-Dog patted my back before joining Rick as quickly everyone rushed off to their duties. Daryl passed me, pausing before he joined them to study my face. I flinched a bit at the intensity, imagining that I probably looked a state with blood dripping down my face and a busted nose. Not the best look.
"Is it that bad?" I asked when Daryl's face darkened. The hunter frowned.
"If Rick didn't want him alive, I'd kill that fucker for what he did to ya." Daryl muttered, gravely, before making his way towards the doors out and following Rick to seek out Thomas.
I paused for a moment, taking in Daryl's statement. Frowning, I relived the intensity of his words, only to be cut away when Herschel beckoned me over, telling me that he was going to take a look at my face.
Herschel scorned me a little for seeking Thomas out, stating I should have known better than to go after a dangerous man such as Thomas. I snorted a little - which hurt - and replied that I never really deemed Thomas as dangerous until now. This probably wasn't the answer Herschel was looking for, but he cleaned my nose up and told me that it wasn't broken but it would be sore for a while. He said that there seemed to already have been injury before, which was why the pain was so intense. I concluded to tell him then about the time one of the men in the Governor's group punched me in the face and I was left in a similar state I was in now. The dark look on Herschel's face spoke volumes and the farmer said he'd try find pain killers for me.
Sasha still seemed to remain in daze, though was recovering quickly, and expressed her thanks to me when she was retold the story. I had never seen the normally moody woman look so sincere and I smiled bashfully when she carried on her thank you.
I eyed the three cells that the prisoners were kept in, under Glenn and Maggie's watch, and found distaste towards them unintentionally. It was still uncertain whether they had any involvement in what happened to Ben and Billy, but it seemed now that accusing Big Tiny so brashly was quite a stupid thing to do. I knew I was right by not suspecting him! And I wondered if we'd pay for that mistake.
No talking went on in the cell block as we waited for the men to return with Thomas in anticipation. Allen's stiff sniffs echoed on occasion and I eyed up the man sat on the bench a few metres away as Tyreese whispered words of console in his ear. The sight of the man made me ill with grief. Though death was so common in our lives now, the way the events that took his family away from him occurred just tugged at the heart strings and the horrifying images of his children still played on my mind.
A commotion was heard outside of the cell block and it wasn't really hard to guess what was approaching. Or who. In an instant, Rick had flung the cell block door open with such extreme force that it clattered loudly, echoing throughout the block. Shane and T-Dog dragged a struggling Thomas into the cell block, furious expressions on each of their faces. Daryl trailed behind, shutting and securing the door once everyone was inside. Shane's nose was bleeding heavily as mine had done, which I gathered down to Thomas. Otherwise though, the other three hadn't sustained any damage, though Thomas also looked considerably beaten up.
The man was thrown to the floor, to which he didn't stand up, merely remained kneeling, looking up at us all. His eyes fell on me and he smirked.
"Nice face, chica." He sniggered, only to be silenced when Daryl took a hard swing with his fist, knocking Thomas' face with such force that there was an almost satisfying crunch. "You broke my nose, asshole!"
"That's for Ruby; ya even now." Daryl muttered, simply. I felt a swell of admiration as Daryl stood up for me, though he had done so frequently in the past. This recent stand up seemed different from the rest and the small smile Daryl gave me when he looked up only made my heart flutter and I forgot all about the pain in my face.
"Ain't this cosy." Thomas glanced around the group gathered in the area. "Where's Andrew and Axel?"
"That doesn't concern you right now." Rick hissed, stepping in front of the kneeling man. Thomas eyed the ex-cop with a sickening grin.
"Go ahead and ask me, officer." He sniggered. Rick's eyes narrowed but it was Allen's voice that cut through next.
"Did you kill them?" He asked, his voice shaky. "Did you kill my boys?" There was a moment of silence as Thomas paused, eyeing the man from his place on the floor before his smirk grew larger - if that was possible.
"You should keep a better eye on your children." He began slowly. "They were alone in the shower block when I found them - convenient. It was also convenient that you guys hadn't told them I was a prisoner here, a criminal. They trusted me instantly, thinking I was just an ordinary member of the group. Pathetic." He paused to eye everyone, make sure they were listening. "They went out squealing. I don't know which I killed first but his brother was practically begging for his daddy when I'd done. I let him have time to take in his mangled brother before I did the same to him. They suffered, I made sure. It's a shame really." His words sent a shivered atmosphere through the air and no one even bothered to restrain Allen when the man leapt forward and sent a few firm fists into Thomas' face. The man just took it with a smile though and that sickened us all even more so.
"You son of a bitch!" Allen screamed, allowing Tyreese to restrain him when the man finally stepped forward to. "I hope you rot in hell, you fucker!" Thomas laughed a giddy laugh in response.
"Why?" Lori asked quietly, holding Sophia and Carl close to her. They were stood at the back, but still observed the commotion. "Why would you do such a cruel thing?" Thomas turned to her and spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor.
"Because they shouldn't have come here." He hissed. "They had no right to stay."
"So you what? Planned to kill them all off?" Shane countered and Thomas shrugged.
"Pretty much, yeah." He muttered, his eyes turning to me in an instant. "Of course, until that plan fell through." Rick snorted.
"Yeah, it's safe to say all your plans have fallen through now." He said, stiffly, eyeing the man on the ground with a tilt of the head. Thomas raised an eyebrow and shrugged again.
"Killing the kids first had provided enough tragedy to wipe out a huge chunk." Thomas continued. "Pretty sure Daddy's a ticking time bomb. It's only a matter of time before the sad fuck kills himself. Two birds with one stone, I say." Rick eyed the man with distaste.
"You're one sick bastard, you know that?" Shane muttered, incredulously. Thomas turned to him with a sneer.
"And you're not?" He countered, halting Shane dead for a moment. There was a moment of stunned silence before Shane brought himself back together and glared at the man again. "I did you people a favour! Less people, more for ourselves!" Rick raised an eyebrow.
"I think it's safe to say that you're not part of the group anymore." He sneered. "We will provide you nothing. It's you that has no right to be here now." Thomas frowned.
"So, what you going to do? Sentence me to life in prison like you were going to do Tiny? Kick me out?" A pause. "Kill me?" When no one answered, Thomas just laughed. "You wouldn't have the balls to do it anyway, officer. You're weak. You think you're such a good leader, but if you were doing your job properly then those outsiders wouldn't be here! You should have made them leave, take their chances out there!"
"Charming." Tyreese muttered, folding his arms across his large chest, leaving Allen unrestrained and seething. "So please tell me what you planned to do next. You tried to strangle Sasha, how would you have taken on Allen and myself?"
"Just because you're a big man, doesn't mean you're indestructible." Thomas sneered. "I'd have taken away your remaining family, just as I did to Allen; pretty sure you would have cracked. I mean, suicide seems to be quite common in your family. Julie right? Was that her name?" The mention of Tyreese's daughter darkened the man's expression and Thomas sniggered. "If you wish to have a private conversation you should check no one's around before you do." So he's been eavesdropping too. "And Allen the same, though I also envisioned maybe making him go squealing - just like his boys did. Those pathetic little boys-"
Thomas didn't get any further. With the rage building up inside Allen, practically seeping over the top, the man appeared to have cracked under the inmate's words. He was on Thomas again in an instant though now he had a knife in hand. No one could stop him as he plunged the blade right into Thomas's chest, causing the man to scream in shocking pain. Allen cried with rage and Tyreese heaved his friend away, though the damage had been done.
The group stepped back a moment, considering the injured man. Medical attention could be given, Herschel would have to work efficiently, but the wound could be dealt with. Thomas could be spared for what he had done and his fate could be considered in a more civilised way. Everyone eyed Rick, waiting for his decision. Our leader gazed long at Allen, studying the sobbing man, before turning back to Thomas. The inmate raised his gaze with a smug smirk, which instantly faded when Rick raised his pistol and aimed it at Thomas' head.
Bang.
Thomas' body fell limp to the floor, blood seeping out onto the hard ground. Allen's fell to his knees, groaning and crying for his lost children and wife and the exhaustion of everything. The rest of us gazed at the scene before us, uncertain about what had just taken place. It was an execution that was for sure. And we were witnesses of it.
"T-Dog, Daryl, take the body outside and burn it." Rick's calculated voice spoke. Our leader pocketed his weapon again and took one last look at the body before walking away from the scene, towards the three cells that contained the remaining prisoners.
I took one last look at the body of Thomas before walking away too, suddenly feeling sick.
"You don't have to." Morgan tried, gently. "You're welcome to stay with us." I shook my head with a sad smile.
"I don't want to be a burden any longer." I told them both. I'm trying to help you here.
"You're not a burden!" I shook my head again, unconvinced. My stuff was already packed and I was ready to leave. Goodbyes were the only thing left stopping me. "You can't honestly want to go out there alone."
"I've done it before." I admitted. "I've gotten use to it." I patted Toby's head before shrugging. "I won't be alone anyway, Toby's always going to be with me." The father eyed me for a few moments before sighing.
"We can't convince you to stay?" He tried, though the tone said he knew it was all in vain. I shook my head yet again.
"Thank you for your hospitality anyway." I said, warmly. Morgan smiled and he and Duane helped me unbar the door so I could leave. Morgan paused before unlocking it, disappearing into the kitchen before coming back and handing me a bag.
"Food." He explained. "The least we can offer." I smiled my gratitude, glancing between the pair of them.
"Stay safe." I told them, firmly.
"You too." Morgan nodded, putting an arm around Duane and opening the door slowly for me with his other. "Maybe we'll see each other again some day?" I smiled and shrugged. The hopeful thought was nice.
"You never know."
There was a hesitation before Rick let the prisoners out of their cells. When they were told of Thomas' death, Andrew was livid. He shouted, screamed but was restrained and intimidated, usually by the likes of Shane. Axel was quiet, observing the blood stain on the prison floor that belonged to Thomas with a thoughtful expression, though he did make one comment;
"It was for the best." He nodded.
Big Tiny regarded the group with a heavy stare as he was finally let out of his confinement. He snorted when told about Thomas and sneered at our suspicions against him.
"Don't I get an apology for having the finger pointed at?" Big Tiny asked, folding his arms across his chest. Shane scoffed.
"You will when you prove you're trust-worthy." He replied. Big Tiny's mood darkened and he said no more. Though there was a change in his mood, his demeanour. An over-powering, heavy change which put me on edge. Perhaps accusing an innocent man had cost us?
Despite being apparently innocent regarding the murders of the boys, the prisoners were all kept under close watch and this still continued a couple of weeks since the Thomas' death. Big Tiny's mood hadn't altered in all that time either and I would observe the man from a distance, wondering what was going on in his mind sometimes.
Allen ploughed on with life, thanks to Tyreese's and Sasha's support. The man was clearly very sombre and tried to isolate himself whenever he could, but the brother and sister would keep him a float and keep him grounded to reality. I knew they feared the possibility of Allen attempting to 'opt out' and that was why they kept themselves busy watching over him. Though I wondered sometimes if they were suffocating him with their protectiveness.
A run into a nearby town provided excitement for the group from our daily boring activities. Though food supply was more than adequate, other essentials, medical being top priority with Lori's growing belly and perhaps gas for the cars if we could incase a getaway from the prison was required. So, Rick decided a run out would be needed and the group going was decided.
Rick had decided to leave Daryl behind this time - a change since the hunter usually occupanied Rick on all run outs. Daryl didn't complain though and Rick said Daryl and Herschel would be in charge until he got back. Rick was obviously going, as was Shane. Tyreese offered himself forward, wishing to provide for the group, to which Rick allowed. Andrea, Glenn and myself were also chosen to go and that concluded the group going.
The red Chevrolet was the chosen vehicle, though would be a squeeze for six of us. Shane and Rick up front, Tyreese and Andrea on the back seat, with Glenn and myself sat in the large boot space.
"No one goes wandering off while we're gone." Rick announced to the group as we gathered around the car to go. "Limit yourselves between outside and the cell block. We shouldn't be more than a few hours."
Lori held her husband goodbye, wishing him a safe journey and Rick patted Carl's head affectionately before muttering commands to Daryl. Goodbyes were brief and not meaningful - like Rick said, we expected to be back in a few hours. I merely kissed Sophia's head and smiled down at the girl, telling her to be good for Lori.
"Be careful." Daryl muttered to me before I could get into the car with the others. I raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Always am, aren't I?" I countered. "You be careful too." To this, T-Dog flung an arm over Daryl's shoulder.
"S'alright, Ruby, I'll take good care of him for you!" He sniggered when Daryl shrugged out of his grip and I laughed.
"See you when I get back." I smiled once more at Daryl, who strained a smile in return, before jumping into the back of the Chevrolet with Glenn.
The town we came across looked to be a wreck. Walkers roamed the streets and we did our best to avoid them. There weren't many of them - not too many to handle - but they would be a pain and we only wanted to get what we needed and head back to the prison as quickly as possible.
Glenn and I took the nearby pharmacy, shoving everything we could that wasn't looted into our bags.
"Not sure this will be any use for Herschel." Glenn muttered, hoarding sanitary towels and tampons alike into his bag. I snorted.
"I'm sure we'll find use for them." I replied, throwing various tubs of medicine from behind the counter into mine. "Hey Glenn, fancy some gum?" I held up an unopened packet that I had found on the rack on top of the counter. It was cherry flavour, not a favourite of mine, but one I could live with. The sight of the sweet made me miss the world before this one and miss the little things that we wouldn't have given a thought on before the outbreak. Glenn raised his head before walking over.
"Reckon we can still eat it?" He asked. I shrugged.
"It's gum, don't suppose it's got such a short expiry date." I offered the gum to which Glenn accepted, putting it in his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. "So?"
"Tastes weird." He replied. "Though I can't actually remember the last time I chewed gum." I chuckled and placed a piece in my mouth.
"Seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?"
Once we had finished in the pharmacy, we left and headed back to the car, where we'd been told to meet the others. Andrea and Shane were there already when we got there and I felt obliged to offer the pair some gum too.
"I hate gum." Andrea muttered, chewing some. I raised an eyebrow and she shrugged at my silent question. "Feels like rubber when I chew it. But after not eating junk in so long, it feels good to have something different in my mouth for a change." Her comment sent Glenn and Shane into a fit of childish giggles and Andrea glared at the two men, not realising the way her comment sounded. I let myself smile too, wondering how easy the day felt.
Rick and Tyreese came back about ten minutes later and everyone was back in the Chevrolet again for the ride home.
It was weird how calm the day had been. How easy and unstressful the run out from the prison had been for us all. As a group, we felt chilled, as if the day had just been a day out event. Little conversation was thrown amongst our small group, but it didn't feel needed. We seemed content with watching the world pass by and chewing our gum.
Though, as we were approaching the prison, the mood in the car suddenly felt uneasy. Before even setting eyes on it, there just didn't seem to be something right. Something blared, muffled, in the background noise. What it was, I couldn't place. The reason why became evident when we pulled into sight of the prison and drove towards the gates - expecting them to be opened ready for us, but instead no one seemed to be there present to do so.
The yard of the grounds were overrun. Walkers had spilled out and were staggering around the concrete yard of the prison, not reaching the grass compound due to the shut gates. This provided no comfort though as there didn't seem to be a single member of the group in sight.
A deafening sound filled the air, attracting more walkers from probably miles around. It sounded like the prison alarm, ringing out and piercing through you like a knife. This combined with the state of the prison sent the small group of us into shock.
The prison was overrun with walkers, the alarms were ringing and none of the group were in sight - their safety unknown.
"Oh my God."
(Author's Note): I'm getting better at updating sooner! Is the ending starting to look a little familiar? ;)
So Thomas is dead - thought it was best not to drag things out too long. And I suppose it wasn't such a big surprise that he killed the kids, but well done to all those who guessed right! All those who thought Shane, I actually reconsidered after the suggestions because it actaully seemed quite a good idea to play with. But alas, I stay true to my original plan! What did you guys think to the demise of Thomas? And the prisoners reactions?
So what about the ending? Walkers have overrun the yard, the group's broken... starting to look familiar? Anyone want to guess what's happened, how the walkers got in, why the alarm is going off? Where the rest of the group is and if they're all alive? So many questions!
Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter, they meant a lot! Please tell me what you thought of this one. I'll update as soon as possible.