Chapter Fifty-One

Carol's sharp gaze took in everything as she followed the sergeant through the front doors. One was boarded and locked down, leaving only the one on the left easily accessible. She felt naked without her weapons, but she couldn't risk bringing any with her if she were going to seem non-threatening to these people. From what she could see, she was surprised they'd survived as long as they had. Their defenses were weak and their men entirely too trusting.

He took her past several open rooms with sheer curtains still hanging over the boarded-up windows. They weren't practical … their purpose more to lend to the atmosphere of the former spa. She couldn't miss the sunken pools now dry and covered with a film of mildew. She'd never had the opportunity to visit such a place in her former life, but she could well use her imagination from things she'd seen in movies and on TV. Down another corridor which must have been reserved for staff, and she was led into a commissary where a half-dozen women were gathered around a large round table having dinner.

"Tori, we have a guest," the sergeant said, stepping forward, his hand pressing into Carol's lower back.

Sprite laid her spoon down next to her bowl, her brows shooting up beneath her auburn bangs. She'd been trying to hurry with her own meal, so she'd have time to bring some down to their prisoner.

Tessa jumped to her feet and stomped around the table, her hand coming to rest on her sidearm as she stopped a foot in front of the pair. "Where'd she come from?" she asked, her dark eyes filled with venom.

"Stand down, Tess, and let Jamie speak," Tori commanded quietly as she too rose from the table, her dinner forgotten.

Jamie grinned at her as he rocked back on his heels. "She claims she's come for her husband." He pulled Carol's knife from the waistband of his pants and handed it to the brunette. "She was armed only with this."

"You frisked her?" Tessa demanded, looking as if she'd relish the job. There was still a great deal of bitterness she wasn't able to disguise when it came to strangers.

"I did."

Tori huffed in irritation. "Tessa, go take Jamie's spot on patrol; I need him here."

She glared at her sister-in-law and then nodded stiffly, leaving the same way the sergeant had entered.

"She was alone?"

"She said there are more, but I didn't see anyone. You want me to double sentry?"

Carol sighed. "It wouldn't matter if you did, and what's the point when darkness has fallen?"

Tori's hazel eyes flashed worriedly at the newcomer. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Several of the other women around the table tittered nervously.

"What I mean is … if we wanted to attack, half of our group could easily take this place without breaking a sweat. One on patrol and two on the roof? That all you have on evening shift? One guard walking the wall isn't going to cut it. You should have at least two. The front gate the only access, or is there a maintenance entrance at the back? While your guard is watching the front, the back is open to attack. The incline to the east gives your enemy a vantage point to see every move you make. Would I have come unarmed to the front gate if I meant you harm?"

Tori shot an incredulous look at her second in command, a fiery blush stealing into her cheeks. She knew how vulnerable they were, but she certainly didn't like hearing it from this outsider.

"I just want my husband, and we'll leave you in peace," Carol said, her wide blue eyes open and sincere.

"How many are there of you out there? Would you be willing to negotiate to get your man back?" Tori asked, ushering Carol over to the table.

Rick was going to want to throttle her when he got his hands on her, but she could see this woman was all business. It was going to take every ounce of cleverness she possessed to sort this out. "What did you have in mind?"

"Your people … you have a safe place? You look awfully clean, your clothes fit – telling me you haven't been doing without a decent meal – and you don't have that broken look most people have after being out on the road too long. We need numbers."

Carol arched a brow. "You're suggesting we ally ourselves together … for mutual protection."

Tori nodded. "Now you're getting it."

"I don't have the authority to agree to a deal like that. You would have to speak with Rick. I do know, however; that our shelter isn't equipped to house you all, and as I said … this place isn't defensible enough to suit him."

Jamie's jaw dropped. "What are you doing?" he hissed. "You don't know her. Don't you remember the last time we trusted a stranger?"

"Yes!" she spat. "How well I remember! I also know I'm tired of trying to feed my people with fruitless results. We need to think about finding others like us. Safety in numbers. She's right! We're vulnerable, and it couldn't have been easy for her to come here, taking a chance she'd be slaughtered. She's either extremely smart or really fucking stupid, Jamie. I'm betting on the former."

"Damnit, Tori!"

Sprite, Alex and Kayla stared at her wide-eyed as she argued with the sergeant. "Clear the room. I want to speak with her alone. Now!"

He shot her a look of disgust and did as she asked, following the women out.

Tori looked up sheepishly at her guest to find her staring back sympathetically. "I don't even know your name. You'll have to excuse my outburst. I don't always get along with the sergeant."

"Carol. I didn't always get along with my people either," she admitted. "Are you family? Or did you find one another after everything fell apart?"

Tori closed her eyes and sat back in her chair, the weight of the world upon her shoulders. "Joseph, my husband, he was a lieutenant … marine corp. He, Jamie, Brian, Cameron, Miles and Rory, they were called to Atlanta when all this started. They were to be stationed at one of the centers to help with the refugees. He called me and asked me to come, to pack up my sisters-in-law and just come because it was going to get bad and he wanted me close. I did. I dropped everything, picked up Sprite and Tessa, and we came. The city was bombed before we made it. Before communications went down, we found out Joseph and his team hadn't reached their post either. Kayla and Alex – Jamie and Cam's girls – they were just south of here, holed up in an apartment building, waiting for us all to meet up." She pulled a water bottle from the deep pocket of her jacket and took a long swallow before offering it to Carol. "We learned real quick how to scavenge. We also learned none of our men can hunt for shit."

Carol grinned, appreciative of the woman's levity.

It didn't last long, however. "Joseph kept us together, pushing us, teaching us how to make it out there. He was a soldier through and through. He was a medic in the gulf war. Felt it was his duty to help people. We found this girl. She'd been injured, but there were no bites on her … just a busted wrist. He took her in, patched her up, told her she could stay with us as long as she needed."

Carol reached out and placed her hand over Tori's, giving her a compassionate squeeze. "And she betrayed you, didn't she? That's what the sergeant meant."

Tori nodded bleakly. "Ran off back to her group. She'd been injured on purpose, to infiltrate us. She was to see if we had anything worth taking. Her group took everything from us – what little we had at least. When their men weren't happy with what they found, they were going to take their pound of flesh from me and the rest of the girls. Joseph … he fought, freed the rest of us. He made us run." Tears poured over her ashen cheeks. "He didn't make it. We found this place about two weeks ago. I'm just trying to hold us all together, but it hasn't been easy."

"I'm so sorry you lost your husband," Carol said, wiping a tear from the corner of her own eye. She didn't want to think of what she would do if she lost Daryl. "I lost my first husband to walkers … though he was no loss, I assure you. He wasn't a nice man," she gnashed out, giving the woman a pointed look. "Our group actually met up on the highway on our way to the centers in Atlanta. We've lost some along the way, gained others, learned to survive together."

"Found love again, it seems?"

Carol grinned. "Daryl is everything to me. I'd die for him. It's why I came here. Rick is going to be so angry with me. I didn't exactly tell him before I slipped off. He's not very fond of his well-thought out plans going to crap."

Tori grimaced. "He planning on attacking us?"

"Not as long as me and Daryl are inside. Otherwise, my daughter would have probably tossed a grenade over the wall by now."

"What?!"

"Sophia's uncle … well, there are really no words to describe Merle," she sighed. "Let's just say when Daryl and his brother are finished training her, she'll be more than capable of taking care of herself."

Tori laughed, the first genuine laugh she'd shared in a long time. "Sounds like someone I'd like to meet." She rose to her feet. "C'mon, I'm sure you're more than anxious to see your husband. I'm sorry he was injured. Tessa is a bit rough after what we've been through. Sprite – she's a registered nurse – she stitched him up."

Carol pushed down the anger she felt over his injury and rose to follow. Tori ladled some stew into a large bowl and handed it to her. "I … are you sure you can spare it?" she asked.

"It's not much, but he's likely to be hungry. We're not going to let him starve."

"After I see him, I'd really like you to talk to Rick … if you're amenable?"

Tori shrugged. "Couldn't hurt. Need to negotiate your release anyway."

Carol shot her a sly look. "Box of supplies, maybe some fresh meat, a bit of ammo?"

"I like you," Tori chuckled.

"I don't see why we can't have a mutually beneficial relationship. It's hard to find decent people out there."

Tori paused before a closed door in the basement, old sleeping quarters for staff "Look, try not to get too mad, ok. Your man is plenty scary, and we couldn't just let him loose." She handed Carol her knife, the breath hitching in her throat as she took a chance the other woman wouldn't slit her throat with it.

Carol took the gesture as it was meant, a sign of trust.

"I'll be back in about an hour … give you time to talk to him."

Tori opened the door and Carol stepped inside, the lock clicking behind her.

*.*.*

Carol set the bowl containing their dinner down on a table pushed up against the wall with a lone chair. A sigh slipped past her lips as she fell back against the locked door. Daryl was tied to the chair across the room, his chin resting upon his chest, a soft snore and a snuffle assuring her he would live. The adrenaline rush she'd felt earlier had long worn off, leaving her weak. It could have been an epic disaster, strolling up to their gate as she'd done. Instead, she'd made a new alliance. She didn't know if Rick would be pleased or pissed. She shook her head. He'd definitely be pissed at her for running off half-cocked. And that was nothing compared to her husband's reaction. Oy!

She squeaked in a rather undignified manner as a knock sounded at her back, followed by the sound of the key in the lock. Stepping back, she warily eyed the door, unsure if she should be alarmed. The auburn-haired nurse offered her a timid smile as she stepped into the room. Carol didn't fail to notice the marine out in the corridor who'd accompanied her.

"Hi … we didn't get a chance to talk upstairs before Tori ran us all out of the room," the young woman said with a shy smile. "I'm Sprite. I cared for your husband when he was brought in."

"Oh, well … thank you," Carol managed, taking a bowl of warm water from her.

"I thought you might want to wash up a bit." The nurse set a small kit down on the table, revealing bandages, antibiotic ointment and several bottles of oral medicines. "I need to check his wound as well."

Carol took a firm step to her right, placing herself between the nurse and Daryl, her stance combative. "I can do that, if you don't mind."

"No, of course not. I would think you're quite used to looking after him yourself. You know to check for signs of infection and swelling?"

Carol nodded, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The tension slowly eased from her stiff posture as the woman moved towards the door and rested her hand on the knob.

"There's some Tylenol and antibiotics in the kit. He'll need another dose in about an hour."

Carol offered her a tentative smile, knowing she could like this girl if they were given time to get acquainted. "Thank you … for taking care of my Daryl. He can be a bear with strangers. I hope he didn't offend you."

Sprite chuckled. "No worse than some and better than others." She opened the door, so Carol could see Brian out in the hall. "If there's anything else you require, just knock on the door. Tori will be back later."

Carol breathed a sigh of relief as the door was closed and locked once more, leaving her alone with her husband. First things first, she had to release him from his bonds. She could understand them leaving him bound. They saw him as dangerous, and their women were to be protected at all costs. But he had to be hurting from being tied up for so long. Then again, perhaps she should leave him like that until she could see how angry he'd be with her.

The collar of his sleeveless button-up was stiff with blood as her fingers brushed against his nape, his body jerking beneath her light touch. "Shh, it's okay, Daryl. I'm here."

He groaned, his head slowly rising. He blinked several times, unable to believe she was really there. "I'm dreamin'," he croaked, his throat dry as sandpaper. Yet, he pressed into her palm affectionately as she brought her hand to his cheek. "Carol …"

"No, not dreaming, Pookie. I'm really here. Are you mad?" she asked, her bright blue eyes dancing with mischief.

Daryl gaped at her. "They got you too?" His gaze dropped to her belt where only her knife rested at her hip. "How'd y' get t' keep your knife?"

"That's an interesting story, actually. I kind of just walked up to the gate and demanded they release my husband," she admitted sheepishly. She drew her knife and sawed through his bonds, freeing him.

"Y' what?! Are y' crazy, woman?!" He rubbed at his wrists where the ropes had cut into his skin. He hadn't sat idly once they'd brought him down to the basement room, but the bonds had been too tight to free himself. "An' where are th' kids? Are they safe?"

Carol knelt before him, her hands kneading at his arms as she tried to help restore his circulation. "Did you really think I wouldn't come for you? For better or worse, Daryl. And don't worry about the children. They're with Rick."

"That's not comfortin', Carol." His smoky blue gaze narrowed on her. "An' there's nowhere in th' vows that said t' risk your own life t' come after me!"

She shot him a withering look and stalked over to the table to retrieve the bowl. She shoved it into his hands. "Eat," she commanded. "You must be starving."

Daryl took a hesitant sniff at his food, his stomach growling painfully. "I oughta kick Rick's skinny ass for lettin' y' come in here like that," he said, shoveling large spoonfuls of stew into his mouth.

"Stop!" she hissed, pacing before him. "I'm not arguing with you, Daryl. I didn't give Rick a choice. He sent Glenn and Maggie back to the house with the meds for Andrea and to get T-Dog and Shane and more weapons should we need them. He wanted to wait for dawn, and get a better feel for this place and its people. I wasn't willing to wait. I told him I was going to where we'd parked the truck to get blankets and some protein bars for the kids. It's not my fault he trusts so easily."

"Fuck! Y' blew that all t' shit, didn't y'? He ain't gonna make th' mistake o' trustin' y' again. Not when y' lied straight t' his face," he snarled, passing the half empty bowl back to her. "Here, eat th' rest o' that. Knowin' you, breakfast was th' last time y' filled your belly."

Carol took it from him and set it back on the table. "I need to check your wound first." The pill bottles rattled as she shook out a dose of antibiotics and Tylenol, handing the pills to him with a bottle of water. He didn't hesitate to take them from her as he had the nurse earlier.

He sat down and lowered his head, so she could get to his wound easily. "What if they'd shot y'? Or dragged y' inside an' …" he couldn't finish. "Didn't y' see how many men they had?"

Carol bit her lip to hold back an angry retort, focusing on rebandaging his wound. "I did. But it doesn't matter."

He turned, grabbing her hand and pulling her around to stand in the vee of his legs. "How can y' say that? Don't y' think it woulda mattered t' our daughter if y' didn't get back? Or me? What about Lori an' Andrea … or Carl or everybody else who loves y'?"

"Because … I couldn't stand the thought of what these people might be doing to you," she whispered, brushing the hair away from his eyes. "If I couldn't negotiate your release, at least I'd be here with you, Daryl."

"A prisoner!"

"But you wouldn't be alone," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Daryl pulled her down to straddle his lap, cursing himself inwardly as he felt her tears wet his shirt where she pressed her face into his shoulder. "Don't y' know … I ain't never alone, woman. You're always with me."

She nestled deeper into his embrace, her arms trapped against his chest as his hands roamed gently over her back. "I c-couldn't leave you," she whispered against his throat. "I felt as if I couldn't breathe, like someone had carved out a vital piece of me and nothing would ever be the same if I couldn't get you back. I felt broken, Daryl."

"Y' ain't broken," he growled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You're strong … y' gotta be for Sophia."

"I need you. You are my strength."

His throat felt tight. It was still hard for him to believe someone could harbor such deep-seated feelings for him. She would risk everything for him, and it scared him to death. He wasn't worth her life. "Don't cry … please. Y' know it tears me up t' see y' like this."
"I can't help it," she cried softly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, baby." He'd scold her later for her rash and impulsive behavior, but not now … not now when it felt so good to have her back in his arms where she belonged. He tilted her chin up and wiped away her tears before he let his lips find hers. He felt as if he'd come home. A loud growl from her stomach broke them apart, and he pushed her off his lap. "Go … eat. You're gonna need your strength."

She watched him stretch out on his stomach on the small twin bed, cradling his head on his arms. He must've been more tired than she'd thought. Usually, he'd be pacing a hole in the tiles searching for a way out. There were no windows in the basement room, and the only door was locked from the outside. They'd have to wait. She'd managed to eat a quarter of what was left in the bowl before he spoke again.

"So Xena … y' got a plan t' spring us from this joint?" he teased.

Carol rolled her eyes. "Haha, very funny."

"Well, what did y' see when they brought y' in? I was unconscious an' didn't see much o' nothin'," he said bitterly. "We might be able t' disarm a few o' 'em."

"There won't be any need for that. Their leader wants an alliance with our group. Tori will be back soon. She wants to meet with Rick."

He raised his head and frowned at her. "What? Y' don't know these people!"

"And I won't if we can't sit down and talk rationally." She arched a brow at him as she set the bowl down and rose to her feet. "Especially without a certain irate redneck losing his temper."

Daryl snorted as he turned on his side and made room for her on the bed.

"I had a nice long chat with her when I was brought in. They're not bad people, Daryl, but they're not strong like us. Their men are good soldiers, I'm sure, but they lack weapons and supplies. Their scavenging techniques need improving as do the choices they make for shelter. They could benefit from an alliance with us."

He pulled her close, never ceasing to be amazed by how perfectly she fit against him. "You like her."

"I could easily be her, Daryl … if I lost you."

He didn't like that thought at all. "Fine, we'll get Rick t' meet with her. Y' know we ain't got room and supplies t' take in a group this size, right?"

"Mhmm … but there's nothing saying we can't find a bigger place."

"Y' got an answer for everythin', don't y'?"

She shook her head and burrowed against him, seeking out his warmth. "No … but this is the right choice. If Merle is successful in his plans, they would have a real shot. They could come to Woodbury with us. The men could offer protection, and I met the woman who cared for your wound. She's a nurse. She'd be invaluable to Hershel."

Daryl leaned over and slanted his lips over hers in a silencing kiss, leaving them both breathless when they pulled apart. "Hush, woman. Y' ain't gotta convince me. I trust your judgment."

"You're not angry with me?"

"Didn't say that."

*.*.*

Daryl's eyes narrowed menacingly on the door as the knob rattled, the sound of a key turning in the lock making him tense. His hand toyed with the knife on his wife's hip. Carol hadn't been asleep long, but what slumber she'd found was easy and deep. She always slept like the dead when he was there to watch over her. The woman he'd seen earlier stepped into the room, flanked on either side by one of her marine bodyguards. He wondered how capable she'd be without them.

"You look better," she said pleasantly, waving the others back. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get back, but I needed to reassure my people. Some are more difficult than others, I'm afraid." She eyed his hand where it caressed the large hunting knife. "You're not going to make me a liar, are you?"

He felt a surge of satisfaction rush through him as her eyes darkened with worry. Instead of answering, he leaned down, his lips ghosting over his wife's ear. "Wake up, baby … your friend's here."

Carol curled closer to him, frowning in her sleep. "Tell Lori I don't want to eat SPAM again."

Daryl snorted. "Not that friend, woman."

Her eyes flew open and her head shot up, nearly head-butting him in the chin when she realized where she was. She rolled over to see Tori trying to hide a grin behind her hand. "Oh … hi."

Tori watched the woman swing herself around on the small bunk and lever herself into a sitting position. "Hi, yourself. You ready to bring your friends in from the cold? We gathered up some blankets and Alex said we have leftover stew if they're hungry."

A growl rumbled low in Daryl's chest as he stood up behind Carol and curled a protective arm around her waist, pulling her back into his body. "Daryl, behave," she admonished. "They're not a threat to us." To Tori she said, "You'll have to forgive my husband. He's a neanderthal."

"I'll show y' a neanderthal when I get y' back t' th' house, woman," he whispered lowly so only she could hear.

"But protective. That's a good thing." The woman smiled sadly as she led them from the room. "Be thankful he's still with you."

Tori led, Carol and Daryl following her up the stairs, the two marines on their heels. His smoky blue gaze, hidden by his fringe of bangs, didn't miss a thing as they progressed through the building. Jamie was waiting for them, ready to lead one of them outside to gather the remainder of their people.

"Only one of you leaves until we talk to your leader," the sergeant said, catching Tori's eye. She didn't look happy about it. She wanted an alliance with this new group, and it wasn't a show of trust to hold one of them hostage while the other was allowed to leave.

Carol nodded, unperturbed by the man's caution. "Daryl should go. Rick's less likely to lock him in the truck and post a guard."

He shot her a squinty-eyed look, one which threatened no end of violence. "Let 'im try." He looked over at the woman again. "Where's my bow?"

"I believe Tessa has it. She's of the opinion you'll break free and shoot us all. It'll take a bit of coaxing to get it back from her."

The hunter's teeth gnashed. "I go out there without it, Rick's gonna think it's a ploy, an' he ain't gonna co-operate. So, I suggest y' see about coaxin' it away from 'er."

"Brian!" The strawberry blond who'd accompanied them upstairs sighed and stepped forward. "I need that crossbow."

He grimaced. "Why I always got the shit jobs?"

"You married her. Suck it up!"

It was another thirty minutes before he returned with it. A half hour of Daryl prowling restlessly around the commissary, but also a short respite where Carol was able to talk to some of the other women. She complimented Alex on the meal, looking forward to sharing recipes with her. Sprite asked about Daryl's wound and recommended pulling icicles from the overhang on the building, crushing them and using them to reduce the swelling. Kayla was rather shy and didn't say much. Yet, Carol knew well how looks could be deceiving. This girl was layered, steel at her core to have survived this long.

Daryl yanked the crossbow out of the man's hands and did a quick survey to check for damage. Carol bit back a grin. It must be eating at him to know someone besides himself had touched his precious weapon. He settled it on his right arm with a contented grunt and followed the sergeant to the front of the building.

Jamie stopped in front of the gate as it swung open. "You think you can maybe signal them from here? Something tells me your little wife wouldn't be too thrilled to have you disappear."

He pushed the man aside and stopped maybe three feet from the iron enclosure. His hawk-like eyes, already adjusted to the faint light of the moon and surrounding darkness, searched the shadows. Flat land to the south and west, an incline to the east and the building obscuring his view to the north. Rick would be on the incline if he had any sense. Two short whistles rained from his lips, and he stepped back to wait.

Carl and Sophia came down the incline, jostling for position with Rick chasing after them cursing a blue streak. "Daddy!" his daughter cried, launching herself into his arms. He caught her with his left and buried his face against her small shoulder. "I was so scared. Are you alright?"

He set her down and ruffled Carl's hair, knocking the Stetson off his head. "Yeah, I'm fine. Bump on th' head, s'all. Y' alright?"

"What did I tell you two?" Rick hissed furiously as he pulled his son behind him. "This is the last time I'm taking you on a run. Don't listen for shit!"

Daryl eyed the colt clasped tightly in his friend's hand. "Y' can put that away. They ain't out t' hurt nobody."

"Tell that to your bandaged head, Dad," Sophia snarked, shuffling from foot to foot as her bow and pack bounced on her back. "Is Mom ok?"

"Your mama's fine."

"I almost had to tie these two to a tree to keep them from going after her when they saw that stunt Carol pulled," Rick said, holstering his sidearm. He looked over the hunter's shoulder. "Where is she?"

"Inside. My woman's wantin' t' take in more strays," he murmured, still a little disgusted these people had gotten the drop on him. "Carol trusts 'em."

Rick planted his hands on his hips and got that suspicious cop look on his face. "What do you think?"

Daryl glared at him. "She ain't been wrong yet. Talk to this woman an' make up your own mind. Either way, I want t' get th' kids inside. We're too exposed out here."

Rick nodded and approached the gate, the children close to Daryl's side as he followed. Jamie shook his head as he looked down at them. "You take kids out on scavenging runs with you? You're all brands of suicidal, ain't you?"

Sophia made a loud hmph noise as she turned up her nose and marched past him into the building. Carl, however, wasn't going to let the marine's slur go. "Kids, huh? Just so you know … Sophia could probably outshoot you, and you really shouldn't mess with her. She's in charge of the grenades."

Daryl looped an arm over the boy's shoulder and led him inside, leaving the marine gaping behind them.

A/n: So … a little more insight into the new group. Poor desperate souls. Think Rick will let them join? We'll have to wait and see. And yayness! Carol and Daryl reunited. Next time: Rick makes a decision, Maggie and Glenn return with reinforcements, the spa is attacked.