Usual Suspects
Negan strutted down the center of the hall surrounded by his entourage and a cloud of Axe body spray. He was the #1 quarterback in the state of Georgia and ranked in the top ten nationwide. At 6'3 and 220 pounds he ruled the school through a combination of brute force and roguish charm. There was nothing he could not do and no one he could not have except her-Justice Washington.
For the life of him he could not understand why. The other girls gave him what he wanted immediately or eventually. She acted like he did not exist. He was determined to change that. He and every guy in school knew who she was-perfect body and super smart.
Negan had no use for the smart part but he wanted that body. She transferred into his history class after the first week of school much to the delight of the teacher and the other nerds. She never laughed at his jokes and used too many big words in his opinion but her ass made up for those shortcomings.
He opened the door for third period history and stopped moving. She changed her hair. The regular bun was gone and replaced by thick waves cascading around her shoulders and down her back. His day just got better.
Mr. Axelrod greeted the class, "Today, we will address the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the role of each branch of government."
"Shouldn't we discuss the current version of the Voting Rights Act in relation to the three branches given the actions of our current state legislature," Justice attempts to push the discussion.
"Justice, can you let me provide instruction first? Mr. Axelrod smiles at his star pupil.
"Sorry."
"Students count off by three's, move to your groups and I will hand out the task sheets."
Negan and Justice were assigned to the same group. He smiles and she groans. He slides into the desk next to her, "Hey," he winks.
"Hey," she returns in a monotone.
"Check this out," he pulls out a GQ magazine with his face on the cover, "Cool, huh."
"Is this real?"
"Yeah."
"Why are you on the cover?"
"I play football, duh."
She flips through the pages, "What is the article about?"
"My stats, where I'm going next year."
"Hmm…do you ever read David Zirin's work?"
"No, who is he?"
"Only one of the leading sports writer's of his generation. You should check him out."
"I'll pass. I just need to play football. You should come to the game."
"Let me guess, to be part of your cheering section."
Negan is excited. This is easier than I thought. "Yeah, I'll even let you tell people I invited you," he flashes a charming smile.
"Thanks, but I'll pass." She turns and works with the rest of the group ignoring Negan for the remainder of the period.
Judge Blake enters his chambers to review his docket for the week only to be met with disappointment-no ADA Anthony. How was that possible? He saw the previous ADA weekly. Don't over think it. "Gertrude, bring me the last minute motion request from the Public Defender's Office?"
Gertrude stood in his doorway, "Sorry your Honor but we will not receive any this week."
"Why is that?" he responds without looking up.
"The office is re-structuring based on new staffing."
"Finally hiring someone competent; who did they get?"
"Uh, let me check," she scans her notepad, "Owen-Mike Owen from Atlanta. Lateral transfer."
Mike walked around his new office. No stunning high rise view, no state of the art technology, no pool of vicious junior associates eager to prove themselves and willing to do almost anything to come out on top. He reminded himself this was temporary and part of the long game. He was sloppy and got caught literally with his pants down. But that was two years ago. Time to get back on track the way his father, the Good Reverend planned.
They could be a respected power couple again. He had his side piece in check now plus he ditched Terry and Ecstasy completely. Sure, it would always be 420 time and side piece was way too freaky to let go but life was full of compromises. This occupational downgrade had to warrant reconciliation. She had to recognize and appreciate all that he was doing. For now he would focus on making himself the star of this new office. How hard could that be?
Knock, knock... "Come in," the Captain's voice rang out from behind the door. Rick and Daryl entered holding documents in their respective dominate hands and sat purposefully in the chairs provided. Morgan watched them carefully-this is serious business.
"Per department policy we submitted the necessary paperwork to human resources to identify significant relationships that could present a conflict of interest," Rick delivers in professional tone.
"We wanted to let you know personally out of respect not just for your rank but you as a man," Daryl followed up.
"Thank you, but who you love is not my business. Obviously, we need to re-assign you when Rick returns to regular patrol duty."
Daryl and Rick share confused expressions.
"How long have you been together if you don't mind me asking?"
"Sir, I'm involved with ADA Anthony and Daryl is with Lead Investigator Williams," Rick clarifies.
"How, I mean…no offense, but really?" Captain Morgan looks back and forth between both men completely bewildered.
The office is quiet, both men stare at the floor. Ricked shrugged his shoulders and Daryl responds, "We have no idea."
Sasha poked her head into the doorway of Michonne's office, "You ready for us?"
"Of course, please be seated," she states standing to retrieve documents from her printer. Michonne joins her guest at the conference room table.
"Michonne Anthony, this is my newly appointed deputy-Jesus Rovia." Jesus is still in a state of shock. When he was called into his boss' office one hour ago he expected a reprimand for not following standard procedures and norms. Instead he received praise for results that increased successful prosecution. Now he sits across the table from ADA Anthony to discuss his promotion within the unit. His world keeps getting bigger.
"Jesus, please tell me about you?" Michonne inquires.
"I grew up on a converted school bus and my parents' home schooled me. We visited every state in the union at least once including all the National Parks. I love rock climbing, repelling and baking."
"Wow, I want to re-visit the baking," Michonne smiles. He is nervous and overwhelmed. "In a nutshell you will serve as lead in any investigation with potential conflict of interest for Sasha. For those cases you will report directly to me or DA Monroe."
"Do you have any questions about your new role?" Sasha pushes the discussion along.
"To be honest, I am still in shock."
"Once the shock wears off you make an appointment with Beth so we can address questions or concerns," Sasha responds with a kind smile.
Michonne places documents in from of Jesus. "If you accept the position please sign the highlighted areas. My office will submit the forms for processing to human resources and DA Monroe's office as well."
"Thank you for the opportunity."
Aaron, Beth and Lori invited Quinn, the new Paralegal assistant, out after work to welcome her to the team. With her Shirley Temple curls and smart glasses she looked like the picture of innocence. Nothing could be further from the truth. Quinn's mind and tongue is razor sharp and she took no prisoners.
They decided to try the new shaved ice shop 'Happy Feet.' After picking up their orders they settled into a patio table. "How did you end up in Kings' County?" Lori offered with a warm smile.
"I had my own business as a corporate head hunter which required a lot of travel, but I am ready to be a mom so I downsized my life."
Lori perked up, "How exciting for you and your husband."
"I'm not married."
Lori looked confused and Aaron rolled his eyes. Here we go…
"Wait…you must be engaged. How's the planning going?"
Quinn peered at Lori over the rim of her glasses clearing making an assessment of the woman before responding. "This is going to sound rude to you but I am ready to be a mom and the specifics surrounding that decision don't require discussion."
Aaron tried his best to muffle his laughter when he saw the shock on Lori face. Beth blushed at the awkward tension and Quinn continued to enjoy her treat, "This mango, strawberry and watermelon is amazing."
Before Lori could respond she was distracted by Jessie strolling past talking animatedly on her cell, "I was so excited when Rick showed up at my job…"
Lori groaned in frustration. This time Beth rolled her eyes. Here we go…"I don't get it? She is a waitress with a ponytail. They have nothing in common, no history or memories together."
This time Beth's mouth started working before her brain caught up. "Lori isn't it time to move on. He has had at least a decade to think about the relationship and he hasn't changed his mind."
Lori gives Beth the death stare before snatching away from the table, "Nice to meet you Quinn. See you around Aaron."
Beth looks to Aaron, "Was that wrong?" She really is confused and didn't mean any harm.
Quinn interjects, "No, but the truth hurts."
Jesus enters his three bedroom bungalow home nestled in a quiet older neighborhood in Kings' County.
"How was your day?" Quinn announces exiting the soon to be nursery.
"Guess who got a promotion?"
"Get out! I want all the details while you make crepes with Nutella, bananas and cinnamon sugar for dinner."
"Sure thing Baby Mama," he laughs while washing his hands.
They are half way through the meal when Quinn changes the subject. "What's up with Lori? She looked like she was having a panic attack because I wasn't following the 'Stepford Wives' playbook."
"Poor thing- too much Hallmark Channel. She is a former homecoming queen who lost her king too long ago to remember. Unfortunately the king hasn't picked a replacement so she has delusional hope he will return."
"Did you respond to that scrumptious eye-candy yet?"
"No."
"Come on, she whines, we had a deal. He's not on my menu but someone has to take a taste."
He laughs, "Alright…hand me my phone and wish me luck."
"No luck needed. Meet at 'Happy Feet' the shaved ice place-it's delish." Quinn retreats to her room.
Jesus dials, "Hi Xavier…yes, I would like to get to know you better."
Michonne is nestled into the couch sorting cases into two categories: let's make a deal and prosecute. She meets with the public defender's office this week and did not want to waste time. She also had a hair appointment with her new stylist and she wanted to enjoy the session. Her phone rang and a picture of carnival lights against the backdrop of the setting sun flashed across the screen.
"Hey, Handsome."
"Do I look gay?"
She laughs deep and hard, "What?"
"Do Daryl and I look like we should be on the cover of The Advocate?" he is laughing too.
"Clearly things did not go as planned with the Captain."
His laughter slows, "We got back on track after that detour. How was your day?"
"Tedious, but I met a really interesting guy."
"You met a guy." She shares the details of her meeting as she entered the kitchen.
"What's that sound?"
"I'm adding French vanilla whip cream to the leftover bread pudding."
"Are you serious right now? First, I thought we finished the bread puddin' and second we were naked and you failed to mention whip cream."
"In my defense, I was not prepared for the Rick Grimes experience and I take the 5th regarding the bread pudding."
"Michonne Anthony I find you guilty of a sexual misdemeanor," Rick's voice drops an octave.
"Would you consider a plea deal Your Honor," she flirts back.
"Maybe," he shifts in his chair to accommodate his mounting erection.
"Tomorrow night I will prepare two desserts and the one you choose gets the whip cream."
"Deal, I hate to kill the vibe, but-" she interrupts.
"No Judge Blake this week due to the re-structuring of the PD's Office."
"How did you know?"
"I know my man."
"Touche. Sweet dreams."
"Always, thanks to you." Rick's heart takes flight.
Carl is online researching the weight of paper versus foam poster board for his Physics of Toys online course. His phone signals an incoming message. He opens the message and has to remember to breathe. Justice sent a picture of herself with her homework and the caption I did it!
In the privacy of his room he stares at her. He memorizes her bright eyes and the fullness of her lips. He remembers the coconut and mango fragrance of her hair. After several minutes he updates her contact with the picture and responds- Congrats!
"Yes…right there," Sasha moans. Daryl is giving her an extremely thorough foot massage. He finishes by placing open mouth kisses to her ankles before sliding on the cashmere socks. He lies on his side across the foot of her bed with his head propped up on his bent arm and fist. Sasha snuggles into the stack of pillows he prepared.
"Look at me," he quietly commands. His heart is racing. She shakes her head from side to side in a futile attempt to stop the tears. Daryl pulls himself up to a sitting position, "Come here." Sasha crawls into his lap and buries her face in his neck. He holds her tight.
She mumbles against his skin, "I will be fine. You will be safe. We will have hot, dirty sex again." She feels the rumble of his laughter. Daryl pulls back and takes her face in his hands. The affection and faith in her eyes gives him more confidence that he has ever known.
"What do you know?" he requests soberly.
"Daryl Dixon was picked up at the extraction point on Tuesday and returned to duty on Friday. Merle Dixon was last seen Monday in his big rig leaving the County Comfort Motel on Route 47 headed east."
"Good. I am leaving my phone with you. What is the emergency code word?"
"Socks," she smiles.
He tucks her in and holds her until she falls asleep. Daryl secures her door, hops on his bike and heads out of town. He needs to close this chapter of his life and begin the adventure of a lifetime with Sasha by his side.
Shane is at the bar downing his third shot. The alcohol is fueling his irrational thoughts about Rick Grimes. They had been friends in high school-best friends to be exact. They had the perfect bromance. Rick was the perfect good guy: sweet, following all the rules, keeping the duo out of serious trouble. Shane was the classic bad boy: edgy, inappropriate at times, but always charming. Then it all became a lie.
Rick was gone for the week at that fancy Junior Senators camp and asked Shane to take care of his girl. Lori wanted to go Karen's House Party. Everyone knew it would be epic because her parents were out of town. Three wine coolers in Lori was tipsy and literally letting her hair down in the middle of the dance floor. Without Rick's Big Man on Campus persona including letterman jacket she took down her ever present cheerleader ponytail. She was wild and free taking risks and Shane was along for the ride.
He told himself he was being a good friend when he agreed to dance with her during the house mix. He told himself he was honoring the brocade threatening any guy within ten feet of her. When she whispered in his ear that she wanted to slow dance because it was her favorite song the line started to blur. When she caressed his thigh and bit his earlobe on the car ride home and he pulled in and parked behind the local superstore he had to admit they were crossing the line together.
When they returned to school he was filled with remorse and shame but prepared to confess. He hoped Rick would understand. What he did not expect was Lori's transformation. She reacted to him and Rick as if the weekend had never occurred. The first day he was in shock, the second day was fascination when she pulled him under the bleachers and picked up where they left off in the truck. In those moments with Lori he was better than Rick.
But the moments never lasted and they were always stolen, hidden, dirty and dismissed. Even now, all these years later the willing role he played left a bitter taste in his mouth. When all was said and done Rick walked away from her. Admitted the relationship was never enough but Lori was still hanging on to the memory of something that didn't really exist because the possibility of Rick Grimes was better than the reality of Shane Walsh.
Shane made his way to the bathroom and stared at his reflection. He resolved in that moment that he would never live in Rick Grimes' shadow again. "From now on Shane comes first."
AN: This chapter has a special homage to Vegaslover. She pulled me out of the shadows. Thank you for your talent and the generosity of your support.