The New Normal
AN: This and future chapters may contain minor time jumps to get us through the week faster. More time jumps can be anticipated to improve the pacing. Thank you for your patience, understanding and encouragement.
Monday
Kings' County High was on fire! The rumor mill raged, speculation ran rampant and the anticipation of what would happen next was palpable. Negan, conveniently absent, convinced his crew that his beat down was unprovoked and they vowed to retaliate on his command.
Carl and Noah talked Sunday night and agreed that things would go back to normal after a few days because they were a couple of nerds and no one would care for long. Standing at their lockers surrounded by classmates they do not know forces them to recognize how wrong they were. "When is the re-match?" "Do you have a hit list?" "You finished it but who started it?"
In a different hallway Sophia deals with her unwelcome change in status. "Does Carl have a girlfriend?" "Is he going to Homecoming?" "What kind of girls does he like?" "Can I come over and do homework with you?" "Just give him my number."
She launches into protective mode and takes no prisoners. "Look 'Thirsty Crew' stay away from my cousin and do not make me repeat myself," she shouts and storms away.
Justice sits in statistics class waiting. She has no idea what to expect, it was a whole new world. A new world where Carl's hugs exist and he promised to call every day before she goes to bed so he can say goodnight. The normal classroom buzz stops when Carl enters the room. He wears a simple white, long sleeve Henley with Carolina blue strips, relaxed fit dark denim jeans and patent-leather Carolina blue and white vintage Jordan's. She is shook. Would it be wrong to attach myself to him like a Koala bear?
Carl takes his seat next to her, "Weird day. Can we be normal?" he asks in earnest.
She nods her head up and down rapidly. They focus and work quietly until Justice slid her paper over, "Can you double check 7c?"
Carl places his arm on the back of her desk chair and leans in, "You got it right and you look pretty. Totally normal," they share a glance and laughter.
Captain Morgan stands at the podium waiting for the assigned duty officers to take their seats. "Listen up, for the next two weeks I am implementing temporary flexible assignments. Ford is on desk duty for a minimum of one week: which means single officer unit patrols and double shifts. There will be opportunities for overtime. The announcement is met with the usual grumbling and groans. "Next up- a confidential FBI update by one of their undercover operatives." Officers sit up straight and take in the room. This is serious 'America's Most Wanted' business. "Dixon take the podium," Morgan commands. Mouths fall open; officers stare and react rhetorically, "Did you know?" "How long has this been going on?"
Daryl awkwardly stands at the podium. "For the past year as part of an undercover operation I was a member of a white supremacist militia running guns in Georgia and Tennessee. The operation officially closed this weekend. However, two suspects have not been apprehended." Jesus turns off the lights and turns on the monitor from the back of the room and joins Daryl standing to his left side.
He points to the picture displayed before the group. "Dwight's distinguishing feature is the burn scar on the left side of his face. He is volatile, armed and currently off grid. The second suspect is generic but no less dangerous. He stands 5'10 with brown hair. He could be anyone, anywhere. Any intelligence you encounter or discover should be forwarded to me and Jesus Rovia with the Investigation Unit."
The Captain emphasizes his closing remarks, "Be smart, be safe and take care of each other."
Late Monday night Jake enjoys a beer at 'Tammy's'. He made a lot of money as part of the militia but the FBI raid scared him straight. He was headed back to Indiana to make up yet another version of himself. He could admit he was a coward and a chameleon. Waiting to pay his tab he notices the picture on the back wall. Merle Dixon smiling up at a Black woman holding a dart board with a perfect bulls eye. When the bartender approaches Jake speaks up, "Is that Merle Dixon?" pointing toward the picture.
"Nah, don't know no Merle. That's Daryl and Sasha from over in Kings' County."
Jake's fish lips smile wide and he retrieves his burner phone-another payday.
Tuesday
Abe sits at his desk desperately seeking a comfortable position. Over the weekend after multiple ice packs and no relief he dragged himself to urgent care. The diagnosis: severe groin pull. Treatment: ice, snug white briefs, an inflatable donut for sitting and no ambitious sex acts. The black eye would heal on its own. Rosita seemed no worse for wear and oblivious to his pain. "Dude, what the hell happened?" Shane asks from across the desk.
"Weekend warrior…pushed a little too hard," he tries to be vague.
"Football, rugby, paint ball," Shane continues to push missing all the social cues.
"Rugby…out of town, but once I heal I'm going for the re-match." I will conquer that pussy even if I have to tear my dick off.
Daryl laid all the ingredients out on the counter the way she liked. He walked the aisles twice before making his selections. He remembers her rule: the more colors the healthier the meal. He was trying for her. The doorbell rang and even though he knew she was on the other side his heart still fluttered with first time excitement. He swung the door open, "Hey Sweetheart."
"Hey Baby," she responded through a yawn.
"Come here," he hugged her tight, "Long day?" Sasha nodded into his chest. "I'm all ears...let it out," he tries not to seem too eager but this was one of his favorite parts of the week-venting. Her behavior was unconscious much to his delight. She would complain about a case or person while stripping out of her work clothes.
"Why can't your boy Shane conduct a decent interrogation?" off with her shoes.
"My team has to go back and fill in the blanks," she steps out of her skirt.
"It's all gut instinct. No deductive reasoning," suit jacket cast aside and camisole over her head.
"Now I have to inform Michonne which changes her prosecution-whoo," she exhales with relief holding her bra in her hand.
Daryl swats her butt, "Get comfy and we'll figure it out."
She trots down the hall and returns to the kitchen in sweats and a tank. "Ooh, fresh spinach lobster ravioli and Caesar salad." Sasha cooks while he recounts his day. They are tucked in bed when he asks, "Can I take you on a date Thursday night?"
Wednesday
Michonne, Aaron and Carl work with a synergistic rhythm the entire day. Their morning started with their security update meeting developing objectives, goals, implementation charts and evaluation criteria. Aaron, after much needed encouragement, agrees to facilitate the courthouse team and Carl agrees to lead the effort to build the digital platform with the Technology Department.
Michonne was responding to intra-office e-mails when Dale called about a delivery. She enters the lobby and approaches the sales girl from the 'Velvet Rope' with her distinctive teal bob. "What are you doing here?" her voice is filled with curiosity.
"Hello, I couldn't help myself. You two are my favorite clients thus the personal delivery."
"Well, since you went to all this trouble follow me upstairs," Michonne smiles taking the larger of the two boxes. They reach her office and place the boxes labeled 'Gorgeous Collection' on the conference room table. She opens the smaller box and holds up a pair of adorable white cross-fit trainers with gold and silver stars. She tears into the second box and reads the handwritten note card:
Meet me at the gym for a full body workout 7 pm tonight
She pulls back the tissue paper to reveal a purple cropped sports bra tank with a sheer racer back accompanied by coordinating leggings with sheer cut outs on the calf. The sales girl steps back to video the scene and send the media package to Rick as instructed. "He is living perfection," Michonne whispers to herself. The sales girl breaks her from her trance.
"You two are relationship goals," she winks. Michonne offers her a tip. "No thanks. I'll wait for the wedding invite," they both laugh.
Rick sits in the patrol unit waiting for Rosita. He starts the video and watches with delight as Michonne opens her gifts. When Rosita joins him they depart to follow up on the call from dispatch about suspicious activity at an abandoned warehouse. They reach the warehouse and patrol the surrounding area. Most of the buildings are eligible for demolition. They remain in the car patrolling the alleys and side streets. Rosita radios dispatch, "Nuisance call…no activity found."
Rick arrived at the gym early to change and warm up. After serious contemplation he decided to wear the jock strap. I can barely handle her when I wear pants. He sits on the mat chugging from the water bottle listening to the whispers "She's back." "Look at that ass." She stands in front of him adorned in her new outfit, "You got me here Grimes. Now what?" she flirts.
He grabs her hand and pulls her down, "We work out. Partner stretching and some kick boxing," he retorts with a wink. Rick knows her flexibility range and uses that to his advantage. By the time they reach the body bag her kicks are higher and her range of motion is wider.
When they finish she graces him with a glorious triumphant smile. "Wow, I can't remember the last time I felt this good. My muscles are humming."
"Good. Now let's get you home for a proper cool down," Rick encourages.
Michonne mixes a quick Caesar salad and adds leftover grilled chicken. "Dinner," she calls through the house. Rick joins her at the table. They were half way through their meal when he started talking. "Tomorrow I want you to remember how relaxed, capable and confident you feel right now. I can't be in the courtroom but I am always in your corner," he states with conviction.
Her eyes fill with steel-backed resolve, "I am going to kick their ass."
"That's my warrior…go get in the shower," he directs. He cleans the kitchen and meets her in the bedroom. Michonne climbs into bed and looks at him expectantly. "Nope, not tonight-you need all your energy." He kisses her forehead.
She hugs him tight and whispers in his ear, "I love and adore you."
"And I am devoted to loving you," he responds and tucks her in for the night.