Stuff and Thangs
Monday
Rosita, Daryl and Rick huddle together in a dusty, rarely used conference room. The walls littered with maps, charts, shift schedules and dispatch logs create an unexpected pattern. The department patrols and response times are being tracked by someone or some group. The room fills with an eerie silence. Rick thinks out loud, "We need more intelligence."
Rosita moves to the dry erase board "Go." This work makes her transfer and training worth the time and energy.
Rick fires questions, "Who owns the buildings? Who or what group holds a grudge against the entire department? Who or what benefits from an accident, incident, or…he exhales, ambush?" They look to each other. Rick states the ugly truth nobody wants to admit.
Daryl retrieves his phone, pulls the authorization card from his wallet and dials, "Agent Mills…good…I need to put you on speaker." He places the phone on the metal table, "My partner Rick Grimes and his trainee Rosita are on the line. We got trouble." They spend the next 30 minutes providing a briefing.
Mills finally speaks, "Give me a few days and I will share what I find-deal."
"Thanks," Daryl responds before hanging up.
Rick paces. "That was step one. Step two-where are we vulnerable?"
Daryl sighs, "I'll order lunch."
Maggie cautiously approaches Quinn's desk. The woman keeps her own counsel and works hard so Maggie wants to be respectful. "Quinn, may I make a request?"
"Sure," she peers over her glasses.
"I would like to plan a baby shower. You look happy and you're part of our team…"she stops when Quinn burst into tears.
"Damn these freaking hormones…sorry." She wipes her eyes. "That would be cool. Look, I like you. You are good at job and don't tolerate bull shit. As you can see my emotions can get away from me and my family is not traditional by Kings' County standards. I will not allow them to be disrespected," Quinn explains.
Maggie nods, "You have my word and if anything comes up or has already happened I want to be informed."
"Thanks."
"I will be back later in the week with details," she smiles before returning to her office.
Carl and Justice hold hands swinging their arms back and forth. They stroll through the Kings' County Community College campus. The high school scheduled teacher training and every teenager uses the small window of freedom to engage in their favorite past time. "Where are we going again?" she asks for the third time.
"I told you. Our new spot," he laughs.
"How could I forget when I have never been there before," she quips. Five minutes later they arrive. She looks up and reads the sign on the wooden door, "Eden…a little Heaven on Earth."
Carl releases her hand and holds the door open for them to enter. He slings his arm over her shoulder and guides her to the counter. The owner behind the counter looks up. "Hey Carl," he greets with a warm smile.
"What's up Eric? This is Justice."
"Nice to meet you," he notices the body language.
"Likewise," Justice looks around. College kids and professors scattered on plush, velvet couches, chairs and at tables. She notices an archway and the crammed bookshelves. "Is that a library?"
"Yes, we call it 'The Sanctuary'. All my personal must reads for the educated masses."
Her eyes dance with delight. Carl winks at Eric. "Before you go exploring we need treats," Carl re-directs.
"Fine with me…you're in charge-today," she warns. They all laugh.
"Eric, we will have two French Kisses and two chocolate covered strawberries," Carl delivers cool and smooth. Justice locks her knees. Damn his fine ass! Eric smirks and shakes his head. Carl pays, picks up the plate of their confections, takes her hand and guides them through the archway to a small loveseat nestled in a corner amongst the floor to ceiling shelves.
Justice pushes back against the seating getting comfortable. Before he can comment, "Yes, I know my feet can't reach the floor…I am height challenged," she laughs.
"We can call it that…here, pick a treat," he raises the plate.
She selects the puffed pastry dusted with powdered sugar and takes a bite, "Oh my god…there is whipped cream," she moans and closes her eyes. Shit! He stuffs a chocolate covered strawberry in his mouth as a distraction chewing frantically. "Is it good," she asks. He signals his approval with a thumb up. She tries the remaining strawberry. "Yes it is," she replies while chewing.
He clears his throat and pulls books from the messenger bag previously strapped across his body. "I thought you might want to read me your favorite."
Her eyes fill with tears looking between him and the books in his hands extended to her and she whispers, "How did you know?"
"I pay attention," he hands her copies of Nikki Giovanni and Warsan Shire books.
She nestles into his lap and they spend the day in their own little heaven.
Tuesday
Glenn hastily makes his way to Denise's desk. "You seen Walsh?" he asks breathlessly.
"Nope, waiting on evidence?" she knows the answer but wants confirmation.
"Yeah, they called from the scene-asked me to prioritize the lab results. Let me know when he gets here. Thanks."
"No problem." Once Glenn turns she pulls out a notebook and makes an entry.
Denise's position and unassuming nature allow her to take care of her Guys. They don't notice and she prefers it that way. She makes sure the vending machine only offers their favorites. She upgrades towels in the locker room. She knows they are all drinking decaf coffee. She facilitates the ergonomic upgrade and configuration of desks, chairs and desk top computer stations. She provides the reports to Morgan before final schedules are posted to ensure everyone gets enough sleep and no one burns out. Denise has a hunch and collects evidence to prove it. God won't be able to help Shane Walsh if she is right.
Rosita and Rick meet with Sasha, "You wanted to follow up on the camera issue," she opens the conversation.
"We thought a pilot program with volunteers could set a baseline of measureable results and develop testimonials to encourage full implementation," Rosita explains.
"I like it-body or dash?"
"Both," Rosita and Rick respond.
"Wow…I will put together a proposal and schedule a follow up meeting. She is excited. They are a long way from what she wants but it is a start.
Rick clears his throat, "We need a favor?" He hands her a spreadsheet. "We need any traffic camera footage from the identified area during this time frame."
"You are giving this to me directly. What is wrong?"
"Not sure…still determining facts. This is strictly need to know."
"Done, when is the deadline?"
"ASAP," Rick replies quickly.
"I'll do it myself." They shake hands and depart for patrol. Sasha heads to the video archives.
Shane returns to the station whistling a happy tune. He surprised Jessie at work when he noticed he was in the area. Well 15 minutes from the area. Her excitement about his visit was contagious. She introduced him to every waitress, bus boy and kitchen staff member. The compliments played on a loop in his head. "So handsome…so charming…must be brave…clearly he works out…looks strong."
She invited him to dinner to show her appreciation. His ego party is interrupted by Denise, "Glenn has been waiting for you," she emphasizes standing at his desk.
"Shit," he leaps from his chair and returns to the squad car. She returns to her desk, retrieves her notebook and makes another entry.
Wednesday
Michonne wakes up with her mother on her mind. She knows why. She and Rick scheduled a doctor's appointment for Thursday. They agreed to talk tonight. First, to nurture and maintain the emotional health of the relationship and second to prepare for the doctor's interview. She sighs heavily and doubles her efforts writing opening arguments and outlining closing statements for her upcoming trials. One hour later she surrenders and follows her heart. "Guys, if you need me I have my cell," she leaves the office. Secure in her car Michonne exits the parking lot headed to the interstate and Atlanta.
Lori picks at her turkey on light rye sandwich staring blankly out the window on the far left wall. "May I join you?" the male voice pulls her from her thoughts.
"Hey Spencer, have a seat," she gestures to the chair in front of her.
"You look pretty today," he compliments.
She chuckles humorlessly, "I might believe you if I didn't hear you say it to all the other girls."
"You should. I been telling you since high school," he reminds.
"Really, I don't remember that at all. We had fun then. Too bad the good times did not last," she rests her head on her hand.
"Maybe we could make some new memories…try something new?" he asks eyes filled with hope.
"We work together-probably not a good idea," she deflects.
"Rick and ADA Anthony seem to make it work and look damn happy together," he counters.
At the mention of Rick's new relationship Lori snaps and loses her composure, "What do you think you know about Rick's happiness? I know everything about how to make him happy. We were happy and we will be again," she shouts and runs from the cafeteria.
People gawk and Spencer blushes in embarrassment while escaping the scene. PD Owen lurks in a corner absorbing the new information.
Rick enters her house and follows the aroma of dinner to the kitchen. Michonne fills the table with piping hot dishes of food. "You keep feeding me like this and I will need extra holes in my belt," he teases and flirts. She smiles softly, "Fried pork chops, red beans and rice with cornbread-my dad's favorite meal."
"Come here," he opens his arms and embraces her.
She nuzzles into him, "Let's eat," she directs.
He takes her face in his hands and stares into her eyes making sure she really is okay. "Fine."
A clean kitchen later and Rick even scored a container of leftovers. They sit across from each other in bed. Michonne begins, "I have some irrational rules you will follow because you love me," she smiles knowingly.
"Of course…give 'em to me."
"You cannot use the words that begin with the letters b, m, p or w and no sex," she instructs with a straight face.
Could she be more adorable? He laughs, "Give me a minute, he thinks long and hard, I'm ready." He takes a deep breath, "If stuff is happening are we ready?" he opens.
She pauses remembering how she felt at her parents shared gravesite. "Yes, we promised to build something new together and I have unwavering faith in us," she concludes. "Wait, are you not sure?" she begins to panic.
"Trust, I am sure and steady-ready to celebrate every accomplishment and face any challenge by your side."
"I can do that," she exhales relieved.
"I need the important thang done before stuff happens because there can never be a question or doubt about my commitment to us and stuff now or moving forward-can you handle that?" his tone is piercing. She nods quickly. "Lastly, how big do we need to go to make my thang happen?"
"We don't need…correction, I don't want big. It will magnify my loss," she admits. "I know that will be hard for Ms. Jolene, but…"
He stops her, "Who is my priority?"
"I am," she whispers while peeking up at him. Thank all the Saints for sending me this man.
He leans forward and kisses her forehead. "I think that is enough for now. Let's get some sleep."
She presses her chest into his and he embraces her. "And you can bet for damn sure they will call me Mrs. Grimes," she declares before closing her eyes.
Hearing her declaration, his chest fills with so much pride it feels like it may crack wide open.
AN: Thank you for your reviews, support, and feedback. To jtg, I am sorry to disappoint you but I am really old. (I get excited when I find the perfect barrettes for my granddaughter old.) LOL! I hope you stick with me. Justice is inspired by the real life of my daughters. (Who think my new author status is ridiculous and embarrassing.) I wanted this story to reflect their truth. Like you they are brilliant and beautiful in a world not prepared for their existence and terrified by their power. I will take your advice and keep pushin'. ;)