Real Talk
Tuesday
Deanna and Michonne are engaged in their monthly debriefing. "Our conviction rate is better than solid but the number of plea deals is unsettling," Deanna shares.
"I agree…a number of states are looking into rehabilitation courts for drug offenses and California Senator Harris is introducing bail reform legislation. Maybe we could implement some of those protocols for our region," Michonne suggests.
"I am willing to listen-no promises," she responds cautiously.
"Fair enough," she gathers her things to return to her office.
"Michonne…I do not want to get your hopes up but Blake surrendered his legal license. I am hoping this means he is willing to plead and spare us all a dirty, nasty trial-no guarantee," Deanna offers gently.
"Thank you," she exhales, "I will hope for the best but I am prepared for the fight," she replies with conviction.
"Of that I have no doubt. Now…on a completely unprofessional level…tell me about this ring?" she giggles like a school girl.
Rick meets with the SWAT Captain, "Hey Grimes, what kind of fun do you have planned this time?" he chuckles taking a seat.
"We have a chance to wrap up our previous joint operation. We were able to trace some weapons and a fertilizer delivery back to a local motel. The four suspects are all under the age of 25 years old. The manager is cooperating. He wants them out this week and has the legal authority to do it-we don't need the court to get access," he explains.
"Good…tell me the plan. I know you already have one-you are a crafty motherfucker," he ribs with respect.
"I do," he nods. "I want to use RV's to evacuate the other guests. Random RV's at a motel will minimize suspicion. Then we execute our normal eviction procedure. The only wild card is how well armed they still are. Daryl thinks they could be leftovers from his FBI raid which means they are willing to die in a blaze of glory," he informs.
"Well shit…I will have my guys do a tactical assessment tomorrow and we can revise procedures as required," he suggests.
"Good…we have a team trying to get eyes in the room so I may have more intelligence as well," he offers his hand to close the meeting.
The SWAT Captain returns the gesture, "I like you…you keep things interesting; until next time Rick."
Rae-Ann returns home from her first day on the job with her brain on overload. She craves some peace and quiet so she can review her court procedure notes. Unfortunately she enters the family home to a teenage tornado. "Roxanne…come on…it is a school night. Give it a rest," she complains.
Roxanne and her entourage are painting their nails and putting on a fashion show for each other to the soundtrack of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift. "Ignore her…she's bitter because she lost her man-again," Roxanne snarks.
"Really…the motorcycle guy?" Lilith questions.
"What's up with that? She use to have her pick…she should have stayed blonde," Amanda advises.
Rae-Ann rolls her eyes trying to pass through the room without engaging. It was a couple of dates. Wait…no need to explain. They aren't ready for the truth as much as they need it.
"Yeah Rae…you use to be the Queen of Kings' High-what happened? Roxanne teases sarcastically.
Fine…hard tea it is. "I grew up and you will have to sooner than you think. None of you are the next Kardashian or whoever YouTube pseudo-star you are obsessed with. Your wants and desires do not center the universe. Whatever guy you have set your sights on usually has his own plans that he has every right to pursue. Here is an idea to ponder…what if all the time and energy you spend on man catching schemes went into making yourself smarter or just productive," she delivers with the enthusiasm of newly discovered wisdom.
The young girls quiet and seem to consider her word but the reflection is broken by Roxanne's bratty retort, "Don't listen to her. She is all self-helpie because her game is weak. Back to important stuff. Which top do you think Carl will notice the pink or the purple?"
Wednesday
"Xavier thanks for meeting with me. I need you to sign this confidentiality form before we continue," Daryl instructs.
Xavier reads the form quickly; signing and sliding it back across the table. He is exceedingly curious about the cryptic e-mail request he received.
"I want to offer you a part-time Executive Assistant position. I am an FBI consultant. I will need help with logistics, reports-stuff like that. You won't be able to talk about much of what we do but our work will make the world a little safer. I am determined to do that," he proposes.
Xavier perks up, "I have a family-baby due any second…" he doesn't have to finish.
"Your family will have access to the same protections as mine. If we do this right we won't need them but there is always a risk," he reassures.
"What about my current job? I can't cut my salary in half…actually I need to talk to my family first," he backtracks. It is not just me anymore; I am part of a we.
"Sure, but to answer your immediate question you could do both. Doing both helps distract from the FBI actions. Take your time…use the utmost discretion and I will follow up in a couple weeks," Daryl concludes and stands.
"Thank you for your consideration…I must admit I am a little blown away right now," he confesses.
Daryl laughs, "I know the feeling."
Jolene and Crew are enjoying their time at the Dog Park. "So…give us the latest on Nike and Athena?" Eva asks.
"They ranked in the top ten at their last competition and we are doing our best to comply with the special diet," Ida uses air quotes.
"I know my Babies want some neck bones, but their wardens won't let them have any," Patti complains.
The laughter quiets, "How did the talk with Tyreese go?" Jolene probes softly.
Eva sighs in exhaustion, "I'm gone need all the prayers with that child of mine. I gave him 45 days to get a plan together," she sniffles, "I honestly do not know if he can get there but I have to try," she begins to cry. "I love that boy more than my own life but I cannot pretend what he has going on is okay. This isn't about a decent woman in his life or grandbabies. He needs to be his father's son," she sorts through her anguish.
"Honey…we are here for you. He will get there…it is just taking a little longer thank you expected," they encourage and reassure.
"You got back here late," Judy is greeted as she walks through the door.
"I am doing what you told me-be more independent since I will be on my own soon," she responds cautiously. Do what Ms. Denise said…acknowledge but don't engage.
"About time you listened. There should be a slice or two of pizza left," her foster parent gestures over her shoulder.
"Thank you," she responds without rolling her eyes. I deserve a treat for that.
Judy enters the kitchen and stands over the sink eating the last slice before escaping to her room. Luckily she had a turkey sub at the department. She locks the door before removing her new priced possession from her backpack-brand new red Chuck Taylor's. A reward for her progress report showing a 3.0 GPA. Amy will freak when she see's these.