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d1xonss · 19 days ago

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Desert Rose

Chapter 72 ~ Owl Sculptures

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 5

✧ Word Count : 6.3k

In this chapter ~ When it comes time for Rose to start her new job, she finds that this place is oddly peaceful with little to no conflict to be found. But after tagging along with Rick to investigate vandalism on someone’s property, she seems to discover more than she bargained for.

There was the sound of a light breeze passing just outside the window, the faint chirping of birds could also be heard just behind the thick glass. But my eyes remained sealed shut, almost not ready to welcome a new day after last night had been so blissful. So special. It's like I wanted nothing to ruin the high I continued to ride.

Though my brows furrowed when I heard a faint shuffling around the room, followed by a zipping of a jacket just at the foot of the bed. I reluctantly allowed myself to wake out of pure curiosity, taking in the bedroom in a new light now that the sun shone through the thin curtains. And it was just as beautiful as I remembered. My gaze then traveled toward where the noise was still coming from, seeing Daryl's hunched over figure putting on some layers, lacing up his boots as he got ready for the day.

"Hey..." I murmured to grasp his attention.

My voice caused him to glance back at me with a small smile, "Jesus woman, ya really slept in." he commented, his hand reaching over to give my leg a squeeze.

"What time is it?"

"Bout noon." he said.

My eyes widened, "Noon?? Christ..." I muttered while rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

A snort of amusement escaped him, "Ya needed it. Feel like it was the first good night sleep you've gotten in a long time."

I tilted my head, a satisfied smile crossing my face, "Hm, I wonder why that is..."

"Dirty." he narrowed his eyes playfully, turning back to finish up tying his boots.

I sat myself up with a stretch, yawning quietly as I still felt like I could've slept for five more hours despite how late it was already. Though I couldn't wait to spend some time in the new house, busying myself paining or reading in one of the giant windows that I could sit comfortably in. Only then did I realize I actually had responsibilities now. The reminder of speaking to Deanna last night, knowing I had to pick up my uniform and start my first day, that alone made me want to jump out the window instead.

My attention was brought back toward him when he moved to sit at the edge of the bed beside me, "I got some stuff ta catch ya up on."

I stretched my arms out, "Lay it on me, baby."

He smiled, "Alright. We had another meetin with Rick and Carol bout the guns, and she got em last night. But I said I didn't need one. M' gonna try and get by round here without relyin on it as much as we have. But..." he trailed off, reaching behind his back to grasp something tucked away in his belt, pulling it out to reveal a handgun.

"I didn't know where ya stood. So, I got one for ya just in case..."

I glanced down at the firearm that I became all too familiar with, taking it from his grasp. The weight of it felt heavier in my hands than I remembered, somehow more uncomfortable than before. But I knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to do the same thing he was. Try.

"I promised I was going to start trying too...so, in that case-" I reached over to open the drawer to the nightstand and placed the weapon inside, shutting it again before turning back to face him.

He chuckled, "Proud of ya."

"I'm proud of you too." I said, leaning up a bit further to place a gentle kiss on his cheek.

He hummed quietly at my affection, but then his face seemed to drop again, "And, uh...Aaron already asked me ta go out on a run with him today, so m' gettin ready ta leave right now."

My shoulders slumped a little, "How long will you be gone?"

"Not long. Maybe a day- two tops."

I hummed, "I'm gonna miss you..."

"M' gonna miss ya too, angel." he said, leaning over and placing a quick kiss on my lips, "But I'll be back before ya know it."

"I know...just be safe out there."

He nodded, "Always am." he promised before leaning back down to kiss me once more, standing up just a moment later to grab his crossbow, strapping it across himself. "And good luck with everythin today. You'll do great."

I smiled, "So will you." I spoke truthfully, raising my hand up to my lips to blow him a kiss just as he backed out the bedroom door.

A soft chuckle left him as he reached out to catch it, placing it on his cheek. "One more." I complied, blowing him another to which he caught while he continued to back away, planting it on his cheek just the same. "One more..."

I laughed, waving him away, "No, get out of here before you're late."

"Alright, alright." he agreed, sending me a small wink before he finally headed down the stairs, "Love you."

"Love you too." I called out, hearing him descend toward the front door, before it opened and closed with a soft click.

When it hit me that I was alone, I flopped back on the bed with a groan, pondering over the thought of going over to Deanna's house just to pick up my stupid windbreaker and patrol the walls until the sun sets. I didn't even know if Michonne and Rick were working like I was today, but I guess there's only one way to know for sure.

I slowly forced myself to crawl out of bed and get ready for the long day ahead, throwing on some clean clothes and managing to tame my wild hair. Though just as I was turning off the lights to leave, I couldn't help but send a lingering glance back over towards the nightstand just over my shoulder. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little tempting to take the weapon that I had purposefully hidden, but I wanted to stick to my word. Remembering what I promised Maggie.

Shaking my head from the appealing thought, I finally departed from the house and headed down the street toward the Monroe's. It seemed quiet today, the atmosphere around me was calm. Maybe apart from what happened to me last night, everything went well at the party and the others managed to have a good time. It's hard to get out there and socialize with people you don't even know, but it seemed like a lot of them were laughing and having fun by the time the drinks had loosened their tongues. Perhaps it wasn't all bad.

It didn't take long before I was standing tall on Deanna's porch, letting out a breath before I raised my hand to knock to signal my arrival. Now, I had expected the woman herself to answer the door, or maybe even her husband. But who I didn't anticipate on was the absolute one person I didn't want to see after the little scene I caused last night.

The door opened to reveal Spencer, his face dropping instantly when he saw me standing on the other side. He did not look too happy to feast his eyes on the monster who ruined his khakis with beer.

"Oh, " we both muttered at the same time.

Everything about him caused me to roll my eyes, "Is your mommy home?" I deadpanned.

"Why do you want to know?" he scoffed.

I blinked, "Listen, I know you have this whole insecurity thing going on here, but I just need my uniform. Is she here or not?"

He sighed deeply with annoyance before finally opening the door wider so I could step in, calling for her from where I assumed she was upstairs. He shut the door once I made my way inside, eyeing me for a few long moments before he opened his big fat mouth again.

"You go home to your redneck last night?" he asked, his tone dripping with some kind of mockery. Did he really think he was some huge upgrade or something? I suddenly lost more respect for his parents with the way he turned out.

"Oh, yeah I did." I answered, "But I gotta admit, it was hard to get out of bed this morning. Couldn't get my legs to stop shaking." I said with a wink.

His eyes widened at the vulgarness that came from my mouth, his lips parting in attempt to make some sort of comeback.

"Ah, Rose!" Deanna's voice cut off whatever he was about to say, her figure walking down the steps, "I'm sure you're here to pick up your uniform."

"That's right." I replied, "And not at all to talk to your asshat of a son." I muttered under my breath.

Apparently he had heard my hushed words considering the annoyed huff that came from him, but he didn't dare say a thing as Deanna made her way over to me with a smile, "Well, everything you need is right here." she said, nodding to the clothes in her hands, "You can start whenever you'd like. Just patrol the walls, keep an eye out, basically do what was talked about in the meeting."

I nodded as I took the outfit she handed me, "Yeah, thanks. I'll make sure everything's taken care of."

"I know you will." she said genuinely.

My head dipped down once more, wanting to turn on my heel and leave before she tried to "small talk" me. However, she was quicker than I was. "So, I heard Daryl took the job with Aaron and they're out on a run as we speak."

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Uh, yeah. I'm glad he'll have something to do that he actually enjoys. And the motorcycle is definitely a plus."

"Oh, I bet. Did he have a bike before?" she asked.

"Yeah, he did. But we couldn't exactly hold onto it forever, so...it's nice to have another one." I explained.

She nodded a bit sympathetically, seeming to understand the meaning behind my words. "Um...and one more thing." she spoke a little more quietly, "I wanted to apologize for what I did last night. I mean as soon as I realized what I had said, I just felt awful-"

"It's okay." I interrupted, "You couldn't have known, don't beat yourself up about it. I'm just glad there are some people mature enough to apologize for their actions." I said, glancing over at Spencer from the corner of my eye.

She furrowed her brows as she had no idea what I was talking about, but I spoke up again before she had the chance to question it. "Thanks for the clothes, I'll be sure to start as soon as I can." I smiled before turning to walk back toward their front door. But not without accidentally stepping on Spencer's foot on my way out.

From what I had gathered, purgatory was a place that could only be described as your worst nightmare. And I think I had officially found mine. For hours now I had been pacing around the community, the day just seeming to drag on and on at a torturous pace. Forever felt like an understatement in this moment in time. And the cherry on top was of course my attire, all while patrolling the walls where nothing seemed to be happening.

It was mundane. No drama, no confrontation, everything was just too quiet. I felt stupid with the outfit that was given to me and every time my arms moved, the jacket would make a noise. It started to get annoying after the first five times, but maybe I just didn't have a lot of patience in the first place.

However, after rounding the corner for the hundredth time, I spotted a van being loaded up in the distance toward the gates, assuming that a group was packing up for a run. My eyes narrowed and I raised my hand to block the sun from my eyes, managing to see Glenn, Tara, Noah and a few others transferring some supplies into the vehicle. I picked up my pace a little in hopes to wish them luck before they left, but then I seemed to slow once I remembered what I was wearing. Knowing they would definitely have something to say about it.

But it was too late.

Glenn managed to spot me within seconds as I had already gotten too close, seeing his face drop comically at my appearance. Asshole. My eyes rolled at his dramatic reaction while I sluggishly made my way closer, seeing him now lift one of his hands up to cover his mouth as if I was wearing some fucking clown suit. My lips upturned into a sarcastic smile and my hands shoved into the pockets of my jacket, hearing his laughs once I was within earshot.

"Wow." was all he could seem to say.

I scoffed, "Yeah, mock all you want. I was actually coming over to wish you luck and hope it all goes well, but now you've just hurt my feelings."

"Oh come on," he said with a roll of his eyes, "I didn't even say anything."

"You were thinking something."

"Yeah, what was I thinking?" he asked.

"That I look like a cop from a really shitty eighties movie." I managed to hit right on the money, raising my eyebrows expectantly while his mouth seemed to drop. Clearly pulling the thought right out of his mind.

"Oh, you're good." he said with a shake of his head.

I nodded, "Yeah, I know. I had the exact same thought when I looked in the mirror earlier."

He laughed lightly, his hand coming up to rub his chin, "You look fine. Really professional, like you're gonna yell at some kids for playing hopscotch."

I huffed and reached out to shove his arm lightly, "Shut the hell up."

"Hey, I'm joking! You look fine." he defended.

"I think she looks hot." Tara cut in, coming up next to me to wrap an arm around my shoulders.

I smiled at her, "Thank you, Tara." my eyes panned back over toward Glenn, "See, maybe I should be taking new best friend applications, cause the one I've got is doing a pretty shitty job." I said sarcastically.

He groaned, "Okay, you look great. Fabulous even, stunning in that windbreaker."

"Thank you." I placed my hand over my heart in a dramatic manner.

Then Tara leaned over to whisper to me, "I'll still take that application."

"You'll get it." I reassured which caused her to smile brightly, before walking back over to help with transferring a few more bags into the van.

"So, you started today," Glenn grunted as he moved a box toward the entrance of the pantry, "What've you done so far?"

"Nothing. I've done absolutely nothing. Because there's nothing to do. There seriously isn't even a tiny blade of grass out of place, apparently everyone just minds their own business around here." I complained.

"Well, I'm sure something will come up eventually. Help the day go by faster." he tried to assure.

I sighed, "God, I hope so otherwise it's going to be a painfully long and boring day for me. Meanwhile you guys are going outside, finding all the cool shit."

He laughed at my dramatics, leaning in to speak quieter, "If you want, I'll bring back something pretty for you."

My smile softened, "Thanks, honey."

He nodded before heading back over to the vehicle to double check the route they were taking, everyone else around saying a few goodbyes to loved ones about. Though I almost found myself laughing when my eyes landed on Eugene's face, only assuming just how nervous he was considering this was his first supply run ever. It wasn't hard to see that this was the last thing he wanted to do with his day, but clearly they needed him out there so they would get the right things only he seemed to know about.

"Eugene!" I called to get his attention, his eyes whipping over to me, "You're gonna be fine."

He looked like he was going to say something, but stopped himself short and just gave me a thin-lipped smile and a thumbs up, heading to the back of the van to hop in. Adien and Nicholas jumped in the front to start up the engine while I pushed myself to walk over once everyone else got situated in the back, my hands coming up to rest on the doors before they took off.

"Be safe. All of you be safe." I said glancing at all of their faces.

"We will." Noah reassured.

I nodded and gave Glenn's shoulder a squeeze before I pushed both doors shut with a slam, watching as they headed out the gates and into the open space, blasting some loud music to draw the walkers away from the community. I had seen people depart similar to this many times before, yet somehow this time felt a bit different. Maybe it was because I didn't trust Aiden and Nicholas to have a steady head on their shoulders, or maybe because the world is just too unforgiving. I couldn't know for sure.

But I didn't allow myself to linger on the thought for too long, knowing I couldn't exactly dick around anymore now that they were gone. Sighing, I turned back to walk around the community again and just prayed there could be something productive I could help with.

But then a miracle seemed to fall right into my lap. About halfway around the gated place, I spotted Rick walking down the street, not hesitating for a moment before jogging to catch up with him. He looked like a man on a mission, giving me the slightest bit of hope that he actually had been given something to take care of.

"Hey." I breathed once I had caught up with him, keeping pace by his side.

His head turned at my sudden presence, glancing down at what I was wearing just as everyone else seemed to. "Well, look at you."

"I know we look stupid together, how sweet." I deadpanned which caused him to chuckle, "So, where are you headed? I'm dying for something to do."

"I'm on my way over to Jessie's. She said someone vandalized something on her property, so I said I would head over to check it out."

I nodded, "Mind if I come? I'm bored to fucking tears here."

"Hm," he grunted as he pretended to think about it for a moment, "I think it would be nice to have a partner in crime, right?" he said with a smile.

I found myself returning the gesture, "I couldn't agree more."

"So, how are you liking the new house?" he asked.

My eyes widened, "You know about that already?"

"We all know at this point; you weren't up this morning."

I scoffed lightly, "My God, a girl sleeps in one time and misses everything. But to answer your question; yes it's very nice. And I like that it's just right across from you guys."

He nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I like that too..." he trailed off, getting lost in thought for a moment as if he had completely forgotten the conversation.

My head tilted a little as I watched him grow silent, "What?"

The man snapped out of his trance quickly at my voice, "Nothing." he shook off, "Did you...bring your gun?" he lowered his voice to ask.

I shook my head, "No. I'm trying to stick to my word, and I don't think I need it. At least...not right now."

"But you think you'll need it eventually?"

I paused for a beat or two to think what I would need that kind of weapon for, and then a certain doctor popped right into my mind. "Maybe...with the way Pete's acting, I don't think I can just stand by and..." I trailed off.

Though he knew where I was going with my statement, reading my mind like he always did. "Yeah, me too." he agreed quietly.

I wanted to talk more of the situation, to get a feel of how he thought we should deal with it if it meant getting in the middle of this mess together. But again, he read my mind. He held his hand up to stop me from even breathing the man's name again, gesturing toward the house to our right to signal that we had arrived. Putting a pin in the conversation for now. But I only grew confused as the structure seemed spotless and not tampered with at all, which made me wonder if that was the real reason she called Rick over here.

Maybe I was reading too much into it, but regardless I was going to enjoy the look on her face when she noticed I showed up with him. I loved being a cockblock.

We wordlessly walked into the opened garage where Jessie was knelt down, my eyes drifting toward the scraps of metal laying around everywhere, and then it clicked. She looked up at the two of us with a sad smile and just gestured to the pieces laying around her as she stood back up to her full height.

"I guess someone really doesn't like owls." she mumbled, collecting a few pieces in her hands.

I stepped further into the garage and looked down at it with a furrowed brow, "This is supposed to be an owl?"

"It looked more like an owl before." she reassured, "Someone just came in here and...did this." Rick bent down and glanced at the mess while she continued, "Stuff like this...never really happens here."

Yeah, tell me about it. I patrolled around here for a long ass time and this was the only interesting thing I got out of it.

"Well, you got any enemies?" Rick jokingly asked, "Anybody around here who hates owls?" his comments got her to laugh, shaking her head in response as he continued. "Well, it's too bad there isn't someone who can look into this kind of thing." he spoke knowingly.

I rolled my eyes dramatically, not even trying to hide my annoyance as I stood awkwardly in the middle of them with my arms folded over my chest, feeling like I was interrupting something. Rick was playing a dangerous game considering he knew the kind of asshole she was married to, still not showing any signs of backing off even after I tried to warn him. But if he wasn't going to listen, then it wasn't my problem anymore. I could only hope we could put his face back together in the end.

However, as my thoughts trailed off, I began to tune them out while looking down at all the pieces that were broken apart, scattered across the pavement. How could someone just come in here and wreck this without any of them knowing from just inside the house? Then it got me thinking.

"Do you have any kids?" I found myself asking. They both paused to glance over at me, Jessie nodding her head with a small smile. "How old?"

"Ron's fifteen and Sam's ten...why?" she asked.

A kid as young as ten could see his father's aggressive behavior and act on it as well. Almost in a mimicking way. Picking up on the tendencies, he could've gotten angry enough about something and took it out on this sculpture. Working with children who have anger issues, they seem to feel a lot calmer and almost relaxed after hitting, kicking, or in this case; tearing something apart. Though I would never commit to saying that out loud to Jessie.

"Well, I'm just thinking out loud about how it's a small possibility that someone passing by came in here just to do this. It could've been someone in the household...most likely Sam because of his age." I said casually.

"You think Sam did this?" she asked.

I shook my head, "It's not an accusation...just a possibility. I know you didn't necessarily call me here to say my opinion, but it's just what I believe could've happened."

She nodded slowly, though it was clear she didn't want to accept my theory. "We'll ask around." Rick assured.

"It's not really that big of a deal, it was just an owl." she tried to defend.

I shrugged, "Well, we don't really have anything better to do today. This is the most exciting thing I've come across. But do me a favor and talk to Sam...see if there's something bothering him."

She seemed hesitant at first, but eventually nodded her head in agreement before the two of us left. I realize she probably doesn't think very highly of me now that I accused her son, whom I've never met, that he broke something just because he felt like it. But it made the most sense. I felt I couldn't tell her my full reasoning without giving away what I knew about Pete, surely she would deny everything. But Sam developing some kind of anger issues wasn't something out of the ordinary.

Rick and I asked a few people in passing throughout the rest of the day if anyone witnessed anything, but in the end it all just seemed like a waste of time. They all gave the same answer, saying they hadn't seen or heard of anything unusual. And most of the older people managed to turn the conversation into something completely off topic, keeping the both of us there for far longer than we needed to be. But surprisingly, it was still better to have something to do. It kept us busy until it was technically quitting time for us, going our separate ways to change and just relax for a little while.

My form of relaxing today was going over to the house Carol was staying in and talking shit with her. She always had the best snacks and was a pretty good listener. Plus I wanted to get to the bottom of this whole innocent act she was pulling since we never had the chance to discuss it before. But I had to admit, it was genius.

I was eating some pretzels at the kitchen island while she flipped through a few pages of a cookbook, briefly discussing the new recipes she wanted to try. But then she brought up the inevitable. "So, how was your first day on the job?"

I groaned quietly, "Boring. So boring that Rick and I asked people if they had seen anyone go into Jessie's garage and break their owl statue. That was the biggest thing that happened today; destroyed metal."

She laughed and looked up from the pages, "Sounds entertaining to me."

"Right, until you actually have to ask around. It was just humiliating at that point because no one really cared. And with good reason. But anyway, I already know who did it so it was kind of pointless."

"Who did it?" she asked.

"Her kid, Sam. I'm thinking he got upset and was just looking for something to take his frustrations out on." my tone was casual as I spoke.

When she didn't respond, I looked back up to her face to see she was looking at me like I was completely crazy. "Carol, I'm telling you, he's the one who did it. I'm positive."

"Have you ever met this kid?" she asked.

I shook my head, "No, have you?"

"Yes. And I don't think he's capable of doing that kind of thing. He's way too soft." she sighed, flipping through the pages once more. "If anything, this world is going to eat him alive."

I only shrugged in response, not knowing for sure if I was right about the situation, though it was a good lead. The best one I had gotten all day.

A sudden knock coming from the front door tore our attention away from each other. I stood up instinctively and offered to get it for her, walking towards the entrance and unlocked the deadbolt, opening the door to see a kid standing there with a small smile on his face.

"Hi, who are you?" I asked.

"I'm Sam. I'm here to give Carol more chocolate so she can make some cookies for me. Is she home?" he asked, his head peering around me to try and see inside.

My eyes widened a little. Talk about timing. Although I had to admit, he did look quite innocent and cheerful, not at all the vision of him I had conjured up in my mind. But that didn't mean he wasn't capable. I simply nodded my head and allowed him to come in, watching him head straight for the kitchen as if he'd been here many times before. I assumed she wouldn't mind the extra company, but it seemed the moment she laid her eyes on him she only grew annoyed, not wanting to make the sweets he had requested at all. But eventually she caved, not being able to deny his pleading any longer than she had. I then only felt guilty for letting him in to begin with.

Watching the two interact was odd. Like a weird dynamic I couldn't place, seeing she hadn't had to look out for any new kids since Lizzy and Mika. But perhaps that's why it was off putting for her as well, and I could understand completely why she wouldn't want to be responsible for another child. The first two times didn't work out at all in her favor, leading me to assume why she was pushing him away time and time again even when all he wanted was some company.

By the time the cookies were almost done, Carol couldn't have looked more irritated. "After these are done that's it, I'm not helping you again and you're not coming back. You got it?"

"Uh huh." Sam muttered absentmindedly.

"I hope you're not expecting to leave with more than half of these. You barely did half the work." she continued as she began to collect the dishes.

"Ooh more for me." my hands clapped lightly in excitement.

Carol sent me a playful glare before setting the bowls and a couple mixing tools in the sink. "Were you always a good cook?" the kid suddenly asked.

I could see her tense up at the question, clearly not too keen on talking about the past. "Sam we're not talking anymore. Wipe the counter." she muttered and handed him a damp rag.

He did as he was told, staring to rid of the flour and sugar that lingered on the surface. "Did you like it? Cooking?"

"Sam." she warned again with her back turned.

He sighed, "We don't have to be friends...it just doesn't have to be quiet."

There was a long and awkward silence that followed, my eyes looking back and forth between the two of them from where I sat, "I was always a terrible cook," I chimed in, "Never could quite get the hang of it. But scrambled eggs were my specialty."

Sam smiled at my attempt to make light of the conversation, nodding his head in agreement, "I'm good at making eggs too. And I guess cookies now if that counts."

We both then looked toward Carol, hearing her sigh softly before she eventually spoke up as well, "I was good at it...it distracted me. Made me forget when I was sad."

The brief reminder of Ed was enough to make my expression sour, but it was also a reminder of how far Carol has come since then. She grew a thick skin, a shield of sorts that only grew stronger with each passing day. A role model for the role models in my opinion.

"Sometimes when I get sad...I break stuff." Sam confessed casually.

Carol's eyes snapped to mine, her expression dropping in shock. But I couldn't have looked more smug, leaning back in my seat while I gestured to him as if she hadn't already connected the dots. "What kind of stuff?" Carol asked.

He just shrugged, quietly continuing to clean and didn't give a real answer. "I heard something about your owl statue...that someone had broken it. Did you do it?" she asked cautiously.

His movements halted, his eyes glued to his feet as he could no longer look up at either of us.

Yes.

"Why?" I found myself asking.

His gaze panned up toward me, before glancing back at Carol almost hypocritically, "Why'd you steal the guns?"

My eyes widened in disbelief of his knowledge about the stolen weapons, but Carol shook her head at me with a raise of her hand, silently telling me it was okay. But how could it be okay? He knew about what she did, and she was fine with it?

"Because sometimes you need to protect yourself." she said honestly.

"...Can I have a gun?" he asked.

I leaned in closer, resting my arms on the counter, "Why do you want one?"

He glanced back over at me, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he shook his head lightly, "It's not for me."

"Then who's it for?" I pressed again.

He visibly started to grow uncomfortable, not willing to answer what we wanted to know. Clearly feeling scared and uneasy at what would happen if he did.

Jessie.

"Sam, who's it for?" Carol tried to ask, but suddenly, he took off through the kitchen and out the front door before either of us could utter another word.

Everything was coming together and making perfect sense. I always had a sort of inkling that Pete was abusive toward his family, but this was all the confirmation I needed. I felt terrible thinking about what they had to endure because of him, a ten year old kid wanting a gun in order to protect his mom. But I silently knew it was only a matter of time before we dealt with him. Even if nobody else was on my side about it, I would take care of him all by myself if I had to.

Carol then turned towards me, "Well...you really are good at your job." she said with a small smile.

I returned the gesture, watching her quickly turn around to pull the fresh baked goods out of the oven behind her, "And that earns you a cookie." she finished.

Even as the hour grew later, I still couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that settled within me after Sam had rushed out of the house not too long ago. I knew he ran home, but home wasn't necessarily safe for him. And even if it was none of my business, I didn't care. So, I found myself heading back toward their house to not only make sure he was okay, but to let Jessie know that Sam was in fact the one who broke the statue and not some angry neighbor.

I had approached the house and knocked on the door once, waiting for a response for what felt like a lifetime, but there was no answer. Though that didn't stop me from knocking again a bit harder than the last, assuming someone had to be home with how late it was now. But I didn't fail to notice how weirdly quiet it was, darkness covering almost the entirety of the house, before I heard movement from inside. That's when the door opened.

Pete stood there towering over me with bags under his eyes, his breath absolutely reeking of alcohol. He was leaning on the doorframe slightly for support as if he would fall over without it.

"What do you want?" he asked.

My eyes fluttered closed for a moment in obvious annoyance, "Sam...stopped by earlier and I noticed he seemed a little off. I figured I'd come here to make sure he was okay."

He scoffed, "Why wouldn't he be?"

My gaze hardened, "Can I talk to Jessie?"

His mouth formed into a thin lipped smile as he tried to steady himself to stand up straighter, "Not a good time." he muttered, moving to shut the door.

"Pete, don't-" I started but was left with the door slamming in my face.

I wanted to go in there. I wanted to barge right into the house just to be certain that they were okay and safe from this prick, but if nothing was happening at this very moment, that wouldn't be good on my end. I had to practically force myself to turn around to head down the steps, exhaling a sharp breath as my mind was at war with itself.

And the gun behind my back weighing me down with each step I took.

I marched right back over to Rick's house, not even bothering to knock as I made my presence loudly known, Carol already waiting in the living room. Briefly I had told them where I was going, in case things went south and they had to come looking for me. Clearly I was physically fine, but with the way I entered the house only left them more anxious as they dreadfully anticipated my response.

"He's hitting her." I breathed, "And we have to do something about it now."

A heavy silence passed, like a calm before a storm. Before Rick slowly stepped forward, "You said you had a feeling from the start just by what you saw. Tell me everything you saw."

"The first time I met him when I went in to get my throat looked at, he was wasted and angry at me for even knocking on his door. I spotted the bottle of whiskey with my own damn eyes with just the few minutes of being in his office. Then at the party I noticed how Jessie was acting weird around him, I saw her flinch even if it was subtle. And now today with Sam asking for a gun...but he doesn't want it for him. He wants it to protect her."

Carol stood up from her seat while Rick was processing my words, "What happened when you went over to the house?"

"He answered the door completely wasted again. I asked if Sam was okay, and he didn't give me a real answer, and he wouldn't let me talk to Jessie. Just ended up slamming the door in my face." I spoke.

"Was the house quiet?" Carol asked.

I nodded and suddenly her expression morphed into something much greater than worry. I knew that the darkness and the odd silence was something to fear, something that wasn't normal. We needed to take care of this now. When someone's getting hurt, minding my business isn't really my thing.

"What's our next move?" Rick asked, turning to me now for answers.

I shook my head, "I have a feeling there's only one way this is going to go." He tilted his head at me, waiting for me to continue, "We're gonna have to kill him..."

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