Contagion Chapter Five
Taylor sighed to himself as he helped Shane,Maggie,Beth, and Glenn get rocks out of a bucket. It was daytime now and they were building a makeshift memorial for Otis. They had all agreed to have a funeral for him even if there was no body to actually bury. It was the least they could do and he figured it also helped Patricia deal with the loss of her husband.
Hearing the sound of cars in the distance Taylor looked towards the road seeing the rest of their people coming towards the house. At least now everyone would be together and not spread out between the farm and the highway.
Turning away from the sight Taylor just shook his head and went back to the bucket where the rocks where. After they finished he would go greet his family, the ones he hadn't seen since leaving the highway yesterday.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Avery who had stayed inside with T-Dog raised an eyebrow as she heard what sounded like a motorcycle. Walking over to the window she looked outside and smiled seeing Daryl on his motorcycle as he lead the rest of their group down the driveway of the farm.
"Is that them?" T-Dog asked from where he sat on the couch.
Nodding her head Avery smiled a bit more, "Yeah it is them?" she confirmed watching as T-Dog moved from the couch and she walked over to him to stabilize him some as he seemed a bit wobbly on his feet still. "Don't want you to fall and hurt yourself," she told him when he looked at her funny.
T-Dog just shook his head but didn't say anything back as he walked to the room just a short distance away. The room in which Lori and Rick were sitting at Carl's bedside with Hershel in there with him. Getting to the door he cleared his throat and looked at Lori and Rick, "They're here," he said letting the couple know the rest of their group was here.
It was after T-Dog had let Rick and Lori know that the group was here that Avery moved away from the man and headed outside, letting Rick and Lori lead the way as she followed behind with Hershel, T-Dog and Patricia.
"How is he?" Dale asked once he was out of the parked camper and standing face to face with Rick and Lori. He was concerned over how Carl was doing since being shot.
Lori smiled as she nodded her head, "He'll pull through," she answered feeling thankful that her son would be okay. "Thanks to Hershel and his people," she said turning to look at Hershel who was standing behind her though just a bit closer to the porch.
"And Shane," Rick added in knowing if it wasn't for Shane and Otis going to the high school and getting the stuff for the surgery that Carl may not have made it. "We would have lost Carl if not for him."
Avery just rolled her eyes at Rick's words mainly because she still felt like he had done something to Otis. His story just seemed too fishy for her.
After hearing Rick and Lori speak Dale moved up some and pulled Rick into a hug feeling thankful that things with Carl would be okay.
"Thank god," Carol muttered as she walked over to Lori and hugged her. At least one of them had good news about their child. Maybe with that good news she'd get her own and Sophia would be found soon. "We were so worried," Carol said after she pulled away.
"How did it happen?" Dale asked once he too had pulled away from the hug with Rick.
Rick chewed his lip before answering Dale, "A hunting accident," he shrugged finally speaking. "That's all just a stupid accident."
As Rick referred to the accident Avery found herself looking at Shane. It was hard not to see the guilt written across his face. Shaking her head she looked away from him and walked off the porch making her way towards Kate who she pulled into a hug. She was just glad to see the rest of her family again even if she had just seen them yesterday.
It was after everyone got reacquainted with each other that Avery found herself standing beside Daryl in the half circle their group made around Otis's makeshift grave. The rest of the group had been informed about Otis's death and the funeral and now here they were having a funeral for a man she suspected was killed by Shane though she doubted Shane would ever admit it out loud to anyone.
"Blessed be God father of our Lord Jesus Christ," Hershel spoke as he looked down at the open bible in his hand. "Praise be to him for the gift of our brother Otis. For his span of years, for his abundance of character. Otis who gave his life to save a child's. Now more than ever our most precious asset," he said smiling some. "We thank you God for the peace he enjoys in your embrace. He died as he lived, in grace," he spoke as he turned to look at Shane.
"Shane will you speak for Otis?" he asked as he kept eying the man who spent the last few hours of Otis's life with him.
Shane swallowed hard as he looked away from the older man, "I'm not good at it," he said as he shook his head and looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry."
"You were the last one with him," Patricia said her voice coming out with sadness as tears went down her face. "You shared his final moments," she nodded her head as she turned to look at Shane. "Please. I need to hear. I need to know his death had meaning."
At Patricia's words Shane felt his guilt grow. He knew the words out of his mouth were gonna be a lie but he had to say them anyway. "We were about done. Almost out of ammo, we were down to pistols by then. I was limping, it was bad. Ankle all swollen up," he said as he kept his gaze away from Patricia who kept looking at him. "We've got to save the boy, see that's what he said," he lied flash-backing to the true events of the night before. He had shot Otis in the leg to save himself. "He gave me his back pack, he shoved me ahead. Run he said. Said I'll take the rear I'll cover you. Then when I looked back," he sighed knowing what that implied.
Limping over to Otis's makeshift grave Shane picked up one last rock, "If not for Otis I would have never made it out alive and that goes for Carl too. It was Otis he saved us both," Shane said as he eyed the people standing at the grave site before putting the rock down on top. "And if any death ever had meaning it was his," he nodded before turning to look Patricia right in the eye.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After Otis's funeral Jessica leaned against the Cherokee as she stood beside Hershel. He was inquiring about Sophia and had asked how long she had been lost.
"This will be day three," Rick informed the man. It was the thought of Sophia being gone for three days that worried him. After he had spoken he felt Maggie come to stand beside him as she laid a map down on the hood of the car.
"County survey map. Shows terrain and elevations," Maggie spoke as she unfolded the map she had laid on the hood of the car.
Looking at the map Maggie unfolded Rick couldn't help but smile, "This is perfect we can finally get this thing organized. We'll grid the whole area and start searching in teams."
"Not you not today," Hershel said as he turned his head to look at Rick. "You gave three units of blood. You wouldn't be hiking five minutes in this heat before passing out," he said before turning to look at Shane who stood across from him on the other side of the vehicle. "And your ankle. Push it now and you'll be laid up a month. No good to anybody."
Daryl who had stayed silent as he listened to Hershel sighed some, "Guess it's just me. I'm going to head back to the creek," he said as he looked at the map. "Work my way from there."
"I can still be useful. Drive up to the interstate see if Sophia wondered back," Shane said knowing that he could at least do that. Do something instead of just sitting here.
"All right tomorrow then. We'll start doing this right," Rick nodded knowing they had to get on the ball.
Shane looked at Rick after he spoke, "That means we can't have our people out there with just knives. We need the gun training we've been promising."
After a moment of silence Hershel looked at both men, "I'd rather you not carry guns on my property. We've managed so far without turning this into an armed camp."
"With all due respect if a crowd of those things wonder in here..." Shane started only to be stopped by Rick.
"We're guests here," Rick said as he locked eyes with Shane. "This is your property," he said turning to look at Hershel then. "And we will respect that," he told the man before getting his own gun out of his pocket and laying it down on top of the map. It was after he did that, that he watched Shane soon do the same.
"First things first," Rick continued after that. "Set camp, find Sophia."
Shane who was ticked at Rick making him give up his gun decided to ask the one question on his mind, "I hate to be the one to ask but somebody's got too. What happens if we find her and she's bit?" he asked sarcasm apparent in his voice. "I think we should all be clear on how we handle that."
Looking away from Shane after he posed that question Rick sighed not even wanting to think of that option. "You do what has to be done."
"And her mother? What do you tell her?" Maggie asked breaking her silence.
"The truth," Jessica answered bluntly. She was sure if it came to that, that Carol would in some way understand what they had done.
After Jessica answered her Maggie just watched as her dad shook his head at her.
"I'll gather and secure all the weapons. Make sure no one's carrying til we're practice range off sight," Shane spoke. "I do request one rifle man on look out," he said as he looked at Hershel wondering if the man would at least agree to that. "Dale's got experience."
When Hershel went silent after Shane's request Rick looked at him, "Our people would feel safer. Less inclined to carry a gun," he told him watching as the man eventually nodded his head in agreement. "Thank you."
"That stuff you brought," Maggie started as she looked at Rick. "Got more antibiotics, bandages, anything like that?"
"Just what you see," Andrea told her before walking off behind Shane and Daryl.
At that answer Maggie looked at her dad, "We're running short already. Someone should make a run into town."
Hearing Maggie, Jessica's face perked up some, "I can do it," she said feeling eyes on her. "I mean I can take Glenn with me and Maggie can write the directions and what they need down," she nodded as she eyed the brunette who reluctantly agreed.
"You can also take two of our horses," Maggie answered before turning to leave and go make a list for the blonde as well as saddle the horses.
After Maggie left Jessica could see the hesitancy in Rick's eyes but she ignored it as she walked away and over towards Glenn to inform him of their upcoming run. She hadn't been on a run alone with him since Atlanta and she hoped this one went better.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kate made a face as she sat on the RV watching Zac after Shane had taken his gun. She was surprised at how easily he had handed it over.
"What?" Zac asked as he felt Kate's eyes on him.
Kate shrugged as she looked away, "Just surprised you gave up your gun so quick," she answered. "I mean your guns are like your babies. I never expected you'd give it up willingly."
"Shane said Hershel didn't want people carrying on his property," Zac said knowing Shane had also said he'd rather people have training as well. "I can respect that at least and give up my guns. Anyway this place seems safe."
"The CDC seemed safe too," Kate added in knowing that just because somewhere seemed safe it didn't mean that it was.
Laughing at his wife's words now Zac made his own face, "What happened to your positive attitude?"
"I still have it," Kate said as she stood and walked towards the door of the RV. "But I am also more cautious now too," she nodded before leaving the RV.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"So we kind of are making a run into town," Jessica spoke once she made it to where Glenn was.
Glenn who had been helping set up one of the tents turned to look at Jessica, "What do you mean we are making a run into town?" he asked her as he raised an eyebrow.
"I volunteered us to go," Jessica admitted as she blushed slightly. "They are low on medicine and stuff here and Maggie is writing a list of what they need as well as directions on how to get there. She's also letting use their horses," she said hoping Glenn wasn't too mad at her for this.
Shaking his head Glenn groaned internally but outside he forced a smile. It wasn't that he didn't want to do this because he did, he liked going on runs. It was the thought of being with Jessica alone that scared him. He liked her and he was afraid the longer he was around her he'd just blurt it out and he was resolved on not telling her.
"Are you mad at me?" Jessica asked when Glenn remained silent.
Glenn shook his head again, "Not mad. I'm just surprised you volunteered us to go."
"We haven't been on a run together since we went to Atlanta. Hopefully this run will be safer," Jessica nodded before turning to walk away from him. She couldn't help but feel though that Glenn had less enthusiasm about this then he normally would and she wished she could place why.
As she walked away she could hear Dale asking Maggie what the water situation there was.
Maggie who had been on her way to give the list and directions to Jessica turned to face Dale, "Got five wells on our land. House draws directly from number one," she said as she pointed to the well the house used. "Number two well is right over there," she smiled pointing to the second well. "We use it for the cattle but it's just as pure. Take what you need," she nodded. "There's a cartoon of containers in the generator shed behind the house," she said as she finished the conversation.
Meeting Jessica half way she handed the blonde the piece of paper with the directions and the list of supplies, "I'll go saddle those horses now," she told her before walking off again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Leaving the RV eventually Zac walked off and spotted Taylor helping set up one of the tents. Going to his brother he sighed, "I made amends with Kate," he spoke as he came to a stop on the other side of the tent Taylor was setting up.
"I figured you would," Taylor nodded as he smiled. He was glad to know his brother had forgiven Kate. He would hate for them to stay arguing just because she had decided to stay back and save his life. "But you are still mad at me aren't you?"
Zac shook his head as he started to help Taylor with the tent, "I was never mad at you," he told his brother though maybe that was partly a lie. "It was your decision to choose to die. I just hated that my wife risked her life to save yours," he shrugged as he chewed his lip. "But I am glad you are here. I don't want to lose you Taylor."
"And you aren't going to lose me," Taylor smiled as he shook his head. "I'm still here and I plan to be here for a long time. Mainly just to annoy you," he teased as he stuck his tongue out at his brother.
"Asshole," Zac muttered under his breath as he raised his hand and flipped Taylor the bird, trying to be as discreet as possible.
Taylor crinkled his nose in mock disgust at Zac flipping him off, "I think I will refrain from fucking you," he teased again as he shook his head. It was in this moment he was glad at the decisions he had made at the CDC. Choosing to live. He knew now that this was what he had to do. If he had chosen differently he wouldn't be having time with Zac nor would he have met Maggie who he was sure he was crushing on hard.
"I did kiss your wife though," Taylor admitted sounding innocent mainly because the kiss was innocent and had meant nothing to him.
Freezing at Taylor's words Zac raised an eyebrow, "No you didn't," he said shaking his head in disbelief.
"I did," Taylor reaffirmed as he looked at Zac. "At the CDC the night we all drank. It was innocent and meant nothing and she wasn't even going to tell you but I thought you should know."
Zac just nodded his head not sure what to think at this revelation. If Taylor said it was nothing then it was nothing but why would Kate keep this from him?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Avery who had left the main house came to a stop on the stairs as she watched Rick move from them as he saw Daryl.
Rick walked towards Daryl after he saw the man heading off to go look for Sophia, "Daryl?" he asked as he walked a bit closer and he saw Daryl come to a stop. "Are you okay on your own?"
"I'm better on my own," Daryl yelled at Rick though his eyes landed on the person behind Rick. Turning his back to both Rick and Avery he continued walking, "Don't worry I'll be back before dark."
"Hey!" Rick yelled out again watching as Daryl stopped again and turned to look at him. "We've got a base. We can get this search properly organized now."
Daryl listened to Rick and stepped closer to that man, "You got a point or are we just chattin?" he asked harshly. He tried to keep his gaze on the man in front of him but somehow his gaze kept going to Avery and each time they did he kept replaying her with Shane in his head along with his question to Jessica. He hated that he had allowed her to get under his skin like this.
"My point is it let's you off the hook," Rick told him as he watched Daryl step a bit closer to him. "You don't owe us anything."
Turning his back towards Rick, Daryl headed off again, "My other plans fell through," he said loud enough for Rick to hear.
Watching Daryl walk off Avery made a face and stepped off the porch. Running after him she came to a slow walk when she reached him. "I'm going with you," she told him knowing he'd probably object but that wouldn't change her stance. She was going with him to help him look for Sophia.
"I said I was better on my own," Daryl growled under his breath not even turning to look at Avery. "Or are you deaf?"
"I know what you said," Avery snapped at him as well. "But when have I ever listened to what you said?" she asked knowing she had never really listened to what he told her. "I'm going with you and you can't stop me."
Glaring Daryl didn't say anything else but he kept walking. If she was going she was going, Avery was just that damn stubborn.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jessica crossed her arms as she followed the rest of her group to the well. They had been brought there by Dale and T-Dog. Apparently Dale had found a walker in the well they were told they could get water from.
Circling around it with the rest of the people who came Jessica looked down at the well which had been opened. Making a face as she saw the walker looking back up at her she just shook her head. That thing had to have been down there for awhile given just how big it looked.
"Ah looks like we got us a swimmer," Dale spoke as he shined his flashlight down towards the bottom of the well where the walker was.
"How long do you think it's been down there?" Glenn asked curiously as he looked over towards Dale who was opposite him at the well.
"Long enough to grow gills," Andrea answered instead from where she stood next to Lori.
Lori shook her head, "We can't leave it in there. God knows what it's doing to the water."
"Well we gotta get it out," Shane said in reply to Lori's words agreeing with the woman on getting the walker out of the well.
"Easy. Put a bullet in it's head," T-Dog replied figuring that would be the easiest way to get rid of the walker.
Maggie who had been listening to T-Dog just made a face, "Woah woah guys, no," she said as she shook her head some.
"Why not? It's a good plan," Glenn spoke as he turned to look at the brunette feeling confused by her objection.
"It's a stupid plan," Jessica said as she broke her silence agreeing with Maggie. "If that thing hasn't contaminated the water yet, blowing it's brains out will finish the job."
Shane nodded his head after Jessica spoke, "She's right. Can't risk it."
"So it has to come out alive?" T-Dog asked as he looked back down at the walker.
"So to speak," Shane answered as he put his hands on his waist.
Glenn who looked up from the walker looked at Shane, "How do we do that?" he asked not sure how they would get the walker out of the well alive.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Zac who had went inside some time after helping Taylor put the tent up sighed as he saw Kate sitting in the kitchen with Patricia and Carol. They were talking and he wasn't close enough to hear what about and to be honest he wasn't sure he wanted to even hear what they were talking about anyway. He wasn't sure he wanted to be near Kate anyway right now.
He knew it was wrong but he was hurt that she had no plans of telling him about the kiss with Taylor. He was hurt that she didn't seem to trust him enough to tell him. Yeah he was kind of pissed it happened but if Taylor said it meant nothing then it meant nothing but if that was the case then why couldn't Kate have told him? He would have understood.
Shaking his head he walked upstairs to go to the bathroom. It was on his way back down the stairs though that he stopped in his tracks outside one of the rooms as he heard someone singing. Stepping closer he looked into the door which was cracked to see the blonde girl whose name he thought was Beth. She was singing as she made her bed and he couldn't help but smile as he listened to her sing. It had been so long since he heard someone sing. It had been so long since he himself had sang and it felt nice to hear some part of the past.
"She's good huh?" Jimmy asked softly as he came to a stop beside the man looking into his girlfriends room. "She had the best voice of every girl in high school."
Zac blushed some at being caught but he turned to look at the teenage boy who seemed to fit the image of a farmer perfectly, along with that southern drawl to boot. "She is good," he admitted as he turned to look back in the room. "She's really good."
Jimmy just smiled before patting Zac on the back, "And she's all mine," he said wanting to set the record straight before the man got any ideas.
Again Zac blushed and turned to look at Jimmy, "I..I'm not...I mean I'm married," he defended finding himself stammering over his words. Just because he liked Beth's singing that didn't mean he liked her. He actually wanted to honor his wedding vows even if his wife couldn't honor hers by being honest with him about one simple fucking kiss.
Taylor sighed to himself as he helped Shane,Maggie,Beth, and Glenn get rocks out of a bucket. It was daytime now and they were building a makeshift memorial for Otis. They had all agreed to have a funeral for him even if there was no body to actually bury. It was the least they could do and he figured it also helped Patricia deal with the loss of her husband.
Hearing the sound of cars in the distance Taylor looked towards the road seeing the rest of their people coming towards the house. At least now everyone would be together and not spread out between the farm and the highway.
Turning away from the sight Taylor just shook his head and went back to the bucket where the rocks where. After they finished he would go greet his family, the ones he hadn't seen since leaving the highway yesterday.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Avery who had stayed inside with T-Dog raised an eyebrow as she heard what sounded like a motorcycle. Walking over to the window she looked outside and smiled seeing Daryl on his motorcycle as he lead the rest of their group down the driveway of the farm.
"Is that them?" T-Dog asked from where he sat on the couch.
Nodding her head Avery smiled a bit more, "Yeah it is them?" she confirmed watching as T-Dog moved from the couch and she walked over to him to stabilize him some as he seemed a bit wobbly on his feet still. "Don't want you to fall and hurt yourself," she told him when he looked at her funny.
T-Dog just shook his head but didn't say anything back as he walked to the room just a short distance away. The room in which Lori and Rick were sitting at Carl's bedside with Hershel in there with him. Getting to the door he cleared his throat and looked at Lori and Rick, "They're here," he said letting the couple know the rest of their group was here.
It was after T-Dog had let Rick and Lori know that the group was here that Avery moved away from the man and headed outside, letting Rick and Lori lead the way as she followed behind with Hershel, T-Dog and Patricia.
"How is he?" Dale asked once he was out of the parked camper and standing face to face with Rick and Lori. He was concerned over how Carl was doing since being shot.
Lori smiled as she nodded her head, "He'll pull through," she answered feeling thankful that her son would be okay. "Thanks to Hershel and his people," she said turning to look at Hershel who was standing behind her though just a bit closer to the porch.
"And Shane," Rick added in knowing if it wasn't for Shane and Otis going to the high school and getting the stuff for the surgery that Carl may not have made it. "We would have lost Carl if not for him."
Avery just rolled her eyes at Rick's words mainly because she still felt like he had done something to Otis. His story just seemed too fishy for her.
After hearing Rick and Lori speak Dale moved up some and pulled Rick into a hug feeling thankful that things with Carl would be okay.
"Thank god," Carol muttered as she walked over to Lori and hugged her. At least one of them had good news about their child. Maybe with that good news she'd get her own and Sophia would be found soon. "We were so worried," Carol said after she pulled away.
"How did it happen?" Dale asked once he too had pulled away from the hug with Rick.
Rick chewed his lip before answering Dale, "A hunting accident," he shrugged finally speaking. "That's all just a stupid accident."
As Rick referred to the accident Avery found herself looking at Shane. It was hard not to see the guilt written across his face. Shaking her head she looked away from him and walked off the porch making her way towards Kate who she pulled into a hug. She was just glad to see the rest of her family again even if she had just seen them yesterday.
It was after everyone got reacquainted with each other that Avery found herself standing beside Daryl in the half circle their group made around Otis's makeshift grave. The rest of the group had been informed about Otis's death and the funeral and now here they were having a funeral for a man she suspected was killed by Shane though she doubted Shane would ever admit it out loud to anyone.
"Blessed be God father of our Lord Jesus Christ," Hershel spoke as he looked down at the open bible in his hand. "Praise be to him for the gift of our brother Otis. For his span of years, for his abundance of character. Otis who gave his life to save a child's. Now more than ever our most precious asset," he said smiling some. "We thank you God for the peace he enjoys in your embrace. He died as he lived, in grace," he spoke as he turned to look at Shane.
"Shane will you speak for Otis?" he asked as he kept eying the man who spent the last few hours of Otis's life with him.
Shane swallowed hard as he looked away from the older man, "I'm not good at it," he said as he shook his head and looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry."
"You were the last one with him," Patricia said her voice coming out with sadness as tears went down her face. "You shared his final moments," she nodded her head as she turned to look at Shane. "Please. I need to hear. I need to know his death had meaning."
At Patricia's words Shane felt his guilt grow. He knew the words out of his mouth were gonna be a lie but he had to say them anyway. "We were about done. Almost out of ammo, we were down to pistols by then. I was limping, it was bad. Ankle all swollen up," he said as he kept his gaze away from Patricia who kept looking at him. "We've got to save the boy, see that's what he said," he lied flash-backing to the true events of the night before. He had shot Otis in the leg to save himself. "He gave me his back pack, he shoved me ahead. Run he said. Said I'll take the rear I'll cover you. Then when I looked back," he sighed knowing what that implied.
Limping over to Otis's makeshift grave Shane picked up one last rock, "If not for Otis I would have never made it out alive and that goes for Carl too. It was Otis he saved us both," Shane said as he eyed the people standing at the grave site before putting the rock down on top. "And if any death ever had meaning it was his," he nodded before turning to look Patricia right in the eye.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After Otis's funeral Jessica leaned against the Cherokee as she stood beside Hershel. He was inquiring about Sophia and had asked how long she had been lost.
"This will be day three," Rick informed the man. It was the thought of Sophia being gone for three days that worried him. After he had spoken he felt Maggie come to stand beside him as she laid a map down on the hood of the car.
"County survey map. Shows terrain and elevations," Maggie spoke as she unfolded the map she had laid on the hood of the car.
Looking at the map Maggie unfolded Rick couldn't help but smile, "This is perfect we can finally get this thing organized. We'll grid the whole area and start searching in teams."
"Not you not today," Hershel said as he turned his head to look at Rick. "You gave three units of blood. You wouldn't be hiking five minutes in this heat before passing out," he said before turning to look at Shane who stood across from him on the other side of the vehicle. "And your ankle. Push it now and you'll be laid up a month. No good to anybody."
Daryl who had stayed silent as he listened to Hershel sighed some, "Guess it's just me. I'm going to head back to the creek," he said as he looked at the map. "Work my way from there."
"I can still be useful. Drive up to the interstate see if Sophia wondered back," Shane said knowing that he could at least do that. Do something instead of just sitting here.
"All right tomorrow then. We'll start doing this right," Rick nodded knowing they had to get on the ball.
Shane looked at Rick after he spoke, "That means we can't have our people out there with just knives. We need the gun training we've been promising."
After a moment of silence Hershel looked at both men, "I'd rather you not carry guns on my property. We've managed so far without turning this into an armed camp."
"With all due respect if a crowd of those things wonder in here..." Shane started only to be stopped by Rick.
"We're guests here," Rick said as he locked eyes with Shane. "This is your property," he said turning to look at Hershel then. "And we will respect that," he told the man before getting his own gun out of his pocket and laying it down on top of the map. It was after he did that, that he watched Shane soon do the same.
"First things first," Rick continued after that. "Set camp, find Sophia."
Shane who was ticked at Rick making him give up his gun decided to ask the one question on his mind, "I hate to be the one to ask but somebody's got too. What happens if we find her and she's bit?" he asked sarcasm apparent in his voice. "I think we should all be clear on how we handle that."
Looking away from Shane after he posed that question Rick sighed not even wanting to think of that option. "You do what has to be done."
"And her mother? What do you tell her?" Maggie asked breaking her silence.
"The truth," Jessica answered bluntly. She was sure if it came to that, that Carol would in some way understand what they had done.
After Jessica answered her Maggie just watched as her dad shook his head at her.
"I'll gather and secure all the weapons. Make sure no one's carrying til we're practice range off sight," Shane spoke. "I do request one rifle man on look out," he said as he looked at Hershel wondering if the man would at least agree to that. "Dale's got experience."
When Hershel went silent after Shane's request Rick looked at him, "Our people would feel safer. Less inclined to carry a gun," he told him watching as the man eventually nodded his head in agreement. "Thank you."
"That stuff you brought," Maggie started as she looked at Rick. "Got more antibiotics, bandages, anything like that?"
"Just what you see," Andrea told her before walking off behind Shane and Daryl.
At that answer Maggie looked at her dad, "We're running short already. Someone should make a run into town."
Hearing Maggie, Jessica's face perked up some, "I can do it," she said feeling eyes on her. "I mean I can take Glenn with me and Maggie can write the directions and what they need down," she nodded as she eyed the brunette who reluctantly agreed.
"You can also take two of our horses," Maggie answered before turning to leave and go make a list for the blonde as well as saddle the horses.
After Maggie left Jessica could see the hesitancy in Rick's eyes but she ignored it as she walked away and over towards Glenn to inform him of their upcoming run. She hadn't been on a run alone with him since Atlanta and she hoped this one went better.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kate made a face as she sat on the RV watching Zac after Shane had taken his gun. She was surprised at how easily he had handed it over.
"What?" Zac asked as he felt Kate's eyes on him.
Kate shrugged as she looked away, "Just surprised you gave up your gun so quick," she answered. "I mean your guns are like your babies. I never expected you'd give it up willingly."
"Shane said Hershel didn't want people carrying on his property," Zac said knowing Shane had also said he'd rather people have training as well. "I can respect that at least and give up my guns. Anyway this place seems safe."
"The CDC seemed safe too," Kate added in knowing that just because somewhere seemed safe it didn't mean that it was.
Laughing at his wife's words now Zac made his own face, "What happened to your positive attitude?"
"I still have it," Kate said as she stood and walked towards the door of the RV. "But I am also more cautious now too," she nodded before leaving the RV.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"So we kind of are making a run into town," Jessica spoke once she made it to where Glenn was.
Glenn who had been helping set up one of the tents turned to look at Jessica, "What do you mean we are making a run into town?" he asked her as he raised an eyebrow.
"I volunteered us to go," Jessica admitted as she blushed slightly. "They are low on medicine and stuff here and Maggie is writing a list of what they need as well as directions on how to get there. She's also letting use their horses," she said hoping Glenn wasn't too mad at her for this.
Shaking his head Glenn groaned internally but outside he forced a smile. It wasn't that he didn't want to do this because he did, he liked going on runs. It was the thought of being with Jessica alone that scared him. He liked her and he was afraid the longer he was around her he'd just blurt it out and he was resolved on not telling her.
"Are you mad at me?" Jessica asked when Glenn remained silent.
Glenn shook his head again, "Not mad. I'm just surprised you volunteered us to go."
"We haven't been on a run together since we went to Atlanta. Hopefully this run will be safer," Jessica nodded before turning to walk away from him. She couldn't help but feel though that Glenn had less enthusiasm about this then he normally would and she wished she could place why.
As she walked away she could hear Dale asking Maggie what the water situation there was.
Maggie who had been on her way to give the list and directions to Jessica turned to face Dale, "Got five wells on our land. House draws directly from number one," she said as she pointed to the well the house used. "Number two well is right over there," she smiled pointing to the second well. "We use it for the cattle but it's just as pure. Take what you need," she nodded. "There's a cartoon of containers in the generator shed behind the house," she said as she finished the conversation.
Meeting Jessica half way she handed the blonde the piece of paper with the directions and the list of supplies, "I'll go saddle those horses now," she told her before walking off again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Leaving the RV eventually Zac walked off and spotted Taylor helping set up one of the tents. Going to his brother he sighed, "I made amends with Kate," he spoke as he came to a stop on the other side of the tent Taylor was setting up.
"I figured you would," Taylor nodded as he smiled. He was glad to know his brother had forgiven Kate. He would hate for them to stay arguing just because she had decided to stay back and save his life. "But you are still mad at me aren't you?"
Zac shook his head as he started to help Taylor with the tent, "I was never mad at you," he told his brother though maybe that was partly a lie. "It was your decision to choose to die. I just hated that my wife risked her life to save yours," he shrugged as he chewed his lip. "But I am glad you are here. I don't want to lose you Taylor."
"And you aren't going to lose me," Taylor smiled as he shook his head. "I'm still here and I plan to be here for a long time. Mainly just to annoy you," he teased as he stuck his tongue out at his brother.
"Asshole," Zac muttered under his breath as he raised his hand and flipped Taylor the bird, trying to be as discreet as possible.
Taylor crinkled his nose in mock disgust at Zac flipping him off, "I think I will refrain from fucking you," he teased again as he shook his head. It was in this moment he was glad at the decisions he had made at the CDC. Choosing to live. He knew now that this was what he had to do. If he had chosen differently he wouldn't be having time with Zac nor would he have met Maggie who he was sure he was crushing on hard.
"I did kiss your wife though," Taylor admitted sounding innocent mainly because the kiss was innocent and had meant nothing to him.
Freezing at Taylor's words Zac raised an eyebrow, "No you didn't," he said shaking his head in disbelief.
"I did," Taylor reaffirmed as he looked at Zac. "At the CDC the night we all drank. It was innocent and meant nothing and she wasn't even going to tell you but I thought you should know."
Zac just nodded his head not sure what to think at this revelation. If Taylor said it was nothing then it was nothing but why would Kate keep this from him?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Avery who had left the main house came to a stop on the stairs as she watched Rick move from them as he saw Daryl.
Rick walked towards Daryl after he saw the man heading off to go look for Sophia, "Daryl?" he asked as he walked a bit closer and he saw Daryl come to a stop. "Are you okay on your own?"
"I'm better on my own," Daryl yelled at Rick though his eyes landed on the person behind Rick. Turning his back to both Rick and Avery he continued walking, "Don't worry I'll be back before dark."
"Hey!" Rick yelled out again watching as Daryl stopped again and turned to look at him. "We've got a base. We can get this search properly organized now."
Daryl listened to Rick and stepped closer to that man, "You got a point or are we just chattin?" he asked harshly. He tried to keep his gaze on the man in front of him but somehow his gaze kept going to Avery and each time they did he kept replaying her with Shane in his head along with his question to Jessica. He hated that he had allowed her to get under his skin like this.
"My point is it let's you off the hook," Rick told him as he watched Daryl step a bit closer to him. "You don't owe us anything."
Turning his back towards Rick, Daryl headed off again, "My other plans fell through," he said loud enough for Rick to hear.
Watching Daryl walk off Avery made a face and stepped off the porch. Running after him she came to a slow walk when she reached him. "I'm going with you," she told him knowing he'd probably object but that wouldn't change her stance. She was going with him to help him look for Sophia.
"I said I was better on my own," Daryl growled under his breath not even turning to look at Avery. "Or are you deaf?"
"I know what you said," Avery snapped at him as well. "But when have I ever listened to what you said?" she asked knowing she had never really listened to what he told her. "I'm going with you and you can't stop me."
Glaring Daryl didn't say anything else but he kept walking. If she was going she was going, Avery was just that damn stubborn.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jessica crossed her arms as she followed the rest of her group to the well. They had been brought there by Dale and T-Dog. Apparently Dale had found a walker in the well they were told they could get water from.
Circling around it with the rest of the people who came Jessica looked down at the well which had been opened. Making a face as she saw the walker looking back up at her she just shook her head. That thing had to have been down there for awhile given just how big it looked.
"Ah looks like we got us a swimmer," Dale spoke as he shined his flashlight down towards the bottom of the well where the walker was.
"How long do you think it's been down there?" Glenn asked curiously as he looked over towards Dale who was opposite him at the well.
"Long enough to grow gills," Andrea answered instead from where she stood next to Lori.
Lori shook her head, "We can't leave it in there. God knows what it's doing to the water."
"Well we gotta get it out," Shane said in reply to Lori's words agreeing with the woman on getting the walker out of the well.
"Easy. Put a bullet in it's head," T-Dog replied figuring that would be the easiest way to get rid of the walker.
Maggie who had been listening to T-Dog just made a face, "Woah woah guys, no," she said as she shook her head some.
"Why not? It's a good plan," Glenn spoke as he turned to look at the brunette feeling confused by her objection.
"It's a stupid plan," Jessica said as she broke her silence agreeing with Maggie. "If that thing hasn't contaminated the water yet, blowing it's brains out will finish the job."
Shane nodded his head after Jessica spoke, "She's right. Can't risk it."
"So it has to come out alive?" T-Dog asked as he looked back down at the walker.
"So to speak," Shane answered as he put his hands on his waist.
Glenn who looked up from the walker looked at Shane, "How do we do that?" he asked not sure how they would get the walker out of the well alive.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Zac who had went inside some time after helping Taylor put the tent up sighed as he saw Kate sitting in the kitchen with Patricia and Carol. They were talking and he wasn't close enough to hear what about and to be honest he wasn't sure he wanted to even hear what they were talking about anyway. He wasn't sure he wanted to be near Kate anyway right now.
He knew it was wrong but he was hurt that she had no plans of telling him about the kiss with Taylor. He was hurt that she didn't seem to trust him enough to tell him. Yeah he was kind of pissed it happened but if Taylor said it meant nothing then it meant nothing but if that was the case then why couldn't Kate have told him? He would have understood.
Shaking his head he walked upstairs to go to the bathroom. It was on his way back down the stairs though that he stopped in his tracks outside one of the rooms as he heard someone singing. Stepping closer he looked into the door which was cracked to see the blonde girl whose name he thought was Beth. She was singing as she made her bed and he couldn't help but smile as he listened to her sing. It had been so long since he heard someone sing. It had been so long since he himself had sang and it felt nice to hear some part of the past.
"She's good huh?" Jimmy asked softly as he came to a stop beside the man looking into his girlfriends room. "She had the best voice of every girl in high school."
Zac blushed some at being caught but he turned to look at the teenage boy who seemed to fit the image of a farmer perfectly, along with that southern drawl to boot. "She is good," he admitted as he turned to look back in the room. "She's really good."
Jimmy just smiled before patting Zac on the back, "And she's all mine," he said wanting to set the record straight before the man got any ideas.
Again Zac blushed and turned to look at Jimmy, "I..I'm not...I mean I'm married," he defended finding himself stammering over his words. Just because he liked Beth's singing that didn't mean he liked her. He actually wanted to honor his wedding vows even if his wife couldn't honor hers by being honest with him about one simple fucking kiss.