The Third Dixon [The walking dead]

Chapter five

Rick's voice was flat when he finally spoke.
''He wouldn't stop.''

Measi let out a slow breath through her nose, turning toward him. One less cop. One less bargaining chip. Her jaw tightened as the reality settled in.

Daryl shifted beside her. ''This change things?''

''It has to,'' Measi answered immediately, her voice edged with tension. Her fingers curled unconsciously, nails digging into her palm. Every change meant more risk—meant Beth staying longer in that place.

''Maybe not,'' Daryl said, though even he didn't sound convinced.

Rick shook his head. ''She said the plan wouldn't work. The guy who died is dead. Maybe we gotta rethink this.''

Measi hesitated, then lifted her head. ''They also said the cop in charge didn't have any love for him.'' She glanced between Rick and Daryl. ''Maybe you did her a favor.''

Rick didn't respond right away. ''I don't know if they'll play ball.''

Measi was already moving. ''Let's find out.''

She walked toward the two remaining cops, boots echoing softly against the concrete floor. Rick and Daryl followed close behind, weapons low but ready.

The female cop lifted her head, eyes red but steady. ''He was a good man,'' she said quietly. ''He was attacked by rotters. Saw it go down.''

Measi stopped in front of her, crossing her arms slowly. Her head tilted, expression unimpressed. ''Huh. You're a damn good liar.''

The woman didn't flinch. ''We're hanging by a thread here. He was attacked by rotters. That's the story.''

Daryl stepped forward. ''You said the trade was a bad idea. What changed?''

The woman exhaled. ''Lamson was our shot. So now it's this—or you go in guns blazing, right?'' She looked at Measi, reading her face. ''You don't want that.''

Measi gave a small, grim nod.

Daryl's voice dropped, dangerous. ''If this is some bullshit you're spinning and things go south—''

''I know,'' the woman cut in quickly. ''I know the good ones from the bad. Let us help you.''

Rick turned his attention to the remaining male cop, crouching slightly so they were eye level. ''What about you?'' He pointed. ''You wanna live? How much?''

The man swallowed, then spoke fast. ''Dawn's afraid she'll look weak in front of us. Thinks it'll tip things against her. Hell, it will.'' A faint smirk tugged at his mouth. ''She'll see this trade as a rip-off if she thinks you took out one of our guys.''

He shrugged. ''So it's a good thing Lamson got aced by rotters.''

Measi glanced at Rick, meeting his eyes. The answer was there—clear, ugly, and usable.

''They'll play,'' she said firmly.

And for the first time since the plan started unraveling, she felt it—
a thin, fragile line of hope tightening back into place.