Unbreakable threads

Chapter Eighty: Beth dies.

Rick sat down with Noah on the steps of the church, his expression serious as he started formulating a plan. Alyssa stood nearby, arms crossed, watching with a laser focus. Daryl leaned against the railing, his crossbow in hand, while Tyreese and Sasha listened in from the side. The tension in the group was thick as Noah began explaining the details of the hospital and its leadership.

"There's a woman in charge," Noah said, his voice steady despite the nervous tremor in his hands. "Her name's Dawn. She runs the hospital like it's her own little kingdom. The cops follow her orders, but they're not exactly loyal. It's... fragile. They're always on edge, always looking to shift the blame for things. If you can get her in a corner, she'll fold. But she's dangerous."

Rick nodded, his eyes narrowing as he considered Noah's words. "How many cops are we talkin' about?"

"Half a dozen," Noah replied. "Maybe more. But they're well-armed, and they know the layout better than anyone. It's not gonna be easy to get in and out without them noticing."

Rick glanced at Alyssa, Daryl, and the others. "We're not goin' in guns blazing," he said firmly. "We'll grab a couple of their officers. Use them as leverage. If Dawn wants her people back, she'll trade them for Beth and Carol."

Alyssa nodded sharply, her jaw tight. "And if she doesn't?" she asked, her voice low and cold.

"Then we'll make her," Rick said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Noah led them through the woods toward the hospital, pointing out areas where the cops often patrolled. The group moved silently, each step deliberate. When they reached a narrow alley a few blocks from the hospital, they saw two officers on patrol, their voices carrying faintly in the distance.

Rick motioned for everyone to stop. He turned to Sasha and Tyreese. "We split up," he whispered. "Sasha, take the rifle and get a clear shot on them from that building." He pointed to a nearby rooftop. "Tyreese, you stay back with Noah and Daryl. Alyssa and I will draw them out."

Sasha nodded, already moving toward the building with her rifle in hand.

Rick and Alyssa stepped into the open, acting casual as they walked toward the officers. One of the cops immediately raised his hand, signaling them to stop. "Hey!" he shouted. "What are you doing out here?"

Rick raised his hands, his face calm and disarming. "We're not lookin' for trouble," he said evenly. "Just wanna talk."

The officers exchanged a glance, lowering their weapons slightly. "Talk about what?" one of them asked, stepping closer.

In that moment, Sasha took her shot, the bullet hitting the ground near their feet as a warning. The officers froze, their hands immediately going to their holsters, but before they could draw their weapons, Daryl burst out from the shadows, his crossbow drawn on them.

"Don't move," Daryl growled, his voice low and menacing.

The officers raised their hands slowly, their eyes darting between Rick, Daryl, and Alyssa. Tyreese moved in from behind, tying their hands with zip ties as Rick stepped forward.

"You're gonna help us make a trade," Rick said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Your people for ours. Beth and Carol."

The officers exchanged a nervous glance, one of them speaking up. "Dawn doesn't negotiate like that."

"She will," Alyssa said sharply, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Or you won't be going back."

The group quickly moved, dragging the officers toward an abandoned building to hold them while they prepared their next move. The tension was palpable, but Rick's resolve never wavered. They were getting Beth and Carol back—no matter what it took.