Between Arrows and Hearts - Daryl Dixon

This group is broken

Rick and Shane —who came back looking like they'd had a big fight— explained to the group why they couldn't let Randall go. He'd mentioned that he used to go to school with Maggie, meaning he knew exactly where the farm was.

That morning, Cass sat quietly, her attention fixed on Rick as he laid out what had happened. Every few seconds, she sipped from the cup of tea Lori had given her, the warmth steadying her hands.

But as the conversation unfolded, she realized someone was missing.

"Where's Daryl?"

"We sent him to talk to Randall." Shane said, his tone casual, almost dismissive.

Cass froze, the tea forgotten in her hands. 

They sent Daryl to get information? 

She knew exactly what that meant. Her mind flashed back to Daryl's stormy expression when she'd told him about what had happened in town. He'd been angry then. She felt a pang of sympathy for Randall. Daryl wouldn't be pulling any punches.

The concern must've been plain on her face, because Rick quickly jumped in.

"He's handcuffed," Rick said. "He's not a threat."

Cass shook her head. "I wasn't worried about Daryl."

As if summoned by her words, Daryl emerged from the barn, walking straight toward them.

Cass's eyes instinctively scanned him. His knife hung at his belt, his crossbow slung over his shoulder, but it wasn't the weapons that caught her attention. It was the blood on his knuckles.

"Boy there's got a gang," Daryl announced, his voice gruff. "Thirty men. Heavy artillery and they ain't lookin' to make friends. They roll through here, our boys are dead." His gaze flicked to Cass for just a second, then back to the group. "Our women, they're gonna... they're gonna wish they were."

A chill ran through Cass. She noticed the other women stiffen too, understanding all too well what he meant.

Carol was the first to speak, her tone sharp. "What did you do?" 

Daryl glanced at his bloody knuckles as if only just noticing them. "Had a little chat." He said, his voice maddeningly casual.

Without another word, Carol turned and walked away, leaving the group in silence.

"No one goes near this guy." Rick said, his voice firm, brooking no argument.

"What're you going to do?" Lori asked, stepping closer to her husband.

Rick didn't hesitate. "We have no choice, he's a threat. We have to eliminate the threat."

Cass's jaw dropped. She understood the danger Randall posed, but the way Rick spoke —so cold, so final— shocked her.

"You're just going to kill him?" Dale asked, his voice tight with disbelief.

"It's settled," Rick said, his tone leaving no room for debate. "I'll do it today."

Before anyone could protest further, Rick turned and walked away. Dale followed, his frustration evident in his quick steps.

Cass hesitated just for a moment, but she had to know what Rick was planning. Without another thought, she hurried after the two men.

"You can't do this" Dale began, his voice firm as he walked beside Rick. "You don't wanna do this. I know you don't."

Cass quickened her pace to keep up with Rick, who showed no signs of stopping.

"I thought about it all night." Rick responded, his tone resolute. "Knowing what we know now, I don't see a way out of it."

"Come on, Rick. I've supported you through every decision you've made, and I'll support you now if it's the right call," Cass argued. "But you know this isn't as simple as just walking in there and killing someone."