ɢʜᴏsᴛs ~ 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙳𝚎𝚊𝚍¹

(26) Grandpa!

Season 2, Episode 11: Judge, Jury, Executioner

November 13th Day 81

Rick and Shane had no luck with Randall and Charlie's Uncle. They arrived back at the farm with the men. Randall knew where Maggie went to school; went to school with her. That could mean so many things. He could be bad, he good be a normal high school student, it was all so confusing.

Lori asked her husband, “So, what's the plan?” She crouched at Rory’s feet, pouring coffee into a mug. “We'd all feel better if we knew.”

Andrea looked over at Rick. “Is there a plan?”

“Are we keeping them here?” Glenn asked.

Rick looked over, glancing at Shane. They hadn't agreed on anything since they reunited, today, though—determining what they were going to do with the men—they did agree.

“We'll know soon enough,” Rick replied.

A twig snapped, and everyone turned around.

Hearts pounded—but it was just Daryl; the one who interrogated them. He had spent all morning with them, his knuckles covered in blood. He would definitely kill bad people if needed, trying to keep the group safe. . . To be honest, he was a much better pick for a leader than Shane.

“Both of them has got a gang,” Daryl informed them, a crossbow slung over his shoulder as he came to a halt, “Thirty men. They have heavy artillery and they ain't looking to make friends. They roll through here, our boys are dead. And our women,” Daryl glanced over at Rory, “they're gonna– They're gonna wish they were.”

Rory folded her arms, eyes narrowing in confusion. Her eyes widened as realization hit her despite her young age.

Rape.

The girls would all be raped as well as the kids.

Carol glanced at Daryl's swollen, bloody knuckles. “What did you do?” she asked him.

Daryl glanced at his knuckles. “Had a little chat.” He said dryly.

“No one goes near these guys.” Rick said sternly to everyone.

“I won't,” Rory said, looking at Daryl. “You know what he meant, right? The women are gonna wish they were dead. Yeah, I'm not taking my chances.”

Lori looked over at Rory, furrowing her brows. She stood straight—she didn't wanna worry Rory anymore—and turned to Rick. “Rick, what are you gonna do?”

“We have no choice.” Rick replied earnestly, jerking his head toward the barn. “They're threats. We have to eliminate the threats.”

Execution.

Dale looked disgusted, glancing over at Rick. “You're just gonna kill them?”

“It's settled.” Rick purposely avoided Dale's gaze when he reaffirmed his decision. “I'll do it today.” He walked away, Dale following quickly.

Lori brushed a hand through her hair. Nobody wanted to execute a living person; she didn't want anyone to take someone’s life, that could be why she married a cop. So, Rory knew Lori was feeling a bit of internal conflict.

“He has to do it, Mrs. Grimes.” Rory grabbed Lori's hand, the woman looking over. “You know what Daryl meant. We don't want them near any of the kids.”

Lori sighed, nodding. “Yeah, we need them safe.”

“Execution is going to be good for us,” Rory said, flinching even at her own words. “I wish there was another way, but. . . Randall, the other guy, their group seems evil.”