Spiced Molasses

Chapter 44

"You one of them Chinese types?"

To his credit, Glenn's reaction was restricted to a quick eye flick in Daryl's direction before replying an even tone. "I'm Korean."

Axel stroked his beard considering. "Can't see much difference but if you say so."

"We need to buy some gear," Daryl interjected before Axel could go ahead and say something so offensive that he alienated Daryl's only ally.

"What do you need?" Axel asked, his attention completely diverted by the possibility of making money.

"I need some kind of tracking software. I need to be able to follow a phone."

"You already got that thingy on your phone to follow the bracelet," Axel pointed out.

"This is a little more delicate," Daryl explained, trying not to give too much away but still convey the complexity of the request.

Axel shrugged. "I can get you something of the type but I can't tell you how to work it, mind."

"You don't know?" Daryl asked. A lot of his plan was banking on Axel's ability to walk him through the process.

Axel grimaced apologetically. "I just sell the stuff. I'm the middle man, y'see. Don't much got any inclination for the fancy workings of those doodads."

Daryl didn't need to look at Glenn to know that his mild expression was probably struggling under this onslaught of disheartening information. Daryl could do a rudimentary hacking job, they had taught him that much in basic training, but beyond that he was unskilled. And he had a feeling that tracking Rick's phone was going to require skill.

Axel unfortunately, wasn't as stupid as he looked or sounded and his eyes were cutting back between Glenn and Daryl. "You still want it?"

Daryl didn't have any other options. "Yeah, I'll take it."

"Stuff like that, it ain't cheap and ain't readily available. I can have it delivered to your house this evening."

Daryl didn't like that he'd have to wait but he didn't have any choice. He also didn't much like the price Axel told him but he paid it with clenched teeth. He would give up all his money to be reunited with Beth once more.

Axel ran up the purchase and his beady eyes returned to scrutinising Glenn. "You don't look like anyone from around this area. You look a little like a cop."

Daryl tried not to visibly start. The question was jarring.

"I have church later," Glenn replied smoothly, maintaining a deadpan tone. His quick witted reply caused Daryl to smirk. He wasn't sure how they were going to work together in the beginning but he was starting to realise it might be doable.

"I can respect that." Axel nodded sagely before turning to Daryl. "I'll send someone discrete."

"I appreciate that."

....

Beth had her fingers wrapped around some orange juice as she watched the sun set. It was beautiful here. Maggie was on one side of her, her feet resting lightly against Beth's leg.

Shawn was leaning over the rail, staring down the many stories. "Who dares me to spit off the side?"

Maggie and Beth both groaned.

"Shawn, that's disgusting!" Maggie cried. Beth flicked some of her drink at him in rebuke.

Shawn cackled and came away from the ledge. "I was just kidding."

"Sure," Beth retorted dryly with an eye roll.

It was a perfectly normal moment amongst siblings. It would have been lovely if there weren't two armed guards hovering not far away.