Sharpshooters

Meeting Horvath.

"Hey, don't think I won't knock you on your ass 'cause you're some college-educated cooze, al'right?" He spat towards Andrea and made a grab for Carol's wrist, "now you come on or you're 'gonna regret it later."

"So you can beat her some more?" Amy stood up and joined Andrea at the hip, scowling at Ed.

By this time, I had finished doing Dixon's laundry, folded it up and put it back into the bag, which I also decided to wash. I picked it up and slinked away, successfully unnoticed, into the shadows of neighbouring trees. I did not feel too comfortable in the midst of this dispute and thought it best to remain out of the way - my work was finished anyway. Quickly, I proceeded to climb the hill. A loud, hard slap sound, followed by screaming girls, was all I heard before I got to the top. Panting because of the long climb, I slid the bag into the entrance of the unzipped, blue tent. Dixon wasn't anywhere in sight, luckily. Probably planning something with Rick. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a twig snap from behind.

"The hell you doin' here?" A gruff voice barked. I immediately spun around and crashed into a solid chest. I quickly eyed the figure up and down: Daryl.

"Sorry. I, ah, just bringin' up laundry..." I pushed myself off him gently and swerved to the side, hearing a quiet "thank'ye". I decided to go back to the RV. As I closed the door behind, I shut it and leaned back against the plastic with a sigh.

"It's always nice to see a new face 'round here," spoke an old, tired voice. I jumped at the suddenness of silence breaking and looked around. Sat in the driver's seat was the old man I saw earlier. The same beige fishing outfit on. Hat, shirt, and shorts.

"'Scuse me?" I asked and cocked my head to one side.

"You're the new'n Rick brought back," he stated. I nodded and stared at him for a while. He flashed me a warm smile and sent kind, brown eyes my way.

"Lex Blanton," I edged closer and held my hand out. He shook it and gestured to the chair opposite him.

"Dale Horvath," he answered as I sat down into the chair. After clearing his throat, he looked out the front window, then back at me, "how long are you planning on staying?".

"As long as possible, I should hope," I nod.

"Well, you've proven to be useful," he winked, referring back to the walker in the clearing.

We spoke for a couple of hours after that. The night was pulling in too fast. He told me about what he was doing before all this happened, who he was with, what his plans were - a whole bunch of stories came out of his mouth, bless him. It was like a bonding experience, I guess. I feel quite at home here already, despite recent events, and I hope I am able to stay here. I must ask Rick in the morning when I get that chance...