My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Thirteen

Now that we knew Dwight's peace agreement was a farce security became immediately tighter; all our hands forced towards the Hilltop for a more permanent living situation, none of us willing to risk being separated from care. Skye and Enid were a part of that deal, much to Gregory's annoyance.

I was surprised how long it had taken for the weasel to confront us; pulling us into his office for a "chat."

It's not gonna make a lick of difference! I'm not going anywhere.

Maggie, Glenn, Daryl and I entered the room, as we politely declined his offer of chairs. Gregory's aura was smug and slick, like a greasy politician. That was until Jesus entered the room as a self elected mediator; he seemed to think that the Hilltop leader needed a "nudge" in the right direction.

The weasel cleared his throat and tried his luck, "when was I given the memo that Margery and Regina were becoming permanent residents?" He raised his brow at me like you would at a scorned child. "No offense, but what possible use could this community possibly have for two pregnant women and their brigade?"

I clenched my fists in an attempt to conceal the tremors that began. Jesus read the room and interjected, "They're part of the Alexandrians; our brothers that helped us break free from the Savior's chains. This is the least we can do!"

That's my family you're talking about!

My eye began twitching but I was forced to bite my tongue. Now was not the time to divide and bicker amongst ourselves. I refocused on Gregory, legs crossed as he swished an overfull crystal tumbler of brown liquor like a bond villain. Despite the daggers I was throwing him, he persisted at his staring at an indeterminate. I could see the cogs turning in his head, calculating his next move carefully.

The politician took a generous swig from his tumbler for courage before sneering. "So what you're telling me is that I've traded foregoing a couple of bags of flour for round the clock care of two pregnant women?" He scoffed, "oh yeah! That sounds like a great trade! And besides, if what I've been told is true they didn't even do the job properly. Isn't the reason they need to stay here is because Dwight wants Goldilocks here?"

I began breathing harshly through my nose; I was seeing red and it took every fiber in my body to not lash out at him there and then.

Are you kidding me?

I took a deep breath and leaned towards him, the tip of my fingers clawing at the desk as I said my piece through gritted teeth. "We never said we were after a meal ticket and I can assure you we haven't received one. Our whole group has always paid our dues and worked for everything we get, so don't you go on worrying about that!"

He leaned back in response to the intrusion of his space. He tapped his fingers together and clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth. He gave me a smile faker than a three dollar bill and leaned back towards me. "Well no offense Renee but, what could you two possibly do in your condition? Knit us all pretty sweaters?" He guffawed at his own tasteless joke, I was momentarily tempted to spit in his face.

Time to scare him a bit.

I leaned in so close our noses almost touched, staring him down to ensure he was paying attention. "Maggie?"

"Yes Rackel?" she chimed in as I pointed to the blade resting on her hip. Without any further prompting she picked up the weapon between her index finger and thumb, flicking it between the eyes of a soldier painting from across the room.

Gregory gulped, his cage officially rattled.

Now that I had his full and undivided attention I made my point, "we've lived out in the open moving from place to place. In that time we've become hardened survivors; Maggie's coming from a full time farm life and all of us willing to do what we can."