My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Thirteen

Gregory was full of stammers and half formed sentences. He was floundering big time, running out of rational reasons to deny us residency. "Well... if you're so confident, maybe you don't need our little town after all!"

I rubbed my tummy as Maggie wrenched the buried blade out of the dart board, pausing for effect. The weasel must've decided that looking at me was the more amenable option. I bit the inside of my cheek as I laid the condescension on thick, "come now Graham; even you know that's ridiculous."

I loved the fact that his face turned a tomato red.

Able to dish it out but you can't take it?

He finally screeched, "It's Gregory!"

I flicked my hair as I turned on my heel, "don't care." I let out a therapeutic breath and left the room; Maggie and Jesus attempting to conceal their smiles.

I've met men like Gregory before; they thought of themselves as a "high tier" individual, when the truth of the matter was he was nothing but pond scum. People with that would get away with as much as you let them; we didn't plan on letting him getting away with anything.

***

It didn't take them very long to get the wheels in motion after Rick found out that Dwight had started forming a secret militia. By the end of day two they'd organized a meeting at Hilltop to decide how our new threat was to be addressed. As soon as King Ezekiel had caught wind the Kingdom also joined in on the battle plans, unwilling to allow history to repeat itself.

They tried to encourage me not to attend the meeting, saying that I was too close to it all but I wasn't having it.

This doesn't have to end in death.

As Daryl and I entered the room Rick came and gave me a hug, then held me at arm's length, "are you sure you're up for this?"

I nodded at him, "I need to be."

My big brother figure rubbed my arm and guided me to a seat next to Maggie. She grasped my hand and leaned in, "I'm with you girl, whatever you decide I'll back you up." I couldn't believe her unrelenting loyalty, hoping that I could make up for it someday. I didn't know what I was going to decide, all I knew was that no-one had to die.

I looked around at all the different people shoved into the Hilltop's dining room; some responded to me with a strained smile, while others, including Rosita had chosen to look through me. We hadn't had the closest relationship before it all, and the loss of Abraham at the hands of my late husband did not help matters. I knew that there was no way that I was going to convert her into a peaceful mindset, but hoped that the majority could be persuaded.

Rick drummed his fingers on the table, nodding at me before speaking. "Now we all know why we're gathered here today. Dwight has renigged on his offer of peace, actively hunting down one of our members." He licked his lips and ran his hand through his curls, "I think the best way forward is to finish what we started. These people have proven time and time again that they're a danger to our way of life and can't be allowed to go on."

"Agreed." Daryl grunted, causing me to stare at him incredulously.

I couldn't believe my ears!

After hearing this Rosita chimed in, "they've killed our loved ones, and are threatening us again. We can't stand for this!"

"Having them alive puts me, I mean my people at risk. Something has to be done!" Gregory's disingenuous statement and general nature making me physically sick.

"NO!" I boomed, slamming my hand into the table, demanding the attention of the room. I looked to my love then my leader, "this doesn't have to be us! Remember when we were attacked by the Governor? We took them all in after; despite us being on opposing sides we came together and became family. It can be like that again." I placed my hands on theirs, "we can be like that again."

Daryl removed his hand from mine, the rejection hurting more than it should. "So wha' are we supposed to do? He's after our family and yer askin' me te sit on me thumbs!"

I shook my head, "that's not what I'm asking. We need to do something, but it doesn't have to end up in war." I reclaimed his hand and placed it on my belly, "this can be resolved peacefully."

Let's do it for them.

Rosita could feel Rick's mind changing, desperately trying to claw back, "how Rackel? How in the hell are we supposed to fix this without killing Dwight?"

I paused before sharing my idea, "send a small team to capture him during the night. We can bring him back to Alexandria to our makeshift cell and get him help."

Rosita crossed her arms and shook her head in exasperation, "fucking bullshit! Why do you have to make things so difficult?"

I inhaled as I remained calm, knowing that meeting her level was just going to escalate into a hot mess. "A wise man once said that we choose things NOT because they are easy, but because they are hard." She rolled her eyes at me, but I was determined, "we need to do the right thing because it will be better for everyone in the long run, not settle for taking yet another life for the sake of simplicity."

The gentleman with long dreads picked up his staff and tapped in onto the ground. As soon as he spoke I knew this must've been King Ezekiel. "I agree with this spirited young woman. The time for war has passed and a time for peace stands in it's stead. We must strive for a peaceful resolution, too much blood has already been spilt over these lands and I will not unsheath my sword without appropriate provocation!"

I held my hand over my heart and bowed to him, "thank you so much for your words of encouragement your majesty! I am hoping that we can rely on your support."

He tilted his head back and laughed theatrically, holding his hand out to the mountain of a gentleman sitting next to him. "Fear not m'lady, for the Kingdom will endeavor to strengthen our Alexandrian bonds by offering myself and my loyal subject Jerry to your noble cause."

I wonder if Daryl will let me anywhere near the tiger?

By the time all was said and done, all but a few members agreed to sending a small group to Sanctuary for a capture mission.

With Daryl and Rick at the head of it, I knew that it was possible.