Vic Moretti was of two minds about moving to Wyoming.
Leaving her job and family was unthinkable at first even though the job had turned to shit and family relations had been problematic forever. She'd always been okay with change in the department, secretly proud that she adapted better than fellow officers who pissed and moaned about the reorganizations that took place every few years. And she was accustomed to upheaval in her family circle. Now she thought acceptance of anything happening around her might have been because Philadelphia was the constant and she'd grown up there. So really, it was leaving Philly that made her uneasy.
On the other hand, the flair of relief she'd felt when Sean said he was being transferred was undeniable. To start over somewhere new was an attractive prospect. She could leave behind the feelings thrown her way every day that were so hard to take: scorn, contempt, pity, even sympathy and the occasional furtive approval. She'd just wanted to do her job well and honorably and she expected everybody else to do the same. When Bobby hadn't, she'd nearly broken under the strain of deciding to do the right thing against almost everyone's wishes.
She managed to do some research while packing up their lives. Thanks to Wikipedia she knew that Wyoming had nicknames – Equality State, Cowboy State, Big Wyoming – and the motto was Equal Rights. Wyoming was the first territory and state to grant women the right to vote and to serve on juries. They had the first female court bailiff and the first female justice of the peace, and all that happened back in 1869 and 1870. They elected the first female governor in 1924. It was a special election after her husband died in office but Vic was impressed anyway. She would still be out of her comfort zone but she felt better about moving more than halfway across the country to the least populated county in the least populated state. She hoped Wyoming hadn't been so progressive merely because there weren't enough men.
Newett Energy paid for relocation and helped find accommodation when employees were transferred. They encouraged Sean and Vic to buy acreage but that was too much commitment at the start. Maybe later if it turned out they loved Wyoming. For now, renting was their preferred option. Sean had a week off to settle in but after that he would be working which included some travel. Vic wanted to work, too. She'd joined the Philly force after college and loved it until recently. She couldn't loaf around keeping house for an often absent husband. Sean had made a tentative suggestion about it being an opportunity to start a family. She told him the timing wasn't right and she wasn't going to have a baby to keep from being bored. Maybe in a year when they were more familiar with the area and felt like they belonged. He took it well and even agreed with her.
They looked online, made a few calls and arranged to view three places when they arrived. Newett provided a company vehicle to executives, and there would be one waiting for Sean in Durant, so they had only one personal SUV in Philly. They drove it across the country, arriving two days before the moving truck. They stayed at a chain motor inn, looked at the properties and made a decision in time to let the truck know which address to meet them at. Vic had been ruthless decluttering before leaving Philly and without kids and all their stuff, moving in didn't take long. They spent the last few days before Sean went back to work driving around Absaroka County and beyond. The scenery was gorgeous and lived up to the first lines of America the Beautiful: spacious skies, waves of grain, mountain majesties and a fruited plain. Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful geyser were as advertised. Vic wasn't surprised that tourism was one of the three mainstays of the Wyoming economy along with energy and agriculture.
The previous ten days had been a second honeymoon of sorts but real life began again on Monday when Vic waved Sean off to work. His first week would be spent at the Durant regional office, the second week on day trips to small local offices around the state, and the third week a road trip to branch offices in neighboring states. Vic's goal was to find a job within a month. It would be easier with Sean gone all day and even more so when he was away for a week. Her first week was surveillance of Durant in general and the sheriff's office in particular. She roamed the streets on foot and in her SUV, learning the layout and getting a feel for the people and the rhythm of life before staking out the sheriff's office from nearby shops. She had looked up the Absaroka County website but the link to the sheriff's department provided the most basic info ever - a phone number and the address of the office. No names, no photos, no details. There was no online application either although on reflection Vic was fine with that. She'd rather make contact in person.
Two men and a woman arrived each day: a tall, handsome man a few years older than her who knew he looked good in jeans, boots, hat and uniform shirt; a younger man who was short and stocky but looked earnest and eager; and a pleasant-looking middle-aged woman who was probably a dispatcher and admin support. The tall guy might be the sheriff and the younger one a deputy. Unless they had people on vacation or out on disability, it seemed like too few staff for county law enforcement. The population might be small but it was spread out over a lot of space. The sheriff and the deputy left occasionally – she assumed they were on calls – but she didn't follow them. The three of them appeared to take turns going out and bringing back lunch, often from the Busy Bee Cafe. Not a lot of activity but if something major happened or even several small things at once, they could use another deputy.
On Friday afternoon she waited until the sheriff and deputy were both out before crossing to the building that housed the sheriff's office. She had given a little thought to her appearance but not too much because she was applying today, not interviewing. Her hair was down but pulled back in a no-nonsense style. Minimal makeup and jewelry. She had debated between a skirt and pants and picked the pants. She had worn pants on the mean streets of Philly and was sure that they would be even more appropriate in the wilds of Wyoming. Capri's, flats and a simple top that wasn't too snug and didn't expose her midriff.
She entered the building and immediately saw that the sheriff's office was up a flight of stairs. If there was an elevator or ramp somewhere, shouldn't there be signs about handicap access? She decided not to bring it up on her first visit. Names were posted at the top of the stairs: Sheriff Longmire, Deputy Connally and Deputy Ferguson. The woman wasn't included. That didn't seem in keeping with Wyoming's progressive attitude. Something else she wouldn't ask about today. The names and titles listed were more interesting than the one left off anyway: there was a sheriff and two deputies. Somebody must be away or not on the premises very often. She hadn't covered the place all day every day but she was sure she hadn't missed a third man when she was watching.
The woman was seated at an old fashioned wooden desk inside the door. She looked up with a smile. "How can I help you?"
Vic smiled in return. "I moved here recently from Philadelphia. I was on the force there, a homicide detective, and I wondered if there are any openings."
"There are almost always openings but when they get filled is a matter of budget."
"Some things are the same everywhere," Vic replied in commiseration. "Could I fill out an application?"
"Certainly." The woman rummaged in a drawer and handed over a clipboard with a form on it. "I'm Ruby."
"Victoria Moretti but everyone calls me Vic." She wanted to get that out there right away to forestall being called Victoria or, even worse, Vicky.
"Have a seat and take your time, Vic."
She knew her resume was solid and her credentials impeccable. Philly PD wouldn't bad-mouth her; HR departments were barely allowed to confirm employment. But word tended to get around in law enforcement circles and who knew if this sheriff's department had connections with Philly. Vic figured she might as well do damage control in advance so besides HR she listed her commanding officer and a fellow officer as two additional references. Her CO would probably pass along details of the incident 'in confidence' and might even be fair about it. He hadn't liked having a whistle-blower in his house but that was more because he wanted to stay under the radar until retirement, not that he actually disagreed with her actions. Her friend would balance out the report with Vic's side of the story. It was the best she could do and maybe it wouldn't matter anyway. Philly was far away. She didn't know the pay scale here so she wrote 'negotiable' on the line for expected salary and handed in the application.
Ruby glanced at it but apparently only to make sure it was completed, she didn't appear to be reading it over. She asked, "What brings you to Wyoming?"
"My husband transferred here, he's with Newett Energy." Vic was careful not to say that Sean got transferred which might sound like they didn't want to be here.
Ruby nodded. "Big employer around here."
"Energy, tourism and agriculture."
Ruby laughed. "You've done your homework."
"Not that there's any hurry, but do you have an idea when I might hear back?"
For the first time Vic saw some hesitation. "Well, I would say within a week."
"I'll look forward to it." Vic was satisfied with her first attempt at employment.
Walt Longmire felt guilty when Ruby's voice came over the answering machine. Not enough to pick up the phone but he hadn't been to the office all week and it was a new low for him to not show up at all. He didn't answer because he'd been drinking and didn't trust his voice. He was far from drunk but it was possible that he would sound drunker than he actually was. No need to give her ammunition.
"I hope you've had a relaxing week off." He wasn't too drunk to catch the sarcasm.
"We missed you but it's been quiet so your timing was good." He wasn't sure if Ruby was being snarky or giving him an out whereby he could claim that he had been on vacation.
"We have a new application for deputy and it's time to make a decision. This one has better qualifications than the one two weeks ago or the one two months ago, neither of which we've done anything about." She was being nice by using 'We' instead of 'You' and not putting the blame on him where it belonged.
"The position has been funded for six weeks so it's time to hire somebody to do the job. If you're not here by 9 am Monday to review applications before interviews start in the afternoon, I'll give them to Branch and you'll be stuck with his choice instead of yours."
Ruby was bringing the tough love. It was a good threat and probably the best thing she could have said to get him to the office next week. He sighed. He'd been wallowing too long. He had thought about going in today to make an appearance before starting over fresh next week. He should have done it because now showing up Monday morning was going to look like Ruby won. Well, he'd go in an hour late just to make the point that he was his own man.
His name was still listed as sheriff when he arrived at 9:54 Monday morning. Ruby looked up and greeted him as if she'd never given a voicemail ultimatum.
"Morning, Ruby. Have you handed off to Branch?"
"It's not 10 o'clock yet," she said sweetly.
And that's when Walt realized that Ruby had given him a different deadline than herself. He glanced at her calendar and read upside down the notation 'Apps to Branch at 10 am'. He took the folder and said good morning to Branch and Ferg on the way to his office.
The first app was a slightly familiar name. Walt recalled a man about 25 who had moved to the county a couple of months ago. He had been a guard at the state penitentiary. Walt had called to check his references but hadn't gotten around to setting up an interview because funding for the position wasn't approved at that point. The second app was another familiar name, a local kid who had graduated high school a few years ago and whose only qualification was hunting expertise. The third app was Vic Moretti and Walt saw immediately what Ruby meant about qualifications. This was a serious resume.
The guard was coming in this afternoon, the kid tomorrow afternoon and Moretti on Wednesday afternoon. This was Ruby's way of making sure Walt was in the office three days in a row.
Walt assessed the situation after the first two interviews. The state pen guard wasn't a bad fit but the local kid was a washout. Walt was pinning his hopes on Moretti. He needed someone with experience. Branch was coming along fine but he'd only been with the department for a year and still had some things to learn. Ferg was even greener. He had joined a few months ago. His father had asked Walt to take him on. Even in grief over Martha's death, Walt wouldn't have hired Ferg as a favor but he'd seen something in the young man that made him willing to take a chance. Then Walt had dropped the ball and pretty much checked out for awhile. He'd meant to train Ferg himself and instead had left it to Branch. Branch had done his best but he wasn't a natural teacher and was too new himself to be an effective mentor.
Wednesday afternoon Ruby showed Vic Moretti to his office and closed the door behind … her. Walt had never been one to show every feeling on his face so he managed to hide his surprise, shook her hand – she had a firm grip but not like she was trying to prove anything to him – and told her to take a seat. Then he let his eyes drop to the application lying on his desk to buy himself time and to see what he had missed the first time. Because he had been expecting a man. Right away it was obvious that he'd been careless. Her first name was boldly written as VIC with Victoria in parentheses beside it. His eyes had skipped over the 'ia' at the end. Another wake-up call that it was time for him to start paying attention. He'd always been more observant than average but he'd gotten out of practice lately. He thought back to the call he'd made to Philadelphia Police Department Human Resources. They hadn't used a gender pronoun but had simply said that Detective Moretti had performed satisfactorily. He had known that was all he would get from them and had only called to confirm her employment there. He purposely hadn't called her other two references because he wanted to form his own impression before finding out more.
She was very attractive but wasn't working it. Her blonde hair was down to her shoulders but she left it alone. No fiddling with it or tossing her head around. Her gaze was direct without staring. Her eyes were hazel. The thought flickered through Walt's mind that he'd always been fascinated by hazel eyes because they could look brown, green or gold and sometimes a little blue depending on the light and what the owner of the eyes was wearing. Vic Moretti was wearing a black pantsuit but that didn't describe it. Pantsuits came in all types and this one wasn't a shapeless, woman-trying-to-look-like-a-man type. The pants were tapered and the short jacket was tailored over a silk top. It was chic and not cheap but not designer-priced either. Her shoes were stylish and had a heel but they weren't ridiculous stilettos with a few straps holding them together. Vic Moretti was a good-looking, well-put-together, confident woman who seemed smart and competent. Walt considered offering her the job on the spot but thought they better talk a little first. His instant decision wasn't a man-woman thing although he appreciated her appearance. He simply had an immediate sense of her worth. Besides, Ruby had said she was the best of the bunch.
So they talked about an urban police force compared to a rural sheriff's department and her experiences in Philadelphia versus what she was likely to encounter in Absaroka County, Wyoming. An hour later he said he'd like to drive her around the next afternoon. He didn't add that it would give him time to check her personal references.
Vic smiled. "A field test?"
"Something like that."
"What would be an appropriate outfit?"
"Anything comfortable for hiking."
Vic was sure she had nailed the interview and didn't think she'd have trouble with the field test either. She was moderately athletic and had always been physically active. Earlier in the week, after Ruby called with her interview time, Vic had gone to a local shooting range because she hadn't shot for a month. She was satisfied with her performance and did well enough that the manager came over to ask about her shooting experience.
Her interview outfit had been chosen with care. She hadn't worn black much in Philly when she was a natural brunette but it was a good look with her newly blonde hair. She had tried not to have preconceptions about Sheriff Longmire but it was human nature to do some guessing and hers had been wide of the mark. She had expected a man in his sixties, maybe with a paunch, ready to ease into retirement. Instead the fucking Marlboro Man had stood up from his desk, minus the cigarette. He was tall, lean and broad-shouldered, casual but authoritative in jeans and a western shirt. His eyes were blue; his hair was brown, lightened by the sun and touched with gray at the temples. He was late forties or early fifties at the most and looked a little worn but far from worn out. They had talked easily together; she felt they were comfortable with each other.
For the field test she pulled on jeans, thick socks and hiking boots. She was already planning to buy boot-cut jeans and cowboy boots if she got the job. She wore a tee shirt under a button-up shirt with a jacket on top. Layers to take off or put back on depending on whether she got too hot hiking or if they went up in the mountains where it would be colder.
The sheriff drove, eyes on the road, but she had the feeling he was focused on her even if he wasn't looking at her. He slowed a few times to point out something and she knew it would turn out to be useful information in the future. They stopped twice, once for a walk across an overgrown pasture thick with brambles and strewn with gopher holes or the hideouts of whatever other subterranean creatures populated the land. The second time was for a steep climb. She puffed a little but was able to hide it; he wasn't even breathing hard. They drove to the edge of the reservation and he told her about the history of the Cheyenne in this area and the sometimes difficult interactions between his department and the Tribal Police. As they headed back toward Durant, he mentioned the starting salary and she said that was acceptable. She had done some research on Wyoming law enforcement pay since filling out the application and the offer was not only in line with what she now expected, but just enough higher that she felt her experience was valued. One thing left:
"Did you check my references?"
"Yep."
"Any surprises?"
"Nope."
"You heard that I turned in a fellow-officer to Internal Affairs?"
"Yep."
"And that didn't surprise you?"
"Nope."
"I guess that's good, since you offered me a job."
"My impression is that it was an unpopular but justified action. I don't think you'll be doing the same thing here just to cause trouble but I would expect you to take that action again if it was warranted."
"He killed himself."
"Why?"
"He was guilty and didn't want face the consequences or have it officially in his record that he was found guilty so he did it before IA finished investigating and ruled."
"So he was corrupt and cowardly."
"Yes, but his partner and friends didn't see it that way. If I hadn't reported him, he'd still be alive."
"And the Philadelphia PD would be a little more compromised. Everybody has to live with their actions. Or not. You're living with yours; he couldn't live with his."
Vic liked this man. Everything was settled so she asked, "When do I start?"
Walt had been doing his drinking in private at home and hadn't seen Henry for two weeks so he stopped at the Red Pony. As he took a stool at the bar the phone rang and Henry answered with his trademark greeting: "It is a beautiful day at the Red Pony and continual soiree." He listened for a moment and handed the phone to Walt.
"Did you hire her?" Ruby asked.
"Yep. She starts Monday," Walt added, forestalling Ruby's next question.
"Great. I'll call and let her know where she can get uniforms."
"Tell her she can wear jeans or uniform pants."
"Will do."
"And let the guard and the kid know they didn't make the cut."
"I'll be gentle."
"I hired a new deputy," Walt said as he handed the phone back to Henry to hang up.
"Blonde?" Henry asked. "And no hardship to gaze upon?"
"She's been in?"
"Last Friday evening."
"How did you know she was deputy material?"
"She gave off a cop vibe." Henry paused. "And I may have overheard her tell her husband that she applied to the sheriff's department."
Walt knew Vic was married but something pinched inside anyway.
Walt and Henry had met at school when they were twelve years old. Henry was Cheyenne on his father's side and Filipina-Scots-Irish from his mother. It was an interesting mix in the gene pool. Henry had never married but also never lacked female companionship. He didn't use contractions; he thought the more formal way of speaking added to his mystique. He was right.
"I am pleased to see you doing your job again."
"You think I've been slacking off?"
"I would say that you have been phoning it in but since you refuse to use a cell phone I will say instead that you have been going through the motions for some weeks."
"It's been months but I appreciate the understatement."
"Did you hire the female deputy because she was the best applicant or to annoy Branch?"
"Best applicant. Annoying Branch is a bonus."
"Where is she from?"
"Philadelphia, homicide detective. Her husband got transferred, he's with Newett."
"She will shake things up around here."
"Another good reason to hire her."
"She did not strike me as a person who would tolerate her boss slacking off."
Walt was silent.
"You think so, too." Henry smiled. "You have provided yourself with a back-up conscience in case your own fails you again."
Walt nodded. "Reinforcement. Ruby has known me so long she tends to go easy on me sometimes."
"If you wanted your ass kicked, all you had to do was ask."
"You would have enjoyed it too much."
"What are friends for?"
On Monday morning Vic pulled her hair back in a ponytail and showed up at 8 am in low-rise boot-cut jeans, cowboy boots and a uniform shirt. The shirts ran a smidge small; it would be a little tight in cooler weather when she planned to wear a long-sleeved tee under the shirt.
Ruby told her the judge liked to get out of his chambers so he would stop by to swear her in at 9 am instead of the entire department trooping over to the courthouse. The sheriff came out of his office to introduce her to Branch Connally and Archie Ferguson. Branch was the tall handsome one, Ferg was short and stocky. Branch was reserved but not hostile, Ferg was friendly and welcoming. The sheriff said it was a small office and they spent a lot of time together so they used first names. The judge arrived and ten minutes later the swearing-in ceremony was over. Walt handed her the deputy's star to pin on herself. Branch and Ferg wore theirs on their shirts but she hooked hers on her belt. Ruby brought out a cake and they had a little celebration. The judge polished off two pieces of cake and three cups of coffee before leaving. Walt took her into his office and presented her with a department-issue firearm and ammunition, name tag and official ID, radio, a set of handcuffs and several long zip ties, a flashlight, baton, mace and an equipment belt with holster to hold everything. Vic Moretti was a duly sworn peace officer of Absaroka County, Wyoming.
But not quite official yet. Walt handed her over to Ruby to complete the forms and went back to his office to catch up on his own paperwork. After that it was lunchtime. Branch and Ferg had each been out on a call but they were back so Walt took the entire department to the Busy Bee. A good many people stopped at their table to chat and be introduced to the new deputy. After lunch Ruby and the other deputies returned to the office but Walt and Vic walked up and down the main streets and around the square to introduce Vic to local merchants. Walt kept up a running commentary about everyone they saw. Then they got in his truck and drove further afield, stopping less often for introductions, but he kept up the commentary about people and places. By that time it was late afternoon and they were off the clock.
"One more stop," Walt said, "If you've got time for a beer. But it's optional if you want to get home."
"I've got plenty of time. My husband is away this week taking the Newett tour."
Walt drove to the Red Pony.
"Oh, I've been here," Vic said happily. "It's a great place."
"Friend of mine owns it."
They went inside and took a table. Henry came over to serve them personally.
"My new deputy, Vic Moretti. This is Henry Standing Bear, proprietor of the Red Pony."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You have been here before with a man."
"My husband. You remember us from that crowd?"
"I remember you. I cannot bring your husband to mind."
"I bet you can but it's sweet of you to say you only recognized me."
Henry turned to Walt. "An intelligent and charming addition to your staff."
Walt nodded. One thing had started to bother him: Vic Moretti was too good to be true. Her resume was terrific. Her appearance was just right for the interview and they had clicked immediately. She asked good questions and listened well. She had been comfortable in the pasture and on the mountain. She fit in at the office. She was friendly and personable to everybody he introduced her to. She took the right tone with Henry, flirtatious in response to him but nothing over the line. He could tell that turning in Bobby in Philadelphia and his subsequent suicide still bothered her and Walt was worried that regret was making her behave too perfectly. The strain of never making a mistake would wear anyone down. He didn't want his new deputy to snap a few weeks into the job.
Henry brought beers and went back behind the bar. They sipped in silence but it wasn't uncomfortable. Vic figured Walt had talked more today than he usually did in a week.
"Thanks, Walt. This has been a great first day and I appreciate you taking the time."
"Branch and Ferg handle most of the routine calls. You'll go with them at first until you've got a better idea of what a routine call is around here. When something more serious comes up, I handle it and usually take one of them with me. I'll be taking you for awhile until I know you're up to speed."
"Sounds good." Vic took another sip just as a man fell against her chair, dunking her nose in the beer before spilling it down her shirt and across the table. "Son of a bitch!" popped out, very loudly, before she could stop herself. She looked up apprehensively, wondering what Walt would think of her outburst.
Before either of them could speak, the man picked himself up and apologized with the careful enunciation of advanced inebriation. "My apologies, ma'am. Let me buy you another round and pay for your dry cleaning."
She waved away the offer. "Don't worry about it. Time I was getting home anyway."
"Bob Barnes, this is my new deputy Vic Moretti."
"You're as lovely as the dawn," Bob spoke with sincerity but very slowly in order to get the words out right.
Vic bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Thank you, Bob."
Bob stumbled away. Vic turned back to Walt as he spoke: "Just as well you turned Bob down. He can't afford to buy a round or get your shirt cleaned. Henry has to cut him off regularly until he can pay his tab."
"Sorry about swearing at your friend. Maybe I should have mentioned that cursing is kind of a hobby, but I'll try to keep it under control."
Walt's lips twitched. "Good to know you have a flaw."
"I have a few but my mouth is the main one. Italian, you know. My husband's name is Keegan so Moretti is all me. Plus Philly is a tough town and I got used to making myself heard, one way or another."
"As long as you're professional when you need to be, you'll do fine."
Walt wasn't worried about his deputy anymore, he was worried about himself. When Vic said her mouth was her main flaw, he knew she meant what came out of it but still, he'd had to stop himself from saying he thought her mouth was perfect.
