Ch. 1
There was a whooshing in his ears. It sounded almost like rain. That was his first thought. He was lying in bed and it was raining. He wanted to open his eyes but his body didn't want to cooperate with his brain. Finally, they opened slowly. The room was white and smelled funny. Walt Longmire's face scrunched up. He was definitely not in his cabin. His eyes were trying to adjust to the light. He tried to sit all the way up but that was useless. His eyes finally began to focus. His mind was foggy but he was pretty sure he was in a hospital room. His eyes flitted around the room searching. He felt a warm pressure on his arm. It was a hand. His gaze traveled up the arm and looked into the questioning eyes of Victoria Moretti.
He tried to form her name but his mouth felt so dry. He licked his lips but there was no moisture. A cup appeared with a straw.
"Here. Drink."
He pulled the water into his mouth and the cool wetness seemed a marvel. She pulled the water away and set it down.
"Not too much. You'll get sick."
His mind was starting to clear. He tried to sit up again but her hand pressed on his shoulder.
"Not until the doctor checks you out. Jesus, you scared the shit out of me, Walt."
"Sorry."
He mumbled the words even though he wasn't sure what he had done.
"What happened?"
"You don't remember?"
Walt shook his head. Her eyes clouded over and darkened with concern. She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully, studying him.
"What's the last thing you remember?"
He sat in silence, scanning through his thoughts for that memory. It was foggy but it was there.
"I was riding my horse."
It came out almost like a question. Vic nodded and he figured he must be on the right track.
"Yeah, you went riding. You don't remember what happened after?"
Walt shook his head.
"No. It's all muddy."
He looked around the room. He was confused as to why she was here. Maybe if he'd been wounded in the line of duty. He had been at home. He was sure of it. Walt rubbed his face, willing his thoughts to make sense.
"Where's Cady?"
"She went home to get some rest and something to eat. Walt, you've been out of it for nearly two days."
He saw her now for the first time. She looked worn, tired. Dark circles were beginning to form under her eyes and her face was creased with worry. Her hair was pulled back but looked like she had slept that way, confusing him further. She was wearing jeans and a loose button down shirt. His eyes scanned the room again. Vic frowned.
"Looking for something?"
His eyes moved back to her. There was something in her expression he didn't recognize. He couldn't imagine her husband was very happy about her being her with him.
"Walt?"
"Where's Martha?"
