I will be bouncing between working on this story and another in progress. This one came to me and I felt I had to get it out before I could give the other the attention it deserves.

How did I let Henry talk me into thinking this was a good idea? My evening had started out innocently enough. I stopped into the Red Pony after work to meet Cady for a late dinner. After a wonderful meal, she excused herself to head home to bed and I moved over to the bar to keep Henry company. It was a slow night after all and we hadn't seen much of each other in the last several months. Henry had a new lady friend who lived over in Sheridan and he had been spending quite a bit of time there with her. In fact, in the past year since the murder charges had been dropped, Henry got out of town as often as possible. Can't really blame him. Feelings of freedom had been in short supply for both of us prior to that. I felt lighter myself since I had finally scattered Martha's ashes and been able to release her. Seeing the son-of-a-bitch who was responsible for her murder in prison didn't hurt either.

"So tell me sheriff, what is the state of crime in our lovely county."

"Don't make me talk about work Henry. It's my night off."

"If it is your night off then tell me why did not not meet my beautiful goddaughter for dinner until 8:00?"

Things had actually been pretty quiet in Absaroka County. I needed that. Hell, we all needed that.

"Just tidying things up a bit before the weekend. Ferg's had the whole week off, Branch is still only back part-time and I am hoping to not set foot in the office for a full two days. In order for that to happen, I had to finish up my reports. I am trying to break the habit of wandering on in Saturday mornings to finish up the week's work and then wandering back on Sunday to prep for the next week. You've always said working 7 days a week every week isn't good for me. I am actually trying to take your advice."

"Do not worry, I will not that let go to my head. However, since we are on the subject..."

I took a swallow of my beer. "What subject?"

Henry smiled, "My advice"

That's when I knew I was in trouble.

"Walt, I know I have pressured you in the past to move forward with your life. I know you were not ready at that time. However, it seems that now you may be. The proverbial dust has settled. You have found a renewed sense of peace. These are both things that were desperately needed. It is time to think about some of your other needs, companionship for instance."

"I have companionship Henry, I've got you don't I?"

"That is not what I meant Walt."

I chuckle to myself. " I know Henry, but it's so much fun to punch your buttons."

"Would it not be more fun to have your own buttons punched if I am not being too crude?"

"Are we back to that conversation Henry? Haven't I told you that my carnal urges are just not as well developed as yours? I am managing fine."

"Of course, managing fine, sounds very satisfying."

"You know how difficult it is to find a good woman to date in this county. I know too much about either them or their families. Occupational hazard."

"Then you need to find someone from outside the county, or someone who has moved in that you have not known your entire life."

I immediately knew where he was going with this line of conversation.

"Henry"

"Walt, hear me out. I know you do not just think of her as your deputy. Anyone who knows you can see it. You two have a connection that transcends that relationship. She is attractive, she is available and perhaps most importantly, she calls you on your shit. It is a perfect match."

"I am not sure the public will see it that way."

"Walt, this is the least populated county in the state. People know there are not a lot of options for romance. Rural communities require concessions that may not be allowed in bigger areas. People know what you have been through. They trust you to keep them safe and they want you to be happy. Honesty and Integrity, right? If you were truly being honest, you would admit what you are afraid to say out loud. That you want her in your life outside of the office."

That is how I now find myself sitting in front of Vic's house with a six pack of beer and condoms in the glove box of my truck. The beer was my idea. The condoms had been Henry's. How did I let myself get talked into this again?