Walt found Vic and Branch facing off at the crime scene. They were in each other's faces, pointing and yelling, paying no never mind to the victims of the apparent robbery sitting on the steps witnessing the whole escapade.
"Break it up!" he warned, stepping in between them to separate them, his jaw rigid, trying to keep his temper in check. He didn't know why his two deputies were fighting but he wasn't going to tolerate them making a fool of his department.
"What in the heck do you two think you're doing?" he said in a calm yet ominous tone.
Vic bit her lip and waved in Branch's direction.
"Why don't you ask him?" she sarcastically replied.
Branch rolled his eyes and harrumphed.
"Real mature," he snarkily returned.
"I'm not going to ask again. Either you tell me what the heck you two are doing or I'm suspending both of you," Walt coolly said. Both of their heads swiveled in his direction.
Branch rode back with Walt, feeling slightly like a child being reprimanded by his father. He had to tell himself not to slouch in the seat and pout. This was his boss for crying out loud. They may not see eye to eye but he did have a certain respect for the man.
"I expect more from you," Walt said, not taking his eyes from the road. "Since when is it acceptable to throw a temper tantrum while on the job? If you've got a problem with me or with Vic, take it up at the station. Not at a crime scene and definitely not in front of witnesses."
"Yes, sir," Branch replied, hanging his head.
"Now I want your side of the story of what happened back there," Walt quietly ordered. "Why were you and Vic fighting?"
Branch tried to refrain from squirming in his seat.
"I, uh, may have said something to set her off," he said, looking out the window. He could see Vic's truck behind them in the rearview mirror.
"Care to share what that something was?" Walt asked, glancing his direction.
"Not really," Branch said, shifting his weight and looking down at his hands in his lap.
Walt said nothing more the rest of the way.
Branch trudged up the stairs behind Walt with Vic just steps behind them.
"Vic, I want to talk to you in my office," Walt said in a clipped voice. She cringed as she trailed him into the station.
Ruby started to intercept Walt but the furrow on his forehead and tight lips made her stop mid-step and return to her desk without a word. Ferg also noticed the chill in the air and made himself busy in a hurry, giving a sideways glance at a visibly chastised Branch.
Vic followed Walt into his office and he shut the door before turning to face her.
"I want to know your side of the story of what happened back there. Why were you and Branch fighting?" he said with quiet authority.
Vic licked her lips and nervously ran her hand over her ponytail.
"He got mouthy with me on the ride there and I told him to mind his own damn business," she replied.
"I see," he said. "And that made it acceptable to carry on like spoiled brats at a crime scene in front of witnesses?"
Vic stared at the floor at the reprimand.
"No," she answered.
"Care to tell me what he said that set you off?" Walt asked.
She clinched her teeth and shook her head.
Walt softened his stance and stepped closer without touching her.
"It had to do with us, didn't it?" he stated, seeking her face.
"Let me handle it," Vic said, her eyes pleading. "Please?"
He nodded in understanding and then swung open the door. He didn't want to add fuel to the fire by staying sequestered with her behind closed doors at work.
Vic dutifully returned to her desk and remained as quiet as Branch for the rest of the day.
