Truths and Roses

Chapter 25

This is a short chapter to move our lovers ahead to their next romantic adventure. Thanks for tuning in!

"Walt, we should be going. You wanted to be at the trail head by ten."

"I have one more matter to address then we can go."

Vic turns on the heel of her boot to leave my office. I move from behind the desk towards her.

"Vic, can I speak with you a moment?"

She looks up at me with interest. "Okay?"

I move past her to close the door setting the tone this will be a private matter. Unfortunately, closed doors aren't specific, so Vic flashes a wicked grin before grabbing my collar to move in for a kiss.

Pushing her away I speak in my calm and concerned, but not necessarily angry boss voice. "No, this is business."

Both her lips and eyes form the shape of an 'O'.

"Why don't you have a seat?"

"Okay."

She settles on the leather couch and I lean up against the edge of the desk to show this will be an important matter. Also, I don't completely trust my body to behave if I'm any closer to her gorgeous female form.

"I wanted to ask you why it is Deputy Rollins is under the impression that he's on probation."

"Does he?"

"He does."

"That's odd."

"I thought so."

"According to Tank, you also believed he was on transfer probation."

"Transfer probation? Never heard of it."

"Me neither. So, maybe you can explain how Tank came to this conclusion and why he said you told him you didn't know how long his probation would last."

She sucks in then chews on her lips while staring at her toes. Guilty, indeed.

"Deputy are you trying to recall what you may have said to Tank or are you trying to come up with a reasonable lie?"

Vic's head snaps up. "I won't lie to you Walt. Business or personal, I hope we are both past trying to protect the other by being less than honest."

"I appreciate the sentiment. So, the truth is…?"

"It was harmless fun. Really, Walt. He practically asked for it."

"How's that?"

"Well, Ferg was talking about one of his 37 cousins, something about a new job and being on probation for six months. And now Tank thinks he's on probation because he's new here."

"Vic, your story is like a ham sandwich only without the ham.

"What?"

"Your story is missing the most important part. The answer to my question."

"You're serious about this?"

"I'm serious about anything that interferes with the health and stability of this department. We just got to a point where we are fully staffed with folks who are fully functional. I don't want to see that disturbed, and especially by some childish prank!"

Vic's startled expression mirrors my own surprise at my severe tone. Why am I so angry about this? I expect more from her. It's true. This is appropriate as her superior.

"The thing is Vic, I expect you to be a role model and guide for Tank, not a tormenter."

"So, just be perfect."

"You know that's not what I meant. When I hired you, you already possessed solid credentials. Since you started here, you've doubled, even tripled your knowledge, skills, and maturity. I need you to be a leader, my under Sheriff, and maybe some day my replacement. You don't have to be perfect. Just be you."

Her face cycles through several expressions, as she digests the words. "Okay." It's a sign her mind is rapidly processing all the data before choosing the next course of action. A splendid example of the maturity I was referring to.

"Okay. I can hear that. I mean, you're right. You really think I'm mature?"

Her confusion is honest. I should have told her long before that she's grown exponentially since joining the department. I should have said a lot of things to a lot of people.

"I do."

"You think I'd be a good Sherriff?"

"I didn't say a good sheriff." I wink to assure her I'm teasing now. "You'll be a great sheriff. After I retire, you understand."

"Thanks. I guess for now I'll focus on improving my skills under the sheriff."

"Think you have that a little mixed up."

"Oh? Should it be on top of the Sheriff?"

Damn! The woman can make my toes curl, so to speak. I used to be able to halfway fake indifference to her flirting. Now, I just can't think of any reason to. Stepping forward, I lace my arms under hers and pull her from the couch to my embrace. Taking my job as a role model very seriously, I show her how to make out cowboy style.