Truths and Roses

Chapter 26

"So why a hike? I mean this is cool. The date you planned at Bighorn was awesome. I loved it. This will sound strange it's just you don't seem like the outdoorsy type. "

"You mean I don't seem like the type to hike the mountains on my day off."

"If you allow yourself a day off."

She's facing me as I scowl.

Relenting she adds, "Okay, you're getting better at that."

"I'd saying were both getting better at that."

"It helps being fully staffed."

"Yep." I momentarily grab her hand to pull her up and over a slippery spot along our uphill trek. The contact is comforting and enticing at the same time.

"It helps to have a pretty lady you want to see more of." I bring her hand to my lips as punctuation. Vic responds with a devilish smile.

"Or a sexy cowboy you want to see more of."

Vic grabs hold of part of me presumably indicating what she wants to see more of.

"All I'm really trying to get at, is it's not like you to climb a mountain unless it's minus 27 degrees and there's a deranged serial killer on the loose."

It's an obvious reference to my pursuit of Wayne Durell at Ten Sleep. Vic's rarely brings it up. I never bring it up. I know she punched an FBI agent for not making it a priority to bring me off that mountain. I know she blames herself for not following me that night. I get it and I get her. I want to protect everyone, too. Then I act out in all kinds of ways instead of just saying I'm worried or scared.

"So, Walt. What I was asking was why the sudden interest in traipsing all over the county?"

"Thought it'd be nice to discover nature without discovering dead bodies."

"Yeah, with our luck, that will still happen."

"Yeah. Also, we have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery without the usual distractions of an investigation."

"Makes sense. You don't want me thinking Absaroka County is just one giant crime scene."

"Pretty much."

We continue on a number of steps before I add, "Also, it doesn't hurt to show off the benefits of living in Freaking East what ever you call it. Maybe the fresh air and majestic sky lines will give you another reason to stay."

She takes ahold of my arm pulling me to face her. "I don't need another reason to stay."

"I know." But, I know in life, you also never really know for sure.

"Walt. Look at me."

"I'm looking." Placing my hands on her shoulders, I pull her closer. Our eyes lock.

"I need you to understand why I'm in Wyoming."

"Because you didn't want to leave your job and move to Australia."

"No, that's not right."

I'm not sure I'm going to like the answer, but I ask, "You wanted to move to Australia?"

"No. I mean I never have had nor do I now have a desire to move to the land down under. But, that isn't why I didn't go. I'm open to moving to Australia but not with Sean."

"Thanks. That really clears it up." Sarcasm and pain begin to invade my senses.

"Are you going to listen, cause I'm not repeating this."

Her parental tone only exacerbates my fear.

"I SAID I'm listening."

Vic takes a long breath in as she shakes invisible contagions from her hands. Taking her cue, I take my own cleansing breath.

"If for some bizarre reason the state of Wyoming asked you to relocate to Australia and presuming you'd want me, I'd move there with you."

My heart is beating so fast and loud it's hard to hear what she said. "Why am I relocating to Australia?"

"I don't know, Walt, you just do! What I'm trying to tell you is if you had to relocate for your job for ANY reason, I'd go with you. If you wanted me to. "

Again, I witness my Feisty Italian fight off her agitation to return to calm.

She continues. "Alright. I get it. You're a cop. You need details. Motive, where, when, and what the Fuck."

I'd say she's holding onto a bit of anger. "Vic, I'm sorry I…"

"No. It's fine. Let me think." Those luscious lips retract and extend several times. "Maybe, Absaroka County and some county in Australia become like sister cities or counties."

"Australia has states and territories, but I'm not sure about counties."

"Thank you Encyclopedia Brown. May I continue?"

"Yep."

"So the sister STATES develop this Sheriff Exchange Program and you are nominated then elected to be the first Sheriff of the STATE of Wyoming to go."

"Who nominated me?"

"I don't know. Maybe someone who thinks you need a break from the cluster of crazy you've gone through here the past year or more."

"Lucian. I bet it was Lucian just messing with me." My humor earns a short lived smirk from her.

"Yes, it was Lucian. Anyway you were elected because you're uniquely qualified for the job. Or if you prefer, because no one other than Lucian Connally would get a kick out of nominating a person move to the other side of the planet just as a prank. He'll probably nominate you to be one of the first idiots to colonize Mars, if he hasn't already. But, are you getting my point, here? Cause I really want to think this courteous and serene form of communication that takes a week to do, is really worth it!"

"You're saying that you stayed in Wyoming to be with me."

"Yes."

"And, if I was sent to Australia as the first ever Sherriff in some bizarre Sheriff exchange, you would move there with me."

"Yes. If you wanted me."

Those large golden eyes look up with apprehension and hope. How could she doubt that I would want her? I pull her fully into my arms and she nestles her head on my chest. We rock slightly left and right as I kiss her head.

"Of course I want you. I'm in love with you."

Boy Howdy, Cowboy! You gone and done it now!

If love falls from his mouth in the forest, and his woman doesn't feel the same way, does his breaking heart make a sound?