Ch. 16
Walt was up first. That was nothing unusual. He was a naturally early riser. Normally, he dressed promptly and left his bedroom to make coffee and start his day. But, this morning was different than the ones that came before it. Instead of thinking about the day that lay ahead of him. His mind was immediately flooded with thoughts of the previous evening.
Vic was still asleep beside him. His eyes were drawn to her. Watching her sleep was something he did sometimes. He couldn't help it. It afforded him an opportunity to really study her. That was a luxury she lacked the patience for while she was awake. She lay on her stomach with both hands shoved under the pillow. Her face was turned away from him and half buried in the white pillowcase. Her hair streamed out over her shoulders, some falling across her cheeks. He wanted to reach out and move them, but that would run the risk of waking her.
Her questions from last night were still fresh in his mind. No one was more surprised than him when he realized he had fallen for his stubborn, profanity prone deputy. He always found her attractive. But, something changed over time. It was more than merely a physical attraction. Much more. For the first time since Martha's untimely death, he felt stirrings in his heart. And, while Martha could never be replaced, they now found themselves building something new. Something unexpected. On some level, that excited him. It was a position he never anticipated at this point in his life.
After Martha, he resigned himself to a life of loneliness. Since meeting Vic, that had changed. Slowly at first. Subtly. Then with more force as he found himself drawn farther into her life and she into his. Even before admitting his feelings for her, he came to enjoy her company and her unique take on things. She was unlike any woman he knew before. Definitely different than any woman he knew around here.
Of course, his feelings for her were different than the ones he held for Martha for so long. At first, it was a natural inclination to compare them. But, it dawned on him that wasn't fair. To any of them, including the memory of his wife. He was a very different person from the one who buried Martha. Vic was a different person than Martha. Comparing them made no sense and only created unnecessary guilt. It was that guilt that kept him from fully acknowledging what he felt for Vic.
Vic's own words echoed back into his mind.
"You're talking about your deceased wife. The one who would want you to be happy."
And it was true. Martha would want him to be happy. She would scold him for his self-loathing and his self-pity. Had she known how abruptly the end was truly coming, she would've urged him to move on with his life. Take care of himself and be happy. But, knowing those things and accepting those things were vastly different. Words were easy. Acceptance and practice was much more difficult. For so long, thinking about another woman felt like he was being unfaithful. He finally understood, it was simply life moving on. And it was natural and healthy.
He could miss Martha, yet still love someone else. The two feelings weren't mutually exclusive. Martha was gone. And he was still here. It took him far too long to understand that, but with Vic's help, it finally sank in.
She moved on the bed and brought him back to the present. Walt watched her face twitch slightly and her head shifted a little. He waited to see if her eyes would open, but they remained under the grasp of sleep. He smiled to himself. It wasn't often he allowed himself to sit in the moment like he was just then. But, it was something he knew he should do more of. He wanted to memorize this moment in time to look back on later.
The timing of her pregnancy couldn't have been worse, but in that moment the feelings that washed over him pushed that thought aside. Underneath the harsh reality of the situation and all the unknowns, there was still the miracle of life that the two of them created. Together. And, in nine months, it would be a tangible reality. Something that would actually physically exist in the world. Part Vic. Part him.
"What're you doing?"
His mind had drifted off again. And while he was lost in his own thoughts, her eyes did open and they were now squarely on him. Her face still held onto a sleepy expression and Walt couldn't help but smile. She was so beautiful to him. It struck him unexpectedly sometimes and knocked the wind out of him. He found himself baffled that she could want to be with him.
"Nothing."
Vic's eyes stayed on him, holding him in place.
"Are you watching me sleep?"
His shoulders rose and fell in a shrug.
"Maybe."
Vic stretched underneath him and raised her hand to stifle a yawn.
"How long you been staring?"
He relented. It's not like his denial was all that convincing anyway.
"Not long. I was about to get up. Make some coffee."
Vic made a face at the mention of coffee.
"I'm supposed to be limiting my caffeine intake according to Google."
Walt nodded slowly.
"I have tea."
She was still frowning.
"Mmmm…not sure I can function without coffee. Guess that's one more question to ask the doctor when I go."
She pushed herself up to a seated position. Walt slid back to give her space.
"Do you have a…doctor?"
Vic shook her head, brushing her hair out of her face.
"An OBGYN? No. I've been seeing a GP for my birth control. Not a lot of choices in Durant. I'll…find one. Make an appointment."
Walt placed his feet on the floor and stood up.
"How you feeling this morning?"
Vic cleared her throat, still trying to wake up completely.
"Okay."
"No nausea or anything?"
She shook her head.
"No."
"Good. Hungry?"
Vic sighed and looked up at him.
"Are you gonna be like this the whole time?"
He paused.
"Like what?"
She used one hand to gesture in his general direction.
"You know…hovering."
Walt frowned.
"All I said was are you hungry. I wasn't…hovering."
Vic closed her eyes and opened them again.
"I'm…sorry. I know you mean well."
She stood up and rubbed at her lower back.
"But…you know you can't…be like this when we're at work. Right? I mean…you gotta act normal or someone is going to get suspicious."
Walt still failed to see her point.
"I'm not acting any way."
The seriousness in his tone brought a crooked smile to her face.
"Yeah, you are. But…it's kind of cute. Still…"
Walt shifted on his feet, unsure of how to respond.
"So you don't want breakfast?"
"Oh…I want breakfast."
Walt sighed.
"Okay. I'll…get that started."
He left her to her dressing and made his way into the kitchen. Somewhere in the recesses of his memory, he recalled a similar chastisement from Martha when she was pregnant with Cady. After her miscarriage, he did worry and he did hover. She would always wave him off and insist everything was fine. And it was. But, still he worried. He knew that Vic valued her independence. And he didn't want to infringe on that. But, he couldn't help the thoughts that coursed through him now. Knowing that she was carrying his child did something to him. He could only assume it was instinct to want to protect and take care of her. Those were two things Vic insisted she could do herself.
By the time she wandered into the kitchen, her demeanor was lighter and he felt her hand as it traced a path across the back of his t-shirt. Walt glanced at her as he continued to scramble eggs over the stove. She lingered at his side, her face sincere.
"I'm sorry."
The words came out slow and measured. Walt pulled the pan from the stove and started to fill the two plates that were set out.
"It's okay."
Vic shook her head and looked around the kitchen like there might be answers in the corners of the room.
"No. It's not fair of me to…be that way. I get it. I just…this is still new. You know."
He offered her a plate.
"I do know. And I'm sorry for…hovering."
She smiled in spite of herself.
"I just…don't want to cause any problems at work."
They sat down with their breakfast. Walt nodded.
"I know. We'll figure it out. One day at time."
Vic smirked.
"One minute at a time."
She forked eggs into her mouth just as her phone rang. Vic glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes.
"Shit."
She muttered the expletive around a mouthful of eggs and swallowed quickly. Grabbing the phone, she stood up and disappeared into the living room. Walt lay down his fork and watched her. He knew it was Sawyer Crane. He could tell by the change in her demeanor. After a brief conversation, she returned to the table and met his questioning eyes.
"Crane."
"What does he want?"
"To meet me tomorrow morning."
Walt resumed eating, his eyes still on her.
"We'll need to get you wired up before you go."
He paused.
"You need to try and get him to tell you why he's doing this. The…sooner we can get something on him, the better…and safer."
She glanced up.
"If I push too hard, he's gonna get suspicious. He's not stupid. Well…not completely. You worry too much."
Walt shook his head.
"Maybe you're not worried enough. This could get dangerous, Vic. If he finds out what you're doing, it could go south. And…the stakes are higher now. I won't risk your safety. I certainly won't risk the baby's safety."
It felt crazy to hear the word baby leave his mouth. Other than her positive pregnancy test, there was nothing concrete to see or hold on to. That made the baby feel more abstract than anything. She was still trying to come to terms in her mind that she was pregnant. That she would be a mother in the not so distant future. Motherhood was something that was never at the forefront of her mind. And now, she was facing that very reality. She knew that babies changed things. She had nieces and nephews. A baby could affect every aspect of her life. Her professional life. Certainly the amount of freedom she was accustomed to enjoying. She and Walt were still trying to navigate this new dynamic in their relationship. Now, they would be adding the roles of parents to that. There were a million things they needed to talk about. If she dwelled on it too long, it was overwhelming.
"Vic?"
Her eyes snapped to see Walt watching her with a hint of concern.
"Hmm?"
His brow creased with worry.
"You okay?"
Vic stood up abruptly.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just…thinking. Meanwhile…I should get ready for work."
She set her plate on the counter and turned to face Walt, who still sat at the table.
"You want me to get the dishes."
He shook his head and stood up.
"No, I'll get it."
Walt tilted his head.
"You sure you're alright?"
Vic forced on a smile he knew wasn't genuine and nodded.
"Yeah. Sure."
Leaving him in the kitchen, she ducked her head and walked from the room.
xxx
Vic sat in the doctor's office tapping one foot idly on the gray carpeted floor. She hadn't expected to land an appointment today. Her assumption had been that she would have a week or so to acclimate to this whole idea. But, the older sounding woman who answered the phone cheerfully informed her that a cancellation freed up the last appointment of the day.
The doctor, a woman who looked to be a little older than herself tapped away at the laptop on her desk. The office was nice enough, painted and decorated with warm colors. It lacked the cold, sterile atmosphere she noticed in a lot of offices.
The doctor seemed pleasant. That was an odd word, but the one that sprang to mind when she first introduced herself as "Dr. Pippin." The name struck her as unusual, but at least she should be able to remember it. She knew from the website that her first name was Sarah. She was a tall woman with a good three or four inches on Vic, with short dark hair and dark eyes that sat behind thin rimmed glasses.
She smiled at Vic over her desk.
"I just have some basic questions for you. Standard for all new expecting mothers."
Vic smiled uneasily.
"Okay."
"We'll do bloodwork before you leave checking for a range of things. But, is there anything specific you would like for us to check?"
The confusion must have been evident on her face, causing the doctor to clarify.
"Such as any STDs you know you've been exposed to. A family history of any genetic disorders."
"Oh. No."
The doctor typed with a nod before her eyes flicked back to Vic.
"How many sexual partners in the recent past?"
"How recent?"
The doctor smiled a bit.
"Let's say a year."
"Two. My ex-husband and…the father."
More typing and nodding.
"Will the father be involved in your visits?"
Vic cringed a bit at the question.
"He will. When he can."
She left it at that and the doctor didn't seem inclined to seek any further questions on the matter.
"Any previous pregnancies?"
"No. First."
And so it went on for roughly half an hour. Maybe longer. The line of questions ranged everywhere from family to her periods. Finally the doctor closed her laptop with a new smile. She stood.
"The nurse will take you to an exam room."
She opened the door and a nurse appeared. She was an older lady with a quick manner. She led Vic to a small room with brief instructions to change into the provided gown and wait. Vic changed and sat down and looked around the room. It was a plain room with a few laminated posters on the wall of the female reproductive system and various birth control options.
She was starting to think she had been forgotten when the doctor came in.
"The nurse get your vitals?"
Vic nodded, unsure of where this was headed.
"Great. Let's have a look."
Vic sat back and waited as the doctor performed a pelvic exam, explaining what she was doing. Vic's mind drifted until the doctor straightened up and pulled off her gloves.
"You can dress and then we'll do an ultrasound."
Vic nodded as the doctor left her alone. Pulling her clothes on, she again waited. When the doctor returned, Vic pulled up her shirt and waited as the doctor spread gel on her abdomen. Her eyes shifted to the screen and waited.
What she saw looked mostly like unrecognizable blobs. After a few seconds of searching, the doctor pointed.
"That right there…is the fetus."
Vic squinted at the screen, not really seeing it at first.
"And that…"
Vic turned her head as the sound hit her.
"…is the heartbeat."
Vic tilted her head slightly.
"Heartbeat."
The doctor nodded.
"Yep. Nice and strong."
Whatever she expected to feel paled when she heard the patter of the heart beating. She inhaled and let the breath out slowly with one whispered word.
"Jesus."
xxx
"The doctor was able to see you today?"
Vic nodded at Walt's clear surprise.
"Yeah, she had a cancellation late in the afternoon. So, I took it. Might as well get it over with."
Walt looked over at her from his end of the couch.
"What did she say?"
"Everything is fine. I heard the heartbeat."
His head cocked to one side.
"The baby's heart?"
She nodded.
"Yeah…it was crazy. Oh…"
Vic lifted herself off the couch and dug into her back pocket.
"Here."
Extending her hand, she offered Walt the ultrasound picture. He looked at it for a long moment before he looked up.
"I don't really see anything."
Vic laughed and scooted closer to him.
"Here. It's not really much…but that's it."
He nodded slowly at the small shape she pointed out.
"Hard to believe it'll be a person, huh?"
Walt looked up.
"Sure is. So…everything's okay?"
Vic nodded.
"Yeah, as far as she can tell. She said everything was normal. God, they ask you about a million questions."
Walt eyed her curiously.
"What kind of questions?"
"All kinds of fun things. Diet, habits, sexual history, your health. She probably knows more about me than anyone at this point."
Walt moved his eyes back to the ultrasound picture he still held. After several beats of silence, he shifted his gaze in her direction, but aimed at her abdomen. Reaching out he placed his palm there, flat on her stomach. Vic was still, letting him think on whatever was in his head. He finally pulled his hand away and met her eyes.
"I remember feeling Cady move for the first time. It was…something."
Vic smiled.
"I'm no expert, but I think we have a while."
"I know. But…it's still something to look forward to."
"Yeah, it is."
Walt offered the ultrasound photo back to her, but Vic shook her head in response.
"Keep it."
Nodding, he lay it on the table. Leaning back, Vic could sense there was something on his mind.
"What?"
Walt dropped his eyes and picked at the seam of his jeans.
"We have…some decisions we're gonna need to make."
That was an understatement.
"Yeah, I know."
Walt tapped his finger idly at the same seam.
"Do you want to get married?"
Vic's eyes widened, clearly not expecting that particular suggestion.
"Get married?"
Walt nodded slowly, clearly apprehensive about broaching the subject.
"It's…I mean…"
As he stumbled to find his voice, Vic cut in.
"Walt, we haven't been together all that long. I know you're…old fashioned or whatever…but…a baby isn't a reason to get married."
Walt chewed thoughtfully on his lip.
"Okay."
The word came out quietly. Vic sighed at his muted response.
"Don't get like that."
Walt lifted his eyes and shook his head.
"I'm not getting any way. I just…wanted to ask."
Vic gave him a sympathetic look.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do. I know to you, it's the right thing. But…we're not there yet. And that…is a recipe for disaster. I've already had one of those, so…"
Her words trailed off. Walt knew that she had a valid point. And she was right. He was old fashioned. In his day, getting married was expected in the case of pregnancy. But, he knew it wasn't always the best decision. One thing he was learning in this new relationship was that Vic had little use for the norms and expectations of society. It left him feeling off balance a good bit of the time, but there was also something that was oddly exciting in the makeup of what was happening between the two of them. It was a new feeling for him, but not an unwelcome one. His courtship and marriage to Martha had been comfortable and predictable. This was anything but and there was something charged in that.
"I know. I just don't want you to think that I'm not serious."
Vic laughed at his response.
"Trust me. I know you're serious. And I know that you're also right about needing to make some decisions. But, for now, can we take it easy. This is…a lot. All of it."
Walt nodded.
"Yeah, we can take our time."
Vic smiled weakly.
"Thanks."
Her expression changed and he could almost see her shift gears.
"So…we need to go in early tomorrow. I have a meeting with Crane."
Walt pulled his lip in between his teeth.
"Right."
She could hear in his tone that he was unhappy with the prospect. Vic rolled her eyes.
"Walt, don't get all…like that with me on this."
"I'm not."
It was déjà vu.
"Yeah, you are. You're getting all…protective."
He shot her a look.
"I wasn't aware that was a crime."
Vic sighed.
"It's not. But…you can't get all…not wanting me to do stuff just because it worries you. I can't deal with that. Especially not from you."
"So you want me to what? Apologize for wanting to keep you safe?"
Her frustration bubbled over.
"No…just…keep it in check. This was our plan before and it's our plan now. We gotta stick with it."
"We don't even know that Crane and Baggett are working together."
"No, we don't. But…it's just all too coincidental that Crane is suddenly trying to force you out at the same time. Admit it."
"Yes."
Vic stood up and landed her hands on her hips.
"So…early, yeah?"
Walt gave her a puzzled look.
"You're leaving?"
Vic hesitated.
"Yeah."
Walt stood up slowly.
"You can stay."
She nodded.
"Yeah, I know. But…I just need some time okay."
All he could do was nod. Trying to push her into staying would only be met with more resistance. He knew that from personal experience.
"Okay."
Her face fell a little.
"I hate it when you do that. Okay."
She mimicked his tone. Walt dipped his face. He had little desire to argue with her.
"I'll see you tomorrow then."
Vic hesitated and then nodded.
"Yeah, tomorrow."
xxx
One of the things that bothered Vic the most about Sawyer Crane was his appearance. It was just too perfect. Admittedly, in her line of work, looking your best was hard. So, she didn't particularly try. But, every single time she saw the man, he looked absolutely pulled together. His hair was just right. His clothes were tailored and fit just as they should in a way that complimented him. It reeked of being phony. That was the word that came to mind. No one looked like that all the time. And she doubted he did it on his own.
This time, he asked her to meet him out of town. In Cumberland County. It was a decent drive, but nothing she wasn't accustomed to with all her traversing of Absaroka County on a daily basis. Vic pulled into what looked like Cumberland's answer to the Busy Bee. A cute little café with a sign in the window advertising hot breakfast all day and fresh coffee. Vic parked off the side and rechecked her clothes to make sure nothing was visible. She was wearing everyday clothes and not her uniform. As Crane pointed out, there was no need to draw attention.
What she really hoped, as she walked slowly up to the door, was that her stomach would cooperate. So far, so good this morning. But, she found her morning sickness was unpredictable didn't always hit first thing in the morning. She needed to, at least, appear cool and collected. Not tipping her hand to Crane was vital to gaining and maintaining his trust.
Vic stepped inside and stopped, letting the smell of food invade her senses. She let out a quiet sigh of relief when her stomach stayed steady. Vic scanned the dining area and her eyes landed on Crane in a corner booth. Vic walked over slowly. He glanced up at her as she slid into the seat across from him.
He nodded at the steaming cup of coffee in front of her.
"I ordered you coffee."
Vic offered him a smile.
"Thanks."
She took her time adding cream and sugar. She could feel him watching her. Finally, she took a small sip of the coffee and tapped her hand on the laminated menu.
"What's good here?"
He smiled.
"What do you like?"
Vic held his gaze for a moment before answering.
"I'm not picky."
His smile stayed in place.
"Well, I wasn't sure how health conscious you are. The pancakes and waffles are good. The eggs are to die for. The bacon isn't great."
Vic nodded as the waitress approached for their order. Vic opted for a safe approach and ordered eggs and toast. Crane waited until they were alone again to speak.
"Playing it safe?"
Vic shrugged nonchalantly.
"Been a little under the weather."
He sipped his coffee and looked around the small restaurant. Vic's eyes followed his gaze.
"Looking for someone?"
Crane shook his head.
"No. I've learned over time to be aware of my surroundings. I'm sure…in your line of work, you can appreciate that."
"Of course."
Vic rested her elbows on the table and studied him.
"So…why did you want to see me?"
He cleared his throat.
"I'm just curious if you've made any progress on our project."
"Project? That's cute. You know…I've been thinking. And, what I came up with is you haven't give me anything solid on how this actually works for me. You made some promises, sure. But…how do I know that you'll keep your word."
With a practiced eye, she saw his jaw twitch ever so slightly, his face staying neutral.
"I guess you don't."
Vic smiled.
"See, that's a problem. The way I see it, I'm risking my job. So, I would like be a little more in on what exactly is happening here."
Crane's eyes held hers and then shifted away as their food arrived. He was quiet while he prepared his food the way he wanted it. Vic took a bite of her eggs and her stomach started to roll a bit. Swallowing, she opted for the toast instead. After what felt like forever, Crane spoke again.
"I don't see where you're in a position to make demands, Deputy"
Vic picked at the crust of her toast.
"I wouldn't call it a demand. But…I could make it sound like that."
"Well, what is it then?"
Vic let her half eaten toast drop to the plate.
"You told me your little line about why you want Walt out of office. But…I'm not sure I buy all of it. I'm curious is this just you…or what?"
"Or what? Well, from some private conversations, I know the county commission thinks your boss is a thorn in their side, too. Does that help?"
Vic shrugged.
"Let me lay this out for you. I don't really care for how you make it sound like this is my only option. It's not. I left Philadelphia voluntarily. I wasn't fired. What actually happened was harassment. Unfortunately, I broke a pretty big unspoken rule by reporting another officer. But, he was well on his way down a dark path. And, believe it or not, I did what I did because it was the right thing. It sure as hell wasn't the easiest. I'm not afraid to make hard choices. But…I actually like Durant. Surprisingly. And, I would like to hang around for a while. So, I need to know that this isn't gonna bite me in the ass."
"Then why are you willing to help me?"
Vic let out a sigh.
"Because Walt can retire. He doesn't necessarily have to lose his job. Unlike you, I don't hate him. On some level, I respect him. He's good at his job. And I need certain guarantees if I'm gonna go along with this. You…think about it."
With that she stood up and offered him a barely there smile.
"Thanks for breakfast."
With that, she left.
xxx
"Walt, you gotta have some patience."
Vic paced the floor of his office in front of his desk. The irony of the comment wasn't lost on either of them. Walt leaned back in his chair with a sigh and rested his hands in his lap. The recorder she had worn lay on his desk in between them.
"You took a big risk giving him ultimatums."
She ceased her walking and leaned on his desk, her palms resting flat.
"I know. But, it wasn't really an ultimatum. If I just go along with his plan…that seems stupid and desperate. I might be a lot of things, but I'm neither of those. He needs to know that he's dealing with someone who actually has a spine. It's a…respect kind of thing."
Walt looked up at her from his seat.
"We just need to know that he and Baggett are working together. This doesn't need to go any further."
"I know. That's what I'm doing. He's not just gonna tell me. He's not a complete moron. But, he's not as smart as he think he is either. I've seen so many men like him. They think they're the smartest person in the room. That kind of mindset causes you to underestimate people. When you underestimate people, you make mistakes. I think…he's gonna want to prove to me that he's smarter. That he's the one in control."
Walt didn't like any of this. If it were up to him, the entire thing would be over and he would take his chances in court. However, they were already in too deep with Crane. He also knew that Vic was unwilling to drop it at this point. She was determined to see this through whether he liked it or not. One some level, he was appreciative. She was easily the most loyal person he knew. Even when things were bad between them, her faith in him hadn't wavered. But, he was scared, too. He hated to admit that. But, it was the truth. Walt wanted to go out on his own terms and in his own time. Not be forced out by the likes of Sawyer Crane. But, Vic's safety wasn't something he was willing to offer up in order to keep his job.
Vic straightened up and walked around the desk. Leaning against the heavy desk beside his chair, she folded her arms over her chest.
"You need to trust me."
Her voice dropped noticeably, taking on a more intimate tone. Her eyes were focused on Walt in a way that made him want to squirm. It was a particular talent of his where she was concerned. And he found her eyes both intriguing and somewhat dangerous.
"I do trust you. You might be the only one I do trust in this situation. But…"
Vic shook her head at him.
"No buts. Let this play out and see where it leads. You never know, he might tip his hand sooner rather than later. Then problem solved. All problems solved, actually. We could clear you. Expose the mayor. Expose this Tucker Baggett asshole. Hell, it'll be like Christmas and your birthday all rolled in to one. "
Her tone pulled a small smile out of him.
"I just don't want you putting yourself at risk. I'm not worth it."
Her expression told him that she completely dismissed his comment before he was through saying it.
"Walt, don't be stupid."
He thought she was going to say more. But, she paused and looked at him for longer than he was comfortable with. Finally, she stood up straight and dropped her arms.
"Hopefully, he'll call me soon."
And that was that. Despite his protests, their plan was still full steam ahead. It was one of the things about her he found both appreciative and frustrating. Vic made her way back around his desk and glanced at the closed door to his office. Turning back to him, she regarded him as he sat.
"Mind if I come over tonight?"
Walt shook his head slowly.
Of course not."
She smiled at him.
"Good. I'll see you later."
xxx
Walt woke from a dead sleep to a sound he couldn't quite identify. Pushing himself up to a sitting position, he groggily looked around his bedroom. The space on his bed beside him was empty. The bathroom door was closed, but he could see a narrow strip of light around the edge, telling him the light was on.
Then, he heard the sound again. And this time it registered in his mind. Tossing back the covers, he was on his feet and crossing the short distance. He pulled open the bathroom door, blinking in the sudden light that assaulted his eyes.
Vic was on her knees, hunched over the toilet with her arms propped up on the rim. Her forehead rested on one arm and he could see her breathing was heavy. At his appearance, she lifted her head and just barely turned it his way. Walt's hand landed on her upper back as he lowered himself down beside her. Before either of them could speak, she heaved again and he heard the telltale sounds of her dinner finding its way into the toilet.
She heaved a couple of more times, but nothing came out. Lingering a few minutes longer, she finally lifted her head. In the light of his bathroom, he could see the sweat that was beaded up on her pale face and along her hairline. Without looking, she flushed the toilet. As she started to stand, Walt moved to help her. She waved him off, a move that he ignored completely.
His hand slid down her back as she moved to the sink and turned on the tap. Turning on the water, she rinsed her mouth a couple of times and splashed water on her face. Walt took the time to snatch a towel from the rack and offered it to her as she cut off the water and turned.
"Thanks."
She mumbled the word as she pressed her face into the towel and patted at her skin. Walt heard her sniffle a couple of times before she lowered the towel.
"You okay?"
It seemed like a dumb question considering. But, he didn't know what else to say. Vic smiled weakly.
"Yeah, I will be."
Vic closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her chest expanding. Walt waited while she took several more deep breaths and opened her eyes. She made a face at the sour taste in her mouth.
"Need to brush my teeth."
Walt nodded, unmoving. Vic pulled out the toothbrush she kept at his place and squeezed the white paste onto it. She cut her eyes at Walt.
"I'm okay. Go back to bed."
He gave her a skeptical look, but relented and left her alone in the bathroom. From the bedroom, he could hear the water cut on and off and the sounds of her brushing her teeth, spitting, and rinsing. A minute later, the light in the bathroom turned off and she cautiously made her way to the bed. Walt watched her as best he could in the dark. He felt the bed move and dip under her weight as she sat down and then pulled her legs up and under the covers. A look at the clock told him it was just after four in the morning. Vic flopped back onto the pillow with a sigh.
Walt turned onto his side.
"Maybe you should take today off."
He couldn't see her face very well, but he was certain she rolled her eyes at his suggestion.
"I'm fine, Walt. Just…morning sickness. It's not new."
He frowned.
"Still."
She sighed and lifted her hand, waving it at him.
"I can't take off every single time. We don't have the manpower."
That was still hanging over his head. He still hadn't hired anyone to replace Branch. Walt made a mental note to get the best candidates from Ruby and start interviews as quickly as possible. Better to hire someone sooner rather than later with everything that was transpiring.
In the darkness of the bedroom, he felt her shift around trying to get comfortable. Walt waited until she stilled before allowing himself to relax.
"Maybe go in late then."
Vic mumbled something he didn't understand as she started to drift off. Walt lay there, listening to her breathing change as she fell asleep. She moved another time or two before she seemingly relaxed completely. Walt tried to find his own comfort with as little movement as possible. Extending his arm, he let the palm of his hand come to rest on her stomach.
