Warning: There is some heavy material at the end of this chapter. So proceed with caution if you are easily triggered.
Ch. 18
"Tell him that I lied to the FBI."
Vic's head swiveled in his direction.
"What?"
"Crane. Tell him that I shot Barlow because I wanted him to die. Then, I made it look like self defense. That's what he's looking for. An opening to come after me."
Vic studied him carefully.
"That…seems dangerous."
"All of this is dangerous."
Vic's brow furrowed.
"I know. But…what if he gets the FBI involved again."
Walt shook his head.
"He wouldn't be that outright. If anything, he would make that public knowledge. Look to discredit me. I don't think he would risk involving the law."
Vic didn't look convinced.
"You don't know that."
Vic sat in a chair opposite his desk with her legs stretched out in front of her and her ankles crossed. Her eyes drifted to the partially open blinds over behind the old couch alone the wall. Vic let her head fall back some against the chair.
"God, I should've just told him you tried to sleep with me. That would be easier."
Walt stood up from his chair and walked around his desk. The sun was setting outside, casting the office in a fading light. She moved her eyes from the window to him.
"That might still be possible."
Walt gave her a curious look.
"How? You already told him I'm not that kind of man."
Vic shrugged.
"Let me think about it."
She sighed and uncrossed her legs, standing up and stretching her arms up over her head.
"I'm gonna go. I'm tired."
Walt's eyes tracked her as she moved.
"Going home?"
Her hand came up to stifle a yawn.
"Yeah, I think so. It's been what…four nights since I've been home."
Walt nodded.
"Okay."
He followed her out of his office, where she pulled her jacket from the back of her chair and slipped it on. He didn't want her to see his disappoint that she was going home. In truth, there were some things he wanted to talk to her about, but not at work. Personal things that deserved time and consideration. And privacy.
"Walt?"
His mind snapped to the present and he looked up to find her watching him.
"Hmm?"
"Did you hear me?"
"Yeah, you said it's been four nights since you've been home. So, I'll see you tomorrow?"
Vic zipped up her jacket, still watching him closely.
"You sure you're okay?"
Walt smiled.
"I'm fine. Go home and get some rest."
"Right."
"I'll see you in the morning."
With that, she left the office, pulling the door closed behind her. Walt stayed where he was, his gaze shifting around the office. It was hard to believe he had spent so many years of his life in this space. And, while the world changed and his life changed, so much inside of this building seemed to stay the same.
Walt walked all the way over to Vic's desk and ran his fingertips over the surface. Her Flyers mug sat off to one side. Her hockey puck in one corner. He picked up the small round disc and turned it around in her hands. In his mind, he could see the way Vic would constantly shift it when she was thinking. It was an object he strongly associated with her, even if he didn't share her love for the game.
Setting it back in it's place he retreated to his own office. He closed the door, even though it was late and he was alone. Sitting behind his desk, he opened the drawer and rifled through it. It only took him a couple of seconds to find what he was looking for.
He pulled the small ultrasound picture out and held it up, pushing the drawer closed with his other hand. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at it for a long moment. He knew he probably should've left it at home. There was some risk involved in having it here. But, that didn't stop him from tucking it into the pocket of his shirt.
It took him a minute to find the small shape that represented his unborn child. His and Vic's unborn child. He still had a hard time wrapping his brain around the concept that she was pregnant. Other than her morning sickness and her sometimes increased appetite, there was no outward signs. She hadn't gained any noticeable weight. He knew that would change. He could remember Martha lamenting about her clothes were getting too tight.
Vic's comment about thinking it was a girl stuck in his mind. It brought back memories of when Cady was a little girl. Taking her for horseback rides, flying kites with her. Those things were all stored away in his mind. He wondered how things would be different with this child. He was older now. That was a fact he couldn't ignore. He wasn't as fast as he had once been. But, he was still in good health. He wasn't too concerned with that. He did have a new appreciation for slowing down. He was at a different place in his career.
That was one of the things he needed to talk to Vic about. There were decisions that would need to be made down the road. Choices they needed to consider. He wanted to know what she wanted. What she was thinking. To be honest, there was no rush. But, planning for a child took some time. This twist in their lives was already unexpected. He wanted to be more prepared from here on out.
Walt looked at his watch. The sun was gone down, darkness overtaking where the light had been. Walt sighed and looked at the picture one more time. He started to put it back in the drawer he got it from. But, he paused and reconsidered. After a few seconds ticked by, he slid the photo into the pocket of his shirt and stood up. Switching off the lamp in his office, he grabbed hat and coat and left, pulling the door closed behind him.
xxx
Vic parked her truck and slid out, glancing around the RV park. She heard a door slam somewhere and the distant barking of a dog. Shouldering her lap top bag, she closed her truck door and walked around to her trailer. She was just sliding the key into the lock when she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps over gravel. Her hand instinctively fell away from her key and moved to the gun on her hip.
She stepped back and peered around the side of the trailer as a figure came around it. Snapping her gun free, she pulled it out just as the man stepped into the light. Vic exhaled.
"Jesus Christ! I could've shot you. What are you doing here?"
Sawyer Crane looked around at her trailer with a look of interest.
"So, this is where you live. Interesting."
Vic slid her gun back into her holster and pulled open the door.
"Like I said…what are you doing here?"
He glanced at the open door.
"May I come in?"
Vic studied him. This seemed off. Not once had he merely shown up unannounced somewhere. Slowly, she nodded.
"Yeah."
He followed her up into the RV, where Vic set her bag down and took off her jacket. Crane stood just inside, looking around. A myriad of thoughts crossed over his face, while she stood, watching and waiting.
"Is there something you wanted?"
There was nothing friendly in the question. But, he smiled anyway and walked farther inside. He was dressed casually in neatly pressed slacks, a button down shirt, and a light jacket. As usual, there wasn't much about his appearance that didn't seem impeccable.
"I've never been here before. It's…different."
"So…why are you here now?"
He looked at her couch.
"May I sit?"
Vic's patience was waning. She was tired and not feeling great. All she really wanted to do was eat something and go to bed.
"Okay."
He gave her an amused look.
"You really don't do hospitality, do you?"
He sat down and leaned back like he owned the place.
"You want to sit?"
Vic shook her head.
"I'm good. How did you even know where I live?"
He laughed.
"I'm the mayor, Deputy. It's not hard to find out. This where you moved after your divorce?"
He snapped his fingers.
"Oh…wait…or was it after you moved in Walt's Longmire's daughter?"
The rate of her heart speed up slightly.
"So?"
"I didn't know you were close with his daughter."
Vic folded her arms over her chest.
"I'm not. Walt asked her if I could stay with her for a while. I paid her rent. It was just a temporary thing. Then, I bought this."
She gestured around herself indicating the RV. Crane nodded, like he was thinking about her words.
"Your husband worked for the gas company, right? Newett."
"My ex-husband. Yeah, he did. That's why we moved here."
He was fishing for something. Testing the waters, maybe. Whatever it was, it set her on edge.
"Why did you get divorced?"
Vic stared him down.
"That's none of your business."
He shrugged.
"It's just a simple question. Does he still live in Durant?"
Vic shook her head.
"No. He took a transfer."
Crane smiled again.
"Guess he didn't get as attached to Durant. Shame. But…I guess you can't win over everyone."
Vic inhaled deeply.
"You never told me why you were here."
He stood up then and took two steps towards her. In the small space of the RV, that brought him face to face with her. If he was trying to intimidate her, Vic refused to step back. She held her ground and her posture. Physical threats didn't seem to be Crane's style. He wasn't an imposing man and she doubted he would risk getting his hands dirty.
"I just like to know who I'm dealing with. As much as possible. Seeing a person's home can tell you a lot about them. I've never known anyone who lived in a travel trailer before. It's an interesting choice."
Vic held his eyes, not wavering.
"It's a financial choice. What this county pays it's law officers is borderline criminal."
That earned her a smile.
"Maybe we can work on that down the road. Still, if you plan to run for Sheriff, you might want to invest in a house. You are, after all, trying to appeal to the public. And, they're looking for a certain type of person. Not sure this time of living situation will be good for your campaign. Especially, if someone opposes you. I know some great realtors. They can find you a good deal."
Vic tried to keep her voice as even as possible.
"I'll think about it. Like I said, my budget is a bit…tight. Is there anything else? I just got off work and I'm tired."
He ran his eyes over her before he looked around the RV again.
"These things aren't secure. You might want to think about that, too. Wouldn't be hard at all for someone to try and brake in."
Vic tilted her head at him, her eyes turning hard.
"Well…I'm armed. So, I don't worry too much about it."
His eyes flicked to her holstere weapon and then back to her face.
"Right. Still, you are a woman who lives alone. You should be careful of who you deal with. Who you rub the wrong way."
Vic drew back a bit at his words.
"Are you threatening me?"
Crane shook his head.
"Not at all. Don't get all paranoid, Deputy. No need for that. Just some friendly advice."
He walked over to the door and opened it.
"I'll be calling you in a day or so. Maybe we can have dinner. Talk about something productive."
He stepped down the metal steps and then paused, his eyes roaming around the outside.
"Dark out here. You need better lighting."
Vic stayed where she was as he flashed her another smile and then disappeared back the way he had come from.
xxx
"This is over."
Walt's hand rested on his leg, his fingers clenching into his own tight with enough pressure to leave marks. Vic paced the floor in front of him on the other side of his coffee table.
"You're overreacting."
Walt looked up at her from his seat on the couch.
"No, I'm not. We're done with this. When he calls you, tell him that you changed your mind. Tell him that you're done."
Vic stopped walking and turned in his direction.
"Walt, take a breath."
Walt stood up and covered the distance between them.
"I don't need to take a breath, Vic. I need for you to hear what I'm saying."
She sighed.
"I do hear you. But, he's just…."
"Threatening you. In your home."
"Walt, Crane doesn't scare me."
"Maybe he should."
The words hung between them. She nearly didn't tell him about Crane's visit the previous night. She knew he would react exactly the way that he was. But, not telling him seemed like too much of a gamble. Showing up at her home was a heavy handed move and not something she felt comfortable with. On the chance that Crane was up to something, Walt knowing felt like the better option. Certainly, the safer one.
"Do you think he's having you followed?"
Vic considered his question and then shook her head.
"No. I would notice that. Durant's not big enough. Plus, why go through all this trouble if he knew about us. He's too…serious about it. It's hard to explain. But…when we talk about you…he gets this look. He really wants to bring you down. If he knew about us, he would just out us. That's exactly the kind of information he's fishing for. No, I think he's just trying to intimidate me. Make me think he knows more about me than he does."
"Still, I don't like it."
Vic met his eyes.
"I know you don't. But, you've got to be patient. We both do. If we can…eliminate him and Tucker Baggett, then there's nothing for us to worry about anymore. We can…live whatever life we want and not have to worry about some stupid ass lawsuit."
She reached out and touched his chest.
"Just…calm down."
Walt looked like he had no intention of calming down anytime soon. Vic dropped her hand and moved around his coffee table to sit on his couch. Walt sat beside her, still feeling tense. Her hand landed on his thigh.
"Seriously, Walt, don't worry about it. We got this under control. What uh…what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
Walt's mind felt like it had whiplash. He had forgotten he had asked her to come over tonight for something completely unrelated to Sawyer Crane, Tucker Baggett, or his trial. He wanted to talk to her. He wanted to see where her mind was in relation to the baby and what the future might hold.
"Walt?"
Her voice was soft now. Her hand still resting lightly on his thigh. Her palm was warm, even through the denim of his jeans. He knew what she was trying to do. Redirect him. Calm him. Keeping him from going to the mayor's office and throttling Sawyer Crane. That was what he wanted to do. What he knew would make him feel better, at least momentarily.
"Right. The baby."
She turned a little to her side so that she was facing him.
"What about it?"
"Have you uh…have you thought about after she's born?"
Vic's head cocked to the side.
"She?"
He smiled a little, a blush creeping up his neck.
You said you thought it was a girl. So…"
Vic smiled softly before her expression turned more inquisitive.
"What do you mean? After?"
He wasn't sure how to broach certain topics. He didn't want it to seem like he was pushing her or trying to control her life. He knew how much she disliked that. She never responded well to that kind of pressure.
"There are just…some things to think about."
Vic looked at him like he was speaking a foreign language.
"Okay. So…specifically…what? I mean…you're being kind of vague so…"
Walt took a deep breath.
"Do you plan to live in the RV with the baby? It's…small. And, not private."
Something flickered across her face and then was gone.
"I…haven't gotten that far to be honest. I like the RV. But…I'm not sure it's ideal for a baby. For one, the walls are stupid thin. My neighbors will hate me. But…I can't really afford anything else. I looked into buying and renting before and…I just don't see it."
Walt swallowed.
"Vic, you don't have to do everything on your own. I can help you."
She frowned.
"I don't want your money, Walt. It's not your job to pay my way."
She had completely misinterpreted what he was getting at. She thought he was offering to help her pay for a place. Walt cleared his throat.
"No, that's not…that's not what I…"
He was getting flustered now. Expressing himself verbally was not something he was good at. Walt was painfully aware of that fact. Vic still looked confused.
"Okay so…what?"
Walt looked around the cabin.
"I have plenty of room. For you and the baby."
He saw it when it dawned on her. What he was saying. She connected the dots fairly quickly with his final comment. Vic's expression was warier than he would have liked.
"You're…you want me to move in here."
It was at attempt at confirmation. Clarification. Not a question.
"It's just an idea. It would make things easier for…all of us. I…could help you more…with the baby."
She studied him, her eyes roaming his face like it was a map or a puzzle she was trying to solve.
"Is this coming from a place of responsibility or is this what you really want?"
He didn't expect the question. But, he understood it. She had already expressed to him that she didn't want him to do things because he thought that's what was right. But, he couldn't help that. Walt thought he did a good job of keeping up with her rules, the way she wanted things between them to be. But, the fact was this baby was his responsibility. Her pregnancy was his responsibility. That was one fact that was firm and clear in his mind. He wasn't a man to shy away from such things. He never had been. But, he also knew Vic well enough to know that as independent as she was, she was also insecure. It was a contradiction he found endlessly fascinating about her.
"Both."
It was an honest answer. And he owed her that. He vowed to himself to give her that. Vic's jaw tensed a bit.
"Walt, that's a…that's a big step."
Walt gave her an odd look.
"So is having a child together."
His reply made her smile.
"Okay, fair enough. But…would you have asked me this if I wasn't pregnant. Because I don't want you to do things like this just because I'm pregnant. It's not a good reason…"
"It is a good reason, Vic. I…don't want to be a part time parent."
"I…what?"
Walt sighed.
"I don't want this child raised split between two homes, Vic. Maybe that makes me old fashioned and out of touch. But, isn't it more beneficial for the baby to have both parents under the same roof?"
"Only if they're happy."
Her reply came quick and decisive.
"You don't think you would be happy here?"
"I…didn't say that. I just don't want you to…commit to me because I'm pregnant, Walt. I…want it to be real. I don't want you to change your mind six months or…or a year down the road and decide…that you don't want me. That you never really did. That's…I can't do that. And…you don't have to live with us to be a full time parent. I…I wouldn't keep your child from you, Walt."
He felt heart soften a bit.
"I didn't think you would, Vic. And…this is real. Do you really think that I'll just…change my mind?"
Vic shrugged.
"It's happened before."
He took a breath and stood up.
"Maybe I shouldn't have brought this up."
Vic closed her eyes and then opened them again.
"We…we don't have to decide today. It's not like we can…do it anyway as long as we're having to keep all this a secret."
Walt's hands landed on his hips as he looked down at her.
"It sounds like you've already decided."
Vic stood up.
"No…I haven't. I just…want you to be sure this is really what you want. I know how you are, Walt. You are so quick to want to do the right thing that you don't always consider everything."
She reached up and traced her finger around the top button of his shirt.
"So…think about it. Be sure it's what you really want. Don't focus on what you think is the right thing to do or what the rest of the population thinks you should do. Focus on what you want. Just you. Then, you get back to me."
He nodded as she pulled her hand away.
"Okay, that sounds fair."
She smiled, easing some of the tension he felt coiled in his gut.
"Okay. Is that all?"
"Maybe that's enough for one night. I don't want to push my luck."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"I thought we were doing good. No one yelled or stormed out."
Walt smiled. Vic's hand slid around his arm and tugged him towards the couch.
"Come. Sit with me."
He acquiesced and sat on the couch with her. She elbowed him.
"What else is on your mind? You overthink everything so…let's have it."
Walt hesitated.
"Do you plan to work full time after she's born?"
Vic's face twitched slightly but her expression stayed the same.
"If you're about to ask me to quit my job, I'm gonna leave."
It came out partially teasing and partially serious. Walt smiled in response.
"No. Of course not. I was just…curious."
Vic shook her head.
"I…haven't even thought about not working full time."
He nodded.
"Okay."
She tilted her head at him like he had just tossed out a one word riddle.
"What are you thinking? Really?"
Walt shook his head.
"Nothing. I just wanted to know where you stood on that. Now, I do."
She stared at him, obviously not unconvinced by his explanation. For a second, he thought she was going to push him for more. But, she gave him a last look and the intense curious expression left her face.
"So…are we done discussing super serious stuff now?"
Walt smiled.
"Okay."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"Smartass."
She leaned her head against his arm.
"You really have been thinking about all this, haven't you?"
The question caught him off guard. Of course, he had been thinking about it. She was the one who continuously told him that he thought too much. He knew Vic wasn't much of a planner. She was reactive. She always had been. And, that's what she was doing now. Reacting to all the change in their lives. Reacting to the threat that loomed over him. Over them.
"You haven't?"
She shrugged.
"A little. But…I'm not like you. I get…overwhelmed if I think about it too much. It's…scary as hell. I…never really pictured myself as a mother. I…still have a hard time with that, to be honest."
"Why?"
Vic looked down at her hands.
"I don't know. Maybe just…I never saw this in my future. Not really. If Sean and I talked about it, it always seemed like something that was…abstract. Way off in the future. But, now it's real and it's actually happening. It's…a lot."
Walt reached over and placed his hand on her leg.
"It is. But…you're not doing it alone. I'll help you."
He sounded so sincere and honest when he said, it nearly hurt her heart.
"You're a good man, Walt."
He halfway smiled.
"Not everyone agrees with that."
She pressed her mouth to his sleeve with a smile.
"Well, they're idiots."
xxx
Vic was sitting at her desk when her cell phone buzzed to life beside her. The sound nearly made her jump. The office was quiet. Mostly because, she was the only one there. Vic glanced at the number and felt and immediate sense of dread start to wind its way through her. She picked up the phone and answered it.
"Hello."
"Deputy."
His voice made her skin crawl. Literally.
"You know I'm at work, right?"
"What's your point?"
"Um…aren't you the one trying to keep all this super secret."
"I guess you'll just have to be discreet. I trust by the way you're talking that you're alone."
She looked around. Definitely alone.
"Yeah, I am. So…what do you want?"
"Didn't we talk about your people skills?"
Vic rolled her eyes, grateful he couldn't see her.
"Listen, I don't need someone who is trying to blackmail a Sheriff out of office giving me lectures about people skills. It's a little hypocritical if you know what I'm saying."
"I know what you're saying. Still…are you free tonight?"
The dread in her stomach tightened. She was hoping she would have more time before she had another face to face with him. Vic swallowed.
"Sure."
"Good. Meet me behind the Mayor's office. Where you parked last time."
Vic hesitated.
"Are we going somewhere?"
"Just do like you're told."
The door opened and Walt walked in, removing his hat. He stopped when he heard her tone and looked her way with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She looked his way and then averted her eyes from his.
"What time?"
"Eight."
Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call. Vic set her cell phone back on the desk and stood up. Walt was still standing there watching her.
"Who was that?"
Vic filled her Flyers mug with water and motioned for him to follow her into his office. Walt closed the door behind them, facing her with his hands on his hips.
"Vic?"
"Crane."
Walt frowned.
"He wants to meet you?"
Vic sipper her water and set the mug on Walt's desk.
"Yeah. Tonight."
"Okay. Then…what's wrong?"
She shook her head.
"He wants me to meet him behind the Mayor's office and leave my truck there."
"While you go where?"
She shrugged.
"I don't know."
"No…"
"Walt…
He shook his head, his face hardening.
"No, Vic. You're not going."
Whatever she had been about to say died on her lips and her eyes widened.
"Excuse me?"
Walt shook his head again. But, before he could reply, she continued speaking, her voice tinged with anger.
"I'm not going?"
She huffed over a breath. Walt inhaled deeply.
"Vic…"
She held up her hands, stopping him.
"Okay, you don't tell me what I am or am not going to do."
"Vic…"
"I mean it, Walt. Don't get all…like you get to tell me what to do."
"I'm your boss."
His comment did little to ease the obvious irritation on her face and in her voice.
"Good for you. But…don't talk to me like that."
Walt stepped back.
"Let's…take a breath."
Vic sighed and looked down, shaking her head.
"Alright."
Walt walked around his desk and sat down. Vic remained standing. Walt gestured at an empty chair.
"Wanna sit?"
She started to shake her head but stopped and sat down slowly. Vic leaned forward in the chair.
"You didn't even let me finish."
The sentence came out measured and quiet. Walt drummed his fingers on his desk.
"I know. I'm sorry."
Vic nodded slowly.
"What I was gonna say is…it might be a good idea if you were to…follow us or something."
Walt sucked his bottom lip, thinking.
"All I have is the Bronco."
Vic exhaled slowly.
"Borrow Ruby's car or…Cady's. This…this could be something, Walt."
He leaned his arms on his desk.
"I don't you…going anywhere with him where you can't leave of your own free will."
"Yeah, me neither. But we aren't exactly broke out in options right now. We've come too far to call this off now. We could be right on the verge."
"Of what? You getting hurt?"
She shook her head.
"If you're gonna be like this, then just forget it."
She started to stand but Walt waved a hand at her.
"Vic, wait. Sit, please. I'm sorry. I don't…this isn't easy. But the facts are I am the Sheriff and you do work for me."
"Yeah, and you never play that card with me. Ever. So…why now?"
"Because you're my responsibility."
"No, I'm not. I'm my own responsibility and…this isn't gonna work if you try and pull the boss thing. Especially when it comes to…personal stuff."
"This isn't personal."
Vic gave him a skeptical look.
"Walt, this is nothing but personal. For both of us. We can…pretend that we're doing this for your job all we want. But, this is personal. There's no way around that at this point. So, let's done pretend."
He sighed.
"Okay. So…how do you want to play this?"
"I go with him. You …follow me…us. If I need you, you come. If not, then you stay quiet."
"How am I supposed to know if you need me."
"I'll have on the recorder."
"But I can't hear it."
"But you could. If we…if we get the right setup, you could listen."
"How are we supposed to do that before tonight."
Vic shook her head.
"Shit."
Reaching up, she massaged her temples.
"Right. So…we use a cell phone. I'll leave my line open and you can hear me."
Walt frowned.
"I don't have a cell phone."
Vic shrugged.
"So, we'll get you one."
"What if the battery dies?"
He could see her frustration.
"Walt…"
"I'm just being realistic, Vic. There are a lot of things that could go wrong."
She was quiet for a minute before she stood up.
"Then, we're just gonna have to do the best we can."
Walt stood up as well.
"Vic, don't…don't leave mad."
"I'm not mad."
"Vic."
She shook her head.
"I'm not mad. I just…need to think."
She made a face and rubbed at her side. Walt tilted his head.
"What's wrong?"
Vic shook her head.
"Nothing. We've got a few hours. So, let's think. Both of us. We'll come up with something."
He had his doubts about that.
xxx
"All you really need to know is how to answer the phone, Walt. It's not gonna bite you. Take it."
She held out her hand offering him the phone. He finally took it from her and held it in his palm. It seemed much smaller in his hand than in Vic's.
"I'll call you before I get out. Don't say anything. Just swipe. Like this and listen. Don't end the call."
"What if you end the call?"
Vic shook her head.
"I won't. If it ends on my side, then something is wrong."
Walt looked from the phone up to her face. She could read the reservations written all over it.
"I don't think that's likely. Crane's not…he's not violent, Walt. Nothing we've seen indicates that. He likes power. That's…a different kind of person."
"That doesn't mean you're safe with him."
"I know. But…let's see this through. I can't do this without you. So…please help me out here."
He nodded and turned the phone around in his hand.
"I hope you expect me to carry this thing all the time."
Vic smiled.
"Once you got used to it, you would probably like the convenience."
"Doubt it."
Vic rolled her eyes and went to stand up from the couch. When she did, he noticed her wince. Walt watched her carefully.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just a little sore."
Walt stood up and put his hand on her arm.
"You wanna lay down?"
Vic shook him off.
"No, I'm okay. Besides, it's almost time."
Vic pulled her own phone from her pocket and set it down.
"I'm gonna go change."
Walt smirked a little.
"You can change in here."
The comment earned him an eye roll. He figured he deserved it, but it was worth it to see her smile like that.
"There you go being funny again. I got to use the bathroom. Want me to do that in here, too?"
Walt shook his head.
"No."
"Okay then. I'll be back in a few minutes. Maybe…play with the phone."
She left the office, walking slowly. Walt picked up the shiny new phone and sat down at his desk. The idea never appealed to him. He always used someone else's phone if he was in the field and needed one. Mainly Vic's. Or Ferg's. He eyed the small device. It was hard to believe that such a small thing was capable of holding so much information. He knew Vic used her own phone to listen to music and to look up things on the internet. The internet was another bit of technology he wasn't overly interested in. He pressed the button at the bottom and watched the screen light up. The time stared back at him as well as the date. Walt just looked until the screen faded back to black. He suspected Vic had a different motive for buying him the phone. For most of his career, he relied on the radio in his truck when he was on the road. Or, he could use someone's old phone. Most everyone who really knew him knew how to find him and where he was most likely to be. Lack of a phone never seemed like a really big problem.
Setting the phone back on his desk, he glanced at this watch. It was getting close to time. He had borrowed Cady's Jeep. He and Vic spent the better part of an hour going over their plans multiple times until they both knew it all the way through. Now wasn't the time for mistakes. Now, more than ever, they needed to be careful and cautious. He wasn't joking. He wasn't willing to risk her safety for anything. Or the baby's.
"Walt!"
His head jerked up when he heard her call his name. Something in her tone was off. She sounded…almost scared. Walt stood up and took long strides out of his office. The door marked Reading Room was closed. Walt paused and tapped on it.
"Vic?"
"Yeah, come in here."
Worry coursed through him. Her voice sounded shaky, completely the opposite of her demeanor just minutes before. Walt pushed the door open and saw her standing in the room near the toilet She hadn't changed yet. Her pants were undone and riding low on her hips. Her uniform shirt was unbuttoned showing the white tank top she wore underneath.
But, what caught his attention was her face. It was white. Even in the sick glow of the overhead light, she looked as pale as a ghost and her eyes were wide with an expression he couldn't quite place in that moment. She was already looking at him as soon as the door opened, moving slowly in his direction, one arm out. Walt reached out and took her arm by instinct. Her arm was cool and clammy.
"Vic?"
Her name was all he could force out. Something was clearly wrong and he was suddenly struggling to catch his breath. Walt's hand tightened around her arm as he pulled her towards him a little. She stumbled a bit, but he managed to steady her. He swallowed, even though his mouth had gone completely dry.
"What's wrong?"
She sniffled and sounded like she was on the verge of bursting into tears. Everything about her was wrong and off. She shook her head and opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came. Then her hand, the free one, moved to her abdomen and she made a face. She opened her mouth again flexed her jaw a bit like she was testing it out. Licking her lips, she looked up into his face with a look that made all the blood in his body run cold.
"I'm bleeding."
