Ch. 22
"You ready for this?"
Vic gave him a look telling him that she wasn't amused with his question.
"Yeah. Been looking forward to it all day and all night."
The words dripped with sarcasm. Vic placed her sunglasses on her face as they stepped out into the morning sunshine. Based on the blue sky and the pleasant temperatures, it seemed like it was going to be a beautiful day outside.
Irony.
"Your lawyer meeting us there?"
Walt nodded.
"Yep."
Vic pulled the door handle of the Bronco and got in. Walt settled in behind the steering wheel and flipped his sun visor down. Vic shifted around in her seat and looked his way.
"I'm nervous as hell."
He let out a barely there laugh.
"You hide it well."
Vic rolled her eyes as he started the engine and pulled out onto the street. She was tense. Had been since she had walked into the office first thing that morning. She clearly hadn't gotten much sleep either. Not that the deposition was the sole reason for that.
"Just…don't let him get to you."
She shot him a clearly dubious look.
"Right."
Walt felt a slight pant of pity for Tucker Baggett. The man might not know exactly what he was getting into with questioning Vic. She tended to be reactive more than anything, especially when she felt cornered. He hoped the morning went off without too many problems. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see her right hand tapping against het leg almost constantly. She was tightly wound.
"You're gonna have to relax a little."
Vic gave him another look.
"Sure. I'll get right on that."
Walt sighed. She was not in a good mood and that might not bode well for this entire situation.
"Anymore sage advice?"
She was watching the side of his face. Walt cast a quick glance her way.
"Just…don't lie under oath. Be direct."
Her chest expanded with a deep breath.
"Deputy, are you sleeping with your boss? Well, we don't always sleep. So…not all the time."
The pitch of her voice increased as bit as she mimicked the opposing attorney.
"He's not gonna ask you that."
"How do you know? Did he submit his questions for screening? No, because that's not how this works."
Walt kept his eyes on the road.
"We've been careful."
He heard her huff out a breath.
"Walt, there have been rumors about us for a while. It's not…a new topic."
What she was saying was true. Unfortunately, there were rumors floating around furthered by town gossips and the publicity of Chance Gilbert's ravings. Well before anything actually happened between them.
"I doubt he's concerned with rumors."
Vic laughed humorlessly.
"Sure. Your optimism isn't the least bit refreshing."
Walt pulled up and parked. Before making a move to get out, Vic removed her sunglasses and tossed them onto his dash with a clatter. She looked his way, her eyes telling him more than her mouth ever did. That was one thing about Vic. She wore her feelings in a way that was unusual for cops. She wasn't good at hiding how she felt about any given situation. She also wasn't good about keeping her opinions to herself. While, he generally liked that about her. Today, it admittedly made him nervous.
"Ready?"
She held his eyes while she took a deep breath and released it slowly in a clear attempt to calm her jangled nerves.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The depositions were taking place at Tucker Baggett's sprawling home, which also housed his legal office. The man clearly did well for himself. Vic paused on the walkway and took in the place. She let out a low whistle.
"Jesus. He's loaded."
Walt nodded slowly.
"Must be good at his job."
Vic shot him a look as Dave joined them as nervous as ever.
"Good morning. Sleep good?"
The question was directed at Vic.
"Like a baby."
Her sense of humor was dry this morning, Walt noted. Milgrom grimaced.
"Maybe tone down the attitude."
Vic sighed as the three of them walked inside. Tucker Baggett greeted them with the kind fake enthusiasm that didn't bother to mask itself as artificial. He was loud and boisterous. The kind of man who was probably obnoxious as hell with a few drinks in him. That was what Vic thought almost immediately. There was a sense of phoniness about him that seemed amplified in the presence of Walt, who was the complete opposite. He was a big man with a big voice and everything about him annoyed her instantaneously.
It was going to be a long morning.
"Deputy Moretti, so nice to see you this morning. Let's make this as quick and painless as possible."
Painless was already not possible. Vic forced a somewhat pleasant look onto her face.
"Morning."
He gestured at an overstuff chair that seemed to big for the room.
"Have a seat. Please. I only have a few questions for you."
Vic looked Walt's way as she sat down and crossed her legs, leaning back in the chair and trying her best to not look as tightly wound as she felt. There was no reason to feed what the man might already be thinking.
Walt and Milgrom took seats side by side on a couch. She could feel the intensity of Walt's eyes on her without looking his way.
Tucker Baggett fidgeted and fussed until he was ready. When he turned back to her, some of the phony pleasantry was gone.
"State your name for the record. Your whole name."
Vic looked up into his face.
"Deputy Victoria Moretti."
"And you work for the Absaroka Sheriff's Department."
"Yeah."
Baggett scowled.
"For Walt Longmire."
"Yeah."
She could tell he didn't like the way she responded. It made her want to do it more.
"Yes or no please."
"Yes, I work for Walt Longmire."
Her tone sharpened.
"Do you like Sheriff Longmire? Get along okay?"
"Yes."
"Why did he hire you?"
Vic frowned.
"Excuse me?"
"Do you know why the Sheriff hired you?"
Vic shook her head.
"You would have to ask him. He posted a job. I applied. I…don't know what you're asking me."
Baggett paused for effect.
"Let's try this. Why did you leave your last job?"
Vic tilted her head.
"My ex-husband took a job transfer."
"A transfer?"
"That's what I said. We moved."
"You weren't run out of your last job? In Philadelphia? After getting mixed up with some bad officers?"
"No."
The word came out slow. Cautious.
"I left my last job because we moved. I was involved in an IA investigation back in Philadelphia if that's what you're referring to."
"You blew the whistle on a colleague."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Walt could sense her patience waning already.
"Why is this even relevant?"
Baggett turned to Milgrom with a smile and then back to Vic.
"I'm asking the questions."
Vic sighed audibly.
"I…let the proper authorities know that a fellow officer was involved in illegal activities."
She was choosing her words carefully.
"So…you consider yourself an honest person."
"Yes."
"Do you consider Walt Longmire to be an honest man?"
Her eyes flicked to Walt and back to Baggett.
"One of the most trustworthy men I know."
"Is that a fact?"
"An opinion actually."
The comeback flustered Baggett and Walt could read a measure of satisfaction on Vic's face. He pushed on.
"I'm just trying to connect the dots here, Deputy You need to leave your attitude at the door."
The comment earned him a glare and did nothing to diminish the attitude in her voice.
"What…dots?"
"Why an honest Sheriff would hire someone like you."
She saw Walt tense, but kept her eyes averted.
"Someone like me?"
Baggett nodded.
"Doesn't telling on other officers usually result in you getting blackballed?"
"It doesn't exactly make you popular."
"Then why would another department hire you?"
"Like I said, you'll have to ask him why he hired me?"
Baggett smiled.
"I will. Trust me. But, from your perspective. Could it possibly have been so that you would feel indebted to him?"
"Indebted?"
"Couldn't hurt to have someone on his staff who felt like they owed him their loyalty."
"I don't feel like I owe him…anything."
Her words were terse and Walt caught the self -censor.
"That's good to know, I guess."
Baggett paused.
"Do you like your boss?"
Vic frowned at the attorney.
"Do I like him? Yes, I like him."
"Does he like you?"
"I suppose he must."
Another smart reply. Walt dipped his head and looked at his hat.
"Did Walt Longmire have anything to do with your divorce?"
"Really? You're turning this into a soap opera?"
The reply came from Milgrom. Baggett turned to him with an innocent smile.
"Just covering all the bases."
He turned his attention back to Vic with a raised eyebrow.
"Deputy?"
Vic swallowed, willing her face to stay neutral.
"No. he did not. My marriage was in trouble before I ever moved to Wyoming. Does that cover your bases?"
Baggett smiled at her then. There was something in his smile that nearly eroded every little bit of patience she had left. Vic inhaled and kept her breathing as steady as possible, holding the eye contact until he was the one who looked away.
Baggett picked up some papers and shuffled through them. Vic could only assume it was a mind game. A tactic he was using to keep her off balance.
"Forgive me. I'm just trying to figure out why a Sheriff who needed a capable officer would hire a cast off that no one else wanted. Possibly an exchange of some kind. Of a personal nature."
Vic absorbed the verbal jab without a visible reaction. She managed to keep her eyes off of Walt and she didn't have the reaction she really wanted to.
Dave stood up.
"We're done. You're not going to harass the witnesses."
Baggett smiled his fake smile.
"Pardon me."
Vic finally rolled her eyes and stood up.
"We done?"
He nodded with a flourish.
"Sure, young lady."
Vic suppressed the urge to punch him when she heard the condescension in his tone. For a split second, he held her gaze and then he redirected his attention, nothing else passing between them.
xxx
The Bronco rolled over the road back towards the station. Vic's sunglasses were back on her face, shielding her eyes from him. Her face was turned towards her window, her attention seemingly diverted. Every few minutes, Walt would glance her way. Her arm was propped up on the door and her chin rested in her palm.
"You okay?"
She kept her eyes on the passing landscape.
"Yeah."
Walt's hands tightened on the steering wheel.
"Wasn't so bad."
She was quiet for a few seconds before replying.
"Right."
Walt looked her way again.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
She kept her eyes averted.
"Nothing to talk about."
Walt sighed and turned his full attention back to the road. The deposition had gone about like he expected. Not as bad as it could have been. Not as good as he hoped. Baggett only skated around the topic of their personal interaction or Walt's possible motives for hiring her. None of which were accurate.
She had been quiet since they left. Reserved. He couldn't quite put his finger on why. But, he harbored a couple of educated guesses.
"You were overqualified for the job."
Vic turned her head his way, the comment coming out of nowhere.
"What?"
He could hear the questions in her voice.
"For your job. You were overqualified. You know that."
He could just barely see her eyes through the lenses of her sunglasses. They were on him.
"Yeah."
He told her that at the job interview. Despite the fact that his desire to hire someone had been half hearted and his drinking had been a little excessive, he remembered the first time he met her. Sharply and clearly. She surprised him that day on many levels. And intrigued him.
"So, don't let Baggett get you to you."
Vic shook her head.
"It's not that. I know he was just being an ass and trying to get a reaction. It's just…why are people so…I don't even know the word…enthusiastic about destroying someone's reputation. You've…served this county for so many years. Yet, all Crane wants to do is force you out. Baggett, too. They don't give a shit what you've given up for this community. Or…any of the rest of us. All they care about is…power…greed."
She deflated a bit after pushing out the words. They were back in town now at the office. Walt parked and cut the engine. But, he made no move to get out. Vic unbuckled her seat belt and leaned forward.
"I hate all of this. The sneaking around. The…undercover type shit. I'll just be glad when it's over."
Walt ran his fingers over the steering wheel.
"It can be over at any time, Vic. You don't have to do this for me. I already told you that."
She dismissed his comment with a shake of her head. She removed her sunglasses and hung them on her shirt.
"The alternative is to let those bastards drag you through the mud. I can't stand for that. I won't."
The comment struck a chord inside him. Her loyalty was always endearing. Even before they became intimate. She never wavered in her support of him. Even when they were dealing with Branch and Barlow. It was a rare thing to find, especially in his line of work. Loyalty. Unquestionable was the word that came to mind. He trusted her in a way he almost never trusted anyone. Her honesty seeped out of her eyes, transfixing him. He wanted to express his gratitude, but wasn't sure how.
"Walt?"
Her voice pulled him from his own thoughts. She was watching him. Close and sharp.
"Yeah?"
"You okay?"
He swallowed and smiled.
"Fine. Yeah. I just…"
Vic sat, her eyes on his unsure of what his issue was in that moment. She tilted her head like she was trying to solve the mystery behind his sudden awkwardness.
"Then wh…"
"I love you."
The words she was in the process of saying, faded on her lips as her eyes widened. Obviously, it wasn't the first time he had said those words. They both said them. But, he wasn't sure he had ever said it to her with the conviction that his voice held in that moment. With the sheer transparency he hoped she could read.
It was the truth. His absolute, untarnished truth. He loved her more than he originally thought possible with a pureness he had forgotten existed. The way he knew she loved him with the same full body effort that she did everything with. There was no halfway with Vic. Never was. Never would be. She was an all in kind of person. So was he. In that moment, the feeling threatened to overwhelm him in a way he hadn't felt in years, if ever.
He wanted her to know that. To see it. To feel it the way that he did. With a depth that bordered on frightening.
Looking into her eyes while sitting in his Bronco, he could see that she did. Something in her expression shifted. Something passed between them. Something that felt almost spiritual in nature.
She smiled at him. It was a smile he rarely saw from Vic. Completely and utterly pure. Open. She didn't respond. She didn't need to. The moment passed and Walt looked away.
They were back at work.
xxx
"Vic?"
"Hmm?"
They were both lying on his couch. Vic was, more or less, sprawled over him with a small portion of her side and one leg partially tucked between him and the couch. The sensation of her draped across him was warmer than any blanket or fire. His hand was making slow strokes through her hair and down her back.
"You awake?"
He couldn't see her face since she was using his chest as her own personal pillow. She didn't bother to lift her head.
"Mmm-hmm."
The reply didn't do much for convincing him that she was actually awake and not half asleep like he suspected.
"You sure?"
That time, she lifted her head. Resting her chin on him, she looked up into his face.
"What?"
She didn't sound irritated or annoyed like he thought she might. For the last hour, they had barely moved. It was the most relaxed he had felt in some days. He was fairly certain that Vic felt the same way. There was no tension in her that he could feel. Instead, the word came out sounding tired and curious all at once.
"When you were pregnant…and we were talking about the future. Our future. I…don't want to lose that just because…the baby is gone."
Her brows knitted together like she didn't understand him. He was hesitant to even broach this topic with all that was still going on and her wounds still fresh from the miscarriage. But, he also didn't want her to think that his thoughts hadn't been genuine. Or that they had been fueled primarily by the fact that she was carrying his child.
That still stung. His child. Their child.
Walt forced the thoughts from his mind. He didn't want to cast any sadness over them. Not tonight. For once, he felt happy. Suspected she also felt better this evening then she had since that night.
"What…are you saying?"
The question came out slowly, with a great deal of caution. He could see that she was going to make him say specifically what was on his mind. He knew that was intentional on her part. His lack of communication was well known to drive her crazy.
"I asked you to move in. When you were pregnant. That…that offer still stands."
Vic sat up and brushed her hair out of her face. Walt sat up as well, shifting over to give her room. Vic pulled up her legs and sat cross legged.
"You know I can't do that. With everything…"
Walt cut her off.
"I don't mean now. After…all of this is over. I would like you to live here with me. If you want."
He effectively tossed the ball into her court. Early on, he knew he was guilty of dragging his feet. He was determined not to make that mistake again. But, he also didn't want to overcompensate and seem disingenuous. It was a fine line they walked it seemed. Or, maybe that was just him.
She was looking at him, fully awake now. Any residual tiredness clearly melted away. But, with her hair down and dressed in a tank top and pajama pants in her bare feet, she seemed unusually soft sitting on his couch in the dim light of his cabin.
She was beautiful. That was all he could think in that moment. Unequivocally. Inside and out. She took his breath away.
"Okay."
That was it? Walt cocked his head.
"Okay what?"
She shrugged, not seeming to be bothered or stressed out by this turn in their evening.
"Okay."
She said it with such nonchalance, it threw him. Before she seemed hesitant and unsure of his motives.
"Just like that?"
He couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. Vic angled to face him.
"Do you…not mean it?"
"I do."
"Then…what's the problem?"
She was giving him a curious look, but didn't seem put off by his reaction.
"Before you were…you acted like you didn't…"
He stumbled over the words and she smiled at him. Indulgently.
"Before, you didn't bring it up until after you found out I was pregnant. I never questioned your feelings. It was whether or not you were pushing for more because of the baby. I never wanted you to feel obligated to me because of that. I know that you love me. Even though you can't get a damn sentence out sometimes."
She grinned at him after the last part. She was messing with him now. Walt let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"It wasn't just because of the baby, Vic."
Her smile faded a bit and softened around the edges.
"I know that now. I need to tell you something."
Walt steeled himself for whatever was bouncing around in her mind.
"Okay."
"You…are it for me. There's…there's no plan B here. No backup."
She paused and bit her lip lightly.
"The way you looked at me today. No one has ever looked at me that way before."
She fell quiet, giving him room to react. For what felt like an eternity, all he could do was look at her. He still had trouble wrapping his mind around where they were now. Especially after he almost blew it so spectacularly before they ever really got started. He nodded slowly, unable to find words that felt worthy of the conversation.
With a half smile, Vic leaned back into him.
xxx
"You do realize I have a life?"
Sawyer Crane sat on her couch like he owned the place. Leaning back, he smiled up at her with a pleasant look. She had no idea he was coming. When she heard the sharp rap on her RV door, her first thought was that it might be Walt. Thankfully, she was alone when he decided to show up unannounced, not that she and Walt risked his staying with her at this point.
"How was your deposition?"
Vic narrowed her eyes.
"How do you know I was deposed?"
He shrugged.
"Small town. Word gets around."
Vic tilted her head.
"That's funny because the only people there were me, this Tucker Baggett, Walt and his attorney. I'm pretty sure Walt's not chatting you up or his lawyer. So…what's the deal?"
He shook his head.
"No deal. I was just curious about how it went."
Vic smiled a distinctively feral smile.
"Something tells me you already know how it went. So, who have you been talking to?"
Crane leaned forward and was quiet for a bit.
"There are things you are not privy to, Deputy. People you don't know about. It's better for you if it stays that way."
"Better for me how?"
"Let me handle the big dogs."
The comment burned her to her core. His dismissive attitude was going to make her snap sooner rather than later if she had to keep up this charade of working with him. Tolerating him. He was the kind of man she despised. The exact, perfect opposite of Walt and everything he represented.
Vic folded her arms across her chest.
"You still haven't told me why you're here. Surely it's not to talk about something you already know."
He looked around the RV.
"Are you ready to move yet?"
Vic maintained the cool expression she was wearing, careful not to let her face reveal anything.
"Don't we have to get rid of Walt first?"
He smiled at her.
"Soon. That is coming. I'm working on some things that should bear some fruit. I'll be calling him in the next day or so to schedule a meeting."
"For what?"
Crane stood up.
"To see where he stands on some things. To see where his mind is. How much he really wants to keep his job."
"You're going to try and push him out?"
Crane shrugged.
"Retire. Save face. That is my preference. I don't want any bad press. Not even for Longmire. Only good things about Durant is what I want to see. Don't worry. I'll make sure that you are protected from any retribution or reaction he might have."
Vic swallowed.
"Do you ever think that you might be underestimating him?"
Crane shook his head.
"No. I'm aware that Walt is a smart man. He's stubborn, too. I've learned that from experience with him. But…everyone has a price. And, it's not always monetary. I think Walt is one of those men. I know he's not motivated by…material things. But…a threat to his good name, the one his daughter carries. That might make him a little more willing to listen to what I have to say."
Vic forced down the disgust that he created in the pit of her stomach and suppressed what she wanted to say.
"Sounds classy."
He gave her an amused look.
"Sometimes, the ends justify the means. This is the big leagues and we're playing hardball here. I was just doing you the courtesy of keeping you in the loop."
Vic sighed.
"That's thoughtful of you. But, it would be courteous if you didn't drop by unannounced."
He waved his hand at her loosely, letting her know that he really wasn't concerned with what she wanted.
"Later, Deputy."
Vic rolled her eyes as she locked the door behind him and flopped onto her couch to think.
xxx
Walt looked up as Vic walked into his office and pushed the door firmly closed behind her. He leaned back in his chair. It was clear she wasn't in for a social call. Her face was stressed again, making him miss the calm, relaxed expression she wore just a couple of nights prior.
"Hey."
She walked over and stood right in front of his desk.
"Morning. Got a minute?"
It was funny that she even asked, considering she was already in his office with the door closed. It was early and not even Ruby was in yet, making them alone in the office.
"Sure."
Vic inhaled deeply.
"Crane came to see me last night."
Walt felt his entire being tense up both physically and mentally.
"At home?"
She nodded.
"Yeah."
Walt gestured at the chair behind her.
"Sit?"
She shook her head at the invitation.
"He's gonna call you. Probably today. Maybe tomorrow."
Walt took in the information, none of it good.
"About what?"
"He's gonna ask you to retire. Resign. Whatever. He's gonna threaten to…ruin your good name."
Walt sighed.
"Can't say I'm surprised."
Vic finally sat down, one leg bouncing.
"I know. I just…wish we had a little more time. You need to wear the wire when you go see him. He'll want you to come to his office. He won't do it over the phone. Something like that…is too personal."
Walt tilted his head at her.
"You've gotten a good feel for him."
She shrugged.
"He's the kind of man who likes to gloat. He'll want to see the look in your face when he throws all of this at you. Don't let him get under your skin."
Walt nodded.
"I'll be fine. I've been dealing with him long enough. Still nothing on Baggett?"
Vic looked unhappy and shook her head.
"No. He just keeps talking about people. But, he also tells me that's none of my business. You need to buy us some time. You'll need to talk to your lawyer. See if we have enough."
Walt nodded.
"Right. Thanks for the warning."
Vic leaned forward and rested her arms on her thighs. Walt studied her.
"I don't like him showing up at your home. That's…crossing a line."
She shrugged again.
"I don't like it either. But, maybe this will all be over soon and he'll be the one who is ruined. God, he's such an ass."
Walt smiled. He agreed wholeheartedly with her assessment of the mayor. The prospect of facing the man was not something he was looking forward to. But, he would go willingly if it helped their case. He wanted this to be over and done with. They both did. Vic stood up, pulling is attention back to her.
"Keep me posted."
He nodded.
"I will."
She paused with her hand on the doorknob and smiled at him before she pulled the door open and left his office. Vic slumped into her chair and attempted to busy herself with work. Unfortunately, it was a slow week and there wasn't much to occupy her mind. Lately, she seemed to be waffling so much between her pregnancy and Walt, work seemed to be taking a backseat to it all.
The morning crept by. The phones were quiet as was the office. Walt stayed mostly in his office, only coming out twice to speak to Ruby and pass her something. She went on one call and returned to the humdrum boredom of the office. She felt restless and her mind wouldn't settle. Whatever the outcome of this situation was going to be, the ball was about to start rolling. As much as she wanted it to be over, there was still a fresh feeling of dread in her stomach. She didn't like things being so up in the air. Beyond her control.
It was a couple of hours after lunch before she heard his door open and Walt's familiar steps cross the office. She glanced at him as he passed her on his way to Ruby. He was holding his hat and she heard the jingle of his keys in his hand.
"I'll be back in a bit. Meeting with the mayor."
He said it loud enough for her to here and Vic knew that wasn't by chance. As he moved to leave the office, he turned and met her eyes once before he walked out and the door closed behind him with decisive click.
xxx
"Afternoon, Walt."
Walt removed his hat and nodded.
"Sawyer."
"Can I get you some water? Coffee?"
The hospitality was fake. They both knew it. A put on for the benefit of Crane's secretary, who left them alone after Walt shook his head at the offer and gave a cursory.
"No thanks."
Once they were alone, Crane gestured at a chair.
"Have a seat."
Walt lowered his frame into the chair and leaned back, ready to hear what the man had to say. He rested his hat on his lap, his manner calm and collected. Knowing what was coming gave him the confidence he needed.
"What's this all about?"
Crane leaned forward.
"Your case."
Walt nodded slowly.
"What about it?"
"How are your depositions going?"
Walt shook his head.
"My attorney has asked me not to share that information."
Crane smiled.
"Smart man. How do you feel about it?"
Walt shrugged.
"I haven't done anything wrong. So…I feel fine."
Crane bobbed his head a little and tapped his fingers on his desk.
"That's good, I suppose. For you. Walt, there are some things that have been brought to my attention."
"What?"
"I have reason to believe that you weren't honest when you spoke to the FBI about Barlow Connally and what really happened. That you lied about the extent of your involvement."
Walt let a handful of seconds pass between them.
"Do you have any actual evidence of this?"
Crane was trying not to look smug. He was failing.
"I will. Soon. I will be contacting the FBI and asking them to reopen the investigation."
Walt gave him an even look.
"They already cleared me."
"Still…might be worth a second look."
Walt shifted in the chair.
"Is that all? Because I have a job to do."
He made a move to stand, but Crane spoke up.
"No, that is not all."
His tone had changed. Was harsher now. Noticeably less conversational. Walt sighed.
"What else?"
Crane tapped his finger again, as if to suggest that Walt was wasting his time.
"I received a tip that…there was some inappropriate conduct between you and your deputy."
Walt was quiet, his eyes settled on Crane.
"Inappropriate."
Crane nodded.
"Yes, Walt. Now, you're an honest man. So, I want you to level with me. Is that true?"
Walt cocked his head.
"My personal life is none of your business."
Crane smiled a little.
"If you had sex with one of your employees, that is most certainly my business. It's dangerous, unprofessional behavior. Even if it was consensual."
"You think it wasn't?"
Crane shook his head.
"I don't know, Walt. Was it? Or are you using your position to get what you want?"
Walt let loose a smile of his own.
"I think you know me better than that, Sawyer."
"Maybe. Either way, if this information gets out…it looks bad for all of us."
Walt studied the man.
"There aren't any rules against interoffice relationships in the Sheriff's office. You do know that?"
"I'm not talking about rules. I'm talking about appearances. So, you admit it?"
Walt didn't react to the question.
"I never said I admitted to anything. I'm just telling you what the law says. Because that is what I judge myself by."
"You should be worried less about yourself and more about your public image. You are, after all, an elected official. How do you think the good citizens of Durant would feel about all of this? People who look to you to set an example."
Walt looked down and then lifted his eyes.
"I can't help what others think. You don't even have any evidence of this. Any of it. Who fed you all of this? Someone from my office?"
Crane stood up and walked around his desk.
"I don't dislike you, Walt. You're a decent man. You've given a lot to this county. I respect that. I appreciate it. Despite what you might think, I really don't want to drag your good name through the mud. That doesn't help me and it doesn't help Durant."
"So…what do you want from me?"
Crane leaned on his desk and folded his arms across his chest.
"You've been doing this for a long time, Walt. Maybe it's time for you to step down and let someone else take over. Someone younger and with different ideas for our future."
Walt bit her lip and nodded slowly.
"Are you trying to force me out?"
Crane shook his head a little.
"Force is a strong word. Encourage might be more like it. More palatable."
Walt let out a breath.
"This is blackmail, which is illegal the last time I checked."
Crane smiled.
"Again…force…blackmail. Such ugly, complicated words. I don't think they apply here. Retire and walk away with your full pension. No one needs to know anything. It'll give you more time to spend on your wrongful death case."
"And if I refuse to retire?"
Crane gave him a calm look.
"Then maybe this information winds up in the Durant Courier along with some evidence. Maybe the FBI gets called back in to give a little more thought to how Barlow Connally died. That is not the way I want to see this play out. I'm giving you a chance here, Walt. A chance to walk away with your reputation intact. This doesn't have to be anything other than you making the best choice for everyone."
Walt's eyes shifted down to his hat. He ran his hand over the brim, considering it and seemingly what Crane was saying. What he was proposing. Walt lifted his hat from his leg and stood up to his full height, letting his arm drop to his side and slapping his hat against his leg.
"That all you wanted?"
Crane nodded.
"Yes."
Walt looked around the office before letting his eyes settle back on Crane.
"I won't be pushed out of my job, Sawyer."
Crane folded his arms over his chest.
"Take some time, Walt. Think about it. Mull it over. Stop letting your pride make decisions for you before it blows up in your face more than it already has. There's no reason for you to give me an answer today. Let's give it a day or two. Then, we'll revisit it."
Walt gave the mayor a long look.
"My answer will be the same."
Crane merely smiled at him with the same look of arrogance that led Walt to dislike him in the first place.
"Like I said. Think about it. Don't assume that I don't have evidence. That…would be a mistake. You're a smart man. A reasonable man. Give it some time. Think of all you could do if you retired."
Walt set his hat on his head, gave Crane one final look and left his office.