Ch. 8: Recompense

In the end, he was glad that Parker was with him. When he saw Vic in person, he wanted to throw someone into a wall take out his frustrations on them. Parker seemed to sense that and kept a tight grip on the situation.

Rick Parker warned him before they went into the jail. On some level, the information didn't surprise him. A cop, or an ex-cop in Vic's case, was in a bad position being put in with the general population inmates. There were plenty of locked up individuals who would like nothing more than a target for their anger in being where they were. It wouldn't matter that they didn't know her. She represented the system. For some, that would be enough.

He still wasn't prepared for the way her face looked when she walked in.

The jail tried to give Parker static about including him and not letting them know beforehand. A few well placed, sharp words from the attorney greased the wheels and they were both allowed entry. The two men were taken into a bland looking room and told to take a seat at a table. Walt barely gave the room a second look. It was just like any other meeting room in any other jail. There was nothing notable. All he cared about was seeing Vic.

The door opened and she appeared. Her hair was hanging loose around her shoulders. She paused just inside the doorway as it closed behind her with a decisive click, locking from the outside. Her eyes settled on him and she started moving again. Walt peered at her face as she took a seat across from him and wasn't able to contain the rage that bubbled up inside of him. His hands clenched involuntarily on the table.

"Vic."

Her name slipped out of his mouth sounding somewhat ragged with emotion and guilt. He was an expert when it came to guilt even when a situation was beyond his control. Parker was quiet and gave them a minute, allowing their emotions to ease up.

"I'm okay."

That was her response before she turned her attention to Parker.

"Thank you for getting me out of there."

He nodded to her curtly.

"No problem."

He cleared his throat and pulled out a folder.

"Now…your arraignment has been scheduled for in the morning. I'll meet you over at the courthouse with a change of clothes…"

He looked towards Walt.

"I'll get you some."

Parker shifted his eyes back to Vic.

"We'll ask for bail of course. Now, I can't make any promises. I'm sure you know how this goes. Being charged with murder is always tricky and depends on the judge. It could wind up being a substantial amount. There will most certainly be conditions set forth. If it's granted at all."

Walt wasn't paying Parker all that much attention. His focus was on Vic. Her face was mottled with bruises and her lip was cut. He wondered what the rest of her looked like. He did hear the comment amount bail and returned to the conversation.

"Whatever it is, we'll deal with it."

Parker met his eyes.

"Okay. Is there anything else I can do for you right now?"

Vic shook her head in response.

"No. Thank you."

He put her folder away and looked between them.

"I'll step out and give you a few minutes."

He rose and tapped on the door. He spoke to the guard in low tones and the door closed, locking again. As soon as they were alone, Walt extended his hand and placed it over hers. It struck him how cold her skin was.

"Are you alright?"

"I told you…I'm fine."

Walt studied her, his eyes honing in on hers. It was hard to detect how truthful she was being. Her face reminded him of a mask. That bothered him in ways he couldn't process in that moment.

Walt rubbed his thumb over her hand.

"I know what you said."

She blinked and tilted her head.

"I'm in solitary now. There's no danger."

She seemed…almost like she was on auto-pilot. It reminded him of watching her work a difficult crime scene and the way she would tuck her feelings away for later so that she could get her job done. They all did it. It was a necessary part of the job. It was just that he hadn't seen her use that tactic in quite some time. Vic wasn't exactly the kind of person who kept her feelings and opinions to herself.

Especially not when it came to him.

"I know. But…"

He shifted in his seat.

"…you shouldn't be here at all."

The slightest bit of a smile pulled at one side of her mouth.

"You don't have to tell me that."

He released a sigh. He knew that his time was almost up. The problem was that he didn't want to leave her here. He wanted to grab her from the chair she was sitting in and run out with her to somewhere safe.

He knew that was impossible.

"How are the kids?"

Her voice broke through the fog in his mind and he mentally chastised himself for zoning out on her.

"They're staying with Cady."

She didn't respond and there was no judgement in her face, but he felt compelled to explain.

"I had so much to do. I thought it would be best if they were somewhere they could have a schedule and some semblance of normalcy. I'm gonna go see them when I leave here."

Her head bobbed slightly.

"You didn't tell them, did you?"

Walt knew she really meant Julian. Anna was too young to comprehend what was happening in all of this. He shook his head.

"No."

She bit her bottom lip and looked him over before she responded.

"Good."

He felt some level of relief that she understood his thinking. Underneath his hand, he felt her fingers twitch slightly. She was uneasy, restless. He could imagine how hard it must be for her to be confined.

Walt's eyes drifted to the door. The doorknob was rattling now as the guard unlocked and turned it. He looked back at Vic.

"I'll see you tomorrow at your arraignment."

The door opened and the guard appeared. He looked at Walt and gestured.

"Time's up."

It was hard to describe the effect those two simple words had on him. And, judging by the look on her face, it was the same for Vic. He nodded and slid his hand away from hers, tracing a finger over her skin as he withdrew his touch. Vic didn't move. Her eyes followed him up and he maintained eye contact until he had to release it.

xxx

She was mad at herself for allowing Walt's visit to affect her as much as it did. She needed to be strong. She wanted to be strong. That was so much easier said than done when she was looking him right in the face and all she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him and just sit there in the protective circle of his embrace.

She had to settle for his hand on hers and it felt like torture.

Back in her cell, it was far too quiet and now her mind was spinning out. She tried looking at the magazines that Baxter gave her the previous night. But, now they sat discarded on her narrow bed face down. Vic sat cross legged on the bed looking at the cell door even though there was nothing to see.

She knew Baxter left after that and was replaced by another guard. The new guard didn't come in during the night, but brought her breakfast that morning supposedly before he left and Baxter returned. The man didn't say anything other than tossing out a terse word when he appeared with her tray.

"Breakfast."

He waited as she forced herself to eat the unappetizing oatmeal and overly ripe banana. He didn't make any secret that he was impatient, shifting from one foot to the other and sighing audibly. When she approached to take the tray, her eyes dropped to his nametag. It read simply "Calhoun." He was older than Baxter, obviously accustomed to the routine and with no emotional stake in any of this. As soon as she passed him back the tray, he took it and disappeared.

She didn't have any way to tell the time, but she would have guessed an hour passed before Baxter appeared.

"Shower time."

She had wondered when she would get the opportunity to take a shower. Being kept in a so-called protective cell apart from everyone else, including her shower time. The rest of the population would have been funneled through together in the large communal shower room.

Now, she was alone in the vast room. It was an eerie feeling. The soap she was given was basic and held no real smell that would linger. At least the water was warm. Baxter was waiting outside, having told her that she had ten minutes. Vic made quick work of washing and drying off, pulling her jumpsuit back on and slipping her feet back into the glorified bedroom shoes she wore.

Baxter was waiting for her when she emerged.

"Time to go for your hearing."

Vic nodded wordlessly as he reached around and pulled out his cuffs. He held them up and Vic offered him her hands without any kind of verbal response. His expression was soft.

"Sorry, but it's the rules."

She nodded slightly, but still didn't say anything. Baxter took her out and was met by a deputy waiting by a car. Baxter offered the deputy a clipboard and the man signed it with a quick streak of the pen before passing it back to Baxter. The deputy reached out and took her arm, steering her towards the backseat of the car.

Once she was seated inside, he closed the door, walked around, slid behind the wheel, and pulled out. The ride was short and quiet. The deputy's eyes were shaded by dark sunglasses and she didn't bother trying to get any kind of read on him. Truth be told, she didn't care.

The courthouse came into view. The deputy parked and got her out of the backseat. She was taken into the courthouse through a side entrance that was marked specifically for inmates. The thought was depressing as hell.

She was relieved when Parker appeared with a bag under one arm, carrying his briefcase. The deputy uncuffed her and passed her off to her attorney.

"Morning."

Vic fell into step beside Parker, who led her to a small room.

"Morning."

Her reply came out raspy. Parker pushed open the door and handed her the bag.

"Change clothes and come out when you're done."

Vic nodded and took the bag. In the room alone, she opened it up and took out the clothes that she knew Walt brought for the attorney. By the time she was dressed, she looked more like she was ready to testify in court than she was appearing in court as a prisoner. That was exactly what the clothes were for back when she worked for the county. Court clothes. Now, dressed in her own black slacks and dress shirt, she felt more like herself. She slid on the dress shoes and shoved the jumpsuit into the bag. There was also a brush in the bag with a hair tie wrapped around the handle. Vic brushed her hair as best she could without a mirror and pulled it back into what she hoped was a neat enough ponytail.

When she opened the door, Parker was standing just outside. He gave her an approving look and took the bag from her which he set aside.

"How're you feeling?"

Vic shrugged.

"Nauseous."

He gave her a sympathetic look.

"Did you have breakfast?"

"You could call it that. But, I didn't sleep last night."

He nodded.

"I can tell. No…offense."

Vic huffed out a breath. She was well aware of how she must look with her bruised up face and her lack of sleep.

"None taken. I'm sure I look like shit."

Parker paused just outside the courtroom and faced her.

The Tri-County deputy hovered nearby. Just in case.

"Just take a breath and leave it to me."

It didn't escape her that he didn't bother telling her to trust him. It spoke to her of his experience with other clients. He knew that trust was not something that was easily given. Especially in these circumstances. In some way, she appreciated that.

"Sure."

He gave her a smile and led her into the courtroom.

xxx

Walt wouldn't even attempt to count the number of times he'd been in court over the years during his tenure with the Sheriff's Department both as a deputy and as the Sheriff. It was never something he was particularly fond of. But, he never remembered it feeling like this. The only thing that came close was back when it was Henry who was the defendant.

Vic looked at him once when she came in. Even though the eye contact was painfully brief, it reeled him in and pushed a sour tasted up into the back of his throat. It felt like there was so much riding on this. There was, of course. If the judge would set bail, she could go home. There would be conditions. But, she would be at home. That was something.

It was everything really.

He tried to listen to all of the proceedings, but his eyes kept drifting to Vic. She was sitting beside Parker with her eyes shifting all around the room. She was nervous. He could see that Even though her hands were in her lap, he knew that she was picking at her nails the same way she always did when she was worried about something. Under the table, he could see her right knee bouncing. After a minute or two of constant motion, Parker tilted his head in her direction and said something in a low whisper. The knee stilled.

Under other circumstances, he might have smiled.

Cady had been right about Rick Parker. The man was very good at his job as he painted a picture of Vic as a model citizen who had worked for the Sheriff's Department until she left in order to spend more time with her family. Even after that, she was still willing to assist with cases when needed and volunteered for searches. He stressed her background in law enforcement and how she came from a family that was also deeply involved in the same occupation. There was no way that she was a flight risk. She simply had too much to lose.

The DA took a different stance on the matter, reminding the judge that she was not from Durant. She was Philadelphia. That would be an easy city to disappear in if she were to flee in the wake of murder charges. Her family had connections that ran deep in the city and even on a state and federal level thanks to the long career of her late father. There was no telling the resources that might be at her disposal if she were to call in some favors.

There was some bickering amongst the lawyers and his eyes drifted back to Vic. Her shoulders were set in a tense line and worry pushed up into his stomach. How would she react if bail was denied and she was ordered back to jail? Would she be able to mentally handle it? She was a strong woman, there was no doubt about that. Even the strongest could break down under the right circumstances. He knew how hard this must all be on her. Either she was in with the rest of the inmates and was in physical danger. Or, she was in a protected area for her own safety and her mental health was at risk from being alone. He knew that being alone like that wasn't good for anyone. Especially Vic. Her mind could possibly wander to dark places under the right conditions.

That worried him.

More than he could say.

He wondered if she sensed him watching her. She didn't look at him. That would have required her to turn her head all the way. But, her head did shift ever so slightly towards where he was sitting. For a moment, he thought she was going to shoot him a look over her shoulder. She never did. It still felt as though a connection ran between them. Then, her head moved again and it was clear that her eyes were back on the judge.

The hearing wasn't long, of course. These never were. To Walt, it felt as if it droned on eternally. He simultaneously wanted the judge to make a ruling and was afraid of that very thing. It was almost unreal how so much hinged on one decision. This wouldn't set her free permanently. They would still have to deal with the case against her and all the uncertainty that came along with it. But, it would mean that she wouldn't be locked up.

For him, that would be enough for the time being. They could figure out the rest of it as it came. He just wanted her to come home. He wanted them all to be at home. Safe. Together. Possibly able to construct some sense of normalcy for both themselves and their children.

Both sides finished up with their arguments and Walt felt the tension rise up in him again. It felt inescapable at his point. He looked at Vic again. She moved in her seat, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table. Her head was tipped down and he knew that she was looking at her hands. Parker said something to her again and she looked his way, her face never lifting all the way. Walt couldn't really see her face, only one side. He could imagine the expression on her face, though. She nodded, still looking towards the table. He wanted her to raise her eyes. He wanted her to look his way and make eye contact. He needed to feel connected with her. Wanted her to feel the same coming from him. He was sure she needed it as much as he did.

Then, the judge cleared his throat and Walt braced himself.

xxx

She felt even more jittery after the judge set bail. Now that she knew she could get out, sitting in a cell felt unbearable. Unfortunately for her nerves, there was procedure to be followed. Walt would need to take care of the bail situation before she could walk out the door and go home.

She thought her heart might actually stop when the judge started to talk. She felt like she might cry and throw up at the same time until she realized that he was setting bail. It was an incredibly high amount, but it was a path out of here. That was good enough for her.

She'd turned for the first time to see Walt sitting behind her. Their eyes met and he tipped his chin just a bit. An acknowledgement that was simply meant for the two of them and no one else.

After that, everything was a blur.

She was taken back to the jail and back to her cell to wait. She knew that Walt would do whatever it took. She also knew that would require him to put the land up for collateral. The thought made her sick, but Walt wouldn't hesitate. At least she could get the hell out of here. She would sleep in her own bed tonight.

For a while, she paced the cell. Once she grew tired of that, she sat down on the cot and proceeded to simply sit. She was so ready to be out of this hell hole. Without a clock, she didn't know how much time had passed. It felt like an eternity before Baxter appeared and gave her a slight smile.

"Well, you're getting out."

Vic stood up.

"Now?"

He nodded.

"Yep."

Sliding the cell door open with a jangle of keys, he motioned for her. Vic went with him and was taken to a room where she was given her clothes, the ones she was wearing when she was brought in. Baxter gestured.

"Change. Knock when you're done."

As soon as the door clicked closed behind him, she wasted no time in pushing off the jumpsuit she wore. It felt like she was shedding some sort of disguise, ridding herself of some false identity. Pulling on her clothes felt like freedom in and of itself. She slid her feet into her shoes and knocked on the door. Now she felt more anxious than ever to get the hell out of here. Baxter opened the door and took her to a desk where a plastic bag was set in front of her once she confirmed her name.

It was her personal effects, including her wedding ring. Vic took the bag, fished out the ring, and slid it on her finger feeling even more like herself. Baxter nodded towards the door.

"Your ride is here."

Vic walked through the door to find Walt standing outside, his eyes trained on the door. He started her way as soon as she crossed the threshold. He reached her with long strides and his hands landed on her shoulders, pulling her into him. Walt wrapped his arms around her and she felt his face press into his hair. Vic buried her face in his chest and inhaled.

God, he smelled good. After a moment, he released her and stepped back, running his eyes over her and taking her in. He raised one hand and traced his index finger along her cheekbone over one of the bruises that discolored her skin.

"Let's go home."

She nodded and they started for the Bronco. Walt kept her hand in his as they walked, only breaking the physical contact when it was necessary for them both to get in. She pulled her door closed and glanced back at the jail.

"Took long enough."

He shook his head slightly as he started the Bronco and pulled out.

"Had to jump through a lot of hoops. You okay?"

"Yeah."

He tossed her a quick look.

"Really?"

He didn't believe her. No surprise there. It wasn't entirely a lie. She felt better now that she was going home. In the moment, that was all that she wanted to think about.

"I just want to go home."

He gave her another look and nodded as he turned his eyes back to the road. The rest of the ride was mostly quiet. Vic kept her eyes on the window and at the passing landscape. She felt an indescribable relief when they crossed into Absaroka County. And, even more when the cabin finally came into view.

Home.

Walt parked and she slipped out, breathing in the familiar, cool air. She felt like she had been gone for years and something in her chest clenched tight. Inside, she looked around. It looked the same, of course. Nothing was different. But, it was quiet.

"Where are the kids?"

"With Cady. I thought you might want to decompress first."

Vic shrugged off her jacket and tossed it aside.

"I want a shower. A long, hot one with no one standing outside waiting for me to finish."

Walt smiled slightly and trailed her as she started for the bedroom. Once she was there, she started to shed her clothes. Walt rooted through the closet and came up with a couple of clean towels. He turned just as she came in and he went still, his eyes moving over her body. It only took her a second to realize he was looking at the bruises and marks. He set the towels aside and crossed the small space to stand in front of her.

"Vic…"

She looked up into his face.

"I'm okay."

He shook his head in disagreement and opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Instead, he sighed deeply and looked down. Worry was etched into his features. Vic reached up and traced her finger over one of the snaps on his shirt.

"You looked tired. Why don't you…"

She unsnapped one snap.

"…take off your clothes…"

She unsnapped another one.

"…and take a shower with me."

It was exactly the invitation that it sounded like. Walt looked hesitant, a fact that didn't surprise her all thing considered.

"I don't…want to hurt you."

Vic felt something sharp in her chest at the softness in his words. It was a side of him that most people would never see.

"You won't."

She hoped that he could hear the assurance in her voice. She moved her hands, unsnapping the rest of his shirt and pushing it off his shoulders. She rose up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the mouth in a kiss that lingered over several seconds. Finally, she pulled away and dropped her hands to his belt, tugging at it.

"C'mon."

That seemed to be all the urging he needed as his hands moved down and she let her own hands drop her away. Walt pulled his belt loose, jerked it from the loops of his pants, and dropped it on the floor.

xxx

It didn't surprise him when she dozed off. It was obvious by looking at her that she hadn't been sleeping. After their longer than normal shower, she took his hand and pulled him to the bed. Even though there was some pause in him, he went and gave her what it was she wanted. As much as he thought she should simply rest, Walt didn't have the heart to tell her no after everything that she'd been through.

Afterwards, they lay in the quiet of the bedroom. He wanted to talk to her, want her to open up to him about what she was feeling. He got the impression she did not want to talk. She rolled on her side so that she was facing away from him and pressed her back into him. Walt waited until she was settled and slid his arm around her, his palm resting on her stomach. It felt ridiculously good to be here with her. But, she was quiet.

Uncharacteristically so.

That was usually more his thing than hers. He understood. He also knew that keeping things inside wasn't always good for a person. If she didn't want to talk, though, forcing the matter could easily backfire. Especially with Vic.

He took in her demeanor. She was more relaxed now than she was earlier. After two rounds of sex, that was no surprise. He knew that it could be therapeutic for Vic. Gave her a form of release that almost always worked for her. There was still some underlying tension running through her. He could feel it.

It worried him.

Walt shifted his head so that it was just behind hers. He could smell the familiar smell of her shampoo from her still damp hair. He took a deep breath, simply breathing in the scent that was her. Slowly, he exhaled, noting a slight shiver from her.

"You wanna talk?"

He gave her the offer hoping that it sounded the way that it did in his head. Vic kept her head on the pillow and didn't look his way.

"No."

The word came out not much more than a whisper. She sounded drowsy and understandably so. Walt opted to let it go. There would be time for that later. There was no reason to push her right now.

"Okay."

He felt her take a deep breath, felt when she released the breath slowly. She didn't say anything else and he couldn't see her face. He could feel her relaxing into him. He could hear her breathing evening out as she slipped further from wakefulness into the world of sleep. He wasn't sure when she actually fell asleep as it was gradual. But, it became obvious after a few minutes that she wasn't awake anymore.

He needed some sleep himself. In spite of the fact that he was warm and comfortable, he wasn't sleepy in that moment. So, he simply lay there and appreciated the fact that she was home and she was there with him. He listened to the sounds of her breathing and the way that she felt underneath his arm.

Once the bail was set in motion, there hadn't been much time for him to take a break and think very much. His sole focus had been on getting her out and getting her home. The rest of it was pushed into the back of his mind.

Now, it was starting to creep back in. The reality was this was all temporary unless they could clear her name. He didn't know what all evidence that Grayson Whitlock had outside of the fact that Vic's weapon was used. There would have to be more to secure a conviction in his experience. It was his opinion that Whitlock jumped the gun by arresting Vic. Still, it was something that they would have to deal with. Like it or not, right or not, she was the prime suspect.

Walt closed his eyes. He did not want to think about this right now. He simply wanted to exist in this moment, to savor it and keep out the bad for as long as that was possible.

Vic moved in his grasp and Walt's eyes drifted to her. He carefully raised himself up on one elbow so that that he could look at her. Some part of him hoped that she wouldn't wake up just now. It would be good for her to get some sleep, more sleep.

That wasn't to be the case.

Her head moved and her eyes fluttered open. For a long moment, she was still, maybe taking in her surroundings and giving her mind time to catch up with all that had happened. Then, she started to roll onto her back. Walt moved out of her way, giving her the space to do that. Once on her back, she peered up into his face with slightly narrowed eyes.

"How long was I asleep?"

Her voice was raspy fresh off sleep. Truthfully, he didn't know. Walt looked over at the clock beside his bed to find the answer.

"Bout an hour."

Not long enough in his mind.

Slowly, she sat up and rubbed her face looking clearly disoriented.

"Didn't mean to fall asleep."

Walt sat up.

"You needed the rest. I wish you'd slept longer."

She shook her head.

"I can sleep tonight."

But would she?

Vic pushed off the blankets, got up, and disappeared into the bathroom. Walt took the opportunity to also get up. Sifting through his drawers, he pulled on clean clothes. By the time Vic came out, he was fully dressed. He waited while Vic also tugged on clean clothes, jeans and a t-shirt. She didn't bother with socks as she brushed by him towards the bedroom door.

"I'm starving."

He was actually glad to hear it.

"I'll make you something. What do you want?"

He hoped for an actual request, but she merely shrugged.

"Doesn't matter."

Walt took in the contents of the kitchen and noted he needed to get by the store sooner rather than later.

"Pancakes? Eggs and bacon?"

It was past breakfast time, but that was the easiest option as far as he could see.

"There's some cans of soup."

Vic was in the process of starting coffee despite the later hour. He certainly wasn't going to argue with her.

"Want me to get that?

He stepped up beside her. Vic shook her head.

"I can do it."

"You sure?"

It turned out to be a step too far with what she would term as hovering. Not to mention that he reached out as though he was going to take the coffee from her.

"I got it. I'm a murder suspect, not an invalid."

She pushed the words out with a sharpness that hadn't been there before. Walt withdrew his hand just as she sighed and turned to face him, the bag of coffee still in her hand.

"I'm sorry."

Walt waved off her apology.

"It's okay."

"No, it's not. I'm just…"

Vic took a breath.

"I have a headache."

"Want some aspirin?"

"I'm going to try food and caffeine first."

Walt nodded, stepping back and giving her space.

"So…pancakes?"

She offered him a weak smile.

"Sounds good. Although…you mentioned bacon."

It was half comment, half question.

"Okay. Pancakes and bacon."

"Perfect."

Walt turned away and started to gather up what he needed to cook while Vic busied herself with the coffee and the press. He kept casting her quick looks, hoping that she wouldn't notice. She seemed so engrossed in her task he was pretty sure that she didn't.

Her shifting mood did nothing to reduce the worry that was already building up in his gut.

xxx

She honestly hadn't meant to snap at him. She wasn't really even in a bad mood. She was just tired. Sleeping seemed to have made it worse. She also woke up with a headache that she was pretty sure was a mix of stress and hunger. Hopefully some food and coffee would help out with that. Walt's tendency to hover when he was worried about her pressed a button at just the right moment.

Or, maybe it was the wrong moment.

Either way, she felt bad about it. Walt didn't seem to mind, nor did he seem upset by it. He carried on with cooking as if it were any other day. She took her time starting the coffee, trying to give her mind some time to clear. Once it was started, she turned around and leaned on the counter. Walt was concentrating on flipping pancakes while the bacon fried.

"Need help?"

Walt glanced up.

"Nope."

She continued to watch him. She liked watching him when he was focused on something. She always had. He gave her another quick look.

"Do you like watching?"

"One…yes I do. Two…that's a dangerous question."

His mouth quirked up a little and he kept his eyes on the food. Vic turned away and started getting plates and cups out for them. She carried both cups over to the now ready coffee and poured them both a cup. While Walt finished up, she stirred cream and sugar into her coffee. Taking the mug in both hands, she lifted it, inhaled, then took a sip.

Vic closed her eyes to savor the coffee. When she opened them, Walt was watching her with an expression that she knew well enough. Their eyes met.

"Good?"

"It is."

She smiled at him again and some of the heaviness lifted away.

With a well honed coordination, they set about putting food on plates and sitting at the table in the kitchen. Vic poured syrup over her pancakes and crunched the end of a piece of bacon.

"This is way better than jail food."

Walt looked up from his own plate. It was the first time she had mentioned her experience since the shower comment.

"Bad?"

"No flavor at all. I think I could do better."

She could see him try to smile, but falter.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

She answered quickly. She was finally starting to feel somewhat normal after a shower and some sleep. Now, with good food and coffee, her headache was lessening some and her mood felt improved.

Walt continued to look at her. She could see him debating whether or not to pursue that line of questioning. She could also see the moment that he chose not to press her any farther. She was thankful for that. She knew it was only a reprieve, though. They would revisit this later on. He would only take no for an answer for so long. Eventually, he would stop backing down and expect her to talk to him. Fairly so. She would be the same way if it were him. That didn't mean she had to like being on receiving end.

They continued to eat in silence, a mostly comfortable one. Vic finished first and carried her plate to the sink. She debated another cup of coffee, then decided that probably wasn't a good idea as she would need to sleep later. It was late afternoon stretching into dinner time.

She felt Walt come up behind her as she turned on the water to rinse her plate.

"I'll get the dishes."

He reached around her and set his own plate down. Vic shut off the water and turned to face him, her back touching the counter.

"If you insist."

She smiled at him and pushed up on her toes, kissing him. Walt returned the kiss, his hands landing on the counter on either side of her. Vic withdrew her mouth from his and pressed her forehead to his. Walt's breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling.

"I missed you."

The comment caught her off guard. Walt was like that. A man of few words who could deliver when he really applied himself. It almost always surprised her when he did it even after all this time. There was a recognizable burning in the back of her throat. She swallowed and her eyes halfway closed.

"I missed you, too."

He kissed her with force and intention. Vic's arms were around his neck when they heard the front door open. Vic dropped her arms and Walt stepped back and turned. The familiar sound of feet running over the floor told Vic exactly who it was as they walked into the living room. Vic made it as far as the entrance when Julian launched himself at her with all the enthusiasm that a five year old could muster. She caught him and lifted him easily into her arms.

"Mama!"

Cady came in behind Julian carrying Anna, whose face lit up at the sight of her parents.

"Hey."

The greeting came from Cady who waited for Vic to pry Julian loose and set him back on the floor before passing Anna over to her.

"Hey. I wasn't…"

"I asked Cady to bring them home after they had dinner. Figured you would want to see them."

Vic gave Cady a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

Cady nodded to her.

"No problem. We're just all…glad you're home."

Vic let out a sigh.

"Me too. I hope they behaved for you."

Cady grinned.

"Angels."

Vic huffed.

"I bet."

Walt stepped around her.

"Thanks for bringing them by."

Cady looked between the two of them and Vic could see her processing and assessing.

"I'm gonna go for now. But…we need to talk."

Vic nodded. It was to be expected. She was just happy it would wait.

"Right."

Cady tousled Julian's hair and angled herself to the door.

"I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay. Thank you…Cady."

Cady smiled at her before disappearing out the door leaving them alone.

Julian was unusually hyper and excited to be home.

"Where did you go?"

He tossed her the question as Vic sat down on the couch. Julian climbed up beside her.

"Don't worry about that. I'm back. That's all that matters."

She smiled at him as he pushed his way into her lap.

"Did you have fun with Cady?"

"Yeah."

Vic closed her eyes and took a breath. He smelled like little boy and outside.

Everything that she missed and then some.