Ch. 12: Fog
Walt eased himself out of the bed. Beside him, Vic was still sleeping. He intended to keep it that way. He reached over and lifted her phone from the bedside table. She called Cady the night before and there was no reason to take a chance that the phone might wake her if it rang unexpectedly. He took his clothes into the bathroom to dress quietly. Then, he left the bedroom and pulled the door gently closed.
In the kitchen, he laid her phone on the counter and started to make some coffee. It was later than he usually got up. He had actually woken up some time ago. But, he didn't want to disturb Vic, so he lay in there beside her. Watching her and attempting to fall back to sleep himself.
It never worked. But, Vic was getting some rest and that was all that mattered in the moment. More than likely, she would be up soon. Her internal clock didn't always afford her the chance to oversleep unless she was especially tired.
While the coffee brewed, he tended to the fire and built it up. Winter was starting to edge in on them and the mornings were getting progressively colder. By the time the fire was roaring away, the coffee was ready. Walt crossed the floor to the bedroom where he peered in. Sure enough, she was moving some. She was waking up slowly.
Walt returned to the kitchen and poured their coffee. He added cream and sugar to Vic's, making it too sweet for his taste, but the way she liked it. He teased her about it constantly. She would normally just roll her eyes and make some smart comment back about his taking his coffee too bitter.
Walt expected more resistance to his suggestion that she take a day off. It was well deserved in his eyes. He knew the kind of drive that an unsolved murder could bring about. He was once in the bad habit of throwing himself into his work and obsessing. That was the word Vic used.
It wasn't just the current workload. He knew that. It was the work coupled with the issue of her father being ill. Maybe even worrying about Ferg's situation with Meg. Walt didn't know that for sure. He knew the baby was bringing up unpleasant memories for her. No surprise there.
There was still more. The year hadn't been kind to them. There was the fire last winter that took the original cabin and threw them both into a darkness that was hard to escape. The return of a man Walt once knew, who was bent on some warped form of revenge, pushed them both to the breaking point, injuring them both in the process.
Vic sported a new scar on her leg because of it. And, Walt added another to his own collections. Scars were memories. But, they were also signs of survival. He was grateful for that aspect. But, he wasn't looking to acquire any more than already covered his body. Or Vic's.
The process of rebuilding followed. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but starting from scratch was emotionally draining in a way not many things were. His own issues during that time meant he wasn't always emotionally available to her. He still regretted that.
They were both happy with the new cabin and settled in now. But, wounds didn't heal up overnight. Or even over the course of months. That kind of stress didn't just magically disappear the moment the source was eliminated. So much happened in such a short span of time. It was hard to feel like the ground was firmly under their feet.
His mind flashed back to Vic's prediction that they would never really know peace. It was a dark view, but she wasn't wrong. At times, it almost seemed like the universe had some sort of grudge against them.
One thing after another. Neither of them was particularly optimistic. It was nearly impossible to achieve when the world hit you like waves on a beach one after another, never letting you get your feet under you.
Walt was determined, though. Determined to weather these storms like they weathered all the others that came before. They weren't strangers to hard times or heartache. The difference was that now they had each other and didn't have to fight the battles alone.
That made all the difference.
xxx
Vic woke up gradually. It was a strong contrast to the sudden awakenings her dreams brought about. A nice change. She blinked her eyes open slowly. It was morning and light was streaming in through the curtains. She narrowed her eyes in the light and reached for her phone to find it missing from the bedside table.
Vic rolled her head towards Walt's side of the bed. He was up, of course. He nearly always got up early. Her eyes fell on the clock on his table. It was after nine. Later than normal, but not too late. Vic stretched her arms up over her head and toyed with the idea of getting up. She didn't find the thought as appealing as simply lying in the bed.
Before she could make a final decision either way, the door opened and Walt came in carefully carrying two cups of coffee. He walked around to her side of the bed and sat down, offering her the cup in his left hand.
"Morning."
Vic pushed herself up to a sitting position and took the cup from him. It smelled like the good stuff. A careful sip told her that it was.
"Mmm…thank you."
Vic cradled the cup in both hands and set it on her lap. She cast a look at the table beside her.
"Did you take my phone?"
Walt nodded.
"Yep."
"Why?"
He gave her an amused look.
"Because you're taking a break. You can't do that if your phone starts buzzing."
She frowned.
"Did someone call?"
Walt smiled.
"Yeah, Cady called and said she was going into the office today."
Vic frowned a little.
"She…hasn't been cleared by her doctor."
Walt nearly smiled.
"Aren't you the one who came to work the day after you got a concussion? And…right after you were shot and nearly died from blood loss? Even after I told you that you were not to go in to the office."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"Okay. You made your point. What about her shoulder?"
Walt shrugged.
"She's only doing office work and starting to catch up. She won't be in the field. So…see? You don't need to worry about it. Everything is under control."
Vic smiled.
"Sure."
Walt shrugged at her lack of conviction.
"I think I can help you with that."
"Can you?"
Walt nodded.
"Yep. What do you want for breakfast? And…don't tell me you're not hungry."
She laughed.
"I'm actually starving. Must be all that physical exertion from last night."
He smiled.
"So…what'll it be?"
He could see her thinking before she provided an answer.
"Pancakes."
"That all?"
"Um…bacon if we have it."
"We do. I stocked up on groceries."
Vic tilted her head.
"I feel like you might have planned this."
He gave her an innocent look.
"Nope."
Taking his cup, he left the bedroom. Vic could hear him in the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets and the metallic clang of pans. She set her own coffee aside and got up, stretching again as she went.
Vic changed into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, pulling on socks to fend off the cold morning. She found Walt at the stove flipping pancakes and watching bacon fry. Vic leaned on the counter, watching him.
"I don't know how you multitask like that. I would burn everything."
He smiled with a shrug.
"Hidden talent, I guess."
Vic shook her head and turned to pull two plates from the cabinet. Setting them near Walt, she focused her attention on the refrigerator.
"Do we have orange juice?"
Walt kept his eyes on the sizzling bacon, grease popping every few seconds.
"Yep. In the door."
Vic tugged the door open and peered in, pulling out the bottle of juice and pushing the door closed. The kitchen filled up with smells as Walt finished up the food. Vic grabbed a glass.
"Want some?"
Walt nodded as he slid pancakes onto a plate.
"Sure."
She retrieved a second glass and poured them both some juice.
Walt passed her a plate and watched as she doused her pancakes, and part of her bacon with syrup. She looked up and caught him in the act.
"What?"
He shook his head.
"That's a lot of syrup."
Vic cut off a bite and shrugged.
"Makes it good."
She took a bite and smiled as if to prove her point. Walt smiled and turned his attention to his own food. The silence between them during the meal was comfortable. It was a welcome change to the tension she felt between them the night before. Her mind kept trying to jump to work things, wondering about the case and if there was anything new happening. But, she fought them. It was hard, but she focused her mind on eating breakfast and enjoying the fact that she didn't have to rush and get ready for work.
She reminded herself to slow down. Take the moment and live in it. Lately, she hadn't been doing that.
Halfway through her plate of food, she glanced up and traced a finger over the condensation on her juice glass.
"So…what's all this about?"
Walt raised his eyes when she posed the question.
"What's…what about?"
Vic lay her fork down.
"This…you never ask me to take days off when I have a case."
Walt swallowed his food.
"I told you that last night."
Vic nodded slowly.
"Yeah, and I understand those reasons. But…we've been here before, Walt. This feels…different somehow."
It was hard to explain. She hoped that he would understand. She knew that he was worried about her pace lately. He voiced that over and over. But, there seemed to be more than just worry in his request that she take some time.
In the middle of everything.
Walt set his own fork down, the metal clinking lightly on the plate.
"You questioning my motives?"
"I am. And…don't answer questions with questions. It's irritating."
There was no apparent irritation in her voice, the comment coming out in a more good-natured fashion. Walt shook his head and lowered his eyes to his plate.
"It just feels like…we've been…at odds a lot lately."
Vic tilted her head at his choice of words.
"At odds? You mean fighting? It…hasn't been that bad, Walt."
Compared to what.
"I know. And…I don't mean to be…overdramatic. But…last night…with Julia…"
Vic sighed.
"I don't want to talk about that."
"I know you don't. You made that clear. But…it's not good to let things sit unresolved. I need you to know that I left the situation. It never crossed my mind to…"
His words trailed off. Vic pushed her plate away, her appetite gone.
"I believe you."
Her tone was strained. He saw her jaw flex under the skin and tighten. She was tensing up.
"Vic…"
She looked up and shook off his attempt.
"I know that you wouldn't cheat on me, Walt."
She did sound sure.
"It's not just that, Vic. I…I don't like being in a position like that. Where a woman is…not taking no for an answer. It's…"
He paused.
"Fucked up?"
Vic offered the words in completion to his thought.
"Yeah."
Her shoulders moved in a shrug.
"Not much you can do about it. Ignore her. Avoid her."
Walt sighed.
"I shouldn't have to. We…shouldn't."
Vic turned her mostly empty glass around, its bottom scraping over the table.
"So…what do you suggest?"
"I'm not suggesting anything. I just…"
Vic pressed her lips together.
"You want me to complain?"
"Complain?"
Vic nodded.
"To the Mayor. She works for him. Her hanging on married men like a dog in heat doesn't make him look good. He's all about that shit. And, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see me again."
"Are you comfortable with that?"
She didn't look put off by the idea.
"Or…I could punch her."
Walt smiled, in spite of the conversation.
"That's not a good idea."
Vic smiled in return.
"So…the first option is better. Let me deal with it."
Walt looked skeptical.
"Are you sure? You have enough on your plate."
Vic flapped a hand at him.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I'm sick of her shit."
Vic stood up, plate in hand. Walt stood and carried his own dishes to the counter by the sink, stopping beside her, his shoulder brushing hers.
"Didn't meant to ruin breakfast."
Vic faced him.
"You could make it up to me."
The lilt in her voice changed.
"How so?"
Vic exhaled a breath and fingered the top button of his shirt.
"You're industrious. Smart. I'm sure you can think of something."
xxx
She was sleeping again. Dozing, really. Walt lay beside her on the bed, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. He knew she wouldn't be out long. She wasn't sleeping deeply. Vic drifted off as they lay in the quiet. Her hand still rested on his stomach, her fingers spread out over his skin. It warmed him from the inside in a way he couldn't quite ascribe words to. Her face was turned towards him and her mouth was just at his shoulder. Each time she exhaled, a gentle puff of warm air touched his skin.
Late morning was working its way into very early afternoon. It would be lunch time soon. He hoped the rest of their day fared better than his attempt at breakfast conversation. He genuinely hadn't meant to make her angry. Or stressed. He just needed the air clear between them. Finished.
Vic stirred and moved her head slightly. Walt's attention was drawn back to her face. Her eyelids fluttered for a few seconds before they opened slowly. The first thing he saw in them was confusion. Maybe as to why she was in bed so late in the morning. Her eyes found his and she held his gaze, remembrance coming to her expression.
Vic raised her hand to cover a yawn.
"What time is it?"
Walt tilted his head to see the clock off to his side.
"Little after eleven."
Vic frowned.
"Damn."
She cleared her throat and sat up.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."
Literally.
Walt shrugged.
"I don't mind."
Vic looked around the bedroom and back to Walt.
"So…is this what you had in mind when you asked me to take the day off?"
Walt smiled.
"Not exactly."
Maybe just a little.
Vic tucked her hair behind one ear.
"I'm hungry."
Walt took that as his cue. He pushed up and off the bed, grabbing his clothes from the floor.
"Get dressed."
Vic gave him a curious look, clearly suspicious about his sudden burst of energy.
"What's up?"
Walt pulled his jeans up and fastened them, his eyes still on her.
"Get dressed."
Vic sighed at his repetition and rolled off the bed. Walt paused in his own action to take her in while her back was to him. In the hazy light filtering in, she didn't look like she belonged in a cabin in Wyoming. More like a far off land he only read about.
Vic turned and caught him watching her as she pulled on her clothes.
"Are you sure you want me to get dressed?"
She was teasing him. Walt blinked.
"Yeah."
That was all he said. He dropped his eyes from her and started to snap up his shirt. He finished dressing and was in the living waiting for Vic when she ambled in, her hair still down and rumpled looking. It was a relaxed state he hadn't seen her in for far too long.
"Okay. I'm dressed. What's going on?"
He smiled, his eyes on the fire.
"Let's go out to lunch."
Vic's brow furrowed.
"In town? What do you want?"
She seemed okay with that idea. But, that wasn't what he had in mind. In truth, he didn't want to share her. In Durant, he would do exactly that. There was zero chance of their eating lunch anywhere in town and not seeing someone they knew. He just wasn't feeling it.
Back when they first started up the thing between them, discretion was the chosen path. With everything that was happening and had happened, they both thought it best to keep their new relationship to themselves. It wasn't mean to last forever, of course. But, feelings were still being realized and sorted through. Wounds were fresh, so was hurt.
It was easier for them to keep outside influences at bay. For their world together to only consist of the two of them. No one else. It hadn't been easy. Neither of them liked being dishonest. But for a time, it was necessary. They hadn't known how far they would go, or what kind of road this would all take them down.
They were stepping out on pure faith at that point.
Faith in each other.
Days rolled into weeks into months. They started slowly and with those closest to them. Their work crew, of course. Cady and Henry naturally. There was no master plan or order. Just doing what felt right. Little by little, they outed themselves and stepped into a more public version of themselves as a couple.
Most everyone they knew or cared about was okay with the change. It might have taken some adjustment, but no one they really cared about seemed strongly opposed to the two of them together. For some, it probably wasn't even that big of a shock.
But, there were some rumors. There were those who didn't care for the idea of them for a variety of reasons. There wasn't a reason in existence they hadn't already faced themselves. On paper, they were an odd couple. Walt could understand the dissent from certain people. He didn't care. But, he understood.
Vic never cared.
She made it abundantly and vocally clear.
As time passed, whatever rose up died down. That was the way it went in small towns. You just had to ride the wave until you were free of it. It was all in the past now.
But, sometimes he missed that small span of time when no one knew. When she was his and they kept a low profile so as not to invite questions. It was freeing to not worry about others' opinions or expectations. To simply be themselves and not have to share each other or pieces of themselves.
On occasion, he missed that.
Having all of her to himself.
Maybe it was selfish. Today, he wanted to get back to that. To push the rest of the world away. To toss their problems out with the trash and only live in the moment. It wasn't sustainable, of course. But, he didn't mind that. A little went a long way.
"Not to town. Just…out."
Vic gave him a clearly confused look.
"Out…where?"
She said the words slowly, having no clue what he meant. Walt only smiled. It was dangerous, but he loved having the upper hand when possible. Not that it ever lasted long. Vic was too sharp for that.
"You'll see. Just…get ready."
Vic held out her hands.
"Get ready for what exactly? You're…talking in riddles here."
Walt reached out and touched the hair that fell over one shoulder.
"Get ready to be outside."
She eyed him and Walt tried to make it clear that he wasn't giving her any more information than that. Vic stared at him for a long, almost unsettling moment before she sighed.
"Fine."
She walked back into the bedroom while Walt busied himself.
xxx
"You could've just told me that we were going on a picnic. What's with the secrecy?"
Walt shrugged. He was clearly pleased with himself and she couldn't let him have all the fun. The day hadn't gotten off to the best start. Julia Corbitt was the last thing that she wanted to talk about over her breakfast. But, Walt was a big one for clearing the air and telling the truth. He didn't like to leave arguments unsettled.
It was probably why his marriage lasted and hers didn't. After two plus decades of marriage, he understood the necessity of uncomfortable conversations that Vic once avoided like the plague. Although, having a disagreement with Walt was vastly different than with Sean. Part of the difference was in the man and part was in her.
She knew that.
Sometimes, it was hard to believe this was the same man who frequently couldn't express himself verbally. It felt like there was a whole side to him that so much of the population didn't get to see. That gave her some measure of satisfaction.
"It was a surprise."
Vic rolled her eyes at him from where she sat on the blanket he had spread out over the grass. Her legs were stretched out. Her discarded boots sat off the blanket to one side and she wore thick wool socks to fight the chill. The day was breezy and cool, but the sun shining overhead lent them a bit of warmth.
The remnants of their lunch were packed away to keep the trash from blowing off. The spot he picked was accessible by Bronco. But, she knew he liked to ride Horse out here as well. It hadn't been a far walk from where he parked and it was certainly a scenic one.
Walt wasn't big on declarations. He wasn't what most women would consider particularly romantic. He didn't send flowers or make large romantic gestures. Not really. But it worked for her. She wasn't the kind of woman who needed those things. Walt was private and he kept that part of himself mostly for her.
It was endearing in a way that was hard to explain.
Walt wasn't the kind of man who showed up with chocolates.
He was the kind of man who would kill or die for you without blinking. The man who engaged in a duel to save her life.
The thought was jarring, but true.
Despite the rough exterior and the fact that he was a man of few words, he expressed his affection for her as naturally as he did everything else. In ways that were Walt. In all honesty, she wouldn't have had it any other way.
Or him.
She didn't consider herself all that romantic either. Sure, it could be nice once in a while to be surprised. But, the quiet steadiness that Walt provided in her life, the unquestionable devotion that seeped out of him was something that couldn't be bought.
"You know…most people picnic in the spring when the weather is warm."
He ducked his face and smiled.
"It's not too bad out here."
Vic raised her eyes from his and looked around. The weather wasn't bad by Wyoming standards. They were fast approaching a precarious time of the year when the weather shifted into an unpredictable gear. They all knew that snow was waiting in the wings. It was only a matter of time.
The sun was bright overhead. The scenery was enough to make you forget the weather either way, stretching out around them with yellowing grass blowing in the breeze. She knew in the Spring this spot was a sight to behold with greenery and flowers blooming anywhere you looked. But, there was a sedate beauty to be found in the autumn season as well.
Sure, there weren't the splashes of color dotting the landscape that blooming flowers and trees brought. But, there was a richness to be found in the browns and golds. The oranges and the yellows. Calmer hues in some way. But, they reminded Vic of a fire. A warm, sparking fire that was just as alive as anything else.
"What are you thinking about?"
Her head swiveled to Walt who was watching her with open curiosity. Vic cleared her throat. She hadn't realized she was so deep into her own thoughts.
"It's nice here."
A half-smile quirked up on side of his mouth.
"That all?"
Vic tilted her head at him. A long strand of hair was pulling loose from her braid and blowing in the breeze. She swiped at it.
"Yeah."
Of course, that was a simplified way of putting it. Vic inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with fresh air. She suspected his motivation for bringing her out here was distraction. To free up her mind of everything in life that was plaguing it. If that was the case, it was certainly working.
Vic reached out and combed her fingers through his hair. Walt's eyes tracked the movement.
"Thank you."
Walt's forehead creased.
"You don't need to thank me."
She huffed out a quiet laugh.
"Yeah…I do. You…were right."
Walt smiled.
"Maybe I should record you saying that. You know…for later."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"Shut up."
She laughed when she said it.
It was the first real laugh she remembered for quite some time.
It felt good.
xxx
Vic ran her hands over Lady's side, her fingers massaging into the horse's skin and muscle. The horse's tail swished and her ears twitched from side to side. In the distance, Vic could see Walt riding horse. The animal was trotting along with Walt on his back. She turned her attention back to Lady. The mare was tied to a post, making sure she didn't wander off. The brush Vic normally ran over her hair rested on top of the post.
Vic looked again and couldn't see Walt and Horse anymore. He asked if she wanted a turn and Vic shook her head. She was just fine hanging out with calmer horse and brushing her coat out. She walked around to the horse's head and pulled a slice of apple from the pocket of her hoodie. Lady took it and crunched it down in a matter of seconds.
Vic smiled and ran her hand up the broad nose. Lady bumped her hand looking for more apple, but Vic only held the hand up.
"That's all I got."
Vic retrieved the brush and started to work on the thickening coat again. It was quiet around her, but her mind swirled with thoughts. Every so often the horse would swish her tail or shift her hooves from one foot to the next. Vic was careful to watch her own feet so as not to catch a hoof on one. Once was enough for that. Of course, it wasn't intentional. But, it hurt like hell.
Vic stepped back from the horse and studied her brush work. This side was almost done. The other side was finished. The musky smell of horse and hay filled her nose. Using her sleeve, she swiped at an itch in her nose.
"That's a nice horse you got there. Do you ride?"
The unfamiliar voice startled her. Vic whirled around, her eyes taking in the man who had walked up behind her. Vic chastised herself mentally. She had been so into what she was doing, she hadn't even noticed that someone else was around.
Lady startled as well and stomped one foot at the unfamiliar person and the sudden intrusion. Vic took a step back on instinct. Her hand moved to her side out of habit, but there was nothing there. She was at home, out near the barn, brushing a horse. There was no need for her holster or her 9mm.
Or so she thought.
She was also missing the familiar feel of her cell phone in her back pocket, the weight familiar and comforting. A lifeline of sorts. She had checked the phone when they got home, but left it on the kitchen counter where Walt placed it that morning. In that moment, she was wishing that she hadn't walked out of the cabin without it. But, like the Glock, she hadn't thought that she would need it.
The man in front of her looked very much like the last time she saw him.
At the camp with his jeans and work boots. This time, he wore a faded hoodie with the plaid of a flannel shirt protruding from the bottom. He held up his hands so that she could see them both and offered her what must have passed as a smile for him. He didn't seem like the type who would smile a lot.
"Wha…"
He cut in before she could get the words out.
"Don't. Do you ride?"
Vic narrowed her eyes.
"Some. But, not her."
He studied her.
"Why?"
Vic swallowed. What was up with the mundane questions?
"Injury."
His eyes moved to Lady.
"No real point in a horse that can't be ridden."
Vic shook her head at the comment and took a step towards him. She didn't see a gun or weapon. But, that didn't mean he didn't have one.
He moved one finger to his lips.
"Don't yell, Deputy. There's no need."
Finn Mason stood there, his eyes flicking between her and the last spot she saw Walt.
"Here to turn yourself in?"
He scuffled one boot over dead grass and shook his head.
"No. No, I'm here to warn you."
Vic held his eyes.
"Warn me?"
His chin dipped in a barely there nod.
"Yeah. You need to dig a little deeper before you go making assumptions about what's the truth."
"My understanding is that you confessed to murder."
He smiled again. It was unsettling.
"If I told you the truth, you wouldn't believe me. You need to dig and figure it out for yourself."
Vic cocked her head.
"What in the hell are you talking about?"
He took a step back and glanced behind her. Somewhere over the wind, Vic could hear the sounds of Horse's hooves hitting the ground. His eyes shifted back to Vic.
"You're not safe. None of you are safe."
With that, he turned and took off. Vic blinked and started after him.
"Hey!"
She heard the sound of Horse's gait increase.
"Vic!"
Vic stopped and turned to find Walt coming up fast.
"What happened?"
She turned back and started for the cabin.
"He was here!"
Walt reined the horse to a stop and slid off.
"Who?"
"Finn Mason."
Walt tossed Horse's reins around the post and trailed behind her. Walt caught her by the arm.
"Call Cady. I'll look around."
Vic gave him a look.
"You're not armed."
"I'll grab the Colt."
Vic met his eyes once before heading for the cabin.
xxx
"Why would our number one suspect just show up at your house?"
Vic shrugged for what felt like the one hundredth time at Mitch Colter. He paced the length of the porch. Vic leaned on the railing with Walt standing nearby, his arms folded over his chest. A thorough search of the area hadn't turned up anything. Mason was quick on his feet and had apparently left a truck parked just up the road.
This move was planned.
"I don't know."
Colter stopped his pacing and sighed.
"Did he say anything else?"
Vic shook her head.
"No. He just…said to dig deeper."
"Meaning what?"
Vic rubbed a hand over her eyes.
"Hell if I know."
Colter tapped one hand against his thigh.
"I just don't understand why he would come here and tell you that."
"Me either."
It was the truth. She didn't. Walt was quiet. It was the type of quiet Vic knew well. The kind where he was listening and taking in everything around him. His mind was working overtime to piece this puzzle together. Vic could see that by the way that his eyes were moving. For a long moment, his eyes settled on her. She met his gaze once before turning her attention back to Colter.
"Well, he's gone now."
The man sounded resigned to that fact. Vic straightened up.
"Have there been any other sightings?"
Colter shook his head.
"Nothing concrete. Your Sheriff sent out a bulletin to neighboring counties. All things considered, I'm surprised he's still in the area."
Vic nodded slowly. Colter heaved out another sigh and glanced at his government issue sedan. It was dark out now. They searched for Finn Mason for as long as they had light. Once night fell, it was nearly impossible. Besides, he was clearly gone.
"I'm gonna head back to town. Call me immediately if you think of anything else."
Vic followed him to the porch steps.
"Sure."
Colter walked down the steps and to his car. Fingers on the handle, he paused and looked back to Vic.
"Do you want some protection?"
Vic shook her head at the offer without really considering it.
"No. We're good."
She heard Walt take a few slow, deliberate steps until he was standing behind her. Even without looking, she knew he was there just behind her shoulder.
"Okay. Stay safe."
The two of them stood and watched until the car's tail lights disappeared into the darkness.
Vic walked inside, shedding her boots at the door. Walt was right behind her. Vic wandered over to the fireplace and let her eyes settle on the flames. Walt joined her. Still quiet. Minutes ticked by as they simply stood, unmoving and not talking.
Finally, Walt moved to sit on the couch. Vic stayed where she was, soaking up warmth from the fire. She heard Walt shift around on the couch.
"Tell me something."
Vic turned to face him.
"What?"
His eyes were intensely on her.
"What you didn't tell Colter."
For several seconds, she didn't respond and held his eyes. Blinking, she snapped out of it and walked over to sit beside him.
"He told me that he was here to warn me."
"About?"
Vic shrugged.
"He didn't say. He said if he told me, I wouldn't believe him. That I had to figure it out for myself. He said…"
Her voice broke off midsentence. Walt leaned in.
"What?"
"He said that we are all in danger. That's it."
Walt took a deep breath.
"Did he say he didn't kill the boy?"
Vic shook her head.
"No."
"Do you think he did?"
"I don't know."
Vic tapped her fingers restlessly on her jeans. Walt watched her.
"Something else?"
Vic turned to face him.
"That's two chances he's had to hurt me. And hasn't."
Walt's jaw twitched.
"Which tells us what?"
Vic leaned back with a sigh.
"I'm not sure what it tells us. But, it sure as hell isn't the behavior of a cold blooded killer."
Walt nodded.
"Maybe the killing wasn't intentional or…"
"Suffocation is pretty intentional."
Walt dipped his face.
"That's not what I mean. Maybe, it was a spur of the moment thing. Not planned. People argue. Tempers flare. We've arrested plenty of people who never set out to kill anyone."
It was true. Just because Mason hadn't hurt her didn't mean that he wasn't capable. It was entirely possible he never meant to kill Nate Bradley. Since they didn't know the circumstances under which Bradley died, they couldn't say for sure. It was also possible he just didn't want to face the punishment for killing a cop on the chance that he was caught.
She stood up and started to pace the living room.
"Did you hear back from Agent Vance?"
Walt looked up at her from his seat.
"Not yet."
She continued to wear out a path beside the coffee table.
"Let me know as soon as you do. Something…something about all of this doesn't feel right."
Walt stood up and blocked her path.
"You think Colter is dirty somehow?"
Vic stopped in front of him.
"I don't know. But…I don't think we can rule out anything about anyone. Have you talked to Cady about continuing to help us with this?"
"No."
Vic bit the inside of her cheek.
"I'll talk to her tomorrow. Hopefully, she's agreeable to it. If she is…keep an eye on him."
Walt nodded.
"Sure."
Vic offered him a smile.
"Sorry the day got screwed up."
Walt smiled.
"That's okay. It was still a good day."
She stepped in closer to him.
"It was. Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me."
Vic rolled her eyes. He was so bad at taking compliments of any kind.
"Yeah, I do. There's…a lot going on right now. And…I wouldn't be able to do all of this without you."
He frowned.
"Vic…"
She shook her head, breaking into his thoughts.
"It's the truth, Walt. I admitted that you were right about taking the day off. So…just accept that I'm right about this."
He huffed out a quiet laugh, but didn't respond. Vic glanced over at the fire.
"Let's go to bed. Tomorrow is gonna suck."