Ch. 13: Disillusionment
"What happened to a couple more weeks?"
Cady looked up at Vic with a smile from the stack of paperwork on her desk. Leaning back in her chair, she watched as Vic hovered just inside her office door, leaning on the frame.
"Sitting at home was driving me crazy."
Vic gave her a knowing look.
"I know the feeling. You decide to just say screw it?"
Cady laughed.
"Not quite. I talked to my doctor and promised to only come in to the office. Nothing physical."
"Where's the fun in that?"
Cady shook her head.
"It will be a while for me."
Vic nodded and pushed off the door frame.
"How's the shoulder?"
Cady glanced at her shoulder.
"It still hurts some. My mobility is better. Hurts mostly in the morning or if I work it too hard. The doctor said some of that may not go away. Something about early onset arthritis."
Vic made a face.
"Awesome."
Walking in the rest of the way, she jutted her chin at the papers and files that littered Cady's desk.
"Catching up?"
"I'm trying to. But…a federal fugitive? That's something."
Vic nodded.
"Yeah, it's been crazy."
Cady gestured at the chair across from her desk.
"You got time?"
"Sure."
Vic took the seat and crossed her ankles, settling in to the chair.
"Has Colter been in this morning?"
"He has. He briefed me on his case. But…I want to hear yours."
Vic shifted around.
"Which part? I already told you the basics?"
"For starters, I understand you've been face to face with this guy…this Mason…twice."
Vic nodded.
"Yeah, the first time was when Colter, Walt, and I were searching…I told you about that. He just…came out of nowhere. He was armed. I was trying to talk him down, but Colter yelled and fucked it up."
Cady could hear the frustration in her words.
"He just called out?"
"Yep."
"That could've been dangerous. Mason could've been startled and fired at you."
Vic's chin dipped in agreement.
"He could have."
"But, he didn't?"
Vic shook her head.
"No. He didn't. After, all Colter wanted to know was why I didn't shoot him."
Cady's expression didn't waver.
"Why didn't you?"
Vic narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge Cady's angle.
"Because we need answers. If he's dead, we don't get them."
"Do you doubt this confession?"
Vic shrugged.
"Not necessarily. But…he's had two chances to have a go at me and he hasn't taken either one. That…tells me something."
"What?"
Vic smiled.
"Not sure. But…it doesn't feel right."
Cady nodded.
"You're right about that. So…yesterday…he showed up at the cabin?"
"Yes, he did. He walked up on me outside. I didn't see a weapon. He told me that we need to dig deeper to find the truth."
"Did he deny killing this young man?"
Vic shook her head.
"No."
Cady let out a breath, mulling over the information. After a few minutes, her expression shifted.
"How are you?"
"Okay."
Cady gave her a 'yeah right' look.
"Really, Vic. You've been carrying a lot."
Vic sighed.
"Yeah. It's…been hard. But…you're back now. So…maybe we can find some balance. We have a loan from Cumberland. Young guy. He's running patrols, taking basic calls. Might need him while Ferg is out."
Cady leaned forward, resting her arms on her desk.
"He called me this morning. Ferg. Said they're inducing Meg this afternoon."
Vic smiled a little.
"I'm sure that'll be a load off his mind. He's been worried."
Cady considered her.
"Things okay with you and dad?"
Vic tilted her head.
"That's out of left field."
Cady stood up and walked around her desk. Walking by Vic, she pushed the office door closed and ambled back to her desk, leaning on it and facing Vic.
"You've been stressed. That's not a secret. I know work has been a big part of that. But…is there more?"
Vic bit her bottom lip and eyed Cady. Her eyes dropped to her hands lying in her lap before she raised them. She hadn't really thought much about telling Cady all of her problems. But, Cady seemed intent. Vic inhaled deeply before she spoke.
"I found out that my dad has cancer."
Cady's eyes widened and something resembling pain crossed her face. Maybe some shared sense of déjà vu in thinking about her own mother's battle with the disease.
"I'm so sorry. Is it treatable?"
Vic pushed out a breath.
"To a degree. But…it's pancreatic and his prognosis isn't great. Not in the long term."
Cady's expression was somber.
"That's…I'm really sorry."
Vic flapped a hand at her.
"It's…okay. But…I will need some time off. When all of this is over. I need to go home and see him."
Cady nodded.
"Of course. Just…let me know when and how long."
Vic offered her a smile.
"Yeah. I have to finish this case first."
"I get that."
A knock on the door pulled their attention away from each other. A second later, the door opened and Walt's head appeared.
"Got a minute?"
Cady waved him in. Walt closed the door and crossed the office. He looked between the two of them.
"Everything alright?"
Cady nodded.
"Yeah, what's up?"
He gave Vic a quick look.
"I talked to someone I know at the FBI, someone that's proven trustworthy in the past."
"About Colter and Mason?"
Cady was looking for clarification.
"Yeah."
"And?"
Cady gave him an expectant look.
"He can't find anything."
Cady glanced at Vic and back to Walt.
"Nothing?"
Walt shook his head.
"No. Nothing stands out. There's some…basic work history and personal information."
Walt paused.
"But…he also said there were gaps."
Vic frowned.
"Gaps?"
"Yeah. Chunks of time that are unaccounted for as far as work."
Vic looked dubious.
"For both of them?"
"Yep. And…it coincides."
Cady shook her head.
"That's…what does that mean?"
Walt turned to her.
"Vance said it could mean they were working on something together. Undercover. Or…not common knowledge."
Vic pushed out a breath of frustration.
"Like…blacked out?"
Walt nodded in her direction.
"More or less. He didn't want to push too far. He doesn't want to raise any red flags. I doubt the Marshals would be thrilled with the idea of an FBI agent running checks on their people."
"Damn it. This whole thing reeks of…I don't even know."
Walt nodded and turned to Cady.
"I was hoping for more."
Cady dismissed the apologetic look he gave her.
"So…we'll just have to go with our gut on this one."
She redirected her attention to Vic.
"What's your gut telling you?"
"Not to trust either of them."
She paused. Cady honed in on her.
"What?"
Vic met Cady's eyes at the prodding.
"Mason said that everything wasn't what it seemed. That…seems to be the one true thing in all of this."
xxx
"So…how is she really?"
Walt sipped from his glass of iced tea. He and Cady sat in the Busy Bee, lunch in front of them.
"Vic?"
There wasn't anyone else she could mean.
"Yes. She told me about her father."
Walt gave his food a thoughtful look before he answered carefully.
"She's working through some things."
Cady picked up her own glass and swirled the water around, ice clinking together.
"I didn't mean to overload her at the office."
Walt shook his head.
"Couldn't be helped. That's not all of it, anyway. There's just…several things hitting her at once."
Cady eyed him, wondering about his vagueness.
"The two of you are…doing okay?"
Walt nodded.
"We're fine. Taking yesterday off was good for her. Until…Mason showed up at the cabin."
"I'm glad she took some time for herself. She pushes herself too hard. She's like you that way."
A smile pulled at his lips.
"She does. But…that's how she handles problems. By…pushing through them."
It was an understatement and he knew it. Cady probably knew it. That was certainly what Vic did when faced with an obstacle. She pushed and she pushed hard. Driven by a fear that stopping might mean she never got started again. Most people didn't realize how deeply she felt things. Loss. How she could get mired down in that feeling if she didn't keep moving. Cady also didn't know about the baby. That was Vic's decision. It was one he questioned on occasion. But, Vic was always adamant about not wanting her personal life all over the office. She didn't want pity or sad looks or condolences. She simply wanted to go on.
That wasn't always the healthiest approach. But, Walt didn't have much room to talk on that subject and Vic would be the first one to point that out. In the end, it was her choice and he really couldn't fault her for it. He was also a private person, not wanting the intrusive questions that came along with what he considered oversharing. So, he abided by her wishes and kept the information close to his chest.
What Vic chose to share with others, or what she chose to keep to herself, was something only she could decide. He hadn't mentioned to Cady about Victor's illness because it wasn't his place or his story to share.
"So…she's going to Philadelphia?"
The question snapped Walt back into the moment.
"At some point."
Cady nodded and used her fork to push her food around.
"She says she wants to finish this case first."
"She mentioned that. I think…she feels a sense of responsibility to this young man."
Cady sighed glumly.
"Understandable."
She fell quiet for a moment before she let her fork come to rest on the plate.
"So…you two are good?"
Walt gave her a questioning look.
"You already asked me that."
She smiled a little.
"I know. But…you've both seemed…a little tense lately. I just…if something is going on…you can talk to me."
A hundred things were going on. Vic's father. This case. Colter. Mason. The pressure from the Mayor. Julia Corbitt and her determined focus on Walt. Several of them were things he didn't have a desire to discuss with his daughter.
"We're fine, Cady."
Cady shook her head.
"An open book as always."
He offered her a conciliatory smile.
"There are issues that I can't discuss with you, Punk. You know that. Some things are private."
She pressed her lips together and her eyes held his.
"Fair enough. So…how has it been coming to the office and working a case?"
The subject change was welcome.
"Different."
Cady sighed and shook her head.
"You and your answers. It's always so enlightening to talk to you."
All he could do was smile.
She wasn't wrong.
xxx
"Hey, Vic. Do you have a minute?"
Vic paused on her way through the office when she heard Cady call through her open office door. Vic stopped in the doorway.
"Need me?"
Cady nodded and gestured for her to come in.
"Yes. Come in. Close the door."
Vic gave her a long look before she did as Cady asked. Pushing the door closed, she took a few steps in and paused.
"What's going on?"
Cady waved at a chair.
"Sit."
Vic shook her head at the invitation.
"I'm good. So…?"
Cady shifted in her seat.
"I talked to the Mayor after I had lunch with dad."
Vic nearly groaned out loud. She managed to keep the reaction internal, but figured it was written across her face anyway.
"How in the hell did he find out you were back that fast?"
Cady nearly cracked a smile at the question.
"I had…four messages from him. I called him."
Vic nodded, her jaw set.
"I guess he gave you an ear full."
"He did. So…sit. Let's talk."
Vic sighed.
"Cady…"
"Sit, Vic."
Vic moved around and took the seat, sitting up straight and meeting Cady's eyes.
"Okay. I'm sitting. So…you wanted to talk. Talk."
Cady's eyes widened.
"Wow. You…what's wrong?"
Vic gave her a confused look.
"What do you mean what's wrong. You said you talked to the Mayor. I know what he said. He told me already. So…just get it over with if you want to lecture me. I have other things to do."
Cady was clearly taken aback by Vic's sudden defensiveness.
"You really don't like him, do you?"
Vic shrugged.
"Not really. But, the feeling is mutual."
"Do you want to know what he said?"
"I'm guessing that I'm a pain in the ass."
That time, Cady did smile.
"That was the gist of it. But, he used words like insubordinate and difficult. Nothing new to you, I assume."
Vic smiled wryly.
"You assume correctly."
Cady moved in her seat, her blue eyes on Vic.
"So, what's your side?"
Vic slumped a little in her chair.
"He kept wanting reports on this case. This unsolved case. I told him… and his people that the Sheriff's Department doesn't report to the mayor's office."
Cady nodded slowly.
"Which is correct. What people?"
"What?"
Cady had honed in on something.
"You said his people. Who else did you talk to?"
Vic pressed her lips together and gave Cady a long, unreadable look before she answered.
"His…press person. Whatever the hell she is. She's been by here a few times delivering messages for the Mayor."
Cady cocked her head.
"You don't like her either."
"No. I don't."
Th answer came fast enough to clue Cady in on something.
"Why?"
Vic's jaw tightened.
"Cady, if you're gonna lecture me about being a team player, let's just go ahead with it."
Cady shook her head.
"No, that's not what I was going to say. I told him the same thing. That we don't comment on investigations. I told him I can offer him a briefing after the case is solved. But, right now, we're keeping everything close. But…why does this agitate you so much? Did something else happen?"
Cady leaned forward, her eyes bouncing from Vic to the door and back.
"Vic?"
"It's personal."
Cady frowned.
"That's the second time I've heard that today. It might be personal, but if it's bleeding into work, then it's not as personal as you think. What's going on?"
She could see Cady trying to connect the dots that were scattered around with no coherent pattern. Vic lowered her eyes before raising them.
"I would really rather not talk to you about this."
Cady shrugged.
"Maybe…talk to me as your friend and not as the Sheriff."
Vic glanced around.
"In your office."
Cady smiled.
"I already had lunch with dad and we're not supposed to drink on duty. So, we can't chat over a beer."
It was an attempt at levity. Vic gave her a weak smile.
"It's…it really is personal Cady. I'm not just saying that."
Cady gave her an understanding look.
"I believe you. But…if it's affecting you here, it's relevant. Plus, I'm a little worried about you. I talked to dad at lunch and he was pretty tight lipped. But…you both seem…it's hard to describe."
"We're okay."
Cady didn't look convinced despite Vic's insistence.
"That's what you both keep saying."
Vic's knee bounced restlessly. Cady stood up and came around the desk. Leaning on it directly in front of Vic, she braced her palms on the flat surface.
"Talk to me. Please."
Vic sighed and pressed one hand on her leg to stop its continuous motion. Cady could see her reluctance eroding a bit.
"It's this woman."
She started slowly. Cady frowned.
"What woman?"
Her words were sharp.
"The one who works for the Mayor."
Understanding crossed Cady's face and a piece of the puzzle fell into place.
"Right. What about her?"
Vic stood up, unable to sit any longer.
"She knows Walt from…a long time ago."
Cady's expression shifted.
"Knows as in…they dated?"
Vic shook her head.
"No. But…she's been…"
Vic paused.
"…coming on to him. Strongly."
Cady stared at her, taking in her words and looking a bit baffled at the information she was being handed.
"He's married."
Vic smiled at the obviousness in the comment.
"Yeah, I know he's married."
Cady shook her head and laughed. Taking a breath, she grew serious again.
"What do you mean exactly?"
Vic ran a hand across her ponytail.
"I mean what I said."
Cady stumbled over a breath.
"But…I mean…he's…you're…"
Vic cut in.
"She knows and she doesn't care."
Cady sighed.
"Where? When did this happen?"
Vic bit her lip.
"I don't want to get into all that. Not here."
Cady nodded, understanding crossing her face.
"Vic, dad wouldn't."
The statement was both complete and incomplete.
"I know."
Vic's answer came quick.
"So…are you mad at him or something?"
"No. It's just…this on top of everything else. She's…she doesn't seem to get the word no."
Cady eyed her.
"Have you said anything to her?"
Vic gave her a smile.
"You know I have."
Cady frowned.
"That's…incredibly unprofessional for someone who works for the Mayor."
"Yeah."
Cady considered her.
"Do you want me to talk to her boss?"
Cady ventured the question carefully. Vic gave her a sharp look.
"What?"
"If it were someone who works for me, I would want to know. I can talk to him. Ask him to reign her in."
Vic frowned.
"No, that's…that's you talking to him about a woman who is trying to get your father into bed."
Cady scrunched up her nose at the thought.
"You don't have to say it like that."
"But, that's what it is. There's no other way to frame it. That's hellishly awkward."
Cady sighed.
"Yeah, but…she works for the leader of our town. That's just…it's not cool."
Vic laughed at the uncharacteristic phrase.
"Right. Very not cool."
Vic shook her head and the smile on her face faded.
"I can handle this. We…Walt and I can handle this. He would probably flip his shit if he even knew I told you. So, no, don't go to the Mayor. Just…let me deal with it."
Cady gave her a skeptical look.
"At some point, you're going to…flip your own shit. Then what?"
All Vic could do was sigh and shrug.
xxx
"Hey, we just got a possible sighting of Finn Mason over near the high school."
Vic leaned back in her chair as Cady came out of her office.
"The high school? Who called it in?"
"An administrator. Some students…girls saw a man lurking."
"Lurking?"
Cady smiled.
"His words."
Cady glanced around.
"Where is Colter?"
Vic nodded at the window.
"He went outside. Want me to grab him on my way out?"
"Yes, please. I'll try and call dad and send him your way just in case this turns into a search."
Vic nodded as she stood up and pulled her jacket free from her chair.
"Okay. We'll check it out."
Vic slid her jacket on and zipped it up on her way to the door.
"Be careful."
Vic pulled the door open.
"I will."
On the sidewalk, she found Colter with his phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He dropped it on the pavement and ground it in with his foot when he saw her. Vic paused, her eyes on him.
"I didn't know you smoked."
He gave her a sheepish look.
"Trying to quit."
Vic gestured.
"There's a trashcan three feet to your right."
He looked down at the cigarette butt and up to Vic.
"Right."
Picking it up, he tossed it in the trash and swiped his hand over his pants. Vic started for her truck.
"C'mon, we're going to school."
He jogged a few steps to catch up with her.
"What?"
Vic pulled open the door of her truck.
"Get in. We got a call about Mason possibly being at the high school."
Colter climbed in and pulled his door closed.
"The high school?"
Vic started the engine and pulled out.
"Yep."
She steered her truck through town, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel.
"So…what's he like?"
"Finn?"
"Yeah. You know him, right?"
Colter turned his eyes towards the window.
"I do. Or…I thought I did."
"So? What's he like?"
Colter was quiet for a minute, considering his answer.
"He's a quiet guy. But…intense. Or, he can be. He's uh…he's into outdoor activities. Hiking. Camping."
Vic nodded.
"Figures."
Colter looked her way.
"He likes to challenge himself. It's what makes him good at his job. Before all of this, anyway."
Vic glanced his way.
"Any family?"
"None that he talks about."
"Girlfriend?"
"No. I guess he's a loner."
Vic shook her head as the school came into view. Pulling into the lot, she parked and slid out, removing her sunglasses and hanging them on her shirt. A trio of girls were hanging out near the front entrance. When they saw Vic and Colter, they started their way at a slow pace. Vic's boots scuffled over loose dirt as she came to a stop in front of them. One of the girls, a blond, spoke up.
"You guys from the Sheriff Department?"
Vic nodded.
"Yeah. Deputy Moretti. This is…"
He smiled and broke in.
"Colter."
Vic turned her focus back to the girls.
"Can you tell me what you saw?"
The same blond nodded.
"Yeah, we saw a guy hanging out over by the trees."
She lifted her hand and pointed.
"He was…just watching. But…he uh…he looked like the guy that's been on the news."
Vic gave Colter a quick look. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Finn Mason. Holding it up, he pressed on.
"This the guy?"
All three girls nodded almost in unison.
"Yeah. That's him."
Colter put the picture away.
"Did he approach anyone or…?"
The girl shook her head.
"Not that I saw. It was creepy the way he was just standing there. You know?"
Vic nodded and took a step back.
"Thanks."
She stepped away and turned to Colter.
"Let's have a look."
xxx
Walt was driving when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the number quickly. He couldn't take credit for the contacts list on his phone. It was Vic who flopped on the couch one night, his phone in hand, muttering about being tired of him not knowing who was calling.
Cady.
Walt brought the phone to his ear.
"Hey, Punk."
"Hey, dad, are you in town?"
"Headed home. Why?"
"Vic and Colter are at the high school checking out a possible sighting of Mason. Can you go over there in case they need help with a search? I can't spare Zach right now."
Walt glanced around and pulled off on the shoulder of the road, turning around, he started back towards Durant.
"On my way."
"Thanks."
She ended the call. Walt shifted in his seat as his foot pressed harder on the gas pedal. It would take him some time to get to the school. He was almost home when Cady called him. His mind started to spin with possibilities Why would Finn Mason be at the high school? Recruiting maybe.
Walt shook his head. The man seemed smarter than that based on the little that Walt knew about him. He was a US Marshal. He seemed to know his way around Absaroka County and he seemed quite adept at giving the authorities the slip so far.
There were also his words to Vic about digging deeper and things not being what they seemed. He was hopeful that Vance would be able to offer up some clarity. But, that only got the waters murkier. Walt glanced at the watch on his wrist. If Vic and Colter were already searching when he got there, he might need to look for them before Mason.
Scenery flew by as Walt neared Durant. He slowed his speed through town and eased into the high school parking lot. He parked beside Vic's truck. Pulling out his phone, he had it dial up her number. Walt got out as the phone started to ring. It took two full rings before she answered.
"Hey."
She knew it was him. She usually did.
"I'm here. Where are you?"
A beat of quiet passed. In the background, he could hear low talking. Colter more than likely.
"Behind the school. We found some prints."
Walt started that way as he talked to her.
"You think they're Mason's?"
In reality, they had no way of knowing that for sure.
"No way to know for sure. But, this is the area he was seen in. These are the only prints back here."
Walt picked up his pace.
"I'm coming your way."
He ended the call and slid the phone into the pocket of his coat.
xxx
Vic could feel Colter off to her side. He was walking along beside her with his eyes cast down to the ground looking for any more prints that matched the ones they found in the loose dirt near the edge of the woods.
"How long you been married?"
Vic looked up at the sudden question.
"What?"
He offered her a smile.
"Just…making conversation."
Vic shook her head and focused her attention back on the ground.
"Make conversation about something else."
She heard him laugh.
"Okay. I was married once. It didn't end well. Haven't been brave enough to try it again."
Vic glanced up.
"I know the feeling."
She paused and knelt down.
"But…you can't go through life afraid of being happy. If you do, you won't be."
Vic traced her fingers over the dirt, trying to keep her mind on what was in front of her.
"He definitely came this way."
She stood up and wiped her hand on her jeans. Colter was watching her.
"I'm guessing this isn't your first marriage."
Vic gave him a look.
"You're the one who keeps saying you looked me up."
"Only in a professional capacity, Deputy. Can I call you Vic? Deputy seems so…formal?"
Vic shrugged.
"I don't care."
He looked around at their surroundings.
"Not much back here. Bet kids come this way and cut class. Maybe that's what he's after. Maybe he's still looking for people for Cameron. Kids not wanting to be at school might be the perfect target."
Vic took a few more steps and stopped.
"He knows we're looking for him. He's law enforcement. He probably knows we sent Zach and Ferg to search the camp after he turned up missing. That would be incredibly reckless. That's…not really the vibe I get from him."
Colter looked her way.
"What kind of vibe do you get?"
"That he's up to something different than helping Cameron."
Vic heard heavy footfalls behind her and turned to see Walt coming towards them. She stuffed her hands into her pockets and waited for him to get to them. He nodded to Colter and his eyes fell on Vic. She pulled her right hand from her pocket and pointed.
"You see the prints?"
Walt nodded.
"Yep. You find any more"
She looked at the ground.
"Here."
Walt knelt down and looked.
"They're definitely the same. Good chance he's long gone."
Vic met his eyes.
"Maybe. I want to look around anyway."
Walt looked to Colter.
"Want to split up?"
Colter nodded.
"Sure. You guys go through here and I'll take this way."
He pointed. Vic looked his way.
"Call me if you find anything. Don't yell."
He held her eyes for a minute before walking off. Walt fell into step beside her. For a bit, they walked in silence, merely looking. Searching. After a while, Walt reached out and touched her arm. Vic turned her head.
"Find something?"
Walt stepped in close to her.
"I would rather you didn't go off with Colter alone."
Vic made a face.
"Why? I've been alone with him a lot."
Walt shook his head.
"I just…he's giving me a bad feeling, Vic."
"You find out something I should know?"
"No, I just…the holes in his background. I don't trust him."
Vic looked away and started to walk again.
"I don't trust him either. But, I can't request a baby-sitter every time we go out, Walt. You know that. I don't need a baby-sitter. I can take care of myself."
He sighed. Same story. Different day.
"I know that."
She stopped walking again.
"And, he's a US Marshal. He could take over this whole investigation if he really wanted to. So, we got to play ball some here. I can't just tell him I don't trust him and I don't want to be alone with him. That's weird."
Walt shook his head.
"Forget I said anything."
She inhaled and pushed out the breath.
"Don't be like that. I hear what you're saying. I don't disagree with you. But…I have a job to do."
She started to walk again when Walt's hand reached out and caught her arm.
"What…"
"Look."
He gestured and Vic followed his line of sight. There, deeper into the cover of the trees, was a blue tent. Vic studied the tent and took a step that way.
"Doesn't look like it's been here long."
Walt shook his head. Vic's hand moved to her holster and she slid her Glock free.
"Sheriff's Department."
She issued the warning in a clear voice that Walt was very familiar with. She gave him a quick look and took another step towards the tent.
"Sheriff's Department. Come out."
That time, tent moved. Vic's hand tightened on her weapon. The sound of the zipper being pulled slowly met their ears.
"Don't shoot."
The voice wasn't that of Finn Mason. It was a female voice. Vic waited with Walt crowding in just over her shoulder. The flap of the tent opened and a young woman started to slowly crawl out. Vic's eyes widened when the girl straightened up, on her feet, and she was looking into the wide eyes of the missing Grace.
xxx
"Grace, you have to tell us what's going on here."
The rattled looking teenager sat in a chair in Cady's office. Both Vic and Cady stood over near the desk. Walt and Colter were both out in the main office waiting. Colter wasn't pleased when Cady asked him to stay outside, but Grace's unease around men was more than a little obvious and it was her request to only speak to Cady and Vic.
She shifted in her chair and moved her eyes from Cady to Vic. Vic moved her weight from one foot to the other. She recognized the scared look on Grace's face as similar to the night she showed up and provided them with Nate's identity.
"How well do you know Finn Mason?"
Grace shook her head.
"I already told you. I only know him from the camp. We weren't what you would call friends. He's…quiet and keeps to himself."
Vic didn't know whether or not to believe the girl. It was entirely possible that she was trying to protect him. Or just herself. Or, she could be telling them the truth. Vic was inclined to believe the girl thought she was protecting something. But, who knew what or who that might actually be?
Vic sighed.
"So, you want us to believe it's a coincidence that he was spotted in the same area where you were hiding in a tent."
Grace merely shrugged. Vic looked at Cady, who was watching the scene unfold with clear interest. She moved closer to Grace. The motion seemed to make the teenager more uncomfortable than she already was.
"Listen, we're not trying to get you into trouble. But, this man is wanted for questioning involving your friend Nate."
Grace narrowed her eyes.
"You think he hurt Nate?"
Cady was careful with her words.
"We believe that it's possible. And, we need to talk to him."
A tear slid down Grace's cheek. Cady reached out and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Why were you behind the school?"
Grace looked up and swiped at the tear.
"I…I have a friend who goes there. She's…been bringing me food. Some."
Vic gave Grace a long look.
"Have you been eating regularly?"
A shrug was the only answer. Vic met Cady's eyes and gave her head a barely perceptible shake. Cady smiled gently.
"Are you hungry?"
Grace nodded wordlessly. Cady tipped her head indicating for Vic to follow her out of the office. Vic gave Grace a quick look before she trailed Cady to the door and stepped out. Cady pulled the door closed behind her.
"I'm gonna walk over to the Busy Bee and get her something to eat. She looks like she hasn't eaten or slept. Or bathed in a while. See if you can get through to her."
Vic nodded.
"Sounds good."
Cady hurried off and Vic walked back into the office, pulling the door closed behind her. She partially sat on Cady's desk, facing the young woman in front of her.
"Grace, look at me."
Grace raised her face and her eyes met Vic's. Vic held the eye contact.
"You helped me before when you gave me Nate's name. I know that you're scared of something. I can see that. We can keep you safe. But, only if you tell us what is going on. Who are you so afraid of?"
All she got in return was a stare. Vic sighed.
"Grace, are you afraid of Cam?"
Grace shook her head.
"No."
"Finn? Has he done something to you?"
Something crossed Grace's expression before she again shook her head.
"No."
Vic tilted her head.
"You said that Finn isn't your friend. But, that's not true, is it?"
Grace just shook her head.
"I just want to go."
"You can't. We can hold you. And we will."
The comment earned her a bewildered look.
"For what? I didn't hurt anyone."
"We don't know that and you won't cooperate."
Grace let out a breath of frustration.
"I'm just…really tired."
Vic nodded slowly.
"Okay. Sheriff Longmire went to get you some dinner. We're gonna keep you here tonight. You'll be safe here. You can get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow, you'll feel a little more conversational."
Vic pushed off the desk and took her arm.
"C'mon."
Grace went with her without comment. Vic led her to the cell and closed the door behind her with a clang. Colter was on his feet, pacing.
"Can I question her now?"
Vic turned around.
"Let her get some food and sleep first. She's…she needs some time."
He gave Vic a sharp look.
"You know she could be a suspect."
"Yeah, I know."
"So, I want to question her."
Vic folded her arms across her chest.
"Tomorrow."
Colter ran his hand over his hair.
"Deputy…"
Vic shook her head.
"You don't like it, take it up with the Sheriff. Not me. This kid…"
Her eyes drifted to Grace, who was sitting on the cot.
"…needs a break."
He bowed up.
"I don't need your permission."
Vic shrugged.
"I know that. But, I'm hoping you'll prove you're a decent human being and wait until in the morning."
He looked between Vic and the cell with an unhappy expression.
"Fine."
He sounded pissed, but Vic didn't care. He wasn't the only person she'd pissed off lately. Why stop now?
"Thank you."
He shot her a look.
"I'll head to my hotel for the night. Be back early."
Vic smiled a smile that wasn't genuine.
"Looking forward to it"
He collected his things and left the office. Walt was sitting at her desk. He looked up as she slowly walked up to him.
"Another fan, I see."
Vic shrugged.
"Can't please everyone. Why try?"
She looked at the time.
"When Cady comes back, I can go. She's staying tonight."
Walt nodded and stood up.
"Anyone hear from Ferg?"
Vic shook her head.
"Don't know. Haven't had time to ask."
Walt reached out and picked up his hat from where it rested on her desk. Turning the brim around in his hands, he glanced at the cell.
"Do you need me?"
Vic shook her head.
"No, why?"
He waved his hat towards the door.
"I'll gonna go. I'll pick us up some dinner on my way."
Vic nodded.
"Okay. I'll see you at home."
He reached out and brushed his hand over hers as he walked by her and towards the door.
As soon as the door closed, Vic sat down at her desk and leaned back in her chair. It had been a long day and she was ready for it to be over. On the bright side, Grace was here now. Her disappearance worried Vic and left her wondering if the girl met with a similar fate as Nate Bradley.
At the very least, the girl was alive. For the moment, she was safe.
For now, that was something.
Cady was back in an official capacity. That was a load off her mind. She could focus on her job and not worry so much about spreading herself so thin. She didn't mind filling in for Cady when the circumstances arose. But, toss in everything else that was rolling around inside of her mind, and it was one more burden she had to deal with.
Vic shook the thoughts loose from her mind. There was still a host of unanswered questions about this case. But, they had Grace now and there was a possibility that she might give them something yet. Vic knew better than to ger her hopes up too far. But, this was the most they had on this case since the first time she talked to Grace and got Nate's whole name and the ability to contact her family.
Once Cady came back with dinner for Grace, she could go home for the night. She might even get some sleep for a change.
Maybe.