Ch. 3 Embers
Vic breezed into the Red Pony and headed for the bar. The late lunch crowd was light today. Unzipping her duty jacket, she shrugged it off and laid it on the barstool to one side. Sitting down, she smiled at the familiar face of the bar tender. He was a middle aged Cheyenne man that Henry had hired to oversee the place following his move to the casino. His thin, wiry frame hid a deceptive strength Vic had seen him use breaking up bar fights. Vic didn't know his last name, but everyone called him Tom. His long, dark hair was pulled into a thick braid that fell halfway down his back.
"Good afternoon, Deputy."
He tossed a dish towel over the shoulder of his dark blue shirt and approached her with his usual look of friendliness. Vic's hand rested on the bar and she leaned forward.
"Hey, Tom."
He eyed her.
"You look like you've had a helluva day."
Vic's smile widened.
"You could say that."
"Beer?"
Vic shook her head.
"Not while I'm on duty. Just ice water, please. And a BLT. No mayo."
He nodded.
"Sure. Fries?"
"Nah, just the sandwich."
He placed a glass of water in front of her and headed for the kitchen.
"Sure thing, deputy."
Vic watched him vanish into the kitchen. Sipping her water, she looked around the bar. She was the only patron sitting at the actual bar. A few others were scattered at various tables around the dimly lit room. For once, the noise level was low.
Vic turned her attention back to her water. Pulling out her phone, she tapped her weather app and let her eyes run down the five day forecast. There would not be a let up from the cold. But, at least the snow was over for now. A couple of fresh inches had fallen overnight.
Vic looked up as Tom came through the door carrying a plate with her lunch on it. He set in front of her with a smile and slid it carefully across the bar. Vic set her phone on the bar beside the plate.
"Here you go."
Vic's stomach rumbled as the smell of bacon hit her senses.
"Thanks."
Tom lingered for a few seconds.
"Need anything else?"
Vic shook her head.
"No. I'm good."
"Alright, then. Holler if you need me."
He left her alone with her food and returned to the task of wiping down the bar and setting out clean glasses. Vic took a bite of her sandwich and nearly sighed. It was good. Henry had taught the man well and he seemed to know the tricks of the trade.
In her conversation with Tom, she hadn't noticed the man who pushed slowly through the swinging doors. He stopped just inside and his eyes scanned the bar in what was clearly a practiced move.
"Is this seat taken?"
Vic was startled by the gravelly voice beside her. She turned and looked up at the man who was talking to her. H was clearly indicating the empty stool on the side of her not occupied by her jacket. Vic's eyes met his and she shook her head.
"No."
She turned her attention back to her lunch as the man shed his own, worn coat and removed his hat. He tossed it on the bar and sat down, running his fingers through his dark, yet graying hair. Noticing the man, Tom appeared. Vic had gone back to eating and looking at her phone. She vaguely heard the man order a beer, which appeared in bottle form quickly.
Out of her peripheral, she could tell that he was looking at her without trying to be obvious. Vic kept her attention on her food and on her phone. Finally, he spoke.
"What's uh…what's good here?"
Vic glanced at him.
"Don't order pizza."
He smiled, revealing stained teeth that clearly needed some work.
"Right. Your sandwich good?"
Vic nodded.
"Yeah. The burgers are good, too."
She looked away and finished off her sandwich, while he waved Tom over and ordered one. Vic noticed Tom's eyes flick between the two of them before he turned and walked away. Draining her water glass, she swiped a napkin across her mouth and tossed it onto her plate. He was still studying her and it was starting to annoy her.
"If you don't mind…you don't sound like you're from these parts. I'm new in town myself."
Vic glanced at the time on her phone and slid off the stool, shoving the phone into her back pocket. His eyes ran down her before shifting back up to her face. Were she not in uniform, she would have told him to 'fuck off' and be done with it. Vic sighed at his annoying persistence.
"I'm not in the habit of giving out personal information."
His eyes came to rest on her badge.
"Can't say that I blame you in your line of work."
Something in the way he said it gave her an odd feeling. Almost like he noticed it, he smiled in an attempt to lighten the moment. He tapped his fingers on the bar.
"I don't really know anyone. Maybe I'll see you around. Buy you a drink."
Vic was pulling on her jacket and zipping it.
"I don't think so."
He held her eyes.
"Let me guess…a woman pretty as you isn't single. Right?"
Vic merely shook her head as she pulled a knit hat from her pocket and tugged it on. Without replying, she looked over the bar at Tom who was approaching with the man's food and offered him a wave.
"See you, Tom."
He smiled.
"Be careful out there, Deputy."
She dipped her chin down and left the bar.
xxx
Will watched her leave. It didn't surprise him how well guarded she was. Occupational hazard for the police he imagined. He was curious about her. About her relationship with Walt. He never had much luck with the ladies himself. And it had been a long time since one really caught his eye.
"Here you go."
He heard the clatter of a plate and turned to see the bartender watching him closely. It was clear the man didn't trust him. Not that he cared.
"Thanks. How about another beer. I don't believe I've ever seen a cop look quite like that one."
It probably wasn't the smartest comment, but it was out before he thought twice. So he merely carried on. The bartender slid his beer over and shook his head.
"Don't bother, friend. "
Will gave him a half smile.
"You know her?"
The man shrugged and retrieved Vic's plate and glass. The bartender she called Tom didn't seem any more eager to answer his questions than the object of his curiosity.
"She single?"
Tom turned to leave, clearly dismissing the man and his questions.
"Like I said. Don't bother."
With that, he carried the dirty dishes off, leaving Will alone at the bar. Will ate his sandwich in silence. He had originally come here simply to eat. He had been taken aback when he pushed through the doors to see her sitting there. He debated whether or not to risk talking to her. But, so far no one had recognized him. And he knew she wouldn't have a clue who he was. He could tell by her accent she wasn't from Durant or even Wyoming. If he knew her name, he could go to the library and run it through an internet search to see if something came up. Finding information now was so much easier than it was in his younger days. Back then, you had to work for it.
Clearly, she and Walt frequented this place quite a bit. That was twice now he had seen one or both of them here. Finishing off his lunch, he dropped enough cash on the bar to cover his meal and grabbed his hat and coat. Pulling them both on, he left the bar and stepped out into the frosty afternoon.
Looking around, he walked slowly to his tired looking pickup. Sliding behind the wheel, he started the engine and pulled out. Lost in his thoughts, he drove the familiar roads and parked near the Sheriff's Department. Will tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. He was taking quite a risk here. But, nothing was ever gained without risk. That was one thing he knew for sure.
Leaving his truck, he pulled his cap low on his head and ducked his face down against the cold. He crossed the street and pulled open the door. The chances were good she hadn't come directly here. He knew the number of deputies here tended to be sparse. It usually was. She would be out patrolling or something, more than likely. He would think of something to tell them. He always did.
His boots echoed on the stairs as he pushed ahead, hoping his idea didn't backfire. He paused just outside the door and looked. A slow smile spread across his face. It was like they were doing his work for him. There on a board were the names of the current sheriff and three deputies. The bartender had referred to her as "Deputy" and there was only one female listed as a deputy.
His eyes moved over the name. Victoria Moretti. Sounded Italian or something. Glancing around, he saw he was still alone. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he started back down the stairs. Just as he reached the door, it opened. A young man walked in dressed in the same uniform shirt as Victoria Moretti. Will met his gaze with a quick nod and pushed past him, never giving the man a chance to really see him or ask him anything.
Now he had a name to go with the face.
xxx
"She needs a name."
Vic leaned on the stall door and looked over it at the mare. She seemed content to merely eat as Walt looked over her foot. He looked up at Vic.
"You pick one. I'm not much for names."
Vic snorted.
"Obviously. You call your other horse…horse. I bet if you had a dog, you would call it Dog."
Walt smiled.
"What's wrong with that?"
The question earned him a well-deserved eye roll.
"It's not a name."
Walt stood up and wiped off his jeans.
"What do you want to call her?"
Vic shook her head.
"Don't know. I'll have to think about it. How is she?"
Walt nodded.
"Seems to be comfortable. The vet think we caught it early enough to treat it. She won't be winning any races, but she'll be content."
He patted the old mare's side as he made his way to the door. Vic stepped back as he came through, closed, and secured it. He turned to study the horse. Her coat was a chestnut color. Once upon a time, she would have been a looker. But older age and not the greatest care had taken their toll. He reckoned in time the condition of her skin and coat would improve with some good food and brushing.
"She's very docile."
Vic nodded.
"Yeah, I noticed that. She's sweet."
The two of them left the barn and started back to the house. Walt glanced at Vic.
"How was your day? Anything interesting happen?"
Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. It was the same basic conversation they had most nights.
"Not really. Work was kinda boring."
They reached the cabin and started up the steps.
"Oh…some guy at the Red Pony was hitting on me."
They paused inside the door to remove their coats and boots. Walt took hers and hung it up, looking at her over his shoulder.
"Hit on you?"
She nodded.
"Yeah."
"Someone you've seen before?"
Vic shook her head.
"No, never seen him. He said he was new in town. But…who knows. Some guys will say anything."
Walt trailed her to the couch and sat down. Vic angled herself and leaned back against him.
"Right."
He could see the smile on her face.
"Don't worry. He was…"
She paused briefly.
"…he looked like he's had a shitty life."
It was nothing new to Walt. Vic attracted men. He knew that before he ever kissed her the first time. Hell, she attracted him. It wasn't unusual for men of almost any age to make remarks or outright hit on her, even when Walt was with her. It rarely bothered him. It only bothered him if it bothered her, which almost never happened. He knew that Vic was more than capable of handling almost any half-drunk cowboy who crossed her path. On the chance that she needed him, he was more than willing to step in if asked.
For whatever reason, she chose him. She continued to choose him on a daily basis. For that, he was grateful. One of the things that surprised him the most about Vic was that she could be unsure of herself. Despite all the attention she was capable of attracting from the opposite sex, her own view of herself was quite different. Underneath all the bravado and the language, she was actually very sensitive. It was one of the things Walt loved about her. That layer underneath. The one he got to see when they were alone. The part of herself that she only allowed him to see.
"What did he say?"
"Nothing too exciting. He was just…asking questions. You know what I mean?"
He nodded a little.
"Yeah."
Vic flapped a hand.
"Anyway, it just goes to show how boring my day really was. That was the most exciting thing that happened."
Walt tilted his face and pressed his mouth against her hair.
"You know, if your day had been exciting, you would complain about that, too."
Vic elbowed him in the stomach.
"You are a smartass."
He smiled.
"I've had a good teacher."
Vic sat forward slightly and looked back at him.
"Wow, you're just on a roll tonight. Maybe I need to go find my new friend and see if he's nicer."
Walt smiled.
"You do that."
She returned his smile with an eye roll.
"Enough about my day. How was yours?"
Walt shrugged.
"Only interesting thing I did was talk to the vet. I suppose we're boring."
Vic studied him.
"Do you really think that?"
Walt's face registered clear amusement with the question.
"Is boring bad?"
"I don't know. Just seems like we're stupid dull these days. No mob bosses to hunt down. No conspiracies to expose. You're the one who brought it up."
Walt laughed quietly.
"And you're complaining?"
Vic grinned and shook her head.
"No. All of those things sucked."
He was watching her closely. Vic tilted her head.
"What?"
He asked his next question before thinking it through.
"Are you bored?"
Vic looked puzzled, not fully understanding what he was asking her.
"Am I bored? Now?"
Walt shook his head.
"No…in general. With me."
Vic's mouth dropped open slightly and her eyes widened. Walt regretted even giving a voice to such a doubt based on her expression.
"What? No. You are not dull or boring or anything else that fits that description. You never have been."
Walt nodded, still watching her.
"Okay."
Vic narrowed her eyes, her surprise giving way to frustration.
"You don't believe me."
Walt shrugged with a tired sigh.
"Well…things have been mundane lately. Even work has been quiet for you."
Vic blew a half laugh out.
"Which will change. And when it does, I'll miss the mundaneness. If that's even a word. What on earth brought this up? Your retirement? I thought…that you were happy."
The conversation was rapidly spiraling to a place he never intended for it to go. Walt's expression softened at the obvious concern in her voice.
"I am."
Her eyes were on him and sharp, not giving him any room to hide or withdraw, which they both knew he could be guilty of.
"Walt, if something is wrong…"
He shook his head and pulled her to him.
"I shouldn't have said anything. Nothing is wrong. I've had enough…excitement to last me the rest of my life. And…I am happy. Everything I want is…right here."
Vic still seemed unsettled despite his reassurances. Walt cleared his throat and tried to steer the conversation in a new direction.
"So, Henry and I are planning a fishing trip."
Vic relaxed against him.
"How can you fish in this cold?"
"He knows a good place to ice fish. We haven't done that in a while. Years, really."
Vic cut her eyes at him.
"Ice fishing? Sounds cold."
He smiled at her predictable response.
"I'll be gone for a couple of days."
Vic nodded with a yawn, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.
"Okay."
Walt tilted his head so that he could look at her.
"You want to come?"
The question earned him a shake of her head.
"Nope. Freezing my ass off while trying to catch fish doesn't sound like a good time. You boys have at it. There's not any danger of you falling through the ice is there?"
Walt shook his head.
"Not if you're careful. It's mostly safe and a little exciting."
Vic sat up and turned to face him. She was smiling at him now.
"Safe huh? Exciting? You know what's not safe?"
She was moving now, up and over him. She settled in his lap with one leg on either side of his. Her arms stretched out and slid over his shoulders, her fingers just brushing the hair that curled at his shirt collar.
"Hmmm?"
Walt's hands moved to her hips.
"Insinuating that your time with Henry might be more exciting than your time with me."
Walt's eyes moved up her torso to her eyes. His eyes held some humor, but not his face.
"Impossible."
The single word came from deep in his chest, his tone thick now. Vic's smile turned somewhat feral and she leaned in to kiss him long and hard. It was the kind of kiss that made him wonder if he would live to see the end of it. When she pulled back, she kept her face close to his with only inches separating them.
"Still…you might need a reminder."
xxx
It was snowing again. Will never really liked the snow. Even as a young boy, he found it inconvenient and wet. But his parents were settled and not the type to move, so he learned to deal with his dislike. Just as he learned to deal with a host of other things. His dirty cap was pulled low as he walked down the sidewalk. It was cold and he was hungry. The combination made him feel grumpy. Or maybe that was just his age. He paused just outside the café and looked up at the sign.
The Busy Bee
Will pushed through the doors and was immediately enveloped in good smells and warmth. Removing his cap, he dusted the snow off and shoved it into the pocket of his coat. He glanced around the small restaurant and opted to take a seat at the counter. Most of the tables were full. Sliding onto a stool, he ordered a cup of coffee and bowl of soup. The coffee appeared almost immediately.
He rubbed his hands together before lifting the simple white mug to his mouth and sipping it. As far as coffee went, it was good. Really good. While he was waiting for his soup, he looked around and took in the other diners. Most of them looked like they were on their lunch break. There were a couple of families. No one he recognized.
He heard the door open and close again and felt a rush of cold air assault his back, before it vanished just as quickly. The older woman behind the counter turned and a smile broke across her face.
"Hey, Vic."
His ears perked up and he turned his head slightly. She was about three feet from him and didn't notice him as she walked up to the counter and leaned on it, still standing. She was clearly dressed for work in a dark brown jacket and hat pulled low over her ears. Her cheeks were slightly flushed with a red hue, no doubt from the cold.
"Hey, Dorothy. You got our order?"
The woman she called Dorothy held up her index finger.
"Be just a minute or two. You want some coffees with that?"
Vic nodded.
"Please."
Dorothy smiled again and set about filling up to go cups with the rich, fragrant liquid he was already enjoying. Vic tapped her hands on the counter while she waited. It was something he noticed about her. There was a restless energy that always seemed to be present in her bearing. She wasn't a person who observed much in the way of stillness. It wasn't a nervous energy like so many people exhibited these days. No, this woman moved through the world with a self-confidence he found refreshing. It was just a sense that she was always in motion, not quite satisfied just to sit.
He must've looked her way too long. In the next second, she turned her head and looked directly at him. For a moment, there was no recognition. Then he saw it flash across her face. Will offered up a smile, having few options now that she noticed him.
"Good afternoon."
Vic nodded her head slightly.
"Hey."
The word didn't seem overly friendly. More polite than anything. Forced. His eyes remained on her.
"Cold out."
For the briefest of seconds, he held her eyes and then looked away as she answered almost tersely.
"Yeah."
The moment was interrupted by the reappearance of Dorothy who bustled up to Vic. She set a cup carrier on the counter along with a large paper bag that rustled.
"Here you go. Sorry for the wait."
Vic smiled. And he could see it was genuine this time. There was a marked difference. She took the offerings and straightened up.
"Thanks, Dorothy."
The older woman waved.
"You be careful out there."
Vic nodded.
"Sure."
Without giving him another look, she pushed her way out the door and was gone.
Will turned back just as his soup was being placed in front of her. She was standoffish. He didn't particularly blame her for that. Being an attractive cop out here couldn't be easy for a woman. He could only imagine how frequently she was hit on or not taken seriously. Being in law enforcement was enough to make a person guarded. Being a woman was that much more dangerous.
Still, he wanted to know her. To talk to her. To understand what she could possibly see in Walt Longmire. That was twice now he ran into her by chance. At some point, he would crack that shell and find out what was underneath. He was curious by nature.
xxx
"Something wrong?"
Vic looked up from where she was absently pushing around the chili in her bowl. Walt was watching her with curious eyes. She knew she was being quiet. She tapped her spoon lightly against the bowl and shook her head.
"No."
She should've known he wouldn't buy her single word answer. He knew her better than that. Walt put his own spoon down.
"Vic."
His voice was gentle but prodding. She looked up again and sighed.
"You remember that guy I told you about? The one I saw at the Red Pony the other day."
And now she had his undivided attention.
"Yeah."
She paused.
"I saw him again at the Busy Bee today."
Walt didn't seem surprised by the statement.
"Well…it's a small town. It's not unusual to run into people."
"No, I know that. And he was there before me. It's just…there's something about him that seems…"
Her words faded out. Walt leaned forward a bit.
"Do you think you know him?"
Vic shook her head.
"No, but he…he seems like he knows me. Make sense?"
It did to Walt.
"Is he bothering you?"
Another shake of her head.
"No. That's just it. He hasn't…done anything. He just…"
She hesitated before continuing.
"…he creeps me out."
Walt felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle.
"What did he say?"
His voice had lost its gentle tone and turned to something different. Something slightly darker. Vic pulled her lip between her teeth.
"Walt, I just told you he hasn't done anything. Or said anything. I can't put my finger on it. And, there's nothing I can really do about it. It's just a…a vibe."
It might be just a vibe to her, but Walt trusted her instincts. If her gut was sending her a message, he was interested in why.
"Vic, if he does or says anything…"
She cut him off.
"What? Are you gonna beat him up for me? Walt, don't be stupid. You can't just tell someone to not look at me or talk to me. Or get physical over it. Then, you'll be the one I have to arrest. I can handle it. Whatever it is. I shouldn't have said anything."
She stood up and emptied her bowl into the trash, her appetite clearly gone. Walt wasn't hungry anymore either. He stood up and walked up behind her as she stood at the sink. Walt placed his hands on her shoulders and pressed himself up against her.
"Vic, if you think something is wrong, listen. Don't play it down."
Pressing his mouth to the back of her head briefly, he stepped back and dropped his hands. She started to rinse her bowl when her cell phone buzzed from its spot on the kitchen counter.
"Shit."
Vic muttered the word under her breath as she wiped her hands on her jeans and grabbed it. Walt took her place at the sink while she disappeared into the living room. From where he stood, he could hear her talking. He was unable to make out the words, though. A few minutes later she reappeared. Judging by the look on her face, she wasn't happy.
"I gotta go in for a bit."
Walt turned off the water and faced her.
"What's wrong?"
She was already on her way to the bedroom to change, so Walt followed behind her. He stood in the doorway while she pulled off the t-shirt she wore and pulled on a long sleeved thermal shirt, tucking it in as she went. Grabbing the uniform shirt she had discarded earlier when she came home, she pulled it on and started buttoning it up.
"Some kind of problem at the Red Pony. Fight or something."
Walt frowned.
"No one's on duty?"
Vic tucked in her uniform shirt and raised her eyes to his.
"Zach, but he's on the scene at a wreck. So…tag, I'm it."
She pulled her hair back, combing it with her fingers, into a ponytail and then headed for the living room. While she pulled on her boots, Walt pulled her jacket down from its hook and waited. When she stood up again, he offered it to her.
Vic smiled.
"Aren't you helpful?"
He shrugged as she slid her arms into the sleeves and zipped it up.
"Try to be."
His eyes drifted to the window.
"It's snowing. Got a hat?"
In answer to his question, she pulled it from her pocket with a grin.
"Duh."
Vic tugged her hat on and made a face as she slid her cuffs and holster onto her belt.
"Why can't people not be shitty when the weather sucks?"
Walt laughed quietly, his chest vibrating slightly.
"Why don't you suggest that?"
She rolled her eyes and turned back to him.
"Hopefully, this won't take long."
She reached up and placed her hands on either side of his face. Pulling him down a little, she kissed him on the mouth and released him. Walt trailed her to the door of the cabin.
"Be careful."
Vic nodded as she pulled open the door.
"I will. I'll call you if it looks like an all-nighter for some reason."
Walt nodded. He was well aware of how a seemingly simple call could escalate. With that, she flashed him a smile and closed the door as she stepped into the dark.
xxx
The snow had slacked off some by the time Vic pulled into the Red Pony's parking lot. The lot was full of cars. Vic pulled up in front of the door with a sigh. No wonder they were having fights. The weather was pushing everyone inside looking for a little fun and a way to blow off some steam. Sliding from the truck, she pulled off her hat and shoved it into the pocket of her jacket.
The air in the bar was warm when Vic pushed her way through the swinging doors. She could see a crowd in the middle of the room and she could just make out Tom attempting to disperse it. He looked up and saw her as she came across the floor. Tom nodded to her.
"Deputy."
"Hey, Tom, what's the problem?"
His face looked drawn and tired. He pointed to a man sitting in a chair.
"It's mostly over now. But, that guy insisted I call you. Sorry to get you out on such a messy night."
Vic smiled a little at his apologetic look.
"Occupational hazard. What's his name?"
She started off, turning slightly as Tom fished in his mind for the man's name.
"Danny. Can't remember his last."
Vic nodded and approached the man.
"Danny?"
He looked up. He was younger. Mid-twenties, she would guess. Blond hair and blue eyes. He was dressed fairly ordinarily in jeans and a long sleeved flannel shirt. He looked like every other kid his age in Wyoming. He stood up as she came to a stop in front of him.
"Danny Paxton."
Vic nodded.
"Want to tell me what happened?"
He had clearly been in an altercation. Traces of blood were visible just under his nose and one eye was swollen. He would have a black eye the next morning more than likely.
"Yeah, this guy started talking crap to me and my friends. One of 'em told him to stop and he pushed them. I stepped in between them and the guy did this."
He gestured to his face. Vic looked around the bar.
"Where's your friend?"
"He left. Said he didn't want to deal with the cops. Other guy took off, too. But…I want to press charges."
Vic sighed.
"What's he look like?"
"Older guy. Fifties maybe. Dark hair and eyes. Real scraggly looking. Haven't seen him in here before."
Vic nodded to him.
"You happen to get his name?"
The young man shook his head silently.
"You come here often?"
"Couple times a month. Maybe."
Vic nodded.
"Okay, I don't have much to go on. I mean…I'm assuming you don't have a description of his vehicle or anything?"
"No."
"Alright, I'll ask around. But, if you see him again, give me a call at the Sheriff's Department. It's Deputy Moretti."
Danny nodded to her.
"Sure."
Vic turned and scanned the bar, her eyes landing on Tom. She moved over and leaned on the bar.
"Hey, Tom."
He turned.
"Want a drink now?"
Vic shook her head.
"I wish. Listen, did you see the other guy?"
Tom leaned in slightly to hear her better over the noise of the bar.
"I missed the actual fight. I did see the guy cutting out. But…you remember when you were in here for lunch the other day?"
"Yeah."
"The guy who was sitting beside you. It looked like him. But…I can't be certain."
Vic bit her bottom lip.
"Okay. I don't suppose you know his name."
Tom shook his head.
"Afraid not. He's only come in a couple of times. Always pays cash."
Vic let out another sigh.
"Thanks anyway. If you see him, would you let me know?"
"Sure thing, Deputy. Sure I can't interest you in a drink?"
Vic shook her head.
"Nah, barring any more morons, I'm headed home. This was a bust."
He smiled.
"Take care."
Vic walked outside and looked around the bar. It was quiet out here, the music just barely audible through the closed doors. No one was outside except for her. Walking over to her truck, she pulled the door open and got in. She was about to start it when her phone buzzed. Vic pulled it out and recognized Cady's number.
"Hey."
"You still at the Red Pony?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"We got a report of a guy walking down the road. The middle of the road just down from the bar. Take a left out of the driveway."
Vic shook her head.
"Alright. I'm on it."
Disconnecting the call, she tossed her phone in the seat and started slowly down the road. She barely made it a mile before her headlights hit the figure. Vic turned on her lights and pulled over. Loose rocks on the road crackled under her boots as she planted her feet on the asphalt. Vic tilted her head.
"Hey!"
The man stopped and turned. He was wobbly and nearly lost his balance. In her headlights, she could see his face. The man smiled at her.
"Evening, Deputy."
Vic approached him slowly, her hand resting on her gun.
"You just leave the bar up the road?"
He nodded.
"Yeah."
"You get into a fight?"
He blew out a breath.
"Wasn't much of a fight."
Vic sighed and held out one hand.
"Well, the young man you hit thought it was and he wants to press charges. Also…you're in the middle of the road. And I'm guessing you're drunk."
"Yeah, think I might be. Couldn't remember where I parked my truck."
Vic just shook her head.
"You can get your truck later. You're gonna have to come with me."
He eyed her. Vic paused.
"Turn around."
For a second, she thought he was going to refuse. He paused and gave her a long, odd look. Then, he turned and held his hands for her to cuff. Vic pulled her cuffs out and put them on his wrists.
"You've done this before."
"Few times."
Now that she was closer, she could smell the alcohol. There was also a hint of body odor wafting about him as though he didn't bathe regularly. Vic steered him towards her truck.
"What's your name?"
He cleared his throat.
"Will. Will Cain."
"Do you have ID?"
He shook his head.
"Not on me."
Vic put him in the truck and then got behind the wheel.
"Alright, looks like you get to spend the night at the jail."
She could feel his eyes on her as she drove. That same feeling she mentioned to Walt started to creep back in on her.
"We keep running into each other."
His voice was slurred but conversational.
"Yeah."
"Must be fate?"
Vic shook her head slightly, not in the mood for his alcohol induced ramblings.
"I don't think so."
He smiled to himself.
"That's right. You're not single. Your boyfriend a cop?"
Vic fell quiet.
"C'mon, Deputy, we might as well get to know each other."
Vic kept her eyes on the road, her grip tightening a bit on the steering wheel. If he was trying to rattle her, she would be damned if she gave him the satisfaction.
"You want another charge? Harassment?"
She heard him laugh under his breath.
"Good luck making that one stick."
Vic gritted her teeth. Thankfully, he fell quiet and turned his head to watch the snow. Vic breathed a sigh of relief when she turned and the office came into view. The snow was starting up again, harder this time.
Vic slid from her seat and pulled Cain from the truck.
"This way."
She held his arm firmly and steered him inside and up the stairs. Zach was in the office when she pushed him lightly through the door. He looked up at her from his desk.
"What's up?"
Vic closed the door and gestured at Cain.
"Drunk and disorderly."
Zach nodded and stood up.
"Want me to book him for you?"
Vic swiped a strand of hair out of her face.
"You mind?"
Zach shook his head.
"Nope."
She offered him a smile.
"Yeah, thanks."
Digging into her pocket, she came out with a scrap of paper.
"Listen, he got into a fight at the Red Pony and the other guy wants to press charges. Can you give him a call and let him know we have this guy in custody."
Zach took the paper from her.
"Sure thing. Go on home. I got this."
Vic nodded gratefully.
"Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow."
Zach smiled.
"Have a good night."
Vic pulled her keys from her pocket and started for the door.
"Victoria?"
She stopped when she heard the use of her full name. Turning, her eyes met Will Cain's dark ones. He smiled.
"Tell Walt hello."