Ch. 6: Like a Moth to a Flame
"Maybe we should go away for the weekend."
Vic looked up sharply at Walt, who sat across the table from her in the Busy Bee. She swallowed the bite of food in her mouth and set her fork down on the plate. He was pushing his own lunch around as though he were nervous about her reaction.
"Why?"
Walt shrugged and looked up, meeting her eyes.
"Just…I think we could both use a break."
Vic sighed.
"Is this still about Cain?"
He shook his head, but Vic knew that wasn't the full truth.
"Not completely."
He fell quiet and set his fork on the plate. As much as Walt loved Dorothy's meatloaf, he didn't have much of an appetite today. A full two days had passed since he had spoken to Tom. So far, Cain seemed to be staying out of sight. Realistically, it was a smart move since the man had to know that Vic would tell him. Still, the lull made him nervous. He hated feeling like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Vic's eyes stayed on him.
"What's it about then?"
Walt didn't answer immediately, prompting her to push the issue.
"Walt."
He looked up from his food, still not eating.
"Talk to me. Please. You said part of it. What's the rest?"
"I would be lying if I said that wasn't part of it. But, I would like some time alone with you."
"So, it is partially because of Cain? Walt, you gotta stop letting him in your head."
Walt pushed his plate away, completely giving up on the idea of lunch. Vic was watching him closely.
"So…what do you want to do?"
He knew the weather could cut into those plans. Short of certain activities, it wasn't the greatest time of year in Wyoming to travel. Still, the idea of being away from all of this with her pulled at him. It had since she took a morning off and they spent a good deal of that time in bed. He felt relaxed then. She did, too. He could tell. Since his retirement, he enjoyed those moments. In the small space of time that Will Cain made his presence known, Walt felt like that was being taken from them.
"If you're not interested, it's okay."
The comment came out low. Vic leaned on the table a little, her own food forgotten now.
"I didn't say that. Tell me what you're thinking."
"There are some hot springs south of Jackson Hole."
That raised her eyebrow.
"Hot springs?"
He nodded.
"The water is heated naturally."
"Have you done this before?"
A smile quirked up one side of his mouth.
"Not there specifically."
Her head tilted to the side.
"Sounds like a story for later. Um…can you drive it this time of year?"
Walt shook his head.
"Not usually. But you can reach it by snow mobile, cross country skiing, or dogsled."
She laughed.
"Dogsled? There's something you don't hear every day. I'm assuming snow mobile would be the preferred choice."
Walt nodded.
"Faster."
"Can you drive one?"
"Yes."
"So…you stay in Jackson and then go to the springs?"
"Yep. Of course, there are other things to do there. Restaurants and the like. It's…just an idea."
Vic bit her lip in thought.
"You've put some thought into this."
He shrugged, trying to be nonchalant.
"Some. But, if you don't want to go…it's okay."
Vic extended her hand across the table and touched his.
"We can do it. But…can you get a room this late?"
A look crossed his face and Vic smiled knowingly.
"You already booked a room."
He nodded.
"I did."
"Let's go then. I'm not gonna turn down time alone with you…away from everything."
He smiled then for the first time since they started lunch. He glanced at her plate.
"You ready?"
Vic nodded.
"Yeah, I should get back."
Walt pulled out his wallet and dropped money on the table for the bill and tip as Vic stood up and pulled on her duty jacket. Zipping it up, she waited while Walt pulled on his own coat and hat. Walt pushed open the door and held it for her. The bitterly cold air accosted them immediately. Vic tucked her hands into her pockets and dipped her chin into the collar of her jacket.
"Forget Jackson. Let's go to Florida."
Her arm bumped Walt's as they walked through the brisk wind back towards the Sheriff's Department. Vic pulled the door open and stepped inside. Walt closed it behind them and removed his hat, running his hand over his hair. He glanced at the stairs that led up to the office.
"I'll let you get back to it."
Vic smiled up at him as she unzipped her jacket.
"Thanks for lunch."
Walt nodded as Vic reached up and pulled his face down closer to her, pressing her mouth firmly against his. Releasing him, Vic stepped back and turned.
"See you later."
Walt watched her start up the stairs before turning and heading for his Bronco. Vic was removing her jacket as she walked through the office door. Draping it over her chair, she turned towards Cady's office. The door was open, so she stepped inside, tapping on the doorframe as she went.
Cady stopped typing on her laptop and looked up, pinching the bridge of her nose with two fingers.
"Hey."
Vic smiled.
"You look beat."
Cady sighed.
"I am."
"I know the feeling. You know I'm off tomorrow, right?"
Cady nodded.
"Yes, I do. Are you about to volunteer to work?"
Vic made a face.
"Hell no. I was gonna tell you I'm going to Jackson Hole for the weekend so…"
"Don't call you."
Vic smiled.
"Exactly."
Cady pushed up from her desk.
"You and dad?"
"Yeah. It was his idea. Apparently, he's already booked a room and everything."
Cady smiled at her.
"Any idea what you're going to do?"
Vic grinned widely in response.
"I have a lot of ideas, but nothing you want to hear."
Cady made a face.
"Ugh, thanks."
Vic laughed and started out of her office.
"You're welcome."
xxx
The motel room felt like a prison. But, after his run in with Victoria Moretti at the Red Pony, it seemed like a good idea to lay low for a few days. She would tell Walt. He knew that almost beyond any doubt. Walt would be angry. He also knew that. Any man would be. It might've been some years since he'd known Walt, but there were certain things that were common amongst men. An instinct to protect their women was one of those things. The quickest way to push a man's buttons was to mess with his woman. Will knew that. He had been a victim of it on more than one occasion.
It would frustrate Walt when there was nothing he could do about it. Will smiled to himself just thinking about getting under Longmire's skin. He might be an honorable man. But, he was still a man. All men had weak spots. Victoria Moretti was clearly a weak spot for Walt. Will had already provoked one spark from the man earlier. It was the subject of his interest that defused it, stepping in front of Walt and steering him out of trouble's path.
But what if she wasn't there the next time they met? What if it was just the two of them? Man to man. Will liked the thought. But, he couldn't push too hard. Not yet. It was important not to overstep his boundaries. That would be too easy. Too quick. Better to let Walt marinate in what might be coming. Stew in his own thoughts. One's own thoughts could be the most powerful force if they were pushed the right way.
To escape the boredom of his room, he drove. He drove around Durant. He drove out of Durant. He knew where Longmire lived. He had looked up the information. It was a nice spot. Remote and with views that you couldn't find in town. This wasn't the time to go there. Not now. In good time, he would see the cabin. But today, he just wanted to clear his head. If there was anything this place offered him, it was that. Silence. A place to let his mind rest and be free.
Freedom was an illusion. He knew that. Everyone answered to someone. No man was truly free unless he was completely on his own. But, this was the next best thing. Once he was finished here in Durant, he would be free. Or something very much like it. He would be able to shed the past that hung over him. Haunted him.
He would be able to move on and live what was left of his life, knowing he was the one who won. In the end, he would be the one who came out on top. The better man, so to speak.
It was a moment that would be years in the making.
xxx
Vic turned the knob on Walt's radio, her head cocked slightly to the side. A burst of static gave way to music. She smiled triumphantly and glanced across the front seat of the Bronco at him.
"We must be near civilization. There's actually a decent station."
Walt returned her smile, his eyes on the road. He wasn't familiar with the song that was streaming from his speakers, but it had a light, upbeat tune that he didn't mind. Vic leaned back against the seat and propped her arm up on the door. The sun was shining as it made its journey across the late morning sky. Vic turned her face towards the window, her sunglasses shading her eyes.
It pulled at something inside of his chest and reminded him of all the times they drove around like this for work. He didn't miss the politics or the stress that came with his old job. He didn't miss the sadness and feelings of frustration and defeat that frequently accompanied it. He did miss solving an occasional mystery. And he missed working with Vic. He missed daily rides like this with her and the way she would talk through cases or prop her feet up on his dash while the landscape raced by them.
She had left her truck parked at work in case it was needed over the weekend, tossing the keys to Ferg with a smile. Now, they were closing in on Jackson Hole and Walt found the drive much more interesting with Vic sitting in the passenger seat letting out a string of commentary that only she was capable of.
"So…you never told me where we're staying."
Walt smiled. She spent the previous night on her laptop looking up hotels in Jackson Hole and trying to guess which one they were staying at. True to his nature, he said nothing and continued to read a paperback. In a perfect world, he would've given her more notice. But, the idea came to him suddenly and he ran with it. He was lucky to find the room he did, most likely a last minute cancellation with perfect timing.
"Walt?"
He smiled and gave his shoulders a small shrug.
"You'll see."
She stared at the side of his face.
"You can't just tell me?"
"I could…but we'll be there soon enough."
He couldn't see her eyes well through the dark lenses of her sunglasses, but he could tell by the way she moved her head that she rolled her eyes at his comment. Turning her attention back to the passing landscape, she leaned her chin into the palm of her hand.
Walt stole a look her way before turning his eyes back to the road. She was relaxed today. All morning, really. Even back at the cabin. He liked to see her that way. The worries from the past week or so seemed far away here. He hoped this weekend would be exactly what they both needed. But, especially Vic.
Walt slowed as the town started to come into view.
"It's…not very big."
Walt laughed quietly.
"Not sure what the population is, but they get a lot of tourists."
"It's…kind of cute."
Walt tossed her a curious look.
"You haven't been here?"
She shook her head.
"No."
Her answer was short and Walt could've kicked himself. She was headed to Jackson Hole the day she ran into Chance Gilbert. Obviously, the trip hadn't turned out as planned after that.
"Right."
She could hear something in his tone and she turned and smiled at him.
"Don't worry about it."
He merely nodded in response understanding what she was saying. Hopefully this weekend would replace the old memories in her mind and change her association with this place. He went for a subject change.
"It's bigger than Durant."
Vic snorted.
"I think my extended family might have more people in it than Durant does."
He smiled, his eyes on the road.
"Doubtful."
"Okay, that's an exaggeration. But…not by much."
Walt laughed lightly at her comment.
He continued to drive, but not into town where she was expecting. Vic looked out the window in a manner that almost reminded him of an eager child. For someone who claimed not to like surprises, she was certainly curious.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Vic turned her face towards him.
"You're cruel. You know that."
Walt continued to drive. The scenery of the Tetons was breathtaking and one of the reasons this entire area attracted so many out of towners. Vic turned her attention back to the window and lapsed back into silence.
Finally, they pulled up in front of a sign that read "Jackson Hole Bed & Breakfast." Beyond the rustic looking sign was what appeared to be a lavishly built cabin situated on a bluff and surrounded by trees and more views.
"What is this?"
"Where we're staying."
He parked in a gravel lot and they got out. Snow covered every still surface and the entire place looked like something you would see in a Christmas movie. Vic pulled off her sunglasses and looked up and around.
"Jesus, Walt. How much did this cost?"
He pulled their bags from the back of the Bronco and passed Vic's to her.
"You like it?"
She nearly laughed at how serious he sounded, but merely nodded instead.
"Um…yeah I like it. I've never stayed at a bed and breakfast."
"Me either."
She did laugh then, a thought clearly occurring to her.
"How did you find this place? I don't believe you got on the internet and searched."
Walt shook his head.
"No, I didn't. Secret weapon."
The comment earned him a curious look.
"Ruby."
Vic rolled her eyes in good natured fashion.
"I might've known."
"C'mon. Let's find our room."
Their room was spacious and airy with a window that overlooked the bluff. It was decorated with western style décor, but tastefully. Vic set her bag down and walked over to the window, pulling the curtains open. Walt walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"So?"
She twisted around to face him, her arms sliding up his chest and around his neck.
"You did good. Really, really good. Or…Ruby did good."
Pushing up on her toes, she pressed a kiss to his mouth. After a few seconds, she pulled back and let her arms fall away
Walt lifted his wrist and looked at his watch.
"So, lunch? Or, do you want to do something else?"
Vic gave him a long look.
"Do you have something else in mind?"
The question was full of innuendo that brought another smile to his face.
"Maybe. I do have some restaurant recommendations. There are more choices here than in Durant."
Vic laughed at the comment.
"Yeah, no shit. Let's go eat. Then we can do something else."
xxx
"It is better than any pizza in Durant. But, to be fair, that's not saying much. I think good pizza west of the Mississippi doesn't actually exist."
Walt listened to her teasing review of the pizza place they ambled into for lunch. He didn't have much in the way of hopes that it would satisfy her craving for what she referred to as "good pizza." After all, they were still in Wyoming.
"I don't know. The pizza at the Red Pony might be a little better than this."
The comment earned him a long look and a shake of her head.
"Walt, I love you. But, you wouldn't know good pizza if it bit you in the ass."
Vic lifted another piece and took a bite before swiping a napkin across her face.
"Tell you what, one of these days, I will take you to my uncle's place in Philly. You won't even remember any other pizza once you've had his."
Her eyes took on a wistful look.
"What about cheesesteaks?"
Vic's eyes met his as she took a sip of her beer.
"Yeah, I know where to find the real ones. Not the shit they peddle off on tourists. You got to get into the neighborhoods to find the good stuff. The real authentic places. Places that out of towners don't know."
"Is that the kind of restaurant your uncle runs?"
She nodded.
"Yeah, it's not really a place that picks up a lot of outside business. It would ruin it if it did. People come with something in their head that doesn't really match up with what's real. You know? Kind of like when the rodeo comes to town and all the fake ass cowboys come out with their shiny boots and never worn hats."
Walt glanced her way.
"So, you're an expert on cowboys now?"
Vic shrugged.
"I bet I can spot a real one over a wannabe. I do have a little experience on that front."
She was looking at him in a way that made him shift around in his seat. The move only encouraged the look. Walt cleared his throat.
"Is there something I don't know about?"
Vic gave him an amused look.
"Well, you're certainly the real deal."
"I'm not a cowboy."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"Maybe not technically. But, trust me, as far as someone not from here is concerned…you are a cowboy."
She chewed a bite of pizza.
"My brothers call you the cowboy."
Walt paused with his hand on his beer bottle.
"They do?"
She nodded and took another bite.
"Yeah, whenever I talk to one of them. They always call you the cowboy."
"Why?"
Vic shrugged.
"Hell if I know. They think you're a cowboy, I guess. They did call you the Sheriff. But, you retired. So, they swapped to cowboy. Knowing them, they discussed it amongst themselves in an effort to annoy me."
Walt finished off the last of his beer.
"They haven't even met me."
Vic wiped her mouth and lifted her own bottle.
"No. But, they've seen a picture. The first time I saw you, I thought you looked the Marlboro Man."
"Really."
"Yep. Really."
Walt looked at her over the table. She was smiling. That wasn't something she always did when she talked about her family. Walt leaned his arms on the table.
"You miss them."
It was an observation, not a question. Her face grew serious as her smile faded some.
"Sometimes."
"Why don't you go home more?"
Vic traced a finger through the condensation on her now empty bottle.
"It's…hard to explain."
"Try me."
Vic sighed and rested her elbows on the table.
"When I went to IA, it didn't just affect me. My dad took some heat and so did my brothers. My dad brushed it off. He's seen a lot of shit in his career and it didn't really bother him. Michael was okay with it. He was…supportive. My brother Tony was…less than thrilled. No one wants their sister to be a rat, you know? But, he got over it after a while. My oldest brother Victor was pissed at me. He hasn't really moved on from it. He was convinced there was a way to handle it privately. He and I have…always butted heads."
"Too much alike?"
She looked down at her plate.
"Maybe. He's the oldest of five, so he's always acted like he was in charge of the rest of us. But, I hated the way he always acted like he could tell me what to do. Even now, he tries."
Walt reached out and placed his hand over hers.
"That's normally because someone cares."
Vic looked up.
"Maybe. But, after the whole investigation went down…he didn't talk to me for a while."
Walt frowned.
"I'm sorry."
Her shoulders rose and fell.
"It's okay. I knew when I went to IA that there would be fallout. I just wasn't expecting members of my own family to turn on me. He's not a bad guy. He's just…very much a cop all the way through."
She pushed back from the table.
"So…do we have any plans for the rest of the day?"
Walt shook his head.
"No, but I figure we could try out that or something you mentioned earlier."
xxx
Vic was on her side up against him. Her hand rested on his stomach and his hand covered hers. His fingers traced over the bones in hers. The room was quiet and the rest of the place was quiet. That had been his goal. He had considered a hotel, but that seemed too crowded with people. Ruby was the one who suggested trying to find something smaller and more private.
"I say we just stay here."
Her voice broke the silence. Walt rolled his head towards her.
"Hmm?"
She turned her hand and laced their fingers together.
"We could just stay here forever. I'd be okay with that."
Walt smiled a little.
"I don't think you're allowed to live here."
"Damn technicalities. I feel like I owe you a trip after all this. Where do you wanna go?"
She could see him thinking for a minute, even though she was partially teasing him.
"You could take me home?"
Vic tilted her face to him.
"Durant?"
He smiled at that thought. That Durant was her home.
"No. Philadelphia."
Clarity washed over her features.
"Oh…my home. I get it."
She sounded drowsy even though it was just getting to be dinner time.
"Did you mean it earlier when you said you would take me there?"
Vic's head bobbed.
"Sure. If you want to go."
"I've never been to Philadelphia."
Something crossed her face. Walt's hand tightened a little on hers.
"I know you miss it."
She was quiet for a minute.
"I do. But…I like where my life is now. I wouldn't be who I am if I'd stayed. Leaving allowed me to become someone who wouldn't have existed there."
Walt let the statement go without question. He could sense the introspective mood she seemed to be in. After a few more breaths, she inhaled deeply.
"Or we could just go somewhere that isn't so fucking cold."
xxx
"Cold?"
Vic shook her head.
"Not really. Not too bad. At least it's not snowing."
Walt looked up. While there was a thick blanket of snow on the ground, the sky above them was perfectly clear and littered with stars. Around them, mountains rose up, their tops disappearing into the darkness. The effect of it all together was breathtaking.
They walked slowly along the sidewalk. Vic held his hand loosely in her own. Her other hand was tucked into the pocket of her coat. Her chin was dipped into the top of her coat for warmth. Walt tugged lightly at her hand.
"I think this is it."
He nodded up at a sign advertising a local steakhouse. Pulling open, the door, he followed her inside. As pretty as the scenery was outside, Walt could tell immediately that she was thankful for the reprieve. Vic shed her coat and brushed her loose hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. He felt a sudden urge to reach out and touch it. Outside of home, it wasn't all that often she wore her hair down.
They took seats and ordered drinks. Walt glanced at her over the table where she sat looking over the menu. She looked up and met his eyes over the top of it.
"So…is it a crime in Wyoming to order chicken in a place like this?"
Walt smiled and shook his head.
"No law that I'm aware of. You might get a few dirty looks from the purists."
Vic shrugged, dismissing the idea.
"Dirty looks don't bother me. God knows I get enough of them."
This was the side of her that he enjoyed the most. Relaxed and happy. There hadn't been enough of it lately for either of them.
"Walt?"
He looked at her, his thoughts snapped.
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking about so hard?"
Walt gave his head a slight shake.
"Nothing important."
She eyed him and then dropped it.
"Did you hear me?"
"No, sorry."
"I said this is one of the better ideas you've had."
He half laughed.
"I'll remember that the next time I have a bad one and remind you."
Vic rolled her eyes.
"Funny."
Their food arrived and they started eating, a comfortable silence descending over them. Walt glanced over at her every so often, a peculiar feeling tugging at him. Something that had been on his mind more and more in recent days.
"Can I ask you something?"
Vic looked up from her food, still chewing.
"Sure."
"Did it bother you when Cady asked if we have talked about marriage."
Vic swallowed and narrowed her eyes at him.
"No. Why would it?"
He shrugged.
"Just wondering."
She pushed her food around with her fork, her eyes still on him.
"Is…that what this weekend is about?"
He could hear the caution in her tone.
"No."
Vic pinned him to his seat with the intensity of her gaze.
"Does it bother you that we're not married?"
Walt answered quickly.
"No. I've told you that."
He had. It was the truth. It was a subject that they broached on more than one occasion. Walt would have been fine marrying her if that's what she wanted. But, it didn't seem important to Vic. They lived together. Everything about their lives was mixed and blended. All the edges ran together likes colors in a wash. But, there was nothing legally binding. That didn't seem to worry Vic, even when he expressed that it could benefit her if something happened to him. That was her least favorite topic and she would rapidly change it. She was quick to point out she felt more committed to him than she had to her marriage. Walt knew it was the truth. There were benefits to marriage, but it didn't make a relationship any more or less real.
"I know. But…you are kind of old fashioned."
Walt smiled.
"Kind of?"
Vic smiled.
"Well, you're getting better. You've got a streak in you I don't think a lot of people see. Seriously, though. I don't want you to feel like you need to keep things from me."
Vic dropped her eyes as he found his voice.
"You know I would marry you if you wanted to."
Vic shook her head slightly with a half-smile.
"So romantic."
Looking down, she continued to eat. Walt watched her in the dim light of the restaurant.
"Vic?"
She looked up.
"Are you happy?"
One eyebrow went up at his question.
"Do…you mean in general or…right now."
"Both."
Vic set her fork on her plate and rested her arms lightly on the table.
"That's a strange question."
Walt looked away.
"Right…"
"Yes."
Her voice cut him off before he could go any further. Walt looked her way again and she offered him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Walt smiled in return and looked at his plate.
"I…think I'm done."
Vic nodded.
"Okay. You ready to go?"
He gave a quick bob of his head and she stood up, pulling her coat on as she walked towards the door and Walt paid the bill. She paused until she felt him come up behind her. Pushing the door open, Walt trailed her outside.
Vic turned to him, stuffing her hands into her pockets.
"Know what would really make me happy right now?"
"What?"
She grinned, shaking off the more serious mood their earlier conversation brought on.
"Going back to our room."
xxx
"Vic."
Walt's hand was on her bare shoulder, shaking it slightly. Vic pressed her face farther into the pillow and mumbled something incoherent and, no doubt, colorful. Walt smiled to himself and tried again.
"Vic."
He kept his voice low. Finally, she turned her face towards him, keeping her head on the pillow and opened her visible eye to look at him.
"What?"
Vic blew her hair out of her face.
"Breakfast."
She pushed herself all the way over and halfway sat up. She could see now that there was a tray on the table in the room. Walt was sitting on the bed beside her.
"You ordered breakfast?"
Walt sat patiently, waiting for her to wake up.
"I thought you would prefer that to eating downstairs with a bunch of strangers."
Vic huffed out a laugh.
"You thought right."
Clearing her throat, she reached up and tucked her long hair behind her ear. Vic started to get up when Walt's hand landed on her arm.
"Stay. I'll get it."
Turning, she propped her pillow up against the headboard and tugged the strap of her tank top back onto her shoulder. Walt produced the tray and set it carefully on the bed. Vic looked at the muffins and fruit and looked up at him.
"Wow. What…did I do to earn this?"
He shrugged.
"You insinuated last night that I'm not all that romantic. Which…is true. So…is this better?"
She smiled a sleepy smile at him.
"I was kidding. Kind of. Besides…romance is overrated. I would rather have great sex and that is something you do well."
He could feel the heat on his face as red crept up his neck. Vic smiled at the reaction and popped a grape into her into her mouth.
xxx
Will drove by the cabin and slowed. He knew he was taking a big risk coming out here, and hadn't really intended to, but here he was all the same. There were no vehicles parked in front of the cabin and it looked like no one was home. He knew that her truck was at the Sheriff's Department, but he hadn't seen her, despite how many times he looked.
Pulling into the yard, he slid from his truck and looked around. He could certainly see the allure of living out here. Will turned around in a slow circle. The scenery was certainly something to behold. Slowly, he walked around the yard. He crossed the yard and walked up the porch stairs. Will walked the length of the porch, trailing his hand along the wooden porch railing. On a hunch, he opened the screen door and tried the door knob. It was locked. Breaking in would be a bit much, so he turned away and surveyed the yard again.
A barn sat off to the side, a good walk away from the cabin. He knew Walt's father worked with horses and he knew Walt shared the affinity. He always had. Will reached up and removed his cap, running his hand through his mussed hair before replacing the cap and tugging it down low on his head.
He wasn't sure what brought him here. Curiosity. A desire or need to understand this man he hated so much and the life he lived. They were two men who were born in the same place and raised in the same place. They went to school together and played football together. Yet, at some point, their paths diverged in mighty fashion. He admittedly made some mistakes, but he knew Walt Longmire wasn't perfect either. He had done enough reading to know that. But, their lives turned out so differently.
Will found himself homeless and jobless. He had no family to speak of. Or, none that wanted anything to do with him at this point. He lived the life of a drifter, moving from place to place and never staying long enough to make real friends. He wasn't sure he believed real friends existed. At one point in his life, he considered Walt his friend. Look at how that ended up. He lived a day to day existence with almost nothing in the way of happiness or pleasure.
Then there was Walt Longmire. A man who worked the same job long enough to retire from it. A man who had this home in this place with this view. Someone who was respected in the community and even looked up to. He was graced with a long marriage and now had another woman. A woman that Will couldn't understand taking up with the likes of Walt.
Will gave the front door once last look and then walked back down the porch steps. He slowed and turned so that he could look at the cabin as he walked backwards towards his truck. It was a nice place. Not fancy at all. But a comfortable home in a beautiful spot. Will wanted Walt to hurt the way that he did. To feel what it was like to lose everything that you treasured and cared about. His home was one of those things. His woman was another. It was almost time. He wasn't a man of patience and what little he possessed was just about gone.
Soon, it would be time to start taking those things away.
xxx
"How're you feeling?"
She lay up against him in the bed, turned on her side facing him with her arm outstretched across his midsection. Walt's arm was around her, his fingers tracing lightly over her upper arm and shoulder.
"Mmm…relaxed."
He could hear the drowsy smile in her voice. Walt smiled.
"I'm glad. I know you needed a break."
Vic's head shifted and her hair tickled his chest.
"We both did."
"Yeah."
Walt was looking forward to being home. He loved his cabin in the middle of nowhere. For him, it had always been a place of refuge and retreat. A quiet place away from the demands of the world and his job. Now, it was a home he shared again, this time with Vic. But, some part of him wasn't looking forward to dealing with Will Cain. He kept hoping the situation would resolve itself. That the man would leave town and leave them alone. With every day that passed, that seemed less and less likely.
He suspected Vic felt a similar way. But right now, she was here with him in the safety of this place and no one knew where they were. There was something freeing in that knowledge. It had been a good day. It was turning into a good night. He didn't want to waste that time by worrying about tomorrow or the day after.
Vic propped her chin up on his chest so that she could see his face.
"Thank you. For all of this."
Walt reached out his hand and rang his finger over her cheek, tracing a path down to her mouth.
"You're welcome."
She smiled at him, a sweet open smile. The kind that she only showed him in their most intimate moments. It was, by far, his favorite smile. Something in his chest tightened and constricted making his heart feel too big for the space. His expression must've changed because Vic's eyes turned inquisitive.
"What?"
Walt was quiet for a beat before speaking.
"You know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Right?"
Vic gave him an odd look, like she wasn't sure where the comment came from. The light moment between them had taken a serious turn. Heavier than he wanted. Finally, she nodded.
"I know. Everything alright?"
Walt smiled then, trying to release some of the tension that was coiled in his gut. Most days, he was okay. Most days, things were normal and they went about their lives as everyone did. But every once in a while, he would remember how delicate life was. How fragile their existence in this space was and how easily it could be taken away. That was when the ghosts of his past pulled at him like thorns. That was when the fear crept in and stole his breath away, making him feel suffocated.
The fear of losing her. Of losing what they had. It would paralyze him if he dwelled on it for too long. Walt closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them again with a fresh smile on his face.
"Good. Everything is good."
She watched him for another minutes before repositioning her head and laying it back down in its previous place on the side of his chest. Walt's grip tightened almost involuntarily and he inhaled the smell of her and the feel of her. She was so warm against him in that moment. It was easy to lose himself in it and forget the outside world. For tonight, that was what he needed.