Ch. 12 Sparks
"Walt, what are you doing?"
He ignored her familiar impatience and dug to the bottom of his overnight bag. Finally, he located what he was looking for. The piece of paper was wrinkled now, but that didn't matter. Walt pulled it free and turned to Vic, who sat on the bed of their hotel room. Her eyes were on him. The only room on was a lamp, making her eyes look much darker than they were. Walt flipped the light switch near him and the room was suddenly illuminated. Vic blinked at the sudden influx of brightness and frowned.
"Really, what are you doing?"
He smiled and joined her on the bed. Vic sat cross legged wearing yoga pants and a tank top, her feet clad in socks. The bed dipped slightly when he moved and lay the paper on the light blue comforter.
"Here."
"What's this?"
Walt shrugged.
"Wedding present."
She looked over at him and then shifted her eyes back down.
Vic looked down at the paper. Walt kept his eyes on her. Her face was expressive and he liked that about her. He wanted to gauge her reaction. At first, he could see that she wasn't quite sure what she was looking at. Her forehead furrowed in concentration. She lifted the paper and tilted her head in a way he loved. It was almost like watching her look over evidence at a crime scene.
"It's a…"
Her voice faded out and Walt picked up.
"A blueprint."
She nodded slowly and her eyes lifted to meet his.
"For…a new house?"
"A new cabin."
She bit her lip and looked back down. It was only a copy and not the best, but it would have to do until he could show her the real thing. He hoped she would understand the significance. Walt waited for some kind of response to what he came up with quicker than he expected.
She held the paper up and ran her eyes over it.
"Is it bigger?"
"Yep."
Walt lifted his hand and pointed.
"Second bedroom. Back here. The layout is similar. Room dimensions, too. But…nothing is set in stone. This is just a rough outline."
Vic lowered the paper.
"When did you have time to do this?"
He smiled sheepishly.
"Henry helped. Once we get the old site cleared…we can start."
She heard the slight falter in his voice.
"Walt, if it's too soon…"
Walt shook his head.
"It's…it's not too soon. I just…needed time to process everything. There's no point in putting it off."
Vic studied him.
"You're sure?"
"Yeah. So…do you like it?"
Her eyes shifted back to the paper.
"Yeah. I…like the extra bedroom. You could've used that years ago."
Walt laughed quietly and then his expression grew serious.
"I want you to tell me the truth. I want this to be what you want it to be."
Her expression softened.
"I do like it. I promise. Are you gonna build it?"
He took the paper from her and looked it over.
"Mostly. Me and Henry."
"Can I make one suggestion?"
Walt looked up.
"Sure."
Vic reached out and traced her finger across the paper.
"A back porch or deck. Whatever you want to call it."
Walt looked at where the tip of her index finger ran a line along the marks representing the back of the cabin.
"A back porch?"
"Yeah. We could…put a table back there. Some…chairs. Kind of an outdoor space."
He nodded, understanding what she was getting at.
"So…wider than the front porch."
"Yes. Can you…do that?"
Walt nodded with a smile.
"I can. I can also build the table to go out there."
Vic gave him a smile.
"Wow, aren't you talented? So…what can't you do?"
Her tone shifted and Walt felt heat creep up the back of his neck. He cleared his throat.
"I'm told I'm not great at expressing myself."
Vic shrugged as her hand came up and traced the collar of his t-shirt.
"Maybe not verbally."
Closing the distance between them, she kissed him firmly. Walt's hands came up and landed on her upper arms. He could feel her starting to push on him, wanting him to lie down. Walt pulled back, breaking the kiss and struggled to catch his breath.
"Wait."
She frowned at him.
"What?"
The word came out breathless.
"There's…there something else."
Vic pulled back and licked her lips.
"Something else?"
Walt answered with a flushed nod.
"Yeah, I…there's something I want to say to you."
"Okay."
She seemed confused, but Walt pushed through. The ceremony marrying them had been simple as he knew it would be. Walt knew the Justice of the Peace and the man did as well as anyone. But, there were things he wanted to say to her. Things that weren't meant for others to hear. Things that he wanted to remain private and between the two of them.
"Do you remember that day that you came into my office and I told you the mayor was after my job? The day I told you that I wanted you to step back from anything surrounding my lawsuit?"
Vic gave him an odd look.
"Yeah, kind of."
"Do you remember what you said?"
"Um…that I wouldn't let you go down by yourself. Something like that."
He smiled.
"Yeah. Something like that."
He could only assume he remembered the conversation more sharply than she did. In truth, it was seared into his mind for several reasons. One of which, he was about to tell her.
"I was still seeing Donna then."
Vic frowned.
"This…is getting weird, Walt."
He shook his head.
"Just…let me get this out."
She sighed in acceptance of his request.
"You told me that even if I was guilty, you couldn't step away in order to save yourself."
Vic nodded slowly.
"Right."
He could tell she was waiting for the rest.
"After that, I ended things with Donna. Well, it was mutual."
"Yeah, I know. You told me. Bu…"
Walt leaned in and she went quiet.
"I knew it was you."
The words were almost whispered coming from him. His blue eyes were as earnest as she had ever seen them.
"You…were the one and no one else could have taken that space…here."
He tapped his chest just over his heart.
"Do you remember the night you stayed with me when Ed Gorski was stalking you?"
Vic made a face.
"God, yes."
Walt smiled at the less than pleasant memory.
"When Lizzie came in?"
Vic blew out a sigh.
"Yes. Definitely. That was…so awkward."
"What she said that night about me…saving part of myself for you. It…it was true. And, I was too scared to admit it. You were still married. I was still…not ready. But…it was all true. I didn't even realize it at the time, but you were the one."
He fell quiet for a minute, but she could sense that he wasn't quite finished by the expression on his face. Walt looked down and then lifted his eyes back to hers.
"I've only really loved two women in my life. You…will be the last."
Vic swallowed.
"Wow."
She laughed out the word, unshed tears gathering in her eyes. Reaching out, she traced her hand across the stubble of his jaw.
"And you say you're not good with words."
Leaning in slightly, she kissed him lightly.
"Thank you."
Walt rested his forehead against hers.
"You deserve so much more than I give you."
Vic turned her head slightly.
"That's not true. You…give me everything that I have ever wanted."
She backed away from him a little and tapped the paper that still lay on the bed.
"This. A home. Feeling…"
She paused and took a breath.
"…feeling like I belong. That is worth everything."
xxx
Will knew he couldn't stay any longer. He had already stayed there too long. At the old place. He was disappointed at the thought of leaving. But, he knew it was necessary. The law would know to look for him in familiar places. Walt would know where to look for him. He walked around the house one final time, taking in the ruined walls and the shattered windows. Time was a cruel thing. Both to people and to places that weren't cared for. Maybe that's why he felt so run down himself. There was no one left to care. Not really.
That was not an easy thing to admit. But it was a reality he needed to face. The people who cared the most about him in life were long gone from this world. Sometimes, when he was trying to fall asleep late at night, he wondered if there was any possibility of seeing them in the next world. If he believed in that sort of thing, which he wasn't sure of.
Will reached out and ran his hand lightly over the wall nearest to him. It was easy for him to remember. Even now, all these years later, he could close his eyes and conjure up what this place had been once up on a time. What it had meant to him when he was a boy. A place of refuse. Maybe the only place where he ever felt any real happiness. Letting his hand fall away, he shouldered his bag. It contained all the things he owned in the world, not that any of it was valuable.
He looked around one last time. He knew this would be the last time he saw this place. He couldn't risk returning. When they came, they would know he had been here. That much would be obvious. Not that he cared. By then, he would be somewhere else and the game would start all over. He knew he was on a track now, a collision course. And, there was no way off.
This was going to end. That much was certain. Everything ended. Times ended. Families ended. Lives ended. The only question that was up for much debate was how it would end. There were two possible outcomes in his mind. Nothing outside of those two garnered much thought from him. Nothing else seemed feasible at this point. Only one of two things.
Either he would kill Walt Longmire. Or Walt would kill him.
xxx
"Did you talk to Cady?"
Walt nodded as the Bronco bumped along the road. Vic glanced at him across the seat.
"Yep."
She waited at least ten seconds before she pushed.
"And?"
He flexed his fingers on the wheel, a sure sign he was frustrated or thinking. Or both.
"She said they would check out his old home place. They're still waiting on the arson report to come back."
Vic sighed and turned her eyes back to the window. The previous night had been a too brief respite from everything. But, this morning, they both felt the full weight of it all. Walt pulled up to the remnants of the cabin and parked. Vic slid from the seat and tucked her hands into her pockets as the cold wind hit her full force.
"Damn this weather."
Walt looked her way and reached up to adjust his hat against the glare of the sun.
"More snow moving in tomorrow."
She shook her head at him,
"This has got to be the shittiest winter we've had since I got here."
Walt wasn't so sure. One winter was hard to judge against another, barring a major snowstorm that brought everything to a halt. He knew a good bit of her weather related frustration was rooted in the facts of everything that was happening. Vic dipped her face away from the wind and turned her back into it.
"So…tell me what you saw."
Walt gestured as they approached what would have been the front of the cabin.
"This was all burning. Intensely. The farther from the door, the less fire."
Vic looked as she walked around, trying to visualize what he would have seen that night. Walt was the one who looked out the bedroom door. The one who saw the fire. She never got the chance thanks to the urgency of getting out. She pushed that particular thought from her mind and focused on the matter at hand.
This was what they should have done earlier. Talking the scene through. Put their minds together. But, in the grief and series of events that followed, being rational hadn't seemed possible. Now, days later and some emotions removed, both of them felt like the ground beneath them was more stable. At least, a little. Walt had included the comments in his statement to Cady. But, both he and Vic were growing tired of waiting. That didn't suit either of their personalities.
So, here they were.
"So…he set the fire around the front door or porch. He knew that would cut off the main exit."
Walt nodded.
"Seems that way."
She detected something in his tone and turned to face him.
"What?"
Walt could see the questions in her eyes.
"It gave us time to get out."
Vic bit her lip and considered his words.
"You think that was intentional."
It wasn't a question. Walt inhaled. When he released the breath, it was visible in the arctic feeling air.
"In the beginning, I didn't think about it. Only that he wanted us dead. Me for sure. But, now I'm not sure that was his intent."
Vic could follow his train of thought easily enough. It made sense. What he was saying.
"He knew we would be in bed. He came to the cabin before that night. We know that much. What we don't know is how many times. Jesus."
She shook her head as the thoughts unraveled in her mind.
"He could have come anytime when we weren't home. He could've figured out the layout of the cabin."
Walt hitched his fingers into his belt.
"Yeah."
Vic came to a stop in front of him. There was a clarity to his eyes that was new. It was a welcome sight.
"You think he wanted us to survive. Or, at least you."
Walt nodded.
"I do. He…he wants to take things from me."
"The way you took things from him. Or…so he seems to believe."
Vic finished the thought for him. Walt looked down at the ground and kicked at the dirt with the toe of his boot. He didn't want to give a voice to his next thought. But, they wouldn't be doing themselves any favors by not facing the truth. All of it.
"That means…he has more planned."
He saw her move in his peripheral and turned his body so that he was facing her. Vic pulled one hand from her pocket and swiped at loose strands of hair that had worked free from her ponytail. The movement did little good, so she gave up and tucked her hand back into her pocket.
"Well, if he's intent on making you suffer, that would make me a more likely target."
She said it in a detached manner. Walt tipped his head down, trying to see her face. It was hard with her back to the sun, her face shadowed.
"Have you talked to Cady about coming back to work yet?"
Vic narrowed her eyes, unsure why he was jumping topics.
"No. Why?"
He shuffled his feet again.
"Don't."
"Okay. What are you thinking?"
Walt turned away from her and walked towards the cabin. Vic moved into step beside him, the sound of their boots over dirt the only sound as quiet settled over them. Walt stopped and turned, looking back towards the Bronco over his shoulder.
"The more control we have over your environment, the safer you are."
He could see the look of unhappiness over her face. He expected her to argue, but she just shook her head. He could almost see the acceptance when it hit her. As much as she hated the idea, she knew that he was right. They were beyond the point of having the luxury to come and go as they pleased. This was real. This man meant business.
"Right. I'll call her and tell her I'm gonna need more time."
"Don't tell her why."
Vic nodded. She could hear in his tone that he was unhappy with the idea of lying to his daughter. But, she also knew he wanted their investigation to be just that. Theirs.
"Sure."
Vic knew what he really wanted was to go after Cain. She knew the only thing keeping him from doing just that was a very thin thread that ran between them. Walt surveyed the building site.
"I talked to a guy in town that can come and clear this later this week."
The words came out haltingly. Vic looked down.
"You ready for that?"
She knew him well enough to know that what he said and what he felt weren't always the same.
"No point in putting it off."
A non-answer. Of course.
"Walt, we don't have to rush things."
He exhaled and shook his head.
"We're not rushing anything. It's…it's time. This isn't considered a crime scene anymore. We've salvaged what we can. There's no reason to drag it out. The sooner we get the site cleared, the sooner we can start on the new place."
Despite his insistence. She knew the wound was raw. Vic reached out and closed her hand around his forearm.
"Okay."
Walt turned towards the Bronco, taking Vic with him. She released her hold on him as they got back into the vehicle. Walt started the engine and cranked up the heat, trying to warm the space. He removed his hat and ran his hand over his hair before replacing it. She could sense there was something else he wanted to say. So, Vic propped her arm on the passenger door and angled herself in his direction.
"Henry offered to let us stay in his apartment over the Red Pony. Until the new place is ready."
Vic glanced out the window.
"That's…a long time."
Walt nodded slowly.
"It is."
They both appreciated everything Cady had done for them. They certainly were grateful she gave them a place to stay. But, Walt kept insisting he didn't want to stay there any longer than necessary. Vic had a hard time disagreeing with him on that. He looked at her and waited until she shifted her eyes to him.
"What do you want to do?"
Vic shrugged.
"It's my decision?"
Walt half smiled, but remained quiet.
"It won't be very quiet when the bar is open."
"No."
"Maybe we can stay there until we can find a place to rent."
It was the best suggestion she could come up with in the moment. Henry's apartment was small and basic. But, there were houses available in Durant they could look into. It seemed like a concession that would get them out of Cady's guest room if nothing else.
"Sounds good."
He smiled at her across the Bronco and Vic couldn't help but return the smile. It was comforting to see glimpses of the old Walt, even if they were quick. Walt turned his attention to the windshield as he put the car in reverse and pulled out.
xxx
"I hear you're staying upstairs."
Vic leaned on the bar and nodded at Tom as he set a beer in front of her.
"Yeah. For a few days, at least."
Tom offered her a smile.
"So…things are better for you?"
Vic took a sip from her bottled.
"Yes, things are better. I never thanked you for the ride the other night."
He waved his hand at her.
"It was nothing."
Vic shook her head.
"It wasn't nothing. And…thank you for listening."
His head bobbed a little.
"Walt joining you?"
Vic glanced over her shoulder towards the saloon doors.
"He is. He should be here in a few minutes."
Tom slid a Ranier to the stool beside her and took a step back.
"For when he's ready."
Vic smiled as she took another drink from her bottle.
"Thanks."
He smiled and turned to wait on another customer. Vic's eyes tracked him as she idly turned the bottle in her hand. He was different than Henry. Less serious and more talkative for one. But, there was a commonality that ran through both men. A pride in who they were and what they did. It was something she hadn't appreciated until more recently.
"Hey."
Vic jumped slightly at the sound of his voice and the feel of his hand on her shoulder. She hoped he wouldn't notice as she slid onto the stool. But, he clearly did. Walt's face darkened slightly.
"Sorry."
Vic offered him a smile, refusing to let the decent mood she was in be hampered by the grim reality that seemed to follow them in recent days. Walt pointed at the beer.
"This mine?"
"It is."
He took a drink and set the can down, his eyes roving around the bar.
"Not too crowded tonight."
Vic shook her head.
"Nope. Was Cady at the house?"
"Yep."
"She's not mad?"
"No, she understands. Hungry?"
Vic nodded.
"I am actually."
Tom reappeared and offered Walt a friendly smile.
"Walt, how are you?"
Walt shifted on his seat slightly.
"Can't complain. Thanks for the beer?"
"Sure. You two eating tonight?"
Vic leaned in a little.
"Yeah, what's good?"
Tom studied her for a moment before answering.
"Chili."
"Sounds good."
Tom's dark eyes shifted to Walt.
"Same."
Tom gestured at their drinks.
"Another drink?"
Vic shook her head.
"Not for me."
Walt nodded.
"Sure. I'll take another."
Tom produced another can of Ranier before leaving them alone. Walt leaned closer to Vic.
"Henry tell him?"
Vic reached up and pushed her hair behind her ear.
"Yeah, he knows."
xxx
Will drove by Cady Longmire's house. He knew that's where they had been staying since the fire left them homeless. He hoped to see their vehicles parked out front with the now familiar Jeep. He was more than a little disappointed when neither Walt's Bronco nor the truck were there. He slowed and looked around. But, he couldn't risk being seen. So, he stepped on the gas and rolled on down the quiet street.
Will steered his way back to the main road. The sky was clear tonight. But, he knew there was more snow due the following day. He saw the weather report while drinking earlier at the nameless bar he found out on the highway.
He could no longer risk going to the Red Pony for a drink or a meal. He knew beyond any doubt that both of them would be on high alert. Especially Walt. Now wasn't the time to slip up. Still, he needed to know where they were. The last two time he had driven by Walt's daughter's house, they didn't seem to be there. That made him wonder if they were still staying with her.
There would be some risk involved in trying to figure that out. But, there was no reward without risk. He would need to check places they frequented. Try and follow one of them, if possible. The thought lit something inside of him up like fireworks.
For so long, he felt like there was no purpose to his life. He drifted aimlessly from place to place and job to job. But, there was no spark. There was nothing that excited him. He felt like a shell of a man scraped hollow by the experiences in his life. But, that was all changing.
Now, there was something driving him. A goal to be achieved by whatever means necessary. There was a thrill to be had when he could watch them without their knowing it. He liked the feeling of power it gave him. The feeling that soon he would be able to feel a satisfaction that eluded him for years. He could admit this started out as a simple desire for revenge. But, the feelings he got once the plan was in full swing made him feel alive in a way he hadn't in years. It was taking on a life of its own.
Will pulled into the parking lot of the Red Pony. He was careful to keep a watchful eye out for anyone who might recognize him. His cap was pulled low over his eyes and he kept his truck away from any lights if possible. Everything was riding on his ability to stay in the shadows. He was enjoying the hunt. And, the hunt was on.
xxx
Vic looked around the small space. She set her bag on the floor. Walt watched her from where he sat on the bed.
"Unpacking?"
It was like he could see the internal debate she was having with herself. Vic pushed the bag out of the way with her foot.
"No."
She said it decisively, even though her mind made the choice only in the second he posed the question. She joined him on the bed and toed off the boots she wore. It was chillier than she would have liked. Vic reached up and ran her hands over her arms. Walt's handed landed on her long sleeved shirt
"Cold?"
Vic nodded.
"Yeah."
Walt smiled.
"Why don't you get a shower?"
Vic looked around the apartment. It still fell odd to be here as opposed to Cady's guest bedroom. She knew the cycle would continue once they found a place to rent. And, then again when the new cabin was finished. She was already looking forward to feeling settled once everything was said and done. Since Walt's retirement and since she moved in with him full time, she felt comfortable. They both did. The cabin was a place that felt shielded from the real world. Losing that was a hard blow. But, it finally felt like they were dealing with hit. Making a comeback, so to speak.
Vic stood up and dug out her pajamas. She wasn't sure how long they would be here. Neither of them really were. Once they found a place to rent while Walt and Henry worked on the cabin, she would unpack. This solution felt temporary and primarily driven by the need and desire to be alone.
She looked at his own bag.
"What about you?"
Walt's eyes drifted down to the duffel by his feet.
"Don't think I will. Found some places to look at the next couple of days."
To anyone else, it would seem like he was in planning mode. But, Vic knew better. It wasn't so much the idea of planning that motivated him. It was the need to feel in control of something. With so much in flux and so many unknowns, this was one thing he could actually keep a grip on. They both could. It was an illusion of course. They both knew that. But, there was no need to say it out loud. They were getting by at this point best way that either of them knew how. It wasn't in either of their nature to sit and wait for something to happen. Neither of them liked the way it felt. But, for now, it was a necessary evil.
So, she smiled at him encouragingly.
Better a step forward than a step back. Or just stalling out altogether.
The reality is that they were in a stalemate. They both knew that Cain was out there. They both knew that he wasn't gone. He was waiting to make his next move. The move only he knew about. That was the most difficult part. The not knowing. It bordered on torture to merely sit and wait for him to do whatever it was he planned to do. She knew that Walt hated it. The truth was, she did to. Nothing about this felt natural or right. But, he wasn't at his old family place. Cady and Ferg checked it out.
Someone had been there. They all knew it was Cain. There was no actual evidence to back that up. But, they knew. Unfortunately, the move came too late and he was clearly gone. Had been for a day or so according to Ferg. He must've known they would come there. Knew they would search for him in place he felt a connection with. But, that was fruitless now. Cain was on the move again, but laying low.
So, they countered with a move of their own. With their move to Henry's apartment, it might throw off his game some. It also removed a clear threat to Cady. Not that she was completely safe. But, with the two of them no longer under her roof, Walt was hopeful that Cain's focus would shift with them. He didn't want anyone in any danger who didn't have to be. He didn't like the danger Vic was in. But for now, there wasn't much he could do about that.
For now, they would play this game with him. Walt likened it to chess. Vic knew it was a game of planning and of thought. Those were both things that Walt was very good at. Chess was Walt's game. That's what she told him. But, it wasn't her style. She reacted. That's the way she was built. But right now, there was nothing to react to. There was nothing to do other than get on with the business of living.
So, they were here in Henry's old place. A place they were both familiar with. This stop was only temporary. They both knew that. There was no reason to pretend otherwise. So, neither of them would unpack here. They would use this time to strengthen themselves. Their plan. It was a hard war to fight. An invisible one. But, nothing they hadn't done in the past.
Walt lay back on the bed as Vic disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. He heard the water turn on and he heard her step inside the shower. His eyes sat on the bathroom door for a minute or two. Then they drifted slowly to where his hand rested on his stomach. To his finger and the gold band that was on it now. It would be easy to disregard the things she asked of him. The points she made. But, he wasn't a man who took breaking his word lightly. For the time being, he had given her his word that he wouldn't go after Will Cain. He intended to keep the promise he made. He only hoped Cain wouldn't force his hand.
xxx
"Have you seen my phone?"
Walt looked up at Vic from where he was reclined on the bed.
"No."
He sat up as she started to look around, a frown spreading across her features. He glanced at the table beside the bed. That would be where she would normally lay it. Vic squatted down and felt the clothes she had discarded before taking a shower. With a huff, she dropped them on the floor and stood back up.
"Damn it. Must have left it in the truck."
Without a word, she grabbed her shoes from floor near the foot of the bed and shoved her feet into them, not bothering to untie them. She adjusted the shoes and stood up. Walt rose from his spot on the bed.
"Where are you going?"
Vic gave him an amused look.
"To check the truck. It's gotta be there."
"I'll go."
Vic pulled on her duty jacket over the t-shirt she wore and patted her pockets, causing her keys to jingle at the touch.
"I got it. Get a shower."
She tilted her head towards the bathroom. Walt stood unmoving and something approaching understanding crossed her face. Vic's hands came to rest on her hips.
"You're doing it again."
Walt seemingly snapped back to the conversation.
"Doing what?"
"Letting him get in your head. Walt, I'm walking down to the truck. That's all. It's…"
She turned and looked at the clock.
"…not even that late. The bar just closed. There are probably still people outside."
He wanted to argue with her and insist that he be the one to check for her phone. But, Vic didn't give him the chance. She tossed a barely there smile his way and pulled her keys from her pocket. Not saying anything else, she turned and left him standing. Walt nearly followed her. But, her words permeated his brain. Walt exhaled loudly as the door closed behind her. He reached up and rubbed his jaw and shook his head. He was being paranoid. But it wasn't for nothing.
Vic pulled the door closed and walked down the stairs. She stopped at the exterior door that led out to the area behind the bar where she and Walt were parked. This entrance was private and not available to the patrons of the Red Pony. Her words to Walt proved to be correct. Around the side of the building, she could hear the chatter of people leaving and the slamming of car doors as people left to go home or wherever the night was taking them.
The night air was cold around her. Vic crossed the few steps to her truck, tapping her remote as she went. She heard the doors click unlocked. Vic pulled open the passenger door and leaned in. Sure enough, her phone rested in the console where she must've set it on the way over earlier. She grabbed it and straightened up, closing the door and tapping the remote again to reengage the locks.
The screen lit up and told her she had missed two calls from Cady. She made a mental note to text her once she was back inside and let Cady know that she would call her tomorrow unless it was an emergency, which she doubted. Vic turned as she lowered the phone. Before her eyes lifted completely, she collided with a solid object, a body.
Two hands came out to steady her as she stepped back and her heart gave a leap into her throat at the sudden impact and appearance. She inhaled sharply as the face came into focus and pushed out a jumbled sentence.
"Shit, you scared me."
The hands on her upper arms dropped away and Tom smiled at her with an apologetic look.
"Sorry. Taking out the trash."
He gestured at the garbage bins a few feet away that sat alongside the building. Vic's heart was still thumping in her chest as adrenaline still flowed through her veins. She shook her head and shoved her keys into her pocket.
"I didn't hear you come out."
He shrugged as she moved by him towards the partially open door. He walked beside her as they approached the doorway. Warm air was mingling with cold air right in the space where the outside met the inside. Vic stepped inside with Tom behind her.
"Everything alright?"
Vic nodded and held up her phone.
"Yeah, left my phone in the truck."
His dark eyes shifted to the phone in her hand and back to her face.
"I'll be locking up here in a minute. You guys need anything?"
Vic shook her head as he pulled the door closed and locked it with a clang of metal.
"No, we're fine. Just…pretend like we're not here."
Her comment was answered with a smile.
"I doubt anyone who knows you can pull that off."
Vic laughed at the comment and paused at the base of the stairs that led up to the apartment. Tom hovered a couple of feet away, like there was more he was going to say. After a few seconds of silence passed, he merely nodded to her.
"Goodnight."
Vic dipped her chin.
"Night."
She turned and walked briskly up the stairs. He was flirting with her. She knew that. It wasn't new. What she couldn't quite put her finger on was how genuine he was being. As a bartender, he knew how to talk to people. His people skills were as strong as Henry's. There was always a friendliness to his manner that always existed. Walt even teased her about his apparent softness towards her in particular.
Vic brushed off the thoughts. He was a friend. That's what he was. He had proven that recently. Stepping back into the apartment, she could hear the water running telling her Walt was in the shower. Vic set her phone down and removed her jacket. Toeing her shoes, back off she sat on the bed and checked her phone again.
Whatever Cady wanted, she hadn't left a message. Nor had she sent a text. Vic texted her a quick response and lay the phone aside. The water cut off and Walt emerged from the bathroom a few seconds later, toweling his hair and dressed only in his underwear. Vic's eyes ran up him.
"I made it back."
He stopped drying his hair.
"I see that. Find your phone?"
"Yeah. Cady called."
"About what?"
Vic shrugged.
"Don't know. She didn't leave a message. I'll call her tomorrow."
Walt tossed his wet towel aside as he switched off the bathroom light and walked slowly towards the bed. He reached out and rested his palm on her cheek.
"You're cold."
A teasing smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.
"It's cold as hell outside."
Walt tilted his head slightly.
"Hell isn't cold."
The comment earned him an eye roll and his hand slid from her skin.
"Smartass."
She shook her head as she pulled back the covers on the bed and sat down.
"If I'm so cold, by all means, warm me up."