Ch. 17: Scorched

Cain lunged at her just like she expected him to. Vic side side-stepped and slid one booted foot in between his, tripping him. Losing his balance, he fell into the door of the Bronco as Vic attempted to get around him. He managed to catch himself and turn, grabbing for the back of her shirt. Unable to grasp the fabric, he shoved and she lost her own traction on the icy ground, stumbling towards the side of the building. Vic scrambled back to her feet and made a move for the door. Cain reached for her again but she kicked out, landing the sole of her boots square on his kneecap.

He let out a string of curses that she didn't even register. He slipped and fell, hitting the ground with a thud. But moving faster than she anticipated, he grabbed her ankle and jerked her leg out from under her. Vic hit the ground and felt pain run through her like shockwave.

Cain, knife still in his right hand, pushed up on all fours and hurled himself at her. Vic managed to get her feet up in between them, planting her boots flat on his abdomen and pushing him back with all of the strength in her legs. The move shoved Cain off of her just enough for her to scuttle out of his reach.

Anger burned on his face as he grasped her leg around the ankle and started to pull her towards him. Vic tried to pull away, but his grasp was tight and the ground was slick, making it difficult. Raising the knife, he brought it down. Vic twisted, trying to avoid the blade and instead of burying it into her like he was trying, it slid along the back of her calf, slicing the skin though her jeans.

A burning pain shot through her and she lashed out with her other leg, knocking the knife clear. Trying to drag herself up, Vic could see dark red stains starting to spread across her pants. Cain managed to right himself and come at her again, just as she pushed herself to get to her feet. Again, she moved out of his way, his momentum taking him away from her.

Vic grabbed for the doorknob and jerked it open, nearly colliding with Tom, who wore a surprised expression. Without warning, he jerked Vic inside and shoved her back just as Cain threw himself at the door. Tom met the challenge by grabbing the man's wrist and shoving him back from the door.

"Close the door."

Vic managed to get the words out through gritted teeth. But, either Tom didn't hear her or he chose not to. He stepped through the doorway and out of Vic's line of sight. Hearing the sounds of grunting and shuffling, Vic pulled herself upright and towards the door just as Tom came back through it.

He put his hand on her arm and pushed her back, his eyes landing on her briefly.

"Get back."

He moved to step inside with her just as Cain lunged one last time and buried the knife to the hilt into Tom's back. The Cheyenne grunted and his hand tightened on Vic's arm, his fingers biting into her skin. He stumbled as Cain pulled the knife free and then jabbed him with it again.

Vic heard voices around the side of the building and footsteps. Someone must have heard the commotion. Cain heard it, too. He looked off to the side and then to Vic, who was trying to hold up Tom and get him through the doorway.

He looked into her face and then turned and ran.

xxx

"You realize this is the same leg you were shot in?"

Dr. Weston looked at Vic over the rim of his glasses as he dipped his head and wrapped her lower leg with gauze. Vic sat on the exam table, leaned back and her hands bracing her. She winced as he pulled the wrapping tight and secured it.

"Ow…Jesus."

His eyes were still on her, waiting for a response. Vic's chin dipped.

"Yes. I know that."

He finished dressing her wound and stood up, pulling off the gloves he wore and tossing them into a trash bin. He looked her way.

"That'll be another scar, Deputy."

Vic straightened out her leg and let it dangle off the table.

"That's what I was going for. A knife cut to go along with the gunshot wound."

He gave her a pointed look that told her he wasn't amused.

"And I thought Walt could be difficult. You're running a close second today."

Vic shook her head.

"Well, it's not like I asked him to gouge me with a damn knife."

Weston sighed.

"You know the drill. Check the wound and change the bandages regularly. Keep it clean and dry. The stitches will dissolve on their own. I'll give you something to take for pain as needed and an antibiotic to make sure it doesn't get infected. If the pain continues or if it starts to look red or swollen, come back."

Vic nodded.

"Okay."

He scribbled something on her chart.

"Your…"

He paused.

"…husband is out in the waiting room being belligerent as usual. Want me to send him in?"

"Yes, please."

He pulled the door open and looked her way again.

"Congratulations, by the way."

With that, he was gone. Less than a handful of seconds passed before Walt filled the doorway, his hat in his hand. His eyes held nothing but worry.

"Hey."

Vic straightened up the leg of her pants.

"Hey."

Slowly, she pulled her boots back on and slid off the exam table. Walt covered the small distance between them and reached for her arm.

"Be careful."

His grasp was soft, but Vic winced and pulled away. Walt stared for a second before setting his hat on the table she had just vacated and taking her hand. Gently, he pulled up her sleeve and looked at the fresh bruises that were appearing on her forearm.

"Vic."

Her name came out soft. Vic pulled her arm free and shoved her sleeve back down. After her scuffle with Cain, those weren't the only bruises she was going to have.

"I'm okay."

Walt didn't look like he agreed with her assessment. She reached for her jacket, but he grabbed it before she was able and tucked it under his arm as he lifted his hat. She turned to him.

"Any word on Tom?"

Walt shook his head.

"No, last I heard they had him in surgery."

Vic bit her lip and Walt could see her struggling to maintain her composure. He stepped in closer.

"Let's go home."

Vic shook her head at him.

"I can't. Not until I know something."

Walt frowned.

"I'll get Henry to call when he gets an update. He's in the waiting room."

He again attempted to usher her out of the room, but she resisted.

"I can't…"

Her voice broke and she dipped her face. Walt waited until she lifted it and looked up at him.

"He saved my life, Walt."

Walt nodded slowly.

"Okay."

He didn't know what else to say. Slowly, they left the room and made their way to the waiting area. As they approached, Walt paused when he saw Henry talking to a doctor he didn't recognize. He felt Vic beside him and his hand slid to her lower back, resting there.

Henry nodded a couple of times as the doctor spoke in a low voice. After watching for a minute, Henry offered his hand to the doctor and shook it before the doctor bustled off. Henry's eyes shifted to where they stood, his eyes moving between them before landing on Walt and staying there.

Walt had known Henry long enough to know.

xxx

Vic slumped onto the bed as Walt lay their jackets over a chair. He turned to Vic to see her trying to toe her boots off without too much movement. Moving to her, he reached out to help her. Vic's boot hit the floor with a thump.

"I can take my own shoes off."

He ignored her tone and pulled her other boot free of her foot. With a heavy sigh, she looked up at him.

"Are you hungry?"

Vic shook her head.

"No."

He stood, unsure of what to say next. With a grunt, Vic pushed herself up from the bed. Walt stepped back to give her room. She met his eyes.

"I need a shower."

He nodded in understanding. It had been a long day and night, and it only seemed to be getting worse as the minutes ticked by. Vic started to pull out clothes and Walt hovered nearby.

"Do you need help?"

Vic shook her head.

"No, I got it."

He nodded mutely as she bundled up her pajamas and walked into the bathroom favoring her injured leg. Once she closed the bathroom door, Walt took her seat on the bed and pulled his own boots off. Laying back, he let his eyes come to rest on the ceiling. Things were spiraling. His cell phone buzzed to life in his pocket. Walt pulled it out and brought it to his ear.

"Hello."

It was Cady's voice that came to him.

"Hey, dad."

"Hey, Punk."

"How's Vic."

Walt paused. He wished he knew.

"The cut is minor. Just some stitches."

"That's good."

"Was there something you needed?"

"Yeah, we finished up at the scene, but Vic still needs to come in and give a full statement."

Walt closed his eyes. He didn't relish the thought of having to go into the office tonight and sit through her giving a statement.

"Can it wait until tomorrow?"

"Sure."

He opened his eyes again.

"Thanks."

"Sure. Tell Vic we're thinking about her."

"I will."

The call ended and Walt lay his phone on the table beside him. He closed his eyes again and tried not to see it play out in his mind. He did his best not to think about how the situation could've ended. One man was already dead. It could've been Vic, as well.

"Walt?"

He jerked and his eyes opened to see Vic standing over him, her brow furrowed. He had fallen asleep and not even realized it. Walt sat up. Vic carefully maneuvered onto the bed and lay down. She was wearing long pants, hiding the gauze that protected her stitched up injury.

"How's the leg?"

She glanced down at her leg.

"Hurts. Not as bad as getting shot, though."

Walt kept his eyes on her face.

"Need your pain meds?"

Vic shook her head.

"No."

Walt inhaled deeply.

"You want to tell me what happened?"

She met his eyes. It didn't escape Walt how dull hers seemed. Drained.

"I told you."

"All of it."

Vic sighed.

"Can't we just go to sleep?"

He watched her.

"Cady called. She wants you to come tomorrow and give your statement."

Vic closed her eyes and laid one hand over her eyes.

"Shit. Okay."

He pushed a little more.

"Maybe…you should talk it through with me so you have it in your head right."

She opened her eyes.

"I don't want to talk about it. Not tonight."

"Vic."

He tried again, her name rolling softly out of him.

"I don't want to talk about it!"

The words came out sharp the second time. Walt fell quiet. Vic blew out a breath.

"I'm sorry."

Walt shook his head.

"It's okay. Sleep then."

She nodded at his suggestion. Walt reached out and smoothed some hair back from her face. Her eyes looked sleepy, but she kept looking at him. Walt cocked his head.

"What?"

"Where were you? Earlier?"

When everything was happening. That was what she meant.

"With Henry."

He knew she wanted more. He could see it in her expression. But, she let it go just like she asked him to do a few minutes prior. Slowly, she let her eyes close.

xxx

Vic's head was thumping when she opened her eyes the next time. She rolled her head in the direction of the window and saw that it was dark outside. Early morning or late night, she couldn't say. She struggled to sit up, the pain in her leg reminding her of the day's events. The room was mostly dark except for one small lamp on the far side of the room.

She heard movement in the bathroom. The door was closed, but she could see a thin strip of light at the base where the door met the floor. She leaned forward and rested her head in her hands. She sat that way until the bathroom door opened and Walt walked out. He stopped when he saw her sitting up.

"You're awake."

He was stating the obvious, so she didn't answer. Walt walked over to the bed slowly and sat down beside her.

"How're you feeling?"

Vic lifted her face to meet his eyes.

"Head hurts."

He frowned.

"How's your leg?"

She glanced at her sheet covered leg.

"Not too bad."

She could tell that he was trying to see if she was telling him the truth. Vic looked around.

"What time is it?"

Walt glanced at his watch.

"Almost three."

"Jesus."

She wasn't even sure what day it was anymore, her concept of time completely abandoning her. Walt reached out and touched her knee.

"Are you hungry?"

Vic shook her head.

"No."

He studied her.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"You want to talk about what happened?"

She averted her eyes.

"Okay."

Walt shifted on the bed.

"What were you doing outside by yourself?"

She was quiet for a moment, almost like she was trying to remember that herself. Finally, she spoke, her voice sounding distant.

"Looking for you. I woke up and you were gone. I went down to the…to the bar. But, you weren't there. I wanted to see if maybe you were outside. He was just…he wasn't there and then he was."

Vic spoke slowly, piecing together the experience. Walt's eyes shifted down. Vic didn't seem to notice.

"He came at me with his knife and we fought…"

Her voice trailed off.

"I managed to get the back door open and Tom was there. He…"

She stopped again.

"…he pushed me out of the way and Cain…stabbed him."

Vic shook her head like she was trying to clear the memory from her head. Walt knew it was an abbreviated, most likely sanitized version of events. Her eyes found his.

"Earlier…you didn't really answer my question. Where were you?"

Walt cleared his throat.

"I was with Henry."

"Where? I didn't see you."

Walt let out a sigh.

"He picked me up and we talked about some things."

She was staring at him.

"What things?"

Before he could answer, she continued on, the words running out like a stream of water.

"Don't lie to me either."

He was taken aback by the bluntness of her comment.

"I haven't lied to you."

Vic wasn't having it.

"You're keeping things from me. You know I hate that. It's the same as lying."

Walt moved closer to her on the bed. There was no reason not to tell her what he had learned.

"Henry asked Tom to keep an eye on us."

Vic looked confused.

"Keep an eye on us? What? Like a bodyguard?"

She sounded skeptical. Walt shook his head.

"More like backup."

Her eyes left his face and drifted around the room.

"When did you find this out?"

"The night of the storm. Tom and I…talked. He told me."

Vic bit her lip, her eyes landing on his again.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

There was a low voltage anger to her words. Walt held up his hand.

"There wasn't time. Look…at everything that happened."

She grew quiet, but was unsettled. He could see that in the set of her jaw and the tenseness through her shoulders.

"Maybe that's why he was at the door. Maybe he was coming to check on you."

"We'll never know because he's dead now."

She pushed the words out and Walt could hear the pain. Another senseless loss. Yet another person taken away too soon. He knew that's what she was thinking. It was what was on his mind.

"Vic…"

She shook him off, darkness crossing her already strained features.

"It's the same old story. He got involved with us…or me…and now he's dead."

Walt sighed.

"This is not your fault, Vic. Cain was the one with the knife. This is on him and only him."

She pulled farther into herself.

"I know that. But…fuck."

Vic swung her legs over the bed and stood up abruptly. Walt watched the pained look that crossed her face when she accidentally bumped her calf against the bed. She turned to face him.

"He can't get away with this."

Walt stood up.

"He won't. Did he say anything to you?"

Vic rolled her eyes, remembering Cain's words.

"He said…a lot. Mostly bullshit threats. How he was going to kill me. How you ruined his life. You know…the usual chit chat when you're getting ready to murder someone."

Walt ran his palm over his hair.

"I'm sorry about all this."

Vic considered him and his words, some of the sharpness leaving her.

"It's not your fault. You're right…this is all Cain."

Vic closed her eyes and opened them slowly. When she looked at Walt again, he could see a new clarity. She was coming back to herself some now that the fog of painkillers and grief was subsiding a bit. She took a breath.

"He wants to see you broken. That's what he said."

That wasn't surprising. The man obviously harbored a great deal of hatred for him. Enough that Cain was willing to kill innocent people.

"Which is why he's coming after you."

Vic nodded.

"Yeah."

She looked around the apartment.

"Well, he knows we're here. Not sure how long he's known that. But, he sure as hell does now. Why…did Henry ask Tom to watch us?"

"Tom told me it's something he does on the Rez sometimes."

Something crossed her face.

"Like Hector?"

The memory tugged at Walt.

"Maybe. Probably not as brutal. It was Henry's way of helping once we moved over here."

Vic smiled the tiniest bit.

"He loves you."

"I know."

Walt paused.

"What you said before…you were right. We can't keep hiding. This…isn't working. It's only…delaying the inevitable."

He could see she still held that thought.

"I know. But…we don't know where he is now. We have nothing to go on. He's targeting people who have nothing to do with this. And…it can't keep on. I'm not willing to lose anyone else over this fucker."

There was a new determination in her words. It was both relieving and frightening. Walt was somewhat comforted by the fact that she was coming back to herself after the night's events. She would need a clear head. But, he was afraid that she was being pushed too hard and that would cause her to come out fighting. Cain already had one go at her. Walt wasn't looking for a repeat performance. He nodded in silence, unsure of what to say.

What he really wanted was to track the man down and end this on his own terms. He knew Vic would object to that heavily. She would likely suspect that's what he was going to do and put herself in the line of fire again. That was the last thing he wanted. This was between him and Cain and he was ready for it to be over.

"Walt?"

He snapped back to the present to find Vic watching him closely. She was already honing in on his thoughts. She knew him well enough to know he wasn't afraid of a challenge. And, that he would go to great lengths to protect those he loved.

"Yeah?"

"What's on your mind?"

He was trying to sort out what to say when her phone buzzed on the bedside table. Vic sighed loudly as she grabbed it up and looked at the screen.

"Cady."

Swiping her thumb over the screen, she answered it.

"Hey."

Walt waited as a mostly one sided conversation played out with only "okays" and "yeahs" from Vic. Ending the call, she looked his way.

"Cady wants to see us."

"Now?"

Vic nodded as she moved to get dressed.

"Yes."

xxx

"How are you doing?"

Vic was tired and lacked the patience for mundane greetings, getting right down to business.

"Fine. What's up?"

Cady shifted into Sheriff mode.

"Uh…we may have had a break in tracking Cain."

Walt stepped in.

"What?"

Cady looked between the two of them.

"We were contacted by a woman who is sure she saw him at a gas station on the county line with Cumberland."

Vic frowned, clearly wanting more information.

"And?"

"He was driving a dark colored pickup. Navy or black, she wasn't sure."

Vic glanced at Walt.

"His truck is blue."

Cady smiled.

"Was blue. He doesn't have that truck anymore. He traded it."

"Traded?"

The question came from Walt.

Cady nodded at her father.

"Yeah, we managed to find the old man who has it now. He was seen driving it. He wasn't very anxious to talk to us until we told him his next stop would be a jail cell for aiding a murder suspect. He gave us the description of the one Cain is driving now. We have a BOLO out for it."

"That's something."

Cady looked at Vic.

"There's more. The same man…mentioned that there was some trash still in the truck. One was a receipt for a motel in the same area. It's…a really run down, old place. But, they still rent rooms. I've got Ferg on the way over now."

Vic shook her head.

"He won't be there."

Cady's head bobbed in acknowledgement.

"Maybe. But, we have to check all leads. You know that."

Silence fell over them as they stood, all thinking over what was happening. Vic reached up and rubbed her eyes.

"I might as well do my statement while I'm here."

Cady gave her a questioning look.

"If you're tired, it can wait until tomorrow."

Vic gave a ragged shrug.

"No point in putting it off."

Cady nodded.

"Okay. Just let me get set up."

She disappeared into her office. Walt glanced at Vic.

"You feel alright?"

"Yeah. Tired. But, it's not like I would actually be able to sleep at this point."

She walked over and sat down at her desk, her eyes drifting to the window.

"Sometimes, it feels like we're not really making a dent with this job. You know?"

Did he ever. Walt laid his hat down and walked over to where she sat slowly.

"I know."

Vic looked out the window for another couple of minutes before turning her chair to face him.

"Then why do we keep doing it?"

Walt didn't have an answer. It was a question he asked himself countless times while he was Sheriff. And, even back when he worked for Lucian and was just learning the job. It was a question anyone working in law enforcement was haunted by during their careers at least once, probably more.

"I don't think there's a blanket answer to that question, Vic. I think…everyone has to come to their own conclusion."

She nodded and let her eyes linger on his.

"Why did you keep doing it? After everything you went through?"

Walt ran his hand over his jaw.

"Because, in the end, I liked to believe that I made a difference I never saw. By…giving someone closure…or…"

He paused.

"…getting someone off the street who might have future victims. I want to believe that good people outnumber bad ones in this world."

She tilted her head back.

"You really believe that?"

Right now, he wasn't sure.

"I try."

He leaned on her desk and folded his arms across his chest.

"Why do you still do it?"

She took a deep breath in, her chest expanding. He could see her thinking about the question, maybe looking for the right words. Or, maybe just looking for an answer she didn't have in that moment. It could be hard to find the good in a situation when the darkness was all you could see. It was a road they had both walked before.

Vic tapped on hand on her leg and bit her lip thoughtfully. Finally, she looked up into his face and shrugged.

"Someone has to."

Her answer struck him. It wasn't what he had been expecting her to say. But, it was a good point. Someone had to stand in the gap for those who were unable to protect themselves. Someone had to carry on when there didn't seem to be a way through. Despite the pain and the loss, someone had to do it.

Before he could reply, Cady reappeared.

"Ready?"

Vic pushed up from her seat and started towards Cady's office. Walt took two shuffling steps behind her before she turned and gestured with her head for him to follow. Walking into the office, Vic sat down in the chair opposite Cady's desk. Walt stayed out of the way and sat down on the old couch.

Cady passed Vic a pen and a legal pad. Giving Cady a cursory glance, she propped up the pad on her lap and started to write. As the minutes stretched out, the only sound in the room was the scratching sound of Vic writing. Periodically, she would stop like she was reliving the chain of events and start writing again. Cady sat quietly at her desk, looking Walt's way every so often.

Finally, Vic scratched out the last of her thoughts and passed the statement back to Cady. Turning to look at Walt, he offered her a subtle supportive smile. Cady scanned over the writing, her lips moving soundlessly as she read over it. Looking up at Vic, she lay the pad on her desk.

"Can you talk me through this?"

Vic nodded.

"Sure."

She shifted around in her chair and stretched both legs out, crossing her ankles.

"I woke up and Walt was gone. I went down to the bar to see if he was there, but he wasn't. So…I was gonna go back upstairs. I thought…maybe he was out back or something where we park. So…I went to go and check. I didn't see anyone when I went out. I checked the Bronco and when I turned to go back in…he was there. Cain."

She paused and moved around in her chair again, running one hand over her jeans.

"He was…he pulled out the knife and told me he was going to kill me. We…fought. That's kind of a blur. He kept trying to…he kept swinging the knife at me. The one time, he hit my leg, but not the way he intended."

She stopped again and swallowed.

"I…managed to get to the door and when I opened it, Tom was there. He pulled me inside. I told him…I told him to close the door."

Her voice halted and she closed her eyes. From where he sat, Walt could see her struggling. Opening her eyes, they settled back on Cady.

"He didn't. Instead, he went after Cain. I didn't see him for…several seconds. I could hear them. But, I couldn't see him. Then, he was back in the door, telling me to get back and Cain came up behind him and…stabbed him. Twice."

Vic bowed her head. Walt wanted to go to her, but he knew it wasn't the time. He kept his seat, his eyes trained on her. Only on her.

"That's when…we heard people coming. And, he ran."

Cady looked at her for a long moment.

"I'm sorry about your friend. He sounds like he was a good man."

Vic didn't reply. Walt leaned forward on the couch. Cady glanced over the written statement one more time and offered Vic the best smile she could muster.

"Looks good."

Vic stood up slowly.

"We're done?"

Cady nodded.

"Yeah. Go on home and get some rest. I'll call you if we learn something."

Walt made no move to stand. Before anyone else could speak, Cady's phone rang. She pulled it out and walked out of the office while she talked. Finally, Walt stood and crossed the floor to Vic. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She met his eyes briefly. Cady bustled back in, her phone in hand.

"That was Ferg. He wasn't at the motel, but his truck was found down a dead end road less than a mile away."

Walt looked from Cady to Vic.

"He's on foot?"

Cady shrugged as she pulled on her coat.

"Might be. Not sure. We're gonna search the area."

Vic opened her mouth, but Cady cut her off before she was able to get a word out.

"No. You stay here."

Frustration crossed Vic's already stressed features.

"You need all the help you can get. Zach isn't back yet and…"

Cady shook her head, her face determined.

"We'll call Cumberland County if we need help with the search. You…are not on this case, Vic. I mean it."

Her words were stern. And, it was clear she wasn't going to back down from that position. Vic huffed as her anger built.

"Cady…"

Cady ignored Vic and looked to Walt.

"Can I trust you to keep her here?"

Walt looked at his daughter and then to Vic, whose eyes were on him. He turned his face back to Cady and nodded slowly.

"Yeah. She'll stay here."

He spoke the words low. He heard Vic exhale loudly as Cady accepted his words and gave Vic one last look.

"Both of you should probably stay here for now. It's safer than going home."

Walt looked Cady's way, but didn't reply. She hurried out of the office, zipping up her coat as she went. Walt could sense the tension that was rising up in Vic. He waited until the door closed completely behind Cady. Then, he walked to her slowly, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"She's right. You shouldn't be out there. You're injured."

She cut her eyes at him, the gold in them burning like a stoked fire.

"That never stopped you, did it?"

He chose not to engage in that particular argument, knowing she could start listing all the times he had done exactly that. The difference was that he never worried for his own safety like he did hers. Keeping her safe was his primary goal. And, it was one that he would not waver from regardless of what she wanted.

Vic sat down on the couch and leaned her head back to rest on the back of the seat.

"He won't stop coming unless he's dead."

It was a truth he knew. Cain was determined to either take him out or die trying. And, Vic was caught up in it now. He walked over, his boots shuffling over the worn wooden floor and sat down beside her.

"I know. But…I won't let him get to you. Not again. I promised you that…in the beginning. It's a promise I intend to keep."

Vic shook her head.

"Who keeps you safe?"

The question was quiet, barely there. He didn't have an answer. Walt reached over and rubbed her back with his palm.

"This will end, Vic. It will."

He could hear the lack of conviction in his own words. Not that it would end. One way or another, it would. But, the outcome was the one promise he couldn't make or keep. The one thing he didn't have control over. All he could do was what his gut told him to do. Right now, it was speaking to him.

Loudly.

"Cady is right about staying here."

Vic sighed with a nod.

"Right."

Walt rubbed her back again.

"Why don't you go lay down on the cot in the cell. I know it's not really comfortable. But, you'll be able to stretch out and maybe even sleep."

His hand stopped its movement over her back and his fingers curled inward.

"Not sure I could sleep with all of this going on."

Walt stood up.

"Try."

He took her hand in his and pulled.

"C'mon, Vic. Lay down. You've had a long day."

She looked like she might argue with him again. But, she allowed him to pull her onto her feet. Still holding her hand, Walt walked slowly out of Cady's office and towards the jail cell. Vic eyed the cot. In days past, they had both spent their fair share of time on it for various reasons. She ambled into the cell behind him and sat down.

Walt looked down at her from where he stood. Vic sat for a few minutes, not moving. He made no move to rush her. Finally, she pulled her boots off and looked up at him.

"What about you? You need rest."

He smiled.

"I'll get some. For now, just lie down and try to sleep."

For several more seconds, she held his eyes. He could see that she was tired. He was tired, too. In the back of his mind, he wondered how far they could push themselves before exhaustion became a factor. With a deep breath, she finally relented and laid down on the cot. Walt knelt beside her head and stroked some of her hair back from her face. Leaning over her, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and let his face linger there.

"It's all gonna be okay, Vic."

He murmured the words to her. Neither of them could have said how long they stayed like that. Eventually, he stood up and looked at her for a long moment. He walked to the door of the cell and stopped again, turning back to her just as he crossed the threshold. Vic's eyes stayed on him. She must have seen something in them that alarmed her. Something that let her know things weren't right.

She sat up quickly, the pace of her heart speeding up. Before she could get to her feet, he pulled the cell door closed with a loud clang.

"Walt!"

She was awake now. Completely alert and rising to her feet. She made it to the door in two long steps.

"Walt!"

There was a mixture of fear and anger in her voice. Walt stepped back from the cell.

"I'm sorry."

His words sounded almost broken. Vic's hands wrapped around the bars of the cell.

"Walt, open the door."

He shook his head.

"I can't. I'm sorry."

She jerked fruitlessly at the bars.

"Don't you do this."

He heard her voice break. Walt continued to walk backwards from the cell. He grabbed his hat and placed it on his head. Pulling on his coat, buttoned it up.

"I'm sorry."

And, he was. Vic swallowed hard and shook her head at him.

"Jesus Christ, Walt. Open the goddamned door!"

But, his mind was already set and his course was clear. He would, true to his word, ensure she stayed at the office. He had made no such guarantees for himself.

"You're right. This has to end."

He could see Vic struggling to hold herself together.

"You can't do this."

Her words almost sounded like pleading and his heart constricted tightly. He stopped at the exterior door to the office and looked at her one last time with his hand on the knob.

"I told you that I would keep you safe."

He looked like there was more he wanted to say, but he fell quiet. Several seconds passed them by as he stood at the door and held her eyes. Her hands still clenched at the bars on the door, but she had fallen still. Two shiny tracks ran down her face in the form of two tears. She was starting to lose her composure and she knew beyond any doubt what he was doing.

She tried one final time, this time all the anger drained from her voice.

"Walt. Please."

He swallowed the bile that threatened to run up his throat and left.