We let the time pass and the doc sees Vic right on time. I wait in the lobby and read the latest edition of Cowboys and Indians with Robert Duvall gracing the cover. Great actor. Tender Mercies. Yup, that about explains the situation. My emotions begin to flood from memories of waiting for Martha to finish cancer treatments and the distinct feelings of helplessness that I recognized having for Vic when she was trapped in Chance's basement. Here and now, I know intellectually that Vic is ok and that this is just a routine exam but emotionally I am in drowning in shallow water.

The ophthalmologist comes out and introduces himself. He is about my age, fit, but with decidedly more gray hair. He extends his manicured hand, "Doctor Hutchins, nice to meet you Sheriff."

I shake his hand sorta surprised at the firm grip back. He doesn't really look like the type but he is.

"Deputy Moretti is recovering well. Head traumas can be tricky as you know and I want to be cautious with her treatment plan. The impact of the trauma can cause the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye to rupture or become damage which may in turn cause blindness or other forms of trauma to the eye. We did a retinal scan so I could see the back of her eyes and we dilated her pupils. Her images look good but I would like to examine her again in 6 months to see if there are any changes."

"Thanks, Doc but why are you telling me all of this?" He reads the confusion on my brow.

"Oh, Deputy Moretti asked me to explain all of this to you so you wouldn't ask her a lot of questions she may not be able to answer on the drive back to Durant. She said you were a rather talkative fellow."

The doc laughed like we shared some sorta inside secret but I am sure he has no idea of Vic's shenanigans.

"So she can continue in full-duty status. She's doing great."

A sense of relief came over me.

"Thanks, again." I shook his firm paw and waited as Vic made her way out of the office nearly blind as a bat. I notice that I have made a habit of placing my hand in the small of her back when we walk together. I have stopped myself several times but today I don't as I guide her outside to the resting bench.

"Wait here while I pull the truck around."

I pull up and open the passenger door, take Vic's hand and gently guide her to the open door.

"I can do it Walt."

She presses herself up by leaning on my shoulder. In this moment, she is so strong but open, weak and vulnerable and I feel as if she needs me. Sure, she can do it herself, but the little push on my shoulder tells me she needs me and I want to be needed and be needed by her. I want to be here with her, to take care of her. I put her hand in mine, hold it for just a moment longer than necessary and lean into the cab, and kiss her lips just to reassure her that I am here. Honestly, there is nothing romantic about it but it felt right.

"Walt"

I don't say anything as I close her door and make my way to the other side. I pile into the Bullet and head for the highway.

"Walt, what was that back there?"

"Seemed like the right thing to do."

"ooooook."

"Just relax. You look real cute in those Ray Charles sunglasses"

"Ha ha I'm glad you are enjoying the new fashion look."

We head back to town and I start ticking off mile markers again as the cab fills with more silence. Finally, Vic breaks the spell of the road.

"Aren't you going to say anything to me?"

"Nope"

"Why, are you being an ass?"

"You already complained that I talk too much." I can't help but smile.

We both laugh out loud.

"What do you want me to say?"

"I want you to explain yourself."

"I don't know if I can." We leave it at that.

As we approach town, I suggest Vic take the rest of the day off, because I don't want her out in the field if she can't really see straight. When Vic agrees with me and doesn't protest I know she is upset with me or it or us and I don't blame her.

I see her to her door.

"See you tomorrow, Vic."

"ok Walt"

Heading back to the station, alone, the quiet desperation of my thoughts roll in like thunder. This situation is, well tricky, and the trick is to figure out what the situation really is but I've got nothin'. I stop for a red light and a dust of wind kicks up just enough to bring the faint smell of jasmine in the air. Vic's hair smells like jasmine. I kick myself for kissing her but I never thought about it. I just did it. It felt so right and it was so right. Where do we go from here?