"Counting coup, or striking an enemy, was the highest honor earned by warriors participating in the intertribal wars of the Great Plains."
A preview of what I would like to see in tomorrow night's episode. I never thought I would say that Monday's can't come fast enough, right! Anyway, I will finish up a couple of chapters later today, but this will get it started. Have a wonderful Sunday.
I want to ask Vic if she is staying but I played my hand so I keep my mouth shut. I let her letter speak for itself. If she is taking the time to be candid about Branch I figure she has made her decision and will allow her actions to speak for her. None of us can escape who we really are all we can do is attempt to control our true being often times in small doses. Vic can't control exposing the truth for what it is even at the detriment to herself. She did it in Philly and she is doing it again, here in Durant. Now her questions become clear, her self-doubt, and anguish over this exposure. I was right about her then and I am right about her now but I also know that just as in Philadelphia her decision will come at a great price. A personal price.
As the Sheriff, my job is to prevent this from starting a war, a war between my deputies. A war that can cause my office to self-destruct. How do I contain Branch? How do I contain Vic? I've tried to talk to Branch but obviously it isn't helping. The trouble is; I understand the pain he is in, I know what the burning anger of seeking justice and revenge tastes like. I know first-hand, the fire that is consuming him, and will eventually destroy him. My obligation to him as the Sheriff is paramount but my obligation to him as a man, a fellow warrior, is of higher importance.
Vic left my office, walking out of the private door, without saying another word. I pick-up the telephone and dial the last number I want to call.
A baritone angry voice picks up.
"Do you know what the hell time it is? This better be important."
"Ah, Barlow, it's ah Walt Longmire. I need to talk to you about Branch."
"Did you get him hurt again?"
"No, he's not hurt but I do need to speak with you. I apologize for calling so late but I didn't feel it could wait until morning."
I arrive at Barlow's prestigious digs and knock on the heavy custom oak and glass French doors.
Barlow, dressed in a polo and slacks, opens the door.
"What's so damned important, Sheriff."
"Have you talked to Branch, lately?"
"On occasion, why?"
"I'm worried about him. Ever since he was shot he has been …well…not really himself." I pause searching for the right words. Not wanting to make a great enemy out of Barlow and trying to find the right words for a father to help his son.
"He still rambling about that dead guy."
"David Ridges"
"Yeah, that's the name."
"We uncovered evidence that David Ridges may be in fact still alive. I do believe he is still alive."
"Well what have you done to capture the sonofabitch that tried to kill my son!?"
I feel my hand instinctively go up to my head. "We are aggressively pursuing every angle Barlow but I was hoping you could maybe talk to Branch. He is making decisions that will affect the rest of his life. I think maybe he needs to spend some time with you."
"Longmire, you must be in one hell of a predicament if you come asking for my help especially when it comes to my son."
"Barlow, listen, this isn't about you or me, it's about Branch. He is still my deputy."
Barlow studies my eyes. He pauses and looks down at his loafers reflecting his options.
"All right, Longmire, I will see what I can do."
I put my hand out to shake his refusing to avert my focus.
"I wouldn't blame you if you slapped it away."
Barlow studies me again.
He shakes my hand and I see my way out of his grand estate.