I hit the front door of my office and Ruby has a host of post-its waiting for me. "Walter, it's just you and Ferg today. Vic called in a vacation day and Branch did too. I don't want to hear any complaining they both have needed time off for a long time. Now I know you want to get to Denver but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Now, I'm sorry but that's just the way it's going to be today." I chuckle to myself happy that the plan seems to be working out and I hope that Barlow reached out to his son.

I make it through the day and finalize my plans for Denver the next day. I'm going come hell or high water. No more delays. Martha is first and foremost in my mind. As I wrap up for the evening, Vic comes sauntering into the station and into my office.

"Thanks for letting me have the day off, Walt"

"Sure." I pause not quite sure how to read her casualness, "Everything ok?"

"Yeah, it's fine. I guess."

I want to ask her what's wrong but I don't know what she will say. I have avoided probing since she dropped the potential resignation bombshell. Vic turns and starts to walk out of my office as I stand in no-man's land between my desk and the door. She turns, "Walt, can I ..uh…talk to you?" She looks almost helpless.

"Sure"

I sit on the edge of my desk, my legs crossed at the ankle, and my arms folded.

"I left last night to drop Sean off at DIA, the drive to Denver and back is an ass-kicker. He left for Australia and um it's a one-way ticket."

Still unsure, "Are you ..ah…"

"I'm staying here, Walt. At least for now. My marriage is over. It's been over for some time really." She holds her arms close to her chest. I instantly feel guilty for feeling so good about the words I hear filling the air.

Holding her head down, "I ..um…I…" Vic pauses and looks at me. "I don't think he could take being married to a cop anymore and I can't imagine doing anything else and that shit at crazy fucks house was the icing on the cake."

"Vic, I am really sorry. ..if you need more time off…we will be ok here. Maybe you could join Sean and try to work it out."

"He didn't ask me to join him, Walt "

I hold my head down wondering how in the hell Sean could ever let her go and leave without her but I don't dare express the interworking of my mind.

"Walt, you know I haven't really said anything to you but there is something that has really been on my mind and well fuck now is as good a time as any to get it off of my chest."

Terrified. I just stand there and wait.

"I know you are hot and heavy with your investigation in Denver but damnit Walt why are you excluding the rest of us? Why are you excluding me? Let me help."

I want to grab her because I realize now more than ever she is one of the best friends I will ever have and whatever this is that is passing between us will have to wait. It will have to wait for another day.