The last two nights I've traded my usual bunk in the cell at the office for a chair next to Vic's hospital bed, though I wouldn't call what I've been doing there sleeping exactly. It's more of a deep contemplation. I feel torn between two worlds and I'm determined to conquer both of them. Cady and Ruby have been taking turns sitting with Vic during the day while Ferg and I work non stop gathering evidence in the case against Barlow.

I had been caught off guard when Henry told me about Barlow's involvement with Martha's death. Sure we have a history but it's nothing I would have thought would lead to murder. He's the last piece of the puzzle to which Nighthorse had been alluding on the way back from Denver. Nighthorse, now there's an interesting study in character. He was more than willing to turn and give up what he knew on Barlow once his attorney had cut a deal with the DA. He insists he didn't know why Barlow had wanted to hire Ridges and had only just put two and two together during our impromptu trip after he learned the details of my wife's murder. Because I took him across state lines without his consent the feds could have had me on kidnapping charges but for some reason unknown to me, Jacob had insisted that he did not want them involved. My guess is he didn't want them snooping around about the casino. Whatever the reason I was relieved I wasn't going to jail myself. I was also relieved I listened to my gut and didn't just take Nighthorse up into the mountains and leave him there like I had originally planned. It would have only made me feel better temporarily anyway. I just wanted to pain to go away and not return. I was tired of taking one step forward and two steps back in regards to losing Martha and had thought with Jacob dead, it would have finally been over. I would have been wrong.

With the involvement of Nighthorse and the necessity of having easy access to his records and employees, I'd relented to Ruby's insistence to contact Matthias. He's been surprisingly cooperative. I think he's torn too. He feels an ongoing loyalty of sorts to his former boss and the Tribal Police as well as an overarching distrust of anyone who isn't Indian, but he also has a deep love for his culture and people, coupled with the drive to do what is right. Maybe things have finally taken a step in the right direction to mend the relationship between the Absaroka County Sheriff's Department and the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Police that Malachi so effectively shredded years ago. Matthias had even come by the hospital to see Vic.

The swelling in Vic's brain has continued to improve and they have backed off the sedation completely. She's been extubated and by all accounts is doing well medically except for one small issue, she still hasn't woken up. Dr. Weston isn't worried about it. He says it's normal for someone recovering from her type of injury and treatment. I don't care what's normal. I just need her to open her eyes and look at me. I'd been pissed when Henry told me he had contacted Shaun and he wasn't coming back from Alaska to be with his wife. Henry wouldn't tell me anything more than that, saying it wasn't his place. I'd left a carefully worded voice mail for Shaun myself telling him in no uncertain terms what kind of a man he was for leaving her here to fight this thing alone. I've always held my tongue with him before but I couldn't let this go. I was pretty shocked to receive a post it from Ruby the next day. Shaun had called while I was out of the office and his message for me was "We're getting a divorce, she's your problem now. Don't call me again." I will never understand how you can just abandon someone like that. I know they've had some difficulties, but she's his wife. Pending divorce or not, doesn't that count for something?

I'm getting ready to start my third night at the hospital. I'd gone home to shower and shave at Ruby's insistence. She said she wouldn't let me back in Vic's room if I didn't start taking care of myself. After I pass her inspection at the door she hands me a bag, "Henry fixed your favorite. Eat it. Or do I have to stay and watch you so I know you did?"

"No Ma'am. I promise I'll eat. You can go on home and get some rest...Thank you."

"You're welcome. Someone's got to take care of you right now since you're not doing it yourself."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And Walt?"

"Yes?"

Ruby glances over at Vic and back at me, "She's going to be alright." She pats my arm on her way out the door. "Cady will be here in the morning. I'll see you at the office tomorrow."

I take up my usual post and set the bag on the small table next to me. I lean forward setting my elbows on my knees and rest my chin on my folded hands. I look at the woman lying quietly in the bed in front of me. I'd give anything for her to wake up but I know from the past that the Great Spirit doesn't make deals. Believe me, I've tried. I think I may have used up all my chances with him before now anyway but I sure hope Cady's recovery hasn't been my last.

I keep my promise to Ruby and eat. I don't realize how hungry I am until I open the box and smell the familiar scent of Henry's cooking. When I finish I can't keep a yawn from escaping. The shower and meal must have triggered another need long ignored, sleep. I lean back and slip my hat down over my eyes, hoping I don't embarrass myself by snoring so loudly that the nurses can hear it down the hall.

I'm not sure how long I've been asleep when I hear something that pulls me awake. That's one hazard of trying to sleep in a hospital, there's something going on twenty four hours a day. I stir beneath my hat but keep my eyes closed and try to settle back in before I'm too alert to drift back into my own unconscious state. I'm almost gone when I hear it again, more clearly this time. It's my name. I pull my hat off and look around, thinking something has happened with Vic and they need to talk to me. I'm confused when I see there's no one else in the room. I must be imagining things. As I sit up and stretch out my back I look over at Vic. Her eyes are open and they're looking right at me.

They follow my face as I move to her side and gently take her hand, "I'm here, Vic."

"Walt."

I let out the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding and my entire body relaxes, "Vic." I can't keep from smiling, even as tears start to run down my face, "Vic, you're awake."

She slowly looks around the room, "What happened?" I can tell it's a little bit of a struggle for her to get the words out.

I wipe off my cheeks with my sleeve, "Look, I'll tell you whatever you want to know, but first let's get someone in here to check you over. You've been out of it for several days now."

I move to go get a nurse when I feel her grip tighten on my hand, "No."

"No?"

She grimaces a little as she swallows, her throat sore from the intubation tube, "Don't leave me."

"Okay." I push the call button on the bed with my free hand before pulling the chair in closer to the bed and sitting back down, "I'm not going anywhere."