Longmire: Second Chances

Chapter 3: Reaching Out

A Year After Vic Left

Walt and Cady went to dinner at The Pony that evening. Jacob was out of town for a business conference, and Walt had gladly stepped in to spend time with his daughter. He had slowly come to accept that Cady was serious with Jacob, and the two men, while they would never be very close, had a mutual respect and understanding for each other now. In fact, Walt would assist Jacob occasionally on projects around the Rez.

They arrived at the Pony around eight, and Henry was there, his usual ebullient self, grinning widely when he saw his best friend and his Goddaughter, "Welcome, Longmire's, to the Red Pony and our Continual Soiree!"

Walt removed his Stetson and ambled up to the bar, Cady next to him, "How's business tonight, Henry?"

Henry sighed with some satisfaction, "Busy, which keeps all of the staff out of trouble, I must say." Cady giggled.

As if by magic, two Rainier bottles appeared on the counter in front of Walt and Cady, and they raised them to Henry in thanks, "Gee, Henry", Walt intoned, "It's like you know this is my favorite beverage or something", the line delivered full of sarcasm.

Henry raised his eyebrows, "I believe now, after all these years, Walt, that your mother did not give you milk when you were a baby, but had you drink Rainier back then." Walt gave him a mock stare, and Cady almost fell of the bar stool laughing. Walt gave her a sideways stare, and she stopped laughing, but he winked at her to let her know it was all in fun.

"You may be right, Henry", Walt agreed, "but I do find I have a lot more energy and clarity since I don't drink it like I used to." That had come about after he had sought therapy when he stepped down as Sheriff. He had been a mental mess, and was still struggling with his emotional state at times, but he had cut way back on drinking, and that physically was helping him.

He paused for a moment, thinking about the events that had sent him to see a shrink and to cut back on the booze. And he suddenly realized that it was almost exactly a year since....he couldn't finish the sentence in his mind nor say her name.

Cady and Henry both caught the look, and knew instantly what had suddenly occupied his mind. They glanced at each other, hoping he wouldn't withdraw into himself. Cady reached out to him in support.

"Dad?", she said softly, "It's OK, it really is. I know what you're thinking about and who you're thinking about. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

Walt nodded his head in agreement, "I know, Punk", he said frankly, "But I really miss....." And again he couldn't say her name.

Henry and Cady knew better than to say the name Vic in front of him, but they, too, felt the emptiness that her departure had created in their lives. She hadn't called once to anyone, not even Ferg, and it had bruised them all that their good friend hadn't let them know how she was doing.

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Travis had probably been the most devastated of anyone. Vic was pregnant when she had suddenly left, and she was certain it was Travis' child. He had been so sweet to her, even as he drove her nuts, and when she had left without warning, Travis, in many ways, like Walt, had emotionally fallen apart. He had started to drink heavily, and was having trouble keeping a job.

Cady wasn't close to Travis, but she hated to see him suffer, and she was genuinely mad at Vic not only for deserting Travis, but all of them in that matter. Several times Cady had gone to dial Vic's number, but had angrily stopped herself each time. One of these days, she would get up the nerve to call her prodigal friend.

Travis was in therapy now as well, and was improving. Yet not knowing if, when or where his child was born ate at him every day. He was working steady now, but he still had a long way to go to mend his bruised heart.