Even through her nerves, the Christmas Eve play carried on without a hitch. The children said their lines perfectly, eliciting smiles and laughter at times from the audience, and making Elizabeth proud. They had all pulled off a huge endeavor. As for the banner Jack had fixed, it was beautiful. He had captured the spirit of Christmas in the nativity scene. Every time she looked at the bright star, painted in the midnight sky, she felt hope. Jack had brought that to her through his art. She was sure the town felt it as well; the entire evening Elizabeth had been receiving compliments as the townspeople milled around talking and enjoying refreshments. If only for one short hour, the air of fear had been forgotten, and instead people came together to remember the true spirit of Christmas.
She felt a hand at her elbow and turned to see Jack. Instantly, a smile formed on her face. "Hi."
"The kids were great." He complimented. "So were you." Elizabeth blushed.
"If I may, the banner," she held her hand out toward it, "is beautiful, Jack. Perhaps the real scene stealer. People have been asking me about it all night, even wondering if I had painted it." Now it was his turn to blush. "So much about the Detective that no one knows." He shook his head at her impish smile.
"Let's keep it that way." He sipped his coffee and looked over the room. It was crowded, and he watched families and neighbors laugh together. The holiday spirit was in Hope Valley. He wasn't used to the sense of community he felt here. He was raised in a close family that fell apart when his father died. His mother still was his mother, but she was never the same. It was nice to see happiness in Hope Valley – children and adults, neighbors and friends all together.
"Deep in thought?" Elizabeth asked.
"Just thinking about how great this place is." She could only agree with him, looking at the room herself. "And tomorrow is Christmas." Elizabeth's face lit up, which could only make Jack smile. She was beautiful when she smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling up, the laugh lines showing around her face.
"I love Christmas." She raised her shoulders and pursed her lips. "Especially here. It's so magical. I only hope it snows." She clasped her hands together glancing toward the window. "Will you be going home tonight or tomorrow to be with your family?" She asked, broaching a subject he hadn't discussed. Taking a sip of his coffee, he shook his head. Elizabeth frowned. "I'm sorry, Jack." She said softly. Elizabeth wasn't sure what his family history was, nor the status of his relationships with them.
"No need." He quickly spoke. "Abigail invited me for dinner. So, I'll see you there." She smiled again, only causing him to smile. "And I've been thinking about something else." He leaned closer to Elizabeth, gently touching her wrist and pulling her away from the crowd. "I think I'd like to move up that date." Her eyes widened. "I know I need to focus, but I also know I don't want to wait to spend time with you."
"Really? Are you sure, with the case and everything?" She asked quickly. He nodded.
"Yeah." He began to nod. "I'm sure." Her lips opened wide into a smile, which was interrupted by the surprise of his ringing phone. He fumbled with his coffee; Elizabeth reached out to steady it. He saw that it was Bill and answered. Elizabeth listened as he spoke, his words picking up pace. She saw his face crease, the space between his eyes form a line and his lips drop. Something was wrong. "I'll be right there." He shoved the phone back into his pocket. "I have to go." He handed Elizabeth his coffee, which she took without hesitation. "There's been a robbery."
"What?" She became alarmed, but Jack was already gone. Gathering herself together, Elizabeth disposed of the cup and found her coat. She knew she should stay at the church with the children and their families until everyone had left, but she couldn't help but be worried about whoever's home was now attacked. "Abigail?" She reached out to her friend, pulling her from a conversation. "There's been another break-in. Jack just left."
"Where?" Abigail asked. Elizabeth only shook her head.
"I don't know. I'm going to go and see where. Maybe I can help." Abigail held onto Elizabeth's arm, preventing her from leaving.
"Elizabeth be careful." Elizabeth nodded before disappearing through the door.
Town was steps from the church, and Elizabeth could already see the flashing lights in the darkness. They were coupled with the flashlights of officers milling through the town. It must have been a business, she thought to herself. Holding her arms around her body, she quickly made her way to the main street. It was Abigail's Café. Her heart sunk. The window of the front door was smashed in, glass littered the porch. There was already caution tape across the door and an officer standing outside. Jack was nowhere to be found. Taking out her phone, Elizabeth dialed Abigail's number.
When Jack finally emerged from the café, Elizabeth tightened her grip on Abigail. They had been waiting quite a while for any evidence to be collected. They shivered on the bench outside of the café watching Jack and Bill share words. She locked her eyes with his, seeing immediately that he was not only devastated by another robbery, but that there was nothing to lead him to a suspect. It was there – the disappointment, the defeat, and Elizabeth wasn't sure how she was going to handle it. They all felt defeated. The two men started toward them, ducking under the blaring caution tape. Bill shoved his hands into his pockets, while Jack stood to the side, his head down.
"It's not great Abigail." Elizabeth squeezed Abigail's arm. "We need you to come inside and let us know what's missing."
"Okay. Is there a lot of damage?" Bill bowed his head for a minute, and Elizabeth watched him take a deep breath.
"Some glass, some broken dishes and such. The place is a mess." Elizabeth felt Abigail nod and begin to pull out of her arm. She stood, Elizabeth watched her square her shoulders and raise her head.
"Okay. Let's see it." She followed Bill, slowly, back under the caution tape and through the door. Elizabeth watched her, before leaning her head down into her hands. Jack took a seat next to her and they sat quietly for a moment.
"Tell me you found something." She barely heard her own voice it was so small. It begged for an answer she already knew was impossible. He cleared his throat.
"No."
"What are you going to do?" It was a frail whisper, and still her head remained in her hands. He had no answer to give her. The silence was worse for Elizabeth. She stood up, staring straight ahead. "I have to go home. Please have Abigail call me."
"Elizabeth." Jack stared up at her. "I'm going to do everything I can." He pleaded. It was only a short time ago that they were discussing a date and Christmas and the play, all these things which they anticipated and enjoyed. Now the plans were impossible, and the joy of Christmas Eve taken from them.
"Abigail is my best friend. This town, those kids, the church, the school, it's all my home. I haven't lost faith in you, Jack. I'm just so tired of people getting hurt." Jack stood and wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight. She buried her head into his neck and grasped back.
"Elizabeth, I'm going to find this guy. I promise." She exhaled into his body, releasing the exhaustion she felt from the situation. He held her tighter. "It'll be okay." He sighed. "Let me take you home." He offered.
"No." Elizabeth pulled away from him. "I need to be here for Abigail." She looked toward the café. Jack entwined her hand with his and pulled her toward the door, holding the caution tape for her and guiding her footsteps away from broken glass. Elizabeth gasped at the scene before her. Tables had been overturned, pies smashed on the floor, the top counter broken. Surely, Abigail would have to close the café. She heard her in the back and let go of Jack's hand to find Abigail. She was descending the stairs with Bill, going over something while he wrote down information in his notepad. Abigail stopped, looking at Elizabeth. "Oh Abigail." Elizabeth whispered going to her friend and hugging her. "I'm sorry."
"Thank you." Abigail said. She pulled back. "It could be worse though. There wasn't much money, yes, my wedding earrings were taken, but at least Cody and I are safe." Elizabeth rubbed Abigail's arm, amazed at her gratefulness. "We are lucky." She turned to Bill. "And now begins the cleanup." Elizabeth began to shrug her jacket off, ready to help. "Actually Elizabeth can you get Cody? I'd like for him to stay with you tonight. Tell him Santa will find him there."
"Abigail, I don't think – " Elizabeth began to protest, but Abigail held up her hand. "Okay." She said. "I'll get him from the church."
"You should take his gifts. Luckily, the person who did this couldn't find them."
"I'll help." Jack said, following Abigail back up the stairs. Elizabeth watched them go, thinking that Cody would be devastated if he wasn't in his own home for Christmas Eve. But there was no better option – Abigail was right; he didn't need to see his home in such chaos.
That evening, Elizabeth prepared a room for Cody. Jack was downstairs with him, trying to calm his nerves. Cody had asked a lot of questions the entire way to Elizabeth's house. Even now, he was still asking questions. Jack had assured him that everything would be okay. Abigail would even join them when she was able to.
"Cody?" Elizabeth called Cody upstairs. Jack followed behind him. When they came into the spare bedroom, Elizabeth put her arm around Cody's shoulder. "I made up the bed for you. I put your things over here." She walked toward the dresser. "And the bathroom is just down the stairs. Do you think you'll be okay?" He nodded. "Okay, well why don't you get ready for bed, and then I'll come back up to check on you." She squeezed his shoulder once more before following Jack down the stairs.
Once in the kitchen, out of ear shot, Elizabeth ran a hand through her hair. She sighed, thinking of poor Cody displaced from his own bed and Abigail, a business and home ruined. "This is exhausting."
"I know, but you're doing the right thing. Abigail will appreciate it, and so will Cody when his presents are under that tree."
"I hope so. I'm worried about Cody." Elizabeth looked back up the stairs.
"He'll be alright." Jack put his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "I'll stay until Abigail can come. I'm sure Bill has everything covered at the café. I'll have time to review the evidence tomorrow – should be a quiet day."
"Thank you, Jack." She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight.
"I'll find him Elizabeth," he said into her hair, "if I have to go over the evidence a dozen times." He felt her take a deep breath, and he tightened his arms around her waist. He was sure that he'd do anything to help Elizabeth and Hope Valley – whatever it may take.
I do not own any of the When Calls the Heart series.
Well, it's been a long time since I last updated. I have been busy with life and work, and so this chapter may even be lacking for some of you. On the bright side, I have been watching When Calls the Heart and have been excited about all the promos I have seen. Maybe they'll be a few one shots coming in the mix. On that note, while I am writing a longer fic, I sometimes like to write one shots during the same time, especially if I am struggling to finish a chapter. Sometimes it helps to put the characters into a different scenario for new inspiration. So, if you have any fic requests, within reason and focused on Elizabeth and Jack, I may be able to accommodate you. I can't make any promises, but if you have an idea for a one shot you would like to share, I'd love to try, time permitting of course.
Thank you for all of your support. Reviews are always welcome. XOXO Brie