(05-21-2018) I'm going to say this once. I WILL finish this story, so telling me to update, doesn't make the next chapter come any quicker. I have been at work a lot. So, I won't be "1 of those jerks" who doesn't finish a story. Don't review if you are going to be annoying. If there weren't so many RESPECTFUL people out there who understand, I'd hold off this chapter longer.
*Three weeks later*
Jack had decided to take up a room in the saloon. He said he would feel like he was invading my space and Abby's by being in the house with us. I tried to convince him otherwise, but when he declined, I decided not to push it. I only wanted him close, but the fact that he was in Hope Valley again, was comforting enough.
I'd gone back to school two days after we returned from Hamilton and Bill had taken Jack under his wing. Jack was reunited with Sergeant and Bill showed him how to ride again, which took maybe a few days, because muscle memory soon kicked in. They would do their rounds, although it would probably be a very long time before Jack went back to being constable again, it kept him busy.
He would have dinner with us every night and we would talk about our days, trying our best to fit in. Jack would often ask questions about the town and everyone in it and I'd answer to the best of my ability. Abby had recently started on squishy solid foods and every now and again would find joy in throwing a pea or two at Jack or I. Even though I would tell her no and that it wasn't polite, we'd laugh about it because it was just so funny.
She would giggle so much seeing them bounce off of things. My personal favorite would have to be when she would throw one at Jack and it hit him in the face. She would start to giggle and he'd say, "You think that's funny?" with a big smile on his face. He would tickle her and ask again, "Huh? You think it's funny?" and she would giggle harder.
It was easy for them to get along, not only because they were father and daughter, but because they both started fresh. Jack was getting to know Abby as he would regardless of having his memory or not. I could feel it in my heart that everything would be alright.
On this particular day, all of my students had questions about Jack, just as they always did.
"Does he like being home?"
"Does he remember anything yet?"
"Does he play with Abby?"
"What is he doing right now?"
I always answer them without getting too into detail, saying just enough to hold them over until the next day.
Opal raised her hand, "Mrs. Thornon -"
"Is it another question about Mountie Jack?" I cut her off. She nodded with a smile on her face. "Let's save it for later. We are in school and have lessons to get to." A collective groan came from all of them, "Oh, now-now, that isn't what I want to hear. Alright, open your readers to page seven and take turns in your row, reading one paragraph each until page thirteen." they groaned again but did as they were told. I laughed to myself as I sat at my desk and began to grade their arithmetic tests from the day before.
After about fifteen minutes, I saw they were all done reading and starting to become restless. I've been in light spirits and wanted to cut them some slack, "Alright everyone, since you all seem to have excess amounts of energy, you may all go out for a short recess."
I'd never seen them move so quickly as they all stood up and ran outside. I stayed put, continuing to grade papers.
"She's inside," I heard one of my students say. I looked up and saw a man walking up the stairs of the schoolhouse.
He had dark graying hair, dark eyes, very tall and dressed cleanly. He removed his hat, "Mrs. Thornton?"
"Yes?" I put down my red pencil and stood up.
"Sorry to bother you, ma'am," He smiled, "But I was wondering if I could speak to you."
"Yes, of course, Mr?" I said, not knowing his name.
He turned to close the doors behind him, "Um, excuse me." I wasn't comfortable with the doors being closed, with no one else here but this stranger and myself.
"Sit." He demanded.
"I beg-" But he cut me off mid-sentence.
"Sit." He said, backing his words with moving back the front of his coat to reveal a Smith and Wesson revolver. I'd seen Jack use one before to practice his aim. I drew in a breath and fell back into my seat. "I don't want to use it, but I will." he said.
My eyes on the revolver, the light catching it, making it shine, it was very unnerving. So many questions ran through my head, so many thoughts. Who? Why? What? Abby. Jack. My students. For what reason was this happening right now?
"I am," He laughed, "I'm sorry, I was a good friend of your father's." he made his way down the center aisle toward me. "We were business partners at one point. We both had invested a great sum of money into this business deal." Stepping closer and closer, I pressed my back against my chair as much as I could, praying one of the older children noticed the closed door and would try to get help or at least find it odd.
"I had invested all I had, into this business deal. So, you could imagine how upset I was when the deal fell through." He stopped halfway between myself and the door, putting his hands in his pockets. "Your father said that he would match what I invested, should it ever be lost." he shook his head, "It's been three years and he has yet to follow through. "Now, I'm done dealing with lawyers and meetings. So I'm taking matters into my own hands. The way he would speak so highly of you, I can only assume you're 'Daddy's Little Girl', regardless of being the middle daughter. You have three days to wire him asking for and getting the money. Then I'll be out of your hair." He smiled, "It's quite simple. And if you don't, I heard your deceased husband was actually found alive. You'd be able to have more children, so I'm sure you wouldn't miss that little girl you have now."
"You wouldn't dare." Terror and anger filled me.
He gave me an evil smile, "Oh, but I would." he replaced his hat and tipped it to me, he walked to the door again. He placed his hand on the handle, turning back to me. "I'll be here again after those three days, and I want my money, ten-thousand dollars. And if you tell anyone, that husband of yours may disappear as well." he gave another smile. It made me sick, "Have a good day Mrs. Thornton." he opened the door and left.
I couldn't breathe and my jaw began to hurt me clenching my jaw. My hands were clenched around the edge of my chair, my knuckles white as paper.
Some of the students came in again, "Mrs. Thornton? Are you okay?" Cody asked.
"You don't look good," Robert added.
I was still trying to process what just happened.
Also, please stop asking me when the next chapter will be up. I'm one of those people who when asked to do something, my want to do it decreases. It'll be up when it's up... this is NOT aimed at everyone. You know who you are.
ALSO if you haven't already, go follow my "When Calls the Heart" account _when_calls_the_heart_
