Chapter 49 – The Sunday After (long)

Patrick was still up reading when Jack walked back into the jail. The moment he heard the door, he looked up and saw Jack.

"How did it go?" Patrick asked.

"We were having such a nice evening, I couldn't tell her." Jack said.

"Well." Patrick said. "You're gonna have to do it soon. You are expected in Cape Fullerton in the next couple of weeks, for sure by the end of the month. You could send word that you're not coming, but after the fuss you made to leave here, a transfer refusal could be the end of your career."

"I know." Jack said. "I know. We are going for a ride, I will tell her."

Patrick didn't say anymore. He could see that Jack was struggling with the decision and telling Elizabeth. Patrick knew that feeling, since he had struggled with telling Sarah things, so when he learned of this small, quiet mining town, it sounded like the perfect assignment. Saturday night was quiet at the jail and the saloon. Patrick had let Sam know that he wouldn't be in, but at the jail if there was any problems. Sam wasn't sure how he felt about it, but agreed. Sam was planning to say something to Jack, but realized that Jack must have agreed to it. Sam was just glad that he could count on Jack and now Patrick to be there if there was trouble.

Sunday morning was a nice day in Coal Valley. There a little fog and mist on the ground but it quickly burned off as the sun rose. Services in the grove were nice and it seemed like a lot more people turned out. Of course, Julie found something to complain about. Elizabeth and Abigail had tried to warn her, but Julie refused to listen to them. Elizabeth looked around and didn't see either Jack or Patrick and she wondered if something had happened. Jack had asked her to go for a ride. When they got back to the cafe, Elizabeth found a note from Jack that said he had to cancel their ride and they would do it one day after school. Elizabeth was disappointed, because there was no explanation. Abigail saw the disappointment in Elizabeth's eyes.

"It will be alright." Abigail said. "Obviously something came up. You know that Jack loves spending time with you."

"I guess." Elizabeth said. "Let's get ready for Adam's welcome home party."

"That sounds good." Abigail said.

They went inside and Julie went up to their room, without saying anything. Abigail and Elizabeth got the plate of finger sandwiches and a plate of cookies ready to take over to the saloon. Elizabeth went up to see Julie.

"Are you coming?" Elizabeth asked.

"Why?" Julie said. "I don't know these people."

"Well." Elizabeth said. "You could do it to be nice. This was the only miner pulled out alive after the mine disaster and he spent over four months in the hospital. He just came home on Wednesday, this is the towns official welcome back since many of the miners couldn't take time off to greet his stagecoach."

"Go." Julie said. "Maybe we can do something later."

"You know, Julie." Elizabeth said. "I came here and I didn't know anyone. I had to make an effort to get to know people. Now, I can't imagine living anywhere else right now."

"That is the difference between us." Julie said.

"What is that suppose to mean?" Elizabeth asked.

"You have changed." Julie said.

"Like I said." Elizabeth said. "It is called growing up. But I also think it is seeing and knowing what is important. This town and these people are important to me. They have taught me so much. You know that you could learn a thing or two if you tried."

"Why would I do that?" Julie asked.

"To better yourself." Elizabeth said. "Or maybe so you can live on your own one day."

"Why?" Julie asked. "Father gives whatever I want."

"And that is the problem." Elizabeth said. "I work and earn a living. I don't live off of Father's money."

"But why?" Julie asked. "You don't have to do anything. Why don't you come back to Hamilton and start being a proper lady."

"I already told you." Elizabeth said. "I am not going back to Hamilton. I live and work here. If you have a problem with that, then you can leave. I am not going to talk about it again. If you want to spend time with me, then you are going to have to do what I do here. I am not going to entertain you, I don't have time. I have things that I need to do and right now, that is going and properly welcoming Mr Miller home after being gone for months. If you are staying here, at least try to stay out of trouble. Maybe go outside, it is a nice day."

"Whatever." Julie said.

Elizabeth let out a sigh and left. When she got downstairs, she looked at Abigail and just shook her head.

"Is she like this all the time?" Abigail asked.

"Pretty much." Elizabeth said. "Granted, I was in teacher college, but when I was home, Julie did whatever she wanted. She lived to shop, although she never really needed anything. She would spend time going out for tea or whatever. Honestly, I have no idea what she did all day. As far as I can tell, she expects me to entertain her and I told her I have a life here and if she wants to spend time with me then she needs to do what I do."

"Give her the day." Abigail said. "She will get bored and come find us."

"That is what I am worried about." Elizabeth said. "When Julie is bored, is when she usually finds trouble."

"Well." Abigail said. There isn't much trouble to find in Coal Valley, especially with two Mounties in town."

Elizabeth knew that Abigail was right, but she still had that bad feeling about something. Elizabeth tried to put that out of her mind and focus on the wonderful feeling that she was still feeling from her time with Jack. She knew that there was something that Jack wanted to talk to her about, but she couldn't figure out what it was. She just hoped that it was nothing bad. Abigail and Elizabeth headed over to the saloon to help set things up for Adam's party. It wasn't long and some of the other mothers started to arrive with the items that they made. When Adam and Laurel came in with the girls, everyone clapped and welcomed them. A few people came in afterwards as people were visiting. Finally, Abigail stood up and got everyone's attention.

"Everyone." Abigail said. "First of all, I would like to officially welcome Adam Miller back to Coal Valley."

Again applause.

"Let me say." Abigail continued. "We are glad that you are here. For as hard of day as that was, you standing here is a bright spot that we can all agree upon. Let us count our blessings today and continue to move forward as a town."

"Thank you." Adam said. "Thank you all, for the wonderful welcome. Thank you for giving me and my family a couple of days. It is wonderful to see you all here. Now lets eat and enjoy each other's company."

With that, people headed up to see what the ladies had made. People sat and talked, shared stories and had a good time. Person after person came up to shake Adam's hand and welcome him back. It was a little overwhelming for him, but he continued to smile and shake hands. Elizabeth could see the he was uncomfortable, but she figured it was because he knew so many had lost husbands, fathers and sons that day. The children were running around having fun. After about an hour, people started to leave. Towards the end, Elizabeth saw Jack walk in. He headed to where she was standing talking to a couple of the mothers.

"Excuse me, ladies." Jack said.

The ladies left and Jack turned to Elizabeth.

"Sorry about our ride." Jack said. "Duty calls."

"Everything okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes." Jack said. "I want to talk to you, but later."

"Okay." Elizabeth said.

"I just wanted to stop and say hi." Jack said. "I need to go again. I will try to talk to you tomorrow."

"Okay." Elizabeth said.

Jack walked away. He went over to Adam and his family. He again welcomed them back. Jack talked to a couple of other people and then was gone from the saloon again. Abigail and Elizabeth stayed and helped pick things up. Before long, they were back at the cafe. Elizabeth headed up to see what Julie had been up to.

"Did you eat?" Elizabeth asked coming into their room.

"Yes." Julie said. "I found the plate that Abigail left me."

"Good." Elizabeth said. "Now, I am going to head downstairs and spend time with Abigail. I also want to work on some lesson plans. I figured I could do that while Abigail does laundry. Is there anything you need?"

"I guess not." Julie said. "I just don't understand why you don't have people do those things for you. You know mother would be horrified if she knew that you did your own laundry and other tasks that are for servants."

"Julie." Elizabeth said with a warning tone. "Here, we all work together. If I didn't do my laundry and help cook, then it wouldn't get done. It is not fair to make Abigail do my laundry. She has also been teaching me to cook so I can do for myself."

"But why?" Julie asked. "It isn't like you will need that when you come back to Hamilton and get married."

"I told you." Elizabeth said. "I am not coming back to Hamilton and I am certainly not getting married or living there at anytime in the future."

"Whatever you say." Julie said.

Elizabeth gathered her stuff – laundry and schoolwork, before heading back down. She was upset with Julie, but at least she had found out what she was there for – to bring her back to Hamilton. Elizabeth knew that her family wouldn't stop until she was married to a man of their choosing and taken her place in society as a Thatcher. That was not what Elizabeth wanted. She realized right then and there that she was going to have to make some hard choices when it came to her life and her family. Elizabeth knew what her family expected of her, but that was not what she wanted. Now, she needed to figure out exactly what she did want and would she be strong enough to go against her family. As Elizabeth thought about it, she knew one thing for sure – she wanted Jack Thornton. She wanted to be Mrs Jack Thornton and all that came with it. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she knew in her heart that was what she wanted and it made her happy. She wasn't sure how she was going to get that, but she had a goal.

After leaving Elizabeth at the saloon, Jack's day didn't get any better. He had ridden out that morning to check on some of the farmers on the outer edge of the area and didn't like what he found. A few of the farmers were struggling to make ends meet. He knew that they had been having a hard time before and he had offered to help, but they didn't trust him so they refused. He again tried to help and they refused. Jack knew that he had done all that he could to help and that if people didn't want help, that there wasn't much that he could do. It was hard for him to see people struggling when he knew that he could help.

After leaving Elizabeth, Jack rode toward Rock Creek. He had heard that they were having problems there again. Even thought he had orders to leave, he didn't want to leave when he knew that there was still things that he needed to do. Besides he hadn't told Elizabeth. He knew that he had to go, but he didn't want to leave her. As Jack neared Rock Creek, he was meet by two men riding toward him. Seeing his red serge, they stopped. Jack pulled up to the two men, but they backed up a short distance, but kept their eyes on Jack. He was instantly on alert. Jack saw them put their hands for him to stop. They just didn't want Jack to get to close.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Jack called out.

"We were sent to keep people out of Rock Creek." The one man said.

"Why?" Jack asked.

"Chicken pox outbreak." The second man said. "The mayor ordered us to stop anyone coming and turn them around. He even had the supply wagon, drop their stuff and turn. He is trying to contain the spread."

"How many?" Jack asked.

"Last we heard." The first man said. "Twenty, mostly children."

"Any deaths?" Jack asked.

"Not that I heard." The first man said.

"I have had chicken pox." Jack said. "I could help."

"Mayor says no." The second man said. "He is worried about people carrying it out. He has shut everything down. The doctor from Benson Hills is there and agrees."

"Well." Jack said. "I am Constable Jack Thornton of Coal Valley. There is also another constable there. Tell the mayor if he needs anything to wire us."

"We will." The second man said.

"Just for the record." Jack said. "Can I get your names? I will send a report to headquarters and let them know. Maybe they can send some supplies."

"My name is Jerome Sinclair and I work at the Rock Creek mine." He said. "This is Bruce Norwood and he works at the mine as well."

Jack made a note of the mens names and then looked at them again.

"Remember." Jack said. "Wire for help. I will do what can to get you some supplies. Let me know if there is anything else. Also feel free to wire Benson Hills. Either of us can help. I will notify headquarters about the outbreak."

"Thank you." Jerome said. "We will let the mayor know."

With that, Jack tipped his hat and headed back to Coal Valley. It didn't ride hard, but enjoyed the time in the saddle. He thought about how he was going to tell Elizabeth about Cape Fullerton. He was trying to figure out what to say. He knew that she would be upset, but he didn't have a choice. Well he did, but he also wanted a career in the Mounties. It was past supper time when Jack rode back into Coal Valley. He immediately went to the livery and got Sergeant taken care of. He then headed to the jail. Patrick was surprised to see him back so soon. He honestly hadn't expected Jack back that night.

"Everything okay?" Patrick asked.

"No." Jack said. "About five miles out of Rock Creek, I was stopped by two men. By order of their mayor. Apparently, there is a chicken pox outbreak and they are trying to contain it. The mayor has ordered the town quaratined and not allowing anyone in or out at this time. The men even kept their distance. They have a wagon meet the supply wagon and stuff is unloaded and reloaded to take back to town."

"You offered to help?" Patrick asked.

"Yes." Jack said. "They turned it down for the time. I told them to have the mayor wire if they needed help. I also said that I would let headquarters know about the outbreak and try to get them additional supplies. Sounds like the doctor from Benson Hills is there. I think he is the traveling doctor, but at least they have help."

"At least they know enough to try and contain it, because it could be bad if it were to spread." Patrick said. "Did they have numbers?"

"Sounded like at least twenty, mostly children." Jack said. "No deaths that they knew of."

"Well." Patrick said. "You did what you could and we are aware of what is going on. Why were you heading to Rock Creek anyway?"

Patrick was sitting behind the desk, so Jack took a seat on the other side. He let out a harsh breath before looking at Patrick.

"A while back." Jack said. "I arrested a card shark there. I didn't have anything on the other men, so I basically just let them off with a stern warning. I received a wire a few days ago, that some of the men were back playing cards. The barkeep didn't see money exchange hands, but it was in sight, and it was the same men that I had warned. I also talked to Kevin over at the livery and he told me that a couple of the men regularly rode to Rock Creek and didn't come back until late. He thought they were playing cards. One of the men is one of Gowen's Pinkertons.

I already arrested one of Gowen's Pinkertons for among other things, gambling. He also threaten Miss Thatcher with a gun, as well as was trying to extort one of the widows because he knew her husband had a gambling debt. He went so far as to try and set her up for arson by planting evidence at the burn site of the old church. I couldn't prove it, but I think he might have even set the fire at the church. Because they, the Pinkertons, contaminated the scene, I ruled the fire an accident. It was the only thing I could do. I was able to prove the widows alibi and with no real witnesses, I convinced Gowen it was for the best to rule it an accident.

The church had been property of Pacific Northwest Mining. The pastor even quit after Gowen pressured him to accuse the widow. Gowen wasn't happy about the outcome, he had wanted me to arrest the widow that had been accused based on the Pinkertons investigation, even though they didn't do much of one. Gowen doesn't like the widows, because he are costing the company money. He tried to evict them, but they struck a deal by working in the mine for two weeks. He then tried to renege on his agreement. I made him hold up his end of the deal as well as pay every woman who worked in the mine, because in the end it wasn't just the widows. It was almost every woman in town that was able to help.

Until I got that wire and information from Kevin, I hadn't had any problems with the men gambling here. I know that Gowen was not happy I was here and less happy when I started asking questions about the mine explosion. I still can't prove it, but I know that he was responsible for that explosion. From everything I have read and learned, it shouldn't have happened with adequate safety measures. Gowen would like nothing more to get rid of the widows and myself. He ran roughshot over people before I got here. It took a lot for the people of this town to trust me. I still struggle with some because of things Gowen and his Pinkertons have done. I have written headquarters about him, but I know I just have to keep working to gain people's trust."

"Okay that is a lot." Patrick said.

"This may look like a sleepy little town." Jack said. "But I have found it has it share of problems. I don't want you to think I have it out for Gowen, but from everything I have learned, he thinks he is above the law and can do what he wants. I know that he has been the subject of several investigations from the Mounties and everytime, someone steps up to claim responsibility, witnesses go missing or evidence disappears. No one is that lucky. He must be paying someone off somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a Mountie in his pocket as well, I don't want to think about one of ours being dirty, but things don't add up. I just can't prove it and I have realized that is not my job. My job is to hand headquarters an air tight case on the mine explosion."

"Well." Patrick said. "I will do what I can to continue your work. I just don't know about the rest. I will keep an eye Gowen, but unless we have proof, I don't think that there is much we can do. I don't want to think about one of our own being dirty either. I know that there are some with questionable actions in the past, but that can mostly be chalked up to youth and inexperince."

"Yeah." Jack said. "I know that is the frustrating part. I see all these widows and fatherless children and want justice for them. I just fear they may never get it. They have been through so much and I pray that we can bring them a measure of justice."

"You can't save the world Jack." Patrick said. "All you can do it your part. From what I have seen, you do more then your share to keep this town and the people safe."

"Thank you." Jack said. "Right now, I just want to sleep. I have to send that wire. Rock Creek is smaller the here and they don't have a lot either."

"Give me your notes." Patrick said. "I will go see if I can find Mr Yost and send a wire to headquarters."

"Thank you again." Jack said.

Jack handed over his notes and then went to change out of his serge into something more comfortable. He wanted to sleep. He was also thinking of everything that was going on and what he was going to do. Jack hated it when there were more questions then answers. Jack liked to solve problems, but right now he didn't feel like he was doing a good job of that. Jack was emotionally exhausted. Between the new orders and supper with Elizabeth, Jack felt like he had been riding an emotional bronc. He had such major swings of emotions in the last few days that it was finally catching up with him.