Hello, everyone! Thanks for the positive reviews and patience! Also, please know that my teaching is starting next week, I cannot guarantee when I will be able to update!
Chapter 20
Phase 3
Nathan, Gabe, and Bill were all waiting anxiously for Lucas, Elizabeth, Jack, Allie, and Charlotte to drive back into town. They had telegrammed letting them know that they had been successful, and were coming back, but nothing more was said.
When Lucas pulled the car up to the saloon, there was a waiting line to greet them.
Jesse, Lee, and the others were all helping them carry their bags and trunks. Charlotte was holding a satchel closely to her chest. Jack was tired in Elizabeth's arms. Lucas led everyone inside before going to park the car away from Main St.
After a lot of well wishes and greetings downstairs, Bill and Gabe finally managed to lead them upstairs. Everyone waited quietly as they waited for Lucas to come up.
"Well, what happened?" Ruth asked after they were all gathered in her and Archie's room.
"What makes ya think something happened?" Archie asked.
"They're all tense as can be, and Lucas over there is a little bit nervous about the length of his life, so something happened," Ruth pointed out.
Everyone except Charlotte looked at her in surprise.
But they all went into an explanation of what happened.
"You met Gus?" Gabe asked in surprise as they got to that portion.
"How do you know Gus?" Lucas asked back.
"I was around a lot. I know those shops almost as well. Gus is just a giant teddy bear," Gabe replied.
"I still don't believe you, or Allie, with that statement," Lucas glared.
They continued with the retelling. When they got to the part where Hargraves showed up, Nathan got a cross look on his face.
"Jack definitely started an investigation. We found his notes," Charlotte said as she handed over the satchel to Bill.
Bill took it and looked at the others.
Gabe and Nathan both stood and walked to the door.
"Lucas walk with us a moment?" Bill said as they left. Lucas looked like he was a man walking to his death, but he followed.
"Did Hargraves really bribe this Gus?" Bill asked.
Lucas nodded.
"Do you know how much?" Bill asked.
"No. He didn't have the money out when we left," Lucas said.
"Any coin?" Bill asked.
"No. It was all paper," Lucas said.
Bill, Gabe, and Nathan all looked at each other. Bill and Gabe both left Lucas and Nathan alone in the hallway. Lucas looked more nervous.
"I need to thank you, Lucas," Nathan said as he finally looked Lucas in the eyes.
"What? Why?" Lucas asked in surprise.
"You drove them safely to and from and around. And in doing so you're going to be noticed by Hargraves and his people. It put you in more danger, and will continue to do so until this is resolved," Nathan said.
Lucas looked at him in surprise.
"I truly thought you would kill me for insulting Allie," Lucas whispered.
Nathan actually smiled at him, "if I killed everyone who insulted her, I would have been locked away a long time ago. Allie tends to encourage it sometimes, and she can take things a little too literally. You and the Thatchers didn't know any better. You do now. It's fine."
Lucas nodded once.
"I am curious as to how they know you so well. You travel a lot," Lucas admitted.
"Ma and Colleen shopped and worked there after we got Ma her apartment. When I was stationed in Calgary, I rented my own apartment in the same building so that I could help Ma better. Then I was on bereavement leave when Colleen passed. There were nights when Allie was fussy or couldn't fall asleep, and I would walk with her in my arms to the shops so that the neighbors weren't disrupted. She liked looking at the candy in Gus' windows the best. Gus noticed it and one night let us in after hours. He let me sit in a chair to rest for a few minutes while Allie picked out a sweet. The others in the shops began to watch for Gus' signal, and they would open their doors while we were there," Nathan explained.
Lucas smiled back.
"Gus is very intimidating," Lucas said.
Nathan smiled wider.
"He is a very large man. But he is a kind and gentle soul. He uses his physicality only when necessary," Nathan said.
The men shook hands before parting ways. Nathan walked slowly in the crisp winter air towards Bill's office.
Bill and Gabe had waited for him to finish before looking into the notes.
"You ready?" Gabe asked both of them sitting near him.
"No, Jack was very dear to me. This will be hard," Bill said with emotion. "But I can't put it off."
Gabe, Bill, and Nathan all grabbed a portion of the pile and began reading.
"Shit…" Bill swore under his breath as they finished.
Gabe and Nathan were just nodding in frustration and agreement.
"What's our move?" Gabe asked.
"Phase three," Bill said with his arms crossed.
"We will let Rosemary know, once we relieve her of duty," Gabe said as they stood.
They walked in silence, each trying to process what Jack Thornton's notes had said. He had been sending updates to an unmentioned superior. What if that person was on Hargraves side? Or had died since then?
Rosemary was chatting away at Boyce. Boyce looked like he was ready to hang himself.
"Hello, I was just telling this young man about the time that I filled in for Annie Oakley," Rosemary said with enthusiasm.
Gabe and Nathan both smiled.
"Charlotte is back. She will be taking shifts with you again," Nathan said.
Boyce loudly banged his head against the wall.
"Well, there is no need for that negativity. It is your own choices that got you stuck in here," Rosemary said firmly as she pointed a finger at Boyce.
Gabe and Nathan both smiled.
"We need you to start phase three," Nathan added as she left.
Rosemary gave them a sad look and nodded solemnly as she walked to her office.
Mounties Breaking Their Oaths
by: Rosemary Coulter
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are our nation's biggest deterrent from the criminals that have tried to run rampant across our great nation. It is these brave men who go into danger to help save and protect. We are asked to trust and respect them because they are men of integrity and solid character.
But what happens if some of them are not men of integrity and character? What happens if they are just as corrupt as the criminals they are supposed to be fighting? According to Mountie rules and protocol ANY Mountie that is suspected of wrongdoing and breaking their oaths to protect their citizens or each other, is supposed to be part of an official investigation and can either be dishonorably discharged from their position and/or face criminal charges for their actions. Let me state that again. ANY MOUNTIE THAT IS FOUND TO BE ACTING IN ANY WAY UNBECOMING OF A MOUNTIE, WILL BE DISCHARGED AND PERSECUTED IF IT IS DEEMED NECESSARY!
So, my question, dear readers, is why hasn't Mountie headquarters started an official investigation into Constable Croaker? His actions in leaving his Mountie partner behind was absolutely negligence on his part. Who and why is this being covered up? And it has to be a higher up man. Because no one in a Mountie uniform would take direct orders from a brand new Mountie.
Whomever is involved has also been in Hope Valley trying to silence Constable Nathan Grant and his family. He was threatened and his house was burnt to the ground while he was on duty. Everyone in his family is fine and safe, but their home is not. I have attached the photo of the remains. Take a look at it, and then ask why are they trying to silence Constable Grant when Constable Croaker is the one who is unbecoming of being a Mountie?
Attached was a picture of Nathan standing in the rubble of his house the morning after it had burned down.
The flurry of activity from the Valley Voice was, once again, record breaking. Robert, who Rosemary had hired on permanently until he decided to go to Mountie training, hadn't worked a busier day in his life.
The day it was published was also the first day of the Christmas Festival.
Nathan was at the train station to be a presence. Gabe and Monroe were doing Hope Valley.
Nathan watched as Lucas approached the platform.
"I have some deliveries from Calgary arriving today," Lucas explained.
Nathan just gave a light head tip to acknowledge the comment.
They watched as a slew of tourists all came into the station. Lucas waited until he saw the crates with his name on them and then approached the luggage porter. Nathan watched as Mounties in civilian clothes were mingling with the festival crowd. Only a Mountie would be able to recognize them for what they were.
The last man who came off the train, was a tall young kid with an army satchel on his back. He was standing straight and was looking at the station in disgust. Nathan hadn't ever met this young man, but he recognized him immediately.
"Corporal Montgomery, welcome home," Nathan said as he waved.
"Constable Grant," Gabriel Montgomery said politely as his eyes met Nathan's.
The man walked up to him.
"We're all very glad that you made it home okay," Nathan said as he looked at the soldier's pack.
"To be honest, there were times I thought I was going to die," he said softly.
Nathan nodded in understanding.
"I take it you've felt the same way?" he said as he looked up at Nathan.
"Many times," Nathan admitted. "Let's walk you to your family."
Nathan led Gabriel Montgomery past the town center and explained what had changed in his time there.
"You've never met Mrs. Stanton?" he asked in shock.
Nathan shook his head.
"From what I've heard, she had to leave quite suddenly before I came to Hope Valley. She hasn't returned since," Nathan said.
Nathan led him to the school house where the students were having their last day of school before Christmas break.
"It's just like I remember it," Gabriel said fondly as he looked at the church.
Nathan smiled.
"Although, our first school room was the saloon," he reminisced as he looked backwards. "That was crazy."
Nathan nodded.
But they didn't have time to reminisce much because the cow bell rang to end the day. Emily was the first out the door. She was beaming and hadn't buttoned her coat correctly.
"GABE! YOU'RE HERE! YOU'RE ACTUALLY HERE!" Emily ran straight into her eldest brother's arms.
"Hi, Emily! You should have buttoned properly," Gabriel said as she clung to his waist.
"I couldn't. Allie saw you through the window and asked who it was, when I saw you, I had to come as soon as I could, especially since it's been forever," Emily said at his waist.
The Montgomery siblings all looked at the class that had emptied out. Gabriel couldn't recognize most of them.
"Hello, Gabe," Elizabeth greeted warmly.
"Hello, Mrs. Thornton," he smiled back.
"I'm glad to see you," Elizabeth said fondly.
Gabriel nodded back.
The parents of the row house children had taken to picking up and walking their children back and forth to school to protect their families from the reporters and whatever enemies may have planned. So, the parents and graduated older siblings were walking to the school house and we were watching in shock as Cat and Miles recognized Gabriel standing with Emily.
"Hi, Ma," he said.
Cat was crying tears of happiness.
"Gabriel Montgomery, we weren't expecting you so soon," Cat said as she pulled her eldest into her arms.
"I couldn't wait no more," Gabriel admitted to her as he let his mom hold him tightly.
"Any more, Gabe. It's like you've lost all your schooling. Mrs. Thornton taught us better than that," Emily corrected.
They all laughed and looked at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth just gave them a wide smile back.
The group of parents and students were all watching in some shock and curiosity as the Montgomery family walked back to their row house.
"Miles, how have you been?" Gabriel asked in a low voice to his little brother.
"Not bad at all. Mr. Coulter is a good man to work for. Mrs. Coulter has started up the newspaper again. You should go check it out. Robert works for her now, and he is taller than you," Miles informed his brother.
"Taller than me!? That's something I'll definitely need to check out," Gabriel said.
The newer families watched in shock as the older families were all clapping and greeting Gabriel Montgomery proudly.
Nathan was walking behind the other with Allie and Elizabeth, watching the roads and the families progress.
"I'm glad he's home," Elizabeth said fondly.
Nathan and Allie both looked at her.
"He was part of my first graduating class," Elizabeth said. "When he graduated, the only place hiring was the mine. He had wanted to be a Mountie at the time, but he needed money first, and Cat absolutely wouldn't let him work for Henry Gowen or the mine. She refused to lose a son the same way she lost her husband. He went to Union City to find work to save up enough to buy a horse. He ended up working in one of the factories there, and fell in love with the work," Elizabeth explained.
"How did he get sent to the war, then?" Allie asked.
"He was drafted. During the first draft," Elizabeth said.
Nathan flinched.
"That is more dangerous than any mine, or being a Mountie," Nathan whispered.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
They walked in silence together as they watched the row house families go back inside their homes. Cat Montgomery was just about shutting the door after her children, when she looked up and was searching for someone. Her eyes landed on Nathan's specifically and the gratitude she expressed to him was apparent before she shut the door. Nathan had just given her a small head tilt to acknowledge her look.
"What was that about?" Elizabeth asked as they walked back towards the saloon. Allie was a little ways in front of them.
"Huh?" Nathan played dumb.
"That look Cat gave you," Elizabeth said.
Nathan sighed but waited for Allie to be farther along the road before answering.
"When Gabriel told Cat about the draft, they didn't have time or money to see him off. Cat was worried and would ask me questions about battlefields and his chances of survival. I tried to be as positive as possible, but I also could see that she didn't want dishonest answers. When she got letters from him, she began to sense that he was going through things that he wasn't going to share with his family, and she asked me to write to him, to be someone he could share his real experiences with. So, I did. We've been writing for about two years now," Nathan whispered.
"Two years! But the war has been over for some of that," Elizabeth whispered.
"Our traumas, especially those kinds, don't just go away when the fighting stops. He's been through a lot, and everyone expects you to be fine and your normal self when you can barely function in the real world again," Nathan said.
Elizabeth paused as she was processing this statement.
"We've done that to you, haven't we?" Elizabeth said softly as she looked up at him with regret and shame.
Nathan didn't know how to answer that question.
"You don't need to say anything because we have. You, and Jack, and Constable Kinslow. Even Bill. It's why your bond as Mountie brothers is so deep. You have a shared experience that no one else can truly know, and if you break down it can't be in front of the people you love because that would make them scared, so you pretend everything is okay, even though it isn't," Elizabeth said passionately, but in a whisper. "I'm sorry for ever making you feel that way. That you couldn't have an off day. I will also apologize to Mountie Gabe and Bill when I get the chance."
"That's not necessary, Elizabeth," Nathan said.
"But it is. It is necessary, and I want you to know that you can always be your true self around me. Off days or whatever. I will help you through it," Elizabeth promised.
Nathan just looked at her.
"Everyone was very patient with my off years, and out of character behavior this past summer, the least we can do is to be better about being more understanding of our Mounties and our soldiers," Elizabeth said.
Nathan smiled at her. She smiled back as she took his arm, and they walked back into town together.
The Montgomery family all walked together into town to take a look at the first day of the Christmas Festival. All of them had roaming eyes. Miles was looking at the food. Emily was looking at the clothes, Cat was just taking everything in happily. Gabriel was looking around for enemies and weak spots.
Miles immediately found the booth for the Valley Voice, which was being manned by Robert.
"Gabe!" Robert waved in greeting as he saw him again.
Robert was taller than Gabe, but not yet as tall as Constable Grant.
"Robert, how are you?" Gabe asked as he approached the table and stuck out his hand.
Robert smiled and shrugged.
"I'm saving for a horse," Robert said.
"Can you even ride?" Gabe asked in surprise.
"Nope. That's why I need one," Robert admitted.
Gabe nodded.
"I also hope to go to Mountie training one day," Robert admitted as he stood taller.
"Even after all of this?" Gabe said as he pointed down to the front page article Robert was standing in front of.
"Yes. I believe that there are many more Mounties who are just as impeccable as Mountie Jack and Mountie Nathan. This will be dealt with, and it won't be in the favour of the corrupt officials," Robert said with obvious respect for the two men who had been mentors to him already.
Gabe nodded in agreement with that.
"Anyone you're sweet on?" Gabe asked in a low voice.
Robert blushed but shook his head no.
"Really? Because your face is saying yes," Gabe teased.
"It's a long shot!" Robert admitted.
Gabe raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Just trust me; I don't stand a flying chance in heck," Robert said.
"What do you like about her?" Gabe asked.
"She's wicked smart. Smartest in the class actually. She's not afraid of bugs or frogs. She loves to fish and be outdoors. But she is also kind and considerate," Robert said, his face lighting up at the thought.
"She sounds like the perfect woman, especially for a future Mountie. Why are you afraid of your chances?" Gabe asked.
"Hi, Robert," Allie said in greeting as she walked past and was looking at displays with Opal.
Robert flushed red and waved back.
"Allie Grant?! Your perfect woman is Allie Grant!" Gabe started sniggering.
"You see my problem," Robert said flatly.
Gabe was still snickering in response.
"Not only is she Constable Grant's daughter, she is also younger than me. And once she's graduated I will be in training, and I can't in good conscience let her know about my feelings and make her wait," Robert said softly, but with pain.
"I can see why you don't want to die," Gabe said with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as he looked across the street to the Mountie Office where Constable Grant was standing in position.
Robert gave him a look.
"But if you truly feel like you have deeper feelings for her, then she deserves to know," Gabe added softly as he looked back at Robert in a brotherly concern.
Robert nodded.
"She'll only fall in love with the best of men. She deserves the best," Robert said as they watched Allie take over babysitting Jack.
"Who's to say that's not you?" Gabe asked back.
Robert looked down and shook his head.
Gabe left the conversation at that, but he did find it funny that both Robert and Allie were refusing to discuss their deeper than friends feelings for each other. Emily had given him the new information about Allie liking Robert that way, but then was gone most of the summer, and he was going away to training and he was older and would find a woman to spend time with, not a girl. She wasn't going to ruin their friendship because of a crush.
As Gabe was walking the booths of the Christmas festival, he was waved to and stopped a lot in the street. The Mountie presence on main street had never been so high or on high alert.
Constable Grant and Constable Kinslow were both standing in position at the Mountie Office; both were watching the people walking up and down Main St. Bill Avery was walking slowly through the crowds, his pistol obvious and within reach. Constable Monroe and Constable Nelson traded positions every fifteen minutes at opposite sides of the street. Charlotte Thornton also had her gun holster within reach. Rosemary Coulter didn't have a holster, but the way she held her purse suggested that was where her gun was.
Gabe was the first to notice a tension in the Mountie's countenances. He watched them as they all sensed that something was about to happen. Nathan was looking around more quickly. His eyes, as well as Constable Kinslow's, were focused on the livery and the buildings around it.
"Robert," Gabe ordered.
Robert turned and looked at Gabe in confusion.
"We need to get the animals out of the livery," Gabe said firmly.
Thankfully, Robert understood the urgency and helped Gabe with getting the stall doors open and having all of the horses being led out of the livery. They had managed to get the livestock out, but many of the citizens were looking at them as if they were crazy.
Bill came up to them both and raised an eyebrow.
Robert just looked at Gabe; Gabe looked at Nathan.
Bill nodded in understanding. Bill grabbed the reins for the horses and led them down the street. He had just tied them to the posts in Hope Valley when there was a long crack and a whoosh of air inside the livery. The livery was soon engulfed in flames.
The people of Hope Valley all looked at it in horror.
"We need buckets, quickly!" someone shouted.
Some of them turned to find them.
"DON'T MOVE! IT'S A TRAP!" Nathan ordered loudly over the growing crowd.
"But, Constable," someone protested.
"I know the livery is an important place here, but our livestock isn't there. Jed is out. We don't need any humans to lose their lives over this!" Nathan said firmly back.
The crowd looked as if they might disobey this instruction, but every Mountie in town was either blocking their paths or looking in the opposite direction.
The crowd automatically went silent with anticipation.
Nathan and Mountie Gabe met eyes briefly, and then started hand signaling to the others about where they were going, and who was going where. Constable Nelson, Constable Monroe, and Bill were instructed to keep the perimeter in Hope Valley safe. Nathan and Mountie Gabe were checking out their suspicions.
Nathan and Mountie Gabe both surprised everyone by mounting their horses bareback and rode quickly to the train station. They did a check of the station and were watching the comings and goings of the people in the station. Both had sinking feelings in their guts as they watched Commissioner Collins come off the train.
"Do you think?" Kinslow whispered.
"Why else would he be here?" Nathan said in response.
Commissioner Collins saw them both and gave them a steady look.
"I take it he is attacking," Collins stated.
Both nodded.
"We don't have time to waste, then," Collins said.
They hurriedly showed Collins the way into Hope Valley.
Hargraves, in his uniform, was riding into town with Croaker and several other Mounties in uniform all pointing their weapons at the townspeople and the Mounties who were standing guard.
"Stand down, Mounties. This will be a lot better for everyone if you give yourselves up right now," Hargraves argued. "We have you outnumbered. Being discharged will be the least of your worries if you don't."
Bill was glaring at them all.
"I have no idea what happened to you, Andrew, but this is not the man I knew. The main I trained," Bill said with regret and disappointment.
Hargraves looked at Bill.
"I told you that Grant needed to stop being a Mountie. This is all on him," Hargraves said.
"Nathan is a 100 times better man than the whole lot of you cowards. I guarantee he won't let you win," Bill said.
"Oh, do you really think so?" Hargraves said with an evil glint.
Bill nodded.
"You see, I know his weak spot," Hargraves then aimed his gun directly at Allie. Everyone in Hope Valley gasped in horror.
"You harm one hair on her, and you'll be dealt with in such a way which makes you go out with the undertaker," Bill said. "And that's before Nathan can get to you."
Hargraves just turned to make a better shot and pulled back the cock on his gun.
Robert had managed to silently and quickly make his way to her and put himself between her and Hargraves' weapon.
"Stand aside boy!" Hargraves ordered.
"If you want to kill Allie, you'll have to kill me first," Robert said firmly.
Hargraves didn't seem to mind this at all. But the rest of Hope Valley placed themselves in a protective circle around Allie, Elizabeth, and Jack.
"MOUNTIES STAND DOWN!" Collins yelled from the edge of town.
They all looked between him and Hargraves.
"Do you REALLY want to fight ME on this?" Collins glared.
Every single Mountie dropped their weapons.
"Superintendent Andrew Hargraves, you are under arrest for your actions against Constable Grant and in using excessive force, bribery, and taking bribes from the criminals we are sworn to protect our people from," Collins glared as he approached the man.
Everyone in Hope Valley cheered.
"Constables Kinslow, Grant, Monroe and Nelson, start processing the others. See what's influenced their loyalty to Hargraves," Collins said gruffly.
Kinslow, Nathan, Monroe, and Nelson were all following the Commissioner's orders.
The people of Hope Valley were all cheering at the good work done by these men.
Bill was helping with finding space for all of the arrestees.
There was an influx of chaos for quite some time, but eventually the people in and around Hope Valley who were waiting for Commissioner Collins to make a statement were finally given some relief.
"I was given notice of Andrew Hargrave's corrupt behavior sometime before the end of the battle's in the Northern Territories. I agreed for a small investigation to be headed by myself, and investigated by the Mountie who brought it to my attention. He was to report only to me, and any orders that were given to him by others, mine were to take precedent. The man had lost his life in a tragic accident in a situation outside of that investigation, but he had left me with enough damning evidence that I easily could find someone who could add to it. Constable Kinslow and Constable Monroe have added heaps to it. I won't go into any more details until these men are tried for their crimes," Collins said loudly and firmly. "Bill, may I use your office once more?"
Bill nodded.
"Constable Kinslow, Constable Monroe, Constable Grant, and Bill, please bring the Thorntons, the Grants, and Mrs. Coulter to a private meeting," Collins ordered.
Everyone looked surprised by the attendees of this group, but they followed his directions. They were all soon packed into the tiny space for Bill's office.
"Constable Monroe, it is my understanding that you were the one who found Nelson?" Collins asked.
Monroe nodded.
"Do you believe him to be a loyal Mountie?" Collins asked.
"Sir, yes, I do, sir. He was put between a rock and a hard place," Monroe added.
Collins looked at Kinslow, Bill, and Nathan, all nodded in agreement.
"Let him know that his punishment is latrine duties for the entirety of his next posting," Collins said to Monroe. Constable Monroe saluted and left.
Collins made sure that he was long gone before speaking.
"What I am about to say to all of you, is strictly a secret until the investigation notes become public. But I feel like you all deserve more than even the basest of explanations," Collins looked each person in the eye. "Mrs. Coulter, since it was the Valley Voice who called out the corrupt officials in my Mounties in the first place, I want you to get the full story to be written later, but you will be given my permission to publish this."
Rosemary nodded and took out her pencil and notepad.
The room was silent in anticipation.
"I trained with Tom Thornton and Bill Avery. I was there when a concussion took Tom Thornton Sr.'s life. I was not part of Jack Thornton's training; however, when we finally met, it was obvious he was Tom's son. He looked and sat on a horse the way his father did. I quickly came to admire his skills and his quick thinking on their own terms, and I knew that with Charlotte and Tom as his guiding posts, he would be a good man, with integrity and honor. Our paths wouldn't often cross, but they crossed enough for a deep respect for each other to have grown."
Collins paused.
"So, when I was checking the fields of the battles and talking with Jack at the end, and he told me what he had seen, I knew he couldn't ignore it, and he would be the perfect man to trust with something as serious as this would be. I told him to wait until the battles were done, that we had more than enough on our plates to think about starting an investigation into Hargraves. He agreed. So, when Hargraves was promoted at Fort Clay, and then he suspended Constable Grant for doing something we ALL would have done, I put into the rumor mill that Jack Thornton would be the best to train new recruits. Hargraves did it, but Jack Thornton had permission from me to start a file and an investigation on Hargraves while he was there. Jack quickly discovered that while many of the Mounties were outwardly upset about Hargraves and how he treats men, those around and assigned to Fort Clay didn't have the courage to call him out to his face. Many would glare, but follow orders."
Collins paused again.
"All but one. There was one person who had heard enough about, although he hadn't met him officially, he had heard enough good comments and high praise from his roommate in training, who was visiting him in support, that he felt that if we approached him he would be eager and just the man to help us with our investigation. I approved of the move. Jack Thornton was planning on bringing into the case Constable Nathan Grant, after he returned from the training exercise in the mountains. His plan had been to have Constable Kinslow introduce them, and give him the benefits of why he wanted Grant. But that was when the rock slide happened," Collins said in a whisper.
There was a shocked silence as that was taken in.
"When I had heard about the rockslide, and who was involved, I immediately thought foul play. But the multiple investigations into it, found that it was Mother Nature at work. The group got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time," Collins said.
"I knew that Hargraves would blame Grant for Thornton's death. That he would be cruel and unjust, so I put out into the rumor mill for Grant to be transferred to Fort Simpson. This was a bit of a test of his character. While the Northern Territories had been somewhat settled it would be the perfect place for a corrupt Mountie to take advantage of the locals and take bribes from criminals. And to be perfectly frank, when I started inquiring about moving Grant and his performance there, I always got one of two responses: 'Why are you taking my best man?' or 'Oh, good! Why in Hell did you place someone who is guardian to his niece here?'"
Everyone looked at Nathan and Allie. They looked at each other and smiled.
"I got some version of the second phrase more often, and especially by Mrs. Phillips," Collins admitted.
"I like her. She always gave me extra food," Allie said fondly.
Everyone gave a light chuckle.
"After the year in Fort Simpson, many of the cities wanted you as an Inspector, especially O'Riley in Union City," Collins turned to admit to Nathan. "But I needed someone to come to Hope Valley and fill in for the late Constable Thornton. I knew you would be Jack's choice, so I put out feelers about how you would feel about replacing Constable Thornton in a small town. It came to my understanding that you were looking for a small, but welcoming community to call home."
Nathan nodded in agreement.
"I had to make a deal with O'Riley about your placements, however. He agreed to wait one year before giving it to you. I will say that we were both surprised when you turned it down," Collins said.
Nathan just looked at Allie.
Collins nodded in understanding.
"I have been slowly going over the file that Jack started and sent to me, during the time that you have been stationed here. Trying to figure out how to bring it up. During the second inquiry, I knew that you had found your footing here, and was almost in a place where you could start it again, but then you were sent to track Clive Olsen with Croaker, and I knew that something was going to happen. I didn't realize just how far gone Hargraves was until the Valley Voice put out the story. I absolutely understand why none of you said anything to any of your higher ups about this, too many of them could be compromised. You knew who exactly you could trust, even if it was a small group. I am sorry that it came at this cost, though. I know it will seem like a small pittance for the hesitancy of the Mounties, but know that the Mounties are paying for your new house, to be built wherever you want it, and for the repairs and damages Hargraves did to Hope Valley with the burning of the livery. We are also paying for your medical needs," Collins said as he looked at Nathan.
Nathan just gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.
"Do you know why Hargraves targeted Nathan specifically?" Ruth asked after everyone had processed Collins' words.
Collins' and Ruth's eyes met.
"I'm afraid that the answer to that question on my part is only speculation. Hargraves hasn't said anything about what about Grant made him so focused on him, and I doubt he sees it as an obsession on his part. But Jack speculated that Grant was just the right mixture of humble, steadfast, and noble, that he would be noticed as an excellent Mountie, and if he didn't have his niece, he would have been placed on the fast track to a long and fruitful career. But he did have his niece, and in his choices for postings and requests always asked for safe places. And because of his dedication to his family first, job second, it was something a person like Hargraves would envy and be jealous of because he could never have it. And Hargraves became jaded enough that he couldn't let anyone else touch that kind of happiness, and we also knew in Constable Grant's reports from his tracking mission that Hargraves would have noticed that Grant was a more skilled Mountie, despite the title difference. There had been a lot of whispers that if Grant had been assigned to the Northern Territories during the battles, we would have had more success earlier on."
Everyone looked at Nathan with surprise and pride.
"I would have quit," Nathan said with an eye roll.
Everyone who had heard Mountie Gabe's long version of Nathan's backstory all laughed.
"Which your superiors knew, and that is why you weren't placed there to begin with," Collins said with a smile. "Doesn't stop the fact that, with your skills, you would have been quite successful up there."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"The investigations will take time, a lot of time, and then the trials will start. The trials will be held in Calgary. Bill Avery, you old goat, sometimes I wonder if it was truly the best thing for the Mounties for your resignation, especially since you can't seem to stop your investigations," Collins held his gaze to Bill.
Bill just smirked.
"If I kept my nose down this would have been a lot worse," Bill said confidently.
Collins nodded in agreement.
"For once, I don't mind your nosiness," Collins teased.
Bill smiled.
"But I am sorry, I must ask for a private conversation with Constable Kinslow and Constable Grant," Collins said as he looked at the families and Bill. They all nodded and they all waved goodbye.
Both looked at him in some apprehension.
"I need the two of you here to discuss your future within the Mounties. Constable Kinslow, your skills and investigation techniques were essential in getting our corrupt men behind bars. Your home post is Brookfield, and yet you haven't been consistently there since this past summer. Your dedication to your friend and the integrity of the job hasn't gone unnoticed. I know you are loyal and comfortable in Brookfield, unfortunately, it would be a waste of resources to have any one who is titled more than a corporal in such a small space as Brookfield. This is your choice, stay in Brookfield, or have the opportunity of much higher advancement in Union City," Collins said to Constable Kinslow.
"Sir, I've only ever wanted a quiet town. I've already found a home in Brookfield," Constable Kinslow said firmly.
"I expected this to be your answer. I've already filled paperwork with your new title and placement and I am in the process of getting you the Commissioner's Medal of Honor Award for your work in this case," Collins said with pride.
Constable Kinslow looked dumbstruck but nodded in gratitude, signed his name in the appropriate spots, then left to mail off the paperwork.
"Constable Grant, you've been noticed for similar traits and exemplary skills. Your injuries and attack this past summer should never have gotten this far, and for that I'm sorry. I know you have gone through a lot due to other Mounties, and may want to quit all together, have you thought about what you would do once this fight is finished?" Collins asked.
Nathan sat in silence as he processed the statement.
"To be honest, I thought I would be asked to resign considering that I spoke out officially against the Mounties while on duty," Nathan admitted.
Collins raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"In normal circumstances, you would have been fired months ago, but these aren't normal circumstances. You were forced into a corner, and you decided to fight back, despite the many threats to you and yours. I will be honest, I want you as a Mountie. You don't see it as being exceptional, but you are exceptional! If you still wish to remain a Mountie, then I would like to offer you a new position. One that I feel like is needed given the circumstances and how all of this came about. You and a few select others, would be giving new Mounties more in depth training, to their city or rural placements early on. It is strictly pass/fail. And if they don't pass; they can't be a Mountie. The new job would come with a new title and better pay, of course," Collins said.
Nathan looked at him in surprise, "I'm not good at teaching."
Collins looked at him in disbelief.
"I understand that concern, but you were originally assigned to train new recruits at Fort Simpson, what do you think that is?"
Nathan rubbed his neck nervously.
"I wasn't ever really comfortable with it, though. When we were ordered to go tracking the cattle hustlers, I was relieved because it bought me time," Nathan admitted softly.
"Nathan, I really don't think you realize the impact you have on young men. This is a chance to really hone the skills they have, and impress the character traits we are looking for in young Mounties. If they don't follow your guidance or feedback, then we don't want that kind of man to be a Mountie. I am highly serious about this being pass/fail. And I imagine that a lot of the young and ignorant will fail at first, but if they refuse to listen to you, that is on them," Collins said firmly.
Nathan looked down at his hands.
"Of course Hope Valley would be the base for one of our rural programs," Collins added.
"Can I have time to think about it?" Nathan asked.
"Of course. It will take time to get this running anyway," Collins admitted. The men both walked out of Bill's office and down different sides of the street.