Bill's Reaction – Chapter 4

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I appreciate and read each one.

Special thanks to MamaBethany for beta reading this story, and still continuing to work on her own story. Much appreciated.

ELIZABETH'S ROW HOUSE

Once William and Elizabeth arrived at her home, Elizabeth paid Laura for the week and Little Jack was returned to his mama's care.

Elizabeth turned to her father and said, "Father, I know you are currently displeased and disappointed in me, however, I am asking we postpone any further discussion, until Little Jack has gone down for his nap. Will you agree to that for me?"

William quickly agreed their conversation was not one for Little Jack to hear, however, he pointedly told her the matter would not be forgotten about.

Elizabeth sighed and said, "I realize that, Father, and while I am not looking forward to that discussion, I have been looking forward to another conversation, for a very long time."

Elizabeth went to Little Jack and said, "My Sweet Boy! There is someone very special I would love for you to meet."

She took his hand and walked him over to stand directly in front of her father. "Little Jack, this is your grandfather. Can you say "Hello Grandfather?" Little Jack was initially shy and hid his face in his mother's skirt.

William, in an effort to break the ice, bent down to Little Jack's level and said, "Hello, Jack. It is so very nice to finally meet you. You are a big boy for almost three. I remember when your mama was your age. Would you like to come and show Grandpa your toy?"

Elizabeth was surprised. Her father had always insisted on the more formal "Father" from his children, so when he suggested the informal "grandpa", she was a bit taken aback, but said nothing.

Jack toddled over to William and said, "Dampa, play with me?" Elizabeth attempted to correct her son, but her father intervened, "If 'Dampa' is what he wishes to call me, then that is what I will be known as - to Little Jack, that is!"

William looked at the beautifully carved wooden toy Mountie and horse and asked Jack, "Where did you get such a lovely toy, Jack?"

Little Jack replied, "Montee Natan. Dampa, please play with me"

William's eyebrows rose and he looked at Elizabeth, "Hmm…so, the man you were shouting at in the street, makes your son lovely handmade toys to play with? I'm sure there must be quite a story there. Is there something you'd like to share?"

Elizabeth looked at her father and mouthed the words, "Not now!" Aloud, she spoke, "Father, I do believe your grandson would like you to play with him."

By way of reply, she witnessed something she never thought she would see. William Thatcher, wealthy shipping tycoon, dressed in his usual, expensive three-piece suit, proceeded to get down on her floor and play with his grandson.

BACK AT BILL'S OFFICE

Bill and Nathan had regrouped to discuss the wire sent from the Hamilton Police. It seems the police had their suspicions about Lucas, however, due to the social standing of the women involved, the prior incidents were either never reported or charges were never pursued.

While there was enough information to warrant an investigation, the women and their parents involved simply wanted to avoid the negative publicity. Bouchard wisely seized the opportunity to leave town while he could. Remarkably the incidents stopped, once he left Hamilton.

Unless there was new evidence to present, no charges could be laid, because the statute of limitations had expired.

Bill looked at Nathan, "So the police think Bouchard was guilty, but they cannot pursue a case against him for any prior incidents because too much time has passed."

Nathan nodded and said he understood such to be the case. He then mused aloud, "I wonder if he ever asked Elizabeth for money?"

Bill's eyes went wide, "Now that would be interesting to know. Let me know what you find out, after you ask her."

"When I ask her?" Nathan exclaimed, "What happened to our 'joint investigation'?"

"Well, I promised her I would personally stay out of her business." Bill laughed and shook his head, "I guess this definitely qualifies as a professional interest."

Nathan also drew Bill's attention to the report on Christopher Hughes. He certainly was not an innocent party, having been involved in numerous petty crimes, in his youth. Had he escalated to more serious crimes? And, what was his connection to Bouchard?

They agreed to go over the car once more, to see if they could find any clues that were overlooked. This had to be done before the car was released back to William Thatcher. It was presumed once the car was released, Benson would be driving it back to Hamilton, taking Charles Kensington with him. William would probably stay longer given this morning's incident.

Nathan said he would attempt to question Christopher Hughes by phone, to see if he could fill in some of the blanks. No accusations were made before and none would be made this time. After all, rumour had it, Hughes had left Canada to go see Lee Coulter's niece in Washington State, conveniently putting him out of their reach.

They mutually decided to start with a visit to Elizabeth to determine if Lucas had ever asked her for any money. It was not going to be an easy visit.

Bill suggested, in this instance, it might be prudent to go bearing gifts. Since William had left behind his breakfast surprise at the Cafe, he thought two dinner specials could be served up with some very official questions.

If nothing else, at least William and Elizabeth would not go hungry.

ELIZABETH'S ROW HOUSE

After putting Little Jack down for his nap, Elizabeth sighed, realizing she still must face a tough discussion with her father. It was better to get it over with now, than have it lingering over her head. She went downstairs and busied herself making tea, until her father spoke.

"Elizabeth, I have so many questions for you. Questions that need direct, honest answers." He looked at her pointedly before continuing, "I guess the biggest question has to do with that saloon owner. If I understood him correctly, you have entered into a courtship with him. If you are courting, one must logically assume you view this man as potential marriage material. If so, why have neither I nor anyone in your family ever heard of him before today?"

"The second pressing question is, why were you boorishly arguing with Nathan in public, this morning? What could the man have done to warrant such uncivilized behavior?" With that, William looked at Elizabeth, awaiting her reply.