Bill's Reaction – Chapter 10
Many thanks for all the reviews. They are so very much appreciated!
After Elizabeth departed the Queen of Hearts, she was shaken after her encounter with Lucas. She knew she should report the incident, however, she couldn't bring herself to go to Nathan at the jail – not yet, anyway.
Her memories from the last time she was there were making her feel nauseous. No, she would forgo the jail and head to see Bill. From the last time they spoke in the Cafe, she knew he wasn't very pleased with her either, but it was the best option, at the moment.
The Café
By the time Elizabeth reached the café, the breakfast rush had ended. There were only a few other people in the restaurant.
Bill was pleasantly surprised to see her, knowing they had not been on the best of terms since she entered the Café, a little over ten days ago. Was it really only that long ago? He shook the thought out of his head and greeted Elizabeth.
He casually acknowledged her presence with, "Hello, Elizabeth. What brings you to the café on a Monday morning?"
When she didn't immediately respond, Bill looked directly at her and noticed Elizabeth was flushed and seemingly out of breath. She looked distressed. This time, he spoke with more urgency, "Elizabeth! Are you alright?"
Elizabeth finally responded, still winded, "Bill, I just broke up with Lucas! Is there somewhere we can talk, privately?"
Without answering her, Bill yelled to Clara & Minnie, "I have to leave for a while, so you two ladies are in charge."
He and Elizabeth were out the door and headed for his office, before either one of the ladies could respond.
Bill's Office
Bill unlocked the door to his office and opened the door to allow Elizabeth to enter. He walked in and locked the door behind him. This was one conversation he did not want to be interrupted.
Turning to Elizabeth, he asked, "Tell me what happened."
Elizabeth felt embarrassed and humiliated, however she proceeded with her story. "Honestly Bill, ever since I chose Lucas, people have been looking at me as if I had lost my mind. Then a week or so ago, you told me in plain English how you felt about my relationship with Lucas."
Bill encouraged her to continue, so she did, "Well, in a strange sort of way, the best thing could have ever happened was my father's car getting stolen and brought to Hope Valley."
She told Bill that after her conversation with her father (not to mention the questioning from Bill & Nathan), she started to wonder how much she really knew about Lucas.
"It was my conversation with Charles after church yesterday, that really shone the light on how little I know about Lucas. To my shock and dismay, Charles confirmed the story you and Nathan told me - Lucas was responsible for conning other women, in Hamilton. Charles went a few steps further and told me one such story, in great detail."
"Bill, the woman Charles spoke about is a woman I knew from my childhood! Victoria is about a year younger than I am, however, we still socialized together, as young girls. I fell for Lucas' charms just like she did and I could have wound up just as badly harmed, if not worse."
She put her face in her hands and sobbed, "What was I thinking? I had no business being in a courtship with him at all. I barely know him. What's worse, is you were right. Not only do I not know him, but Lucas had no time for my son. The most precious thing Jack ever gave me and I was subjecting him to a man who had no use for him."
Elizabeth lifted her head and spoke to Bill, "I was resolved to end this farce, this morning!"
She looked over at Bill and saw he was waiting for the rest of her story before he commented, so she went on. She told him in minute detail everything that transpired in Lucas' office – up to and including how she made her escape by shocking him.
When Bill finally responded, it was terse and direct, "Did he lay a hand on you?"
Elizabeth promptly replied with a firm, "No, he did not. He put his hand on the door in an attempt to keep me from leaving, but I soon was able to exit under my own power."
Bill was relieved to hear that she was not physically assaulted. He went on to explain there was not enough to lay charges against him – at least not anything that would hold up in court. As unpleasant as the whole matter was, he did not assault her and other than a few uncomfortable minutes, he did not hold her against her will. Once again, he reminded her the incidents from years ago were no longer active, so nothing could be legally done.
Elizabeth was incredulous, "So, Lucas just gets away with all his crimes? There is no justice for any of his victims?"
Bill reached out and put his hand on hers and calmly said, "Elizabeth, as much as I would like to see him pay for what he has done, not just to you but to all his victims, there is nothing to be done. He was never charged with any crimes from years ago. The people involved did not want the publicity. As a result, under the law, those incidents never took place."
He continued with, "However, I personally believe no one ever escapes their unrepented crimes. As a lawman I've had to think about this, many times. What you may get away with in this life, you will not escape in the next." He wryly smiled at her and said, "As you may recall Romans 12:19b says, "…for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
"There will come a day when Lucas will come up against a Judge who will hand out a sentence far tougher than I ever could. More importantly, when God does the judging, He is always right; Justice is always served."
Elizabeth nodded her head in understanding.
She stood up, walked over and hugged Bill, "Thank you for everything, but especially for caring about me. I almost didn't come today because I am so ashamed about my behaviour of late. I can't even begin to explain my behaviour. I am embarrassed at the way I have treated you. I accused you of sticking your nose in my business solely because you disliked Lucas so much. Now, I can see you were trying to protect me, like any good father-figure would do. Please forgive me, Bill. I need you in my life and so does Little Jack."
In a rare moment of sentimentality, Bill returned the hug and softly said, "I forgive you Elizabeth. Like I have said so many times before, you are the daughter I never had. As long as I am around, I'll be here for you and my godson."
In an attempt to lighten the mood, he kissed her forehead and said, "Of course, I understand I am currently taking second place to your real father."
She just laughed and dried her tears. "I'm just so thankful for your forgiveness and for your friendship."
They made some idle chit-chat and Bill asked her what was next for her.
Elizabeth shared that she had some more apologies to make and then she and Little Jack were heading home to Hamilton, until it was time to return for school.
"After this incident and the way I have behaved, I think it is important to get my head on straight, figure out what it is I want to do next with my life and see what's available to me, upon my return."
Bill looked at her and asked, "By what, do you actually mean who is available?"
She lowered her eyes and said, "I have no right to have any expectations from anyone. At this point, I can only ask for forgiveness and hope my request is granted."
Now, if you will excuse me, I want to see what goodies are left at the Café. I have one more apology to make today and I thought I would take some blueberry muffins as a peace offering."
"Thank you again for your kindness, Bill."
He just smiled and told her to stay away from Lucas, at all cost. "You do realize I will need to advise Nathan of this incident."
Elizabeth nodded and said, "Yes, I am aware I should have gone there first. After everything that happened, I just couldn't do it. I hope you understand."
Bill nodded and got up to unlock the door to his office, so Elizabeth could be on her way.
Once again, thanks to MamaBethany for beta reading and for her most welcome suggestions.