Bill's Reaction – Chapter 19
Late Saturday Evening - Hamilton
After enjoying afternoon tea with her mother and checking on Little Jack, who was having a very long nap in the toddler bed that had been placed in her room, Elizabeth slipped back downstairs into her father's study.
She decided to place a call to Hope Valley. Mindful of the two-hour time difference, she figured it would be just after suppertime there. She prayed for a good connection and placed the call.
When Florence answered the phone, she identified herself and asked to speak with Bill Avery.
Bill was surprised when he heard Elizabeth's voice and said so. He had presumed any phone calls would be made to Nathan.
"Hello, Bill,'' he heard Elizabeth's far-way sounding voice through the handheld earpiece of the phone. "I need to ask you some questions about the investigation into Jack's death. On the train to Hamilton I became privy to some information about the whole training exercise that concerns me and needs to be confirmed. I need this resolved. Will you help me by telling me what you know?"
Bill whistled softly, coughed and then cleared his throat. He spoke loudly over the background noise of the busy cafe.
"I am presently at the Café. My files are in my office and it's probably better for us to talk there anyway. Can you call me back at my office in fifteen minutes? That will give me time to get over there and find the file."
Elizabeth ended the conversation with, "Thanks, Bill. This means a lot to me. I will speak with you soon."
The line disconnected on both ends.
Bill was all business when he turned to Clara and asked her to finish closing for the night. Something pressing just came up.
Judge's office
Bill was thankful for the time Elizabeth gave him to locate the file on Jack's investigation, but he didn't need it. He knew exactly where the file was located. He had practically memorized the file but it was better to have everything spread out on his desk while they spoke. Elizabeth was as punctual as ever. The phone rang exactly fifteen minutes later. The telephone in the judge's office was more modern than the one in the cafe and would make it easier for Bill to have a detailed conversation.
Bill answered with, "Hello again, Elizabeth. I have my notes in front of me now. Without my files, anything I say would be subject to my faulty recollection. How may I help?"
Elizabeth cleared her throat and asked, "Bill, I want to thank you, first of all. This means so much to me. I doubt you have any faulty recollection about this particular case; I know it isn't easy for you to re-open the memories from Jack's death. I now recognize I need closure with this part of my life before I can move on."
She stopped and took a breath, before continuing with, "I met someone on the train who was an eye-witness to what happened at Fort Clay. I have chosen to keep his name to myself; however, I needed to talk to you to see if you could confirm what I was told."
Bill softly replied, "Elizabeth, there's a lot of information in this file I probably should have shared with you before. The timing just never seemed right to open up old wounds. I always understood why Nathan never told you about being at Fort Clay. There's not a great way to start that conversation."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and with a tight, strained voice she conceded, "Yes, I have come to realize Nathan was in a no-win situation."
She took a deep sigh and continued, "So, what do your files show?"
Bill released a breath and forged ahead. "I don't have all the facts, Elizabeth. I only know what I was able to find out on my own. The Mounties shut me out of the formal investigation because I was no longer a Mountie and I was far too close to Jack to be objective. That is why I never knew Nathan was at Fort Clay, until recently."
Elizabeth got comfortable in her father's overstuffed office chair and inquired, "How about I ask you a few general questions to start and you confirm or deny what I am going to share with you, from your notes, if you know the answers first-hand? Does that sound OK?"
Bill shifted his position in his office chair and told Elizabeth to proceed.
Elizabeth started asking her questions, "First of all, of your own knowledge, were you aware that Jack tried to stop the training session and was ordered by Hargraves to continue?
Bill replied, "Yes, I knew Jack had words with Hargraves, but was outranked. Jack followed lawful orders from a superior officer."
"Lawful? They got my husband killed!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
Bill interjected, "Elizabeth, there can be a vast difference between a 'lawful order' and a 'wise order'. Hargraves had the rank over Jack and issued a 'lawful order'. I'm really sorry to tell you that, but it is true. He was newly promoted, so it is possible he lacked the ability to make a 'wise order' or he may have been flaunting his newfound authority. That is conjecture either way and should not be repeated as factual!"
Elizabeth continued, "You have told me you were unaware Nathan was at Fort Clay at the same time as Jack was there. Have you since been advised by anyone with knowledge of the event, that Nathan tried to stop the training session – going so far as to call Chief Superintendent Collins, directly?"
Bill exclaimed, "Nathan went over Hargraves' head and called Sam Collins, directly?! Are you sure about this, Elizabeth? If this is true, this would explain why Hargraves had it in for Nathan, last Spring at the inquiry." Bill paused as many puzzle pieces fell into place for him.
Elizabeth replied to Bill, "I guess I'm not sure of anything. That was part of the information I was given. That is why I have reached out to you, Bill. I trust and respect you as a former Mountie, a judge and a very dear friend."
Bill was humbled. "Thank you, Elizabeth, for the trust you have in me. It seems you have more information than I was able to find out. The only information I knew and withheld from you, was how Jack tried to stop the mission. It seemed unimportant to make you aware exactly how preventable Jack's death was." Bill continued, "So, what do you plan to do with this information?"
Bill had his answer when Elizabeth asked her final question, "Bill, in your experience as both a Mountie and a judge, is Chief Superintendent Sam Collins an honourable and trustworthy man?"
"Elizabeth, in my experience, Sam Collins is as honest as the day is long," Bill continued, "however, you just don't barge into Mountie HQ and demand to see the Chief Superintendent. Things are not done that way, Elizabeth. A little finesse is required."
"Bill, thank you for your comments, however, I'm not just anyone – I'm a Mountie's widow, I need answers and I'm determined to get them – once and for all!" she exclaimed.
Bill could tell from her tone she meant business and would be a formidable opponent. He wished he could witness this! It was very satisfying to hear the old Elizabeth rising to action again. Jack would be proud of her!
They ended the conversation on a personal note, with Elizabeth specifically requesting nothing be shared with anyone in Hope Valley – especially Nathan. When it was time for him to find out the details, she wanted to tell him herself. It was all part of being honest with him. Bill understood and promised not to say a word.