CHAPTER 3-NEW CONSTABLE ASSIGNED TO HOPE VALLEY
Constable Nathan Grant was heading over to the records department at Fort Simpson. It had started as a great day beginning with a humorous discussion with his niece. She never failed to make him smile and he felt blessed to have her. As he neared the building he accidently bumped into another Mountie. As he went to apologize his day went from great to bad quick. He came face to face with his old superior officer Superintendent Hargraves from Fort Clay. There was a lot of animosity between the two of them because of how Hargraves conducted himself and overall treatment of others. When he had been transferred to Fort Simpson following the suspension, he thought he had finally seen the last of this man. But as happened often whenever life seemed to be going well for him sooner or later things went south.
"Well imagine running into you here Grant. It must be my lucky day because it is obviously not yours, not by a long shot. I imagine just working on records and typing is real interesting huh? You know you are lucky to even be wearing that Serge. But fair warning Grant, I'm not going to rest until you won't be entitled to do so."
Nathan just looked at him and smirked as he shook his head. I would have to run into him of all people today. This is just what I needed today. Nathan thought.
"What brings you to Fort Simpson Superintendent?" asked Nathan. He was determined not to give him any reason to bring charges of disrespecting a superior officer. Especially given what he just said about taking his badge.
But he also knew that he couldn't just move on until the man finished with trying to bait him some more. It was times like this that made him think of leaving the Mounties and settling down with his niece. Nathan knew Allie would love being able to stay in one place. Since she had come to live with him 6 years ago at the age of 4 he had been transferred 7 different times. Sometimes they only stayed at a posting for 6 months or less before moving on. The last time he had seen Hargraves was at Fort Clay right after he was cleared of wrongdoing of failing to obey orders. With regret he remembered Constable Jack Thornton who died while he served a suspension before being ultimately cleared. that led the training mission in his stead while He had been furious when Nathan had been cleared and wanted revenge because of embarrassment. Hargraves knew Nathan was extremely sensitive about the deaths of other Mounties and being the cause. So, he could not resist telling him that the Mountie that replaced him on the training mission died because of his mistake. It had been weighing on him ever since.
But today Hargraves decided to not only repeat it as always but give additional info. It was like twisting the knife in a stab wound. Jack Thornton left a wife that delivered a son 7 months later named for his father. He would never know that he left behind not only a widow but a son too. They had only been married 2 weeks prior to him getting the posting. So, a brother Mountie died without knowing he was going to be a father. But worse due to Nathan's action a child is left fatherless and will never know him. Hargraves knew how it would bother Nathan and had one parting shot.
"I don't know how you can even live with yourself Grant. But I want you to have a nice day." Laughing as he walked away. Nathan just clenched his hands and his teeth so he would not respond the way he wanted to.
The rest of the day Nathan could not stop thinking about Jack's family he left behind. Raising Allie gave him direct insight into how a child suffered not having parents but in her case a mother. He knew what it was like to grow up without a father. The guilt he felt seemed at times overwhelming to him. To make matters worse Ally had noticed it and either would ask what was wrong or sit and worry. So, he decided to research the town that was Jack's last posting just to see if it had been filled yet. Jack Thornton was considered a legend with some big arrests and exploits in the Northern Territories. He was also the beloved town Mountie and would be an intimidating to follow. Anyone who filled it would always be compared to him. At least that is what has been said throughout the Mounties. So, he went to see his friend that worked in records to see what he could find out more. He had mixed feelings about the information he got back showing it had not been filled yet because others felt intimidated. His friend also had some information on the history of the town he was posted at. Later that night after Allie went to sleep, he got the information out and began to read. After Nathan finished the report, he could not get it out of his mind about Elizabeth Thornton and her son. That they were left unprotected, and it was his fault. He also knew what he had to do though he felt bad that it would involve another move. Mrs. Thornton and her son should be protected and maybe Allie will like it because she wasn't crazy about their current situation. It would be interesting being a Town Mountie because he never been appointed as one. He spent his time on bases since he was the best tracker they have. Having made the decision, he felt at peace with it and some excitement at the possibility of doing something new. The following morning, he approached the administration to apply for the posting of Hope Valley. He was shown into the Commanding Officer's office. He had a few questions for Nathan.
Grant, I see that you are interested in the Town Constable posting in Hope Valley. Care to tell me why? So far, we have offered that posting to one hundred different Constables and no one wants it. You do know that was Jack Thornton's posting? Are you going to be able to handle the posting? Because the town will not embrace you right away and it will be awkward. Also, this will involve yet another move for you and your niece. Although that may be a good thing for her. The town is very rural and sweet." He finished and sat waiting on Nathan to answer. Nathan thought of the questions that he was asked and how to answer them.
"Yes, sir I am aware that it was Jack Thornton's posting and the reception I will get initially. Since I am a loner, I do not see an issue with handling legal matters for the town. I believe with time I can establish myself by honoring Jack Thornton's memory. That I am not trying to replace him but rather relieving him from duty. That I am there to watch over the town and people he loved. As to why sir you already know Constable Thornton's family is there. Since he had taken my place on that training mission, I feel like I can honor him by making sure they are taken care of. Hopefully, it will help me to come to terms with that guilt. Sir, whether I am granted this posting or not I wanted to see if we can check on what is holding up his pension for Mrs. Thornton? When I was reading the report, it showed that it was still pending, and it's been almost a year." Nathan replied.
The Superintendent sat there thinking of what Nathan had said. The Superintendent thought about all that Nathan had said. He had to give him credit because they were particularly good, honorable answers. "Ok Grant, I am going to approve your transfer request and appoint you to Hope Valley. So, you are aware that you are our best tracker. Along with your town constable duties you will still be on call for those duties as well. As to the pension issue I will contact the department and get it pushed through and you can hand deliver it her. I find it very unsatisfactory that it has taken this long for her to get them. Thank you, Grant, for bringing that matter to my attention. Before you go there is just one more thing I want to say. You need to let go of that guilt you are responsible for Thornton's death. While Thornton did take your place because of your suspension you did not choose him, nor was he forced to accept that posting. You were later exonerated but I am sure Superintendent Hargraves made you think it was your fault. But this discussion is between you and I and off the record understood? You are well thought of by your superiors as well as your peers despite what he has made you think. The interactions between you and he have not gone unnoticed."
Nathan nodded his head in agreement and began to feel hopeful about his reputation in the Mounties. "Pick up your orders tomorrow afternoon, you are dismissed Grant." the Superintendent finished.
Nathan left with mixed feelings about being granted the post because of Allie. But now it was time to look to the future and moving to Hope Valley. He was dreading having to pack everything up and tell Allie they were moving yet again. If he was lucky, she might be happy with it because it was a town and not a base. From what he understood it was also rural and not the city which she hated. It may enable them to put down roots finally. With that final thought he went home to talk with Allie and begin packing.
