CHAPTER 24 HARD TRUTHS
"Elizabeth?" Abigail said with no response.
"Elizabeth?" Bill repeated firmly, finally getting her attention. She turned and saw Abigail first and was quickly gathered in her arms. Bill locked the door but put a chair outside so he could sit down. After Elizabeth's tears subsided, she looked at Bill on the other side. She knew they were about to broach the subject of Fort Clay.
"Yes, I want to talk about Fort Clay but know it will not change anything tonight even after this conversation. You will remain here and have to appear before me tomorrow morning."
"I never thought otherwise, Bill, because I know I went too far. I will abide by your decisions and know they come from love and your oath. But can I request a short break if I need a moment? I have a feeling this is going to be painful. You will pause and give it to me?" Bill nodded and stood up, opening the cell.
"Can I get a hug first?" Bill said, his arms open. Elizabeth stood and, with an apologetic smile, walked into them. "If I leave the door open, you're not going to run, are you?" he said teasingly.
She rolled her eyes in response and sat down. "No, I'm not about to add fugitive from justice to the other charges against me." She laughed. "Besides, I think our poor Constable has enough of dealing with me." She said as the smile disappeared from her face.
Abigail said, "So Elizabeth, you already know everything Hargraves released. Although some of it he twisted for his own purposes. Are there any specific questions that you have?"
"Yes, did Nathan act recklessly, in your opinion, with his handling of the cattle rustlers? Why did he get suspended, and why didn't you or Abigail tell me about it in the first place?"
"No, he didn't act recklessly and should have been commended because he saved the lives of two women they attempted to take across the border. Even Jack agreed that Nathan did the right thing as he wrote a letter with countless others in Nathan's defense while there. But Hargraves made what he thought was the only evidence disappear about the women. But Nathan had sent Gabe copies, and then they also found the women and had them issue another one matching the first. Because of it, he won the appeal of the suspension. He was transferred out to Simpson shortly after for protection. As for why we didn't tell you, I'm the one to blame because I told her not to.
"At the time, Elizabeth, we found out you were a mess, and I agreed with Bill. But we didn't intend so much time to pass before we said anything. While I can't say for sure, I think Nathan didn't know what to say and was caught up in the feelings of guilt he was carrying by himself. Just imagine the position he was in coming to a town to protect you and Jack. Then add on that he was quickly falling in love, which added guilt. Then finally carrying a secret around that he was too honorable to court you with it left unsaid."
"But why didn't you tell me, Bill? Because as you can see it was not a good decision. I could see when I was grieving in the early days, but I am good now.
"If it's any consolation, we were going to tell you after the Inquiry," Abigail said.
"Elizabeth, I want to make one thing clear before continuing our talk. I will never betray you knowingly and only want your happiness and safety. From here on out, I promise that I will not hide that which I can legally share. Deal?"
"Deal Bill. Thank you so much, and I'm sorry for 1) jumping to conclusions and 2) disrespecting you. I promise the same to you, Abigail, and I'm so sorry."
"The same goes for me, Elizabeth," Abigail added.
"Oh no, my poor Nathan, I think he would have rather walked over hot coals than arrest me." Abigail glanced over at Bill to see if he caught her words and saw he had.
"Nathan was part of the rescue and recovery unit and was the one who recovered Jack's body. Hargraves made things appear as though Jack was responsible for what happened. It's why you didn't get his pension right away and there wasn't much of a Mountie presence at his funeral or any commendations. They should never have gone on the training mission. But according to Nathan, Jack didn't have all the information and was ordered to go despite his misgivings. Elizabeth, so many fellow Mounties from up and down the chain defended both Nathan and Jack's actions. The area had gotten a lot of rain and was very muddy, and Jack was right to protest. Nathan went over Hargraves's head to Chief Superintendent Collins with proof Jack did nothing wrong. Then he was quickly transferred to Fort Simpson."
"Something that I'm sure wouldn't have made Hargraves very happy," said Elizabeth.
"What about him requesting to come to Hope Valley to watch over Jack and me?" Elizabeth asked. She was still unsure how she felt about that. That reminded her of the guilt he carried and that Jack was his replacement.
"Elizabeth, no one wanted to take Jack's posting because they didn't want to compete with his memory. Jack was not only a legacy Mountie but was one of the most effective division leaders in the Northern Territories. Honestly, I was surprised he did not get any awards during his time there. Then he died in the line of duty which makes being his replacement very intimidating. Remember how hard it was for Nathan when he first got here? We are too busy and too much happening to be without a Mountie. But we do not want someone who does not want to be here either. I have seen towns in that situation where crime rates are high, or the Mountie becomes lax or crooked. Our Mounties have always helped mentor the children, go out of their way to help, and would lay their life on the line for anyone in Hope Valley. Jack Sr. lived the Mountie Code all his life, and Nathan breathes it, and that will never change. You are raising Jack Sr's son to be the same way, and he would be so proud. I pray that I will be here to see him grow to adulthood. Elizabeth, Nathan coming here was a selfless act. He may have started here because he felt a duty to Jack Sr., but that doesn't appear to be the case now,"
"Bill, I can't discuss that now. You know I can't be with another Mountie."
"Elizabeth, I have to be honest here because I don't think that is any concern anymore. You have been very hurtful to him, and I fear you have pushed him past the limit tonight from what I heard from Clara. I hope that if it's true that you don't end up regretting it." Abigail added, wanting to test the theory she had.
"But there is one thing you can do. You are the only one who can do it."
"What's that, Bill?"
"Forgive him! Help him see he is not responsible for your husband's death. Because he is not responsible, Elizabeth, and I hope you see it. He is carrying it all around like a dead weight."
"Of course, he isn't responsible for Jack's death. No more than Jack was responsible for Doug's."
"Since you are determined not to love him, it may help him move on with someone else," Abigail added. Bill agreed with a sly smile as he watched for her words. He struggled not to smile bigger when he saw it as plain as day. Pain and jealousy flashed in her eyes as she thought about him being with another woman. Elizabeth suddenly had a picture of Nathan moving on with another woman, which scared her. How would it feel to watch Nathan move on with someone else while she watched? She found it was not something she liked to think about.
"Elizabeth, of the two men, Nathan is the one to trust."
"Of course, Nathan is. I would trust him with my life, Bill. On the other hand, Lucas is a man who only worries about himself. He only does things in town if it benefits him. I would never trust or be interested in a man like him.".
"I have to say that I didn't care for Hargraves even before we talked when I was at the grave. Through the years, I have come across other Mounties at his grave paying respects. I've caught Nathan and Gabe there several times. While everyone greets me, they quickly move along and give me privacy."
Elizabeth went on to explain what happened. "I still can't get that article out of my mind and the words that that horrible man said about Nathan." Bill and Abigail became incensed as she told them how disrespectful he had been. They vowed to let him know just how displeased they were and that Elizabeth and Jack were off-limits. But they were also unaware that she had plans for Hargraves herself that would handle things nicely.
"Bill, I think your right, and he has another plan. I also think he was at the grave not only to provoke Nathan but in blatant disrespect of Jack and ultimately me and you. I think what he is doing is akin to stalking Nathan. I wish I knew why."
"So can we put Fort Clay to rest and let it be in our past, especially Nathan's past?" asked Bill.
"Yes, Bill, I will gladly put it in the past.! I have to take the time to process everything. But I will apologize to Nathan in the morning. Eventually, discussing that another matter of forgiveness. So, in the spirit of moving forward, how can I support him through this upcoming Inquiry Bill?" Bill and Abigail smiled and looked at each other, knowing a considerable obstacle was just removed between Elizabeth and Nathan.
Bill had locked up the Jail for the evening so Abigail could get settled in the officer's quarters for the night. She did not say anything before she turned in. It was quiet, and it allowed Elizabeth to think about everything that had transpired. She knew that had been Abigail's goal, and knowing Elizabeth as well as she did. She knew she had been way out of line in her treatment, especially poor Nathan. She also had to admit that she alone was responsible for her horrible actions earlier. It was no one's fault but her own for responding as she had. It would be her turn to make the first move towards reconciliation with Nathan, and she prayed he was open to it. Elizabeth began to wonder how she could help in this fight against Hargraves. Something needed to be done because he had caused Nathan enough heartbreak. She knew someone who could quickly look into the issue and take care of the man.
Living in Hamilton Society had shown her that men like Hargraves always had skeletons in their closets. Her uncle had also given her similar advice and, by experience, found it to be true. Elizabeth had the feeling that at least some of Hargraves's secrets were illegal ones. She never wanted to be the type of woman to throw names around to gain something. But this wasn't for her so much as for the two men she loved. There was information that needed to be thoroughly uncovered, and apparently, official records straightened out. But the same reasons she had never revealed the family connection before could still come into play with another. However, was it time to let others know about the family connection?
Should she go to Nathan and talk with him about her plan? It would involve telling him of her feelings which terrified her. What if he didn't return them, which created an awkwardness between them instead? It was hard to believe so much time had passed since they first met. No one else had drawn her attention as much as Nathan in all that time. Whenever he was close by, she couldn't think of anything else.
Then she thought of all the harassment Nathan had endured because of him. Then she thought about all Hargrave's actions towards Jack, including desecrating his final resting place yesterday. That reminded her she had yet to deal with Lucas for his part in that visit, and he wouldn't enjoy it. As she continued to reflect on everything Bill and Abigail told her, a wave of righteous anger created a resolve in her. Elizabeth didn't trust Collins; otherwise, this situation wouldn't still exist. She was considering the amount of time that had passed since Jack died. Why did these records still reflect the lies? Indeed Collins was aware that they hadn't been fixed yet.
Her godparents had told her anytime she needed anything to let them know, and their door was always open. They had reached out to her and came to Hamilton when they found out about Jack. Her uncle offered to find out more about what happened, but she had told him not to let it be. Without knowing if she could trust Collins, it was time to call in a favor. Maybe it was time to find out what kind of Mountie Collins was. She hoped that he wasn't part of the inquiry for Nathan's sake. She would keep her cool and she would call on her uncle. He would be able to get to the bottom of things and put a stop to the harassment.
After the hearing, she decided that she would get with Bill and let him know where she was going. She knew that she didn't want to make the call from anywhere in town. Elizabeth needed to figure out how she could make a call to her Uncle Wynn without letting anyone know. There was something about Hargraves that she didn't trust. She knew he would stop at nothing to destroy Nathan and time was of the essence. Whether they were in a relationship or not she was not about to let Hargraves succeed. Elizabeth wasn't about was not about to let them ruin the reputation of her son's father. She knew the people she could trust would be Bill, Abigail, and Nathan. So, having decided on a course of action, peace and resolve finally came over her, allowing her to sleep.
Her cousin Henry was posted in Union City, and her father had told her that her aunt Elizabeth would be visiting him in the next week. So, if she could get to Union City, maybe Henry and Uncle Wynn could find something to stop the farce and let a proper investigation be done. She would also talk to her uncle about keeping the secret still or coming out in the open, although Nathan would also have a say. She learned from Jack that people like Hargraves were not to be trusted. They were not someone you wanted to turn your back on. She couldn't imagine the weight he had been carrying around, thinking that she would blame him for Jack's death. It was the one goal that she had to accomplish above the others. But she knew everything was going to be taken care of. Her uncle was very thorough and would leave no stone unturned.
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