Gabriel stood with his back to the door of the North West Mounted Police office. He hoped that if anyone came seeking him, they would notice him standing there and knock before entering. Having locked the door to his living quarters, this was the only way out of the office. Guarding the exit was necessary as the cell door was open allowing Maggie to look over Billy and help him get cleaned up. A curtain made up of blankets hanging over a string he had rigged across the room provided the boy with some privacy.
Billy had seemed more resigned about his current predicament when Gabriel had unlocked the cell door when Maggie got here. Gabriel had a feeling that Billy was content to be somewhere warm for now, even if it was a jail cell. The thought made him sad if he dwelled on it too much, really. However, Gabriel still wasn't about to let his guard down. Chasing this kid through the snow-covered countryside surrounding Brookfield wasn't something he wanted to do. Though the kid seemed more resigned, Gabriel still wasn't sure the kid wouldn't try to run if the opportunity presented itself.
On the other side of the blankets, Gabriel could hear the low murmur of voices and splashes of water. Except for bits and pieces of Maggie's words, he hadn't been able to make out what was being said. Not that it mattered. What mattered was that the kid was getting cleaned and allowing Maggie to check him over. If he told Maggie anything that she felt Gabriel needed to know the Mountie had confidence that the nurse would tell him.
"All done," Maggie said eventually as she pushed aside one of the blankets. In her arms were the boy's dirty clothes and the blanket. "I told him I'd clean these up and return them to him," she told Gabriel, nodding to the things she held in her hand.
"Thank-you, Maggie," Gabriel said, as he stepped forward. Peering around the blankets he saw that his charge had retreated to the bunk in the cell and was sitting there obediently. "How are the new clothes, Billy?" Gabriel asked as he walked toward the cell door.
"Pants are a little big, but it is nice to feel clean again," Billy said. "Can you thank whoever provided them for me?"
As he locked the cell door, Gabriel nodded. A period of regular meals would probably solve that problem. "I can do that. They came from Miss Walsh, who is the proprietor of the local orphanage."
Billy shrank back against the wall a bit at the last mention.
"You're safe here, Billy," Gabriel said. "That much I can promise you."
Billy nodded, as he pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around them.
Not wanting to continue holding Maggie up, Gabriel walked back around the blankets. Maggie had put her coat, hat and gloves on and picked up the pile of clothes again. "Can we talk outside?" Maggie asked, when she spotted Gabriel.
Gabriel nodded, grabbed his hat and gloves and headed toward the door. Holding the door for Maggie, he let the British nurse step outside first. Stepping out onto the boardwalk with her, Gabriel pulled the door shut behind him.
"What did you find, Maggie?" Gabriel asked almost immediately, not waiting for the nurse to start on her own.
"Well, as you have probably assumed, he's underweight and malnourished. I've got a few supplements I'd like to have him take for a few weeks at least. Not only does his body need the proper daily nutrients but it needs to make up for what is lacking."
Gabriel nodded. "Bring them by. As long as he's in my care, I'll make sure he gets them."
"Good," Maggie replied. "Other than a few scratches and small bruises, he doesn't seem to have any current injuries. However, there are scars on his back indicating past open areas. My guess is from past cuts."
"Are you saying someone hit the boy hard enough to leave cuts?" Gabriel asked, his voice taking on a steely tone that matched the look in his eyes.
"That is a distinct possibility," the nurse replied. "Or it could have been from some sort of accident. He wouldn't say. There is also some stiffness and minor loss of mobility in the left wrist, which is indicative of some past injury as Billy says it doesn't hurt. Again, he wasn't forthcoming with how or when it happened. Usually, if an injury occurs accidently, I find that people have no problem with providing information on how it happened. When that injury is connected with some kind of traumatic event, people, especially children, will either not talk about it or their mind has suppressed memories of those events."
"Are you saying this kid was abused?"
"I can't prove it, but I think it is a distinct possibility, yes," Maggie told him.
Gabriel shook his head. "I just don't get people sometimes," he muttered.
Maggie remained quiet, figuring the Mountie didn't really want her own viewpoint on that comment.
Gabriel looked down at his hand. "Given his reactions at the mention of an orphanage, my guess is that those injuries occurred at one."
"It's a shame that children would receive that kind of treatment at a place that is suppose to help them," Maggie said.
"Most orphanages do provide a safe place and meet the child's basic physical needs, though maybe not so much the emotional. They try their best but funds are limited and sometimes the people there just get overwhelmed. On occasion, you get one run by people who just don't care or who are pocketing money for themselves from the already limited funds. I served in Edmonton right out of training and was part of shutting a place like that down."
"It is a shame," Maggie commented. "At least this boy is safe now."
Gabriel looked toward the office. "Yes. He is safe, but keeping him in that cell is not a permanent solution," he said, still unsure of what course to take. He hoped he would hear from Judge Avery soon. "Can you do anything for the wrist?"
"As he can still manage most everyday tasks with it, I wouldn't recommend putting him through further evaluation at the hospital and surgery that may or may not help. I did show him some exercises to do that should help limber the wrist up and if you'll allow it, I could perform some massage therapy which should help as well. He will probably face some limitations on some more strenuous or intricate activities like chopping wood, swinging a bat, or playing an instrument still but it shouldn't preclude him from living a normal life."
"As long as he is receptive of your help, you can visit him whenever you want to, Maggie. However, at least at the start, I want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt, even accidently."
"I understand," Maggie replied. "I can do the massage therapy without you even having to open the cell," she told him. "I'll come by tomorrow to start. I have a feeling he's had enough of my prodding for today."
"Thank-you, Maggie," Gabriel said. "Can I walk you back to the infirmary?"
"I can manage, Constable, though it is sweet of you to offer," Maggie replied before walking down the steps and starting across the street to the infirmary.
Alone now, Gabriel looked over at the telegraph office next to the jail. The temptation to go in and ask about any possible messages was there. He held himself in check though. The Tradeau's were always good about making sure he got work related messages promptly. Instead, Gabriel headed across the street toward the hotel. He planned on getting the boy's lunch and then taking a ride and making sure things around Brookfield was status quo.
Lillian sat quietly on the edge of Ellie's bed as the little girl fought sleep. After helping the child with her nightgown, Ellie had surprised Lillian by asking her to stay until she fell asleep. Though the girl still withdrew at the offer of a hug, and did not want to hold hands, instead clutching tightly to her stuffed bear, Lillian was pleased with this small progress. Wanting her nearby was one step closer to accepting the comfort Lillian could offer this little girl.
Eventually, Ellie's eyes closed and stayed closed. When the child's breathing had been slow and even for a good ten minutes, Lillian slowly and carefully got to her feet. She backed up a few steps, keeping an eye on the child to make sure her leaving hadn't disturbed her. When Ellie's breathing remained slow and even, Lillian turned and walked softly out of the room.
Coming downstairs, Lillian found the other children at the table finishing homework. Even Mary Louise was there. Her injured ankle propped up on another chair.
"Anyone need any help?" Lillian asked the children.
She received a chorus of 'nos' from the children. Glancing into the sitting room, Lillian noticed Grace was in the sitting room. Her sister was sitting on the floor in front of the settee, papers scattered around her and a catalog opened in her lap.
"So, what are you doing out here?" Lillian asked as she walked toward Grace. Gathering her skirts so that she wouldn't get them stuck awkwardly underneath her, Lillian sat in front of Grace.
"Taking a page out of your book and making lists," Grace replied.
Lillian picked up a sheet of paper. Across the top was written the words 'in the wedding'. She saw her own name next to the words maid of honor. Hank was listed as the best man.
"Fred is going to be your ring bearer," Lillian commented, looking up from the paper. "Bet he is excited about that."
"He is," Grace replied, a smile on her face. "You should have seen the smile on his face when Chuck asked him. He told Chuck he was the best big brother ever."
Lillian smiled. "I'm glad things are working out for Fred with Tess. It's good that he has a stable home and I think having someone to care about is doing wonders for Tess as well. She's a bit more friendly when she sees me in town."
"I did not see Tess Stewart adopting one of our children but I'll admit it was a good match. God works in mysterious ways."
"That he does," Lillian admitted.
"Chuck said Fred is showing a real interest in the ranch, learning whatever he can though also making things harder at times. Tess and the hands are always very patient with him."
"Tess might have family to take over the ranch after all," Lillian commented.
Grace nodded. "Chuck hopes so. He always felt guilty about not wanting to take over the ranch from his mother, knowing that his parents had started it as a legacy for him."
"What about a flower girl?" Lillian asked, noticing a question mark next to that spot.
Grace looked beyond Lillian toward the diningroom before answering. "I was thinking Mary Louise but at this point I think it is too early to say anything to her. What if someone shows interest in giving her a home and she's not in the area come May."
Lillian nodded. "You make a good point. A flower girl dress wouldn't take too long to make," she added. "We can get started on your dress and figuring out my dress."
"I'm hoping to include any children we have here in the wedding when the time comes, but it is just so hard to make advanced plans for that."
Lillian reached out and took one of her sister's hands. "We'll figure it out," she assured her. "We concentrate on the things that we can set in advanced - venue, food, guests, color scheme and go from there. We have plenty of time."
"Really? Because May fourth seems awfully close to me," Grace replied.
"Your wedding day is going to be special, my dear sister. I promise you that. Did you and Chuck decide where you wanted to have it?"
"Tess offered the ranch, and I like the idea. An outdoor wedding would be nice."
"What about if it rains?" Lillian asked, her practical nature coming through.
"Then we move everything to the hotel. Tess promised to clear it with Ronnie."
Lillian smiled. "Yes, if Tess asks, Ronnie won't put up a fuss. From what Gabriel tells me, Tess actually has money in the hotel."
Grace smiled. "Well, I'm hoping for no rain."
"I'll join you with that hope," Lillian said with a smile. "I just want to make sure we cover some of the what ifs as well. Are you going to have anyone walk you down the aisle?"
"I don't know," Grace said, suddenly seeming uncomfortable. "I barely remember our father and it's not like I've ever had a father figure in my life."
"You could have one of the older boys do it," Lillian suggested.
Grace shrugged her shoulders.
"It was just a suggestion," Lillian said quickly. "There is nothing wrong with walking down the aisle by yourself."
Grace nodded. Looking up at Lillian she said, "I did have an idea," she admitted. "I'm afraid people might think it was silly though."
"Who?" Lillian asked.
"Can I wait until after I ask him to tell you? If I even ask him. Maybe I should just walk down the aisle by myself and forget the idea altogether?" Grace said nervously.
Lillian gave the hand she still held a squeeze. "Don't over think this, Grace. That is my job."
Grace gave a little laugh at the comment.
"If you think this person has a special role in your life that you would even think about asking them, then I doubt they are going to find the request silly. Just follow your heart Grace and you can let me know whenever you have the matter settled."
"Thank-you," Grace told her sister.
"So what were you thinking about color scheme?" Lillian asked.
"How do you feel about a purple dress?" Grace asked her sister.
"I'd wear orange for you dear sister," Lillian said, causing Grace to laugh again as she picked up another piece of paper and showed Lillian some of the color schemes she had been thinking about.