CHAPTER 23: GATHERING THE TROOPS PART 2

A/N To differentiate between the two men named Sam I will refer to the Mountie that is being held with the Thorntons as Samuel.

Meanwhile, in the town of Shady Grove 50 miles away…

Elizabeth eased a sigh of relief when the jailers finally left for the evening.

Watching them leave, Tom said, "They sure seemed interested in us all of a sudden.

"I thought so too," Charlotte said. "What were they talking about, Lizzie?"

"They were discussing the food and wondering why we aren't eating as much. They are getting suspicious and talking about having the doctor come and check. Think about it, Sam, we are leaving the same amount of food. We have to start changing things around." Elizabeth said.

"Your right Lizzie!" Samuel said, adding, "I should have thought of that. Elizabeth looked over at her mother-in-law and rolled her eyes as she chuckled.

"We need to eat different amounts on different days. Some days eat more and some days less. I know that I could probably handle more without too many issues. What about you, Tom?" Samuel asked.

"I think I could handle more without a problem," Tom said.

"I can, too," Charlotte said. "We may find that they aren't even drugging the food."

"Hmm! I feel a bit sluggish, but it might be from the stress and strain of everything. I could try to eat more." Elizabeth said. Satisfied that they had a plan, they didn't notice that Elizabeth was still pensive.

Before she could say anything about what else she had heard, Samuel said, "by the way, I needed to talk to you about something. I served with Jack when he was at Fort Clay and was part of the search and rescue party along with a few others. The man that found his body was very distraught and took it badly. I want to tell you that Jack was the best of the best, and I know you must be proud. I know he would be proud of the three of you working together like this."

"Thanks for telling us that, Samuel?" Tom said.

"Can you tell us what happened?" Charlotte asked. Elizabeth knew without asking that poor Nathan was the one who found him; she wasn't sure she wanted to hear any particulars that day.

So, she said, "I'm sorry, Tom, Charlotte, Samuel, but I don't want to hear details. Charlotte, when there is a place and time I can go away from the discussion, you can talk all you want. But for now, please understand that it is a very painful subject for me right now. Besides, we have a bigger problem because the food wasn't all they were talking about, a person, someone who wouldn't be happy. I also get the impression that they expect someone important to show up here soon. I don't think we have much time left before everything comes to a head." Elizabeth said.

"Did they say anything else, Lizzie?" Samuel asked.

"No, unfortunately. So maybe we should sleep and rest while we can and begin to form a plan."

Elizabeth laid down on her pallet and fell asleep dreaming of Nathan just like every night since she finally admitted that she was in love with him. Before falling asleep, she prayed to God to protect Nathan and help him find her before it was too late.

THE NEXT DAY IN HOPE VALLEY

The next day Bill, Lee, and Nathan were up early to spread the word of the meeting. Bill had told Clara and Jessie about the meeting as soon as he arrived the following day to help with the breakfast rush. Lee was lucky enough to catch Joseph sitting on his porch last night. Joseph promised to tell Cat and his wife while assuring Lee they would be there.

Lee and Nathan met up and went to the café for breakfast. As Lee said, it didn't take long once Clara left the café. She immediately went to find Fiona, who was coming down the stairs of her apartment. Fiona then talked to Hickam and Henry. After leaving the café, Nathan went to the infirmary, but Florence had already informed them. Faith assured him that Cat had wasted no time telling Florence first thing. She and Molly were standing there getting supplies and the mail. Lee had told Joseph who was attending so Cat would know they were included. He was heading to Bill's office when he saw Ned approaching with a paper in his hand.

"Nathan, I have a response from Brookfield," Ned whispered as he handed the telegram over.

"Thanks, Ned," Nathan replied, looking at Gabe's response. Ned nodded and returned to the Mercantile while Nathan continued to Bill's office.

As he entered, he checked to ensure no one else was around. He said, "Bill, we got a response from Gabe, and they will be here around 11:00. They left early, and we will meet at the field just before the row houses. Joe is bringing them hidden among some crates, so it looks like a delivery wagon. I should take the kids and go to Union City as soon as they get here. I think Rosemary should wait until we are gone before she reveals she is in Hope Valley. That way, by the time they realize she doesn't have the children, it will be too late for anyone to intercept us." Nathan said.

"I think that is an excellent plan," Bill said.

Before he could say anything else, Fiona walked in and said, "I wanted to let you know that Mike and I have to go to Union City this afternoon for a meeting. There's an issue with some permits that need to be addressed, but Henry can fill us in. Lucas is in his office and appears to be ill. I sent Faith over to check on him because he didn't look very good."

Bill and Nathan looked at each other, realizing that Fiona provided the way to transport the children safely. Bill said, "Fiona, what I am about to tell you needs to stay between us. I need you to transport Allie and jack to Union City, where Nathan will be waiting for you. It's imperative that you keep them hidden."

"I will do that. Just let me know where and when to get them." Fiona said.

"Let me get back to you on that," Bill said to Fiona, thanking her for her help. "Nathan, you go get packed and head to Union City. You need to be there on the other end when they arrive. In the meantime, I will fill Patrick in so he can arrange everything."

"Okay, Bill, I will stop back here before I go," Nathan said, heading home to pack.

Bill called Patrick and told him of the new plan to move the kids. "That sounds like a good plan, Bill. Carol and I will have everything ready on our end for them."

"Any news on William Thatcher or Sam?" Bill asked.

"I wish I could say yes, but no there's been no word. I still maintain that Sam is innocent of wrongdoing." Patrick said with a heavy sigh. "I've been thinking about it, and I can't help thinking that Sam thinks there is an issue with a leak in my office."

"You know, I was thinking of that myself last night, but I'm still being cautious. Nathan and Lee are pretty distrusting right now of him and the situation. But they trust our judgment, and I pray it's not misplaced." Bill said.

"I have to agree with you and know I'm being cautious too. I'm actually glad that Nathan will be here because his investigative skills and his uncanny way of seeing things others don't will be a huge help. The little we have seen with this case proves that he would make a great Inspector. "Patrick said.

"Don't even think of trying to steal him away from me, Patrick," Bill said with a chuckle. "I'm only loaning him to you, and I expect to get him back in the same condition I'm giving him to you."

'Don't worry, Bill," his friend replied. "I don't think Headquarters wants to deal with the hassle of finding a Mountie that would meet your standards. They don't come any better than Jack Thornton and Nathan Grant. Besides, I don't think Nathan will want to go anywhere when he gets his family back."

"I think your right. I'll let you know when he is on his way and when the children leave here too." Bill said as he disconnected the call. He then went over to fill Lee in and arrange for Fiona to come to the prearranged spot where Gabe, Rosemary, Joe, and the children would be waiting. Not long after, Nathan stopped by briefly before leaving for Union City.

An hour later, Bill and Lee headed towards the rendezvous point, both excited to see the kids and Rosemary but nervously keeping an eye out. Faith had confirmed that Lucas was very sick and currently sleeping in his room. Fiona and Mike confirmed that Spurlock and Walden were busy up near the foundry, but they still didn't take chances. Jessie would be monitoring their movements as he supervised things at the sawmill.

Before long, they saw Gabe come around the bend riding Apollo. He was nervous when he didn't see Nathan, but after Bill explained everything, he agreed it was a good plan. "God is certainly smiling on us today Gabe said. "We didn't have any problems, and the kids were happy to come home."

Just then, they heard the sound of a wagon, and before long, Joe brought the wagon to a stop. At a nod from Bill, Rosemary told the children they could come out. Allie was the first one that stepped down, anxiously looking around for her Nathan while helping Jack to climb down. Bill quickly explained the change in plans to Allie and that her father was safe and would greet them when they arrived. On cue, Fiona and Mike arrived driving Henry's car, and the children were safely hidden before long. Fiona had stopped off and picked up food for the children to eat on the trip, so they left a few minutes afterward.

Bill looked over at Rosemary and could see how tired she looked. "Rosemary, why don't you and Lee head home and get settled? We want you to stay hidden until tonight, so Nathan and the children can safely be hidden. Lee can explain everything to you and answer questions. I will send food to you when I get to the café."

"That's a great idea, sweetheart," Lee agreed. "I've already told Jessie I was taking the afternoon off, so I'm all yours."

"I have to admit that sounds really good. However, I haven't had much appetite lately. I haven't been able to sleep much either because Jack had bad dreams, and Allie was struggling too." Rosemary said with a weary sigh. Joe handed Bill Rosemary's things while Lee helped her top the car before heading back to Brookfield. After hugging her, he mounted Hero and headed back to town with Gabe.

"Nathan already did rounds this morning before he left, so why don't you go get settled at Nathan's house? I'll meet you there after I get all of us lunch so we can talk privately. While you're here, plan on eating meals with me." Bill said, handing him the key Nathan had left.

"Sounds good, Bill," Gabe said with a smile. "I'll get Apollo situated and meet you there shortly." The two men nodded at each other and parted ways.

When Gabe reached the rowhouse, Bill hadn't shown up yet. He looked around at the pictures before seeing a note from one of him and Nathan. He looked at the image for a moment, recalling when it was taken. Then he picked up the letter and began to read it.

Gabe,

I'm sorry I couldn't be here to greet you. I wanted to thank you for watching over the children. So much has happened, and I'm sure Bill will fill you in. Thank you for being there for me, and though I know it's something we do for one another, I want you to know I appreciate your friendship. On that note, I wanted you to be comfortable, so I prepared my room for you to stay in and, as always, make yourself at home. I love you, brother!

Nathan

Not long after, Bill knocked on the door and entered with food. They sat at the table, and Bill filled him in on everything, including Elizabeth's letters. Afterward, they discussed the strategy they would follow, including the meeting that evening and precautions they needed to put in place. Bill was surprised and relieved to find that Gabe was similar to Nathan. He discovered that he and Gabe had a similar approach and quickly found they could reach the same conclusions quickly. Bill's confidence in the outcome reached a new level. It would only be a matter of time before they had the answers they needed to find the Thorntons and get them home safe.