.
Chapter Sixty-five
.
The Unexpected
.
Startled, Allie whispered, "What's wrong, Dad?"
Nathan was standing and, eyes glued to the two men on the street, Nathan replied softly. "I am going to find out." Instinctively, he felt for his firearm and moved it from his ankle holster to his waist, keeping his eyes trained on the outside situation. "Wait here."
Nathan quietly approached behind a tall man in a brown coat and wearing a brown fedora. The man's fedora was dipped low and he was standing, in what Nathan recognized as a startled position, hands up and leaning slightly backwards as if forced to listen to William Thatcher issuing a low warning. William's finger was pointed and inches from the man's face. The man lowered his hands and balled his fists.
Nathan stepped closer, hand on his belted pistol. Quietly he asked, "Is everything alright here?"
His voice froze the fedora-wearing man for a moment before he turned.
Nathan was the next one to freeze. He breathed out one word. "Lucas?"
In that moment, Lucas felt he had better make his escape and turned to run. A few seconds later, he found himself pinned face down on the ground, arm pulled back and Nathan straddling him with his knees, a pistol digging into Lucas's back. "Why are you threatening William Thatcher? Talk, Bouchard. Now." Nathan's voice was hard like steel and to Lucas, it felt as menacing as the barrel of the gun pressed against him.
William was so shocked at the speed and power of Nathan Grant that he was stunned silent. His assistant hurried from the vehicle parked across the street to stand beside his employer. David spoke quietly, "Are you okay, Mr. Thatcher?"
Before he could answer, two Constables rounded the corner and stopped, quickly assessing the scene. Withdrawing their weapons, one shouted. "Halt. Drop your gun and…" The Constable couldn't finish his sentence because as Nathan lifted his face, he asked for permission to retrieve his badge from his inner suitcoat pocket. Even as he showed the badge, recognition dawned on one of the Constables. "Sergeant Grant!"
"Hello, Constables. Care to assist and handcuff this man? He may be armed. He was ready to run and has some questions to answer."
"Of course, Sir." Immediately Nathan stood as one Constable trained his gun on Lucas while the other cuffed Lucas and assisted him to his feet.
"Restrain him, please, while I talk to Mr. Thatcher? Thank you." Nathan returned his firearm to his waistband and moved to stand at ease in front of William. With a quiet voice and concerned expression, Nathan inquired. "Sir, mind telling me what is going on? Do you know Mr. Bouchard? Why is he here and why the animosity?"
Still shaken by the preceding altercation, William shook his head to clear his thoughts. "I met Bouchard in Hope Valley. I had to confront him on his intentions with Elizabeth, even though I knew she had already severed their relationship. I had to know his intentions and if he would admit to what I already knew." William swallowed hard. "He lied and I exposed his lie, adding that I knew he had finagled the book deal so that he would receive a portion of her royalties. I also told him I suspected he was after her trust fund and was using her to gain wealth."
A dark look settled on Nathan's face at this news, but he remained quiet, listening.
"I explained even if they had married he couldn't touch her funds and also told him I was renegotiating the book deal so that Elizabeth would be the sole receiver and Jack and any future children would be her beneficiaries, in the same way as her trust."
Nathan nodded and only said, "Good."
William paused long enough for Nathan to encourage him to speak the whole truth. "I need to know all of it, William."
"I warned him that I'd put orders of protection in place for Elizabeth and Jack and…" William looked into Nathan's eyes aware of kindness there, but concerned if that would change with his next admission.
"And?"
"Orders of protection for you and for Allie." William's eyes pleaded for understanding and acceptance.
Nathan's voice was a deep rumble, but his eyes remained kind. "For me? And Allie? Why?"
William gulped. "Could we discuss this elsewhere? I promise I will explain and I think my reasoning is sound."
"Okay. To be continued. But why the warning to Bouchard just now?"
"He is violating the orders and, although you didn't know about them, he does. He shouldn't knowingly be within 50 yards of you." William explained softly.
"I see." Nathan reached his hand out for William's shoulder and asked. "Are you okay now?"
William only nodded, not entirely convinced that he was okay.
"Mr. Wright? Have Mr. Thatcher sit over on that bench, please?" Nathan directed them to a bench in front of the restaurant window.
Returning to Lucas and the Constables holding him, Nathan stood in front of him, his hands on his hips, a steely glare in his eyes. "Your turn, Lucas. What is going on? And no lies or excuses."
"I was just standing here when Thatcher…"
"That is Mr. Thatcher to you, Lucas." Nathan interrupted. "When Mr. Thatcher what?"
"Came right up to me and threatened me." Lucas spat out his statement. "I wasn't doing anything wrong."
"Why are you here, Lucas? Why are you in Regina? You are a long way from Hope Valley. Is this a stop on your way to the North Pole?" Nathan kept his eyes trained on Lucas's face without a flinch.
Lucas scoffed. "Funny, Nathan. I watched you the other day instructing all those Mounties. You were kinder to them."
"You watched, eh?" Nathan nodded at the Constables beside Lucas and just whispered. "Note that." To Lucas he responded. "The Mounties deserve kindness, respect and gratitude, Lucas. Even you should remember that a Constable saved your life one day in the not too recent past."
"You can't threaten me, Grant." Lucas squirmed. "You may have a highfalutin new title, but you are not half the man…" A gun poking deeper into his side stopped his words. "Ooofff." He scowled at the uniformed Constable poking him.
Nathan let a half smile escape as he answered. "I would suggest you watch your words, Bouchard. You are in the hands of law enforcement." To the Constable he said, "Ease up. He is digging his own grave with every word he utters."
"Bouchard." Nathan used a menacing voice saved for criminals. "Why are you here?"
"I planned to threaten you. I didn't expect to see Thatcher." With Nathan's scowl, Lucas corrected himself, though his tone was derogatory. "Mr. Thatcher."
"Bouchard, your snide tone isn't doing you any favors any more than your words." Nathan paused. "It is my understanding that you are currently in violation of two orders of protection. You must be aware of that?"
"I didn't think he was serious. I mean I can understand doing it for Elizabeth, but for you? That's ridiculous…" Under his breath, he sputtered, "…and it makes me mad… and you not only have Elizabeth's love, you are here dating another woman. It's not fair…"
"And how do you know this, Lucas? What makes you think I am with another woman?"
"Come on, Grant. You can't deny it. I was sitting right behind you this morning in the Café. I heard every word."
Nathan glanced at the Constable and nodded. Both Constables nodded back to the Sergeant. They were witness to it all.
"So, you have been following me. At the Academy? At the Café? Here?" Having had enough, Nathan directed the two Constables to continue to hold Bouchard. "I am going inside to call the local precinct and have them take this man into custody. I'll be back shortly."
Nathan strode inside to the desk of the maître de and explained his RCMP rank and need for the telephone. After making the arrangements for Lucas's arrest, he then called the Commissioner who agreed to come immediately to get Allie.
Nathan then quickly moved to the table to see Allie worriedly watching him. He opened his arms to her to hug. "Everyone is okay, Allie. We are waiting for Lucas to be taken to the local RCMP office. Unfortunately, I will have to follow them to make reports and take statements. I just called Grampa Peter and he is on his way to get you. I'll have Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Wright wait with you until Grampa arrives, okay? I don't know how late I will be, but maybe Gramma Carol can stay with you at the Cottage so you can try to get some sleep?"
"Okay. What about our time with Mr. Thatcher? Is he okay?"
"Maybe we can meet him again tomorrow, eh? I think he is just shaken up, but I imagine he will feel better if you give him one of your big hugs. Will you do that? He will have to come to the office too as soon as Grampa gets here."
"Okay, Dad. I love you." Allie stood on her tiptoes to kiss her father's cheek.
"I love you, too." Nathan kissed Allie's forehead and gave a final squeeze. "Just wait here, Honey."
The hugs and sweet kisses were not missed by William Thatcher who watched through the window and, in spite of the circumstances, he was thankful to see this father and daughter together.
With Nathan holding the door, William and David, entered the restaurant after Nathan explained the plan to them. Nathan followed them inside, apologizing. "I am sorry to have cut short our meal and evening. Would you like to join Allie and me at our home after church tomorrow? I cannot promise anything fancy, but we can always have breakfast for dinner. Okay, Allie?" Nathan chuckled aware of what he was offering to the man who was undoubtedly the richest man in Canada. "I know that is one of our specialties!"
"I would welcome that, Nathan. That will give us uninterrupted time to converse! Why don't I meet you after church at Knox? David can drop me off there, or follow us to your place so he knows where to pick me up, later?"
"We can discuss the details in a little while, but, yes let's meet at church. I'm going to wait outside. One of the Constables can accompany you to the precinct so David knows where to go. I'll see you there."
"Love you, Honey." Nathan gave Allie another kiss and nodded from her to William. Allie got the message and stood to envelope William Thatcher in one of her signature hugs.
As William Thatcher lay in bed that night, he recalled the events and conversations of the day. As frightening as it was for a few moments, he rejoiced in what he had witnessed.
First was meeting Allie Grant. As William thought of her he offered a prayer of thanksgiving for her and for Nathan. He then asked the Lord to work in Elizabeth and Nathan's relationship. They would be a perfect match and, as William was excited to consider, Allie would be a delightful granddaughter. If she became that, he could envision hosting her in Hamilton and the joy that she would bring. William also vowed to himself that he had to find a way for Grace to meet these two wonderful people.
Recalling Nathan's and Allie's interactions, William smiled. It wasn't a word he had much opportunity to use, except for recently with young Jack, but the word that fit the Grants this evening was 'adorable.' They were so committed to each other and so enjoyed each other's company. There was both depth and humor, solemnity and a lightness to them. He just wanted to be where they were!
William was glad to hear that Nathan had escorted his daughter to a special, dressed-up dinner on the train. What he heard assured William that Nathan would treat Elizabeth with care and appreciation. Impressed by the gentle teasing the two displayed, William was also convinced that a Grant-Thornton home would be filled with laughter as well as love.
Then there was Nathan! William couldn't even recollect how it happened that Nathan had taken down Bouchard! All of a sudden, Bouchard was on the ground. Nathan's take charge and take-no-nonsense command of the situation was impressive. His strength, admirable. His clear head and how he knew exactly what to do at each moment? He was an exemplary Mountie.
William gave thanks for the Constables that had suddenly appeared and wondered if they were the answer to someone's prayer. It was almost like angels appearing from around the corner. He knew that Nathan had the situation in control even without their assistance, but they made it all easier. Sorry that Nathan had to hear about the orders of protection in that manner, he hoped Nathan would understand when he explained tomorrow. Obviously they were needed, so William was grateful he had that on his side!
Then back to Allie's hug. William could almost feel it again and looked forward to another one, or maybe two, tomorrow. That young woman was special. No wonder Elizabeth had been drawn to her and wanted to make sure their relationship was fully restored.
William had never needed to be in a RCMP office, other than bringing Jack to see Constable Paul in Hope Valley, but Nathan was obviously respected although the local Constables did not know him personally since he was a recent arrival to Depot. The two arresting Mounties obviously knew him from the Academy, and knew his rank. Everyone listened and followed all Nathan's instructions with what William described as genuine appreciation, not just obedience. William had observed that Nathan had a way of making everyone feel a part of the team.
While still including the Mountie in charge, Nathan had methodically directed the questioning and made certain that witness statements were properly signed and themselves witnessed. Nathan was not allowing any errors in this arrest. William was thankful. As he rolled over to his side and, before he fell asleep, William prayed quietly then repeated Psalm twenty-three as a prayer for himself, his family and the Grants.
As William Thatcher entered Knox Presbyterian on Sunday morning, he searched for Nathan and Allie. Spotting Allie seated next to a young woman who appeared to be the same age, William made his way to the pew and whispered if he could take the seat beside her or if she was saving it for her dad.
Grinning, Allie whispered back. "Please sit with me? Dad is up front, in the choir."
"Oh? Well, I didn't know about this! Thank you, Miss Allie. Did you sleep okay after all the excitement?" William whispered as he sat down, scooting over to let David have enough room to sit on the aisle.
"I did when Dad finally got home." Allie explained. "It is hard to sleep when he has to do Mountie business. Did you sleep okay?"
"I had a lot of thinking to do, but finally I slept." William winked at Allie who responded by threading her hand through his arm. William Thatcher was not just charmed, he was smitten!
"Oh, there he is!" Allie excitedly pointed to the tallest and undoubtedly the most handsome, blue-robed man in the choir as if William could have missed identifying Nathan Grant!
William nodded and thought he caught Nathan's smile of approval.
As William and Allie waited in the pew with the Samuels after the service ended, Allie introduced Mr. Thatcher to each of her friends, including Sergeant Jon Samuels, who was her Uncle Jon.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir." Jon shook William's hand. "Allie quickly mentioned you had some excitement last evening! I am grateful it worked out as it did."
"Yes. It gave me a chance to see Nathan Grant in action. It was impressive!" Smiling William added. "Are you the family who will be missing the Grants this afternoon?"
When Jon nodded, William apologized for monopolizing the Grants. "Thank you for giving up on your tradition today. I am looking forward to continuing our conversations after last night's regrettable interruption."
"I imagine you are!" Jon chuckled. "We are happy to share them, though next week they belong to us, right ladies?" Jon looked at the three giggling teenagers who turned their eyes back to him.
"Yes, Dad." Sally replied. "Allie and Uncle Nathan belong to us!"
"Are you in town for business, Mr. Thatcher?" Inquired Jon Samuels.
"In part, yes, I am."
"Might you return again? Because if you do and you are here on a Sunday, please accept our invitation to join my family and the Grants for Sunday dinner at our home. I assure you my wife is a wonderful cook and we all have great fun together."
Taken aback, William was slow to respond. "My goodness. That is a generous and kind offer. I would be glad to accept in the future. Thank you so much." William chuckled. "I may have to plan my return! Oh, here is Nathan…"
"Good morning, William. You have met our dear friends?"
"Yes, thank you. Allie made all the introductions."
Jon motioned for his wife to come beside him. "Sir? This is my wife, Jane Samuels." Jane placed her arm around Jon's waist while extending her other hand.. "Jane, please meet Mr. William Thatcher."
As they exchanged hellos, Nathan noticed Claire and Dan joining the conversation. Nathan stepped back to include them. "William, please let me introduce Miss Claire Collins and her fiancé, Dan Richards. Claire is the Commissioner's niece and also is Allie's teacher at St. Anne's Academy for Girls. Claire? Mr. Thatcher's daughter was Allie's teacher in Hope Valley."
Claire's interest was piqued at this revelation. "Is that so, Sir? What brings you to Regina?"
